The Truth In This Art Podcast
The Truth In This Art Podcast

The Truth In This Art Podcast

Rob Lee

Overview
Episodes

Details

The Truth in This Art shares the stories that matter, often with more than one new episode a week. Hosted by Baltimore-based Rob Lee, each episode features in-depth conversations with artists, cultural leaders, and community builders. While rooted in Baltimore, we explore stories with national and international impact. You'll hear the personal stories behind their art, discover their fresh perspectives, and see how their work connects us all.

Recent Episodes

ALEX MADAUS: CULTIVATED STUDIOS & BIOPHILIC VISION
MAR 18, 2025
ALEX MADAUS: CULTIVATED STUDIOS & BIOPHILIC VISION

In this episode of The Truth in This Art, I welcome back Alex Madaus, an entrepreneur and visionary dedicated to bringing the healing power of nature indoors. Alex is a biophilic interior decorator and designer, and the owner of Cultivated Studios, a Baltimore-based biophilic design studio located right here in Baltimore.

We explore Alex's impactful work, diving into the world of biophilic interior decoration and design, and discussing the captivating evolution of Cultivated Studios. Alex shares his insights on creating cultivated spaces, the importance of customer experience, and his deep-seated passion for bringing the healing power of nature indoors. We also look ahead, discussing the future of biophilic design and Alex's aspirations for Cultivated Studios.

Eager to hear more about Alex's story and the early days of Cultivated?


Be sure to listen to his first interview, where we discussed his journey and the initial concept behind Cultivated 


Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

  • Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
  • Edited by Daniel Alexis
  • Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

  • 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.

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70 MIN
ART AS A LABOR OF LOVE (AND SOMETIMES A PAIN) WITH CAITLIN GILL
MAR 13, 2025
ART AS A LABOR OF LOVE (AND SOMETIMES A PAIN) WITH CAITLIN GILL

In this episode of The Truth in This Art: Run It Back, I welcome back mixed media artist Caitlin Gill to the podcast. Caitlin is the Exhibition and Program Director at Maryland Art Place (MAP) and a member of the all-female arts collective Gossip Girl Collective.

We delve into Caitlin's artistic practice, which explores themes of patriarchy, gender, and the invisibility of female labor through thought-provoking sculptures and mixed media installations. Caitlin shares insights into her creative process, the challenges of balancing her artistic career with her role at MAP, and her vision for the future of the arts in Baltimore.

Can't get enough Maryland Art Place (MAP)?

Be sure to listen to MAP Executive Director Amy Cavanaugh's interview in the archive.


Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

  • Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
  • Edited by Daniel Alexis
  • Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

  • 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

★ Support this podcast ★
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49 MIN
CHEF ROCHELLE COOPER: ARTISTRY & PASTRY IN WASHINGTON DC
MAR 10, 2025
CHEF ROCHELLE COOPER: ARTISTRY & PASTRY IN WASHINGTON DC

On this episode of The Truth in This Art, I welcome 2024 RAMW Pastry Chef of the Year, Rochelle Cooper, from The Duck and The Peach, La Collina, and more. We start with her story, looking at her early kitchen memories and the moments that made her want to work in pastry after culinary school. Then, we talk about how she creates, discussing how memories and childhood flavors inspire her desserts. Next, we look at her daily life, balancing being a busy chef with being a new mom. After that, we discuss how her desserts look, examining food photography and how social media shows off her work. We also talk about working with a team, discussing what makes a good pastry team and how working together helps her create. Finally, we celebrate her award, reflecting on her RAMW Pastry Chef of the Year award and what it means during a tough time for restaurants, with rising ingredient costs. 


Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

  • Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
  • Edited by Daniel Alexis
  • Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

  • 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

★ Support this podcast ★
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51 MIN
UNSERIOUSLY SERIOUS WITH MELANIE ROYSTER
MAR 6, 2025
UNSERIOUSLY SERIOUS WITH MELANIE ROYSTER

On this episode of The Truth in This Art, I welcome back Melanie Royster live from Eaton Workshop. We discuss her artistic evolution, from commercial projects to her current focus on fine art and powerful storytelling. Melanie shares how her Jamaican heritage and focus on women of color deeply inspire her work, driving her commitment to authentic expression. We also discuss the importance of rest and community in her practice, emphasizing that genuine connection and support are crucial for creative growth. Melanie highlights her dedication to creating vibrant, meaningful pieces that inspire and heal, reflecting the times and offering a voice to the voiceless.

Listen to her previous episode here. 


Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

  • Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
  • Edited by Daniel Alexis
  • Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

  • 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

★ Support this podcast ★
play-circle
43 MIN
JERRELL GIBBS: PAINTING LIFE, FAMILY & ARTISTIC GROWTH
FEB 27, 2025
JERRELL GIBBS: PAINTING LIFE, FAMILY & ARTISTIC GROWTH

In this episode of The Truth in This Art, I reconnect with Jerrell Gibbs, a renowned painter whose work explores the complexities of life through deeply personal and universal experiences. Jerrell shares insights into his evolving artistic practice, reflecting on how his perspective has shifted since our last conversation. We delve into his creative process, exploring how he draws inspiration from family photographs and personal memories to create poignant and evocative paintings. Jerrell also discusses the importance of community and the role of artistic collaboration in navigating the contemporary art world. We conclude by discussing his upcoming exhibitions, including "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made" at Galerie Myrtis, and his ongoing exploration of themes related to family, memory, and the human experience.

Be sure to listen to Jerrell Gibbs' previous episode here.


Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

  • Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
  • Edited by Daniel Alexis
  • Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

  • 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

★ Support this podcast ★
play-circle
53 MIN