Have you ever considered that the most profound creative education might not happen in a classroom? What if it unfolds in the buzz of a print shop or behind the lens at a world-changing cultural event?

In this episode, I sit down with legendary photographer Roy Lewis, whose journey is a powerful testament to learning by doing. Roy shares how his early days in a Mississippi print shop ignited his creative spark, leading to an unconventional path where Ebony and Jet magazines became his university. He offers a firsthand account of documenting FESTAC '77, the monumental gathering of Black artists and intellectuals in Lagos, Nigeria, and explains how these experiences shaped his iconic eye.

This conversation is an intimate look into a life spent capturing our stories, reminding us that the richest lessons often come from the journey itself, not a predetermined map.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Roy Lewis and His Journey

02:53 Early Influences and First Steps in Photography

06:03 Building Relationships in the Photography World

08:59 Finding His Voice as a Photographer

11:37 The Significance of Festac 1977

14:46 Experiences and Memories from Festac

18:00 Reflections on Cultural Impact and Legacy

Learn more about Roy:

https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/roy-lewis-40

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Website: www.martineseverin.comFollow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: www.martineseverin.substack.com

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.

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