Mad Creative Podcast - Highlights

Today we are talking with photographer, and soon to be documentary filmmaker Charlie Bennet

• IThe conversation opens with Charlie's captivating book, "On Pause: 3 Months that Changed New York," capturing the essence of NYC's transformative three months during the pandemic in the stark empty streets and the portraits of people affected by the pandemic.
• Epiphany and Late Bloomers Charlie unfolds his inspiring story, revealing his decision to pivot to photography at 38, escaping the confines of an unfulfilling advertising career.
• Creativity as a Poetic Journey Leyden, the poetic interior designer, shares insights into his creative path, highlighting the role of his support system and his affiliation with BADG (Black Artist and Designer Guild).
• Collaboration: Scales, Jazz, and Rock 'n' Roll Ed delves into the world of collaboration with young creatives, seamlessly integrating this aspect into his vibrant photography practice.
• Creatives Unite: Break the Echo Chamber! Charlie, Ed, and Leyden emphasize the transformative power of collaboration and encourage creatives to break free from their echo chambers.
• Corporate Life vs. Freelancer Wisdom Charlie sheds light on the distinctions between corporate life and the freelancer's journey, offering valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of each path.
• Value Creation and Fair Compensation for Freelancers Gain practical insights from Charlie, Ed, and Leyden on recognizing the value freelancers bring to the table and quickly turns into stories from all 3 about being compensated..
• Connect with Mad Creative: Stay updated by following @madcreativepod on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments and the latest podcast updates.

Explore more about Charlie Bennett and his work at charliebennet.com. Join us as we celebrate the diverse and inspiring stories of these creatives on the Mad Creative Podcast.

#photographer #interior design #documentary #creative #art

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In this episode, our conversation kicks off with a deep dive into the Architectural Digest documentary film, "AD 100: The New Taste," where Leyden Lewis stands out as one of the featured designers at the 16.55 mark watch AD 100: The New Taste https://www.architecturaldigest.com/video/watch/ad100-the-new-taste. We explore the impact of being acknowledged as an exceptional artist by renowned platforms such as Architectural Digest , as well as by Leyden's discerning clientele. Delving into the road less traveled as a creative, Leyden shares insights into his design process, the poetic elements of his work, and the importance of building a community within one's space.

Ed Lederman is steadfast in directing the spotlight towards celebrating Leyden, not only for his outstanding design work but also for the poetry embedded in his life and thoughts. The episode encourages viewers to engage with the film, the podcast, and the body of work produced by Leyden Lewis and Ed Lederman.

For a deeper dive into their creative worlds, you can explore Leyden Lewis's portfolio at https://www.leydenlewis.com/ and Ed Lederman's photography at https://www.edledermanphoto.com/. If you're a full-time creative and would like to share your journey on the show, reach out to us at [email protected]. We invite everyone to join us in experiencing the richness of their artistic contributions.

Malene Djenaba Barnett, an accomplished multidisciplinary artist, textile designer, and community builder from Brooklyn, New York, begins the conversation by sharing the sources of joy in her life, such as walking on a sunny day, winning awards, and engaging in her creative practices. As the discussion unfolds, Ed, Leyden, and Malene delve deep into the topics of joy, inspiration, and happiness.

Melanie then opens up about her origin story, recounting how her artistic journey began at the age of 5 when she started making mud pies. At 8 years old, she was selected for an art program, igniting her passion for painting portraits and playing the violin and piano. Despite being surrounded by mostly white girls in her early years, it was during 10th grade when she started doing self-portraits and listening to hip hop that she experienced the beginnings of her cultural awakening.

The conversation takes a turn as they discuss the impact of racism on black artists,Leyden and Malene talk about some of those experiences. . Malene shares the challenges she has faced as a black artist, having to overcome various obstacles.

Ed's comment that they are pioneers in their respective fields, leads to a discussion on how being labeled as pioneers can sometimes act as a trigger. Leyden candidly talks about his experience as a gay man and how it, too, has triggered emotional responses, while acknowledging that the effects of racism cannot be negated.

The conversation shifts towards exploring their essences. Ed identifies joy, creativity, and devotion as central to his being. Leyden describes himself as embodying joy, richness, and color. Malene identifies caring and silliness as part of her essence, to which Leyden adds the word "warrior," symbolizing her unwavering commitment to her work and personal journey.

Malene shares how embracing her warrior spirit transformed her success, leading her to establish the Black Artist and Designer Guild, which Leyden also became a member of. They emphasize the significance of support and community for artists and creatives, as it can empower them to overcome challenges and excel in their pursuits.

In the final ten minutes of the conversation, Melanie, Leyden, and Ed reflect on the —greatness, joy, and magic. These concepts encapsulate the essence of their shared experience and creativity.

The conversation concludes by acknowledging the richness of their dialogue, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the creative life and human experiences. Melanie and Leyden's feature in the April/2023 issue of Architectural Digest serves as a testament to their talent and collaboration.

For those eager to learn more, the podcast offers a platform to delve deeper into this captivating and inspiring conversation. Additionally, you can explore Malene's work and learn more about her artistic endeavors at her website: https://www.malenebarnett.com/.

Helen Gillet’s playing is improvised, intense, joyful, moody, artistic, and completely herself!

@helengillet is a cellist, singer-songwriter, and surrealist archaeologist. Her reputation as an exceptional artist is reinforced by her collaborations with renowned musicians such as Smokey Robinson, Marianne Faithful, George S. Clinton, and Dr. John LeRoy Jones.

On the #MadCreativePod Helen explores her creative process in depth and the emotions connected to it. Helen reflects on the idea of finishing a piece of music, comparing it to the last stroke of apainting and questioning whether it is ever truly complete.

Catch her performance at Opus 40 in Saugerties, New York on June 16th at 6pm. @officialopus40, a grand surrealist sculpture worked on by artist and @bardgradcenter professor Harvey Fite for 37 years is discussed; including whether it was ever finished.

#creative #cellist #singer #songwriter #performer #music #podcast

.proaching the creative procMary Jane Nealon has spent a life in service as a writer, innovator, and advocate for social justice in healthcare. Her memoir about her time as a nurse during the AIDS epidemic is titled “Beautiful Unbroken: One Nurse's Life”. In this episode of #madcreativepod we speak with guest @poetrysavesnealon about her two pillars of life and writing: joy and suffering.

Writing about the human condition is in part informed from her own lived experience working as a nurse. She discusses the poems and essays that emerged from those periods, revealing how the vivid mental images from that time will continue to shape her future writing. Mary Jane recounts how a poem took her 23 years to develop in her mind, yet only a few minutes to put on paper.

The conversation delves into Mary Jane Nealon's writing process and practices, exploring her writing life and the huge influence her father had on her. Her approach to starting a writing project is unconventional; and often doesn't start with a blank page.

Mary Jane describes how the act of writing contributes to her healing process and helps her find hope. She shares the struggle that many creatives face when attempting to find time for personal projects. And emphasizes that fear of failure often accompanies the process of creating these projects.

As the dialogue progresses, Ed and Leyden find common ground in their lack of enthusiasm for small talk, establishing a common bond among their differences on approaching the creative process.ess.

Film producer Daryl Goldberg has been a Creative from the get-go. He attended NYU film school and from there made feature films, commercials, and wrote a book on independent filmmaking. Nowadays he works as a creative problem solver and has, quite literally, dived into a newfound passion for diving. It was during a dark period that diving helped bring him back to life.

@daryl_bob talks about some of the magical experiences he’s had diving in his book “Life Lessons Learned Diving”, including : 1) Push your discomfort points to keep growing. 2) Don’t confuse simple with easy. 3) The importance of vulnerability

During this latest episode of #madcreative pod, Daryl , Ed, and Leyden do a deep dive on grief. Will Leyden take up Daryl‘s offer to go diving?

Billy Gerard Frank discusses his life as a multi-disciplinary artist. He sees each film frame as a painting, a theatre moment, and an art installation—a hybrid filmology that explores space and the relationship between actors. Billy shares with us his many influences: from his life growing up in Grenada as the son of a sailor and a boat-maker.

In 2018 he represented Grenada at the Venice Biennale with his short film called “Absence of Love” which explores the relationship with his father “through the lens of two fictitious brothers processing the loss of their father”. Billy went on to represent Grenada again at the Venice Biennale in 2021. Billy has had recent shows at The Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio, and The Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, Maine.

Listen in as he shares his unique morning practice, his thoughts on growing up as a gay outsider in Grenada, and how his perspectives have changed.

Leyden talks and celebrates his article with a great story all those amazing photos in Architectural Digest. He describes his collaboration with Malene Barnett to transform her townhouse in Brooklyn into a "Living Embodiment of Black Love.."

https://www.leydenlewis.com/

Lauren talks about her habit of leaving her studio door open at Mana Contemporary which is not the norm there. She tells the story of a person who she hadn't met before ,walking in to look around>. Her career and life are changed forever. Lauren talks about year 3 of the 7 year project she is working on. Her project Lives Eliminated , Dreams Illuminated is starting to get attention. See her project: https://www.laurenbergmanart.com/lives-eliminated-dreams-illuminatedEd and Lauren are married and have completely different approaches to their creativity..