The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter

Embrace the journey with 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, hosted by none other than Rob Lee. Today our guest is Josh Sinn, a Maryland-based photographer and educator, known for his compelling work in documentary photography. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, he has honed his craft and expertise in capturing all aspects of life, with a keen focus on people and their environments. His love for the city of Baltimore shines through in his photos, which beautifully depict the city's essence, encompassing moments of beauty, joy, and pain. Josh's passion for photography extends beyond his personal work, as he also shares his knowledge and love for the art form as a dedicated teacher, guiding and inspiring his students.As we explore:Dive into the inspiring journey of photographer Josh Sinn. Discover how his early passion for photography took root in high school and led him to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in the field.Learn about the profound influence of his father's documentation of their family experiences in New York City, which ignited his love for capturing meaningful moments through the lens.Explore Josh's dedication to documentary photography, as he passionately seeks to capture the genuine essence of people and places, weaving authentic experiences into visual narratives.Hear from Josh about the importance of crediting photos, as he shares both positive and negative experiences in navigating the intricacies of image ownership.Gain insights into his artistic approach, as he reveals his preference for film photography and emphasizes the power of the photo itself over the camera used.Discover the exciting new projects on the horizon, including a zine and a potential book chronicling his solo road trip to Montana, promising captivating visual storytelling and adventurous tales.Get ready to be inspired as Josh shares his journey into photography, starting in high school and eventually pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in photography. He discusses his love for documentary photography and the influence of his father, who documented their family's experiences in New York City. Josh also talks about the vibrant photography community in Baltimore and the importance of representing the city authentically. He shares his thoughts on crediting photos and the challenges of navigating the internet as a photographer. Josh also discusses his use of film photography and his upcoming projects, including a potential book about his solo road trip to Montana.📸 Farrah Skeiky (@reallyfarrah)Mentioned in this episode:Josh's Website🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 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 ★

It's a pleasure to have you on 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, helmed by your host, Rob Lee. Be ready for an insightful conversation with Kelly Walker, a prolific American artist hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, who finds inspiration in the beauty, chaos, and reality of the city she calls home. With an impressive artistic journey, she transformed a rundown auto shop into a live/work space, celebrated by Baltimore Magazine as a work of art itself, featuring an extensive art collection by local artists. Kelly's abstract paintings showcase her mastery of techniques, textures, and patterns, drawing from her background in decorative painting. Her unique pieces use a wide range of atypical materials, intricately layered to evoke landscapes, graffiti, and color fields. With her art displayed in prestigious venues across Baltimore and beyond, including the Delaware Museum of Art, Kelly L. Walker's captivating and vibrant creations continue to mesmerize art enthusiasts.About Artstar Custom PaintworksPaint is a wonderfully versatile medium, translating endless ranges of color, texture, or patterned ideas into functional, long-lasting designs.Artstar Custom Paintworks is a Baltimore-based decorative painting and faux finishing company founded by Kelly Walker in 2002. Artstar specializes in hand-applied, atmospheric finishes that capture and enhance the charm of any environment with sophisticated drama. We are dedicated to individualized service and the highest quality craftsmanship to make your improvement project a powerful and diverse work of art.We actively develop new custom finishes for the design and architectural trades and are well respected for our professional contracting services and collaboration in the design process. Services range from murals and traditional faux finishes to custom-painted finishes and fine Italian Plasters.Within this recording:Delve into Kelly L. Walker's inspiring artistic journey, shaped by her move to Baltimore, where she discovered her true passion for art and design.Kelly proudly describes herself as a "maker" and constantly embarks on exciting explorations of various mediums, fostering growth and innovation in her work.She shares valuable insights about the importance of dedicating time to her studio practice and finding creative ways to overcome time and energy constraints.Discover how her decorative painting business, Artstar, has provided her with opportunities to work with diverse materials and textures, beautifully incorporated into her personal art practice.Kelly's perspective on creativity is bound to captivate you, as she advocates for thinking bigger, embracing new endeavors, and celebrating the absence of boredom as a catalyst for originality and growth.Get ready to be inspired as Kelly shares her journey of discovering her passion for art and how Baltimore played a significant role in her artistic development. She talks about her process as a creator and the importance of making time for her studio practice. Kelly also discusses her work as a faux finisher and the intersection between her decorative painting business and her personal art practice. She emphasizes the importance of using what you have and starting where you are in order to foster creativity.Mentioned in this episode:ArtstarKelly L Walker Fine Art🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 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 ★

Ready to explore? Tune in to 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, hosted by host Rob Lee and accompanied by today's guests: Mark Dinerstein and Andy Hotchkiss, the dynamic duo behind the iconic Hammerjacks music venue in Baltimore. With over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Mark oversees the day-to-day operations of Hammerjacks, ensuring seamless execution of strategies for the venue, food and beverage, sponsorships, and events. Prior to joining Hammerjacks, Mark served as the President at Knitting Factory Presents (KFP). On the other hand, Andy is a principal at NREB, LLC, a commercial real estate brokerage firm in Bethesda, MD. He brings his expertise in real estate and a passion for music and live events to Hammerjacks. Together, they have transformed Hammerjacks into a legendary space, hosting renowned artists like Foo Fighters, Bob Dylan, and Dave Chappelle. With their combined skills and vision, Mark and Andy have made Hammerjacks a premier destination for music enthusiasts and a significant part of Baltimore's entertainment landscape.HammerjacksHammerjacks, a legendary Baltimore brand, was originally established in 1977 and reestablished in 2021 under new ownership. For 20 years, its reputation for showcasing regional and national musical talent propelled it to a strong national brand and was a beacon for live entertainment in the mid-Atlantic. The local and regional affinity for the brand continues to this day. Now, almost fifty years after first opening its doors, Hammerjacks is back and ready to raise the bar, inviting seasoned regulars and a whole new generation alike to join them in carrying on the legacy of a true Baltimore institution. Located at 1300 Russell Street, the new Hammerjacks operates with the same rock & roll attitude that fueled the original into entertainment history. The first phase of the new Hammerjacks features recycled shipping containers fashioned into food and beverage stations and the outdoor space will see a wide variety of usage, from large-scale NFL tailgate parties and live events.Throughout this episode:Get ready for an exciting episode as we delve into the revival of Hammerjacks as a vibrant outdoor entertainment venue! Discover the owners' plans to reintroduce live music and captivating programming, making it a must-visit spot for music enthusiasts.Join us as we explore the new Hammerjacks, where tradition meets modernity! Tune in to learn how this iconic venue aims to honor its rich legacy while embracing diverse music genres and welcoming music lovers of all generations.In this episode, we highlight the owners' commitment to community engagement. Hear inspiring stories of their partnerships with local organizations, supporting and shining a light on the valuable work being done in the community.Dive into the history of Hammerjacks' location and design, paying homage to its roots and the surrounding area. Discover the thoughtful elements that make it an authentic and nostalgic experience for music lovers.Discover the thought process behind programming concerts at Hammerjacks. Learn how the owners navigate the uncertainties and challenges in the music industry, taking a cautious approach while planning to expand their offerings in the future.This is an episode you don't want to miss! Mark and Andy talk about their personal backgrounds, their love for music, and their vision for the new Hammerjacks. They emphasize the importance of honoring the history of the original Hammerjacks while also embracing modern music and creating a venue that is inclusive and welcoming to all generations. They also discuss their favorite music venues and how they draw inspiration from them for Hammerjacks. Additionally, they highlight their community engagement efforts and their plans for future events and concerts at the venue.Mentioned in this episode:HammerJacksBaltimore FishbowlMaximilian Franz Photography🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 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 ★

Begin your experience with 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, presented by the one and only Rob Lee. Today we have Jamye Wooten, a visionary leader and founder of CLLCTIVLY, Kinetics, Collectively, and the Black Theology Project, dedicated to fostering social change and empowering Black-led organizations in Baltimore. With a strong background in the black church tradition and faith-based economic development, Jamye's mission is to mobilize resources and create an ecosystem of grants and support for these organizations, allowing them to thrive and make a significant positive impact in their communities. His passion for nourishing black-led initiatives is at the heart of his work, driving meaningful change and progress in the city.During this session:Expect an insightful discussion on the importance of relationships in driving social impact and fostering strong communities.Discover how the platform Collectively empowers black-led organizations by providing crucial resources and support.Explore the significant role of art in uniting communities and the need to celebrate and uplift its impact.Join the conversation on the necessity of authentic narratives about Baltimore to counter the prevailing focus on black trauma in media.Tune in and be amazed as Jamye joins host Rob Lee to discuss his work in social change and supporting black-led organizations. Jamye emphasizes the importance of relationships and networks in creating social impact. He shares the story behind Collectively, a platform that connects black-led organizations with resources and support. Jamye also highlights the significance of art in bringing communities together and the need for authentic narratives about Baltimore that go beyond black trauma.Mentioned in this episode:CLLCTIVLY🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 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 ★

Delighted to have you join 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, where Rob Lee is your host with today’s guest Jon Bregel, a versatile filmmaker and photographer hailing from Baltimore, MD, who showcases his passion for storytelling and uplifting small businesses and nonprofits through his media platform, Baltimoresmall.com. With a hands-on approach, Jon's talent has been recognized by renowned brands like Nike, Audi, and National Geographic, and his films have earned numerous accolades, including Thirteen Vimeo Staff Picks. Rooted in his Baltimore community, Jon's heart for connecting with people extends beyond borders, allowing him to capture the essence of humanity across the globe.In this installment:John Bregel shares his inspiring journey and how his passion for supporting small businesses and nonprofits drove him to create Baltimoresmall.com, a media platform dedicated to showcasing their stories, giving them a voice, and empowering their growth.In this episode, John highlights the significance of rest and restoration in the creative process, emphasizing the need to take time for oneself to fuel creativity and productivity.Join the conversation as John reflects on his experiences in the bustling city of New York, where he learned the value of being hands-on in his projects and faced the challenges of the production process head-on.Discover how supporting small businesses goes beyond mere purchases; John discusses the importance of using your unique talents to uplift these businesses, helping them flourish and thrive in the competitive market.Don't miss this opportunity to learn from John who founded Baltimoresmall.com, a media platform that gives voices to small businesses and nonprofits through photography and storytelling. In this episode, John shares his journey as a filmmaker and photographer, his experiences in New York City, and his decision to move back to Baltimore. He also discusses the importance of rest and restoration in the creative process and the challenges of being hands-on in his projects. John emphasizes the need to support small businesses by not only buying from them but also by using your talents to help them grow. He also provides insights into his upcoming wellness platform for filmmakers.Mentioned in this episode:Baltimore Small🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 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 ★

Welcome to 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, hosted by Rob Lee, engage in this meaningful conversation with Ismael Quezada, a first-generation Latinx film photographer from Baltimore, MD, who has made a mark in the photography world for his ability to capture authentic moments and portray genuine individuals. With a unique style developed since July 2019, Ish Quezada's photography is all about embracing realness and celebrating joy in his subjects. Inspired by the vibrant art scene in Baltimore, he uses his work to challenge the negative stereotypes often associated with the city, adding depth and meaning to his impactful photography.For today's discussion:Delve into Ish Quezada's photography journey, where his primary objective is to preserve authentic moments and portray genuine individuals.Discover how social media impacts photography perception and how Ish discusses the need for instant gratification in the digital age.Explore Baltimore's positive side with Ish as he uses his work to challenge negative stereotypes often associated with the city.Learn about the unique aspects of film photography, where mindfulness and careful planning are essential, as compared to digital photography.Get inspired by Ish's passion for Baltimore's art scene and the talented photographers and videographers who shape his artistic vision.In this episode, host Rob Lee interviews Baltimore-based photographer Ish Quezada. They discuss Ish's work, his approach to photography, and the challenges of balancing authenticity with social media. Ish shares his passion for capturing genuine moments and people, and his goal of bringing joy to viewers through his work. He also talks about the influence of Baltimore on his photography and the importance of showcasing the city's positive aspects. The conversation touches on the advantages and disadvantages of film photography versus digital, and Ish's plans for future projects.Mentioned in this episode:Check out Ish's work🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 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 ★

Greetings to 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, presented by your host, Rob Lee. Today I chatted with Monesha Phillips, the dedicated owner of Pandora's Box Boutique, a vibrant women's fashion and gift shop situated in Baltimore. Boasting over two decades of experience in the industry, Monesha has garnered a loyal customer following and established a reputation for uplifting women through her diverse range of products. Her profound passion for supporting small businesses shines through as she expertly curates a collection of one-of-a-kind items that narrate compelling stories. With an eye for the latest trends and a heart for empowerment, Monesha Phillips continues to make a significant impact in the fashion and gift retail world.ABOUT PANDORA'S BOX BOUTIQUE Pandora's Box Boutique's mission is to provide a unique selection of the latest trends, jewelry, gifts, home décor, and personal accessories. Our products are high-quality, affordably priced, and handpicked with a sense of humor and authenticity, making them items that everyone can relate to. On this edition:Discover Monesha's inspiring mission to empower women and promote self-awareness as she shares her journey with Pandora's Box Boutique.Hear how Monesha's business acumen led her to adapt and evolve her boutique to meet the ever-changing needs of her valued customers.Learn the importance of building genuine relationships and fostering a sense of community in the world of fashion and retail from a successful entrepreneur like Monesha.Explore the fascinating stories behind the handpicked products curated by Monesha that deeply resonate with her cherished clientele.Gain insights into the thriving and supportive small business community in Baltimore, embracing diversity and making a positive impact on the local retail landscape.Monesha shares her journey as a business owner and the evolution of her boutique over the past 21 years. She discusses the importance of building relationships with customers and creating a sense of community. Monesha emphasizes the value of authenticity and storytelling in her business, curating products that speak to her customers on an emotional level. She also highlights the unique qualities of Baltimore's small business community and the city's support for local entrepreneurs.Mentioned in this episode:Check out Pandora's Box Boutique🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 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 ★

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! 🌟🎧 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 ★

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! 🌟🎧 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 ★

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! 🌟🎧 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 ★