Canadian Poets Series #23 : Sheri-D Wilson

Sheri-D Wilson (aka Mama of Dada) is the award-winning author of 15 books, 4 short films, 3 plays, and 4 poetry/music albums. Known for her electric performance-style, she has presented her work at many prestigious festivals: Canada, USA, UK, France, Spain, Belgium, Mexico, and South Africa. 

In 1983, early in her writing career, Wilson was invited to join The Melmoth Group (West Coast Surrealists) an experience that would have a lasting influence on her work.

And in 1989, she attended the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics at Naropa University, an experience that further shaped her poetic practice and perspective.

Her most recent work is a one-story epic trilogy of speculative poetry entitled The Oneironaut (∅1, ∅2, ∅3), published by Write Bloody North. 

Bibliography:

A Love Letter to Emily C (2019, Frontenac House)

The Book of Sensations (2017, U of C Press)

Open Letter: Woman Against Violence Against Women (2014, Frontenac House)

Goddess Gone Fishing for a Map of the Universe (2012, Frontenac House)

Autopsy of a Turvy World (2008, Frontenac House)

Re: Zoom (2005, Frontenac House

Between Lovers (2002, Arsenal Pulp)

The Sweet Taste of Lightning (1999, Arsenal Pulp)

Girl’s Guide to Giving Head (1996, Arsenal Pulp)

Swerve (1993, Arsenal Pulp Press)

Bulls Whip & Lambs Wool (1989, Petarade Press)

YYC POP (2020, Frontenac House)

Spoken Word Workbook: Inspiration from Poets (2011, Banff Centre Press)

Awards & Honors (Selected):

Order of Canada (2020)

Honorary Doctor of Letters – Honoris Causa Kwantlen University (2017)

Poet Laureate Emeritus of Calgary (2018-2020)

City of Calgary—Arts Award (2015)

Lifetime Membership—League of Canadian Poets (2014)

CBC Arts Top Ten Poets in Canada (2009)

Stephan G. Stephansson Award for Poetry (2006, Alberta)

Re: Lit Award / nomination (2006, Canada)

Women of Vision Award (2006, Alberta)

SpoCan Award (2005)

Bumbershoot Heavyweight Title for Poetry USA (2003)

Gold Award at the Houston Film Festival (2003)

Three ACE awards (2003)

AMPIA (2003, best short)

CBC Face-off, Poet-In-Residence (2002)

A strong advocate for Social Change & Community Building:

School of Thought:  Languages Lost & Found, Director (2016)

            Calgary Spoken Word Society, Founder & Artistic Director (2003-2026)

            Spoken Word Program @ Banff Centre, Founder & Director (2005-2012)

            National Slam, Producer (2008)

Calgary Slam (2006-2017)

Single Onion Reading Series, Calgary (2004-still running)

            SWAN (Spoken Word Arts Network), Founder & Producer (2005-2007)

Vancouver Small Press Festival, Co-founder & Artistic Director (1988-1990)  

VideoPoems : https://www.youtube.com/@sheridwilson

Naut for Everyone Podcast : https://www.youtube.com/@NautforEveryone

insta @sheridwilson |twitter @SheriDWilson | facebook.com/facethepoet