Practitioner Profile: Sally Crabtree and ‘The Poetree‘

Practitioner Profile: Sally Crabtree and ‘The Poetree‘

“A wonderful author – you name it, she did it! Played guitar, made up songs with the children on the hoof, dipped into her Handbag of Happiness, read her stories and poems from the Poetree – even did cartwheels!” The Northern Children’s Book Festival

Areas of practice:   
Performance poetry, songwriting, storytelling, childrens’ books and designing books.

How long have you been a creative practitioner?
Since I was 25 (for 15 years)

What were you doing or working in before that, and how did you get to where you are now?  
After a degree in English at University, I was a presenter for The Arts Channel for a short time before deciding to move back to the West Country where I grew up, to write full time. I have been writing poetry, songs and children’s books ever since. The Children’s books introduced me to the world of literary festivals where I began performing with my ‘Poetree’ - doing workshops and sessions for children. I now perform at all sorts of events, for both children and adults, such as the Venice Biennale, the International Festival of Poetry in Genoa and at festivals, schools and museums all over the country.

Describe the work you are doing at present, or things coming up in the near future:
I have two new children’s books coming out next year, one of which has a song with it on CD, and am currently touring my show ‘Bed of Roses Love Café‘ and continuing to perform with my Poetree  at various festivals around the country. I am involved with an exciting Creative Partnerships project called SNAP at Newlyn and Ludgvan schools, collaborating with 3 other artists.  I have been busy as co-director of a new poetry festival in Penzance called TipofyourTongue which has had amazing support from KEAP and Creative Partnerships – we will be thinking of ways we can continue the education work that has come about from that.

What has recently been the most revelatory or transformational moment for you?
Performing at Glastonbury introduced me to poets who were so laid back and ’cool‘ that I decided if I wanted to make a splash with my work, I needed to be more confident. Since then I have made a conscious decision to be braver in everything I do.

Who or what has had the most profound  influence on your career?
All my favourite poets, ranging from Rumi to T.S. Eliot and beyond. Deciding to give up my job on TV and be a poet! Meeting Tom, my partner and going on an adventure to Cornwall, and my children who have taught me so much!

What is the best aspect of your creative work with school children or other adults?
The children themselves! Their amazing imaginations that fire up one’s own.
Children live in the present and are totally honest. You cannot get away with anything with children, so you have to come up with the goods. I love seeing the delight on their faces when they discover they have created something themselves. Being able to give them confidence – show them that they have something magic to offer.

What is your ambition?
To continue to discover new ways to create poetry.

If you had three wishes for the future what would they be?
That children’s creativity be respected and celebrated
Love and Peace
And as much happiness as we can cope with!

What key thing would you say to creative people setting out on their careers?
Don’t let the b*****s get you down! Believe in yourself and keep trying even if no-one takes any notice! Try and meet people who will inspire you. Give as much as you can –it’ll come back.