Issue 1 Writer Spotlight | Lorna Simes

C+B: Tell us about yourself, Lorna…

LS: I have a background in engineering and construction, but all of my passions are arts-related. I’m a voracious reader (of poetry in particular), an avid theatergoer, a musician, and I host a world music program on WSCA Portsmouth Community Radio in Portsmouth. NH.

C+B: What is one quote that inspires you or informs your work?

LS: My favorite quote has always been this one from Yip Harburg. “I am one of the last of a small tribe of troubadours, who still believe that life is a beautiful and exciting journey with a purpose and grace which are well worth singing about.” Yip Harburg wrote ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ so he deserves our eternal gratitude for that alone, but I love the idea of being the kind of person who believes in the wonder of the world. I try to do that, but some days are easier than others…

C+B: What are your long-term goals for creating?

LS: To continue to write poems that people feel an emotional connection with. It’s all about the work.

C+B: What is something exciting that you're looking forward to in your life or creative life?

LS: Collaborating with a fellow creative on a series of ekphrastic works.

Find and support Lorna here:

IG: @wscaradiored

Lorna Simes

Ideal creative retreat: A farmhouse in the Loire valley in France, with only the landscape and sky for company. Bliss.

Currently inspired by: In terms of poetry, I have a huge affection for the work of the English poet Christopher Reid. He won the Costa Book Award in 2009 for his collection., ‘A Scattering,’ some of the most precise and elegant poetry on the subject of grief that I have ever read, but his entire canon is magnificent. If I were stranded on a desert island, I'd be sure to have my collection of Reid poetry with me! I greatly admire the work of Ilya Kaminsky. His ‘Deaf Republic’ anthology from a couple of years ago is some of the most potent poetry I have ever read. You can find him on Twitter @ilyakaminsky I am a fan of the visual arts, particularly the work of British contemporary artist Victoria Threlfall. She does extraordinary things with color, texture, perspective, and light. Her images are compelling and resonate deeply with me. You can see her vibrant and striking works on Instagram @victhrelfall. Closer to home, the work of New Hampshire artist Dawn Boyer is essential to me. I find her abstract landscape work profoundly affecting. You can also find Dawn’s work on Instagram @dawnboyerfineart.