The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter

Step into the world of creativity and imagination with 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, led by your host, Rob Lee. Our guest today is Akio Evans, a versatile and innovative artist hailing from Baltimore, who excels in various creative endeavors, such as filmmaking, documenting, and sneaker art. His unique approach to sneaker art has caught the attention of major celebrities and production companies, while also inspiring his local community. With a deep passion for pop culture, particularly 90s classics like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, and Living Color, Akio continues to captivate audiences with his captivating and distinct style. From teaching art and video production to Baltimore City public school students to receiving recognition for his filmmaking contributions, Akio's journey is filled with artistic achievements and dedication to empowering the youth in his city.For this insightful chat:Delve into the diverse artistic world of Akio Evans, exploring his exceptional talents in filmmaking, documenting, and the unique realm of sneaker art.Join the conversation as Akio shares how his upbringing and love for 90s pop culture, with iconic shows like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Power Rangers, have profoundly influenced his creative journey.Discover the fascinating blend of nostalgia and storytelling that shapes Akio's art, as he discusses his passion for evoking powerful memories and personal connections through his captivating pieces. Learn how his commissioned sneaker art for renowned celebrities like Dr. Dre and Dave Chappelle showcases personalized elements, adding depth and meaning to each incredible creation.Gain insights into Akio's creative process, where moments of silence and spontaneous ideas spark a profound drive to capture and explore these inspirations, resulting in truly meaningful and impactful art.Akio joins the podcast to discuss his creative journey and his work in various areas, including filmmaking, documenting, and sneaker art. He shares how his upbringing and love for pop culture have influenced his art. Akio also talks about the importance of nostalgia and storytelling in his work, and how he aims to create pieces that evoke memories and personal connections. He shares his experiences of creating commissioned sneaker art for celebrities like Dr. Dre, Dave Chappelle, and Allen Iverson, and the significance of adding personalized elements to each piece. Akio also discusses the synchronicities and inspirations that fuel his creative process.Mentioned in this episode:Check out Akio's 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 ★

Welcome to 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, hosted by Rob Lee, where we unravel the mesmerizing stories of Roxxy Haze, the talented comedian, cosplayer, rapper, and writer, is a true blend of pseudo-intellectualism and raunchy Walt Disney fantasy. Raised by the Disney Channel and PBS, her comedy reflects a mashup of socioeconomic insight, geek culture, and witty observations. With her online content featured on major platforms like Buzzfeed, VH1, and Billboard, Roxxy has gained a cult-like following. She has headlined and featured across the country, sharing stages with renowned comedians like Brian Posehn and Baron Vaughn. Recently, Roxxy showcased her creativity by writing, producing, and directing her own web series, "The Roxxy Haze Show," dedicated to geek and pop culture. In addition, she released her first nerdcore rap mixtape titled "Roxxy Versus: A Roxxy Haze Mixtape." To top it all off, Roxxy Haze hosts the popular podcast "Bedtime B!chin’ with Roxxy," regularly engaging and entertaining her dedicated audience.As we uncover today’s episode:Expect to hear about Roxxy Haze's rise to social media fame and how it has impacted her convention experiences, with fans recognizing her and showing appreciation for her work.She shares her joy in entertaining live audiences and talks about her recent successful performance at Blurcon, a convention celebrating black nerd culture.Roxxy opens up about her creative passions, including writing, stand-up comedy, and music, with a focus on how rap has become her favorite medium of expression.Tune in to discover more about Blurcon and how it provides a special and inclusive environment for black nerds to connect, feel accepted, and share their love for geek culture.Don't miss out on this valuable conversation with Roxxy Haze as she joins the interview at Blurcon 2021, a convention celebrating black nerd culture. She discusses her experience coming back to conventions after a year-long hiatus due to the pandemic. Roxxy shares her excitement about being recognized by fans and the joy of performing in front of a live audience again. She also talks about her various creative pursuits, including writing, stand-up comedy, and music. Roxxy emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and finding happiness in pursuing what one loves. She highlights the inclusive and welcoming atmosphere of Blurcon, where black nerds can feel comfortable and accepted.Mentioned in this episode:Roxxy's WebsiteBlerdcon🎧🌟 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 ★

Get ready to explore the boundless possibilities of art on 'The Truth in This Art,' guided by the insightful Rob Lee. For today’s edition, we have Erin Brooks, an accomplished artist and entrepreneur hailing from Pikesville, Maryland. She is a multi-talented individual with a passion for illustration, cosplay, and yarn art. Despite facing challenges in her upbringing while caring for her disabled parents, Erin persevered and embraced a path of self-care and personal growth. Overcoming chronic pain from a car accident, she made a remarkable recovery through fitness and determination. Armed with her art degree, Erin ventured into the world of entrepreneurship, establishing her own art business. Her specialty lies in crafting crochet plushies of people's beloved pets and creating geeky characters inspired by Disney and various elements of pop culture, ranging from Sci-Fi and cartoons to fantasy themes. With her indomitable spirit and artistic finesse, Erin Brooks has established herself as a prominent figure in the world of illustration, cosplay, and yarn art.In this exclusive interview:In this podcast episode, expect to hear Erin Brooks share her touching journey of finding solace in geek culture during a challenging childhood, and how her art became a powerful expression of her love for it. She opens up about the beautiful synergy between her passion for fitness and cosplay, infusing her cosplays with elements of strength and empowerment.Erin delves into her digital cosplays, revealing how she crafts unique and personalized versions of characters, drawing inspiration from her own life experiences.Don't miss her heartwarming discussion about the joy she finds in creating crochet art, especially custom pieces of people's pets, as a way to give back and bring comfort to others.Join Erin as she reveals the secret behind her impactful art, emphasizing the essential role of pouring love and heart into her work to create a profound and meaningful impact.Join us and learn from the best! Erin shares her journey of overcoming adversity and finding her passion for geek culture. She discusses how she uses her art to express herself and connect with others. Erin also talks about her love for cosplay and the creative process behind her digital cosplays. She emphasizes the importance of putting love and heart into her work to create a meaningful end product.Mentioned in this episode:Check out Erin's Instagram🎧🌟 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 ★

Join us as we celebrate the artistry and brilliance of creative minds on 'The Truth in This Art' podcast with Rob Lee. In today's episode, meet $iz, a seasoned hip-hop artist hailing from North Carolina and raised in Maryland. With a strong focus on authenticity and versatility, he has been making waves in the music scene since 2012. With multiple mixtapes under his belt, $iz released his first album, "@void," in 2019, showcasing his prowess as an MC. In 2021, he made a final change to his stage name, transitioning from $izzle to $iz, while maintaining his commitment to delivering the highest quality music to his audience. Expect an array of captivating and genuine performances from this talented hip-hop artist.During this special feature:Hear about $iz's diverse musical influences, which encompass conscious rap and down south hip-hop, shaping his unique sound and style.Discover how $iz stays authentic and true to himself, refusing to be swayed by passing trends in the dynamic music scene.Delve into the world of time management with $iz, as he shares how he prioritizes what matters most in his music career, ensuring productivity and growth.Uncover $iz's versatile writing process, where he constantly hones his craft, embracing a continuous journey of learning and improvement.Join $iz as he discusses his excitement for live performances and the joy of connecting intimately with his fans, creating memorable experiences through his music.Get ready for a mind-blowing episode as $iz discusses his journey as a hip-hop artist, from his early days freestyling with friends to his decision to pursue music seriously. He talks about his influences, which include conscious rap and down south hip-hop, and how his roots in North Carolina and Maryland have shaped his musical style. $iz also shares his thoughts on time management and how he balances his various interests and responsibilities. He emphasizes the importance of staying focused on what is important to him and not getting distracted by pleasures or trends in the music scene. $iz talks about his writing process and how it has evolved over the years. He also touches on the changing music scene and the impact of streaming services on the industry. $iz shares his thoughts on concerts and his plans for future live performances. He concludes by discussing the songs that are currently stuck in his head and his upcoming projects.Artists In Residence is a partnership with Truth In This Art & Four Ten Lofts.Four Ten LoftsBaltimore’s new creative home! Artists and mixed-income housing development in Baltimore’s Market Center and Bromo Arts DistrictMentioned in this podcast$iz's website🎧🌟 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 ★

Discover the profound impact of art on our lives and culture with 'The Truth in This Art,' hosted by Rob Lee. Today’s guest is DJ Awesomus Prime, a convention DJ and producer known for his high-energy performances that entertain the nerdy masses with remixes and music inspired by video games, anime, and cartoons. He adds a dash of chiptune to his geek-infused tracks, creating a unique and captivating experience for his fans. Awesomus has shared the stage with other incredible artists, and he has become a fan favorite in the convention circuit across the country. He is also the CEO of the Anime and Gaming record label, Kawaii Kunai Music, dedicated to providing nerdy weeb music for enthusiasts. With his energetic spirit and passion for music, DJ Awesomus Prime is an artist you don't want to miss!For today's topic:Listeners can expect to hear DJ Awesomus Prime's inspiring journey of finding his passion for music at a young age and how it shaped his life, leading him to play various instruments.He shares the exciting story of how he discovered his love for DJing and producing his own beats, which ultimately catapulted him into the convention scene, where he brings a unique and delightful blend of nerdy remixes to his DJ sets, offering convention attendees a fun and unexpected musical experience.The episode also explores the convention scene's warm and accepting atmosphere, providing a safe space for nerdy individuals to freely express themselves and revel in their passions.Lastly, DJ Awesomus Prime's profound insights highlight the significance of passion and love in pursuing a fulfilling and successful creative career, leaving listeners inspired and motivated to chase their own creative dreams.You won't want to miss this enlightening conversation with DJ Awesomus Prime as he shares his journey from growing up in a military family to becoming a rock star DJ in the nerdy convention scene. He talks about his love for music, his experience in various bands, and his transition to DJing and producing his own beats. He also discusses the concept of being a "blurred" (a black nerd) and the importance of representation in nerd culture. DJ Awesomus Prime highlights the unique experience of DJing at conventions and the warm reception he receives from the nerd community. He emphasizes the importance of passion and love for what you do in pursuing a creative career.Mentioned in this episode:Awesomus Prime's BandcampBlerdcon🎧🌟 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 ★

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 LoftsBaltimore’s new creative home! Artists and mixed-income housing development in Baltimore’s Market Center and Bromo Arts DistrictMentioned in this podcastJoshua's Instagram🎧🌟 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 ★

Join Rob Lee on a quest to understand the heart and soul of art, as we explore 'The Truth in This Art' podcast with today's guest: Phil Davis,  an animator, filmmaker, and sound recordist hailing from Baltimore, Maryland. As the founder of the Sweaty Eyeballs Animation Festival and a dedicated animation professor at Towson University, Phil has cultivated a deep-rooted passion for showcasing unique, experimental, and diverse voices in the animated filmmaking field. With a focus on innovation in craft, storytelling, and challenging conventional notions of animation, Phil's mission is to foster a vibrant community of animation enthusiasts and creators in the mid-Atlantic region. Through his personal projects and the Sweaty Eyeballs Animation Festival, Phil Davis continues to push the boundaries of animation, allowing often overlooked works to shine on the big screen.Within this edition:Phil Davis shares his inspiring journey into animation, starting from his high school film class to discovering his true passion in filmmaking. Get ready to be captivated by his love for storytelling through animation and the pivotal moments that shaped his artistic path.Discover the exciting world of animation with The Sweaty Eyeballs Animation Festival. Unveil a realm of boundary-pushing animations that transcend traditional perceptions of cartoons for kids. Tune in to explore the diverse and innovative works showcased at this renowned festival, sparking creativity and redefining the art of animation.Delve into the vibrant animation community thriving in Baltimore, courtesy of prestigious colleges and universities with dedicated animation programs. In this episode, get a glimpse of the city's artistic spirit and the nurturing environment that fosters aspiring animators and creators alike.Explore the challenges faced by the animation industry in Baltimore as it strives to retain talent amidst the allure of bigger markets like New York and Atlanta. Learn about the efforts and opportunities that can keep animation professionals rooted in the city and nurture its local creative scene.Join us as we examine the transformative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the animation industry. Discover how the shift to remote work has opened doors to new possibilities and dynamics, paving the way for exciting opportunities for animators in the future.This is a must-listen episode as Phil shares his journey into animation and the challenges and joys of the industry. He grew up in rural New Hampshire, surrounded by a family of scientists, but his love for drawing and filmmaking led him to pursue a career in animation. Phil discusses his transition from biology to film studies, his experiences in graduate school, and his passion for sound design in animation. He also talks about the origins of the Sweaty Eyeballs Animation Festival and its mission to showcase boundary-pushing animation from around the world. Phil highlights the vibrant animation community in Baltimore and the need for more opportunities and jobs in the industry. He concludes by expressing his hopes for the future of animation and his desire to create a networking event for animators in the mid-Atlantic region.Mentioned in this episode:Sweaty Eyeballs Animation FestivalPhil's Website🎧🌟 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 ★

Welcome to 'The Truth in This Art,' where Rob Lee brings to light the stories and inspirations of Michael Owen, a contemporary American artist renowned for his extensive collection of large-scale works, delving into social, emotional, and spiritual themes. He has crafted numerous murals, scattered across Baltimore, including the inspiring  Baltimore Love Project, featuring 20 love-themed murals throughout the city. Michael's passion for community art and collaborative efforts shine through his practice, and he currently resides and creates at his latest endeavor, the HOME Artist Residency.As we delve into this episode:Explore the world of contemporary American art as Michael Owen unveils his breathtaking large-scale works, delving into profound social, emotional, and spiritual themes in this enlightening podcast episode.Join the conversation with Michael Owen, a passionate advocate for community art, as he shares his journey of connecting with people through his captivating creations, forging meaningful bonds through the power of artistic expression.Uncover the transformative potential of art as a tool for communication and emotional exploration, as Michael Owen reveals how his work reaches deep into the hearts of others, creating powerful connections within the human experience.Discover the artistry of balance and authenticity as Michael Owen shares valuable insights into his creative process, offering listeners a glimpse into the depths of an artist's soul and the pursuit of genuine self-expression.Prepare for an exciting episode as Michael discusses his large-scale works that explore social, emotional, and spiritual issues. Michael talks about his love for community art and the importance of connecting with people through his work. He shares his journey as an artist and how he has evolved over the years. Michael also discusses the purpose of art and the different ways it can be used as a tool for expression and communication. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and finding balance in the creative process.🎧🌟 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 ★

Welcome to 'The Truth in This Art,' hosted by Rob Lee, where we are thrilled to have the talented poet join us today to delve into the captivating world of poetry with Dee J, a multi-talented artist and entrepreneur, excelling in various fields. She is a writer, poet, event planner, brand ambassador, dancer, promoter, collaborator, and proud owner of her apparel line. Dee J's passion lies in promoting community events within the LGBTQIA+ community while diligently growing her brand, DeeJSaidIt. With her diverse creative pursuits, Dee J continues to make a significant impact in the world of art and business.Within this episode:Discover how Dee J's heartfelt passion for poetry drives her self-expression and meaningful connections with others.Expect an insightful discussion on the significance of collaboration in Dee J's journey, as she actively seeks opportunities to empower emerging artists and entrepreneurs.Join us as Dee J shares her invaluable insights on leveraging the power of social media to amplify her brand's reach and engage a broader audience.Tune in to explore how Dee J's belief in the potential of social media has transformed her LGBTQIA+ community events promotion and empowered her apparel line, DeeJSaidIt.Join us on this poetic journey, as we explore the captivating world of verse with our talented guest Dee J, as she discusses her journey as an artist and entrepreneur. She shares how her love for poetry led her to explore other creative outlets such as dance and event planning. Dee J emphasizes the importance of supporting and collaborating with other artists and entrepreneurs. She also highlights the role of social media in promoting and growing her brand.Mentioned in this episode:DeeJ's Instagram🎧🌟 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 ★

Welcome to 'The Truth in This Art' hosted by Rob Lee, where we are honored to have the visionary Artist join us today to delve into the captivating world of visionary art with Velvet, the creative force behind AfroVelvet, an artistic platform that seeks to reimagine the Black experience from an inside perspective. As a designer, art director, and performance artist, Velvet skillfully weaves together imagery, wearable art, and music to produce groundbreaking productions. Her work is driven by themes of love, healing, and community, and she passionately embraces the role of a "transmocrifier," allowing her personal growth and transformation to shape her evolutionary art. From captivating installations featuring live music, dance, and body paint to rendering visual and wearable art that offers glimpses into future landscapes for the diaspora, Velvet's artistic endeavors continually inspire and captivate audiences. Using a diverse range of materials, from fabrics to vinyl and moving blankets, she brings her profound visions to life, leaving a lasting impact on the world of art and culture.Throughout this episode:Explore the evolutionary nature of Velvet's art and how it beautifully reflects her personal growth and transformation.Expect a compelling discussion on the profound impact of art in bringing communities together, fostering healing, and driving positive transformations.Velvet delves into the thought-provoking realm of African American art, challenging categorizations, and advocating for the appreciation of art's pure creation.Discover Velvet's inspiring journey as a black woman in the art world, as she shares how she courageously paved her own path despite challenges.Tune in to hear about Velvet's notable projects, Catalyst and 100% Cacao, which boldly showcases black women and share captivating stories of transformation and individuality through art.Step into the realm of creativity and imagination with us - don't miss out on this captivating journey into visionary art with Velvet. Her art is evolutionary and reflects her personal growth and transformation. Velvet's work focuses on themes of love, healing, and community, and she often incorporates live music, dance, and body paint into her installations. She draws inspiration from various sources and uses a range of materials, including fabrics, vinyl, and moving blankets, to bring her visions to life. Velvet believes in the power of art to bring communities together and promote change. She sees community as a broader concept that includes people from different backgrounds and perspectives, and she believes that healing and transformation can only occur when everyone comes together. Velvet is passionate about challenging the categorization of African American art and believes that art should be appreciated for its pure creation, rather than being confined to labels. She has faced challenges as a black woman in the art world, but she has always paved her own way and refused to let anyone tell her no. Velvet has created several notable projects, including Catalyst and 100% Cacao. Catalyst showcased black women in roles that they are not normally associated with, while 100% Cacao is a larger project that aims to tell stories of transformation and individuality through fashion, music, and theater. Velvet's ultimate goal is to inspire black and brown individuals to embrace their true selves and see themselves represented in various forms of art and media.Mentioned in this podcastAfroVelvet's websiteVelvet's BandcampArtists In Residence is a partnership with Truth In This Art & Four Ten Lofts.Four Ten Lofts🎧🌟 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 ★