Episodes

  • EP19: Hiding in Plain Sight: Queer Codings in Art with Ignacio Darnaunde

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

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

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

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