Chani Anne Di Prima was born at home on September 10th 1978 in San Francisco and began writing at age 13. She grew up with her mother and brother and has self published two books of poetry — first in 1995 and again in 2001.
Chani is the eldest granddaughter to Italian-American poet and beat generation icon Diane Di Prima. At age 16 Chani attended Naropa Institute where she studied poetry and creative writing under Allen Ginsberg, Ann Waldman and her grandmother (among others). She uses poetry and journaling as a means of self reflection and an outlet for a prolific gift of translating thought into beautiful images and profound words – delivering a message of honesty.
Chani has recorded music and performs live. Still a bay area resident working and raising her daughter while tirelessly committed to getting her work into the world. Chani makes a statement of honesty passion and originality through her writing and her life.
“bending the earth for the amusement of our genius”
Q&A with Chani Di Prima
I wrote my first poem at 13 years old. It was actually a love poem, but I had not yet been in love. I started keeping a journal at 14.
What inspired lookinside?