Portis Wasp is a Scottish freelance artist and journalist. As well as regularly writing for MTV and ASOS Likes, his work can be seen at http://www.myportiswaspsays.com. From making collages of Kate Moss, Michael Fassbender and Gigi Hadid, to covering Harper’s Bazaar Taiwan, Peplvm, and Paper magazine – he is redefining art in high fashion.
What would you say is the biggest inspiration for your collages? American pop culture, fashion photography, and celebrity.
How did you first become a collage artist?
I used to make collages for my blog, which lead to me collaborating with a photographer by the name of Scott Teitler on a couple of fun projects. Creating collages with his photography was the most logical way that we could work together.
Then about two years ago, I decided I wanted to stop posting selfies on my Instagram, so I started to make little collages. I felt like it was time I contributed a little more to the world than some shirtless selfies taken in a gym locker room,
you know? After all, there are lots of people on Instagram that already do that much better than I ever could.
What has been your career highlight?
I was recently asked to create the cover for Harper’s Bazaar Taiwan’s 2016 ART Issue which was a real honour. To be asked to work on such a cool project felt like a real achievement. My cover was also exhibited at Taipei’s International Art Fair this past week as part of the BAZAAR exhibition which celebrated 150 years of the magazine, which was really exciting.
Who is your dream collaboration?
I would love to work with Steven Klein on a project. I also love Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele, I
think she’d be really fun to work with.
What is the future of your art?
If my art is received as well as it is at the moment, I’ll be happy.
A lot of your collages are Disney-themed- who is your favourite character/movie?
I like Pascal the chameleon from Tangled. He gives good side-eye. I also really liked Finding Dory this past summer.
You are also a celebrity interviewer, how did you get into this field?
I initially started interviewing celebrities for my fashion blog, and now continue to interview fun personalities for clients like MTV and ASOS.
Who would you say is your favourite interviewee?
I don’t think there has been an interview that I haven’t enjoyed, but more recently I really enjoyed chatting with Ruby Rose, celebrity stylist Law Roach, and internet darling Baddie Winkle.
How important do you feel instagram has been in the digital age?
It has been very important. Artists are now able to reach editors and brands in a way that wasn’t possible before, so in that sense it has been a major game changer. For myself, it’s provided a platform for me to showcase my work and as a result created countless opportunities for me to explore.
What advice would you give to people wanting to break into the world of collage art?
Be yourself. Focus on creating art that feels authentic to you. Collaborate with nice people. And above all, have fun with it
Full credits for each image can be found on Portis Wasp’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/portiswasp1d.getElementsByTagName(‘head’)[0].appendChild(s);