The Life of an Artist: Leigha Mason on Clowns, the Commodification of Art and Surviving a Stabbing
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Ever wondered how you can balance the worlds of painting, film, and performance art while living in the heart of New York City? Leigha Mason, a multi-talented artist, takes us through her incredible journey from Phoenix to San Francisco and finally to the bustling streets of NYC. From working to save for her big moves to navigating the challenges of various neighborhoods, Leigha’s story is one of resilience and passion. She shares her experience bartending at Greenpoint Palace Bar and even discusses her role in designing their latest merchandise.
Is art school worth it? What's the real value of a fine arts degree? Leah reflects on her time at prestigious institutions like Parsons and the San Francisco Art Institute, offering candid insights into the often conceptual focus of art education. She compares this with more utilitarian degrees, sparking a thought-provoking discussion on the cultural and subjective valuation of art. We also delve into Leigha's unique transition from painting to film, driven by a desire to avoid commodification and influenced by political movements like Occupy Wall Street.
Finally, get ready for a thrilling story of adventure and perseverance. Leigha recounts her experiences traveling solo through Europe after an art show in London and working as a clown in Berlin. The tale takes a shocking turn in Athens, where she survived an unexpected stabbing. Through all these ups and downs, Leigha's spirit remains unbroken, and she continues to create meaningful art, from her upcoming body of paintings to her insightful newsletter, "Gut Flora." Join us for this captivating episode filled with creativity, resilience, and a touch of whimsy.
Leigha Mason Links
Instagram
Gut Flora Newsletter
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Email us! peopleatthecorepodcast@gmail.com
Chapters
1. People at the Core (00:00:00)
2. Art School and Creative Perspectives (00:06:09)
3. Art, Film, and Social Commentary (00:16:06)
4. Clown's Greek Stabbing Survival Story (00:30:18)
5. Creative Process and Personal Reflection (00:45:13)
6. Nightmare Before Christmas and Urban Legends (00:51:57)
20 episodes