Episodes

  • 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connection, and emotional depth—finding new ways to tell queer stories.The Fool’s Journey Through Recovery: His unpublished book merges tarot symbolism with sobriety narratives, offering a personal map for integrating spiritual and creative growth.Art as Manifestation: Cole believes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! 
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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.
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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.
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    49 mins
  • E14: CinéWild: Queer Cinema, Community, and Courage with DR Mann-Hanson

    E14: CinéWild: Queer Cinema, Community, and Courage with DR Mann-Hanson
    Aug 31 2025
    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 cinemaCinewildLGBTQ film seriesQueer art and activismDallas queer communityFilm curationQueer storytellingTexas TheaterVulnerability and artIndependent 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 homophobia04:00 The “Three E’s” framework: education, entertainment, engagement07:00 The community ball inspired by Paris is Burning10:30 Importance of Texas Theater as a queer-friendly venue13:00 Highlighting queer creators behind the camera, not just on screen16:40 Activist rationale of film programming (example: Birdcage vs Reagan movie)25:00 Navigating criticism and fostering community dialogue33:50 Positioning CinéWild as a counter-narrative in hostile environments like Texas41:30 Funding, grants, and pathway to becoming a nonprofit44:30 CinéWild's legacy hopes and creating generative queer film community53:10 Rapid Fire: DR’s creative inspirations and reflections61:50 Vision for CinéWild's future and closing thoughts Guest Info CinéWild on FacebookCinéWild on Instagram Resources & Connect with Art in the Raw Support on PatreonNewsletter on SubstackArt in the Raw on TwitterArt in the Raw on InstagramListen on SpotifyListen 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 EagleNude Art Socials: Explore the beauty of the human form through art.
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • E13: Throwing Light and Breaking Binaries: The Art and Activism of LTJ Reads

    E13: Throwing Light and Breaking Binaries: The Art and Activism of LTJ Reads
    Aug 8 2025
    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 ReadsQueer ArtsBisexualityTrauma and HealingLeather CommunityLouisiana WordsThrowing Light PodcastMental Health and CreativityQueer LiteratureIntergenerational 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 Awakening02:54 Bisexual Me and Challenging Binary Queer Identities04:19 Overview of Upcoming Book American Like Me05:12 Film Projects and His Body Short Film07:16 Intersection of HIV, Sexual Assault, and Art11:13 Naked People Reading and Community Building16:58 Louisiana Words - Origins, Mission, and Upcoming Tour22:23 Launch and Growth of Throwing Light Podcast29:24 Plans for Texas and National Throwing Light Tours36:16 Harnessing Trauma for Artistic Expression46:25 Rapid Fire Artistic Lightning Round48:35 Closing Remarks and Legacy Aspirations Guest Links https://louistoliverjr.com (Official Website)Instagram @ltjishereThrowing Light Podcast on YouTubeLouisiana Words Tour 2025Throwing Light Together Tour 2025 Art in the Raw Links Newsletter on SubstackInstagramTwitterListen 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.
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    58 mins
  • E12: Transformation of Dangerous Spaces: Inside the Art and Activism of Christopher W. Quigley

    E12: Transformation of Dangerous Spaces: Inside the Art and Activism of Christopher W. Quigley
    Aug 3 2025
    Summary In this deeply reflective episode of Art in the Raw, Christopher W. Quigley shares his journey from hands-on custom fabrication to creating immersive public artworks that confront themes of impermanence, entropy, and gender-based violence. After surviving two near-fatal strokes, Quigley transformed his artistic vision to focus on projects like Transformation of Dangerous Spaces, an emotionally powerful installation addressing intimate partner violence and toxic masculinity. This conversation navigates Quigley’s personal history, queer identity, and his commitment to using art as a catalyst for social change. Keywords Christopher W. Quigley, queer art, custom fabrication, immersive art installation, gender-based violence, intimate partner violence, toxic masculinity, public art, entropy in art, impermanence, Transformation of Dangerous Spaces, queer creativity, stroke survivor artist, art activism Takeaways Quigley’s early memories driving his aunt’s 1966 Pontiac Parisienne shaped his love for custom fabrication and collaborative artistic creation.His career evolved through interior design and large-scale custom fabrication projects, including record-breaking public art installations like the largest outdoor chandelier in Cleveland, Ohio.Queer identity in a traditionally male, heterosexual-dominated industry required Quigley to exceed ordinary expectations—mediocrity was never an option.Two near-fatal strokes in 2022 profoundly shifted Quigley’s artistic purpose from fabricating for others to creating meaningful, socially engaged artworks.His work embraces themes of entropy and impermanence, with sculptures designed to slowly dissolve over decades, reflecting the temporary nature of life and legacy.Transformation of Dangerous Spaces is an immersive, eight-stall art installation addressing intimate partner violence and toxic masculinity, rooted in local community tragedy.The project focuses on male accountability and education, highlighting the socialization of boys and men in spaces like locker rooms as key sites for perpetuating violence.The installation challenges audiences emotionally and requires trauma-informed support to help process its intense themes.Men’s organizations have been slower to engage with the project compared to women’s groups, illustrating ongoing challenges in addressing gender-based violence collaboratively.Quigley advises young queer artists to focus on making authentic, plentiful art without agenda, embracing creation as a fundamental ritual for growth and impact. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction: Sunday drives and early inspirations02:30 – Career in custom fabrication and move to Manhattan05:00 – Navigating queerness in a male-dominated industry10:00 – Life-changing strokes and artistic transformation12:00 – Themes of entropy, impermanence, and the ephemeral series18:00 – Creation of Transformation of Dangerous Spaces installation22:00 – Addressing intimate partner violence and toxic masculinity26:00 – Audience reactions and intersectionality in the work36:00 – Challenges engaging men’s groups and trauma-informed care43:00 – The significance of horror aesthetics and queer resonance48:00 – Vision for public policy and societal change through art50:00 – Advice for young queer artists embracing entropy52:30 – Quick 10 questions for Christopher W. Quigley01:01:00 – Closing remarks and future tour plans Guest Info Christopher W. Quigley Official Website TRANSFORMATION OF DANGEROUS SPACES Art in the Raw Resources Join our Patreon for exclusive content at patreon.com/SalonNaturale Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at salonnaturale.art Follow us on: Bluesky @salonnaturale.art Instagram: @salonnaturale YouTube: @SalonNaturale Available on: Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Podbean App, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Player FM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, Boomplay Hosted on Podbean 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.
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    57 mins
  • E11: Exploring Queer Erotica and Sci-Fi with J. W. Steed

    E11: Exploring Queer Erotica and Sci-Fi with J. W. Steed
    Jul 13 2025
    Summary In this engaging episode of Art in the Raw, J. W. Steed shares his journey as a writer whose queer identity deeply informs his work, blending eroticism with science fiction and fantasy. From early literary influences to his groundbreaking queer erotica and thoughtful exploration of clone rights, Steed offers candid insights into creativity, vulnerability, and challenging norms in queer storytelling. Keywords queer erotica, science fiction, fantasy, J. W. Steed, clone rights, queer identity, erotic fiction, LGBTQ+ literature, vulnerability in art, queer representation Takeaways J. W. Steed began writing poetry as a child, heavily influenced by Victorian poet Edward Lear and continued through creative writing workshops in school.His early writing included queer characters subtly woven into young adult and women’s fiction, with his first trans character appearing in 2004-2005.Steed’s work blends humor and seriousness, inspired by authors like Shirley Jackson and Patrick Dennis, enhancing emotional depth.He has been a proud member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association, recently writing explicit queer sci-fi erotica featuring clones.The novella “Journey’s End” explores identity, loss, and complex relationships through the sci-fi lens of clones with varying memories and citizenship rights.Steed uses his long-running personal blog—focused on erotic personal essays—to develop his comfort and skill in writing sexual scenes.He emphasizes that eroticism in literature is not just about sex but about arousing emotional, sensory, and intellectual responses, making characters more relatable and stories richer.Steed addresses social commentary in his work, especially around clone rights and commodification, reflecting challenges faced by queer communities.Despite potential risks and censorship in queer erotic genres, he advocates for writing true to oneself and embracing vulnerability as a source of creative strength.For emerging queer writers, Steed advises clarifying personal beliefs and harnessing that conviction to write authentically and powerfully. Chapter Timestamps 00:01 – Introduction to J. W. Steed and early writing influences03:00 – Queer identity and writing erotica06:00 – Literary inspirations: Shirley Jackson and Patrick Dennis08:30 – Role of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association12:30 – Creation of the queer sci-fi clone erotica duology15:00 – Writing “Journey’s End” amid personal loss18:20 – Queer representation and sexuality in sci-fi literature21:30 – Blog and personal essays as creative development tools27:00 – The role of eroticism in character and narrative development31:00 – Social commentary on clone rights and identity35:00 – Reception and challenges of queer erotic fiction40:00 – Overcoming creative doubts and rejection43:30 – Contributions to broader queer literary conversations44:30 – Upcoming sci-fi projects and creative process46:00 – Advice for emerging queer writers48:30 – The 10 Artistic Questions with J. W. Steed57:30 – Closing remarks Guest Website and Socials Learn more about J. W. Steed and his work: Peter Schutes Publishing – Publisher of J. W. Steed’s queer sci-fi eroticaJ. W. Steed Official WebsiteJ. W. Steed's BlueskyBuy his novellas Art in the Raw Resources Join our Patreon for exclusive content at patreon.com/SalonNaturale Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at salonnaturale.art Follow us on: Bluesky @salonnaturale.art Instagram: @salonnaturale YouTube: @SalonNaturale Available on: Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Podbean App, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Player FM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, Boomplay Hosted on Podbean 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.
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    54 mins
  • E10 Beards, Bodies, and Boldness: Queer Latino Art with Joey Chabolla

    E10 Beards, Bodies, and Boldness: Queer Latino Art with Joey Chabolla
    Jun 29 2025
    Episode Summary Join us for an intimate conversation with artist Joey Chabolla, whose work fuses Latino cultural heritage with queer, body-positive illustration. Joey shares the inspirations behind his signature shading technique, his focus on bearded, muscular physiques, and his commitment to authentic trans masculine representation. Discover how he navigates censorship, commissions, and community in the Dallas queer art scene. Keywords Joey Chabolla artistQueer Latino artHomoerotic illustrationBody positive queer artTrans masculine representationDallas queer art sceneLatino cultural motifs in artArt and queer identitySocial media censorship queer artQueer community organizing art Takeaways from the Episode Joey’s artistic style is deeply influenced by West Dallas’s graffiti culture and prison letter drawings with distinctive grayscale shading techniques.His mother’s cake decorating and encouragement played a key role in nurturing his early artistic skills.Joey’s queer identity began to emerge during junior high, inspiring early erotic sketches he carefully hid due to family dynamics.He celebrates bearded, muscular “bear” bodies in his art as a counterpoint to traditional homoerotic ideals of lean athletic men.Incorporating Latino heritage, he reinterprets motifs like Mayan and Aztec patterns into queer leather culture imagery, challenging machismo norms.Joey balances creative autonomy and client needs in commissioned work by deeply understanding the subject and adding personal artistic touches.He navigates social media censorship by hosting uncensored galleries on his own website and prioritizes technique as a form of vulnerability.The Dallas queer art scene presents challenges around inclusion and acceptance of nude, homoerotic art, requiring finding supportive venues.Joey deliberately includes trans masculine figures in his art, honoring their transition journeys through body structure and scar depiction.His advice to emerging queer artists: practice drawing regularly, embrace your unique perspective, and express yourself unapologetically. Episode Chapters with Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction and Recording Setup01:00 - Joey’s Cultural Heritage and Artistic Style05:00 - Early Artistic Influences and Family Encouragement08:00 - Queer Identity Emergence and Early Drawings12:00 - Celebration of Bearded Muscular Physiques in Art14:00 - Navigating Eroticism, Vulnerability, and Censorship16:00 - Balancing Commissioned Work and Artistic Vision19:00 - The Dallas Queer Art Scene: Challenges and Opportunities22:00 - Trans Masculine Representation in Joey’s Work25:00 - Latino Cultural Motifs in Queer Art29:00 - Role as Artist and Community Organizer30:30 - Advice for Emerging Queer Artists32:50 - Rapid Fire: Joey’s Artistic Preferences and Inspirations36:10 - Closing Remarks Guest Info Joey Chabolla Official Website Instagram @joey_chabolla Twitter @joeychabolla Resources Support Art in the Raw on PatreonSubscribe to Art in the Raw on SubstackArt in the Raw on TwitterArt in the Raw on InstagramVisit the Art in the Raw Podcast Website 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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    34 mins