Since the idea for feelClings rooted itself in my heart, I have wanted to work with Amy Turn Sharp. She is one of my favorite follows on Instagram. I have her words framed on my wall, and gift her prints to friends.
For ATS to now be my first bufahlow collab is just.. making me feel super heart explodey. I just imagine her words finding their way to your mirrors, telling you how beautiful you are when you trust yourself, or into cards that you gift to friends who need reminders that they are doing a beautiful job figuring out some heavy shit. And that makes me smile so hard.
If you're new to ATS' work, or want to learn more about her, please enjoy her words and answers to my questions below.
Tell us about yourself, Amy...
I've been writing my poems on bar napkins and post-its since college. Giving them away like sweets.
Sometimes I create poetry art with vintage books, screen-
printing and found objects. I also use an old typewriter to create on-demand
poems at events and pop-up shows. I’m a creative director for IBM and I own
Secret Studio, a recording studio/art gallery in Franklinton. I run creativity
coaching sessions and poetry workshops in person and for people all over the
world on zoom.
printing and found objects. I also use an old typewriter to create on-demand
poems at events and pop-up shows. I’m a creative director for IBM and I own
Secret Studio, a recording studio/art gallery in Franklinton. I run creativity
coaching sessions and poetry workshops in person and for people all over the
world on zoom.
I write for myself and to leave something for the brokenhearted,
the joyful, the weirdos of the future to find. People need reminders. Little
reminders of life. The little truths that we all may or may not want. The words
that turn us on, tune us in and connect us all a little bit. Poems, baby. Raise your
hand if you want one.
the joyful, the weirdos of the future to find. People need reminders. Little
reminders of life. The little truths that we all may or may not want. The words
that turn us on, tune us in and connect us all a little bit. Poems, baby. Raise your
hand if you want one.
What's the hardest challenge you've faced head-on? The "storm" you ran into?
My mother was killed in a car accident in 2018. I have never experienced loss like that. It took a lot of work to stay above water. I feel like I know more about being human now than ever. I feel like it is so very easy to get lost in life. I was lucky to have family and friends and therapy.
How do you take care of yourself on your lowest days?
I clock out and get into my bed. I have made a very comfy bed for myself and I retreat to it. I used to think this was lazy. Now I think it is very self-loving. I also bought a small tv for my bedroom. OMG. Life changing. I grew up without television and NEVER had a tv in my bedroom until now. I love it. I do not care. It is super chill for me.
What would you say to a younger version of yourself (any age) if you got the chance?
You are beautiful in all the ages of your life. You are worth more. You should GO FOR IT ALL. You should always go for love. You can start over. Sometimes things fall apart. Write more. Take care of your body more. Roar more.
What is something you are grateful for in this moment?
I am grateful for the love I have all around me. I feel surrounded and supported by love.
How do you know when you're at peace?
When I am able to enjoy the moments of life--- without being on edge. People. Love. Music. Books. Writing. Nature.
Amy Turn Sharp is a Creative Director by day, small gallery owner by night and always-on poet living in Columbus, Ohio.
Subscribe to her Substack here.