The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter

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 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 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. 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 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. 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 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.  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, Rob Lee sits down with Jennifer Murray, a Chicago-based artist, educator, and cultural producer who serves as the Museum Manager at 21c Museum Hotel Chicago. They dive into Jennifer Murray's dynamic role in art curation, her journey from academia to museum management, and her experience fostering community connections through contemporary art. Jennifer Murray also shares insights into the unique mission of 21c Museum Hotel Chicago, balancing creativity with art handling, and the upcoming Staple and Stitch art book and print fair. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation with Jennifer Murray about the intersection of art, education, and community impact.Don't miss Staple + Stitch, an art book and print fair happening at 21c Museum Hotel Chicago from November 15 - 17, 2024. This free event, organized by Jennifer Murray, will feature arts publishers, independent presses, book artists, zine makers, and more, with programming open to all ages! 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 special Election Day episode of The Truth In This Art, join me as I sit down with Diana Jean Schemo, co-founder of  100Reporters and the visionary behind Double Exposure,, America’s first and only film festival dedicated to the exciting intersection between investigative journalism and visual storytelling. Diana Jean Schemo’s career spans over 25 years, including work at The New York Times and The Baltimore Sun, where her investigative reporting earned her a Pulitzer Prize nomination.We explore Diana Jean Schemo's enduring commitment to unearthing truth and holding power to account, a mission that fuels Double Exposure’s impactful lineup of investigative films. Through its unique festival format, Diana Jean Schemo brings together filmmakers and journalists, highlighting stories that challenge the status quo and shine a light on issues that shape our world.Tune in if you're intrigued by the role of journalism in democracy or curious about how Diana Jean Schemo uses film to bring urgent issues to the forefront. This conversation with Diana Jean Schemo is a timely look at how storytelling and journalism can drive meaningful change. 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 had the pleasure of speaking with horror scholar and freelance writer, Lea Anderson. Lea Anderson's work, especially at the intersection of Black feminism and monster theory, brings a fascinating and unique perspective to the genre. We dive into her FANGORIA column Eaten Alive, where Lea Anderson explores the devouring Other in horror, film, myth, and literature. Lea Anderson also shared her academic background and how Black feminist thought shapes her approach to analyzing horror films. We talked about the role of monsters in storytelling, touching on everything from Gremlins and Blade to the deeper human experiences that horror can reveal. This conversation with Lea Anderson was truly thought-provoking and offered an intriguing look into how horror helps us explore societal fears and tensions. If you're into the art of fear and cultural critique, this episode with Lea Anderson is one you won’t want to miss!  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 Gigi Murakami, the Queen of Black Horror Manga. Gigi Murakami is an Ignatz-nominated mangaka, illustrator, and writer from New York City. Her work masterfully blends Japanese manga with vintage American pulp and comic aesthetics, creating dark and dramatic themes that captivate readers. Gigi Murakami shares her passion for horror and sci-fi, drawing inspiration from Tales from the Crypt and Silent Hill, and we dive into her acclaimed manga Resenter, a powerful story of revenge and transformation. Join me as we explore how Gigi Murakami brings the Black female experience to life through the world of horror manga. This conversation reveals the creative depth Gigi Murakami brings to her work and her unique voice in the horror manga genre. 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 Keith Dukes III and Tony Diallo, the creative forces behind Pixalfest, a short film festival in Washington, DC, that showcases the work of young filmmakers. We discuss the origins of Pixalfest, its mission to provide filmmakers a space to test and improve their work, and the importance of inclusivity in creating a supportive community. Keith and Tony share insights into how they balanced the creative and business sides of organizing the festival, their collaborative approach, and their passion for giving filmmakers a platform to grow. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the intersection of arts, collaboration, and the power of starting something new.  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 interview ultra-marathon open water swimmer and visual artist Katie Pumphrey. Katie Pumphrey's work explores the connections between human instincts, play, and the influence of her swimming career on her abstract paintings, sculptures, and installations. As the first person to complete the 24-mile Bay to Baltimore Swim, Katie Pumphrey draws inspiration from the water, and we dive into how these two worlds intertwine. We also touch on Katie Pumphrey's creative journey, her experiences with the Chesapeake Bay Swim, and her continued contributions to the art and swimming communities. This episode with Katie Pumphrey is part of my media partnership with Baltimore Magazine. 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 ★