Episodes

  • EP22: The Nipple, the Algorithm, and Artistic Expression: Don't Delete Art's Fight for Digital Freedom

    EP22: The Nipple, the Algorithm, and Artistic Expression: Don't Delete Art's Fight for Digital Freedom
    May 3 2026
    Summary What happens when your art disappears without warning? This episode explores the hidden crisis of artistic censorship on social media platforms, where algorithms and content moderation policies are silencing queer artists, nude photographers, and anyone whose work challenges corporate comfort zones. Elizabeth Larison (Director of NCAC's Arts and Culture Advocacy Program) and Emma Shapiro (DDA Editor-at-Large and founder of the Exposure Therapy project) discuss how Don't Delete Art emerged in March 2020 to fight back—and what changed when they delivered 2,000 signatures to Meta's doorstep. We dig into shadow bans, the politics of the female nipple, and why transparency in algorithms matters for everyone's creative freedom. Keywords artistic censorship, social media moderation, platform accountability, queer art, nude photography, shadow banning, Don't Delete Art, Meta/Instagram censorship, Free the Nipple, digital rights, content moderation algorithms, artistic freedom, body autonomy, NCAC, Santa Clara Principles 8 Key Takeaways Shadow bans are invisible censorship: Your work can be restricted and algorithmically suppressed without you knowing why—Meta didn't even acknowledge this practice until recently, forcing artists to guess why their reach suddenly vanished.The female-presenting body faces algorithmic discrimination: Studies show AI flags topless women as more sexually suggestive than topless men, even in identical poses—a bias that determines what art the world can see online.Artists are losing access to platforms faster than institutions are adapting: Museums and galleries haven't caught up to the scale of online censorship; many don't understand it's happening to the artists they support.Don't Delete Art's gallery is both memorial and weapon: By displaying censored work online, DDA creates proof of what's being lost and makes the invisible visible—turning suppression into documentation.Corporations deliberately keep content guidelines vague: Platforms intentionally avoid precise definitions to prevent users from gaming the system, but this creates a cat-and-mouse game where artists never know the real rules.The "artistic context" double standard: Meta acknowledges nudity in painting and sculpture but not photography—meaning the medium matters more than the message, and some artists get granted context while others don't.Transparency and user control are the antidotes: Blue Sky's model (where users opt-in to see certain content) offers a path forward—one that respects both artistic freedom and viewer choice.One coalition did what single organizations couldn't: By uniting artists, human rights groups, collectors, and institutions, Don't Delete Art created the pressure needed to push Meta toward notifications, appeals processes, and account transparency.The Free the Nipple collaboration marks a shift from defense to offense: DDA's new two-month takeover isn't just fighting censorship—it's celebrating the exact imagery platforms suppress, turning the nipple into a symbol of resistance.Art censorship online mirrors and amplifies real-world power structures: Who decides what counts as art? Who gets believed when they say their work has value? These questions shape not just what we see, but how we think about bodies, identity, and freedom. Chapter Breakdown 0:03–1:30 | Welcome & Don't Delete Art's Origin Story — David introduces Elizabeth Larison and Emma Shapiro; brief overview of DDA as a coalition convened by NCAC in March 2020.1:21–3:30 | Why March 2020? The Pandemic Pivot to Digital — Elizabeth explains how COVID forced galleries online and exposed the reality of platform censorship; NCAC's earlier work defending artists like Amy Greenfield.3:31–5:10 | Emma's Entry: From Censored Artist to Activist — Emma shares her journey: facing Instagram deletions, founding Exposure Therapy, connecting with Spencer Tunick, and joining DDA in early 2021.5:11–7:20 | What It Feels Like to Be Deleted — Emma describes the anger and helplessness of sudden censorship, and her mission to prevent other artists from shutting down in shame.7:21–9:30 | Elizabeth's Path: From ACT UP to Advocacy — Elizabeth traces her passion through studying censorship history, the Guerrilla Girls, and understanding art as a tool of resistance.9:31–12:10 | Why Coalition Architecture Matters — Elizabeth explains how uniting artists, museums, rights groups, and collectors created visibility that single organizations couldn't achieve—and revealed algorithmic contradictions.12:07–14:50 | Shadow Bans Explained — Emma and David break down what shadow bans are: invisible suppression, lost reach, no appeals—and how this differs from outright deletion.14:51–18:15 | The Don't Delete Art Gallery: Memorial & Resistance — Emma and Elizabeth discuss curating banned artwork online, the pain and joy of it, and its power as proof of what's being lost.18:16–20:10 | Platform Variation: Which Sites ...
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    56 mins
  • EP21: Unmuting the Queer Artist Within: Oz's Path to Daily Abstract Expression

    EP21: Unmuting the Queer Artist Within: Oz's Path to Daily Abstract Expression
    Apr 5 2026
    Summary Oz shares his raw journey from a creative kid in East Texas, stifled by self-doubt and societal noise, to a daily painting practice that finally unleashes his abstract surrealist voice. Through stories of suppression, late-life urgency, and the joy of protest art, he reveals how painting centers his chaos and fuels his queer soul. David and Oz riff on intuition over anxiety, the thrill of first shows, and dreaming big in Dallas' art scene. Keywords queer artistabstract paintinglate bloomer artistgay creativityprotest artmessy middleDallas art sceneself-taught painterqueer expressionabstract surrealism Key Takeaways Oz drew comic books and painted plaster statues as a kid, encouraged by his grandmother who saw his "weird" spark early on.Teen bullying and self-consciousness muted his creativity for decades, pushing him toward "masculine" paths like military and ag education.Retirement and moving to Dallas ignited his return to art, sparked by friends like David, Salon Natural, and Daniel Padilla.Daily painting calms his chaotic brain, turning agitation into patterns—it's a joyful conduit, not work.The "messy middle" hits when he overthinks structure; letting go always births something beautiful, like David's featured piece.Protest paintings sell fast, channeling world rage into hopeful expression that resonates deeply with buyers.First art show brought tears of humility; now it's relaxed joy—proving he fits without apology.Advice to young queer artists: Trust the quiet inner voice over external noise; intuition speaks in sentences, anxiety in questions.Lightning round gems: Fuels from raw emotion/rage/joy; dog's bark inspires, whining kills focus; dreams of solo Oz show in Dallas.Grandma's legacy: She knew he was gay, grabbed his husband David's hand, said "take care of my boy." Chapters 05:25 - Childhood Sparks: Comics, Plaster Statues, and Grandma's Encouragement08:44 - Suppressing the Queer Creative Self in Small-Town Texas14:42 - Retirement Urgency: Dabbling Turns to Daily Painting Firehose18:10 - The Painting Process: Chaos Clears, Patterns Emerge from Somewhere Else21:25 - How Daily Art Changed Everything—Protest Pieces and Inner Calm28:15 - Freeing Lesson: Stop Caring What People Think32:16 - Spotlight: The Structured-to-Chaotic Piece on David's Wall35:14 - Navigating the Messy Middle: Let Go to Find Beauty40:39 - Dreams Ahead: Solo Show, Protest Series, Penetrating Dallas Art Scene46:08 - Whisper to Young Queer Artists + Lightning Round About the Guest Oz (Galen) is a self-taught abstract surrealist painter from Dallas, channeling emotion into chaotic patterns and protest pieces. Late bloomer after decades in corporate sales for creative firms, he now paints daily in his backyard studio. Bluesky - @studiooz2025.bsky.socialWebsite Resources Read on SubstackFollow on InstagramListen on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Stay Connected with Salon Naturale! 
Ready to dive deeper into the world of queer art, creativity, and community? Visit our website at salonnaturale.art to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on: New Podcast Episodes: Insights, interviews, and discussions that inspire.Drink & Draw Events: Join us monthly for fun nights of creativity and connection at The Dallas EagleNude Art Socials: Explore the beauty of the human form through art.
 Subscribe Now and become part of our vibrant community!
 Follow us on: Bluesky @salonnaturale.art Instagram @salonnaturale YouTube @salonnaturale Hosted on Podbean
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    49 mins
  • EP20: Colorful Queer Icons: The Art and Journey of Steven Thomas

    EP20: Colorful Queer Icons: The Art and Journey of Steven Thomas
    Feb 26 2026
    Summary Join host David Smith in a warm, candid conversation with artist Steven Thomas, who blends vivid acrylic and ink on canvas with digital design to reimagine queer icons in vibrant rainbow colors. Steven shares how his journey from advertising to fine art intersects with his coming out, influences, and creative process, celebrating queer culture with every brushstroke. Keywords Steven ThomasQueer artAndy Warhol inspirationRainbow colorsAcrylic paintingDigital art processQueer iconsArt commissionsAdvertising careerCreative process Key Takeaways Steven Thomas discovered his artistic aptitude early, winning his first soap sculpture contest in elementary school and evolving his skills into professional advertising and fine art.His work is heavily inspired by Andy Warhol’s pop art style, Milton Glaser’s design principles, and other iconic artists like Leroy Neiman and Salvador Dali.Steven uses a hybrid creative process: designing digitally in Adobe Illustrator before projecting images on canvas to paint with acrylic and ink, combining precision with vibrant color.His art predominantly celebrates queer culture by portraying iconic figures with rainbow-colored hair, intentionally highlighting queer identity while keeping the tone celebratory.Commissions form a large part of Steven’s art practice; he collaborates closely with clients to capture their vision within his style, blending multiple photos to create iconic likenesses.Despite the bold colors, Steven’s art is created with the awareness that it won't appeal to everyone, but those who embrace it connect deeply with its joyful and celebratory spirit.Steven does not see digital tools as "cheating" but as essential modern instruments to craft and refine art, with AI tools discussed as an inspirational aid rather than replacement.Major creative fuel for Steven includes classic black-and-white movies and the emotional resonance they evoke, which influences his choice of subjects and depiction.He views art as a form of therapy and joy, hoping his work offers lightness and celebration, especially in challenging times.Steven anticipates expanding the reach of his art through online sales of prints and merchandise, aiming to share queer joyful art beyond physical shows. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Setting the Scene01:00 - Early Artistic Aptitude and Inspirations05:00 - Coming Out and Personal Journey07:30 - Influences: Warhol, Glaser, Dali09:00 - Digital Tools and Painting Process12:00 - Iconic Queer Figures and Rainbow Motifs16:00 - Commissions and Collaboration20:00 - Artistic Styles and Materials25:00 - Balancing Client Vision with Personal Style28:00 - Favorite Pieces and Challenges30:00 - Queer Art Acceptance and Challenges33:00 - Advice on Navigating Traditional and Digital Art35:30 - Quickfire: Artistic Preferences & Inspirations44:00 - Impact and Legacy of Art45:30 - Closing and Farewell Guest Links Steven Thomas Official WebsiteInstagram @steventhomasart Art in the Raw Links & Resources Art in the Raw Newsletter on SubstackInstagram @salonnaturaleListen on Apple PodcastsListen on Spotify Stay Connected with Salon Naturale! 
Ready to dive deeper into the world of queer art, creativity, and community? Visit our website at salonnaturale.art to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on: New Podcast Episodes: Insights, interviews, and discussions that inspire.Drink & Draw Events: Join us monthly for fun nights of creativity and connection at The Dallas EagleNude Art Socials: Explore the beauty of the human form through art.
 Subscribe Now and become part of our vibrant community!
 Follow us on: Bluesky @salonnaturale.art Instagram @salonnaturale YouTube @salonnaturale Hosted on Podbean
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    46 mins
  • EP19: Hiding in Plain Sight: Queer Codings in Art with Ignacio Darnaude

    EP19: Hiding in Plain Sight: Queer Codings in Art with Ignacio Darnaude
    Nov 30 2025
    Summary: Ignacio Darnaude takes us on a vivid journey into the hidden queer histories embedded in some of the world’s most famous artworks. From classical mythologies and religious imagery to coded visual symbols, he reveals how queer artists navigated repression across centuries. This episode explores the ongoing challenges of queer erasure in art institutions, the power of visibility, and Ignacio’s inspiring mission to transform art history narratives. Keywords: Queer art historyQueer coding in artIgnacio DarnaudeHomoerotic artArt censorshipQueer visibilityMichelangelo queer codesReligious and mythological symbolismFelix Gonzalez-TorresQueer art documentary Takeaways Ignacio's epiphany began 15 years ago when he saw John Singer Sargent’s Young Man with Laurels, recognizing coded queer desire in classical art.Queer artists historically used classical, mythological, and religious imagery as “perfect alibis” to safely express same-sex desire without censorship or punishment.Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel contains androgynous and homoerotic imagery, including depictions of same-sex couples, revealing hidden queer narratives.Saint Sebastian’s often eroticized depiction served as a coded symbol of male beauty and queer desire safely cloaked in religious respectability.Museums and art institutions have a history of erasing or downplaying artists’ queerness, often due to conservative boards or fears about market value.Ignacio exposed this institutional erasure in a viral article on Felix Gonzalez-Torres’ Smithsonian retrospective, which omitted references to the artist’s queerness and AIDS-related themes.Queer coding is not just historical; it spans various identities including lesbian, bisexual, and trans artists, all forced into coded expressions due to repression.Despite increasing homophobia and institutional resistance, there is a growing public and gallery appetite for queer art, often showcased openly without needing codes.Ignacio recommends following intuitive queer readings in art research, trusting the “queer eye” to uncover hidden narratives with strong likelihood of being accurate.He emphasizes the importance of queer visibility, famously saying, “You can’t be it if you don’t see it,” underlining his mission to bring marginalized queer art histories to light. Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Ignacio Darnaude and his queer art journey01:00 – Discovery of queer coding in John Singer Sargent’s work04:00 – Visual symbols: classical, mythological, and religious imagery as queer codes06:00 – Detailed examples: Michelangelo, Luca Signorelli, and Saint Sebastian08:20 – Vatican censorship of homoerotic imagery10:00 – Docu-series plans: “Hiding in Plain Sight” overview12:00 – Institutional erasure and the case of Felix Gonzalez-Torres15:30 – Money, conservatism, and queer art censorship in museums22:00 – Queer visibility of well-known modern artists and nuances in censorship25:30 – Queer coding beyond gay men: lesbians, trans, and fluid identities28:00 – Challenges faced in mainstream art history and audience reactions32:30 – Disney and Hollywood: queer codes in animation and villain stereotypes36:00 – Contemporary queer art and the fading need for coding38:00 – Advice for queer artists and scholars exploring hidden narratives40:30 – Emotional impact and the future of queer art visibility42:00 – Rapid fire lightning round with Ignacio’s personal creative insights Guest Info Ignacio Darnaude – Queer art historian, researcher, and filmmaker dedicated to uncovering queer codes in art history. Follow his work on Instagram BREAKING THE GAY CODE IN ART. Read his articles in Out Magazine Article. More info via his LinkTree & Facebook Resources & Links Salon Naturale Newsletter on SubstackBlueSky | Instagram | FacebookListen on Podbean | Spotify | Apple Podcasts Stay Connected with Salon Naturale! 
Ready to dive deeper into the world of queer art, creativity, and community? Visit our website at salonnaturale.art to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on: New Podcast Episodes: Insights, interviews, and discussions that inspire.Drink & Draw Events: Join us monthly for fun nights of creativity and connection at The Dallas EagleNude Art Socials: Explore the beauty of the human form through art.
 Subscribe Now and become part of our vibrant community!
 Follow us on: Bluesky @salonnaturale.art Instagram @salonnaturale YouTube @salonnaturale Hosted on Podbean
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    49 mins
  • E18: The Art Teacher Who Paints the Night: Joe Boatfield

    E18: The Art Teacher Who Paints the Night: Joe Boatfield
    Nov 30 2025
    Summary Joe Boatfield joins host David Smith for a candid, vulnerable conversation about art, identity, and the spaces—from high school classrooms to Dallas’s gay bars—where they intersect. Joe shares how a transformative relationship with an art teacher led him from academic disengagement to a passionate career in art education, while his paintings capture the vibrant, complex, and sometimes contradictory experiences of queer community life in Texas. Together, David and Joe explore the beauty of creative authenticity, the importance of sharing one’s work, and the ongoing quest to reflect both the light and shadows of queer spaces through art. Keywords Queer artArt educationGay bar cultureAuthentic expressionDallas art sceneLGBTQ+ communityCreative resilienceVulnerability in artTeachers as artistsQueer visibility in Texas Takeaways Queer art and identity are deeply shaped by formative relationships—Joe’s journey was transformed by an art teacher who saw his potential and believed in him when few others did.Dallas’s gay bars are depicted in Joe’s work as spaces of joy, community, and contradiction, with bold neon colors and deep shadows representing both the safety and occasional dangers found within.Joe’s paintings aim to capture the observer’s perspective—those first overwhelming, exhilarating, and sometimes anxious moments of entering new queer spaces as an outsider.As an openly queer art teacher in a conservative Texas district, Joe advocates for authenticity and encourages both his students and fellow educators to create and share honest, personal work.Joe believes the vulnerability in art is its power—inviting viewers to step into unfamiliar perspectives, confront contradictions, and find beauty in discomfort.Students as young as kindergarten demonstrate moments of authentic self-expression, and Joe strives to nurture those instincts rather than stifle them.In Joe’s experience, most backlash against queer art and art teachers comes from misunderstanding—emphasizing the need for ongoing dialogue, visibility, and advocacy.Joe’s future work will likely explore abstraction and metaphor, moving beyond the literal to capture deeper emotional truths about queer community and identity.Creativity isn’t limited to “art class”—it’s a vital skill in science, engineering, architecture, and everyday life.Telling honest stories through art can heal, build community, and serve as a mirror for both celebration and critique within queer culture. Chapters 00:03 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:45 Early Artistic Awakening00:50 The Role of a Mentor: Finding the Path to Art03:40 Art Education: From Failing Student to Honored Graduate05:20 Expressing Queer Identity Through Art08:05 The Dichotomy of Queer Spaces: Light, Joy, and Shadow09:23 Art That Moves: Painting from Vintage Photographs13:03 Dallas’s Queer History and Community Connections19:15 Authenticity and Vulnerability in Art and Teaching22:46 Challenges of Queer Visibility for Art Teachers26:48 Inspiring the Next Generation of Queer Artists31:10 Future Directions: Abstraction and Metaphor34:56 Creativity Beyond the Canvas38:21 Lightning Round: Artistic Preferences and Influences41:02 Closing Thoughts: The Legacy of a Queer Artist Guest Information Joe's WebsiteJoe's Instagram Resources & Connect Subscribe to our Substack for essays and bonus contentFollow us on Instagram and BlueskyListen and subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and anywhere podcasts are foundLords of an Underground Empire - D Magazine Stay Connected with Salon Naturale! 
Ready to dive deeper into the world of queer art, creativity, and community? Visit our website at salonnaturale.art to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on: New Podcast Episodes: Insights, interviews, and discussions that inspire.Drink & Draw Events: Join us monthly for fun nights of creativity and connection at The Dallas EagleNude Art Socials: Explore the beauty of the human form through art.
 Subscribe Now and become part of our vibrant community!
 Follow us on: Bluesky @salonnaturale.art Instagram @salonnaturale YouTube @salonnaturale Hosted on Podbean
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    45 mins
  • E17: The Art of Sobriety: A Journey of Self-Discovery

    E17: The Art of Sobriety: A Journey of Self-Discovery
    Oct 26 2025
    Summary Artist Charlie Cole joins David Smith and Gabe Vasquez for a candid exploration of how sobriety, queer identity, and spirituality shape creative expression. From childhood art experiments to the erotic themes of his current work, Cole shares how his journey is marked by vulnerability, humor, and a refusal to hide any part of himself. Along the way, the conversation delves into the power of community, the alchemy of erotic and spiritual energy, and why shedding old skins—whether through paint or recovery—can lead to honest, transformative art. You can listen to Part 1 of our interview with Charlie over on Gabe's Podcast: Art, Sobriety, and the Fool's Journey: Charlie's Path to Healing Through Creativity Keywords queer art, sobriety, recovery, erotic art, creativity, spirituality, LGBTQ+ artists, vulnerability, Dallas art scene, artistic process Takeaways Art as Subconscious Expression: Cole sees art as a channel for subconscious truths, allowing things to emerge that even he doesn’t fully understand until after creation.Sobriety as Creative Catalyst: Getting sober didn’t just clear space for art—it allowed Cole’s creative voice to grow in bold, authentic directions, free from shame or self-censorship.Eroticism as Spiritual: Cole’s current work is unapologetically erotic, reflecting his belief that sexual energy and spiritual energy are deeply connected, not separate realms.From Chaos to Clarity: Pre-sobriety art was sporadic and hard to trace; post-recovery, Cole’s art shows a clear, evolving narrative, mirroring his emotional and spiritual growth.Vulnerability Through Visibility: Making erotic art—especially pieces that might make even his mom blush—requires a willingness to be seen, judged, and ultimately proud.Creative Cycles and Pink Clouds: Like the “pink cloud” phase in recovery, Cole’s artistic journey ebbs and flows, with bursts of inspiration followed by quieter periods of reflection.Community and Isolation: While Cole’s art is deeply personal, he reflects on the tension between creative solitude and the desire for deeper artistic community.From Abstraction to Intimacy: Cole’s next artistic phase might move beyond raw eroticism to explore intimacy, connection, and emotional depth—finding new ways to tell queer stories.The Fool’s Journey Through Recovery: His unpublished book merges tarot symbolism with sobriety narratives, offering a personal map for integrating spiritual and creative growth.Art as Manifestation: Cole believes that what we paint can shape our reality—sometimes literally, as people or situations that appear in his life eerily resemble figures from his canvases. Chapters & Timestamps 00:02 – Introductions & Setting the Stage00:39 – Gabe’s Podcast Mission: Sobriety and the LGBTQ+ Community03:15 – Charlie’s Creative Roots: From Childhood Sketches to Performance Art05:28 – Art Before and After Sobriety: Finding a Linear Progression09:18 – Spirituality in Art: From Marie Laveau to Out-of-Body Experiences12:08 – Queer Identity & Art: Eroticism, Vulnerability, and Liberation14:15 – Gabe on Creativity in Recovery: From Journaling to Crochet17:13 – Charlie’s Creative Process Today: Erotic Art, Collaboration, and Growth24:10 – Advice for Creatives: Embracing Imperfection, Vulnerability, and Subconscious Flow33:07 – Creative Community: The Search for Connection Beyond the Canvas35:18 – Art as Shedding Skin: Phases, Bursts, and the Evolution of Voice41:02 – The Fool’s Journey Through Recovery: Charlie’s Unpublished Book and Spiritual Integration46:52 – Looking Ahead: Next Projects, New Directions, and Taking Up Space54:55 – Rapid-Fire Questions: Oils, Cocktail Twins, and the Art of the Daddy Voice01:03:28 – Closing Thoughts: The Magic of Growth, Community, and Queer Creativity Featured Artist & Guest Links Charlie Cole is a Dallas-based artist whose work spans spiritual symbolism, queer eroticism, and the interplay of recovery and creativity. His unpublished book, The Fool’s Journey Through Recovery, explores tarot as a metaphor for sobriety and personal evolution. Facebook Page: Art by ColeInstagram: @charlesedwardcoleBook: The Fool’s Journey Through Recovery – buy on Amazon or Barnes & Noble Gabe Vasquez hosts his own podcast for Out & About AF: Alcohol-free coaching, community, and travel for LGBTQIA+ folks and allies. You can find more information about Gabe and Out and About AF below. Linktree: Out & About AFApple Podcast: Out & About AFFacebook Support Group: Out & About AF Resources & Connect Subscribe to our Substack for essays and bonus contentFollow us on Instagram and BlueskyListen and subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and anywhere podcasts are found Stay Connected with Salon Naturale! 
Ready to dive deeper into the world of queer art, creativity, and community? Visit our website at salonnaturale.art to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on: New Podcast Episodes: ...
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • E16: Building Inclusive Art Communities: Artitude’s Vision and Impact

    E16: Building Inclusive Art Communities: Artitude’s Vision and Impact
    Oct 12 2025
    Summary Jerome Larez shares his artistic journey and the founding story of Artitude, an organization dedicated to uplifting LGBTQ+ and marginalized artists in Dallas and beyond. We explore themes of representation, community-building, and the power of reclaiming words through art. Jerome also discusses the challenges and opportunities facing queer artists today and the future of Artitude’s programming and outreach. Keywords Jerome LarezArtitudeQueer artistsLGBTQ+ artsDallas art communityMariconXIntersectional artArt and activismBlack and Latinx artistsInclusive art spaces Takeaways Jerome’s artistic roots began in music but transitioned to photography and mixed media, especially black-and-white photography, which became a therapeutic way to explore his queer identity.Artitude was born from conversations among marginalized artists about representation gaps in Dallas' queer and art communities, aiming to create inclusive, cross-cultural platforms.The organization's flagship program, MariconX, reclaims a historically pejorative term to empower Latinx queer artists and embraces inclusivity by adding an "X" to the name.Artitude intentionally fosters multicultural programming, exemplified by projects that blend traditions like Día de los Muertos with diverse artistic perspectives, including Black artists.Jerome balances multiple civic and cultural roles to influence broader access, equity, and representation for marginalized artists in Dallas.Recent funding from the Ford Foundation has allowed Artitude to hire staff, expand programs, and offer scholarships, increasing their capacity and community impact.The organization confronts challenges such as exclusion from events like the Texas State Fair when requiring LGBTQ+ recognition, and continues advocacy for visibility and support.Artitude fosters community and solidarity through art, creating safe spaces where artists can be vulnerable and authentic, inspiring mentorship and connection across identity intersections.Jerome emphasizes the importance of dialogue, strategic alliances, and creating tables where marginalized voices can be heard rather than forcing entry.Looking ahead, Artitude seeks to deepen cross-cultural collaboration and expand its influence regionally, including exhibitions at NYU and continued outreach in Texas cities such as San Antonio. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and Artistic Journey of Jerome Larez04:50 – Founding of Artitude: The Starbucks Meeting and Early Conversations07:30 – Defining Multicultural Programming and Cross-Cultural Artistic Expression10:10 – Jerome’s Civic Roles and Integration with Artitude’s Mission14:30 – Artitude’s Unique Community and Representation Focus18:00 – Challenges in Dallas’ LGBTQ+ Arts Landscape and Funding Issues21:40 – Reclaiming “MariconX”: Name, Controversy, and Inclusivity26:00 – The Evolving Themes of MariconX and Adaptation Across Cities28:00 – Solidarity Through Artistic Collaboration and Safe Spaces31:30 – Impact of Ford Foundation Grant on Artitude’s Growth and Programming35:00 – Navigating Controversies: Texas State Fair and Advocacy38:20 – Managing Artitude Across Distance with Co-Director Rafik40:00 – Future Aspirations: El Pueblo Unido Exhibit and Regional Expansion43:00 – Mentorship and Advice for Emerging Queer Artists of Color44:40 – Hope for the Future: Artists’ Persistence and Voices46:50 – Quickfire Lightning Round: Personal Artistic Insights Guest Info Jerome Larez Artitude Official WebsiteArtitude Instagram Resources and Links Art in the Raw Substack NewsletterArt in the Raw on InstagramListen on Apple PodcastsListen on Spotify Stay Connected with Salon Naturale! 
Ready to dive deeper into the world of queer art, creativity, and community? Visit our website at salonnaturale.art to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on: New Podcast Episodes: Insights, interviews, and discussions that inspire.Drink & Draw Events: Join us monthly for fun nights of creativity and connection at The Dallas EagleNude Art Socials: Explore the beauty of the human form through art.
 Subscribe Now and become part of our vibrant community!
 Follow us on: Bluesky @salonnaturale.art Instagram @salonnaturale YouTube @salonnaturale Hosted on Podbean
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    45 mins
  • E15: Breaking Chains of Shame: Religion, Creativity, and Community with Artist Joey Brock

    E15: Breaking Chains of Shame: Religion, Creativity, and Community with Artist Joey Brock
    Sep 28 2025
    Summary Joey Brock, a queer mixed-media artist with a background in corporate America and fashion merchandising, shares his poignant journey embracing self-love and identity through his evocative portrait work. From confronting religious shame to celebrating queer bodies as sacred, Joey blends photography, stitching, and mylar overlays to create layered, powerful narratives that uplift marginalized voices and challenge societal norms. Keywords Joey BrockQueer ArtMixed MediaReligious ShamePortrait PhotographyMylar ArtSelf-LoveAmerican South Queer ArtistsTextile ArtLGBTQ+ Community Takeaways Joey’s experience in corporate America honed skills like focus, time management, and networking that positively influence his career as an independent artist.Growing up in a Primitive Baptist family in Texas shaped his early relationship with religious shame and queer identity but also inspired his critique of religious hypocrisy toward the LGBTQ+ community.The "Heavenly Bodies" project reclaims queer bodies as divine, using hyper-stylized photos combined with fabric overlays to evoke spirituality and beauty.Joey’s use of materials such as mylar and hand stitching creates multi-layered architectural artworks that explore visibility, presence, and vulnerability.His shift from abstraction to portraiture, inspired by artists like Robert Mapplethorpe, allowed him to confront body image and identity in raw, honest ways.Joey’s broader social practice projects include interviews and portraits addressing discrimination across race, sexuality, socioeconomic status, and body types, highlighting shared human pain and resilience.He consciously balances commercial and conceptual work, maintaining a recognizable style while addressing critical social issues.Joey emphasizes the importance of self-love for queer artists, encouraging individuals to release toxic relationships, including family, and prioritize chosen family.His artistic legacy aspires to uplift communities, be innovative, and challenge viewers to reconsider love, identity, and acceptance.The lightning round reveals Joey's humor, humility, and personal taste, from disliking loud mufflers to admiring Buddhist chants and the value of “quiet the noise” as a personal and artistic mantra. Chapters 00:00 – Introductions and background in corporate and art worlds02:20 – Religious upbringing and its influence on identity and art05:10 – Genesis of portraiture and self-portrait work07:30 – “Heavenly Bodies” project and reclaiming queer divinity15:40 – Fashion merchandising roots and textile techniques18:00 – The technical and mixed media aspects of Joey’s work23:30 – Blending personal, political, and social themes in art27:00 – Handling discrimination and backlash as a queer artist30:10 – Portrait subjects and community celebration32:20 – Definitions of success and artistic legacy36:10 – Advice for young queer artists on self-love and acceptance39:10 – Quick fire: personal favorites and artistic inspirations44:00 – Closing thoughts and future connections Guest Website and Socials Joey Brock Official WebsiteInstagram @joeybrockartFacebook: Joey Brock ArtBlueSky @joeybrockart.bsky.social Art in the Raw — Show Links Support on PatreonNewsletter on SubstackTwitter @artintherawpodInstagram @artintherawpodcastListen on Apple PodcastsListen on Spotify Stay Connected with Salon Naturale! 
Ready to dive deeper into the world of queer art, creativity, and community? Visit our website at salonnaturale.art to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on: New Podcast Episodes: Insights, interviews, and discussions that inspire.Drink & Draw Events: Join us monthly for fun nights of creativity and connection at The Dallas EagleNude Art Socials: Explore the beauty of the human form through art.
 Subscribe Now and become part of our vibrant community!
 Follow us on: Bluesky @salonnaturale.art Instagram @salonnaturale YouTube @salonnaturale Hosted on Podbean
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    49 mins