Concerning The Spiritual In Art

In this episode Cedric and I discuss the power of alchemy and how we as artists can perform visual alchemy within our work. We discuss Cedric's creative process and how he is influenced by graffiti culture and ritual.  During our dialogue we talk about our current cultural condition of polarization, and how art and artists alike can help guide us back into a sense of balance.  Cedric also shares about his experience with plant medicine and the importance of those experiences in his life.    ----------------- http://www.cedricumoja.com/ https://www.instagram.com/umojaizm/?hl=en Cedric Umoja is a Columbia, S.C. based multidisciplinary artist who seeks to enact alchemical change through the use of letter forms, found materials and archetypal totems. Umoja bridges ancient and future in his drawings, paintings, murals, sculptures, film, installation work and performance.  His influences include Dondi White, Betye Saar, Max Beckmann, Rammellezee, Sun Ra and Jack Whitten. Umoja attended the Art Institute of Atlanta, he later apprenticed under Yale MFA and veteran fine artist, Tony Cacalano. He gained the gift of Tony's tutelage under Jack Tworkov, one of the founders of the famed New York School. Umoja's work features elements of Post Graffiti, Post Expressionism, Afro-Surrealism, Afrofuturism, Modern art and African art. He has exhibited work in museums and galleries in the South, South East and Mid West regions of the US.  Umoia has collaborated with and been commissioned by Cirque Du Soleil, Lu Lu Lemon, The Watering Hole, University of South Carolina, The City of Charleston, Moja Arts festival, Columbia Museum of Art. See More from Martin Benson *To stay up on releases and content surrounding the show check out my instagram *To contribute to the creation of this show, along with access to other exclusive content, consider joining my Patreon! Credits: Big Thanks to Matthew Blankenship of The Sometimes Island  for the podcast theme music!

In this episode Jessica and I talk about the importance of shifting our perspective beyond our limited environments. We discuss our relationship to the cosmos and the importance of communing with the natural world.  We ask the question about how our relationship to both natural and urban spaces influence us in our lives.  Jessica and I also discuss her imagery and painting process, along with the impact that meditative concentration has on both the artist and the artwork itself.   ---------------------- Website: www.jescannon.com IG: @jes_cannon "Eternal Geometries" opening 4/11/23 at https://polinaberlingallery.com/    Jessica Cannon was born in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn in 1979. She has exhibited her work at Winston's (Los Angeles), The Manes Center for Contemporary Art (Roslyn, NY), Honey Ramka (Brooklyn, NY), Crush Curatorial (Amagansett, NY), Big Medium (Austin, TX), The Brooklyn Academy of Music, The Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art, and elsewhere. She is a past recipient of The Brooklyn Arts Council’s Community Arts Fund Grant and been awarded residencies at the Jentel Foundation in Banner, WY, RAiR Foundation's Historic Studios in Roswell, NM, Vermont Studio Center, and Lower Manhattan Cultural Council’s SwingSpace Program on Governor’s Island. Select press and publications include: The New York Times, Flaunt Magazine, phaidon.com, Maake Magazine, New American Paintings, Dovetail, and Hyperallergic. In Fall 2017 Jessica founded Far By Wide, an ongoing series of exhibitions online and in pop-up spaces to support social and environmental justice organizations. She received a BA from Tufts University and an MFA from Parsons School of Design. She currently teaches at Parsons School of Design and CUNY Queens College. See More from Martin Benson *To stay up on releases and content surrounding the show check out my instagram *To contribute to the creation of this show, along with access to other exclusive content, consider joining my Patreon! Credits: Big Thanks to Matthew Blankenship of The Sometimes Island  for the podcast theme music!

In this episode Amy and I have a fun and lively conversation about painting, color mixing, and the importance of distilling images down to exactly what they need.  We touched on meditative practice and some of the hurdles that arise when beginning that journey.  We also had a really enriching discussion around consumer culture and what it means to be someone who makes art in a time when there is such an abundance of stuff all around us.   --------------- Amy Lincoln lives and works in New York City. She completed her MFA in Painting at Temple University’s Tyler School of Art in 2006 and her BA in Studio Art at University of California, Davis in 2003. Lincoln’s work has been the subject of solo exhibitions at Taymour Grahne Projects, London (2022), Sperone Westwater (2021), Morgan Lehman Gallery, New York (2018; 2016) and Monya Rowe Gallery, Saint Augustine, FL (2016), among others. Her work has also been featured in numerous group exhibitions at galleries including The Hole (2022), Sargent’s Daughters (2018), Regina Rex (2017), as well as internationally at Galerie Valerie Bach, Brussels, Belgium (2020) and Stems Gallery, Paris, France (2022). Lincoln has been awarded residencies at the Wave Hill Winter Workspace program, the Inside Out Art Museum Residency in Beijing, and a Swing Space residency from the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council. amylincoln.com speronewestwater.com taymourgrahne.com See More from Martin Benson *To stay up on releases and content surrounding the show check out my instagram *To contribute to the creation of this show, along with access to other exclusive content, consider joining my Patreon! Credits: Big Thanks to Matthew Blankenship of The Sometimes Island  for the podcast theme music!

In this episode Guleus and I talk a lot about healing and how creativity and art making can be a gateway for both releasing trauma and cultivating a healthier relationship with ourselves. We discuss how this process ultimately helps us connect with the world in a more positive way and helps us manifest a more beautiful life.  ----------------  Guleus E'Xavier's creative process serves as an integration and expression of his own personal healing process and connects him to an  exploration of human consciousness. Often times, Infamous’ works provide an insightful dialogue with his own heritage through the use of symbolism, intuitive abstraction, and his own language of illustration he refers to as “neoglyph.” As a graphic designer and digital creator, Infamous’ work fuses archives of found images with colorful shapes and symbols that serve as representations of kinetic and spiritual energy. He is both a seeker and collector of iconic imagery, inspiration, and spiritual discoveries. Whether through singing in church choir, creating music with family, or practicing deep listening across genres, music provides Infamous with a deep wellspring of healing and inspiration that is woven throughout his work. A sought after collaborator for album art commissions across the range of musical genres, he is recognized for his deftness at visually translating emotions into layered collages that strike perfect harmony of space and vibration. As a painter and illustrator, Infamous creates a foundation for his composition through textured vibrant colors before centering the abstract or figurative subjects of his work. Each subject tells a story, including collective and lived experiences of Guleus and his ancestors. His works hold space for ancestral wisdom to be channeled by both artist and viewer. Indeed, at times he is assisted by his ancestors and ascended spirits in the creation of his work. Rather than considering himself a medium, though, he acknowledges his connection to creation as a divine act that allows for the influence of his spirit guides. His dedication to healing his own mental health and trauma through creativity has influenced him to take steps toward being an advocate, resource, and facilitator for his community. He is currently earning a degree in Art Therapy from PennWest ( Edinboro University ) to embody his personal manifesto: “Create, inspire, heal myself and others.” Socials : website : www.infamousjeanclaude.com instagram : www.instagram.com/infamousjeanclaude twitter : www.twitter.com/infamousjclaude #staychampion #keepgoing #followthrough *To stay up on releases and content surrounding the show check out my instagram *To contribute to the creation of this show, along with access to other exclusive content, consider joining my Patreon! Credits: Big Thanks to Matthew Blankenship of The Sometimes Island  for the podcast theme music!

In this episode with Matt Blankenship Jr.,  we take a deep dive into the relationship between consciousness and spirituality and how this relationship not only influences creativity but influences the way we think about our life! --------------- Matt Blankenship Jr. is a songwriter and producer based in Los Angeles, leader of tropical indie-pop band The Sometimes Island. Synth-heavy pop laced with introspective lyrics and bright, colorful sounds, it’s the kind of music you can both sway your hips to and appreciate both physically and intellectually.  “I think the point of our music is movement,” says Blankenship Jr. “We make music that people can participate physically with, not just think about. Something to get you into your body and out of your head for a while." Led by charismatic frontman Matt Blankenship Jr., drummer Nick Lopiano, and guitarist Felipe Valdivia, the trio has seen immense success in their 4 years together, including over 9 million streams on their latest EP Beverly & Barbara, and a #2 spot on Apple’s Alternative Chart, beating out Billie Eilish. The Bad People EP has even been called “the future of synthpop” by Buzznet. With their quick rise to success, it may come as a surprise that Sometimes Island is label-free. A DIY band at heart, they’ve seen incredible support from their community and fans, allowing them to grow as rapidly as they have. Links: Website: https://www.thesometimesisland.com Listen: https://linktr.ee/thesometimesisland Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesometimesisland YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoypMS1TR91LP-1k1m1dpA TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRjR2wfe/ *To stay up on releases and content surrounding the show check out my instagram *To contribute to the creation of this show, along with access to other exclusive content, consider joining my Patreon! Credits: Big Thanks to Matthew Blankenship of The Sometimes Island  for the podcast theme music!

In this episode Delta Venus and I talk about ancient wisdom traditions, psychedelic integration, and how to ground our spiritual practice within our creative process. ------------------- Delta Venus's Website Delta Venus's Instagram  Delta Venus is a visionary artist, mystic & theologian living and  learning on the beautiful eastern coast of Australia. Delta has been studying for the past 15 years and after moving through several initiations is now devoted to offering herself to her work as a visionary artist & spiritual mentor. Delta travelled to many geographical activation portals during her twenties including her two motherland countries - Egypt & Ireland. She has been on a path of awakening & remembering the mission of her spirit through its many incarnations. Delta has past life memories translating scrolls with the Essene Nazarenes, with the desert fathers in the Sahara & working within the temples of Ancient Khem. She is deeply honoured to remember & continue her soul work in this life. Delta is currently offering energy portraits & colour healing, art prints, spiritual tools, self-paced courses  & the opportunity to work 1:1 for those in need of spiritual counsel. Her commitment is to continue her pilgrimage on the path of love and to support those seeking  this path too. *To stay up on releases and content surrounding the show check out my instagram *To contribute to the creation of this show, along with access to other exclusive content, consider joining my Patreon! Credits: Big Thanks to Matthew Blankenship of The Sometimes Island  for the podcast theme music!

In this episode with Elizabeth Traina, we dig deep into ideas around creativity, healing, and how we can use art as way to evolve our consciousness . We also discuss the role of art in our world today and how spiritual art is making a huge comeback right when we need it the most!  ------------ Elizabeth's Website  Elizabeth's Instagram  Elizabeth is a New York-based visual artist and lightwork facilitator. Elizabeth creates artwork that explores the intersection of modernism and metaphysics — influenced by a small yet rich lineage of sacred geometry created and transmitted by women. Elizabeth’s compositions are made of intricately layered transparent forms, suggesting luminescent multi-dimensional movement. In addition to her studio practice, Elizabeth contributes to the intersection of art within social equity and justice movements. Early on in her career, she created youth art programs in Oakland and San Francisco and, while in the Bay Area, developed as a community muralist. In conjunction with Xavier University, in 2008 she co-created and lead the Community Arts Initiative for New Orleans Prospect.1 Biennial. Following this, Elizabeth developed Art & Consciousness Curriculum, an innovative hands-on workshop series. She ongoingly facilitates seminars both locally and abroad and has partnered with the New Orleans and New York City Departments of Education, the US Indonesian Embassy, Soho House, and Parsons New School. Elizabeth expanded her education with training in Transpersonal Hypnotherapy, Energy Medicine, and Sound Healing. Currently, she continues her learning through ongoing metaphysical research, paints in her studio in Brooklyn, NYC, and offers custom Lightwork Sessions to clients and groups seeking transformational guidance. *To stay up on releases and content surrounding the show check out my instagram *To contribute to the creation of this show, along with access to other exclusive content, consider joining my Patreon! Credits: Big Thanks to Matthew Blankenship of The Sometimes Island  for the podcast theme music!

In this episode with artist Skylar Smith, we discuss creative process in relation to meditation. We also dialogue  about ways to integrate spiritual practice into the art making experience itself.  ---------------- 1st New Moon of 2023 ! Skylar's Website  Skylar's Instagram Skylar Smith is an artist, curator, and educator. Her work deals with micro and macro perceptions of the natural world, and human-scale politics that influence perception.   Smith’s work has been exhibited regionally and internationally, including at The Parachute Factory, Lexington, KY; The Anne Wright Wilson Gallery at Georgetown College, Georgetown, KY; The Barr Gallery at Indiana University Southeast, New Albany, IN; Quappi Projects, Louisville, KY; The 1926 Gallery, Chicago, IL; Sanskriti Kendra Foundation, New Delhi, India; and at the Sanbarbh Residency, Partapur, India. She has completed Artist Residencies in India at Sanskriti Kendra and Sanbarbh Residency; and Colegio Trener, an elementary school in Lima, Peru. Smith has curated several exhibitions, including With Child at The Huff Gallery, Louisville, KY; Hangar Show at Cardinal Wings Hangar, Louisville, KY; Wallpaper at Stray Show, Chicago, IL; and Suspension at 1926 Gallery, Chicago, IL.    In 2020 Smith curated BallotBox, a contemporary art exhibition examining past and present voting rights with support from Kentucky Foundation for Women, Louisville Metro, Louisville Visual Art, and Great Meadows Foundation. BallotBox was on display in Louisville Metro Hall and at 21c Museum Louisville through March 2021.    In 2019 Smith was selected to participate in the ‘Hadley Creatives’ fellowship program, and grants include Kentucky Foundation for Women ‘Artist Meets Activism’, ‘Artist Enrichment’, and ‘Advancing Democracy, Building Power’ grants, Great Meadows Foundation ‘Artist Professional Development’ grants, and a Great Meadows Foundation ‘Curatorial Travel’ grant.   She is a founding member of Kentucky College of Art + Design (KyCAD), and she has taught college-level art studio and art history courses for over a decade, in addition to teaching at non-profit and alternative-education venues.    Smith has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Maryland Institute College of Art and a Master of Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She is also a Certified Yoga Teacher. She is currently the Artist-In-Residence at Francis Parker School of Louisville. Smith resides in Louisville, Kentucky with her husband and two daughters. *To stay up on releases and content surrounding the show check out my instagram *To contribute to the creation of this show, along with access to other exclusive content, consider joining my Patreon!  Credits: Big Thanks to Matthew Blankenship of The Sometimes Island  for the podcast theme music! 

A spiritual renaissance is upon us and its influences are being reflected in a lot of the art we are seeing today. “Concerning the Spiritual in Art," a podcast hosted by artist Martin Benson, explores spirituality, consciousness and the creative process. This podcast highlights innovative artists working across a variety of genres and mediums. The hope is that these conversations inspire, perplex, and ultimately emphasize the importance of the creative process and how it can be a vehicle for both individual and collective transformation. ------------- Before the Launch of our official first episode on January 21st 2023. I wanted to have a short introduction about the show, who I am, and my intensions behind it. I am so excited to take you on this journey with me.  I have a ton of amazing inspirational artists lined up for you.  Stay tuned! *To stay up on releases and content surrounding the show check out my instagram  *to contribute to the creation of this show, along with access to other exclusive content, consider joining my Patreon! Credits: Big Thanks to Matthew Blankenship of The Sometimes Island  for the podcast theme music!