Columbus poet, writer,
Tiffany Mariie is known for her insightful, colorful portrayals of the life of black women in America and her important meaningful works is shaping the artistic ideals of being black in the community. By Charles Smith contributor
How did you get started writing poetry? I always tell people this art shit saved my life. If I’m being completely transparent. My first Poem was a suicide note. I’ve always been the underdog not in a pity “woe is me” type way but I’ve always been different. I didn’t really feel like I had anyone to talk to in that time that could comprehend the things i was going through or how I felt. I was a 14-yearold girl struggling with not having my mother in my life due to drugs and incarceration; As well as beginning to come into and owning my sexuality which came with a lot of bullying and turmoil in and of itself. It was rough but poetry and art literally saved and continues to save my life.
How long have you been writing and when did you start sharing your work? Let my dad tell it, I’ve been writing riddles since I learned to write lol. I was in the 10th grade and I had a summer reading assignment that I wrote a short story for and my english teacher pushed for me to get into our high schools’ writers seminar glass. I met two amazing teachers (Shout out to Ms Feen & Ms McAllister) They showed us an episode of def poetry jam and we formed a poetry slam team to compete against other columbus city schools My first performance was terrible, but I fell in love. For the first time in my life there was a place where I felt like I was at home. Nerves and all.
What are your sources/ inspiration of you work? “Inserts really deep inspirational messages” lol no, I’m inspired by life... by experiences. By the things and the questions, I don’t know the answer too. I’m inspired by people, and by simple shit. Recently I’ve been inspired by my shadow self. The more I grow as a human my art grows and flexes with me.
JULY | Pride Of Color
