Poet's Spotlight with Stephen Mead

Spotlight – Stephen Mead
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MH: Tell me about your book, "We Are More Than Our Wounds"

SM: "We Are More Than Our Wounds" came about thanks to a statement made to me by my partner, David. At the time we were both attending a Men's Support Group, and thus, of course, some times painful subjects/memories etc. were brought up by various members. I knew I still had a lot of work to do on myself, a lot of internalized hatred, fear and shame due to various experiences and not-so smart choices, and when my partner said not only to me, but to the whole group, "Hey, we are more than our wounds." the wheels started turning. I mean, I knew I really had to recognize and
accept my wounds in order to go beyond them and start healing, start embracing all that I was because of and in spite of them. Of course it is an ongoing process, and writing the book helped with that. All of my art, in a way, is a method of mediation and prayer, an exercise in emotional exploration of some sort. I dedicate this book to my partner.

MH: What came first, the poetry or the images?

SM: For this particular poem, the images came first. However, most of these images have been carried inside of me quite a long while and a few were explored, BEFORE actually being drawn and painted, via poetry.
I recall writing a poem some time around 9/11 called "In My Heart I Kneel Down," which later became both the focal point and title of a painting in "We Are More Than Our Wounds".

MH: How long did it take you to complete this book?

SM: Well, given the long germination period, the "underground time" where I'm collecting thoughts and images and linking them thematically, I would say it took a good number of years. The actual painting, however, and writing, took about one year altogether.
I do work a day job so am not allowed to be as obsessed as I'd like to be when stringing blocks of time together for creative output.

MH: Do you prefer electronic to print publishing?

SM: That's another great question. Thanks for asking.
Electronic publishing is really fairly new to me and something I sort of stumbled onto, having been leery of computers and technology for years. (I even fought against getting a cd player and still miss albums!) I will say that the internet has been very good to me,
giving much quicker turn around time than when I was submitting solely to print journals, plus the audience is potentially global and I do love that. Also, doing art, reproduction quality is much easier and better than relying on black and white newsprint. I mean, I've been trying for years and years to have my art and poetry combined in print book form and meeting tons of rejection, one of the reasons of course being due to cost. Apparently picture books are very expensive to manufacture and a gamble as far as selling goes. I mean, sure I LOVE print books, being able to keep them under one's pillow or in a pocket, and kiss the author's photo when done with a book which has touched one's life, but I'm also just amazed and grateful to have my own book published in some form. It hasn't made a whirlwind change in my
life, but I have been deciding to let myself be happy about and proud of the book.

MH: What are you working on right now, and what are your plans for the future?

SM: Right now I'm working on a mixed media series of "ecumenical" paintings, a further exploration of the spirituality which seems to keep turning up in my work. Like Judy Chicago's "The Dinner Party" these works are concerned with the commonality of what is truly humane and merciful in all religions. I am incorporating icons from Catholicism as well as Buddhist, Hindu, and Judaic archetypes. I also got around to writing a sort of memoir/essay book called "A Thousand Beautiful Things," which I hope to find a market for.

MH: What inspires you the most?

SM: Hmmm. Nature, of course is a great inspiration, especially if I can allow it to penetrate my psyche when I'm feeling down, but then again, I also have found inspiration in things which disturb me, an inspiration to try and get a handle on them. It
sounds cliché but it is true that where there is life there is hope.

MH: What advice would you give to beginning or doubtful artists?

SM: Keep going no matter how much opposition you get or from where or whom. Also, try to distinguish the difference between what is constructive criticism given truly as an aid as opposed to criticism borne out of jealousy, ignorance or mental instability.

MH: How can I purchase "We Are More Than Our Wounds"?

SM: Both through Amazon, Borders, Barnes & Noble or via the website at this link:
http://www.newagedimensionspublishing.com/wearemorethanourwounds.htm

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to speak on the book. It's an honor as always!
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