FPG Sounds: Carrissa Baxter, ’A response to knife crime’

Focal Point Gallery is pleased to announce the twelfth commission as part of ‘FPG Sounds’, an online project to support the development of new sound works by artists from or based in Southend-on-Sea.

For this commission Southend-born spoken word artist, Carrissa Baxter has created three original pieces covering a range of topics that she is passionate about. ‘Dear Survival’, ‘A response to knife crime’ and ‘A letter to the Black Forgotten Soldiers’ tackle topics from knife crime to mental health and every piece is innovative and refreshing for audiences of all ages. She doesn’t just captivate her audience with her voice, every performance is like a story unfolding, every second a rollercoaster ride, every sentence a turn you aren’t expecting.

As a part of this commission, Carissa has invited local musicians to collaborate on the accompanying track for ‘Dear Survival’. Music by Sam Duckworth and Rees Broomfield. Recorded by Sam Duckworth and Rees Broomfield at SS2 Recording, Southend

“As a spoken word artist, I have really enjoyed working with Focal Point Gallery, as they have given me the opportunity to write and record new pieces. I am so grateful to have been able to work with them and they have been so supportive in working around my educational priorities. I have learnt amazing skills and I am just so thankful.” - Carrissa Baxter.

Carrissa Baxter is a spoken word artist. She is of Jamaican heritage and was born and raised in the city of Southend-on-Sea, Essex. Carrissa has been invited to perform all over Essex and London. It is her confidence and youth that leaves people in awe as she tackles taboo topics. Her style incorporates difficult topics and makes it a comfortable environment whilst still holding the seriousness that the topic entails. Her work has been viewed by thousands and she believes that “you don’t have to be a certain age to make an impact on our world, you just need confidence!”.

FPG Sounds: Carissa Baxter | Focal Point Gallery