Meet Theresa Davis | Author & Educator

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

Hi Theresa, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born in St. Louis Missouri but I have lived in Atlanta all of my adult life. My parents were very passionate about the arts and education. My siblings and I were exposed to everything art. We frequented museums, attended listening parties, theater, the symphony. If there was a creative event and we could learn something interesting from it my parents took us there. They were also artist, so we were encouraged to express ourselves creatively. it took me a little longer than is should have to realize I was an artist and each of my siblings have careers that allow them to creatively express themselves. I know their influence helped fuel me as a poet and an educator.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a poet , storyteller, author and educator. Sometimes I think what sets me apart from others is the fact that I absolutely love what I do. As a child, I used to make my siblings play school, they hated it of course but I think it was a premonition. I was a classroom educator for over 30 years and when I decided to be my own boss, I knew I wanted to keep an aspect of education in my life. As a poet, I get to travel and perform. Sometimes, I get to perform and teach not just in elementary schools and middle schools but also universities and conferences. As an author, I secured two of my childhood beliefs. The first, that to live forever make good art. The second, after being bullied for reading all the time, was my watery threat of “one day my books will be in libraries and you dumb asses won’t be able to read them” not my best threat but now it’s half true. My bullies, they still might be dumb but, that’s on them. All of my jobs make me better at all of my jobs, like, I am constantly developing professionally. I think one of the things I leaned and had to learn quick was to lean harder into the Four Agreements. I am not religious but I am always a fan of good advice. I am always impeccable with my words, even if those words don’t always feel good. I don’t take things personally. I don’t make assumptions and I always do my best. I can’t and will probably never have people love everything I write or every performance they endure, but I will always do my best.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We are definitely going to the ArtsXchange for a tour. If my friend is outdoorsy I’d probably take them to Savannah. My artsy friends are seeing a show at 7 Stages, Catching some burlesque at the Red Light Cafe, maybe some fun at Dad’s Garage. Food wise Che Butter Jonez, Atlanta Donuts, wings at The Local. I’ll let them choose the things they want to do and pepper my favorite places into their itinerary.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Alice Lovelace and the ArtsXchange

Website: https://artisttheresadavis.com

Instagram: @shepiratepoet

Linkedin: Theresa Davis

Twitter: @piraterockstar

Facebook: Theresa Davis

Youtube: Theresa Davis

Image Credits
Louisa M.