The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter

Ara Koh is a talented ceramic artist originally from Seoul, South Korea. Known for her labor-intensive installations, Ara Koh explores themes of body architecture, shelter, and landscape in her work. She has a background in jewelry and metal but found her passion for ceramics during her studies. Ara Koh's work focuses on the tactile nature of clay and its relationship to the surrounding landscape. She is currently based in Washington, D.C.Ara Koh discusses her early interests in art, her decision to pursue ceramics, and the impact of her experiences living in different countries. She also delves into her creative process and the importance of scale and size in her installations. Ara Koh reflects on the challenges of being a young artist and the pressure to constantly produce work. She shares her thoughts on the impact of COVID-19 on the art world and the rise of virtual exhibitions. Throughout the conversation, Ara Koh emphasizes the importance of self-care and taking breaks to prevent burnout.In this session, we take a closer look at:Ara Koh's enchanting journey into ceramics, exploring how an accidental decision led her to fall in love with clay's tactile allure and its transformative power.The intentional aspect of Ara Koh's work—where installations are designed to evoke memorable emotions, delving into the intersection of art and experience.How Ara Koh's international experiences in countries like South Korea and the United States have woven an intricate tapestry of influence into her art, reshaping her perception of landscapes and space.The episode's take on the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the art world, as we discuss how artists, including Ara Koh, have adapted to virtual platforms and reimagined audience engagement.The conversation surrounding self-care and burnout prevention, as we discuss Ara Koh's perspective on finding equilibrium and embracing breaks, even in a culture that often celebrates relentless productivity.Join us as we delve into the world of ceramics with Ara Koh, a renowned artist known for her labor-intensive installations. Get inspired by her unique approach to art!🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis. Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos: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.Support the podcast The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

Crystal Berger is a lifestyle expert, author, media personality, and media tech entrepreneur. She is the founder of Ebo Ebo and has a background in journalism, having worked as a national features host on Sirius XM and Fox 24/7.Crystal discusses the challenges she faced and how her background in journalism has supported her current endeavors. Crystal also talks about the inspiration behind starting Ebo Ebo, a platform that automates the process of booking guests for podcasts and news features. She emphasizes the importance of staying up to date with industry trends and shares her approach to networking and building connections in the Baltimore tech community.In this broadcast, we dive deep into:Crystal Berger's transition from journalism to innovation, uncovering her motivation to revolutionize guest booking for podcasts and news, and how it led to her pioneering journey.Crystal's narrative as we delve into how her journalism background proved invaluable in overcoming the hurdles of coding and enterprise development, shaping her path in unexpected ways.Crystal's unique approach to funding, where the episode explores her philosophy of establishing undeniable value through sales and a robust product before seeking external investment.Crystal's world as we investigate her strategies for staying current in the ever-evolving tech landscape, including behavioral observation, newsletter engagement, and insightful conversations.Crystal's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, as we analyze the importance of data research, recognizing one's worth, and carving out opportunities within the dynamic tech community.Join me in listening to Crystal Berger's incredible journey from journalist to media tech entrepreneur on The Truth in This Art podcast. Her insights and experiences are truly inspiring!🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis. Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos: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.Support the podcast The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

Nani Ferreira Matthews is an author, freelance journalist, community organizer, and a worker and owner of Thread Coffee Roasters in Baltimore. She has a background in journalism and anthropology, and she approaches her writing from a cultural anthropological perspective, focusing on gender, race relations, class, and immigration.Nani discusses her creative background, her fascination with the coffee industry, and the mission of Thread Coffee Roasters. She emphasizes the importance of authentic storytelling in journalism and the need for direct democracy and worker-led businesses. Nani also highlights the challenges and accomplishments of running a business during the COVID-19 pandemic.During this conversation, we go in-depth on:Nani's creative journey from personal journaling to the pursuit of journalism, uncovering the pivotal role that writing played in shaping her path.Nani's conviction that journalism should embody the essence of art while seeking out the unvarnished truth, unraveling the intricate blend of creativity and authenticity in her approach.Nani's deep-seated fascination with the coffee industry, a subject that inspires both hope and awareness as we dissect her insights into the potential for upliftment as well as the underlying disparities.The world of Thread Coffee Roasters, a worker-owned cooperative driven by principles of direct democracy and equity, as we discuss its mission to revolutionize the coffee supply chain.In this episode, we celebrate Thread Coffee Roasters' notable achievement as the best coffee in Maryland, as recognized by Food and Wine magazine in 2019, and delve into their remarkable journey of survival and growth through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.Join me in listening to Nani Ferreira Matthews, author, and owner of Thread Coffee Roasters, as she discusses the power of storytelling and community building on The Truth in This Art podcast.🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis. Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos: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.Support the podcast The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

Rafi Perez is an award-winning contemporary artist and the author of the Rogue Artist Survival Guide. He has a passion for creativity that started in his childhood and has been a constant in his life ever since. Rafi has created thousands of paintings, sold numerous pieces of jewelry, released music records, and written books. He believes in the power of persistence and creating art that has personal meaning.Rafi shares his creative origin story and his journey to becoming a successful artist. He discusses how his passion for art started in his childhood and served as an escape from the world. Rafi emphasizes the importance of persistence and creating art that has personal meaning. He also talks about the challenges he faced in leaving his corporate job and pursuing his artistic career. Rafi shares his insights on the mindset and habits necessary for success as an artist.In this dialogue, we peel back the layers on:The transformative role of solitude in fostering creativity, and how it can become a sanctuary from the world's chaos.The truth about success in art—where talent takes a backseat to the unwavering commitment and disciplined practice that truly make a difference.The profound concept in which external validation is secondary; the episode examines the power of creating art that resonates deeply within oneself.The liberating journey of overcoming the fear of loss, and how this newfound freedom can pave the way to pursuing one's passions without reservations.The finite nature of time and the importance of investing it wisely to cultivate happiness and satisfaction by engaging in pursuits that genuinely bring joy.Learn more about Rafi Here🎨 Join host Rob Lee in conversation with award-winning artist Rafi Perez as they dive into the world of contemporary art and demystify marketing for artists. Don't miss this inspiring episode of The Truth in this Art podcast!🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis. Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos: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.Support the podcast The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

Krishna Bala Shenoi is an artist and illustrator known for his work in children's books and as a portrait artist for the Talk Easy Pod with Sam Fragoso. He was born in Bangalore and raised in the United Arab Emirates. Krishna studied science in high school before pursuing his passion for art and attending college in Bangalore. He has since worked on numerous projects, including creating portraits for the Talk Easy Pod.Krishna shares his first experience with art and how he discovered his passion for illustration and children's books. He talks about his educational background and the skills he has learned throughout his career. Krishna also discusses his creative process and how he gets into a creative mindset. He emphasizes the importance of starting and pushing through challenges. The conversation then shifts to Krishna's work on the Talk Easy Pod, where he creates portraits of guests. He explains how the collaboration came about and the process of creating the portraits. Krishna also shares his thoughts on the evolving landscape of art and the challenges artists face in the digital age. He concludes by discussing his future aspirations and the importance of taking breaks and being kind to oneself as an artist.In this talk, we navigate through:Krishna Shenoi's early inspirations from picture books and cinema, unveiling how these ignited his lifelong passion for art.Krishna's unconventional path from science studies to an art career, delving into the pivotal moment that led him to follow his creative calling.Krishna's insights on overcoming creative blocks and diving into the artistic flow, as he shares his strategies for conquering initial hurdles.Krishna's creative process as we dissect the evolution of his portrait creation technique for the Talk Easy Pod, unraveling the intricacies of capturing guests' essence.The delicate equilibrium between artistic pursuit and self-care, as Krishna Shenoi shares his perspective on the essential balance artists must strike in their creative journeys.Join us as we dive into the world of art and illustration with Krishna Sanoy, a talented artist known for his captivating children's books and stunning portraits. Don't miss this insightful conversation on The Truth in This Art podcast!🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis. Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos: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.Support the podcast The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

Francis Gautier is a versatile artist with a passion for urban graffiti street art. He discovered the transformational power of art while studying at the University of Rhode Island and has since dedicated himself to exploring various forms of art while incorporating a touch of street style.Francis shares his journey and creative process in this episode. He discusses his early fascination with graffiti art and how it influenced his current practice. Francis also talks about his education in Rhode Island and his frequent travels to New York, where he finds inspiration and works in the music industry. He emphasizes the importance of impulsive and abstract art, as well as the power of art to touch people's lives. Francis shares a touching story of how one of his artworks brought comfort to a grieving mother on the anniversary of her son's death. He also highlights the significance of personal interactions and physical presence in building relationships and creating meaningful connections in the art world.In this feature, we unravel:Francis Gautier's creative evolution as we unravel the impact of his early immersion in graffiti art and his affinity for abstract and urban aesthetics.The wellspring of inspiration behind Francis Gautier's work, delving into how his emotions, musical influences, and urban upbringing shape his artistic expressions.Francis's perspective on art's potent ability to transcend barriers, fostering connections among diverse communities, while we discuss his belief in its transformative power.The significance of personal interactions and physical presence in the realm of art, as we investigate how these elements play a pivotal role in forging strong relationships and deep bonds within the artistic community.Learn more about Frankie's work here: https://francisgautierart.com/about/Join us as we dive into the world of urban graffiti street art with artist Francis Gautier. Hear about his creative process and the impact of his work on communities. 🌆🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis. Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos: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.Support the podcast The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

Sheryl Oring is the Dean of the School of Art at University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Sheryl's work as an artist, writer, and educator explores critical social issues through the integration of old and new media, fostering open exchange and challenging the status quo.In this episode, Sheryl delves into the stories behind her renowned works, "Writer's Block" and "I Wish To Say," shedding light on the driving forces behind her art and the profound impact she seeks to achieve. As the Dean of the School of Art, Sheryl shares her vision for inspiring the next generation of artists and activists, shaping a future that embraces creativity, social engagement, and artistic expression.Join Rob Lee and Sheryl Oring in an illuminating conversation where they explore:Sheryl's journey from her first creative experiences to her role as Dean of the School of Art, uncovering the influences and inspirations that have shaped her artistic sensibility.The intersection of truth, storytelling, and activism in Sheryl's work, examining the role of art in sparking dialogue, challenging censorship, and promoting democratic engagement.The transformative power of "I Wish to Say," Sheryl's Creative Capital project, and its impact in giving a voice to the disenfranchised, fostering connections, and inspiring hope.Sheryl's role as Dean of the School of Art at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, and her vision for inspiring the next generation of artists, cultivating creativity, and empowering social change.🎨🎙️ Immerse yourself in the world of art, truth, and activism with Sheryl Oring, the Dean of the School of Art at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, as she shares her inspiring journey and the transformative power of her work! 🌟🗣️🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis. Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos: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.Support the podcast The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

Nick Tofani is an illustrator based in Massachusetts with a focus on horror and game art. He draws inspiration from horror movies, urban legends, and everyday experiences to create his unique and unnerving illustrations.Nick discusses his love for horror and game art. He shares how his fascination with horror movies and scary stories as a child led him to pursue a career in illustration. Nick talks about his self-taught approach to art and the importance of finding joy in the creative process. He also touches on the impact of AI on the art industry and the need for artists to have a sense of community and validation.Within this chat, we shed light on:Nick Tofani's creative process as we explore how he draws inspiration from the ordinary, finding enchantment in the mysterious and disquieting aspects of life.The intricacies of the artist lifestyle, revealing the challenges that often compel artists like Nick Tofani to maintain full-time jobs alongside their artistic pursuits.The critical elements that fuel artists' success, from the importance of validation and community support to the unwavering love for their craft, as we uncover the keys to thriving artistic careers.Join us as we dive into the mind of illustrator Nick Tofani. From his love for horror to his unique artistic style, this conversation is a must-listen for all art enthusiasts!🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis. Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos: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.Support the podcast The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

Liza Donnelly is an award-winning cartoonist and writer for The New Yorker magazine. She is also a contributor to The New York Times, Washington Post, Medium, CNN, and CBS News. Donnelly has authored more than a dozen books for adults and children.Liza shares her journey from being a shy little girl who loved drawing to becoming a successful cartoonist for The New Yorker. She discusses her daily routine, which involves submitting cartoons to The New Yorker every week and working on various projects in the afternoon. Donnelly also talks about the mixture of analog and digital tools she uses in her work, as well as her experience with digital live journalism. She highlights the importance of connecting with people through her drawings and the joy it brings to others. Donnelly also touches on her books, including "Very Funny Ladies," which explores the history of women cartoonists at The New Yorker. She concludes by discussing her upcoming film project on women cartoonists.In this episode, we uncover:The fascinating world of cartoonist Liza Donnelly as we delve into her daily routine, which involves weekly cartoon submissions to The New Yorker and afternoon projects that fuel her creativity.Liza Donnelly's unique approach to her craft, blending analog and digital tools to create captivating cartoons. Discover how she seamlessly transitions between sketching on her iPad and producing intricate paper drawings.The captivating realm of digital live journalism with Liza Donnelly. We unravel how her live-drawing of events, shared through tweets, not only garners widespread acclaim but also offers viewers an unprecedented visual narrative.How Liza Donnelly uses her cartoons to unearth shared human experiences, fostering connections across boundaries. Join us as we discuss her quest to find common ground and create resonant visual stories.Join our podcast as we embark on a journey through Liza Donnelly's book, "Very Funny Ladies." In it, we uncover the rich history of women cartoonists at The New Yorker, while also spotlighting her efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity among the magazine's cartooning community.photo-credit-Elena-Rossini-Join me in listening to the incredible Liza Donnelly as she discusses her journey as an award-winning cartoonist and writer. Her insights on creativity and storytelling are truly inspiring. Check out The Truth in This Art podcast!🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis. Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos: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.Support the podcast The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

Ariel Barbosa is a community organizer, artist, and capoeira practitioner from Baltimore, with roots in Bahia, Brazil. They are the founder of A GENTE, an organization that aims to widen our perception of the African diaspora and reconnect communities through art and cultural events.Ariel discusses their background and interests in community organizing and art. They share their experiences growing up between Baltimore and Bahia, Brazil, and their search for community and connection. Ariel also talks about the power of art in expressing emotions and creating a sense of empowerment. They introduce their new organization, A GENTE, which aims to bridge the Baltimore-Bahia connection through art and community events.In this episode, we delve into:The profound influence of Ariel Barbosa's passion for art on individuals and communities, as we delve into the intersection of artistic expression and empowerment.A GENTE's quest to rekindle and fortify connections within the African Diaspora, unraveling the story that spans from Bahia and extends beyond.Ariel Barbosa's world and his vision of nurturing a sense of togetherness within the Afro-Brazilian community in Baltimore, shedding light on his efforts to cultivate a thriving cultural collective.Join us as we chat with Ariel Barbosa, a community organizer and artist, about their new organization A GENTE. Discover how they are bridging the gap between Baltimore and Bahia, Brazil through art and events.🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis. Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos: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.Support the podcast The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★