Today we’d like to introduce you to Phallen Reed.
Hi Phallen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been writing and performing since I was a child. Funny enough, as a shy kid, I always loved the stage. I grew up in black church culture, so I was heavily involved with activities that had some level of public speaking or presenting. Skits, singing, speaking competitions, the whole nine; I did it all! I attribute some of that to my reason for being comfortable onstage as a poet. I can remember one of my first poems ever shared publicly was in the second grade: I don’t remember much of the poem itself, only that it was read over the school announcements and I had mildly dissed the other second grade class at my school (shout out to Ms.Tracy, wherever she may be in life). In high school, I had the chance to attend Dallas Youth Poets workshops, where I was being guided by INCREDIBLE poets. After high school, I didn’t perform as much until my junior year in college. It reignited a spark that I feel when performing poetry. I would soon experience being paid for my art for the first time, which was also a moment of growth. I would go on to perform at church programs, conferences and open mics in DFW and Arkansas. I hope one day to perform in more cool and maybe even a bit unorthodox venues.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not! *insert knowing laugh* I, like many writers out there, struggle with not knowing what to say, how to say it, or even where to say it sometimes. For example, I’m not much into slam-ing: using poetry to compete for sums of money. A couple of years ago, I thought I’d give it another shot just to be sure. This was soon after another extended writing ‘break’ and I had no idea what to compete with nor did I feel like I had strong enough material at the time. (The slam scene, at times, feels as though it favors the more trauma-filled, heavier poems.) I was struggling to decide whether to walk into the trap of bleeding on the judges just for points or going in a different direction and risk lower scores. I did the latter. Though I didn’t win that day, today, I know myself to be a strong writer that’s getting stronger by the metaphor.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m an artist of the poetry and props persuasion. I tell stories through different mediums and have been blessed to help others tell theirs. As a Christian, I don’t write in the same ways of my counterparts. My faith helps drive me to look for stronger ways to convey my thoughts without needing to use coarse language or vulgarity. I have a particular love for creating things with my hands. I’m no expert, but I’ve been known to carve some sick trees and potatoes out of foam!
What makes you happy?
Art. It soothes my brain, enriches my daily life, and helps color my world. Being creative, in the ways I’m passionate about, makes me incredibly happy. I love being able to make something from something else: making a royal scroll out of muslin, a cup from a block of wood, or a poem from an Inspired line. Watching talented artists makes me happy. I enjoy watching people perform in ways I’ve never seen or heard. Making connections and having deep conversations also makes my heart smile. In the words of my dear friend and brother, H.E.I.S, it’s nice to be a “human connector making human connections.”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.phallentheartist.wordpress.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phallen.theartist
Image Credits
Kennedy Saldivar
Kali Rhe Creative
Sayed Alamy
