WRDSMTH: A Poet In The Streets

Nicole Gordon: So glad you are here from LA, if even for only a few days. You are already making your mark as I saw several pieces go up in and around the city. Can you kindly tell our audience where it began for you as an artist? The typewriter, the positive messages, how did it transpire to street art?

Wrdsmth: I am a writer. And I love writing in many different mediums -- screenplays, short films, articles, novels. Street Art is just another medium that I find myself writing in, albeit one that I love and one that seems to be resonating with people all over the world. It all began in late 2013, when I found myself spending an excessive amount of time sitting in front of the computer writing. One day I realized an active hobby might be a smart and healthy thing. That's what ultimately led me to street art; a medium I have always found fascinating and inspiring -- but also one I did not think I could do. I thought superheroes did it. The fact that all these creative messages and often gigantic works of art appear overnight on walls and rooftops seemed beyond my abilities. However, as I was seeking an active hobby and mentally considering street art, I knew if I tried, my art would be word-based. And if it was word-based, I immediately imagined an image of a typewriter accompanying my words. At first, I thought I'd do stickers and the words would float above my typewriter, but when I considered spray painting the image of the typewriter and wheatpasting a page with the words above that image, I got so excited about this simple and compelling idea that I had to Google if anyone had done it before. When I discovered no one had, I knew I immediately, I had to make it a reality in the streets. And I did. And in the process, I forgot all about my fear and I guess I became a superhero overnight -- at least that's what it felt like.

How far in advance do you create your messages? Are any very personal to you? Which one stands out the most in your mind on an emotional level?

It depends. Some WRDs I write and polish and immediately get them up in the street and some I carry around looking for the perfect spot for weeks or months. All the WRDs need to resonate with me and mean something to me in my life. That, in turn, makes them all personal. Ones that stand out include: "aspire to inspire others and the universe will take note" and "I love the way you blush when I tell you how you shine."

Photo provided by @wrdsmth

You know my tattoos were influenced by your work. How many others have you seen with your type font? Do you find that a source of flattery?

I have seen several tattoos featuring my WRDs and my art. I love it. The fact that my work and words are resonating with people to a level that they want to tattoo themselves is beyond flattering. In fact, it might be the ultimate compliment. If you could collaborate with ANY artist, who would it be with and why?

Someone asked me this question before and my response was, 'I'd like to work with Banksy to put a piece up on the moon.' I'll stick with that answer. What is next for you?

I have my first ever solo show coming up on November 4th in Los Angeles. Where can our readers learn more about both you and your work?

A good start is Googling me -- I have lots of articles and videos out there. Or just scope my Instagram. I've been posting since day one and love documenting all my exploits as I travel the world with my art.