The Power of Everyday Artists and Makers of Things with Lenett Partlow-Myrick and Jenny O'Grady
Art Heals All Wounds
11/23/22
•42m
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Today, I’m joined by artists and educators Lenett Partlow-Myrick and Jenny O'Grady to discuss the medium of book art and the transformative workshops that they lead. Lenett describes book art as a way to reimagine the possibility of what books can be, how they’re created, and ways that we can interpret them. In their workshops, which they lovingly call “human bonding studios,” they lead groups of people through a journey of self-exploration and genuine connection.
Lenett and Jenny provide space, materials, and a thought-provoking question to get their students started. The focus isn’t on the end product, but rather being open to a different way of delving into deep conversations about one's intentions, limitations, and purpose. Lenett and Jenny believe that everyone is an artist and describe what they’ve witnessed when a group of adults take time to pause and get curious.
In our conversation, we also touch on Lenett and Jenny’s collaborative efforts outside of the workshops. They’ve recently wrapped up “Dos-A-Dos II,” a showcase of book art and poetry called at Howard Community College’s Richard B. Talkin Family Art Gallery. Listen in to learn more about Lenett and Jenny’s enriching perspective on how sculptural storytelling can impact individuals and communities on a foundational level.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Castbox, or on your favorite podcast platform.
Topics Covered:
● Jenny and Lenett’s introduction to book art
● Questions that workshop participants explore
● Ways to make art more accessible to people, especially those who don’t identify as artistic or creative
● The impact of quality, honest communication
● Using book art workshops as a way to dissipate polarity in communities
Guest Info:
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Previous Episode
New Visions for Rwandan Filmmakers with Ganza Moise
November 16, 2022
•49m
Today, I’m joined by Ganza Moise, a Rwandan writer and filmmaker, to talk about his art and the Rwandan film community. We unpack the themes and artistic direction of two of his recent independent films, “Sensory Overload” and “Mazunga.” Ganza describes the unexpected ways that he frames characters and explores philosophical, existential questions that so many of us grapple with. He also touches on the transitional nature of his generation and highlights some of the filmmaking and distribution challenges in Rwanda.
“Sensory Overload” is an audio-visual experience based on Natacha Muzira’s poem about the liberating power of imagination. He explores similar themes in “Mazunga,” which is about a taxi motorcyclist who is forced to face his internal conflicts when the whole world shuts down during the pandemic. In our conversation, Ganza explains why he’s drawn to these types of stories and breaks down his artistic process.
I ask Ganza about the generation of Rwandans who teeter the Millennials/Gen-Z line. He illustrates how he and his peers are doing a lot of talking, thinking, and creating to find their cultural identity in a country that is very ambitious, but also mourning the atrocities of genocide from the not-to-distant past.
Part of the country’s rapid growth is reflected in the film scene. Ganza is the co-founder of KIRURI mfn, an arts production and distribution company. He shares his insight into how Rwandan filmmakers are getting their work in front of larger audiences and how he’s working to amplify their art.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Castbox, or on your favorite podcast platform.
Topics Covered:
● What drew Ganza to filmmaking
● Powerful scenes and themes of “Sensory Overload” and “Mazunga”
● How Ganza seeks to make sense of his experiences and internal conversations through art
● Challenges that Ganza and other Rwandans of his generation are currently facing
● What’s happening with the independent film scene in Rwanda
Guest Info:
● KIRURI mfn YouTube
Follow Me:
● Art Heals All Wounds Website
● Art Heals All Wounds Instagram
● Art Heals All Wounds Twitter
Next Episode
Marcus Thompson is a long-time Golden State Warriors beat reporter and Bay Area News Group sports columnist and currently writes for The Athletic. Growing up, he was fascinated by two things: words and Bay Area sports teams. In our conversation, he highlights teachers and other adults in his life that encouraged him to lean into writing, including sportswriter Michael Silver.
From 1971 to 2019, the Warriors called Oracle Arena in Oakland home until moving to the swanky new Chase Center in San Francisco. Marcus notes that the brand of the Warriors was built on the accessible and communal nature of basketball and details the grassroots momentum of the team. He shares why he thinks the marketing and communication missteps have left fans feeling slighted, abandoned, and priced out of their beloved team.
We talk about how this uprooting parallels a lot of what’s happening in our community. I’ve been vocal about the shift in demographics, gentrification, and rising cost of living in the Bay Area, and as an Oakland native, Marcus has experienced it, too.
Finally, we discuss why it’s so valuable for young athletes to learn the art of storytelling. He explains what's required of them these days, including an element of branding and taking ownership over your narrative. Listen in to hear our conversation about how local sports teams often reflect the cultural dynamics of their community, and so much more.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Castbox, or on your favorite podcast platform.
Topics Covered:
● How Marcus became a sportswriter
● Ways that the Oakland sports teams mimic the story arc of Oakland, especially the Warriors
● Marcus’ take on the decision to move the Warriors from Oakland to San Francisco
● Solutions to bridge economic and cultural gaps in the Bay Area
● Why it’s so important for athletes to know how to articulate and express their story
Guest Info:
● Marcus Thompson - The Athletic
Follow Me:
● Art Heals All Wounds Website
● Art Heals All Wounds Instagram
● Art Heals All Wounds Twitter
● Art Heals All Wounds Facebook
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