GLOW | QUEER ARTIST FEATURE: MAXINE DAVID

Maxine David has performed slam poetry in Portland, Eugene, and Berkeley and writes both prose and poetry. Maxine is currently based in Berkeley, CA.
 
Why do you write? What compels you to write?
You have to find ways to work through questions in your life (what does it mean to love certain people; what does harm leave in its aftermath; why am I like this, etc.), and writing ended up being something that allowed me to do that work. Language is navigation, and I feel perpetually lost. Both literally and emotionally.
 
What are some of your artistic influences/inspirations?
Mitski, one of my favorite musicians, can convey so much emotion and story with a few words in her songwriting. For poetry, Safia Elhillo writes stunning work, but specifically her imagery and syntax inspire me. As for prose, Zadie Smith’s novels showcase incredible, thought-out character studies. I could go on listing inspirational work forever.
 
Describe your work in five words.
Sad, languorous gay yearning