The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter

Monica Ikegwu is a Baltimore-based artist with a remarkable talent for African American portraiture, using vivid colors, intricate textures, and innovative compositions to capture the essence and power of her subjects. In a thought-provoking interview on "The Truth in This Art" hosted by Rob Lee, Monica shares her artistic journey, drawing inspiration from her family and surroundings, and her accomplishments, including prestigious awards like the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation grant and the AXAArt prize. Throughout the conversation, she explores the significance of African American representation in the art world and its transformative impact on narratives and self-discovery. Discover how Monica's art transcends boundaries, inviting viewers to engage with the complexities of identity, culture, and personal experiences. Gain insights into her process, inspirations, and ongoing evolution as she pursues her MFA studies at the esteemed New York Academy of Art.Coming up, a deep dive into:The world of Monica Ikegwu, a Baltimore-based figure painter with a specialization in African American portrait painting. Discover the captivating stories behind her artistic journey and her passion for empowering her subjects to express their true selves through their portraits.Enlightening interview, Monica shares her unique approach to portraiture, allowing her subjects to take control of their poses, clothing, and props, resulting in authentic and empowering representations. Gain insights into her process and the profound impact it has on her subjects' self-expression.Prepare to be amazed as Monica unveils her artistic process of capturing the essence of her subjects through her masterful use of monochromatic colors that beautifully complement their skin tones. Learn how she incorporates patterns inspired by their clothing into the background, adding depth and meaning to each portrait.The diverse influences on Monica's artistry, drawing inspiration from contemporary portrait artists and expressing a keen interest in exploring the realms of minimalism and abstraction. Experience how these elements enrich her work and create powerful visual narratives.Monica shares her dream project of collaborating with fashion designers and witnessing her stunning paintings adorning clothing on the runway. Be inspired by her aspirations to bridge the worlds of art and fashion, and the potential impact her art can have beyond traditional canvas displays.Join us in celebrating the brilliance and resilience of Monica Ikegwu as she aims to create a diverse view of African American people by allowing her subjects to direct their own poses, clothing, and props. Monica captures their essence in her paintings, using monochromatic colors that complement their skin tones and incorporating patterns inspired by their clothing into the background. She draws inspiration from contemporary portrait artists and is also interested in minimalism and abstract work. Monica's dream project is to collaborate with fashion designers and see her paintings on clothing run down the runway.🎧🌟 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 a captivating episode of "The Truth in This Art"! Join host Rob Lee as he engages in a meaningful conversation with  Isaiah Winters, a talented documentary photographer and conceptual artist based in Brooklyn, New York City, and Baltimore. With a focus on architecture, social landscapes, and analog photography, Isaiah's work exudes a nostalgic and romantic essence. Through his art, he skillfully emphasizes specific aspects and colors, highlighting the profound effects of everyday light and composition on our lives. As a member of TheBmoreCreatives team, Isaiah actively contributes to connecting local artists and creatives, spotlighting local businesses, and celebrating Baltimore's vibrant art scene. His photography revolves around narrative-driven documentary and portraiture, as he delves into questions of identity and the experience of being a Black male in contemporary society. Isaiah believes in the power of representation in the visual arts to empower the next generation of Black leaders, challenging negative assumptions about Baltimore and showcasing the city's beauty and resilience.Some of these clients and partners include:Google, Moment, Baltimore Magazine, Baltimore Sun, Verizon, Budweiser, COACH, Samsung, Parks Project, K-Swiss, Bar Clavel, UrbanStems, Walgreens, Coca-Cola, HELP USA, UNIQLO, and Pursuit of Portraits Photo by TutesIn this episode, we delve into:How Baltimore profoundly influences Isaiah Winters' work, as he strives to offer a powerful counter-narrative to the negative assumptions often associated with the city, shedding light on its true essence and beauty.Isaiah's photography practice, ignited by his passion for sociology and his profound desire to capture everyday life and unique stories, providing a fresh and captivating perspective on the world around us.Prepare for an enlightening conversation as Isaiah shares his remarkable journey of transitioning from the Air Force to full-time photography, offering valuable insights into setting goals, embracing independence, and preparing for graduate school to pursue his creative vision.A thought-provoking episode as Isaiah emphasizes the importance of responsible and considerate photography when documenting political uprisings and social justice movements, understanding the significant impact images can have on shaping narratives and perceptions.In this engaging podcast, explore the art of capturing impactful photographs with Isaiah, who reveals the transformative effects of taking time to sit with an image and patiently waiting for the perfect moment to create more meaningful and evocative visuals.Join us for an engaging conversation as Isaiah discusses his work and the influence of Baltimore on his artistic practice. He emphasizes the importance of showcasing the positive aspects of the city and challenging the negative stereotypes often associated with it. Isaiah also talks about his transition from the Air Force to full-time photography, the role of research in his projects, and the need for photographers to be responsible and considerate when documenting political uprisings and social justice movements.🎧🌟 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 ★

Meet Justin Fenton, an esteemed reporter for The Baltimore Sun since 2005, who has dedicated the past 13 years to covering crime and police accountability. Recognized for his groundbreaking work, Justin's investigations exposed alarming revelations about the Baltimore Police Department, including the highest rate of discarded rape complaints in the country. He has covered high-profile cases such as the death of Freddie Gray and the corruption scandal within the Gun Trace Task Force. Recently, Justin released his first book, "We Own This City: A True Story of Crime, Cops, and Corruption," which delves into the history of policing strategies in Baltimore and the scandalous events surrounding the Gun Trace Task Force. The book has garnered critical acclaim and is set to be adapted into an HBO miniseries, showcasing Justin's remarkable storytelling and journalistic prowess.Discover the depths of:What drives Justin Fenton's motivation as a journalist. He firmly believes in telling stories, even if they tackle difficult subject matter, and offers insights into the passion and dedication that fuel his work.The dynamic world of crime reporting with Justin Fenton. As a go-to reporter on his beat, he covers a diverse range of crime-related topics while building meaningful relationships with sources, providing a fascinating glimpse into the life of a dedicated journalist.Gain valuable knowledge from Justin Fenton on the importance of staying informed and adapting in the ever-changing landscape of journalism. From leveraging social media to engage with readers to navigating the challenges of the modern media landscape, Justin shares his expertise in the evolving realm of reporting.Discover the intricacies of news reporting with Justin Fenton as he candidly discusses the art of balancing a constant flow of news with the pursuit of producing high-quality content and in-depth investigations. Join us as we explore the challenges and rewards that come with being at the forefront of journalism.Dive into the compelling world of investigative journalism with Justin Fenton as he sheds light on his book, "We Own This City." The book's exploration of the history of policing strategies in Baltimore, with a focus on the Gun Trace Task Force corruption case, has garnered positive reviews and promises to be an enlightening and thought-provoking discussion.Justin discusses his career covering crime and police accountability in Baltimore. He shares his motivation for pursuing journalism and the challenges of reporting on crime in a city with a reputation for being dangerous. Fenton emphasizes the importance of covering not just the crime itself, but also the broader issues of police misconduct, court proceedings, and policy. He discusses the evolving landscape of journalism and the need to provide quality content in a fast-paced news environment. Fenton also talks about his recently released book, "We Own This City," which delves into the Gun Trace Task Force corruption case and its implications for the city of Baltimore.🎧🌟 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 ★

In this episode of the podcast, join host Rob Lee as he engages in a fascinating conversation with Sydney J. Allen, also known as aBaltimoregriot, is a Baltimore-based visual storyteller and photographer who is deeply passionate about capturing the essence and community spirit of black folk living in the city. With a focus on portrait and documentary photography, she skillfully highlights the beauty and intimacy of black life, while challenging stereotypes and empowering black communities. Through her lens, Sydney disrupts traditional narratives portrayed in the media, using her work to tell the compelling and authentic stories of black people in Baltimore. Her dedication to showcasing diverse voices and experiences makes her a prominent figure in the city's photography scene.In this episode, we explore:The world of visual storytelling with Sydney J. Allen, a talented photographer passionate about capturing the beauty and intimacy of black life in vibrant Baltimore.Explore Sydney's remarkable work that goes beyond photography; it disrupts stereotypes and weaves an empowering narrative for black communities, showcasing the resilience and richness of their experiences.Prepare for an enlightening conversation with Sydney, as she shares her fascination with the multifaceted nature of black identity and how her photography reflects the diverse and interconnected lives of black individuals in Baltimore.Discover the power of art in challenging media portrayals as Sydney discusses her mission to defy stereotypes and give a voice to the experiences of black people in the city, painting a more authentic and nuanced picture of their lives through her lens.Join us as we explore the world of storytelling with Sydney. Her work focuses on disrupting stereotypes and empowering black communities by providing a more authentic and empowering narrative. She is particularly interested in exploring the intersectionality of black identity and showcasing the multifaceted nature of black people in Baltimore. Sydney's goal is to create a visual narrative that reflects the experiences of black people in the city and challenges the stereotypical portrayals often seen in the media.🎧🌟 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 a captivating episode of "The Truth in This Art"! Join host Rob Lee as he engages in a meaningful conversation with Glenford Nunez, a Baltimore-based artist, photographer, and creative thinker dedicated to crafting beautiful and practical images and ideas. With a diverse creative practice spanning photography, painting, and 3D work, Glenford's artistic journey led him to leave a successful web programming career behind in pursuit of his passion for photography. Renowned for his awe-inspiring artwork, he specializes in capturing the radiant beauty of brown skin through his stunning images. Experience the captivating world of Glenford's artistry as he brings his unique vision to life.Join us as we discuss:The extraordinary talents of Glenford Nunez, a versatile artist, and photographer based in Baltimore, whose captivating work promises to inspire and amaze.Hear Glenford's inspiring journey of leaving behind a successful web programming career to follow his heart and delve into the world of photography, unveiling the passion and determination that drive his artistic pursuits.Prepare to be immersed in the rich and diverse creative practice of Glenford Nunez, as we delve into the realms of photography, painting, and 3D work, offering a glimpse into the incredible range of his artistic expressions.Discover Glenford's profound belief in the power of creativity as a problem-solving tool, as he takes us on a journey through his fascinating experiments with different artistic mediums, illuminating the boundless possibilities that art holds.Learn how Glenford's early morning routine serves as the catalyst for his creativity, providing a tranquil space where innovative ideas and masterful creations take shape.Join us in this enlightening episode as Glenford discuss why he left his career in web programming to pursue his passion for photography and has since become known for his stunning images that celebrate the beauty of brown skin. Glenford's creative practice extends beyond photography and includes painting and 3D work. He believes in the power of creativity to solve problems and enjoys experimenting with different mediums. Glenford is an early riser and finds quiet mornings to be the perfect time for creative work. He values the process of creating and finds joy in the feeling of accomplishment when he produces something he is proud of. Glenford is passionate about representation in the arts and believes that Baltimore needs more creative agencies, photography studios, and media outlets to showcase the talent that exists within the city.🎧🌟 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." I'm your host, Rob Lee, and I’m thrilled to introduce our next guest: Girl You Crazy (GYC), the talented musical artist hailing from Baltimore. With a diverse range of interests in art and musical genres, GYC is an artist, musician, and producer who believes in the power of ideas. His music is a fusion of personal experiences and relatable themes, drawing inspiration from both loved ones and influential figures like Pharrell, Kanye West, and Fonzworth Bentley. Stay tuned to GYC's authentic and captivating creations that are sure to resonate with audiences far and wide.In this episode, we delve into:Girl You Crazy's musical journey as he opens up about how his unique style is deeply rooted in personal experiences and explores themes that resonate with listeners, making his music truly relatable and emotionally charged.An inspiring episode where Girl You Crazy shares the sources of his artistic inspiration. From the cherished bonds with his friends and loved ones to the profound impact of influential artists like Pharrell, Kanye West, and Fonzworth Bentley, discover the diverse tapestry of influences that have shaped his creative vision.The essence of individuality and creative authenticity in this podcast conversation with Girl You Crazy. Unveil the importance of staying true to oneself in the artistic process, as he candidly discusses the challenges and rewards of expressing his unique identity through music.The vibrant creative scene of Baltimore in this captivating podcast episode. Join Girl You Crazy as he takes you on a tour through the city's thriving artistic community, introducing you to genuine artists who are deeply passionate about their craft and the artistic energy that makes Baltimore so special.Join us as we sit down with Girl You Crazy for an exclusive preview of his highly anticipated EP, "As Is." In this candid episode, he shares his excitement and the nerves that come with releasing new music after a long hiatus, providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creation of this soul-stirring musical project.Join us as Girl You Crazy discusses his musical style, which is rooted in personal experiences and relatable themes. He emphasizes the importance of being genuine and true to oneself in the creative process. Girl You Crazy also talks about his influences, including Pharrell, Kanye West, and Fonzworth Bentley, who have inspired him to think outside the box and embrace individuality. He highlights the vibrant creative scene in Baltimore and the importance of being part of a community of like-minded artists. Girl You Crazy shares his excitement for his upcoming EP, "As Is," and the nervousness that comes with releasing new music after a long hiatus.🎧🌟 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 a captivating episode of "The Truth in This Art"! Join host Rob Lee as he engages in a meaningful conversation with Gaia, the renowned American street artist, who is celebrated for his large-scale murals exhibited worldwide. A graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art, Gaia's works have graced prestigious venues like The Baltimore Museum of Art and the Civil and Human Rights Museum in Atlanta. His art explores diverse environments, backed by in-depth research from an outsider's viewpoint. Collaborating with individuals and organizations, Gaia delves into social and political themes, leaving a profound impact on the global street art scene. From New Delhi to Bogotá, his artistry spans continents, earning him accolades like Forbes' 30 Under 30 in Art and Style. Based in Baltimore, Gaia continues to inspire with his prolific and meaningful creative practice.In this episode, we explore:The World of Urban Art with Gaia: Unravel the creative journey of Gaia, a talented muralist and conceptual artist who thrives in urban environments.Delve into Research-Based Art: Discover how Gaia's work goes beyond aesthetics, as he seeks to understand different places from an outsider's perspective through his murals.Collaborative Murals: Join us as we uncover Gaia's collaborative process, where he partners with diverse individuals and organizations to bring his artistic vision to life on city walls.Navigating the Challenges of Street Art: Gain insights into the world of street art through Gaia's experiences, as he perseveres despite criticisms and obstacles to stay true to his creative vision.Finding Authenticity in Art and Life: Listen as Gaia shares how he strikes a balance between genuine artistic expression and the practicalities of making a living as an urban artist.Join us for an engaging conversation as Gaia shares his background as a muralist and conceptual artist, highlighting his focus on urban environments and collaboration. Gaia also talks about the challenges and rewards of being a street artist, including the criticisms he has faced. He emphasizes the importance of being genuine in his work and balancing artistic expression with the need to make a living. Gaia shares stories from his experiences painting murals internationally, including close encounters with the police and the thrill of creating art in unconventional spaces.🎧🌟 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 a captivating episode of "The Truth in This Art"! Join host Rob Lee as he engages in a meaningful conversation with Lieanne Navarro. Her Artistic Journey from Barista to Founder of Dear Globe Coffee. Discover the story of how a passion for coffee and art converged, leading LieAnne to establish Dear Globe Coffee, a roasting business in Baltimore, Maryland. As a woman and minority-owned venture, Dear Globe Coffee embraces the adventure of coffee while fostering inspiration, connection, and sustainability. Join us as LieAnne shares her experiences as a barista, coffee equipment technician, café operator, and small-batch roaster, bridging the gap between art and the love of coffee. Explore her collaborations with local artists, café consulting, and her commitment to sourcing coffee responsibly from around the globe.Tune in as we explore:A unique fusion of coffee and art at Dear Globe Coffee.Discover the symbolism behind the name "Dear Globe" and its connection to nature, global culture, and Baltimore's industrial spirit.A commitment to inclusivity: Lieanne strives to break barriers in the coffee industry, creating opportunities for minorities.Explore Lieanne's artistic evolution from representation work to abstraction, showcasing her boundless creativity and imagination.Join the art community: Lieanne's role as an art organizer welcomes emerging artists, creating a supportive and welcoming space in Baltimore.Join us as the founder of Dear Globe Coffee shares her passion for both the coffee industry and the world of art. Lieanne reveals the story behind the name "Dear Globe" and how coffee connects us globally. She discusses the challenges faced in the coffee industry and her commitment to creating more opportunities for minorities. Delve into her diverse artistic style, from landscape painting to abstraction, and her role as an art organizer in Baltimore's thriving community. Lieanne highlights the Washington Market Center neighborhood and the opening of Dear Globe Coffee in the Bromo Tower Arts District, expressing her excitement for the area's growth. Support local artists and businesses with Lieanne as she showcases Baltimore's friendly and creative spirit.🎧🌟 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." I'm your host, Rob Lee, and I’m thrilled to introduce our next guest: Nikita Yogaraj, an emerging artist, illustrator, and information designer with a background in public health. A Tamil Indian-American woman, her family immigrated from south India to the US when she was 3, and she grew up mostly in Houston, TX. She has been living in (and loving) Baltimore for the past 5 years ever since moving here for graduate school in public health. Her past design work has often been about making public health-related data & concepts accessible to a range of audiences, and her upcoming artistic work aims to explore through portraiture the sense of "place" and how its facets inform one's identity, particularly for brown people from first and second generation immigrant families.In this episode, we explore:The Emerging Talent Specializing in Portraiture, Urban Landscapes, and Public Health Data Visualization. Join us as we dive into the captivating world of Nikita, where her artistic brilliance shines through various mediums, bringing life to portraits, urban scenes, and complex data visualizations with a unique touch of public health insights.The artistic endeavors of Nikita Yogaraj, a self-taught artist unaffiliated with any institution. Delve into the powerful themes that form the core of her work, as she beautifully captures the essence of immigrant identity through art, paving the way for meaningful conversations and reflections.Join us for an inspiring conversation with Nikita Yogaraj, an artist who finds her muse in the pages of literature, the melodies of music, and the wonders of nature. In this episode, we explore the magical sources that ignite her creativity and how she believes in nurturing artistic expression for a world filled with beauty and imagination.Embark on a journey with Nikita Yogaraj as she navigates the dynamic world of a multidisciplinary artist. Listen to her candid insights about the challenges she faces while finding her artistic niche and achieving a harmonious balance between her creative pursuits and her day job.The significance of being part of a vibrant creative community and supporting fellow artists. Discover her vision for a world where art thrives through collaboration, inspiration, and collective encouragement.Join us in this enlightening episode as Nikita uses her art to communicate public health data and explore themes of immigrant identity. She is self-taught and not affiliated with any institution. Nikita discusses the challenges of being an artist, the importance of finding a niche, and the influence of literature and music on her creativity. She also emphasizes the importance of being part of a creative community and supporting fellow artists.🎧🌟 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." I'm your host, Rob Lee, and I’m thrilled to introduce our next guest: Elijah Jamal Balbed: A Globetrotting Saxophonist and Versatile Musician from Washington, DC. An esteemed alumnus of Howard University's Jazz program, Elijah has earned numerous accolades, including Artist of the Year, Best Tenor Saxophonist, and Best New Jazz Musician by the Washington City Paper. He has graced stages across the world, from the Middle East to Russia, Japan, Jamaica, South America, the U.K., and various states in North America. Elijah's musical journey has seen him collaborate with a diverse range of artists, from jazz legends like Bennie Maupin to contemporary stars like Lalah Hathaway and Fantasia from American Idol. Notably, he shared the stage with the late Chuck Brown, the Godfather of Go-Go music, during the final year of Brown's life.In this episode, we uncover:The profound impact of music, a universal language that transcends borders and resonates with people from diverse cultures worldwide. Discover how music becomes a powerful tool for connection and appreciation across different parts of the world.An insightful discussion on how artists utilize their creative platforms to incorporate political messaging into their music, enabling them to address and reflect on the pressing issues of their time with boldness and authenticity.Delve into the essential aspect of an artist's life – the art of balancing office work and creative endeavors. Gain valuable insights on how maintaining this equilibrium fuels passion and creativity, ensuring a thriving artistic journey.Experience the transformative and fulfilling process of artistic pursuits in this engaging episode. Delve into the joys and challenges artists encounter along their creative paths, highlighting how every step taken towards their goals is as rewarding as the final outcome.An inspiring discussion on the core virtues of dedication and perseverance in an artist's life. Explore how these qualities play a pivotal role in overcoming obstacles and propelling artists toward achieving their dreams and aspirations.Join us for an engaging episode as Elijah shares his inspiring musical journey from a young age in a musical household to attending Howard University and immersing himself in the jazz scene of Washington, DC. Drawing inspiration from emotions and societal issues, Elijah's compositions feature powerful messages through speech samples from politicians like the late Elijah Cummings. Despite challenges, he believes in the importance of an artist's duty to speak to the times they are living in. Elijah's advice to aspiring artists is to stay dedicated to their craft, embrace the journey, and persist in their artistic pursuits, even during difficult times like the COVID-19 pandemic.🎧🌟 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 ★