The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter

In this episode of The Truth in This Art, host Rob Lee chats with Jonathan Chaz Logan, a Baltimore-based photographer renowned for his compelling portraiture and striking visual storytelling. Jonathan’s work captures the essence of people and places, showcasing the unique character of Baltimore through his lens.During their conversation, Jonathan shares his journey from comic art and music production to discovering his passion for photography. He reflects on how a visit to Berlin and the work of Helmut Newton inspired his creative approach, and how the pandemic shaped his shift toward intimate, minimalist portraiture. They also dive into Jonathan's creative process, his preference for analog photography, and the intentionality behind his compositions.Jonathan also provides a sneak peek into his first photo book, a project years in the making, compiling his most meaningful portraits from 2019 to 2022. This episode offers insight into the mind of a photographer dedicated to capturing authentic stories and creating art that resonates.Photograph by Josh Sinn 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 ★

In this episode of 'The Truth in This Art,' host Rob Lee speaks with Ryan Havers, also known as Ears with Eyes, an electro-punk performance artist who critiques corporate culture, workaholism, and mental health through his unconventional music and stage shows. Drawing inspiration from artists like Iggy Pop, The Stranglers, Beck, and Tim & Eric, Ryan incorporates elements of absurdity and satire into his work. They discuss Ryan's early influences, his journey into music, the creative process, and his thoughts on how corporate norms affect personal well-being. The conversation also touches on Ryan's upcoming project, wEARd, an online course designed to help others embrace unconventional music and creativity.  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 ★

In this episode of The Truth in This Art, Rob Lee welcomes Chloe Vaughan, longtime bartender at Baltimore’s iconic Mount Royal Tavern. Known for its storied history, eclectic clientele, and vibrant atmosphere, MRT is a true dive bar in every sense. Chloe shares her unique journey from MICA student to 'tavern historical society' and offers hilarious insights into life behind the bar. Discover why MRT is affectionately called 'Dirt Church' and how it continues to be a beloved staple in Baltimore’s cultural landscape. Tune in for humor, history, and unforgettable tavern tales!  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 ★

In this episode, I sit down with Mecca Verdell and Boaz Yakin to discuss their film  Once Again (For the Very First Time) , an electrifying hip-hop fantasia that delves deep into love, recognition, and the power of artistic expression. Boaz, acclaimed for Fresh and Remember the Titans, shares his vision of merging dance, poetry, and surreal storytelling to explore the intense relationship between DeRay, a legendary street dancer, and Naima, a spoken word poet. Mecca, a Baltimore native and internationally acclaimed poet, tells us about bringing Naima to life and how she championed a hometown screening at the historic Parkway Theatre.Join us for an unforgettable night celebrating Once Again at Baltimore’s Parkway Theatre on November 21st! The evening begins with a filmmaker happy hour at 6 pm, followed by short films from the Saul Zaentz Innovation Fund Fellows, leading into the screening. Stay afterward for a Q&A with Mecca, Boaz, and Oscar-winning producers Van Lathan and Nicholas Maye (Two Distant Strangers). Whether you're drawn to bold storytelling or fresh creative energy, this is a night you won’t want to miss. Do you want to check out? Once Again (For the Very First Time) Grab your tickets here and watch the trailer for a sneak peek! 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 ★

Baltimore musician Eyas (Jenna Balderson) discusses her genre-blending debut EP 'Quiet-loud,' merging indie-pop, jazz, RnB, and folk. In this episode of The Truth in This Art, I sit down with Jenna Balderson, better known as Eyas, a Filipina musician and producer based in Baltimore, MD. Known for her genre-blending sound that merges indie-pop, jazz, RnB, and folk, Jenna discusses the journey behind her debut EP, Quiet-loud, set for release on November 22nd.We explore how her music transforms personal emotions into art, creating what she describes as the "sonic equivalent of a collage." Jenna also shares stories about her inspirations—from Fleet Foxes and Björk to recent influences like Saya Gray—and opens up about collaborating with fellow Baltimore artists like JPEGMAFIA and Micah E. Wood. Plus, she gives us a behind-the-scenes look at Quiet-loud, a deeply personal EP featuring introspective lyrics, dynamic soundscapes, and a mix of high energy and reflective moments.Join us as we unpack the emotions, influences, and community connections that shape Jenna's music.📅 Quiet-loud is out November 22nd. 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 ★

In this episode of The Truth in This Art, host Rob Lee is joined by Ed Baldi and Nick Moreland, co-founders of Sonic Lifeline, a platform that provides musicians with unrestricted expression and the creators behind The Hemingway Room, an intimate jazz venue in Little Havana, Baltimore. Together, they explore their mission to foster deeper connections between artists and audiences, their unique collaborative journey, and how their distinct backgrounds in live production and photography shape Sonic Lifeline’s vision. The conversation delves into their efforts to revive the jazz pipeline between cities like Baltimore, D.C., and Philadelphia, while highlighting the challenges and triumphs of curating a thriving jazz scene in a post-pandemic world. Ed and Nick also share how The Hemingway Room creates space for authentic, artist-driven performances, ensuring that each show is a distinct and powerful experience.  This episode is brought to you as a part of my media partnership with Baltimore Magazine. Join us on November 23rd for the final show of the 2024 Fall Season! Musical Director, Phil Thomas leads us through an evening of "Songs that Speak", from artists like Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles and Bob James to name a few. 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 ★

In this episode of The Truth in This Art, I chat with Greg Mike, a renowned street artist and founder of Atlanta's ABV Gallery. Greg opens up about his path from skate culture and cartoons to creating murals known for their vivid colors and playful characters, like his signature Larry Loudmouth. We talk about how his travels—from Amsterdam to the Swiss Alps—influence his work and how he channels his vision into community-driven projects.Greg also shares the story behind the Outer Space Project, an annual mural festival in Atlanta combining art, live battles, and block parties to celebrate public art. Through ABV, he's built a creative hub that brings together artists and audiences for an unforgettable experience.Links & Credits:Photo by Dave Roland 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 ★

In this episode, I sit down with Andy J. Pizza, a New York Times bestselling author-illustrator and the creative force behind the podcast Creative Pep Talk. Known for his bold, maximalist style, Andy J. Pizza brings an electric energy to his work, seen in books like A Pizza with Everything on It and Invisible Things. During our conversation, Andy opens up about how his ADHD shapes his artistic approach, fueling a vibrant, layered aesthetic that captures the imagination.We dive into Andy’s journey from aspiring illustrator to sought-after collaborator with major brands like Warby Parker and Target. He explains how Creative Pep Talk grew out of his desire to inspire and encourage creativity in others, offering a unique space where art and self-expression meet personal growth. Andy shares insights into the power of storytelling, balancing authenticity with client collaboration, and his philosophy of “turning up the volume” on creativity.This episode is packed with inspiration for anyone looking to infuse their life and art with passion and purpose. Tune in for an engaging conversation with Andy J. Pizza on what it means to make art that resonates and brings joy. 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 ★

In this episode, I sit down with Michael Carini, the neurodivergent artist famously known as the "Acrylic Alchemist." Michael has captivated audiences worldwide, with over 100 exhibitions showcasing his journey of transforming pain into purpose through a method he calls acrylic alchemy. We explore how Michael, a San Diego-based artist with a background of resilience and determination, discovered a creative process that channels his life's challenges—like Tourette's and a traumatic brain injury—into visual storytelling that deeply resonates with viewers.Michael Carini shares insights into his journey, from his early influences to his unique approach that combines vulnerability with emotional depth. Join us to hear how he embraces his neurodivergent identity and creates art that's not only personal but meaningful to those who connect with it. 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 ★

In this episode of The Truth in This Art, host Rob Lee engages in a captivating conversation with award-winning choreographer, dancer, producer, and educator Dominic Moore-Dunson. Known for his community-centered approach and recently recognized by Dance Magazine as one of 2023's “25 to Watch,” Dominic Moore-Dunson shares insights into his latest project, The Remember Balloons, a moving dance-theater production exploring memory loss, Alzheimer's disease, and intergenerational storytelling. The conversation delves into Dominic Moore-Dunson's inspiration from the children's book The Remember Balloons, how dance intersects with storytelling and community engagement, and his unique creative process, including building the show through improvisation with his team. Dominic Moore-Dunson also touches on his journey into dance, his passion for urban Midwest storytelling, and the impactful themes that drive his work in The Remember Balloons.  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 ★