Episode 16
Discovering What Art Can Be w/ Sarah Gail Luther
This episode finds David co-hosting with producer, Elisabeth (who is also actively auditioning for the role of third Imagine This Podcast host). They begin by reflecting on pivotal arts teachers and the impact they had in their lives, their favorite Thornton Wilder plays, and the concept of not having a backup plan in life, lest we end up following the path of least resistance or finding a moment to “exit stage left”.
Beginning around 12:00, Sarah reflects on a pivotal art experience at Turner Hall Ballroom in high school and the “art hangover”—and sense of possibility it instilled in her. The group discuss how artists coalesce human experiences as the “antenna” of society. Throughout her artistic journey, Sarah learned to shift her practice out of the confines of the traditional art world, and to create without preconceived notions of how her artwork and creative process will manifest. Sarah is wary of archival artworks, believing that things like paintings that last forever are “not where joy lives,” but rather, joy comes from the spark of communal discovery. Sarah draws a comparison between public art-making and teaching, both of which she sees as avenues of conducting conversations.
Throughout the conversation, Sarah shares philosophical insights about artmaking. Instead of creating art as an experience for herself, Sarah wishes to instill in viewers, students, and neighbors experiences of connection, learning, and reflection and empower them to embrace their role in culture-building. She values how the practices of being a good neighbor and being an artist run parallel-- both of which she draws upon in her work at the Newline Community Café.
Follow Sarah Gail Luther: At Newline Café and get your dog drawn at Dog
416 Ephemera
Performing Arts Curriculum Experience
Thornton Wilder: A Wisconsinite, and a fellow Obie
Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts
“The Next American Revolution” by Grace Lee Boggs
