Art in the Raw: A Podcast About Queer Artists

E17: The Art of Sobriety: A Journey of Self-Discovery

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Summary

Artist Charlie Cole joins David Smith and Gabe Vasquez for a candid exploration of how sobriety, queer identity, and spirituality shape creative expression. From childhood art experiments to the erotic themes of his current work, Cole shares how his journey is marked by vulnerability, humor, and a refusal to hide any part of himself. Along the way, the conversation delves into the power of community, the alchemy of erotic and spiritual energy, and why shedding old skins—whether through paint or recovery—can lead to honest, transformative art.

You can listen to Part 1 of our interview with Charlie over on Gabe's Podcast: Art, Sobriety, and the Fool's Journey: Charlie's Path to Healing Through Creativity

Keywords

queer art, sobriety, recovery, erotic art, creativity, spirituality, LGBTQ+ artists, vulnerability, Dallas art scene, artistic process

Takeaways
  • Art as Subconscious Expression: Cole sees art as a channel for subconscious truths, allowing things to emerge that even he doesn’t fully understand until after creation.
  • Sobriety as Creative Catalyst: Getting sober didn’t just clear space for art—it allowed Cole’s creative voice to grow in bold, authentic directions, free from shame or self-censorship.
  • Eroticism as Spiritual: Cole’s current work is unapologetically erotic, reflecting his belief that sexual energy and spiritual energy are deeply connected, not separate realms.
  • From Chaos to Clarity: Pre-sobriety art was sporadic and hard to trace; post-recovery, Cole’s art shows a clear, evolving narrative, mirroring his emotional and spiritual growth.
  • Vulnerability Through Visibility: Making erotic art—especially pieces that might make even his mom blush—requires a willingness to be seen, judged, and ultimately proud.
  • Creative Cycles and Pink Clouds: Like the “pink cloud” phase in recovery, Cole’s artistic journey ebbs and flows, with bursts of inspiration followed by quieter periods of reflection.
  • Community and Isolation: While Cole’s art is deeply personal, he reflects on the tension between creative solitude and the desire for deeper artistic community.
  • From Abstraction to Intimacy: Cole’s next artistic phase might move beyond raw eroticism to explore intimacy, connection, and emotional depth—finding new ways to tell queer stories.
  • The Fool’s Journey Through Recovery: His unpublished book merges tarot symbolism with sobriety narratives, offering a personal map for integrating spiritual and creative growth.
  • Art as Manifestation: Cole believes that what we paint can shape our reality—sometimes literally, as people or situations that appear in his life eerily resemble figures from his canvases.
    • Chapters & Timestamps
    • 00:02 – Introductions & Setting the Stage
    • 00:39 – Gabe’s Podcast Mission: Sobriety and the LGBTQ+ Community
    • 03:15 – Charlie’s Creative Roots: From Childhood Sketches to Performance Art
    • 05:28 – Art Before and After Sobriety: Finding a Linear Progression
    • 09:18 – Spirituality in Art: From Marie Laveau to Out-of-Body Experiences
    • 12:08 – Queer Identity & Art: Eroticism, Vulnerability, and Liberation
    • 14:15 – Gabe on Creativity in Recovery: From Journaling to Crochet
    • 17:13 – Charlie’s Creative Process Today: Erotic Art, Collaboration, and Growth
    • 24:10 – Advice for Creatives: Embracing Imperfection, Vulnerability, and Subconscious Flow
    • 33:07 – Creative Community: The Search for Connection Beyond the Canvas
    • 35:18 – Art as Shedding Skin: Phases, Bursts, and the Evolution of Voice
    • 41:02 – The Fool’s Journey Through Recovery: Charlie’s Unpublished Book and Spiritual Integration
    • 46:52 – Looking Ahead: Next Projects, New Directions, and Taking Up Space
    • 54:55 – Rapid-Fire Questions: Oils, Cocktail Twins, and the Art of the Daddy Voice
    • 01:03:28 – Closing Thoughts: The Magic of Growth, Community, and Queer Creativity
      • Featured Artist & Guest Links

      Charlie Cole is a Dallas-based artist whose work spans spiritual symbolism, queer eroticism, and the interplay of recovery and creativity. His unpublished book, The Fool’s Journey Through Recovery, explores tarot as a metaphor for sobriety and personal evolution.

      • Facebook Page: Art by Cole
      • Instagram: @charlesedwardcole
      • Book: The Fool’s Journey Through Recovery – buy on Amazon or Barnes & Noble

        • Gabe Vasquez hosts his own podcast for Out & About AF: Alcohol-free coaching, community, and travel for LGBTQIA+ folks and allies. You can find more information about Gabe and Out and About AF below.

        • Linktree: Out & About AF
        • Apple Podcast: Out & About AF
        • Facebook Support Group: Out & About AF
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            Art in the Raw: A Podcast About Queer ArtistsBy David Smith, Salon Naturale