• Truth In This Art: Stories from Artists, Cultural Leaders and Creative Thinkers

  • By: Rob Lee
  • Podcast
Truth In This Art: Stories from Artists, Cultural Leaders and Creative Thinkers  By  cover art

Truth In This Art: Stories from Artists, Cultural Leaders and Creative Thinkers

By: Rob Lee
  • Summary

  • Truth In This Art shares unique insights and stories from artists, creative thinkers, and cultural leaders, hosted by Rob Lee.
    © Copyright of this audio content is owned by Contrarian Aquarian
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Episodes
  • The Truth In This Art with Pioneering Film Producer Stuart S. Shapiro
    May 21 2024
    In this episode of "The Truth in This Art," 🎙️ host Rob Lee interviews Stuart Shapiro, a multifaceted producer, writer, and director. Shapiro shares his background in Massachusetts and his early exposure to music, which fueled his entrepreneurial spirit in organizing music events. He discusses the centrality of humor in his work, coining the phrase "funny is money," and reflects on the role of laughter in health and longevity. Shapiro also talks about dealing with rejection and the importance of self-criticism in the creative process. He touches on the concept of being cultured, the counterculture, and the value of stepping out of one's creative bubble. The conversation offers insights into the complexities of creativity and artistic expression. 🎨✨Episode Highlights:Meet Stuart Shapiro (00:03:40) Stuart Shapiro gives us a glimpse into his life, starting with his roots in North Adams, Massachusetts, and his formative years immersed in music and early business ventures.Reviving the Berkshire Music Barn (00:10:41) Stuart takes us through his journey of breathing new life into the Berkshire Music Barn, detailing the hurdles and triumphs of hosting concerts with legends like Arlo Guthrie and James Taylor.Comedy's Timeless Charm (00:21:37) Stuart Reflects on the lasting allure of comedy and its unique ability to deliver joy across generations, in contrast to other genres like horror.The Healing Power of Laughter (00:23:30) Rob and Stuart discuss the widely held belief that laughter can be a potent medicine, enhancing our overall well-being.Navigating Rejection (00:25:27) TStuart and Rob tackle the topic of rejection in the creative journey and how humor can be a salve during tough times.Bravery in Creation (00:26:21) Stuart highlights the essential role of bravery when facing the inevitable setbacks and letdowns in the creative industry.The Necessity of Self-Criticism (00:35:09) In this part of the conversation, Stuart emphasizes the role of self-criticism in steering clear of mediocrity and striving for greatness in creative endeavors.Artist's Battle with Rejection (00:37:30) A look at the challenges artists face when dealing with rejection, and the influence of self-assurance and external factors on their work.Recognition's Creative Spark (00:39:34) In this part, Stuart and Rob explore the impact of recognition on an artist's creativity and confidence, and how it can serve as an inspirational force.Art and Counterculture (00:48:21) This part is the discussion about the significance of counterculture in the arts and the value of an unfiltered approach to creative expression.The Filmmaker's Journey (00:56:36) Stuart shares insights into the gratifying yet demanding world of filmmaking, from the joy of crafting enduring works to the relentless pursuit of creative expression.Key Takeaways:1. Embrace your background to fuel your creative and entrepreneurial endeavors. 🌟2. Recognize the power of humor in work and its positive impact on health and longevity. 😂💪3. Learn to handle rejection constructively and use self-criticism to enhance your creative process. 🛤️🔍 4. Expand your horizons by engaging with different cultures and countercultures to enrich your artistic expression. 🌍🎨Website and Social Media Links:🌐 nightflightplus.com🔗 LinkedIn: Stuart S. Shapiro📸 Instagram: nightflightofficial📘 Facebook: Night Flight If you enjoyed this insightful conversation with Stuart Shapiro on "The Truth in This Art," don't miss the chance to delve deeper into his world. Visit Stuart's website to explore his latest projects and connect with him through his social media links. Show your support for an artist who truly understands the power of humor and creativity in our lives. 🌟💬⭐ But don't stop there! Your feedback is invaluable. Take a moment to rate and review this episode, letting us know what resonated with you. Your reviews help shape the future of the show and keep the art of conversation alive. ⭐📝Lastly, if you believe in the power of this podcast and want to contribute to its growth, consider supporting us on Patreon. Your support goes a long way in bringing more enlightening discussions like this one to light. Join the community, and let's keep the truth in art thriving together! 🌱🎙️ This program is supported (in part) by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation. If you have a story about art, culture, or community, share it with us at rob@thetruthinthisart.com for a chance to be featured on 'The Truth In This Art' podcast.Follow The Truth In This Art on Twitter, Threads, IG, and Facebook @truthinthisart Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.About "The Truth In This Art""The Truth In This Art," hosted by Rob Lee, is a podcast that explores the essence of creativity and its community impact, amplifying artists' voices and their profound stories.Connect with me:Website | ...
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • The Truth In This Art with Creative Alliance's Jason Steer
    May 15 2024

    In this episode, Rob Lee and Jason Steer explore the intersection of arts, culture, and community. Steer shares his Caribbean heritage and his path into the creative arts, detailing his time at the Apollo Theater and his work in education and workforce development. He emphasizes the importance of exposure, authenticity, and inclusivity, particularly in a project aimed at the deaf community. Steer also discusses his role at Baltimore's Creative Alliance, focusing on supporting artists from marginalized communities. The conversation touches on Steer's creative process, his excitement for the potential in Baltimore, his humorous views on English cuisine, and his interests in anime and sports. The episode wraps up with Steer inviting listeners to engage with the Creative Alliance's diverse cultural events.

    Episode Content:

    Experience at Apollo Theater (00:06:25): Jason discusses his time at the Apollo Theater, engaging the community and providing opportunities for youth.


    The Impact of Exposure (00:13:29): Rob and Jason emphasize the importance of exposure and representation for people of color in creative fields.


    Creative Process and Stages (00:17:28): Jason explains his creative process, from ideation to execution, and how he prepares new work.


    Engaging with the Deaf Community (00:19:28): Understanding and incorporating technology for accessibility in projects for the deaf community.


    Joy and Challenges in the Creative Process (00:21:58): Finding joy in creation and ensuring perfect execution amidst challenges.


    Strategies for Marginalized Communities (00:28:39): Allocating resources and building relationships to support marginalized artists.


    Community Engagement and Collaboration (00:32:22): Collaborating with arts districts and responsibly planning community support.


    Recognizing Creativity and Potential in Baltimore (00:34:53): Highlighting the value of creativity in Baltimore and recognizing its potential.


    Direction of Creativity and Community (00:37:59): Jason discusses the focus on creativity and community at the Creative Alliance.


    Commitment to Leadership and Passion (00:38:56): Sharing his commitment to the Creative Alliance and encounters with its passionate founders.


    Watching Anime and Sports (00:43:54): Jason talks about anime and his excitement for the basketball playoffs.


    Creative Alliance Events and Activities (00:45:38): Inviting listeners to follow Creative Alliance on Instagram and highlighting upcoming events.

    Key Takeaways:

    1. Exposure to diverse cultures and communities is crucial for personal and artistic growth.
    2. Authentic representation and inclusivity in the arts empower marginalized groups.
    3. Supporting local artists fosters a vibrant and diverse cultural community.
    4. Engaging with cultural institutions like the Creative Alliance enriches one's understanding of the arts.


    Social Media Link:
    LinkedIn: Jason Steer


    This program is supported (in part) by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.

    If you have a story about art, culture, or community, share it with us at rob@thetruthinthisart.com for a chance to be featured on 'The Truth In This Art' podcast.

    Follow The Truth In This Art on Twitter, Threads, IG, and Facebook @truthinthisart

    Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.

    Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.

    About "The Truth In This Art"


    "The Truth In This Art," hosted by Rob Lee, is a podcast that explores the essence of creativity and its community impact, amplifying artists' voices and their profound stories.

    Connect with me:

    Website | Twitter | Instagram


    Support the show:

    Merch from Redbubble | Make a Donation

    ★ Support this podcast ★
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    47 mins
  • KJ Mohr, Film Festival Director, on Diverse Stories & Maryland's Cinematic Celebration
    May 1 2024
    In this episode of "The Truth in This Art," host Rob Lee interviews KJ Mohr, the festival and programming director for the Maryland Film Festival. Mohr shares her background in film, her path to her current role, and the importance of diverse storytelling. She discusses the festival's response to the pandemic and its 25th anniversary. The conversation also covers emerging trends in film, the inclusion of new cinematic technologies, and the support for young filmmakers, especially women. Mohr's personal preferences for festival snacks and screenings are revealed in a rapid-fire question segment. The episode concludes with an invitation to the upcoming festival, emphasizing its inclusive approach. 🎬🎥Episode Content:The Early Creative Experiences (00:01:11) KJ Mohr shares her early encounters with foreign and indie films, influenced by her small-town upbringing and family's interest in cinema. 🏞️🎞️Defining a Good Story (00:05:10) KJ Mohr discusses her preference for stories that are outside her own experiences and the importance of unique storytelling. 📚🎭History with the Maryland Film Festival (00:06:53) KJ Mohr describes her journey of becoming aligned with the Maryland Film Festival and her various roles leading up to her current position. 🎞️🌟Role of Programming Director (00:11:01) KJ Mohr explains the responsibilities of a programming director, including community involvement, selection process, and reflecting diverse voices. 📽️👩‍💼Challenges in Bringing Back the Festival (00:15:31) KJ Mohr discusses the challenges of re-establishing the festival after a year off and the impact of the pandemic on the creative arts community. 🎭🦠Filmmaker Lounge and Emerging Technologies (00:17:18) Discussion about the filmmaker lounge and the focus on emerging technologies within moving image creation at the festival. 🛋️💡Themes and Trends in Films (00:17:28) Exploration of the forthcoming films, themes, and techniques being used in the festival, including a focus on coming-of-age stories and support for young women filmmakers. 📽️🌟Local Documentaries and Film Culture in Baltimore (00:19:24) Excitement about local documentaries, such as "More Than Hype," and the strong film culture in Baltimore, highlighting the industry's growth and potential. 🎬🏙️Recreation of the Paradox and Rapid Fire Questions (00:21:36) Discussion about the recreation of the Paradox and the host's rapid-fire questions, covering topics such as favorite movies, festival snacks, and preferred screening times. 🔄🔥Maryland Film Festival Details and Invitation (00:26:19) Information about the Maryland Film Festival's 25th-anniversary celebration, including dates, venues, and a call for new festival-goers, with details available on the festival's website. 🎉🎈Key Takeaways:1. Diverse storytelling enriches film festivals and broadens audience perspectives. 🌍🎭2. Film festivals must adapt to challenges like the pandemic to continue their cultural impact. 🦠🎬3. Supporting young and female filmmakers is crucial for a more inclusive film industry. 👩‍🎥🌟4. Incorporating new cinematic technologies can enhance the film festival experience. 📽️💡Social Media Links:Website: mdfilmfest.comInstagram: kristinamaisalegriaLinkedIn: KJ MohrIf you enjoyed this insightful conversation with KJ Mohr on "The Truth in This Art," don't miss out on the opportunity to dive deeper into the world of diverse storytelling and cinematic innovation. Head over to the Maryland Film Festival's website to learn more about their incredible work and how you can be a part of their 25th anniversary. Follow them on social media to stay updated on the latest trends in film and support young, emerging filmmakers.🌟 But don't stop there! Show your love for this episode by rating and reviewing it on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback is invaluable and helps others discover our content. 🌟🎙️Lastly, if you believe in the power of art and conversation, consider supporting our show through Patreon. Your support allows us to continue bringing you engaging discussions with inspiring guests like KJ Mohr. Visit our Patreon page today and become a part of our community. Every contribution makes a significant impact! 💪🎨Thank you for listening, and remember to keep seeking "The Truth in This Art." 🎨 This program is supported (in part) by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation. If you have a story about art, culture, or community, share it with us at rob@thetruthinthisart.com for a chance to be featured on 'The Truth In This Art' podcast.Follow The Truth In This Art on Twitter, Threads, IG, and Facebook @truthinthisart Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.About "The Truth In This Art""The Truth In This Art," hosted by Rob Lee, is a podcast that explores the essence of creativity and its community ...
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    28 mins

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