Meet David Thomas Jenkins | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with David Thomas Jenkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi David Thomas, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
The nice thing about writing poetry is everything is fair game. Work, pleasure, the minutiae, and the grand beautiful moments all play into the work. It all feeds into the work. So the balance comes into realizing when your tea cup has been filled and you have the experience to work from. Poetry without the source is just noise.

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’ve learned from the poetry that I love and the poetry that I love to write that if it connects to you, that is all that matters. I let my intuition guide me. On what to write, how to proceed in my career, and projects that matter to me. Am I on fire? Then it’s a yes.
Nothing in the creative field is easy but if you are passionate about what you are doing the people who should find you, will. There are people who are seeking your voice when you are being true to yourself.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For me, Los Angeles is about the diversity. If you come to visit me we’re gonna go get in the mix. The people, the culture, the food, the experiences. Places where people are their weirdest most authentic selves. Coffee shops, flea markets, thrift stores. Lunch and coffee in Little Ethiopia at Cafe Buna. Supporting anywhere other artists are hosting events and sharing their creativity in this beautiful city. Concerts, plays, improv, dance, freestyle, burlesque, poetry readings, DJs, art shows. Drag shows in WEHO. Bachata classes at La Descarga on a Wednesday night. Dancing with strangers until they close. Late night street tacos holding hands with someone special while the rest of the city sleeps. Walking among the poetry that this city so freely gives.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Beverly Jordan, my high school English teacher who taught me to love my voice. Randall Ivy, my college English professor who reminded me that my authentic weirdness mattered. My friends over the years who listened to my work and encouraged me to keep going. My parents, sister, and family that have always celebrated that I’m not normal and that not normal is special. Jazz. Jazz reminds me everyday that beauty knows no bounds and that everything is possible. I thank God everyday for Jazz!

Website: https://davidthomasjenkins.com

Instagram: @poetryfromthefire

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-thomas-jenkins-0687051a/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidthomasjenkins/