Arts have been an integral part of my life since childhood. Through creative expression, I processed pain, grief, joy, frustration, learned more about myself and went on to share that with others. I've never seen the as as a competitive space, even though I did participate in National Poetry Slam Competitions and hosted Poetry Slams for years. I've always felt there is enough room in the sky for every star, so helping others be their creative selves and shine has always made sense to me. Turiya's taught mixed media arts, creative writing, theater, public speaking to both youth and adults. (A comprehensive list is on my Educator page) Participating in the arts and performing gave Turiya an abundance of memorable experiences and the opportunity to meet and work with other incredible individuals. She's opened for some notable folks: bell hooks, Angela Davis (twice), Nikki Giovanni (twice), John Trudell, Michael Franti/ Spearhead, Saul Williams, Kevin Garnett, and even a former 1st Lady (while their husband was in office)- just to name a few. She's performed at quintessential venues including: The Nuyorican, CBGBs and Bar 13 in New York, the United Nations Plaza, Black Lily in Philadelphia, Powell's Bookstore in Portland, Power to the Peaceful in Golden Gate Park (for an audience of over 20,000) and the Hidmo in Seattle. She's hosted events and performed at hundreds of venues including bookstores, bars, clubs, parks, theaters and art galleries, in addition to her many school performances, workshops and residencies. She's toured solo, with her former duo Good Sista/ Bad Sista and with her former Hip Hop trio Womb Dialectic. When the pandemic hit, she began sewing and selling masks and she is a fan of quilting. She enjoys painting and drawing for relaxation. On occasion she's been known to play her violin. Give her an opportunity to karaoke, and it is on and cracking! She's done photography for fun and professionally as a newspaper reporter. A truly Renaissance woman, Turiya sees the world as full of possibilities and ways to be creative.
THEATER, PUBLICATIONS, RADIO, TV, NEWSPRINT and AUDIO RECORDINGS Theater Roots, Reality & Rhyme a Multi-Media One Woman Show: Playwright, actor and producer Fertile Ground Festival Director: Kevin Jones Streetcar Named Desire: Supporting Actress Thought Theater Production Director: Miri Hunter Received High-Desert Ovation Award for Favorite Featured Female Ensemble Member- Drama Live from Joshua Tree: Featured performer, author Mil-Tree Production Director: Cheryl Montelle A Particle of Dread (Oedipus Variations): Stage Manager Thought Theater Production Director: Miri Hunter Tangoing With Tornadoes: Supporting Actress Writer, Producer: S. Renee Mitchell
Anthologies Word Warriors: 35 Women Leaders in the Spoken Word Revolution * (2007) ed. Alix Olson Quotable Rebel * (2005) ed. Teishan Latner Compiled, designed and produced over 75 unique zine anthologies of student work as Good Sista Ink
Poetry Book Roots, Reality & Rhyme (2014)
Chapbooks Poetic License (2020) Love is Also a Four Letter Word (2011) Good Sista/ Bad Sista: Action Packed* (2003) Cycles (2002) Good Sista/ Bad Sista: Can You Tell the Difference? * (2001) In the Beginning… (2000)
Radio “Poetic License” Series- Producer, Host and Editor KBOO Radio (3 years) “Good Sista/Bad Sista: Talking Mess” Radio Talk Show * - Producer & Co-Host KBOO Radio (1 year)
Newsprint The Desert Trail and The Desert Star - Multiple Articles and Photos as a Reporter and Photographer Focus: Youth Sports and Activities, Arts and Culture as well as Local Government
Television Oregon Public Broadcasting: Discovering William Stafford- Featured Reader Oregon Art Beat- Guest host, featured artist Oregon Field Guide- Jon R. Tuttle Journalism and Production Intern Portland Community Media: Segment producer and guest speaker KOIN Channel 6 News: News Intern
Audio Recordings “Psychopath Society,” Title Track, Sucka Punch: Poetic Interlude “Black Interlude,” Pig Ears & Chitlins, Cool Nutz: Poetic Interlude “No, You Don’t Know Me,” featured on Poetry Slam Nationals Multi-Voice Showcase: Live performance and AWOL Magazine * * with Walidah Imarisha as Good Sista/ Bad Sista