Not Real Art

When you think of some of the most culturally diverse and renowned cities on earth, they all have one thing in common: art. From local galleries to life-size murals, a community full of art is a community full of culture. That’s why supporting the arts in your local community is a crucial part of building a legacy, exposing artists to bigger platforms, and providing them with greater opportunities. Today’s guest inherently understands the importance of celebrating creativity and educating and inspiring others, as he himself has been active on the scene for nearly 30 years. In the house today, we have the one and only Toons One, international artist, style writer, custom painter, fineline pinstriper, and original graffiti artist since 1982, right here in Los Angeles. Naturally gifted with a broad observation of the cultural landscape of the world in which we live, Toons’ creations embody a rich imagination and a soulful interpretation of everyday life. In today’s episode, he shares his journey with us, recognizes those who inspired and uplifted him along the way, and highlights the importance of supporting arts and culture in his home of Southern California. Toons believes that one of the biggest conundrums Southern California’s finest artists face is not being recognized for their achievements and he calls on not only institutions and the local municipality to step up and support the diverse and vibrant culture in LA, but the private sector too. Tune in for a rich and insightful conversation with one of LA’s finest exports who believes that supporting one another and creating movements is not only important but crucial for the future of art!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Toons highlights the oral tradition amongst artists that seek to inspire and educate others.
• Who lifted Toons up and mentored him over the years, including his mother and hip hop.
• The influence that West Coast artist, Crayone and author, James Prigoff had on his career.
• Hear the story of Toons’ first tag and throw up in East Side Torrance, California.
• Breaking into the fine art world with his participation in Top Illin at ICU Art in 1995.
• What Toons’ learned from being a part of Earth Crew, led by court interpreter, Helen Samuels.
• How he made it out to Mexico City in 1991 and, eventually, to Europe in 1993.
• How he came to do a mural for Maxine Waters and recognize the conundrum that Southern California’s finest artists face in not being well recognized.
• Why Toons believes that LA galleries don’t promote the best work from Southern California.
• The long shadow Hollywood casts on LA artists; Toons believes the culture needs to step up.
• It’s not just up to the municipality to support the arts, the private sector is equally responsible.
• How inadequate funding and appreciation is discouraging artists like Toons.
• The rise of graffiti art from subculture to culture to superculture. 
• Why Toons started creating his own group shows: to give back to the scene, expose artists to a bigger platform, and provide them with opportunities.
• Find out how Toons came to live in Berlin after realizing he “lived to work.”
• Why he encourages all American artists to get out, travel, and see the world.
• The importance of understanding legacy and acknowledging and celebrating our history.
• How certain institutions exploit artists in order to create an archive of their work.
• How studying history helped Toons ask better questions, but the key is being observant.
• Hear about the benefits of taking on the role of teacher and student simultaneously.
• Taking the time to invest in yourself is not about the goal; it’s about the journey.
• Toons shares more about his upcoming book, which he hopes will inspire and educate others.
• The discipline and situational awareness that Toons says he learned from the streets.
• Building a legacy will open doors for you, so organize yourself and create a body of work!
• Why supporting one another and creating movements is crucial for the future of art.
• Toons’ final words of wisdom: if you don’t like what you see, look within yourself.

For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/toons-one-44

One of the most important purposes of art is to shed light on issues and people that may not always be in the spotlight. Artists spark conversations and are foundational pillars in many social justice movements. Showzart, the Art Jedi, is a muralist, community organizer, and resident of Skid Row. He works tirelessly to elevate the Skid Row unsheltered community. In this episode, we hear more about Showz’s journey and how he came to be a prominent artistic voice in this L.A neighborhood. He shares how he went from keeping his art dream at arm’s length to trusting his universal calling and following his dreams. Showz understands his purpose as an artist; it is not about money or fame, but rather to be a conduit for so many important causes. We talk about the power of love and energy, the magic that comes when you follow your calling, and the joy in being aligned with your purpose. We also discuss homelessness and the importance of shifting our perceptions around unsheltered and unhoused people. It is so important for us to move away from a place of judgment to one of compassion and love for all of our neighbors. Showz is not only an incredible artist, but a phenomenal human being, and we are so proud that he is part of the Not Real Art Family.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Showz’s background and the work he currently does. 
• Details about Showz’s new studio, which he has been wanting for years. 
• Why it was so important for Showz to have a studio that was open to other artists. 
• Showz’s connection to Skid Row and the niche he has carved in the community. 
• How Showz’s idea of his art changed and led him to see his abilities differently. 
• The sign Showz’s got that made him realize he needed to pursue his art dream. 
• Why Showz does not see himself as a revolutionary artist. 
• How Showz and Man One met and the doors that opened after this. 
• A powerful story of how Showz realized the universe was using him for a greater purpose. 
• We have to save ourselves and each other; we don’t necessarily need religion. 
• Showz’s view of race and how he sees that aspect of himself and others. 
• What Showz loves about this generation; the willingness to drop labels. 
• What people need to know about homelessness and life on the street. 
• It is so important to stop judging people who are homeless, it can happen to any of us. 
• The lessons Showz is teaching his son about integrity and being a leader. 
• Why we need to focus on purpose and stop getting distracted by false idols. 
• What Showz is moved by; it’s not being recognized, but being aligned. 
• How Showz continues to give back to his community. 
• The growth that has happened during the pandemic and the strength so many of us have gained.

For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/showzart-the-art-jedi

The Asheville art scene is on fire, and the city is well-known for its support of artists and creators of all kinds. Joining us today from the heart of the Southeast art world are Bob Ware and Louise Glickman, of Sand Hill Artists Collective (SHAC), a group that looks to support the art community on the far West side of Asheville. In this episode, we hear about the history of the city, and what drew Bob and Louise to live there. Having both worked as artists, Bob and Louise understand what it is like to struggle to put yourself out there, and, as such, they hope to create supportive communities where everyone can share knowledge and experiences. We talk about gentrification in the city, how it is relatively unaffected by climate change, and its deep relationship with storytelling. Bob and Louise also share the incredible work SHAC has managed to do in just over a year and how marrying the digital and art worlds spans boundaries and creates infinite connections. We are so grateful that SHAC holds the same values as us, here at Not Real Art, and this is the first of many collaborations. Tune in to hear it all!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Where Louise and Bob are originally from and how they ended up in Asheville.
• The influence that Moog has had on the city.
• A brief history of Asheville and the role it has played in broader U.S history.
• So many of the Asheville population are not native to the city.
• The impetus for starting SHAC and what the collective hopes to achieve.
• Why the reluctance to create digital art experiences should be worked past.
• How Asheville is dealing with gentrification given that more people are moving there.
• Climate change in Asheville: how the city will fare compared to the rest of the country.
• Details about the gallery tour SHAC hosted and what it was about.
• The understanding that Bob and Louise bring, being artists themselves.
• Similar values that SHAC and Not Real Art share.
• Why Louise was drawn to Asheville, having grown up in New Orleans.
• The rich history of storytelling in the mountainous area of Asheville.
• The power of art in fostering connection and bridging divides.
• How the pandemic has affected different people’s creative outputs.
• What moving to Asheville did for Bob and Louise’s creative practice.
• Why asking photographers about the gear they use isn’t a compliment, according to Bob.
• Hear more about ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement.
• The parallels between Bob and Louise’s work; their love for simplicity.
• Final words from Louise and Bob and where you can get hold of them.

For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/sand-hill-artist-collective

If you are looking to learn, grow, and be inspired, then today’s show is for you. MonaLisa Whitaker is our guest today, and her warmth, dedication, and brilliance are all infectious. MonaLisa is a photographer and mixed media artist with an enviable resume and decades of experience. In our conversation today, MonaLisa talks about her work in the Inglewood art community and the advocacy she has been involved within the rapidly gentrifying neighborhood. We hear about her start in photography, where she shares her passion for analog and the value she believes it offers all budding photographers. MonaLisa also talks about why she has chosen to explore the individual connection to the divine in her work. Through having her own children and learning about religions of all kinds, MonaLisa came to realize how similar many religious beliefs are and how they have been pitted up against one another despite their commonalities. We also chat about the magic that exists in the world, how artists can show us what we might not see and the value of connection. Tune in to hear it all!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Hear the story of how MonaLisa met Man One, her and Sourdough’s mutual friend. 
• The artist collective MonaLisa has been involved with for 20 years. 
• Insights into the work MonaLisa did with Inglewood Cultural Arts. 
• The work MonaLisa is most proud of; advocating for artists! 
• Paying respect to the incredible Michael Massenburg. 
• How MonaLisa got her unique name: her mom had a friend with the same name. 
• The interesting story of how MonaLisa was introduced to photography. 
• How old MonaLisa was when she got her first camera. 
• What sandwiching a negative, a technique people no longer use, entails. 
• The incredible learning opportunities that come with analog photography. 
• Where MonaLisa’s passion for connecting with the divine comes from. 
• What MonaLisa has learned about religion on her journey; everyone has the same desire to connect. 
• Details about MonaLisa’s current work. 
• The different moments MonaLisa thinks will be most remembered when she passes on. 
• How MonaLisa met her husband and what he is currently up to. 
• There is so much magic all around us, and we are much more connected than we realize. 
• Artists can help people see the connections they can’t always see for themselves. 
• Why MonaLisa’s surname, Whitaker, is spelled the way it is.
• We need connection and to be near one another; we are human beings. 
• Looking toward this year’s NRA Artist Grant.

For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/monalisa-whitaker

Today’s guest is the inspirational photographer and documentarian, fifth generation Angelino, and all-round good guy, Steven Levey. Steven joins us on the show to talk about his views on art, his recent foray into cooking, how he happened into professional photography, and why he mainly just wants to be a good person. We kick the show off hearing about how Steven ‘discovered his kitchen’ after COVID struck and the fun he is having making delicious meals for himself. Sourdough calls Steven the true mayor of LA and we hear about the long connection his family has had with the city next. Steven talks about how he has documented his connection to LA and this springboards a discussion on his relationship with photography. He tells the story of how he ended up exhibiting his photographs in a fine art show after documenting a street art event. We then hear why he doesn’t consider himself an artist and why has chosen the iPhone as his camera of choice. Toward the end of our discussion, we talk about all the money Steven has raised for the LA Marathon, hearing the story behind why he started doing charitable work for the St Jude Children’s Hospital. Wrapping up, Sourdough commends Steven on his endless empathy and desire to simply help others as much as possible, and Steven shares his views on why he has chosen this life philosophy. For all this and more from today’s admirable guest, be sure to tune in.

Key Points From This Episode:

• How Steven got interested in cooking and how he is incorporating his photography into it.
• Steven’s view that the meals he makes are about the food, not the Instagram food pics.
• Why Steven doesn’t eat meat but ate some for the first time in 25 years recently.
• The story behind how Steven recently cut his finger after buying a knife sharpener.
• Steven’s long-time family home and the story of him being a 5th generation Angelino.
• How Steven fell in love with photography and got into documenting LA.
• The journey Steven made into professional photography after photographing a street art event.
• Steven’s idea of art and how the conception he has of the work he does fits into it.
• A story about an experience Steven had at his solo show which influenced his view of himself as a photographer.
• Why Steven chooses to use his phone as his camera of choice.
• Steven’s philosophy about the value of empathy and why he tries to be a good person.
• The money Steven raised for the LA marathon and other charitable causes he is involved in.
• How Steven got involved with doing marathons and charitable work for St Jude’s.
• Steven’s thoughts on why he does marathons even though they destroy his body.

For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/stephen-levey

If you are old enough to remember cassettes, you will remember the Dolby noise reduction switch on them. This humble beginning was the foundation for an incredibly innovative company that has since branched off into creating immersive audio and visual entertainment experiences. Ellis Reid, a Senior Industry Marketing Manager at Dolby, helps people understand what the brand means in today's world. In this episode, Ellis walks us through Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos and how they take entertainment to a whole new level. He shares some examples of how this technology has been deployed, and how it has changed the game completely. We talk about movies, sport, music, gaming, and even podcasts. There is no entertainment stone left unturned. Ellis also discusses the importance of making this technology accessible to creatives because this is where it will truly shine. With the growth in digitization of art and music production, the next big creatives are probably producing from their bedrooms, so the sooner they have access to these incredible tools, the better. Be sure to tune in today to find out more about these jaw-dropping innovations!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why the pandemic has been such a great time for Dolby; everyone is working from home. 
• Dolby does not only work in the sound space; they work with visuals too. 
• Some of the incredible innovations Dolby has worked on in the visual space. 
• Dolby wants to enhance the overall experience of entertainment. 
• How Dolby Vision works to create an at-home cinematic experience. 
• A look at Dolby Atmos and how it enhances the auditory experience. 
• The platforms and devices that currently support Dolby Atmos music. 
• The Dolby Vision and Atmos ideas were around for many years; it was figuring out how to make it happen that took time
• Why it was so important for Dolby to make their new technology compatible with headphones. 
• An example of how Dolby has been used during English soccer games during the pandemic. 
• Why an important part of Ellis's job is bringing creatives on board. 
• An exciting project Ellis is working on with flutist, Nicole Mitchell. 
• As the technology gets into the hands of more creatives, more innovation will occur. 
• What the next frontier for Dolby is; the world of gaming. 
• Dolby developments in the podcast space; it's growing quickly! 
• Why Roma is an excellent cinematic example of how Dolby Atmos can be used. 
• What Ellis's role at Dolby entails and his journey to this incredible position. 
• As the technology becomes available to the ordinary person, it's going to blow up even more. 
• Entertainment is more important than ever and a way for people to stay connected now.

For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/dolby-atmos

Some people are extraordinarily unique and change the game completely. Greg Escalante was a bona fide maverick and trailblazer, carving out a space where so many of us could feel at home. Juxtapoz Magazine, the publication Greg co-founded, is still a leading work in the alternative and underground art space. Greg's legacy is about far more than the magazine; it is about the community he built and the lives he touched. Not only did he provide unconditional support to so many artists early in their careers, but he quite literally changed so many people's lives. In this incredibly special episode, filmmaker, Hans Fjellestad, Greg's gallery director, Wendy Sherman, and PR powerhouse, Heidi Johnson join Sourdough to reflect on Greg's life. During the show, you will hear tributes from many of the artists who were impacted by Greg, including Robert Williams, Shag, Shepard Fairy, Elizabeth McGrath, and Chaz Bojórquez, to name just a few. Heidi and Wendy also share some of their fondest memories of Greg, like his love of ice cream, their travels, and what a day spent with him would look like. Tuning in, you will understand the profound impact that Greg Escalante had not only on the art world but on the many weird and wonderful people in it!

 Key Points From This Episode:

• The first time Sourdough heard about Greg and was introduced to Juxtapoz in 1995. 
• Hans's experience of being in Southern California in the center of the community Greg was building. 
• Heidi's experience of working with Greg and how they helped one another's careers. 
• Hear artists like Robert Williams and Scott Hess share stories about their dear friend, Greg. 
• Merry Karnowsky, Ben Goretsky, Shag, Shepard Fairy, and Shana Nys Dambrot honor Greg. 
• How Greg changed Elizabeth McGrath's life and career forever. 
• What a day spend with Greg in Chinatown would look like. 
• Heidi shares a story of a dinner she and Greg went to when he had a rare drink. 
• Reflecting on some of Greg's wild birthday celebrations. 
• How Greg approached studio visits with his characteristic generosity and openness. 
• More artists, including Marnie Weber, Natalia Faber, Timothy Robert Smith share what Greg meant to them. 
• Greg had a unique way of making people feel truly seen. 
• The timeline of starting Juxtapoz; it all happened very quickly after he met Robert. 
• What Juxtapoz means to the art world and artists who ordinarily would have been ignored. 
• The story of how Robert and Greg connected and met. 
• Chaz Bojórquez shares the story of his and Greg's friendship.  
• Some other artists tell stories of their memories with Greg. 
• Greg's experience of seeing Robert's work on the cover of Thrasher. 
• Greg's relationships with gallerists were as special and unique as his ones with artists. 
• Insights into Greg's generosity with his art collection and his penchant for giving art away. 
• Reflecting on the fun that Greg brought to the often serious art world. 
• Greg's varied music taste and his love for all genres. 
• Hear about Greg's spiritual life and what he might have thought about The Vatican.  
• The story of how Wendy met Greg after being interested in lowbrow art for many years. 
• Doug Harvey, LC, and more pay tribute to Greg. 
• Heidi's trip with Greg to Mexico and his other travels over the years. 
• Greg did not just change the art scene; he changed people's lives. 
• More friends and artists share their tributes to Greg to end the show.

For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/greg-escalante

Three letters are dominating the art world right now, N-F-T. They stand for ‘non-fungible token’, which is represented as a unit of data, typically on the Ethereum blockchain. So how does this affect artists around the world? It returns the power to them. In today’s episode, we speak with intellectual property attorney Joshua Wattles, and former DeviantArt staff member, Tom Rowlandson. Together, they explain the ins and outs of NFTs, and why it’s such a hot topic right now. To kick things off, Tom shares his own experiences with NFTs, as he details his background in crypto as well as instances where he has bought and sold NFTs on the blockchain. Following this, Josh explains the NFT paradigm shift with artists and tells us what sets these digital tokens apart from standard IP. We then take a deep dive into what makes NFTs appealing to so many people, as we learn that factors like insurance and maintaining the item’s condition all play a role in the buyer’s decision making. With such a steep rise in interest and popularity, somebody has to be making a fortune, right? Tom and Josh then explain to listeners what gives NFTs their value, and touch on some of the fees you pay in marketplaces like Nifty Gateway. Toward the end of the episode, we discuss a few of the controversies that have come with NFTs. We talk energy consumption, authenticity, and why “buyers beware,” remains ever true. For more detail on how you can get involved in NFTs and why they’re set to shake things up for creatives, be sure to tune in today! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Before we begin, we say thanks to International Women’s Month NRA host, Eric Yoshi.
• We introduce today’s topic: non-fungible tokens.
• Hear what NFTs could offer and what makes them so awesome.
• We welcome today’s guests, Josh Wattles and Tom Rowlandson, to talk about NFTs.
• Tom shares some of his experience creating and selling NFTs.
• Hear how Tom and Josh have shares experiences in the world of art.
• Tom tells listeners about his collaboration with Lora Zombie.
• Josh explains the NFT paradigm shift for artists.
• Why owning a token of an item, instead of the physical item itself, can be appealing.
• We talk about what types of artists are benefiting most from NFTs.
• NFTs and their inevitable versatility.
• Hear about how NBA Topshots are changing the way NFTs are perceived by the public.
• Find out who is getting rich off of this modern age gold rush.
• We touch on the various market places available to buy and sell NFTs.
• The environmental impact NFTs and running the blockchain.
• How NFTs are going to help with the authenticity of products.
• Why you shouldn’t be fooled by an NFT either.
• Hear how NFTs are being used as a method of issuing tickets for events.

For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/nfts-lora-zombie/

Making a break in the entertainment industry takes hard work, careful attention, and a strong vision. Today we speak with a woman who achieved great heights in film and television. Channing Dungey is a TV executive and the first black American president of a major broadcast television network. In this rich and inspiring episode, we talk with Channing about her journey to the top and beyond. We open the show by hearing about her earliest years, as she tells listeners about how she has always been enchanted by stories. After graduating from the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television, Channing pursued a career in the industry. In the years that followed, she became a path maker and mold-breaker as she steadily climbed the ranks. We ask Channing how she made her way into television, as she touches on the ebbs and flows of the film industry of the early 2000s, and why she connected with the TV medium. Diving into deeper detail, Channing shares some of the attributes that make a good television show, noting emotional connection and the longevity of a captivating story told over several seasons. On her various professional roles, Channing walks listeners through her career path so far, as she shares anecdotes about working for Steven Seagal, her stints running a production company, and what ultimately led her to take on the role of President of Entertainment at ABC. Channing continues by explaining the details of her role, and why, after 15 years of fulfilling work with ABC, it was time to move onto a new challenge: Netflix. Toward the end of the show, Channing opens up about the importance of hiring people of color and embracing women in entertainment. She lays out how new stories can be told, and why more diverse production teams, casts, and stories can and must be championed. To hear more on empowering women and people of color, as well as Channing’s triumphant journey in television and film, be sure to join us.

Key Points From This Episode:

• We introduce today’s special guest, television executive, Channing Dungey.
• Channing tells us about her journey into film.
• Hear about Channing’s first gig in the industry as a script reader and story editor.
• Channing touches on the route she took to become the president of ABC.
• How the film landscape was pushing writers into TV roles.
• Channing shares details on her journey to become President of Entertainment at ABC.
• We hear how Channing’s role has led her to get involved with a variety of content.
• Some of the things Channing looks for in a good show.
• What led Channing to continue her career with Netflix.
• How to broadcast production differs from streaming.
• Channing touches on how to get more diversity in TV shows. 
• Why, according to Channing, there is nothing more important than working with women.
• The work-life balance for working moms in the entertainment industry. 
• Maintaining teamwork among partners who are working professionals.
• What Channing hopes to achieve with her latest chapter in life.
• What COVID means for the entertainment industry.
• Channing’s advice for those wanting to get into the film industry.

For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/channing-dungey

Muralism is empowering, uplifting, and can be a megaphone to celebrate ethnicity. Judy Baca has been creating public art for decades and has produced over 400 murals while employing thousands of local participants to be part of Los Angeles’ social and artistic evolution. Her efforts are embodied by the Social Public Art Resource Center or SPARC. In this episode, we talk to Judy about her life in public arts and how SPARC has been such a large part of her journey. We begin our conversation by talking about what it was like to be in Los Angeles, as the former public art capital of the world. Judy chats about city bureaucracy and that there was little control over who could paint what and where. Following this, Judy introduces listeners to the permitting process which has plagued public mural art progress since its introduction. Yet, by this stage, murals had already left a huge impact on society, as various minorities and ethnic groups residing in L.A were now being represented. Later in the show, we discuss SPARC’s origin story and discover how it helped to band different neighborhoods together. Judy goes on to detail some of the impressive large-scale projects she has been part of, like the Great Wall of Los Angeles. Toward the end of our conversation, we talk to Judy about what it was like to learn in the legacy of David Alfaro Siqueiros, as well as what it takes to run community-based projects. For more on Judy’s life in art, be sure to join us in this historically rich and inspiring episode.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing today’s guest, Judy Baca, Founder and Artistic Director at SPARC.
• Judy describes what it was like to be in Los Angeles, the former mural public art capital.
• How the park’s walls in L.A went from gang writings to artistic murals.
• How the contemporary permitting process has affected L.A’s relationship with public murals.
• Judy shares her experiences changing the face of L.A. 
• Hear the genesis of SPARC and what its original intentions were.
• We ask Judy to share details about the Great Wall of L.A
• Judy tells listeners what it was like learning in David Alfaro Siqueiros’ workshop.
• Hear the steps involved in creating and running community-based projects.
• Why Judy became a professor.
• Judy shares some of the reasons why she never pursued a career in high art.
• How SPARC has become a modern marvel with an inspiring heritage.
• Judy gives listeners a taste of her latest project and what it’s all about.

For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/judy-baca