Studio Confessions

Join me as I take my summer break and leave you with a summer prompt: Look around, does your current environment give you wings? Does the quality of the life you live, live up to the American dream we have bought into? Come along, I am back in one of the places that give me wings and flight. This is an invitation and a calling for adventure and above all a reminder that you deserve all the beauty and good of this world. Yup- I absolutely mean it. Get ready, come with!

Listen in as artist Courtney Alexander talks about “Dust II Onyx”, a tarot deck she created that celebrates the Black experience through the lens and tradition of this universal divination tool. The artist talks about her multi layered approach to creating art that inspires her to go big as a large person who is often expected to play small.  We talk about sprit awakenings, heeding the call of divine projects and how she used Kickstarter to launcher her successful and revolutionary tarot deck. Pull up a chair and join our chat.Get you Dust II Onyx Tarot Deck Here Learn more about the artist on her website: CourtneyAlexander.Art 

Join this fascinating conversation with the pioneer lifestyle-performer, artist and academic Ben Sander aka Brini Maxwell. Ben talks about his drag persona and hosting a subtly groundbreaking television show in the 90's. and how he is now developing her into high art. We also talk about his collaborations with his mother and how working with his mentor has broadened his ideas about his work and himself as an artist. Join in, become part of Brini's community of crafters and makers in New York City at her hub at Club Cumming. All are welcomed.Get a copy of Ben's new book here. Follow Brini Maxwell on Instagram @BriniMaxwell Learn more about club cummings at https://clubcummingnyc.com/

Join me in this remarkable conversation with Artist Yasmín Hernández. Listen in as this artist gracefully articulates a core Latinx experience often felt but unspoken. Throughout our talk Yasmin offers a vocabulary to address her personal truths that resonate beyond her own personal journey into broader cultural and historic narrative.  The artist also speaks about rematriating into her ancestral island of Boriken. Hear about the realities of leaving behind the amenities of New York City for a deeper connection to the ideas of “Womb” as home. Lean in, you will want to listen to this conversation!Stay tuned for the upcoming conversation with Yeasmín in Spanish our ongoing Latinx series later this summer. Follow the artist on Instagram: @yasminhernandezartVisit the artist's website: YasminHernandezart.comWatch her compelling vlog: Seven Years Rematriating 

Let’s go to Patagonia and meet “Chucho” the enigmatic Argentinean collage artist. Listen in to how his work was influenced by a six month visit to New York and Miami. He talks about being a self-taught artist, parenthood and how he is experimenting with collage in other mediums. This is your roundtrip ticket to a conversation in Latinx! Vamos a la Patagonia en Argentina para conocer el artista de collage enigmático conocido como “Chucho”. Escucháremos como un viaje de seis meses a las ciudades de Nueva York y Miami en Los Estados Unidos influyó su práctica artística. Chucho hablara de sere artista autodidacto, de ser padre y cómo esta experimentando con el collage en otros medios. Estes una Aventura en conversaciones en Latinx! Follow the artist here on Instagram here: @chuchosart

Are you ready to play in the sandbox? Listen in as I share about a fantastic collaboration I was part of with The Other Art Fair and Bombay Sapphire. Art is just half the story when it comes to creative and professional collabs. You have to have the right mind set, be flexible like clay and know people who are smarter then you! I give the insight and extend an invitation to play. Watch the Collaboration with The Other Art, Bombay Sapphire and myself on my website here. Learn more about the Other Art FairLearn more about Bombay Sapphire, Drink responsibly , xoLearn more about Aaron Maron 

Join in on my conversation with this multifaceted art and business power house. Meet Ekaterina Popova, or just Kat as she is known to her friends! The artist talks about her origin story of coming to the United States from humble beginning in Russia and what her younger self would think of her today. Listen in as Kat shares how her drive to create community lead her to establish the now iconic "Create!" magazine. Get an inside look at how this artist created an inclusive art space for dialog and a leveled playing field. Its great conversation about deliberate mind sets and mission driven momentum. You will want to get to meet Kat!Follow the artist on instagram @katerinaspopovaLearn more about Create! magazine here 

Meet actor, writer and producer Nathan Tylutki, all eight of him! Listen in as he talks about his upcoming series “Gemin8”, a series that explores the complexities of being a gemini and what personality shows up for any given moment to negotiate what happens in life. Nathan shares his creative process through lockdown and how his work has turned a corner by playing and experimenting with technology. We also talk about programming our minds of internal homophobia, the relationship art can play with recovery and much more- it gets really- join in on this somber and fascinating conversation about being a dedicated self-starter and emerging as an Artist.  Follow Nathan on instagram @nathantylutkiWatch the Trailer for "Gemin8"

Listen in as I share how I go out of my way to stay inspired and most importantly WHY I do so, at all cost. I share some stories about the price you pay to go your own way and some sweet rewards that make it all worth it. Let me tell you about the time I was lightly attacked on a zoom session and got cancelled on Instagram and how it confirmed I was going in the right direction. Its all fun and games until you ask yourself WHY! Join in you will never be the same. 

The conversation continues tomorrow in #Latinx with artist Maria Liebana @yolabola.La artista regresa al estudio para platicar de sus proyectos y las nuevas herramientas cotidianas que utiliza para crear arte y cómo a formado a su personaje Venus Glotona @venusglotona . Acompáñanos!!Sigue a la artist en instagram @yolabolaSigue a Venus Glutona en instagram @venusglotona     

Listen in to my conversation with the multi talented artist Maria Lebana aka Venus Glotona. Maria shares her journey of creating this cyber character during quarantine  and how her love of drag has influenced this project. We chat about music, apps as tools to create art and how we can show up for our community in the presence of fear and hate. Grab a drink, take a selfie and join the conversation.Follow Maria Liemana on Instagram @yolabola Follow Venus Glotona on Instagram @venusglotona

Join the conversation with Texan born, New York based artist Demarcus McGaughey as he shares his artist’s journey. From designer, to curator, to artist- Demarcus talks about trusting his inner voice. We talk about setting our own tables instead of waiting to be invited. The artist also shares his latest project that celebrates Harlem then and now. Listen in to this conversation that is full of insight on studio practices and the idea of home.Follow the artist on instagram: @demarcusmcgSee more of the artist work on his website Demarcusmcgaughey.com 

Join in on this intimate “Collage Therapy” session with Luis Martin / The Art Engineer and Artist Cynthia Jasmin. These one on one art making sessions are aimed to explore ideas and issues in your art practice, while having conversations with our hands as much as with our words.  Listen in as Cynthia and I explore the question:“How do I keep my upward momentum going in my life?”Get to know the vibrant and effervescent artist Cynthia Jamin in this one of kind session.Book your personal “Collage Therapy” one on one session here:https://www.collagedream.com/product-page/collage-therapyWe can cover from studio practice, art blocks all the way to the business of your studio practice. Reach out today!Watch this session unfold on Youtube here. Learn More about Cynthia Jasmin’s art on her websitewww.thepurpleinme.comAnd follow her on instagramIG: @thepurple.inme and @cynthia.jasmin*Disclaimer: Luis Martin / The Art Engineer is not a Therapist or an Engineer for that matter. If you are experience any mental crisis please reach out to a certified medical physician.

This conversation was recorded six months ago!! I had the pleasure to speak to artist and curator of Chicago’s Fluffy Crimes to chat about his apartment gallery initiative and how he is making moves during these clamorous times. Marc talks about leaving his job in the insurance industry to return to his studio to paint. Marc looks back at his childhood and remembers writing a book that might or might not have been stolen by a kid’s publishing company. Join this lost conversation from the vault and listen in as Marc and I write a new book in our creative journeys.Look at the work of artist Marc Benja hereCheck out Fluffy Crimes here 

I had an amazing interview with a fascinating artist, but the tech monster ate it all. I decide to show up anyway, because I love out conversations and sometime you are more ready than you think to deliver your message. Listen in as I talk about a post on instagram about focusing on what we can offer now, not when we are ready but NOW. Come play with this short conversation that is packed with creative license.Join me on Youtube here. Join me on Instagram here. Listen to Wig Play Brute here. Get your Collage Kit here. 

It finally happened. I got a wig… while a man in a wig is the least revolutionary thing to do in 2021- it gave me pause and triggered memories rooted in gender and identity. Listen in as I share how a silly gag gift from my husband prompted unexpected reflection and play. I talk about my sorted relationship to my own hair and share how a wig turned me into a brute and turned on my masculinity. Grab your wig and let me tell you a story.Learn more about the artist and writer at LuisMartinArt.com 

Joel Hernandez is back in the studio for a chat in Latinx!Listen in as Joel talks about how his parents enticed him to move to the states and how the promise of the American dream has changed. It all takes shape as the artist shares his trajectory from photography to sculpture and how he arrived at Masks and their meaning in his creative practice. Join us!Follow the art is on instagram at: @joelhernandezartSee more of the artists work on his website :https://www.joelhernandezart.com/ Joel Hernandez regresa al estudio para una conversación en Latinx!Joel nos platica cómo sus padres lo convencieron a venir a Los Estados Unidos y como la promesa de el sueño Americano a cambiado. Todo tomará forma cuando Joel comparte su trayectoria de fotografía a escultura y cómo llego a crear máscaras con propósito. Unete a la conversación. Sigue al artista en instagram aqui: @joelhernandezartVe más de las obras del artista en su pagina web aqui: https://www.joelhernandezart.com/

Listen in to my conversation with San Francisco based artist Joel Hernandez. His masks are part of a rich Mexican tradition that he combines with pop-art. Through his paper mâché sculptures the artist creates a langue to talk about our social condition in relation to nature and politics. Joel also talks about two sculptures that will be on view at the legendary gallery “La Luz the Jesus” in Los Angeles that reflect how human interaction has shifted during covid. Join us!Follow the artist on instagram @joelhernandezartVisit the artist shop: https://www.joelhernandezart.com/ 

Listen in to this fireside chat about journeys and the unexpected shapes they can take. Soon, it will be a year since the pandemic changed the way we live and how we look at the world- how are you doing? In this episode I share some of my arsenal for survival, that has prompted me to thrive in the face of crisis. Reflect with me as I question how to “Show Up” to offer and deliver our work for a greater purpose. Join in and set yourself up for success.Get the ebook "How to Make an Art of Your Podcast here"Find me on Youtube here and visit the studio

Listen in as I invite Veronica Petty from Domingo Comms back to the studio to chat in Latinx! Veronica talks about how her current project has brought her closer to her roots. We share stories about our connection to music in Spanish and our varying degrees of dance capabilities. This is the pilot episode for conversation in Spanish- and it is undeniable a blast of an episode! Join us!Invito a Veronica Petty de Domingo Comms que regrese al estudio para conversar en Latinx! Verónica nos comparte cómo su proyecto de arte y diseño la ha acercado a sus raíces latinas. También compartimos historias de nuestras conexiones a la música en español y nuestra incomparable capacidades de baile. Este es el primer episodio en la serie en español, y sin duda ha sido un relajo. Conversa con nosotros!

Meet Veronica Petty, the founder of Domingo Comms. Listen in as she shares how creating an arts startup during quarantine was the perfect opportunity to offer joy to a captive audience. In our conversation we talk about her journey of learning and immersing herself in her latino roots through the art and artists she champions and works with.We aslo exchange stories about stepping up and going on social media while moving beyond the feeling of being exposed and naked in public. Learn how Veronica is investing in Latinx and Latin American artists by focusing and nourishing in the artist’s careers on a very intimate level. Veronica also shows us the first step on how to create a narrative for our home, by starting with one easy and therapeutic step.

I am back! Join me as I make my way to the mic. After my 100th episode I took a break and when I let go of momentum, I had to do some soul searching. I needed to question why I needed to go to mic? This scary in-between time, in the midst of the pandemic and a country perhaps starting to heal, has the power to let us, as individuals, know what really matters. Let me take you with me!  

Its my 100th episode! Thank you for joining me on this adventure- if you’ve heard them all or even if this will be your first. I am glad you are here. Listen in to learn about the inspiration behind this podcast and what compelled me to start talking. I wholeheartedly believe we are connected as artists and creatives- reach out  with faith knowing that there will always be smiling faces at the other end of the table. I believe this and live this daily. Join me as I share some of the biggest lessons and gifts one hundred episodes have given me. Let me share what moves me, to move you.Enjoy the episode! I will be returning mid January 2021. See you in the new year!Go to CollageDream.com to pick up a the 2021 Calendar Raices de Paper  

Get your pencils ready and open your hearts! This episode touched my soul while giving me quite an education. Meet Andrew Xenios or Andy as I got to call him, a multidisciplinary artist with a store front studio in the Santa Lucia neighborhood of Merida. Andy talks about his career as an artist after serving in the military and picking up a few degrees along the way. Born in the U.S. to Greek parents, Andy has been living in the Yucatan since the 70’s. Listen in as he shares some of his ideas about the role artists play in society and how it has helped him price his art. Join the conversation, you’ll be a better artists for it, I promise.Vist the artist website: http://www.andrewxenios.com/Follow the artist on facebook here

Dear Listener, join me and a few cups of wine as I sit with Esteban Covo, for what is officially “The Drunk Episode”. Meet Esteban who is co-founder of Magic Hammer, a CG animation studio in Merida and is also part of the Donia Way dynasty! Listen in as he talks about how his upbringing empowered his curiosity and confidence to explore, learn and launch his very own CG school at the age of 18. Esteban also shares the many love stories that are playing out in his family including his very own to a childhood friend. I really enjoyed this conversation and will re-listen to it whenever I want to fill my room with laughter and cheer. Join in.Magic Hammer  Donia Way Follow Esteban on instagram @esteban_covo

Meet Emanuel Toledo, a soft spoken culture powerhouse with a renewable energy engineering background. Listen in as we chat about his cultural and hospitality project La Casa Casa and how his father’s legacy enriches his mission. We look back at our short and well lived feasts with other artists and friends in Merida. Join the conversation and get the insight on mezcal, one of his side passions he generously shares with all. Follow La Casa Casa on instagram @lacasa.casa Follow Emanuel Toledo on instagram @ematoledor     

Grab your notebooks, activate your sketch books, I am sharing with you some practical magic. This is my Grimoire, listen in to learn how I use my notebook as a tool to travel time, shape shift and connect to a higher power. If you are an artist or a creative person, no initiation required. Learn some tips to protect yourself from creative blocks and boredom. Any notebook will do, I found mine on a sidewalk, in front of Molasses bookstore in Brooklyn, just bring your heart and soul.

Come take a walk with me in Parque Santa Lucia, the heart and center of my Merida experience. Join me on the safest way to travel together, via an audio tour!  I will share with you my favorite coffee spot, which will come as no surprise, but will be surrounded by opulence and history. Then we’ll go for books, food and meet new friendly and fascinating people along the way. Follow the link bellow and down load the google map I created of this walk. I hope this episode inspires you to envision a not so distant future when we can travel and explore again.Parque Santa Lucia Walk: Map @arq.line Educal LaCasaCasaLa Casa de Donia Way Museo De Gastronomia de Yucatan Between The Lines Bookstore 

I am far enough from the states to see and feel that the last block in my life is to forgive the country I was born in, the one that has rejected me and brainwashed me to believe I am less than and inadequate in every way. Listen in as I share why I must forgive… why what ever happens next I will be lighting a proverbial cigarette from the fire in my belly, the fire America has lit in me- making me believe it is my right to want and have more, even though it had no intentions of giving any of it to me. I forgive you America, and I hold you accountable and I will not forget. 

Meet the mighty Donia Way! The trail blazing character created by the Architect and Anthropologist duo Javier Covo and Ileana Reyes. Initially created by Covo as a lens to understand and celebrate his wife and her culture, Donia Way has become a passion project that is now a thriving family business with a mission.Listen in as I speak with Irene Covo Reyes and Maria Camila Guerrero, the daughter and daughter in-law of the creators, who tell me about the important role this beloved character plays in preserving and amplifying the Yucatan culture. Learn about their journey as they collectively create a meaningful brand and some unexpected pushback from the elite in the community. I am excited to share this cultural gem that mean a lot to me as the son of a Yucatan. Join me and learn what a “Confidentes” chair is and the meaning behind Donia Way’s name. You will want to meet Donia Way!!Visit Donia Way on her website: doniaway.comFollow her on instagram @donia_wayand on Facebook at facebook.com/lacasadedoniaway   

Join me as I relish in an unexpected encounter in Mexico. While my last episode was about creating bubbles of safe isolation, the Universe granted me a set of experiences here on my visit to my ancestral land of Merida, that has filled me with connection and legacy. Listen in as I share my story of meeting distant relatives and how this has filled me with a sense of resolution I did not know I could feel. It is a magic adventure into the light at my roots. Come with me, there is day of the dead bread and you’ll find out what a “Marquesita” is.CollageDream.com @Artengineer @stuconpodcast 

I am reporting from Merida Mexico! We are still in the era of Covid and we move differently. Listen in as I share how differently  the Mexican people are interacting with each other and  tourists like me. I share my first key to traveling, only to then brake it and talk about how our environment shapes us. I also share my thoughts about living in a bubble and some tips on starting your own bubble, wherever you are. I am going back to my roots in the tropics, join me.CollageDream.com Follow me on Instagram @artengineer Follow the podcast on Instagram @StuConPodast 

Meet artist and recent art school graduate Selena Lozano. I’m so excited to have Selena in the studio, live in person, six feet apart but so close with GREAT sound for this no Skype episode. Selena talks about spiritual awakenings, pricing her work from a place of generosity and we cheese out on our mutual love for Avatar! We also talk about the latent power of connecting with the greater Latin American world as Latinx people. Join us!Follow the artist Selena Lozano on Instagram @rocketship_  

Get together! Do you know what a “Master Mind” is? This once occult practice which was appropriated by American self-help capitalism, is a great way to continuously build a community around your art career and practice. Master Mind groups are constructed spaces where you give and receive very specific advice, attention and build on what you and others know. Listen in as I talk about my own Master Minds, some real, most made up.  Join the conversation as share my experience with Septembrollage and I come to the conclusion that this Podcast is an art and “wellness” podcast! Listen in! Watch the A Pretty Normal Day Doc Featuring Luis Martin / The Art Engineer here Listen to a Pretty Normal Podcast here Watch Artists to Art with Aaron Jack here 

Meet Quinn Antonio Briceño, a Nicaraguan Irish American artist working in Saint Louis, Missouri. I got to speak with Quinn right before his first gallery solo show “Como Tu” at Houska Gallery. The artist’s work is a mix of hyper realism with a mix of exciting patterns and vivid colors influenced by Nicaragua and the Latinx diaspora.  Listen in as Quinn talks about how he reconnects to his roots and mother tough through his work. Also, get the load down on “Bean Paper” and “Math Rock”!

I am thrilled to chat with Arlene Dávila, Professor of Anthropology and American Studies at New York University. Her new book Latinx Art: Artists, Markets, and Politics wields her first hand experiences in the art world and leverages her tenured academic voice to bring together conversations that affect Latinx Artists across the country.  Latinx poses questions that could be the playbook for what the new paradigm of the Latinx art and other Latinx endeavors, can look like in a post Covid world. Listen in as we talk about the many elephants in the art world, that to our own detriment, we have been trained to politely ignore. It is time to have these conversations, Arlene and her book are opening the forum, join us.Get your copy of Latinx Art here. Follow the author Arlene Dávila on Twitter

There is a window of opportunity right now. We can create new ways of functioning  and thriving as artists. Listen in as I talk about my first group show since covid and how different it all is. I talk about how the initiative of artists have created amazing opportunities for other artists and performers as in the back story of A Chorus Line and  like the “Septembrollage” challenge, that has really been activating my studio. But before we take on this new work and look ahead into the next six months, let’s make sure we choose our mental framework from a wellness perspective. An escape is closer than you think, and you don’t have to leave, but you can’t stay here, not in the same way as before.Local Project Septembrollage created by: Ariane Valesqua  and Elsa Botting Leone 

Listen in on this Spanglish gem of an episode with Chicago based artist Jaqui Almaguer . I haven’t laughed this much in a while. I literally get my Chicano card revoked and get a well rounded education on some Mexican and Chicano culture. The artist talks about growing up in Los Angeles and Chicago, and how Bob Ross and cholo culture influenced her art and studio practice. Jaqui shares some entrepreneurial tips for artists and some technical advice on going live while listening to your favorite music, without having to pay for copyright (yes, this is a thing)! We also talk about being Queer artists and how it can manifest in our work and empowering cross cultural references. Join the conversation! …ps. it is pronounce “Ale-bree-heh”… (lol)!   Follow the artist and watch there Live Painting events on Instagram at @artejaqui    

Listen in as I get to chat with artist Francisco Donoso about his studio practice. The artist talks about how keeping a studio outside his home, gives him the opportunity to spread out, explore and forge a community in the South Bronx where his first studio is located. We talk about gentrification and the cycles of artist neighborhoods that often end up in the displacement of people of color. Donoso also talks about the use of “chainlink fences” in his work and how he has reframed them through abstraction to take away its power. The artist also offers some advice on approaching a robust studio practice.Follow the artist on instagram @donosostudioSee the artist work on his website: https://www.franciscodonoso.com/

Meet fellow Angelino, Wesly Thomas, an American musician in Medellin Colombia. It is so exciting to talk to a young talented artist with so much passion and fire in his soul, to create, share and make more art. Listen in to how Wesley landed in Medellin and his goals of learning the language, sharing his adventures and  experiences with other Asian men. Wesley talks about being an expat in Latin America and how being an “other” in his new environment has inspired his youtube channel to educate others about his culture. Join in on this exciting conversation and pick up some mental framework tips, to get you pepped up in your creative practice.Follow the artist in instagram @wesleezyVisit his youtube channel here

What would you create if you knew you were “The Last Artist”? Join host Luis Martin/ The Art Engineer in this monolog that asks  “What would you create, if this was it? What needs to come out?” Listen in as he poses a few questions and asks you to imagine your work outside of the gallery context. What role can an art practice play in the new paradigm that is slowly and painful emerging. Let’s talk about what can ease our collective vertigo and put out the flames of the world we have inherited and co-created. You are the last artist, say something! Connect with Luis Martin / The Art Engineer on instagram @artengineer Get an art coach at ProlificFlow.com  

Meet Gary Carlson as he shares his stories of being at the center of the 80’s New York art scene, with his partner, the late artist Robert Loughlin, famously known for his iconic “Brute” pop art paintings. I visit with Gary at his home in Seattle to what would be one of my last one-on-one interviews before covid.I set out to document a queer love story because we don’t often hear or see LGBTQ love stories told or reflected. There is something to be cherish of a life lived and loved. This episode sets out to honor and celebrate Gary and the Chairman.Join in on this love story and adventure that spans 30 years!Follow Gary Carlson on Instagram @artiest_rls_brute 

Listen in as I get to chat with artist and art entrepreneur Rachel Wilkins. The artist talks about her recent monumental project “Shoulders of Giants”. Everyday during pride month, June 2020, Rachel created a work of art that celebrates the life and contribution of an LGBTQ leader. The artist further rallied her community by inviting others to be part of the project by way of writing letters to the leaders at the center of her work. To further the impact and resonance with the trail blazer of “Shoulders of Giants” the artist is donating 50% of sales to the LGBT Task Force.   I was humbled and honored to have the opportunity to address a letter of my own to Sylvia Rivera, a trans Latinx leader who’s work is finally getting some recognition, thanks to the work of artist like Rachel. Also in the podcast, Rachel shares some advice about taking on ambitious projects both creatively and from a business perspective. See more of the artists work at: https://rachel-wilkins.com/Follow the artist in instagram at: @artistrachelwilkins   

This conversation is in response to a question I received recently, a question I get asked about often and one I think about a lot myself, its about: visibility. My favorite answer to this question and it is my favorite answer to most questions is “Create your own opportunities to shine”. Listen in as I directly address my new friend “K” about visibility and what it takes to get ready. It’s closer than you think and the people that really matter are already watching and supporting you. Listen in! 

Meet Jasmine Zelaya a multi disciplinary artist based in Houston Texas. The “ritual ornamentation” in her work stopped me in my tracks. Listen in to how Jasmine goes into the zone listening to disco and finds extreme joy and pleasure in a repetitive art practice.  Jasmine talks about her connection to religious iconography and her love of Bernini for the tension of joy and pain in his work. The artist also shares some of her recent and exciting accomplishments that include being on the cover of New American Paintings magazine and having her work displayed on the Main Street Marquee in Houston. Join the conversation, you will want to hear how good it is.Follow the artist on instagram at: @z_e_l_a_y_aSee more of the artist's work on their website: https://jasminezelaya.com/Get yourself in a state of Prolific Flow at: https://www.prolificflow.com/Watch this conversation (with cat bloopers) on Youtube:

Meet Haitian-American artist and interior designer Franck Hodelin. I had to connect with Franck about his recent Instagram post, of a painting he made based on a painting his mother painted several years prior. Listen in as we talk about the beautiful and complicated legacies we inherit from family, country and systems of oppression. The artist shares the connection between the Black Lives Matter movement and the historic and doomed rebellion that lead to Haitian independence. Join the conversation as we talk about how we find hope in art and the young people creating change in the United States right now.Follow the artist on Instagram @FranckHView more of the Artist's work on his website: https://www.franckhodelinstudio.com/Get into a state of Prolific Flow with me at ProlificFlow.com Watch this conversation on Youtube here.

Meet Juan-Carlos Perez, a soft spoken powerhouse of an artist. Listen in as the artist shares his stories about arriving in Pasadena, California from Mexico. We talks about the experiences that shaped his understanding of racial issues and how it plays out in his art work. Juan-Carlos talks about his deep rooted relationship to Chicago and his recent return to Southern California. The artist discusses how he and his community has utilized art education as a way to process social issues and mobilize change. Join us for this important conversation with the artist Juan-Carlos Perez. Learn more about the artist on his website: https://www.juan-carlosperez.com/Follow the artist on instagram at: JuanCarlosPerez927Watch this conversation of Youtube here

Meet Aaron Marin, a collage artist based in New York. We reconnect after technical difficulties during our fist conversation, which seems indicative of our current tumultuous times. Listen in as we talk about his collage practice and the call to action he hears from artists and writers that have come before him. Get shook to the core as I did, as we talk about how our art should document this moment in time because history books will never do justice to truth. Chime in as we discuss the longevity and intention in the surge of interest in black artists. This is a raw conversation you will want to be a part of.Follow Aaron Marin on instagram @neutokyoWatch this conversation on YouTubeNástio Mosquito Louisiana Museum in the Netherlands interviewLangston Hughes essay "The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain"ART 21: Art in the 21st Century Kerry James Marshall

OMG has the world always been ending?These past few days have been hell, to say the least. Protests met with hyper police brutality, the pandemic still playing out in the background, health scares in my personal family… I need a second to regroup. So when I reached back for an episode from the volt I found “Matters Beyond Politics”, it is jarring how white supremacy has always informed the systems in which we function in, despite diplomas, money or influence. Listen in to my, one in a billion, battle before the current revolution. These are important times… but I need a nap, good food, some coffee, and a stiff drink. See you next week friends xoxoOriginally EP 33 aired on Anchor June 2019 

This is an unscripted communique. Right now I don’t have the dexterity to sit, write and produce an episode. So lets chat about hope, let’s make plans and deliberately create the world we are heading into. Listen in and tune in to what you are being called to do. In dark times, confronted with walls, Artists like us blast holes, we create our own opportunities to shine, with our rage, our hope and our love as our ammunition.    Music: "Amawamba" by A.M. Beef 

I am thrilled to connect with artist Sari Shryack. Join the conversation as Sari talks about her serendipitous name sake and how it plays into her career's energy. The artist talks about how she chose to show up during this time of crisis by making one painting a day on instagram and how that benefited her community and own well being. Listen in as she talks about how art can be a bridge from poverty into a practice of gratitude.I am humbled and privileged to announce that after completing my first round of The Artist Support Pledge I can offered my support and endorsement by buying an art work from Sari Shryack. In this conversation we chat about the process of demystifying talk about prices and money when I comes to selling art, and how that facilitated for a successful and supportive exchange for both of us. PS. There is a lot of pro tips in this episode, let me know what resonates!      Follow the artist on instagram at @not_sorry_art Watch the conversation on Youtube here