interview: a conversation with poet and artist tasha jones

“Hello Beautiful.” This phrase was tagged by Writer, Artist, and Model, Tasha Jones when she noticed a group of children discussing who among them was the blackest. She soon discovered that many of these same children did not view themselves in a positive way, so she empowered them by affirming that they were beautiful. If you ever have a chance to see Tasha Jones perform, you will somehow leave feeling that you have the ability to reach your dreams. She has been no stranger to the world as she was once recognized by Lauryn Hill, featured on an episode of Versus & Flow, and just recently caught the attention of Stave Harvey and later appeared on his show.

By  Brandon Jackson, AFROPUNK Contributor

.

Tasha, I understand that you discovered your passion for writing poetry during some tough moments in your life. How have those moments played a factor in the person you are today?

I’ve experienced some things in my life at a young age that I wouldn’t wish any young person to have to go through the things that I went through. I got through some of the struggles by discovering my passion for writing. Writing saved my life from a therapeutic standpoint, plus it also gave me the opportunity to get some of my true feelings out. When I wrote the pages didn’t talk back, they listened. The pages didn’t have any facial expressions or tell me that I was dumb or stupid.  The pages allowed me to speak. That’s what I needed at the time when I started writing.

.

Tasha, you seem to have made the most out of impacting the lives of others by your poetry. Why is it so important for you to be more than just a poet?

I definitely believe that the poet’s job is to speak the truth to the people. The job of a poet is to hold the courage to tell the truth to the people who need the truth. I know that as a poet I’m called to do more. As an artist there are things that I need to do to express how I feel to other people. To be honest most of the work that I do is for me first. And I think the biggest reason that I do it for myself first is because it drives me to not be afraid, it helps me to understand different situations, and helps other forms of expression to come out when I focus on myself first. Lastly, I believe that if I just limit myself to just poetry, I’m putting limitations on what God has for me.

Can you share about your thoughts on everything that has been taking place in the world in the past two years? How, as a poet, are you inspired?

I think the first thing that I want to say in terms of how I relate to what has been taking place in the world the last couple of years is that I can relate to people that have been hurt, abused, neglected and left out.

.

Tasha, I know that fashion has had an influence on your career as a poet. How have you managed to combine the two since you started in the business?

I think my sense of fashion has definitely influenced my audience. The people who come out to my shows are people who represent somewhat a sense of who I am. I love fashion because I just love to look good. I like clothes and my ability to put things together. I remember growing up poor and not knowing I was poor. I was very creative as a child, and there were things that I saw in my closet where I could make certain things for myself. I have the ability to look at things and make certain clothes. I remember being in high school and people asking me if I was from London or Paris, so I know that people saw the difference in my taste of style.

What do you have in store for 2015?

I’m working on a new album with some great writers. I’m also working hard on the Nina Simone project. This is something that’s in tribute to her life and legacy. I’m also trying to learn how to play some new instruments and just continue to grow.

Any last words for our readers?

I want the readers to know to always dream big and don’t be afraid to keep going when everything around you says stop.

For more information on Tasha Jones please visit http://iamtashajones.com/home.html or email rosephilemon@gmail.com.