Hanne Lippard. Photo by Wilkosz and Way
There is little about British-born poet Hanne Lippard that is not enchanting. In the last few years she’s performed across Europe in a variety of venues, including a glass vestibule with her white cat Bob. Precise and articulate, sensual and comforting, Lippard’s work is a thrill.
Starting out as graphic designer, she realised she had a talent for turning a phrase after reading aloud some written copy she was working on, “I’ve had other people read my work, but there’s something about the connection between my voice and the writing,” she says. “Maybe it’s possessive and egocentric, but it’s something you can’t break apart.”
Based in Berlin, languages seem to come easy to her. With no fewer than six under her belt, she explains that she learned German by attending a weekly artists’ group. No lessons, no books – no easy feat.
More recently, she’s been thinking about oracles in Greek antiquity – people considered to channel the words and thoughts of the gods. “When I begin to read, the voice just comes,” she says. “It’s almost like I black out.” With the written words stemming from her real-world experiences, and a voice that seems to speak from another world, it’s no wonder that when she begins to speak, the room goes silent.
Taken from Sleek 44 – What Women Want
Interview by Alicia Reuter Read more interviews and find out more about Sleek 44
More recently, she’s been thinking about oracles in Greek antiquity – people considered to channel the words and thoughts of the gods. “When I begin to read, the voice just comes,” she says. “It’s almost like I black out.” With the written words stemming from her real-world experiences, and a voice that seems to speak from another world, it’s no wonder that when she begins to speak, the room goes silent.
Taken from Sleek 44 – What Women Want
Interview by Alicia Reuter Read more interviews and find out more about Sleek 44