In this episode of The Truth In This Art, I had the pleasure of speaking with horror scholar and freelance writer, Lea Anderson. Lea's work, especially at the intersection of Black feminism and monster theory, brings a fascinating and unique perspective to the genre. We dive into her FANGORIA column Eaten Alive, where she explores the devouring Other in horror, film, myth, and literature. Lea also shared her academic background and how Black feminist thought shapes her approach to analyzing horror films. We talked about the role of monsters in storytelling, touching on everything from Gremlins and Blade to the deeper human experiences that horror can reveal. This conversation was truly thought-provoking and offered an intriguing look into how horror helps us explore societal fears and tensions. If you're into the art of fear and cultural critique, this episode is one you won’t want to miss!

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 in Baltimore, share it with us at rob@thetruthinthisart.com for a chance to be featured on "The Truth In This Art" podcast. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the arts and culture podcast scene and showcase your insights on "The Truth In This Art" with Rob Lee.

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"

Hosted by Rob Lee, "The Truth In This Art" podcast dives into the heart of creativity and its influence on the community. This arts and culture podcast from Baltimore highlights artists discussing their ideas, sharing insights, and telling impactful stories. Through these artist interviews, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the creative economy and artistic life in Baltimore.

Support the show:

Merch from Redbubble | Make a Donation

In this episode of The Truth in This Art, I sit down with Gigi Murakami, the Queen of Black Horror Manga. Gigi is an Ignatz-nominated mangaka, illustrator, and writer from New York City. Her work masterfully blends Japanese manga with vintage American pulp and comic aesthetics, creating dark and dramatic themes that captivate readers. Gigi shares her passion for horror and sci-fi, drawing inspiration from Tales from the Crypt and Silent Hill, and we dive into her acclaimed manga Resenter, a powerful story of revenge and transformation. Join me as we explore how Gigi brings the black female experience to life through the world of horror manga.

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 in Baltimore, share it with us at rob@thetruthinthisart.com for a chance to be featured on "The Truth In This Art" podcast. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the arts and culture podcast scene and showcase your insights on "The Truth In This Art" with Rob Lee.

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"

Hosted by Rob Lee, "The Truth In This Art" podcast dives into the heart of creativity and its influence on the community. This arts and culture podcast from Baltimore highlights artists discussing their ideas, sharing insights, and telling impactful stories. Through these artist interviews, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the creative economy and artistic life in Baltimore.

Support the show:

Merch from Redbubble | Make a Donation

In this episode, I sit down with Keith Dukes III and Tony Diallo, the creative forces behind Pixalfest, a short film festival in Washington, DC, that showcases the work of young filmmakers. We discuss the origins of Pixalfest, its mission to provide filmmakers a space to test and improve their work, and the importance of inclusivity in creating a supportive community. Keith and Tony share insights into how they balanced the creative and business sides of organizing the festival, their collaborative approach, and their passion for giving filmmakers a platform to grow. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the intersection of arts, collaboration, and the power of starting something new.

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 in Baltimore, share it with us at rob@thetruthinthisart.com for a chance to be featured on "The Truth In This Art" podcast. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the arts and culture podcast scene and showcase your insights on "The Truth In This Art" with Rob Lee.

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"

Hosted by Rob Lee, "The Truth In This Art" podcast dives into the heart of creativity and its influence on the community. This arts and culture podcast from Baltimore highlights artists discussing their ideas, sharing insights, and telling impactful stories. Through these artist interviews, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the creative economy and artistic life in Baltimore.

Support the show:

Merch from Redbubble | Make a Donation

In this episode, I interview ultra-marathon open water swimmer and visual artist Katie Pumphrey. Katie's work explores the connections between human instincts, play, and the influence of her swimming career on her abstract paintings, sculptures, and installations. As the first person to complete the 24-mile Bay to Baltimore Swim, Katie draws inspiration from the water, and we dive into how these two worlds intertwine. We also touch on her creative journey, her experiences with the Chesapeake Bay Swim, and her continued contributions to the art and swimming communities. This episode is part of my media partnership with Baltimore Magazine.

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 in Baltimore, share it with us at rob@thetruthinthisart.com for a chance to be featured on "The Truth In This Art" podcast. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the arts and culture podcast scene and showcase your insights on "The Truth In This Art" with Rob Lee.

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"

Hosted by Rob Lee, "The Truth In This Art" podcast dives into the heart of creativity and its influence on the community. This arts and culture podcast from Baltimore highlights artists discussing their ideas, sharing insights, and telling impactful stories. Through these artist interviews, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the creative economy and artistic life in Baltimore.

Support the show:

Merch from Redbubble | Make a Donation

In this episode, I interviewed Kait Kluswitz, the creative force behind Kait K Designs. Kait’s journey to becoming a full-time artist followed an unconventional path. Originally a mathematics major who worked in retail management, she transitioned to art in her mid-thirties. During the pandemic, she discovered her passion for painting, particularly florals, which sparked the creation of her brand, Kait K Designs. Known for her vibrant works and her love of retro aesthetics—especially the color burgundy—Kait attributes much of her success to Baltimore’s supportive art community. Tune in as we discuss her journey, inspirations, and the transformative power of art in creating meaningful spaces.

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 in Baltimore, share it with us at rob@thetruthinthisart.com for a chance to be featured on "The Truth In This Art" podcast. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the arts and culture podcast scene and showcase your insights on "The Truth In This Art" with Rob Lee.

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"

Hosted by Rob Lee, "The Truth In This Art" podcast dives into the heart of creativity and its influence on the community. This arts and culture podcast from Baltimore highlights artists discussing their ideas, sharing insights, and telling impactful stories. Through these artist interviews, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the creative economy and artistic life in Baltimore.

Support the show:

Merch from Redbubble | Make a Donation

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, Rob Lee sits down with Freako Rico, an Atlanta-based visual artist known for his bold and humorous works. Freako shares his creative journey, shaped by his love for pop culture, BMX, skateboarding, and hip-hop. He opens up about navigating stereotypes in the art world, staying true to his unfiltered style, and working with major brands—all while balancing his love for gin and maintaining authenticity.

This conversation offers a unique look into the life of a street culture artist making waves. Whether you're an art lover or curious about the stories behind the canvas, Freako Rico’s insights will inspire and entertain.

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 in Baltimore, share it with us at rob@thetruthinthisart.com for a chance to be featured on "The Truth In This Art" podcast. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the arts and culture podcast scene and showcase your insights on "The Truth In This Art" with Rob Lee.

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"

Hosted by Rob Lee, "The Truth In This Art" podcast dives into the heart of creativity and its influence on the community. This arts and culture podcast from Baltimore highlights artists discussing their ideas, sharing insights, and telling impactful stories. Through these artist interviews, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the creative economy and artistic life in Baltimore.

Support the show:

Merch from Redbubble | Make a Donation

Ainsley Burrows: Multidisciplinary Artist from Kingston, Jamaica
In this episode, I sit down with Ainsley Burrows, a multidisciplinary artist originally from Kingston, Jamaica, and now based in Baltimore. Ainsley’s groundbreaking methodologies, including NeoChaos and Raktism, have established him as a powerful voice in abstract art. During our conversation, Ainsley shared how he channels untold stories and emotions through various mediums—poetry, music, performance, and painting. Starting his journey as a self-taught artist in 2009, he began working with acrylics and developed his unique visual language through dedicated practice and research. Ainsley’s artistic roots lie in his success as a poet and novelist, and his literary foundation continues to influence his abstract works. He fully immersed himself in painting during the pandemic, leading to his first solo exhibition in 2022. His work has since been featured in exhibitions across the U.S. and is held in several private collections.

The Third Future: A Self-Portrait - Ainsley Burrows Solo Exhibition
Part of the Peak Artists Exhibition Series at The Top Of The World Observation Level's Gallery In The Sky, "The Third Future: A Self-Portrait" features Burrows’ latest body of work. This exhibition, which opened on September 12 and runs through November 18, explores the concept of the 'Third Future,' a limitless realm of creative possibility where Burrows captures the essence of his experiences through abstract portraiture. The exhibition reflects his belief that art can serve as a voice for those who are often overlooked or silenced, advocating for the 'small man' and those who rarely find representation in high spaces. Be sure to check it out at the 27th floor of Baltimore's World Trade Center.

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 in Baltimore, share it with us at rob@thetruthinthisart.com for a chance to be featured on "The Truth In This Art" podcast. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the arts and culture podcast scene and showcase your insights on "The Truth In This Art" with Rob Lee.

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"

Hosted by Rob Lee, "The Truth In This Art" podcast dives into the heart of creativity and its influence on the community. This arts and culture podcast from Baltimore highlights artists discussing their ideas, sharing insights, and telling impactful stories. Through these artist interviews, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the creative economy and artistic life in Baltimore.

Support the show:

Merch from Redbubble | Make a Donation

In this episode of 'The Truth in This Art,' host Rob Lee sits down with Christopher Williams, known as The Black Da Vinci, a visual artist originally from the West Coast, now based in Philadelphia. Christopher's work radiates Black joy through his powerful portraiture and figurative painting. They discuss his journey, the importance of celebrating Black identity and culture in art, and his choice to move away from depictions of Black pain. This conversation offers deep insights into his creative process and the significance of representation in art. Christopher Williams' work is both a celebration and a statement.

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 in Baltimore, share it with us at rob@thetruthinthisart.com for a chance to be featured on "The Truth In This Art" podcast. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the arts and culture podcast scene and showcase your insights on "The Truth In This Art" with Rob Lee.

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"

Hosted by Rob Lee, "The Truth In This Art" podcast dives into the heart of creativity and its influence on the community. This arts and culture podcast from Baltimore highlights artists discussing their ideas, sharing insights, and telling impactful stories. Through these artist interviews, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the creative economy and artistic life in Baltimore.

Support the show:

Merch from Redbubble | Make a Donation