Lindsay and Markel Haralson discuss “Living in Your Purpose”: their artistic processes, and the beauty of imperfection. We also get to hear Lindsay reading from her book and her latest unpublished poetry.
Head to wordbridgenow.com to see a photo of this dynamic duo and the fabulous cover art of Why Can’t We? Beyond the Narrative: A Love Letter to Black Women.
Key Moments
00:01:55 - Profiles of Lindsay and Markel - Angie provides background on Lindsay and Markel, highlighting Lindsay's focus on Black womanhood and Markel's artistic journey and mission to empower through art.
00:03:29 - Upcoming Exhibition - Markel discusses their upcoming exhibition, which will feature art, poetry, and live music, focusing on the broader Black experience beyond stereotypes.
00:04:53 - Artistic Process -Markel describes his approach to painting, emphasizing the beauty in imperfection and his philosophy of finishing paintings within a few hours to capture the essence of the moment.
00:08:07 - Embracing Imperfection - Markel shares a lesson from his fifth-grade teacher about embracing imperfection and how it shapes his art and personal philosophy.
00:09:15 - Writing Process - Lindsay discusses her writing process, the challenges of writing under deadlines, and learning to trust what emerges from her initial drafts.
00:11:50 - The Concept of Surrender - Angie and Lindsay discuss the concept of surrender in the creative process, reframing it as a positive and necessary step in creating art.
00:14:26 - Dear Black Girl Reading - Lindsay reads a piece from their book, focusing on the theme of strength and challenging the stereotype of the strong Black woman.
00:23:06 - Loving One's Skin - Lindsay shares another reading about embracing her darker skin and the journey of overcoming internalized misconceptions.
00:28:16 - New Exhibit Piece -Lindsay introduces a new poem for their upcoming exhibit, reflecting on her personal experience and the broader implications of a Black boy's first haircut.
IG: @blackgirlwritesagain
IG: @markel_the_artist
IG: @wrestlingtheringpodcast
WORDBridge Now invites you to sit in on our interactive podcast recordings–to meet and to be inspired by diverse authors. It’s like a book club with the author! During our recording sessions, we get the inside scoop on powerful, diverse literature—breaking down barriers and uniting us across differences.
Get in touch at WORDBridge Now for the links to join us at our next recording session.
WORDBridge Now, LLC℠
Igniting a Passion for Diverse Literature
through Live Online Author Meet-Ups
Because WORDs build Bridges to Unite℠
Angie Beumer Johnson, Ph.D., Owner
Pronouns: she/her/hers
[email protected]
614-565-8553
Thanks to our partners at Lee & Low Books
About Everyone For Everyone
Copyright 2025 Angie Beumer Johnson
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