Sea Witch (Photographs, Poems and Forget Me Nots from a Mainer Growing Up)

Sea Witch, a book of photography and poetry by Maine native, Kristie Billings – images and words of the sea, nature, folk art, dolls, loss, grief, love, acceptance, rage, music, life.From punk rock to menopause to swimming with seals! A middle-aged story of a Sea Witch. Kristie Billings comes from a long line of lovers of the sea: fishermen, clamdiggers, and sardine packers. The ocean is home. She is a poet, a photographer, and a year-round swimmer. She is currently living in Ellsworth, Maine, and a native of Stonington, on Deer Isle. A great lover of music, of art, and life, Kristie is drawn to beauty, even in the most ordinary, mundane way. She is drawn to what others may pass by, unnoticed. Kristie has worn many hats over the years. She is a long time Saturday night DJ on Community Radio, WERU 89.9 FM, in Orland, Maine. From small town grocery clerk, to making tie dye t-shirts for the local import shop, sometimes working at a fish market, or selling men's suits, she owned her own shoe store. She has been an Arts Educator at a local theater, and lobster fisher, barista, and antique seller. Kristie is married to her best friend, Ed. They share a home with their rambunctious cats, who keep them on their toes. Kristie is a collector. Of stories, of emotions, of dolls, of feelings, wigs, mannequin parts, record albums, memories, beauty, laughter, vintage clothing, scallop shells, barnacles, hermit crabs. She is an observer. She's been writing poetry since childhood, beginning with her love of Edna St.Vincent Millay to the Beat poets, Bukowski, and beyond. As for photography, she has been taking pictures for years with an old Nikon, and has proceeded to collect more cameras since then. She is drawn with awe to the artists that may make you uncomfortable.