Meet Thomas Walk | Veteran Poet

We had the good fortune of connecting with Thomas Walk and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Thomas, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
After finding my own wellness through the creative arts, I had a desire to share my experiences. When my work resonated with others in such a personal connective way it was something I could not ignore. The only thought process I ever had in this endeavor was to hopefully help others through what was a difficult personal experience for me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Whatever form my art takes, it is always a part of me. Whether a paintings’ dark hues speak of difficult times or its colorful pastels cast a gentle, relaxed vibe; each piece is me in that moment. My music is just another way to repackage my poetry and spoken word in an attempt to establish that same connection. Professionally I am more a poet, spoken word performer, and motivational public speaker. I am an advocate for speaking out loud about the reality of PTSD and suicidal thoughts. My primary focus lately has been hosting a creative writing for mental wellness workshop at the Battle Creek VA hospital and expanding that as much as possible. Getting to this point given the vulnerability of my work was a strenuous process. I have had many more failures based on stigma, outward ignorance, or lack of understanding than I care to count. I shouldered insults, disrespect, and hate for what I was doing, but I kept going because I wholeheartedly believed in the power of it all to become something amazing. I overcame those challenges because I saw what creative therapy was doing to and for me. The farther I walked my own path, the more I became mentally well, and eventually I could not ignore the potential impact what I was doing could have on the wellness of others. I learned to have faith in my support system when I cannot see clearly. I learned to have faith in myself. I learned to heal. The only thing I really want anyone to know about me is that I do this so hopefully you won’t feel so alone. I want people to know it is okay for us to trip and fall, but we have to continue to get back up. Perhaps my example will inspire others to stand up and reach out to someone else. I have simple dreams.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Locally I love the Griffon Grill & Pub on Monday nights for tacos! We love to wander local farm markets for fresh foods and crafts. Track down Delectable Treats and Sweets at one of those markets and you won’t be disappointed. Sit & Stay Winery makes the only wine I like! Awesome family winery with a quaint cafe vibe. Park Theatre in Holland, Fire Historical and Cultural Arts Collaborative in Kalamazoo, and The Creaky Floor Bookstore in Galesburg are friendly, welcoming places to share your talents at an open mic. Follow the New Wave Festival and Penetrator Events on Facebook for awesome community happenings! We love hiking and the upper peninsula offers some amazing scenery and terrain dynamics. Rather than plan, these days I’ve learned to just pick a destination and enjoy whatever I find!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Lucas Hale, for nominating me for this awesome opportunity! My wife Dee, for being my inspiration, my motivation, and my number one fan. My mom, for teaching me to always keep fighting. Katie Proeber, for the opportunity to forge my own path to giving back. Thank you to everyone who believed in me.

Website: https://www.mentalhealththroughart.com

Soundcloud: Thomas Walk

Facebook: Creators Highlighting Mental Health

Youtube: T.A.Walk_Artist_Author_Poet