In this episode of the Creative Potential Podcast, host Chris Decker welcomes artist and spiritual leader Jason Leith, who shares his journey of combining his passion for art, especially portraiture, with his mission of connecting with and uplifting the unhoused community through his project Sacred Streets. Jason discusses overcoming fear, the importance of calendaring creative time, the fusion of spirituality with creativity, and practical advice for artists looking to make an impact. The conversation highlights stories of transformation, the significance of joy in finding one’s purpose, and actionable steps to integrate creative pursuits into a fulfilling career.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Unique Artistic Projects: Highlights the impact of Jason Leith’s ‘Sacred Streets’ project, which uses portraiture to reveal deeper aspects of individuals’ identities and foster connections with those experiencing homelessness.
• Artistic Journey and Spirituality: Explores Jason’s creative journey, emphasizing the connection between spirituality and creativity, and how this relationship can drive meaningful creative work.
• Overcoming Creative Fear: Offers practical advice on navigating and overcoming fear in the creative process, helping artists push past barriers to express their true selves.
• Balancing Passion and Purpose: Discusses the importance of aligning artistic passion with a clear sense of purpose to create work that is both fulfilling and impactful.
• Integrating Creativity: Provides strategies for incorporating creativity into both daily life and professional endeavors, ensuring that artistic expression remains a consistent and enriching part of one’s routine.
• Transformative Impact: Highlights how Jason’s work not only transforms the lives of his subjects but also influences the viewers and broader community, demonstrating the power of art to effect change.
• Practical Tips: Ends with actionable advice for artists on maintaining a balanced approach to their craft, blending inspiration with practical steps to achieve their creative goals.

QUOTES

• "Creativity can be elusive... but it can also be an Excel spreadsheet that tells you exactly what to do and when it's due."
• "Your purpose is where your passion meets the world's needs."
• "Sacred Streets is about finding where God is making all things new right now, today in our very neighborhoods... Sometimes we go, really? Is He? Look at the news. But despite what we see in the news, there is redemption around every corner if we just look."
• "I started with what brings me joy and how I can do that as much as possible and make a living out of it. Where does that passion meet the world's needs?"
• I’ve seen several people decide to turn their lives around and self-initiate getting off of the streets after their portrait was done within days. It wasn’t a question of why they did that. They told me it was because of their portrait."

Connect and learn more about Jason Leith.
https://sacredstreets.org

If you feel called to give to Sacred Streets please visit: https://actintl.givingfuel.com/sacred-streets

Timecodes

00:00 Intro
00:35 Meet Jason Leith: Artist and Spiritual Leader
01:25 The Mission of Sacred Streets
04:37 Combining Art and Spirituality
07:32 The Power of Portraiture
09:50 Creativity and Spirituality: A Unified Approach
23:36 Overcoming Fear in the Creative Process
29:15 Practical Steps for Creative Professionals
34:38 The Vision for Sacred Streets
41:03 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement