In this episode of The Truth in This Art, I sit down with Rahel Negasi, a model, stylist, and mental health advocate whose work blends creativity, fashion, and wellness. Rahel shares how her early inspirations and personal style journey shaped her approach to using fashion as a tool for self-expression and confidence. We dive into her experiences on the runway, her passion for promoting mental health awareness, and how her Ethiopian heritage influences her creativity. Rahel also opens up about the balance between advocating for others and staying authentic in her own journey. This conversation is a fresh perspective on the intersection of fashion, identity, and well-being. 

In this episode, I spoke with Chanel Kelly, widely known as the TrapCellist. Chanel is a Baltimore native, musician, producer, and arranger with over two decades of musical experience. Chanel’s unique approach blends classical cello techniques with contemporary genres like rock, heavy metal, and hip-hop. We discuss her journey from discovering cello as a child to exploring avant-garde techniques, her versatility as a musical chameleon, and her recent performance on Second Chance Stage on HBO Max. Chanel’s insights into creativity, soundscapes, and genre-blending showcase her dynamic artistry and passion for pushing musical boundaries. 

Dive into an empowering montage compilation celebrating the brilliance of four phenomenal women making waves in their respective fields! Join us as we revisit captivating moments from our podcast episodes featuring:

1. Jamea Richmond-Edwards: Prepare to be inspired by Jamea Richmond-Edwards' artistry and insight as she discusses her journey as an acclaimed visual artist. Listen to the full episode here.
2. Naomi Winston: Delve into thought-provoking discussions on activism and social justice with Naomi Winston, whose passion for creating positive change shines through in every word. Listen to the full episode here.
3. Abisola Yelé Oladeinde: Brace yourself for an insightful exploration of entrepreneurship and leadership with Abisola Yelé Oladeinde, whose innovative spirit and determination are truly inspiring. Listen to the full episode here.
4. Tyler Feder: Get ready to laugh, cry, and feel deeply understood as Tyler Feder shares her journey as a writer and illustrator, offering poignant insights into life, love, and creativity. Listen to the full episode here.

Don't miss out on this empowering compilation celebrating the achievements and voices of dope women. Tune in now for a dose of inspiration and empowerment!"

In this episode of The Truth in This Art, I sit down with Rowan Bathurst, a Baltimore-based visual artist whose work spans continents, bridging Baltimore and São Paulo, Brazil. Rowan's art draws inspiration from ancient Venus figurines, modern sisterhood, and the complex intersections of femininity, identity, and history.

We explore her creative journey, from strict Catholic school beginnings to becoming a full-time artist, her passion for painting and murals, and the profound impact of travel on her artistic perspective. Rowan shares insights into her upcoming solo show, the role of color (particularly red) in her work, and the deep connections she forms between ancestral history and present-day narratives.

Join us for an engaging discussion about art, process, and the joy of bringing vibrant color to communities through public art.

In this episode of The Truth in This Art, I have the pleasure of chatting with Jefferson Liu, an Asian American photographer, filmmaker, and designer whose stunning work has graced festivals like Cannes, Sundance, and DOC NYC. Jefferson takes us on his journey from the world of advertising to carving out his own artistic identity. We dive into the technicalities of photography, the importance of storytelling, and how he navigates the balance between personal projects and professional work. Join us for an inspiring conversation about finding your creative voice, embracing imperfection, and the beauty that comes from taking risks in the pursuit of art. 

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, I sit down with emerging artist Kaia King-Hall, born in Jacksonville, Florida, and currently studying Studio Art at Santa Monica College. Kaia’s work has been featured in exhibitions like Are You Seen? at Barrett Art Gallery in Santa Monica and Eclectic Collective at Ouro Gallery in Los Angeles. Her talent has earned her several awards, including the Ronn Davis and Stiefel/Dockweiler Art Scholarships, as well as recognition in KCRW’s Young Creators Project in 2022.

We discuss Kaia’s creative journey, her focus on women’s issues, and how her experiences with sexism inspire her art. She also shares how attending an arts high school pushed her to improve and how anger and personal experiences drive her work. We touch on her interest in large-scale sculptures and her recent pop-up show Spring Chickens in Venice, CA.

Tune in for a conversation about vulnerability, empowerment, and staying true to your artistic vision.

The Truth In This Art Podcast is proudly supported by the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation

Got a story about art, culture, or community in Baltimore & beyond? Share it at [email protected] for a chance to be featured on The Truth In This Art podcast, hosted by Rob Lee. Join the conversation and showcase your insights on creativity and community!

Follow us: Blue Sky, Threads, IG, and Facebook @truthinthisart
Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.
Episode art: Alley Kid Art

About The Truth In This Art Podcast

The Truth In This Art, hosted by Rob Lee, explores the vibrant intersections of arts, culture, and community in Baltimore and beyond. Through compelling conversations with artists, musicians, and cultural innovators, each episode unpacks the motivations, challenges, and achievements shaping today's creative landscape. Dive into stories that celebrate the voices defining culture and creativity, offering fresh perspectives and meaningful insights into the world around us.

Support the podcast

Merch from Redbubble | Make a Donation  | Leave a Review 

In this episode of The Truth in This Art, I’m joined by returning guests Micah E. Wood and Christopher J. Chester to discuss their latest project, Scene Seen: Baltimore Band Portraits 2016–2024. This 300-page book features over 200 stunning portraits of 85 bands, capturing the heart of Baltimore’s vibrant music scene and midtown neighborhoods.

We talk about their two-year journey creating this tribute to Baltimore’s creative resilience, the collaborative process, and the stories behind the images. Scene Seen is more than a book—it’s an archive celebrating the people, places, and culture that make Baltimore unforgettable.

Scene Seen is now available for purchase on Shopify—grab your copy today at this link.

Be sure to check out these upcoming events:

Friday, Jan 3 | FREE: Gallery Opening & Book Celebration at Metro Gallery
Tuesday, Jan 14 | FREE: Q&A with Teri Henderson at Greedy Reads

Prepare to burst into fits of laughter with our side-splitting montage compilation featuring four comedic gems! Join us as we revisit uproarious moments from our podcast episodes with these talented comedians:

1. Kenny Rooster: Get ready for a wild ride of hilarity with Kenny Rooster as he brings his unique brand of humor to the table. Listen to the full episode here.
2. Roberto Reed: Hold onto your seats as Roberto Reed takes us on a comedic journey filled with clever quips and uproarious anecdotes. Listen to the full episode here.
3. Larry Lancaster: Brace yourself for non-stop laughs with Larry Lancaster as he serves up a hearty dose of comedy gold. Listen to the full episode here.
4. Michael Furr: Get ready to laugh until it hurts with Michael Furr as he regales us with his sharp wit and hilarious observations. Listen to the full episode here.

Don't miss out on this uproarious compilation guaranteed to leave you in stitches! Tune in now for a dose of comedy that will brighten your day.

In this episode of The Truth in This Art, host Rob Lee chats with Jonathan Chaz Logan, a Baltimore-based photographer renowned for his compelling portraiture and striking visual storytelling. Jonathan’s work captures the essence of people and places, showcasing the unique character of Baltimore through his lens.

During their conversation, Jonathan shares his journey from comic art and music production to discovering his passion for photography. He reflects on how a visit to Berlin and the work of Helmut Newton inspired his creative approach, and how the pandemic shaped his shift toward intimate, minimalist portraiture. They also dive into Jonathan's creative process, his preference for analog photography, and the intentionality behind his compositions.

Jonathan also provides a sneak peek into his first photo book, a project years in the making, compiling his most meaningful portraits from 2019 to 2022. This episode offers insight into the mind of a photographer dedicated to capturing authentic stories and creating art that resonates.

Photograph by Josh Sinn

In this episode of 'The Truth in This Art,' host Rob Lee speaks with Ryan Havers, also known as Ears with Eyes, an electro-punk performance artist who critiques corporate culture, workaholism, and mental health through his unconventional music and stage shows. Drawing inspiration from artists like Iggy Pop, The Stranglers, Beck, and Tim & Eric, Ryan incorporates elements of absurdity and satire into his work. They discuss Ryan's early influences, his journey into music, the creative process, and his thoughts on how corporate norms affect personal well-being. The conversation also touches on Ryan's upcoming project, wEARd, an online course designed to help others embrace unconventional music and creativity. 

The Truth In This Art Podcast is proudly supported by the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation

Got a story about art, culture, or community in Baltimore & beyond? Share it at [email protected] for a chance to be featured on The Truth In This Art podcast, hosted by Rob Lee. Join the conversation and showcase your insights on creativity and community!

Follow us: Blue Sky, Threads, IG, and Facebook @truthinthisart
Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.
Episode art: Alley Kid Art

About The Truth In This Art Podcast

The Truth In This Art, hosted by Rob Lee, explores the vibrant intersections of arts, culture, and community in Baltimore and beyond. Through compelling conversations with artists, musicians, and cultural innovators, each episode unpacks the motivations, challenges, and achievements shaping today's creative landscape. Dive into stories that celebrate the voices defining culture and creativity, offering fresh perspectives and meaningful insights into the world around us.

Support the podcast

Merch from Redbubble | Make a Donation  | Leave a Review