Art in the Raw: A Podcast About Queer Artists

Episode Summary

Join host David Smith in conversation with DR Mann-Hanson (he/him), founder of CinéWild, a vibrant Dallas-based queer film series dedicated to showcasing films made by LGBTQ creators. From its origins as a protest alternative in 2014 to a beloved community space celebrating queer artistry, CinéWild combines film, education, and engagement to transform how queer cinema is experienced. DR shares insights on vulnerability, activism, and the power of authentic storytelling in challenging times.

Episode Summary

In this deeply revealing conversation, poet, filmmaker, and activist Louis Toliver Jr. (LTJ Reads) shares his journey from trauma to artistic empowerment within the queer and leather communities. Exploring themes of bisexual identity, survivorhood, mental health, and intergenerational connection, LTJ reveals how his projects like Louisiana Words and the Throwing Light podcast aim to uplift marginalized voices and redefine what it means to be American.

This episode uncovers how art serves as both refuge and revolution for LTJ, crafting spaces for healing, dialogue, and radical inclusion.

Summary

In this deeply reflective episode of Art in the Raw, Christopher W. Quigley shares his journey from hands-on custom fabrication to creating immersive public artworks that confront themes of impermanence, entropy, and gender-based violence. After surviving two near-fatal strokes, Quigley transformed his artistic vision to focus on projects like Transformation of Dangerous Spaces, an emotionally powerful installation addressing intimate partner violence and toxic masculinity. This conversation navigates Quigley’s personal history, queer identity, and his commitment to using art as a catalyst for social change.

Christopher W. Quigley, queer art, custom fabrication, immersive art installation, ge...

Summary

In this engaging episode of Art in the Raw, J. W. Steed shares his journey as a writer whose queer identity deeply informs his work, blending eroticism with science fiction and fantasy. From early literary influences to his groundbreaking queer erotica and thoughtful exploration of clone rights, Steed offers candid insights into creativity, vulnerability, and challenging norms in queer storytelling.

queer erotica, science fiction, fantasy, J. W. Steed, clone rights, queer identity, erotic fiction, LGBTQ+ literature, vulnerability in art, queer representation

Episode Summary

Join us for an intimate conversation with artist Joey Chabolla, whose work fuses Latino cultural heritage with queer, body-positive illustration. Joey shares the inspirations behind his signature shading technique, his focus on bearded, muscular physiques, and his commitment to authentic trans masculine representation. Discover how he navigates censorship, commissions, and community in the Dallas queer art scene.

Summary

In this engaging conversation, David Smith speaks with Sabrina Pandora and Dee Fish about their journeys as comic creators, the evolution of their work, and the importance of representation in the industry. They discuss the challenges of self-publishing, the creative process behind their projects, and how personal experiences shape their storytelling. The dialogue also touches on the current political climate and its impact on LGBTQ artists, emphasizing the need for visibility and support in the arts.

Keywords

comics, LGBTQ, storytelling, representation, Giant Girl Adventures, artistic process, identity, self-publishing, collaboration, vulnerability

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Bullethole discusses the complexities of creating queer art, the pressures of artistic identity, and the transition from traditional to digital mediums. The dialogue explores the challenges of audience engagement in a conservative environment, the importance of collaboration, and the journey of monetizing art through innovative avenues like t-shirts. Bullethole shares personal anecdotes about navigating social media and the significance of creating art that resonates with both the artist and the audience.

Keywords

queer art, digital art, creative process, artistic identity, collaboration, social media, audience engagement, t-shirt design, personal...

Summary

In this engaging conversation, artist Rene Farias discusses the profound influence of mythology on his work, exploring themes of identity, culture, and queerness. He shares insights into his artistic process, the mediums he employs, and the social critiques embedded in his art. Farias reflects on his evolution as an artist, the challenges he faces, and his aspirations for future exhibitions, all while emphasizing the importance of being remembered through his art.

Keywords

mythology, art, queer identity, cultural influences, social critique, artistic process, watercolor, oil painting, personal expression, Rene Farias

Takeaways<...

Summary

In this conversation, Benjamin Lester discusses his artistic journey, focusing on the themes of masculinity, queer identity, and storytelling through art. He shares how his personal experiences, including struggles with mental health and the support of his community, have shaped his work. Lester emphasizes the importance of reclaiming narratives within the queer community and the role of art in expressing vulnerability and resilience. He also reflects on the challenges he faces in the art world, particularly regarding acceptance and representation, and his aspirations for the future of his art and its impact on society.

Summary

In this episode of Art in the Raw, host David Smith interviews photographer Alberto Leon, who shares his transformative journey into the world of photography, particularly focusing on queer nude male photography. Alberto discusses how he found his passion through self-exploration and vulnerability, leading to the creation of The Naked Project. He reflects on the cultural influences that shape his art, the importance of emotional connection in photography, and the challenges of facing rejection and censorship. Throughout the conversation, Alberto emphasizes the significance of living authentically and encourages aspiring artists to embrace their vulnerabilities and pursue...

Summary

In this episode of Art in the Raw, host David Smith interviews photographer Alberto Leon, who shares his transformative journey into the world of photography, particularly focusing on queer nude male photography. Alberto discusses how he found his passion through self-exploration and vulnerability, leading to the creation of The Naked Project. He reflects on the cultural influences that shape his art, the importance of emotional connection in photography, and the challenges of facing rejection and censorship. Throughout the conversation, Alberto emphasizes the significance of living authentically and encourages aspiring artists to embrace their vulnerabilities and pursue...

Summary

In this conversation, Boy Donald shares his artistic journey, exploring themes of identity, race, gender, and sexuality through various mediums including dance, drag, and film. He discusses the transformative power of drag, the challenges faced as a gender nonconforming artist, and the importance of representation in the BDSM community. Donald reflects on his experiences in Broadway, the creative process behind his projects, and his aspirations for future work that inspires and uplifts marginalized voices.

Keywords

art, identity, drag, performance, representation, BDSM, queer, gender nonconforming, activism, creativity

Ta...

Summary

In this conversation, Boy Donald shares his artistic journey, exploring themes of identity, race, gender, and sexuality through various mediums including dance, drag, and film. He discusses the transformative power of drag, the challenges faced as a gender nonconforming artist, and the importance of representation in the BDSM community. Donald reflects on his experiences in Broadway, the creative process behind his projects, and his aspirations for future work that inspires and uplifts marginalized voices.

Keywords

art, identity, drag, performance, representation, BDSM, queer, gender nonconforming, activism, creativity

Ta...

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Ben Seaman shares his artistic journey from aspiring therapist to painter, exploring the intersection of art and queer identity. He discusses the impact of COVID on his creative process, his techniques in figure painting, and the influence of psychology on his work. Ben reflects on the importance of visibility for queer artists and the challenges they face, while also offering advice for emerging artists. The conversation culminates in a rapid-fire question segment that reveals Ben's artistic preferences and aspirations for the future.

Keywords

Ben Seaman, queer a...

Summary

In this conversation, Tom Calloway shares his journey as a photographer, exploring themes of identity, representation, and the artistic process. He discusses his unique approach to capturing the male figure, influenced by his queer identity and experiences in the yoga community. Tom emphasizes the importance of diversity in his work and the challenges he faces as a non-professional photographer. He reflects on his artistic evolution, inspirations, and future aspirations, encouraging young queer artists to keep creating and sharing their work.

Keywords

Tom Calloway, photography, queer art, male figure, artistic journey, r...

Summary

In this conversation, @Rob Clarke discusses his artistic journey, exploring the evolution of his style from traditional to digital mediums. He reflects on the influence of everyday life and pop culture on his work, the role of humor in balancing darker themes, and the impact of the internet on art communities. Clarke also navigates the complexities of personal identity in relation to audience expectations and the challenges of masculinity in contemporary art. He shares insights on the future of art in the age of AI and digital trends, concluding with personal reflections on his artistic direction.<...