baltimore-based artist

Welcome to 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, hosted by Rob Lee, engage in this meaningful conversation with Nick McKernan, a Baltimore-based artist, who embarks on an astonishing animation journey that intertwines surprise and passion. Hailing from Oregon, Nick's diverse background as a stage actor, musician, and filmmaker interwoven with roles in hospitality and education led him to an unexpected yet intense affection for animation. His pursuit of this newfound passion culminated in his successful application to the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2017, where he embarked on an educational odyssey that resulted in the acquisition of his BFA in Animation in 2021. Nick's visionary creations have garnered global attention, described as psychedelically-charged explorations that delve into compelling themes like gender fluidity, systemic inequality, and the transformative bonds of communal love. Currently contributing his exceptional talents as an Animator + Editor at LAI Video in Washington DC, Nick calls Baltimore, MD home and continues to enchant audiences with his mastery of 2D animation, particularly in the realm of digital animation, and his recent focus on captivating music videos, a collaborative endeavor that breathes life into musicians' songs through the mesmerizing realm of animation.

In this session, we take a closer look at:

• The enchanting realm of animation as a lifelong voyage of self-discovery and self-expression, as our guest Nick McKernan delves into how this captivating medium becomes a powerful vehicle for channeling inner narratives and creative visions.
• Join us in uncovering the intricate threads of creative evolution as Nick reveals how discovering and cultivating your creative niche can unlock the true essence of your art, and how collaboration with fellow artists can elevate your creations to new heights of brilliance.
• Delve into the artistry of overcoming creative hurdles with Nick McKernan, as he shares insightful strategies for maintaining a sense of creative liberation and flow, unraveling the secrets to conquering those moments of artistic blockage.
• Take a plunge into the captivating interplay between visual motifs and storytelling elements in animation, as Nick intricately guides us through how these elements intertwine to imbue depth, resonance, and narrative impact into animation projects.
• Join us in a heartfelt exploration of resilience and self-compassion within the artistic journey, as Nick McKernan sheds light on the vital importance of embracing kindness and unwavering faith in oneself, even when navigating through the challenging chapters of the creative odyssey.

Get ready for a mind-blowing episode as Nick shares his journey into the world of animation. After working in various jobs and pursuing other creative endeavors, Nick discovered his love for animation and decided to pursue it as a career. He discusses the challenges and rewards of working in animation, the importance of finding your creative niche, and the personal and emotional aspects of his work. Nick also talks about his experience with corporate animation and the differences between personal and client projects.

Mentioned in this episode
Nick's website

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This program is supported (in part) by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.

If you have a story about art, culture, or community, share it with us at rob@thetruthinthisart.com for a chance to be featured on 'The Truth In This Art' podcast.

Follow The Truth In This Art on Twitter, Threads, IG, and Facebook @truthinthisart

Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.

Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.

About "The Truth In This Art"

"The Truth In This Art," hosted by Rob Lee, is a podcast that explores the essence of creativity and its community impact, amplifying artists' voices and their profound stories.

Connect with me:

Website | Twitter | Instagram 

Support the show:

Merch from Redbubble | Make a Donation 

Join us on 'The Truth in This Art' as we explore the beauty and complexity of art in all its forms, with your guide, Rob Lee. For today’s episode, we have McKinley Wallace III, a Baltimore-based mixed-media painter and dedicated educator. McKinley's art embodies the strength of the oppressed, showcasing resilience and power within black communities. As a Master of Arts in Teaching candidate at Maryland Institute College of Art, he aims to cultivate people-oriented environments that foster inclusive community building and high-quality learning. McKinley's curriculum and studio practice integrate community-based projects, encouraging learners to invest in educating themselves and others both in and outside of school. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, McKinley collaborated with a group of high school youth to create a social-distanced mural called "A Promising Future" in West Baltimore. The mural represents a safe space for non-consensus racial beings, empowering the youth to feel culturally recognized and embraced without judgment. Through his art, McKinley creates identity-affirming spaces that stand the test of time, celebrating the contributions of black people in their struggle for a promising future.

In this installment:

• McKinley Wallace III's focus on mixed media paintings embodies the strength of the oppressed.
• His art narrates stories of black power, struggle, resilience, and the embrace of black culture.
• Embracing failure, Wallace uses it as a valuable opportunity to learn and evolve as an artist.
• Viewing art as a dynamic game, Wallace continually experiments with new approaches and communicates his ideas effectively.
• Believing in the transformative power of education, he sees teaching as a learning journey alongside his students.
• The vibrant and supportive Baltimore artistic community deeply influences Wallace's creative expression, fostering candid discussions about race and culture.

You won't want to skip this one! McKinley III's art showcases resilience and embraces black culture, telling stories of power and struggle. He combines abstraction and realism with past imagery for a timeless quality, exploring belonging and systemic oppression's impact. Embracing failure, feedback, and different perspectives, he sees art as a constant game of trying new approaches and communicating ideas. As an educator, he values active listening, questions, and collaborative opportunities that challenge and align with his message. Baltimore's vibrant artistic community inspires his work, fostering creativity and candid conversations about race and culture.

Mentioned in this episode:

McKinley's Website
Picture credit: Justin Tsucalas 

🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧

This program is supported (in part) by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.

If you have a story about art, culture, or community, share it with us at rob@thetruthinthisart.com for a chance to be featured on 'The Truth In This Art' podcast.

Follow The Truth In This Art on Twitter, Threads, IG, and Facebook @truthinthisart

Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.

Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.

About "The Truth In This Art"

"The Truth In This Art," hosted by Rob Lee, is a podcast that explores the essence of creativity and its community impact, amplifying artists' voices and their profound stories.

Connect with me:

Website | Twitter | Instagram 

Support the show:

Merch from Redbubble | Make a Donation 

Nas the Artist, a Baltimore-based artist, showcases his distinctive artwork through his platform called Artistco. With a background in graphic design, Nas began his art journey during high school and continued to teach himself various forms and styles, ultimately developing his own unique artistic flair. His inspiration is drawn from a wide range of sources, including photography, cartoons, music, sports, history, and more. With a desire to make a positive impact on millions of lives worldwide, Nas combines his passion for art and entrepreneurship to create impactful and vibrant art pieces.

For today's discussion:

• Nas the Artist shares his unique perspective on life and art, finding inspiration in cartoons and using that lens to uncover positivity and lessons in every situation. Get ready to explore the world through the eyes of an artist who sees creativity in the everyday!
• Join us as we dive into the artistic process of Nas the Artist, who loves experimenting with various mediums like paint, chalk, pencil, and charcoal. Discover how his openness to creating art on different surfaces brings an exciting dynamic to his artwork and fuels his creativity.
• Nas the Artist opens up about his ambitious goals in this episode, from designing a signature shoe for fellow creatives to creating his own captivating cartoon series. Learn about his creative aspirations and the passion that drives his journey in art and entrepreneurship.
• Through this insightful conversation, gain a new perspective on Baltimore as a creative hub, as Nas the Artist shares his appreciation for the city's vibrant art scene, rich cultural diversity, and mouthwatering culinary delights. Get ready to see Baltimore in a whole new artistic light!

Nas the Artist shares his journey into the world of art and entrepreneurship. He discusses how his passion for art was ignited when his mother bought him canvases, despite his initial doubts about his drawing abilities. Nas explains that his art is inspired by a variety of sources, including photography, cartoons, music, sports, history, and more. He sees everything through the lens of cartoons, which allows him to find the positivity and lessons in every situation. Nas also talks about his preferred medium, which includes working on canvases, shoes, and even sidewalks. He shares his goals of creating a signature shoe and a cartoon series in the future. Finally, Nas discusses his newfound appreciation for Baltimore as a creative city, highlighting the vibrant art scene, diverse culture, and delicious food.

Mentioned in this episode:

Nas The Artist's Facebook

🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧

This program is supported (in part) by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.

If you have a story about art, culture, or community, share it with us at rob@thetruthinthisart.com for a chance to be featured on 'The Truth In This Art' podcast.

Follow The Truth In This Art on Twitter, Threads, IG, and Facebook @truthinthisart

Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.

Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.

About "The Truth In This Art"

"The Truth In This Art," hosted by Rob Lee, is a podcast that explores the essence of creativity and its community impact, amplifying artists' voices and their profound stories.

Connect with me:

Website | Twitter | Instagram 

Support the show:

Merch from Redbubble | Make a Donation 

Welcome to "The Truth in This Art" podcast with your host Rob Lee! Today, we have the talented Dr. Schroeder Cherry, a native of Washington, DC. He is a Baltimore-based artist and 2019 Sondheim competition finalist renowned for capturing vibrant scenes of African American life, with a focus on the rich culture and community found in barbershops. Using repurposed materials and puppetry in his artwork, Cherry's unique perspective on everyday life and the African diaspora has earned him recognition in prominent museums across the US, including The Art Institute of Chicago, The Baltimore Museum of Art, and more. With a background in senior grant maker positions, Cherry currently shares his expertise as a museum studies professor at Morgan State University.

As we delve into this episode:

• Discover how Schroeder Cherry skillfully captures the essence of everyday life in his captivating artwork, offering a vivid glimpse into the African diaspora experience.
• Join us as we delve into the fascinating origins of Cherry's barbershop series, which began as a daring venture and blossomed into an impressive collection of over 68 pieces.
• Explore Cherry's artistic process as he reveals his innovative mixed media and assemblage techniques, unveiling how he artfully incorporates wood and intriguing objects like keys into his masterpieces.
• Embark on a journey with Cherry as he shares how his travels to diverse cultures in West Africa and Haiti profoundly influenced and enriched his creative vision, infusing his art with cultural resonance.
• Be inspired by Cherry's thoughtful approach to art appreciation, as he encourages viewers to take a deliberate and contemplative look at his artwork, fostering engaging conversations about the profound interpretations they elicit.

Join us for an inspiring journey into vibrant scenes of African American life with  Dr. Schroeder Cherry as he shares his creative journey and the inspiration behind his barbershop series, which now consists of over 68 pieces. He discusses his mixed media and assemblage techniques, emphasizing the importance of representing scenes from the African diaspora in his artwork. Cherry also reflects on his travels to West Africa and Haiti, where he found inspiration in their culture and puppetry. Viewers are encouraged to take a slow look at his artwork and engage in meaningful conversations about their interpretations.

🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧

This program is supported (in part) by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.

If you have a story about art, culture, or community, share it with us at rob@thetruthinthisart.com for a chance to be featured on 'The Truth In This Art' podcast.

Follow The Truth In This Art on Twitter, Threads, IG, and Facebook @truthinthisart

Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.

Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.

About "The Truth In This Art"

"The Truth In This Art," hosted by Rob Lee, is a podcast that explores the essence of creativity and its community impact, amplifying artists' voices and their profound stories.

Connect with me:

Website | Twitter | Instagram 

Support the show:

Merch from Redbubble | Make a Donation 

Welcome to a captivating episode of "The Truth in This Art"! Join host Rob Lee as he engages in a meaningful conversation with Gaia, the renowned American street artist, who is celebrated for his large-scale murals exhibited worldwide. A graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art, Gaia's works have graced prestigious venues like The Baltimore Museum of Art and the Civil and Human Rights Museum in Atlanta. His art explores diverse environments, backed by in-depth research from an outsider's viewpoint. Collaborating with individuals and organizations, Gaia delves into social and political themes, leaving a profound impact on the global street art scene. From New Delhi to Bogotá, his artistry spans continents, earning him accolades like Forbes' 30 Under 30 in Art and Style. Based in Baltimore, Gaia continues to inspire with his prolific and meaningful creative practice.

In this episode, we explore:

• The World of Urban Art with Gaia: Unravel the creative journey of Gaia, a talented muralist and conceptual artist who thrives in urban environments.
• Delve into Research-Based Art: Discover how Gaia's work goes beyond aesthetics, as he seeks to understand different places from an outsider's perspective through his murals.
• Collaborative Murals: Join us as we uncover Gaia's collaborative process, where he partners with diverse individuals and organizations to bring his artistic vision to life on city walls.
• Navigating the Challenges of Street Art: Gain insights into the world of street art through Gaia's experiences, as he perseveres despite criticisms and obstacles to stay true to his creative vision.
• Finding Authenticity in Art and Life: Listen as Gaia shares how he strikes a balance between genuine artistic expression and the practicalities of making a living as an urban artist.

Join us for an engaging conversation as Gaia shares his background as a muralist and conceptual artist, highlighting his focus on urban environments and collaboration. Gaia also talks about the challenges and rewards of being a street artist, including the criticisms he has faced. He emphasizes the importance of being genuine in his work and balancing artistic expression with the need to make a living. Gaia shares stories from his experiences painting murals internationally, including close encounters with the police and the thrill of creating art in unconventional spaces.

🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧

This program is supported (in part) by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.

If you have a story about art, culture, or community, share it with us at rob@thetruthinthisart.com for a chance to be featured on 'The Truth In This Art' podcast.

Follow The Truth In This Art on Twitter, Threads, IG, and Facebook @truthinthisart

Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.

Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.

About "The Truth In This Art"

"The Truth In This Art," hosted by Rob Lee, is a podcast that explores the essence of creativity and its community impact, amplifying artists' voices and their profound stories.

Connect with me:

Website | Twitter | Instagram 

Support the show:

Merch from Redbubble | Make a Donation 

Welcome to "The Truth In This Art." I'm your host, Rob Lee. In today's episode, we have a captivating conversation with Baltimore-based artist Ítalo Duarte De Déa. Ítalo creates ink-wash drawings that invite people to consider the cultural and social contexts they live in from an emotional point of view. 

In this episode, we explore:

• A captivating journey through Italo's world of art, where expression and exploration intertwine, capturing the essence of culture, space, and history in profound ways.
• The magic of ink drawings as Italo weaves memories and narratives through the combination of multiple sketches, inviting you to experience storytelling like never before.
• The rich tapestry of European and indigenous cultures in Brazil, as Italo's work reflects the fascinating intersection of these worlds, intertwined with his own heritage as a fifth-generation Italian immigrant.
• Get ready to embrace the beauty of uncertainty and the art of questioning as Italo shares his belief in the power of diverse perspectives and thought-provoking conversations within the realm of art.
• Join Italo in celebrating the authenticity and realness of Baltimore, a city that fosters genuine connections and a strong sense of community, where art thrives and flourishes amid an atmosphere of inspiration and belonging.

Join us for an engaging episode with Italo Duarte De Déa, a Brazilian artist based in Baltimore who specializes in ink drawings. His work serves as a historical documentation of memories and captures ordinary moments in daily life. Italo's drawings are monochromatic and often depict landscapes, human figures, and close-ups of everyday experiences. He explores themes of culture, space, and history in his work. Italo relocated to Baltimore in 2014 to pursue a career in art and has since become an active member of the local art community.

Mentioned in this episode

Ítalo Duarte De Déa

🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧

This program is supported (in part) by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.

If you have a story about art, culture, or community, share it with us at rob@thetruthinthisart.com for a chance to be featured on 'The Truth In This Art' podcast.

Follow The Truth In This Art on Twitter, Threads, IG, and Facebook @truthinthisart

Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.

Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.

About "The Truth In This Art"

"The Truth In This Art," hosted by Rob Lee, is a podcast that explores the essence of creativity and its community impact, amplifying artists' voices and their profound stories.

Connect with me:

Website | Twitter | Instagram 

Support the show:

Merch from Redbubble | Make a Donation