embodiment in art

Ariel Cavalcante Foster is a Brazilian-American artist, consultant, and edge worker based in Baltimore and DC. Her practice includes printmaking, installation, painting, sound, video, and performance. She is also an inclusion strategist, consultant, and facilitator, and has recently received training in holistic healing practices.

Ariel discusses her background and early experiences that shaped her creative practice. She talks about her multicultural upbringing and the impact it had on her perspective and artistic expression. Ariel also shares her journey of self-discovery and exploration of identity, particularly in relation to whiteness and white supremacy. She discuss the themes and questions that drive her creative process, including the exploration of symbols, culture, nature, and spirituality. Ariel emphasizes the importance of spontaneity, curiosity, and embodiment in her work. She also touches on the conditions and attitudes that support creativity and innovative thinking. Ariel shares her favorite colors and her symbolic meanings, as well as her dream job of being a global representative and inspirational speaker. She concludes by discussing her upcoming projects, including the Embodied Arts Project and the Pleasure Club, and invites listeners to follow her on social media for updates.

In this episode, we explore:

• Ariel's rich multicultural upbringing, discussing how growing up in a diverse community has significantly shaped her unique artistic perspective.
• The intricate world of symbols, culture, nature, and spirituality in Ariel's work, uncovering how she skillfully captures the intangible and conceptual aspects of these themes.
• Creativity's core elements – spontaneity, curiosity, and embodiment – and delve into how these dynamics drive Ariel's artistic process.
• The connection between relaxation, playfulness, and creativity, as we discuss how Ariel harnesses these qualities to encourage the free flow of creative energy.
• The diverse sources of inspiration that fuel Ariel's art, from the realms of research and movement to the magic of collaboration, all while recognizing the healing and sacred dimensions of her creative expression.

Join me in this enlightening conversation with Ariel Cavalcante Foster, as we explore her journey as an artist and cultural worker. Discover the role of symbols in her work and how she channel her energy into creating meaningful art. Listen now!

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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 

Welcome to 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, hosted by Rob Lee, engage in this meaningful conversation with Theresa-Xuan Thanh Bui, a first-generation Vietnamese-American, is a budding artist pursuing a Bachelor in Fine Arts in Fiber with a minor in Art History and a concentration in Curatorial Studies and Creative Writing at the Maryland Institute College of Art. Their passion lies in both the creative act of making and the profound importance of listening and valuing others, leading them to engage in curation as a means to introspect and uplift their community. With a mission to deconstruct conventional art institution norms, they aim to create space for the unconventional, radical, exquisite, and unseen. Theresa Bui's emerging artistry encompasses performative poetry and a diverse approach to art, influenced by their Vietnamese refugee heritage, delving into themes of identity, embodiment, and linguistic influence while authentically infusing their work with intention and cultural lineage.

In this episode, we uncover:

• How Theresa Bui's creative practice interweaves poetry, performance, sound, and music, enhancing the expressive depth of her artistry.
• How Theresa derives inspiration from her lived experiences, and how she strives to authentically communicate her personal truths through her creative works.
• Dive into the intriguing sources of inspiration that shape Theresa's art, such as her fascination with children's books, fire, and spiders, and how these seemingly simple elements carry profound complexities in her creations.
• Discuss Theresa's artistic philosophy of harnessing available resources and identifying the unique 10% that makes each artwork exceptional, offering insights into the creative process of honing artistic uniqueness.
• Examine how Theresa's familial roots and Vietnamese cultural heritage serve as powerful influences on her art, in conjunction with her unwavering belief in intention and faith, and how these elements fuse to create a rich tapestry of meaning in her work.

Don't miss this incredible episode as Theresa discusses her creative practice and what drew her to the mediums she works in. She emphasizes the importance of embodying her experiences and using words, sound, and rhythm to convey her truth. Theresa also shares how she got started in performative poetry and the transformative power of her early work. She discusses the influence of children's books on her art and the inspiration she finds in fire and spiders. Theresa reflects on the complementary skills she has developed as an artist and the importance of working with what you have. She also shares insights into her sources of knowledge and the elements of her family lineage and Vietnamese culture that are embedded in her work. Finally, Theresa discusses how she manages her time and the importance of finding the 10% that makes her art special.

Mentioned in this episode
Last Resort Artist Retreat
Theresa's website
Photo credit Joseph Bui

🎧🌟 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