Creative Journeys: Embracing Community Art with Joshua Olsen

Tune in to 'The Truth in This Art' for an artistic adventure led by Rob Lee, uncovering the essence of creativity with Joshua Olsen, a talented artist from Long Island, New York, who relocated to Baltimore to pursue an MFA in community art and dedicatedly work within various communities, especially those that may be overlooked. His art spans a diverse range of mediums, from computer art and animation to murals, paintings, and drawings. Joshua's passion lies in fostering community engagement through collaborative art projects, making a meaningful impact on the lives of the people he works with.

Throughout this conversation:

• In this podcast episode, hear Joshua Olsen's transformative journey as he shares how he shifted from a structured, hierarchical mindset to embracing a more open and creative approach in his art. Gain valuable insights into the power of flexibility and adaptability in the creative process, and discover how it has enriched his work and connection with the community.
• Join us as Joshua Olsen takes us behind the scenes of his artistic process, where careful planning and visualization lay the foundation for his projects. Yet, in this conversation, you'll learn that he also values the beauty of spontaneity and improvisation, allowing room for unexpected inspiration to shape his artistry.
• Delve into the world of artistic inspiration as Joshua Olsen reveals how music, podcasts, and personal items play a pivotal role in fueling his creativity. Listen as he explains how these elements come together in his studio, leading to unique and captivating artworks that resonate with audiences on a deeper level.
• Discover the vibrant and progressive art scene of Baltimore in this podcast episode. Joshua Olsen sheds light on the city's emphasis on community engagement and collaboration, showcasing how artists like him are making a meaningful impact by working closely with various communities. Learn how Baltimore's art landscape has become a thriving hub for creativity and inclusive expression.

Don't miss this chance to hear from Joshua as he shares his creative journey and his transition from a structured, hierarchical mindset to a more open and creative approach. He discusses his creative process, which involves careful planning and visualization of the finished piece. Joshua also talks about the importance of music and podcasts in his studio, as well as the personal items that he keeps with him for inspiration. He reflects on his experience as an artist and educator in Baltimore, highlighting the city's progressive art scene and the sense of community among artists.

Artists In Residence is a partnership with Truth In This Art & Four Ten Lofts.
Four Ten Lofts

Baltimore’s new creative home! Artists and mixed-income housing development in Baltimore’s Market Center and Bromo Arts District

Mentioned in this podcast
Joshua's Instagram

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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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