Truth In This Art Podcast - Your Source for Conversations with Artists, Innovators & Cultural Leaders

In this episode of "The Truth in This Art," host Rob Lee is joined by Michelle Faulkner-Forson, Barry Wright III, and Brian James O'Connell to discuss the world of improv. They explore the misconceptions that improv is only for the funny or certain types of people, emphasizing its accessibility and importance in everyday life. The conversation highlights improv's applications in communication, teamwork, and even medical training. They reflect on the challenges of fostering a creative community in a capitalist society and share their joy in teaching and community building. They also discuss the need to innovate and adapt in the improv scene, especially in light of the pandemic's impact and the influence of cancel culture on comedy. The episode delves into the dedication required and the importance of pushing boundaries to remain relevant and engaging.

Episode Content:

• Common misconceptions about improv (00:10:29) The guests discuss common misconceptions about improv, including the belief that it's only for certain people and the limitations of the "Harold" form in improv.
• The misconception of improv (00:15:06) Discusses the misconception of improv as solely comedy and highlights its broader applications in everyday life.
• The accessibility of improv (00:16:30) Emphasizes the accessibility of improv as an art form and its relevance to everyday human interactions.
• Improv's impact on life skills (00:17:47) Explores the use of improv in medical training and its potential to enhance communication skills in various professions.
• The joy and challenges of teaching improv (00:19:24) Highlights the joy of teaching improv to beginners and the challenges of fostering a collaborative community within a capitalistic society.
• The role of improv in problem-solving (00:21:06) Discusses the application of improv in problem-solving and the intersection of creativity and business.
• The impact of improv on audience perception (00:23:17) Explores the role of improv in challenging societal norms and influencing audience perceptions through performance.
• Conceptualizing a themed event (00:29:04) Shares a creative idea for a Halloween party and the excitement of seeing creative concepts come to life.
• Beautiful Women and Hotlanta (00:30:06) Discussing Atlanta and the music scene, including the concept of hitchhiking and the influence of beautiful women.
• Evolution of Improv (00:34:40) Discussing the evolution of improv, the impact of the pandemic, and the need for new forms and presentation aspects in improv.
• Pushing Boundaries in Improv (00:41:49) Exploring the concept of pushing boundaries in improv, including the limitations and purity in the art form, and the need for creativity and innovation.

Key Takeaways:

1. Improv is a skill that benefits everyone, not just comedians, enhancing communication and teamwork in various aspects of life.
2. Creative communities can thrive even within a capitalist framework with dedication and a focus on teaching and inclusivity.
3. The improv and comedy scenes must continuously evolve to stay fresh and address current challenges like the pandemic and cancel culture.
4. Success in podcasting, like improv, requires pushing boundaries and a commitment to ongoing innovation and engagement.

In this episode of "The Truth in This Art," host Rob Lee interviews Britt Olsen-Ecker and Melissa Wimbish of the band Outcalls. They explore the band's genre-fusing music, their collaborative songwriting process, and the challenges of defining their eclectic sound. The duo reflects on their first creative endeavors and the role of their artistic backgrounds in shaping their current work. The conversation also delves into the excitement surrounding their upcoming single "Blast," live performances, and their participation in Remington Fest. The episode is filled with humor, personal anecdotes, and insights into Outcalls' creative journey and future projects. 🎤🎶

Episode Content:

• Introductions (00:00:10) Britt and Melissa introduce themselves and talk about their roles in the band Outcalls.
• The fusion of genres (00:04:40) The discussion about the fusion of genres in Outcalls' music, the challenges and opportunities it presents.
• First creative experiences (00:08:50) Britt and Melissa share their first creative experiences and how it influenced their music.
• Themes in their music (00:13:19) The common themes in Outcalls' music, including relationships, sexism, and venting through their music.
• Baltimore Connection (00:17:06) Discussion about the impact of the local scene on their growth as artists and the supportive community in Baltimore.
• Dynamic Performances (00:20:22) The experience of performing on a moving train and the ideation behind creating dynamic and theatrical performances.
• New Single "Blast!" (00:25:04) The background and inspiration behind the new single "Blast" and the excitement for its release.
• Upcoming Projects (00:30:19) Upcoming recital/concert, recording new music, and plans for releasing new music in the future.
• Cheetos and Snacks (00:34:59) Discussion about favorite snacks and keeping partners happy with snacks.
• Unexpected Inspiration (00:36:18) Exploring unexpected sources of inspiration in music, including the role of friendship.
• Wrap-up and Future Plans (00:38:06) Promotion of upcoming events, social media, and website details for the band Outcalls. 🚀🎸

Key Takeaways:

1. Collaborative songwriting can lead to a unique fusion of genres and sounds.
2. An artist's background and early creative experiences can significantly influence their current work.
3. Defining an eclectic sound can be challenging but is essential for a band's identity.
4. Participation in local festivals and events can be an exciting opportunity for live performances and exposure. 🌟🎵

Website and Social Media Links:

In this episode of "The Truth in This Art," host Rob Lee interviews Domonique Brown, a Pomona-based artist, designer, and marketing professional. Domonique discusses her creative journey, from early recognition in high school to founding Domo Ink, aiming to bring black art into retail spaces. She recounts her educational background, her initial office job, and her breakthrough with a solo art show. Domonique's art is influenced by her culture and Los Angeles's vibrancy, and she emphasizes the importance of authenticity and resilience in her work. The episode also explores the dynamics of brand collaborations, the business aspects of art, and the emotional challenges of entrepreneurship, offering insights into the creative industry's complexities. 🎨✨

Episode Content:

• Early artistic influences (00:04:33) Domonique Brown's earliest memories of drawing and the influence of her preschool teacher on her artistic journey.
• Transition to a creative career (00:08:44) Domonique Brown's academic journey, from graphic design to marketing, and her decision to transition to a creative career.
• Artistic awakening and career change (00:14:51) Domonique Brown's decision to quit her job, start selling her artwork, and her realization about the importance of marketing herself as an artist.
• The portrait mishap (00:16:34) Domonique shares a funny story about a teacher's critique on her portrait of Rihanna.
• The impact of museums (00:19:54) Domonique explains how visiting art museums in different cities has influenced and inspired her art.
• Navigating brand collaborations (00:28:26) Domonique discusses the importance of fair compensation and creative freedom in brand collaborations, and the red and green flags to consider when approached by brands.
• Domo Ink's Inception (00:33:48) Domonique Brown explains the origin and evolution of her art brand, Domo Ink, and its growth into a recognizable brand.
• Empowerment through Art (00:36:02) The role of art in representing cultural identity and the empowerment of black artists and consumers.
• Lessons in Business and Contracts (00:45:56) The importance of contracts and business savvy in creative endeavors, and the lessons learned from past experiences.
• The struggle of creativity (00:46:54) Discussion about the challenges and lows faced on the creative journey as an entrepreneur.
• Returning to factory settings (00:47:20) Exploring the process of regaining focus and motivation after setbacks in the creative journey.
• Finding motivation in small victories (00:49:27) How small moments of success and positive feedback can reignite motivation and passion for creative work.  🚀💡

Key takeaways:

1. Authenticity in art can lead to unique opportunities and recognition.
2. Transitioning from a traditional job to entrepreneurship requires resilience.
3. Educational background can serve as a foundation for a successful career in art and design.
4. Understanding the business side of art is crucial for successful brand collaborations and retail integration.

In this special episode of "The Truth in This Art," host Rob Lee sits down with accomplished stage director, producer, and playwright Troy Burton, in celebration of World Theatre Day. They delve into Troy's remarkable journey in the world of theater, exploring his experiences as a teacher and mentor, and delving into his recent projects. Troy shares profound insights on the importance of family, the empowerment of self-identity, and the transformative impact of his near-death experience on his creative endeavors. 🎭👨‍🏫🎨

Episode Highlights:

• Troy's early introduction to theater and the profound impact it had on him (00:05:03-00:06:52) 🎬
• The significance of family and the role it plays in Troy's career (00:08:44-00:09:54) 👨‍👩‍👧
• Troy's memorable projects, including his work with the Arena Players Youth Theater and the production of "A Real Nigga Show" (00:11:48-00:20:07) 🎭🎤
• Troy's experience as an arts educator and the importance of individualized teaching (00:27:08-00:32:04) 🏫
• Troy's recent projects, including the theatrical mixtape "You Thought I Was Him" and his work with Blue Velvet Soul Records (00:39:43-00:49:55) 🎶💽

Key Takeaways:

• Family support and personal experiences can shape and ignite a passion for the arts. 🌟
• Owning oneself and taking risks are essential for success in the creative industry. 🚀
• Individualized teaching and mentorship can have a profound impact on students' artistic development. 🤝
• Balancing different roles and projects can lead to a diverse and fulfilling career in the arts. ⚖️🎨

In this episode of "Truth in This Art," host Rob Lee interviews Los Angeles-based visual artist Lanise Howard. Lanise shares her journey from modeling to studying fashion and ultimately pursuing art seriously since 2017. She discusses her multifaceted interests, including plans to return to fashion and explore sculpture, while also incorporating her love for singing and writing into her work. Lanise reflects on how her upbringing in New York and California has influenced her creativity, with New York's museums and LA's diverse landscapes shaping her artistic perspective. She also hints at an upcoming show and her process of choosing mediums to best express her ideas, emphasizing a year of no limits and the importance of expanding her creative toolkit. 🎨🌆

Episode Highlights:

• Lanise Howard delves into her evolution from modeling to becoming a visual artist, discussing her wide-ranging creative pursuits and her aspirations for the future. (00:01:35)
• Howard reflects on how the distinct vibes of New York and Los Angeles have shaped her artistic expression, citing the impact of each city's museums, landscapes, and cultural tapestry. (00:06:37)
• Howard characterizes her artwork as a form of storytelling that weaves together complex narratives, captures transient moments, and exudes a touch of surrealism. (00:14:40)
• The conversation turns to the importance of confronting preconceived notions, embracing personal identity, and the role of art in disrupting the conventional. (00:23:10)
• Howard provides insight into the creative inception of a recent artwork, inspired by recurring dreams and the symbolic significance of a green door, revealing her unique artistic methodology. (00:30:33)

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace Your Evolution: Lanise Howard's transition from fashion to fine art highlights the importance of following your passion and being open to change. Her story encourages listeners to pursue their true calling, even if it means shifting paths later in life. 🌟
• Experiment Without Limits: Lanise's philosophy of the "year of no limits" teaches us to explore different mediums and forms of expression. Whether it's integrating fashion, poetry, or music into her art, Lanise exemplifies the value of creative experimentation and growth. 🎭📝🎶
• Authenticity is Key: Lanise's selective approach to projects and her focus on authenticity over commercial success serve as a reminder to stay true to one's artistic vision. This integrity not only shapes the quality of the work but also ensures that it remains personally meaningful and resonant with the audience. 🗝️