Spotlight on Carla Stein: Mind Poet

Poet and visual artist, Carla Stein’s images and poetry have been published in An Anthology of Nanaimo Poetry, Ascent Aspirations Friday's Poems, Island ArtsMagazine, Island Woman, Stonecoast Review, and Sustenance

anthology.

She has recently released her first poetry chapbook, Sideways Glances of an Everyday Sailor. Carla is a co-founder of 15 Minutes of Infamy, a Nanaimo-based performance venue for wordcrafters. View her artwork at: www.roaeriestudio.com

I talk to featured poet Carla Stein about her writing style and her poem in Mind anthology 'Please Hear What I'm Not Saying'

1. When did you start writing?

I started writing poetry in high school where I also worked on the school newspaper. In university I was introduced to poets like, Maxine Kumin, Gary Snyder, and Richard Brautigan and I was hooked on poetry. The newspaper experience eventually lead to a career in broadcast and print journalism.

2. Do you find themes or topics emerging from your work?

I find that my work tends to explore people. The ways they treat each other, how they interact with both the natural and human-centric world.

3. In your poem 'Admission Ward', featured in 'Please Hear What I'm Not Saying ', you use jet engines as a metaphor throughout - can you talk a little about this and the influences behind the poem?

Along with journalism, I have also worked extensively in the fields of mental health and addictions. My poem, Admission Ward, evolved from talking with patients at a large psychiatric facility about their psychotic episodes. Jet engines serve as a metaphor for the struggle to control what is, at times, a debilitating condition.

4. Are you working on anything at the moment?

Yes, I am working on a play about artificial intelligence and a poetry manuscript that focuses on my family.

5. When you're not writing what can we find you doing?

I paint, mostly in acrylics, and make pottery. I’m also involved with a number of community organizations that promote both visual and literary arts.

Thank you Carla!

Want to be in our next reader collage? Send me your photos! isabellekenyon@hotmail.co.uk or over my social media.

#Mindpoetryproject #PleaseHearWhatImNotSaying #AuthorInterview