The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter

In this episode of The Truth in This Art, I have the pleasure of chatting with Jefferson Liu, an Asian American photographer, filmmaker, and designer whose stunning work has graced festivals like Cannes, Sundance, and DOC NYC. Jefferson takes us on his journey from the world of advertising to carving out his own artistic identity. We dive into the technicalities of photography, the importance of storytelling, and how he navigates the balance between personal projects and professional work. Join us for an inspiring conversation about finding your creative voice, embracing imperfection, and the beauty that comes from taking risks in the pursuit of art.  The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). 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 podcastThe 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 sit down with emerging artist Kaia King-Hall, born in Jacksonville, Florida, and currently studying Studio Art at Santa Monica College. Kaia’s work has been featured in exhibitions like Are You Seen? at Barrett Art Gallery in Santa Monica and Eclectic Collective at Ouro Gallery in Los Angeles. Her talent has earned her several awards, including the Ronn Davis and Stiefel/Dockweiler Art Scholarships, as well as recognition in KCRW’s Young Creators Project in 2022.We discuss Kaia’s creative journey, her focus on women’s issues, and how her experiences with sexism inspire her art. She also shares how attending an arts high school pushed her to improve and how anger and personal experiences drive her work. We touch on her interest in large-scale sculptures and her recent pop-up show Spring Chickens in Venice, CA.Tune in for a conversation about vulnerability, empowerment, and staying true to your artistic vision. The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). 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 podcastThe 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’m joined by returning guests Micah E. Wood and Christopher J. Chester to discuss their latest project, Scene Seen: Baltimore Band Portraits 2016–2024. This 300-page book features over 200 stunning portraits of 85 bands, capturing the heart of Baltimore’s vibrant music scene and midtown neighborhoods.We talk about their two-year journey creating this tribute to Baltimore’s creative resilience, the collaborative process, and the stories behind the images. Scene Seen is more than a book—it’s an archive celebrating the people, places, and culture that make Baltimore unforgettable.Scene Seen is now available for purchase on Shopify—grab your copy today at this link.Be sure to check out these upcoming events:Friday, Jan 3 | FREE: Gallery Opening & Book Celebration at Metro GalleryTuesday, Jan 14 | FREE: Q&A with Teri Henderson at Greedy Reads The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). 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 podcastThe 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 ★

Prepare to burst into fits of laughter with our side-splitting montage compilation featuring four comedic gems! Join us as we revisit uproarious moments from our podcast episodes with these talented comedians:Kenny Rooster: Get ready for a wild ride of hilarity with Kenny Rooster as he brings his unique brand of humor to the table. Listen to the full episode here.Roberto Reed: Hold onto your seats as Roberto Reed takes us on a comedic journey filled with clever quips and uproarious anecdotes. Listen to the full episode here.Larry Lancaster: Brace yourself for non-stop laughs with Larry Lancaster as he serves up a hearty dose of comedy gold. Listen to the full episode here.Michael Furr: Get ready to laugh until it hurts with Michael Furr as he regales us with his sharp wit and hilarious observations. Listen to the full episode here.Don't miss out on this uproarious compilation guaranteed to leave you in stitches! Tune in now for a dose of comedy that will brighten your day. The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). 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 podcastThe 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 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 The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). 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 podcastThe 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.  The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). 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 podcastThe 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!  The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). 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 podcastThe 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! The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). 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 podcastThe 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. The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). 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 podcastThe 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. The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). 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 podcastThe 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 ★