Meet Monie Gwaltney | Artist, Author, Mental Health Activist & Social Worker

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

Hi Monie, what role has risk played in your life or career?
This is my philosophy. If you don’t take the risk you’ll always regret it. I don’t want to wake the next day and think to myself, “Aw damn, I should’ve did taken that risk. I should’ve did that or I should’ve this.” Regret is a disease. You’ll always be reminded of the chances you never took because you felt like you weren’t ready. There are people out in the world with minimal skills or talent taking big chances simply because they believe in themselves.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I like to consider myself a visual poet. I translate poetry into American Sign Language (ASL) and bring the words to life. It give the hearing and deaf audience a chance to connect with the poem in real time. It’s like a performance. You take the the meaning of the words and interpret the meaning through body and sign language. There’s a lot prep work that goes in on this, you have to make sure your facial expression is in tune with whatever tone the poetry conveys, choosing the right signs for linguistic accuracy, making sure there a rhythm with signs so you feel in sync and practice! It is almost like interpreting music but instead with poetry. I translate other people’s work with proper credit, of course and I also do my own. I feel like it’s important for the deaf audience to have something to relate to. In day and age, representation matters. It important for people to see themselves reflected in every sense of life, to have something to identify with.

There has definitely been some trials and tribulations but I don’t let that get in the way of my journey. I’ve always believed that I am destined for something greater. Believing that makes me want to get out and go do what I have set out to do.

One of the lessons I learned in life is that you can’t take anything personally. If you do, you’re going to be stuck in the same spot, doing the same thing and so catering to other people perception of you is not the way you want to live your life.

I think I would like the world to know that people like me exist. We are artists, we are every day averages joes and janes. We are not a novelty, We are every day averages joes and janes and we have something to contribute to society as much as the next person. We would like to show that and share with people what people like me are capable of if given the chance.

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.
I’m a foodie! So I definitely be taking them to best places to eat! I’m talking about hidden gems, your typical family restaurant, maybe 3 star Michelin restaurants or the taco truck on the corner! They’re gonna eat! I have a very unhealthy financial relationship when it comes to food and family and friends. They’re going to be spoiled with food. Period! Food is my love language and is what brings people together. I think thats the best way you meet new and interesting people because when you’re at a table no matter where you are, no matter how many people are sitting at the table or haven’t sat at it yet, everyone at the table has a story to tell and share. It’s very intimate thing to experience.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Thank you Zavier Sabio for pushing me to get back on stage again! I wouldn’t have some of the exciting things happen in my life without your encouragement. My ride and dies (Doe, Domy, & Eli) you guys are my family. No amount of words or shoutouts I could ever do to prove your overwhelming love and support for me. I’m fortunate to have you guys in my life. The rest of y’all, y’all know who y’all are! I love you!

Instagram: monienatichag