Truth In This Art Podcast - Conversations on Arts, Culture, and Community

Your adventure begins with 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, presented by your host, Rob Lee. Today we have Travis Levasseur, a prolific multimedia artist and producer residing in Baltimore, MD, who draws on his film background to create a diverse range of artistic expressions. His impactful multimedia installations have graced esteemed venues like Big Law Country Club and Terrault Contemporary. Travis's single-channel video work has been showcased at renowned spaces including Vox Populi and Macao Milano, alongside prestigious festivals like the Borscht Film Festival. Recognized through fellowships at Elsewhere Museum and Johns Hopkins University, Travis's artistic journey is studded with accomplishments, including the Robert W. Deutsch Foundations Ruby Artist Grant and the Maryland State Arts Council Creativity Grant. A 2022 Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts Sondheim semi-finalist, Travis's work delves into themes of theft, violence, and greed, reflecting his unique perspective nurtured through his BFA in Film and Video from the Maryland Institute College of Art.

In this session, we take a closer look at:

• The familial roots of Travis's creativity, delving into how his parents' influence and support shaped his artistic journey from an early age.
• Travis's artistic vision, as we discuss his fascination with immersive experiences and innovative storytelling methods that redefine the boundaries of traditional artistic mediums.
• Travis's unique artistic approach, where we delve into how he seamlessly integrates entertainment industry techniques like practical effects and robotics to elevate his installations and artworks.
• The core of Travis's artistic motivation, examining the role of curiosity as a dynamic force that propels his work forward, while exploring the enduring role of passion in sustaining his creative journey.
• The profound interplay between life and art from Travis's perspective, discussing how his experiences and daily existence intricately contribute to his artistic endeavors, forming a rich tapestry of creative inspiration.

Travis shares his background growing up in Richmond, Virginia, and his early experiences with art and creativity. He discusses his journey from studying film at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) to his current work as an artist. Travis also talks about two influential art exhibitions he saw in New York and how they shaped his perspective on storytelling and immersive experiences. He delves into the various roles he has held in the art world, such as artist assistant, gallery curator, theater technician, and video producer, and how they have informed his artistic practice. Travis explores the concept of pushing his vision to its limits and the importance of curiosity and passion in his work. He also discusses his most recent project, "The House That Daddy Built," which examines the history and legacy of a rebranded tobacco company in Richmond. Travis shares his plans for future projects, including screenwriting and pursuing an MFA.

Mentioned in this episode:

Travis Levasseur

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The Truth In This Art is not just about exploring art, culture, and community—it's a platform that actively engages with them. Whether you're discovering the vibrant arts scene in and around your community or tasting the local flavors at Foraged, you're immersed in the heartbeat of Baltimore. Located in the Station North Arts & Entertainment District, foraged. a hyper-seasonal eatery where Chef Chris Amendola serves farm-fresh seasonal plates alongside beer & wine, all in an atmosphere as warm and inviting as our podcast conversations. The space, adorned with greenery, mirrors the eatery's commitment to local and seasonal ingredients, a philosophy that's deeply rooted in the natural world—just like the authentic stories we explore on the podcast. It's a full-circle community experience, even featuring a signature cocktail named after Rob Lee. With Chef Amendola being a frequent guest on our show, the partnership illuminates the rich intersections of arts, culture, and community that we both celebrate. Discover more at foragedeatery.com.