Interview with PS Wagstaff (Artist PSW)

PS Wagstaff (Artist PSW): American Abstract
Expressionist Artist, Author, Poet and Photographer

TSM: Hi Pamela, thanks so much for taking time out of your day to share a bit about yourself and talent in TSM. It’s really wonderful to have you here.

PSW: Thank you, it is definitely my pleasure.

TSM: How and what inspired you to get into art and poetry? Which one came first?

PSW: I’ve always been inspired by many forms of Art. At a very young age I started writing poetry. Many adult years later I decided to publish my first poetry book. From there I published four more, making a total of five Poetry/Art books. Four of the five books have my photography and Art coinciding with my poetry. 

TSM: When did your interest in photography begin? And what inspired you to get into photography?

PSW: I started my photography journey after I took a class in photography in High School. I learned the fundamentals of using a 35 mm and developing my own black and white photos. I was hooked! After that, I always had my Nikon camera strapped around my neck wherever the day would take me! 

TSM: What inspired you to create abstract expressionist art? And how did you develop your unique style?

PSW: My journey with Abstract Expressionism Art started after a serious injury that caused my disability. I thought my life was over. My career ended in television, radio, advertising and commercials. One day I expressed to my son, “I’m going to buy some paint, brushes, some canvases and a small easel.” He looked at me puzzled, “I didn’t know you paint.” Looking at him smiling, I replied, “I didn’t know either.” Each day my passion grew, and the need to create overwhelmed me. You see with my disability became my Art. I developed my own free flow style and advanced to more in keeping that coloristic style I so love. A God gift I do not take lightly.

TSM: You have published five art poetry books: The Still, Beneath the Door: Poetry in the Abstract, Paradoxes: Parallel Dimensions of Art & Poetry, WishWeed: A Photo Word Journey and your latest, Colors of Solace. Tell us a bit about each of your books and the meaning behind the titles. 

PSW: My first book, Beneath The Door was inspired by the famous writer Sylvia Plath. Her life and death was a dark tragedy. It really touched me to write more on a darker subject matter for those suffering with depression. 

My second book, Paradoxes delves into the abstract dimension of a parallel universe. Perhaps A touch on quantum physics. This subject has always fascinated me. Adding my black and white photography to enhance my poetry.

My third book, The Still has a much more haunting feel to it. Adding once more to the book, my black and white photography. Time is man made, there is virtually no such thing as time. It only has relevance to that very moment in frequency.

My forth book, WishWeed granted me a more colorful enchantment to my life. It’s fun and whimsical, yet serious and an easy read. The verses top my color nature Art photography. 

My fifth book, Colors Of Solace (Calling Of The Canvas) explores verses exposing much of my journey leading to my Art. Adding selections of my paintings to catch the eye. 

TSM: What is the ultimate message in your creative expressions? And are the words with your paintings primarily written as a response to the paintings you create, or are the paintings inspired by writings?

PSW: I would have to say my ultimate message in my Art and Poetry would be to always be vulnerable. Let your true soul out. It’s a message of healing. My writing and Art has many dimensions. It’s a deep feeling, a past sensitive thought or a lucid dream. I mostly select the photography or painting, and let that inspire me to write poetically. How I was feeling or knowing at that moment. 

TSM: What is your preferred painting medium and why? Have you experimented with different mediums?

PSW: I actually prefer acrylic paints. I love to layer my paints and use contrasting rich colors. I also use metallic color pencils on certain types of drawings I do. This gives it a more color muted almost deeper dimensional expression to the Art piece. 

TSM: How do you deal with creative blocks?

PSW: That’s difficult because it happens at times. I’m not hard on myself, I just realize to move away from the canvas or my computer writings, and pick up a sketchbook and draw whatever comes to my mind. Knowing this too shall pass. I’m inspired by so many expressions in life and people that the creative block doesn’t last very long. 

TSM: How much of your own life is reflected in your work?

PSW: As an Artist, in my paintings there is always a piece of me. Be it the eyes, expressions, colors, healing, hurts, joy and emotions… it’s a piece of me. My poetry is the same, a reflection of me and the pain, love or healing of myself, and what I see and experience in others. 

TSM: What creative individuals do you admire?

PSW: As for painters I admire would be: Frida Kahlo, Picasso, Henri Matisse and Jackson Pollock. Poets I would have to say: Edgar Allan Poe, Sylvia Plath, Charles Bukowski and even Jim Morrison’s unique style. 

TSM: If you had the power to do something in the world today, what would it be and why?

PSW: Today’s world is a bit crazy to say the least! I would love to inspire every child, every adult all in the same. Inspire through the arts, through writing, dancing, music to express themselves outward in a positive way in their journey to healing, love and happiness. 

TSM: What is one of your favourite quotes (or lines) that inspires you?

PSW: There are so many. One quote I love would be from Da Vinci. “Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.” – Leonardo da Vinci

TSM: Anything else you’d like to share? And where can readers find out more about you and your work?

PSW:  A huge Thank you to Talent Spotlight Magazine. You may purchase my Poetry/Art books on Amazon and Barnes & Noble under PS Wagstaff. You may view and purchase my Art on Instagram by sending me a DM for interest at ArtByPSW. 
  
TSM: Thanks so much again for doing this interview and wish you all the best with all you do in the future.

PSW: Much appreciated and to your readers as well. 

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