DISMANTLE

Five years ago my brother was sentenced to eight years in prison.

I was pregnant at the time.

This is the story of losing my brother, and my baby's loss of an uncle.

Hi. I am Semira Davis. Welcome to my project DISMANTLE.

About DISMANTLE

DISMANTLE is a narrative sequence of poems written by me. This Boosted campaign is all about getting the work published and into people's hands.

DISMANTLE was originally written as a short story for uni in the year my brother was sentenced. In 2019 I re-created the work as poetry, and submitted it to the Kathleen Grattan Poetry Award where it was awarded runner-up.

2021 is the year I am bringing DISMANTLE to the physical realm of books.

About the artist

I'm an interdisciplinary artist. My poetry, prose and artwork have been published in literary journals and online magazines. There's a personal essay in Is "It Bedtime Yet?" by Emily Writes and friends, and I wrote an award-winning play for Centrepoint Theatre. I've won prizes in writing for fiction and poetry, and I hold a Bachelor of Creative Arts.

When my brother and I were kids we would take turns drawing on a piece of paper, then swap and add onto what the other had done. Now he sends me unfinished illustrations from prison to add to. It's a small way that we can connect while separated. Some of our drawings will be used as art in this publication.

Your help is needed

The funds raised here will go toward the publication costs for DISMANTLE. The end result will be a family-made book ready to release.

For me, art and writing are tools to help make sense of the world. I have always used art as a way to process life. I understand the power of sharing stories, and through publishing DISMANTLE I hope to encourage others to share their own.

Thank you for supporting me and this work. I can't wait to show you our book.