LA-based artist Christopher DeLoach and I talked about his path from class clown to intrepid traveler—walking the Appalachian Trail—to becoming an artist and creating the iconic bumper stickers you know and love. He shares a series of surreal encounters while hitchhiking, including rides with enigmatic characters that challenged his worldview. Our conversation spans time—from his childhood in NYC to adventures in his early 20s and how both continue to shape him today. We talked about identity, American culture, his painting process, collecting ideas, funding and sustaining a career in LA, becoming known for something, doubt, belief, and even death. It’s a humorous and earnest conversation that I really loved—let us know if you listen!

Show notes:

- Find Christopher on the Web | Instagram -The bumper sticker story we talk about

- My Substack | IG: @letitouttt + @katiedalebout

- Zine shop is here! - My Creative Clinic

If you liked this episode, try out from the archive:

Episode 393: Kismet Color with Artist Kimmy Quillin: Painting, Living in NYC as an Artist, and Highs and Lows of Creating