Art in the Raw: A Podcast About Queer Artists

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 Are Safer? — Elizabeth advocates for Blue Sky's user-control model and calls for transparency; why some platforms are more artist-friendly than others. 20:11–21:30 | What DDA Means to Queer Artists — Emma and Elizabeth affirm their commitment to artists whose identities and bodies are most heavily targeted by algorithms. 21:31–23:25 | The Ken Gruenholz Case Study — Elizabeth recounts a low-contrast photograph of two topless men that was flagged—and how it reveals the guesswork behind content moderation. 24:57–28:10 | The Day of Action: Delivering 2,000 Signatures to Meta — Elizabeth and Emma describe the surreal experience of attempting to hand-deliver the DDA manifesto and artist dossier to Meta's NYC office—and being turned away. 28:11–34:30 | The DDA Manifesto & Santa Clara Principles — Emma and Elizabeth explain the manifesto, its alignment with digital rights frameworks, and why artists must be at the table for platform decisions. 34:31–37:20 | Personal Turning Points in DDA Work — Elizabeth credits Meta's December 2023 appeals process rollout; Emma highlights presenting at RightsCon and bringing the art community into digital rights spaces. 37:21–40:20 | Launching the Free the Nipple Collaboration — Emma announces the upcoming two-month takeover with founder Lena Esco, featuring artist exhibitions, panels, and calls for submissions. 40:21–43:10 | The Algorithm's Female Body Problem — Elizabeth breaks down research showing how AI perceives topless women vs. men differently; the history of Free the Nipple's wins on Meta. 43:11–45:50 | How Artists Can Engage with Free the Nipple Campaign — Elizabeth and Emma outline featured work, submission opportunities, live events, and Eventbrite links. 45:51–49:30 | What Would You Tell the Algorithm Designers? — Emma questions what "artistic context" means; Elizabeth calls for recognition of lens-based media and warns against lazy censorship that harms culture itself. 49:31–57:50 | Lightning Round: Inside the Artist Studio Questions — Elizabeth and Emma share favorite mediums, creative inspirations, sound sensitivities, and hopes for Don't Delete Art's legacy. 57:51–58:30 | Where to Find & Support Don't Delete Art — Emma provides website, Instagram, and Blue Sky handles; information on submitting reports and accessing resources. Guest Information Elizabeth Larison Director, Arts and Culture Advocacy Program at the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC). DDA Core Curator and Administrator. Background in human rights and curatorial studies; 14+ years in arts advocacy. Elizabeth brings institutional knowledge and policy expertise to the fight against digital censorship. Emma Shapiro DDA Editor-at-Large, artist, and writer. Founder of Exposure Therapy, a body equality movement focused on the female nipple and bias in how platforms regulate bodies. Emma's own work has been repeatedly censored on Instagram and Facebook, fueling her activism and curation work with Don't Delete Art. Don't Delete Art Resources Website: dontdelete.art Instagram: @dontdelete.art Blue Sky: DontDeleteArt.bsky.social Submit a censorship report: Available on the DDA website Browse the gallery: Featured banned artworks and artist stories Free the Nipple collaboration: Launches shortly after this episode; follow DDA socials for updates Referenced Organizations & Frameworks National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) Artists at Risk Connection Free Muse Santa Clara Principles — Framework for platform accountability and transparency in content moderation Free the Nipple Movement — Founded by Lena Esco; global movement for body equality and topless freedom ACT UP — Historical activist organization (referenced as influence on advocacy models) Guerrilla Girls — Feminist art collective (referenced as influence on art-as-resistance) Art in the Raw Resources Read essays & updates: Salon Naturale Follow us: Instagram | BlueSky | TikTok Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean Stay Connected with Salon Naturale! 
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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 artist abstract painting late bloomer artist gay creativity protest art messy middle Dallas art scene self-taught painter queer expression abstract 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 Encouragement 08:44 - Suppressing the Queer Creative Self in Small-Town Texas 14:42 - Retirement Urgency: Dabbling Turns to Daily Painting Firehose 18:10 - The Painting Process: Chaos Clears, Patterns Emerge from Somewhere Else 21:25 - How Daily Art Changed Everything—Protest Pieces and Inner Calm 28:15 - Freeing Lesson: Stop Caring What People Think 32:16 - Spotlight: The Structured-to-Chaotic Piece on David's Wall 35:14 - Navigating the Messy Middle: Let Go to Find Beauty 40:39 - Dreams Ahead: Solo Show, Protest Series, Penetrating Dallas Art Scene 46:08 - 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.social Website Resources Read on Substack Follow on Instagram Listen 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 Eagle Nude Art Socials: Explore the beauty of the human form through art.
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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 Thomas Queer art Andy Warhol inspiration Rainbow colors Acrylic painting Digital art process Queer icons Art commissions Advertising career Creative 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 Scene 01:00 - Early Artistic Aptitude and Inspirations 05:00 - Coming Out and Personal Journey 07:30 - Influences: Warhol, Glaser, Dali 09:00 - Digital Tools and Painting Process 12:00 - Iconic Queer Figures and Rainbow Motifs 16:00 - Commissions and Collaboration 20:00 - Artistic Styles and Materials 25:00 - Balancing Client Vision with Personal Style 28:00 - Favorite Pieces and Challenges 30:00 - Queer Art Acceptance and Challenges 33:00 - Advice on Navigating Traditional and Digital Art 35:30 - Quickfire: Artistic Preferences & Inspirations 44:00 - Impact and Legacy of Art 45:30 - Closing and Farewell Guest Links Steven Thomas Official Website Instagram @steventhomasart Art in the Raw Links & Resources Art in the Raw Newsletter on Substack Instagram @salonnaturale Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen 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 Eagle Nude Art Socials: Explore the beauty of the human form through art.
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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 history Queer coding in art Ignacio Darnaude Homoerotic art Art censorship Queer visibility Michelangelo queer codes Religious and mythological symbolism Felix Gonzalez-Torres Queer 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 journey 01:00 – Discovery of queer coding in John Singer Sargent’s work 04:00 – Visual symbols: classical, mythological, and religious imagery as queer codes 06:00 – Detailed examples: Michelangelo, Luca Signorelli, and Saint Sebastian 08:20 – Vatican censorship of homoerotic imagery 10:00 – Docu-series plans: “Hiding in Plain Sight” overview 12:00 – Institutional erasure and the case of Felix Gonzalez-Torres 15:30 – Money, conservatism, and queer art censorship in museums 22:00 – Queer visibility of well-known modern artists and nuances in censorship 25:30 – Queer coding beyond gay men: lesbians, trans, and fluid identities 28:00 – Challenges faced in mainstream art history and audience reactions 32:30 – Disney and Hollywood: queer codes in animation and villain stereotypes 36:00 – Contemporary queer art and the fading need for coding 38:00 – Advice for queer artists and scholars exploring hidden narratives 40:30 – Emotional impact and the future of queer art visibility 42:00 – 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 Substack BlueSky | Instagram | Facebook Listen 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 Eagle Nude Art Socials: Explore the beauty of the human form through art.
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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 art Art education Gay bar culture Authentic expression Dallas art scene LGBTQ+ community Creative resilience Vulnerability in art Teachers as artists Queer 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 Welcome 00:45 Early Artistic Awakening 00:50 The Role of a Mentor: Finding the Path to Art 03:40 Art Education: From Failing Student to Honored Graduate 05:20 Expressing Queer Identity Through Art 08:05 The Dichotomy of Queer Spaces: Light, Joy, and Shadow 09:23 Art That Moves: Painting from Vintage Photographs 13:03 Dallas’s Queer History and Community Connections 19:15 Authenticity and Vulnerability in Art and Teaching 22:46 Challenges of Queer Visibility for Art Teachers 26:48 Inspiring the Next Generation of Queer Artists 31:10 Future Directions: Abstraction and Metaphor 34:56 Creativity Beyond the Canvas 38:21 Lightning Round: Artistic Preferences and Influences 41:02 Closing Thoughts: The Legacy of a Queer Artist Guest Information Joe's Website Joe's Instagram Resources & Connect Subscribe to our Substack for essays and bonus content Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky Listen and subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and anywhere podcasts are found Lords 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 Eagle Nude Art Socials: Explore the beauty of the human form through art.
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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 Stage 00:39 – Gabe’s Podcast Mission: Sobriety and the LGBTQ+ Community 03:15 – Charlie’s Creative Roots: From Childhood Sketches to Performance Art 05:28 – Art Before and After Sobriety: Finding a Linear Progression 09:18 – Spirituality in Art: From Marie Laveau to Out-of-Body Experiences 12:08 – Queer Identity & Art: Eroticism, Vulnerability, and Liberation 14:15 – Gabe on Creativity in Recovery: From Journaling to Crochet 17:13 – Charlie’s Creative Process Today: Erotic Art, Collaboration, and Growth 24:10 – Advice for Creatives: Embracing Imperfection, Vulnerability, and Subconscious Flow 33:07 – Creative Community: The Search for Connection Beyond the Canvas 35:18 – Art as Shedding Skin: Phases, Bursts, and the Evolution of Voice 41:02 – The Fool’s Journey Through Recovery: Charlie’s Unpublished Book and Spiritual Integration 46:52 – Looking Ahead: Next Projects, New Directions, and Taking Up Space 54:55 – Rapid-Fire Questions: Oils, Cocktail Twins, and the Art of the Daddy Voice 01:03:28 – 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 Cole Instagram: @charlesedwardcole Book: 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 AF Apple Podcast: Out & About AF Facebook Support Group: Out & About AF Resources & Connect Subscribe to our Substack for essays and bonus content Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky Listen 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: Insights, interviews, and discussions that inspire. Drink & Draw Events: Join us monthly for fun nights of creativity and connection at The Dallas Eagle Nude Art Socials: Explore the beauty of the human form through art.
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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 Larez Artitude Queer artists LGBTQ+ arts Dallas art community MariconX Intersectional art Art and activism Black and Latinx artists Inclusive 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 Larez 04:50 – Founding of Artitude: The Starbucks Meeting and Early Conversations 07:30 – Defining Multicultural Programming and Cross-Cultural Artistic Expression 10:10 – Jerome’s Civic Roles and Integration with Artitude’s Mission 14:30 – Artitude’s Unique Community and Representation Focus 18:00 – Challenges in Dallas’ LGBTQ+ Arts Landscape and Funding Issues 21:40 – Reclaiming “MariconX”: Name, Controversy, and Inclusivity 26:00 – The Evolving Themes of MariconX and Adaptation Across Cities 28:00 – Solidarity Through Artistic Collaboration and Safe Spaces 31:30 – Impact of Ford Foundation Grant on Artitude’s Growth and Programming 35:00 – Navigating Controversies: Texas State Fair and Advocacy 38:20 – Managing Artitude Across Distance with Co-Director Rafik 40:00 – Future Aspirations: El Pueblo Unido Exhibit and Regional Expansion 43:00 – Mentorship and Advice for Emerging Queer Artists of Color 44:40 – Hope for the Future: Artists’ Persistence and Voices 46:50 – Quickfire Lightning Round: Personal Artistic Insights Guest Info Jerome Larez Artitude Official Website Artitude Instagram Resources and Links Art in the Raw Substack Newsletter Art in the Raw on Instagram Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen 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 Eagle Nude Art Socials: Explore the beauty of the human form through art.
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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 Brock Queer Art Mixed Media Religious Shame Portrait Photography Mylar Art Self-Love American South Queer Artists Textile Art LGBTQ+ 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 worlds 02:20 – Religious upbringing and its influence on identity and art 05:10 – Genesis of portraiture and self-portrait work 07:30 – “Heavenly Bodies” project and reclaiming queer divinity 15:40 – Fashion merchandising roots and textile techniques 18:00 – The technical and mixed media aspects of Joey’s work 23:30 – Blending personal, political, and social themes in art 27:00 – Handling discrimination and backlash as a queer artist 30:10 – Portrait subjects and community celebration 32:20 – Definitions of success and artistic legacy 36:10 – Advice for young queer artists on self-love and acceptance 39:10 – Quick fire: personal favorites and artistic inspirations 44:00 – Closing thoughts and future connections Guest Website and Socials Joey Brock Official Website Instagram @joeybrockart Facebook: Joey Brock Art BlueSky @joeybrockart.bsky.social Art in the Raw — Show Links Support on Patreon Newsletter on Substack Twitter @artintherawpod Instagram @artintherawpodcast Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen 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 Eagle Nude Art Socials: Explore the beauty of the human form through art.
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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. Keywords Queer cinema Cinewild LGBTQ film series Queer art and activism Dallas queer community Film curation Queer storytelling Texas Theater Vulnerability and art Independent queer filmmakers Key Takeaways CinéWild originated in 2014 as a protest alternative to Ender’s Game due to author Orson Scott Card’s homophobia, premiering with a screening of the queer-crafted film CORRECT THIS! DR Mann-Hanson curates films based not only on queer themes but on the involvement of queer creators behind the scenes, honoring queer artists historically absent from mainstream recognition. The Texas Theater, a longtime film advocate in Dallas, serves as a supportive venue with a history of screening auteur cinema, helping CinéWild grow its audience while expanding the theater’s LGBTQ film offerings. CinéWild intentionally creates safe, brave spaces that encourage vulnerability, inviting audiences to connect deeply with queer narratives in a communal setting. In responding to criticism about problematic content, CinéWild embraces education and community dialogue rather than censorship, facilitating reflection on historical context and contemporary values. Despite operating in an often hostile cultural climate for queer people in Texas, CinéWild maintains authenticity without reactionary fear, focusing on building community resilience and joy. Funding has evolved from volunteer passion to securing city arts grants, enabling CinéWild to compensate queer artists and grow toward becoming a nonprofit organization. DR’s theater background informs his storytelling approach and ability to engage audiences dynamically, blending administrative and creative roles within the Dallas arts scene. His advice to queer artists is to ground their work in personal identity and values, embrace authenticity and curiosity, and not be constrained by traditional definitions of art. Episode Chapters 01:00 CinéWild's origin as protest against Orson Scott Card’s homophobia 04:00 The “Three E’s” framework: education, entertainment, engagement 07:00 The community ball inspired by Paris is Burning 10:30 Importance of Texas Theater as a queer-friendly venue 13:00 Highlighting queer creators behind the camera, not just on screen 16:40 Activist rationale of film programming (example: Birdcage vs Reagan movie) 25:00 Navigating criticism and fostering community dialogue 33:50 Positioning CinéWild as a counter-narrative in hostile environments like Texas 41:30 Funding, grants, and pathway to becoming a nonprofit 44:30 CinéWild's legacy hopes and creating generative queer film community 53:10 Rapid Fire: DR’s creative inspirations and reflections 61:50 Vision for CinéWild's future and closing thoughts Guest Info CinéWild on Facebook CinéWild on Instagram Resources & Connect with Art in the Raw Support on Patreon Newsletter on Substack Art in the Raw on Twitter Art in the Raw on Instagram Listen on Spotify Listen on 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 Eagle Nude Art Socials: Explore the beauty of the human form through art.
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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. Keywords LTJ Reads Queer Arts Bisexuality Trauma and Healing Leather Community Louisiana Words Throwing Light Podcast Mental Health and Creativity Queer Literature Intergenerational Dialogue Key Takeaways LTJ Reads' stage name reflects a blend of intellectualism and creative expression rooted in his initials and love of reading. His early artistic awakening began with writing horror screenplays and dark poetry in high school as a form of escapism. The poem "Bisexual Me" encapsulates his rejection of binary thinking in sexuality, embracing fluidity and inclusion beyond societal constraints. His forthcoming book American Like Me explores themes of body, mind, and heart to reflect a complex American identity. LTJ’s film work includes 'Forced to Swim' and a powerful short, His Body, telling abortion from male and transgender perspectives as metaphor for his HIV and trauma experiences. He actively hosts and sustains the "Naked People Reading" series, fostering vulnerability and queer-visible storytelling across Texas cities. Throwing Light is a positive community-driven video podcast countering destructive "shade" culture by celebrating leadership and unity. The Louisiana Words project highlights marginalized Louisiana voices through poetry and memoir, emphasizing non-political, universal human experience. LTJ is planning extensive live tours for both Louisiana Words and Throwing Light, aiming to strengthen statewide and national queer communities. He embraces his trauma as artistic fuel—addressing childhood abuse, sexual assault, racism, and mental illness with ongoing therapy and sobriety. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Origin of "LTJ Reads" 01:06 Early Writing and Artistic Awakening 02:54 Bisexual Me and Challenging Binary Queer Identities 04:19 Overview of Upcoming Book American Like Me 05:12 Film Projects and His Body Short Film 07:16 Intersection of HIV, Sexual Assault, and Art 11:13 Naked People Reading and Community Building 16:58 Louisiana Words - Origins, Mission, and Upcoming Tour 22:23 Launch and Growth of Throwing Light Podcast 29:24 Plans for Texas and National Throwing Light Tours 36:16 Harnessing Trauma for Artistic Expression 46:25 Rapid Fire Artistic Lightning Round 48:35 Closing Remarks and Legacy Aspirations Guest Links https://louistoliverjr.com (Official Website) Instagram @ltjishere Throwing Light Podcast on YouTube Louisiana Words Tour 2025 Throwing Light Together Tour 2025 Art in the Raw Links Newsletter on Substack Instagram Twitter Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen 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 Eagle Nude Art Socials: Explore the beauty of the human form through art.
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