Meet Clyknesia Nicholson | Spoken Word Poet and Painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Clyknesia Nicholson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Clyknesia, why did you pursue a creative career?
It has always shown me and others exactly who I am. Poetry has been a joy, and outlet, a safe space and an escape since I was 9 years old. I survived through a very traumatizing childhood and through it all, poetry was there. She cradled me on days when no one else would. She’s caught tears she didn’t cause, and soothed my being with just a few words. I pursued it because it chose me first.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am most proud of my ability, and decision to keep going. It’s easy to let our talents slip away. It’s so easy to put the pen or brush down for work or children, and before you know it years have passed since you picked it up. The choice to stay in it, is difficult. Writer’s block and painter’s block are real when bills get high and life gets hard. When depression swallows you like a gluttonous lover. I overcame by continuing. By creating in the darkest spaces of my life. I’ve learned that your art, no matter your medium, is yours. It is for your adornment. Should you choose to share your rawest memories and thoughts with the world, remember that they will either resonate, or they will appreciate. Both are okay. And after you put it out there, neither are your responsibility to give your emotions to. You did your part. You connected with the world! I want the world to know that even now as I write this answer, I’m not inspired to write or paint. But I’m not finished. I choose to continue.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Hands down, my favorite spot to take people is Little Five Points.

Monday, we’d go to the Vortex in Little 5 Points, and then Psycho Sisters to shop and Crystal Blue. Then we’d head over to Junkman’s Daughter for some gift shopping.
Tuesday we’d go to IPIC theatres and hang out at the cafeteria below and visit the mini museum by the elevators next door before the movie.
Wednesday we’d have subs made at Publix and then have a picnic at Piedmont Park.
Thursday night we’d catch an open mic night at The Circle Atlanta at Gallery 992.
And finally, Friday night we’d go to Puttshack Atlanta, and have Tacos at Velvet Taco right after for a night cap.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a shoutout to my little sister, Quandra. She pushes me to be and do better, and she encourages my art in all of its many forms. She has accomplished so much in such a short time, and I’m so excited for her future. I’d also like to thank my little brother, Donyea. He’s been my comfort and support since he could understand poetry for himself. I’d also like to thank my wife and my life partner, both for keeping me accountable in my love for Poetry. Aunt Kelly. If the show was big to me, she was there without fail and the loudest person in the crowd cheering for me. She sat and practiced with me to help memorize my work. She taught me to believe in my talent. Lastly and most importantly, I’d like to thank my mother, who is an exceptional Poet herself. I get my talent and perseverance from her.

Instagram: https://Poet.the.poet

Linkedin: Clyknesia Nicholson

Twitter: https://Poet.the.poet

Soundcloud: Poetthepoet

Facebook: Clyknesia Nicholson

Other: TikTok; Poet.the.poet

Image Credits
I’d like to attribute credit to Annie Lee, the painter of an iconic piece called Blue Monday. I wanted to do a rendition and more modern take that showed that we are still tired, and still getting up and showing up every day, anyway.