Have you ever considered that the most profound creative education might not happen in a classroom? What if it unfolds in the buzz of a print shop or behind the lens at a world-changing cultural event?

In this episode, I sit down with legendary photographer Roy Lewis, whose journey is a powerful testament to learning by doing. Roy shares how his early days in a Mississippi print shop ignited his creative spark, leading to an unconventional path where Ebony and Jet magazines became his university. He offers a firsthand account of documenting FESTAC '77, the monumental gathering of Black artists and intellectuals in Lagos, Nigeria, and explains how these experiences shaped his iconic eye.

This conversation is an intimate look into a life spent capturing our stories, reminding us that the richest lessons often come from the journey itself, not a predetermined map.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Roy Lewis and His Journey

02:53 Early Influences and First Steps in Photography

06:03 Building Relationships in the Photography World

08:59 Finding His Voice as a Photographer

11:37 The Significance of Festac 1977

14:46 Experiences and Memories from Festac

18:00 Reflections on Cultural Impact and Legacy

Learn more about Roy:

https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/roy-lewis-40

Support the Show

Website: www.martineseverin.com
Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_
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This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.

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Have you ever wished you could write your happy ending? In this solo episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on a personal practice that has been a game-changer for me over the last decade: the quarterly review.

I share how a simple, strategic process, born from my days in program management, can help you track your progress and design a life and career that lights you up.

If you're ready to move from simply having goals to living them, this one's for you.

Chapters

00:00 A Look Back: On Growth

02:50 You Don't Have to Be Perfect to Be Valuable

05:22 The Power of a Quarterly Review

08:08 Writing Your Own Happy Ending

11:05 The Quarterly Check-In: A How-To Guide

12:15 The 7 Questions for Self-Reflection

15:10 Action, Obstacles, and Accountability

16:25 The Magic of a Supportive Partner

17:50 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

To follow along and to create your own Quarterly Review be sure to download the PDF handout her:

http://bit.ly/45Dkh73

Support the Show

Website: www.martineseverin.com

Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_

Subscribe to the Newsletter: www.martineseverin.substack.com

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.

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• Leave a review

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How do you find the courage to leave a stable career and chase a creative dream?

In this episode, I sit down with the incredible photographer Mark Clennon, who did exactly that. Mark shares the real story of his leap from a 9-to-5 into the world of full-time commercial photography. We talk about the initial struggles, the community's pivotal role in his journey, and how he built a new life and career after moving to Los Angeles.

I’m excited for you to listen to this conversation. I wish I had had this episode when I first started out as a commercial photographer. Mark shares the challenges and triumphs of defining your artistic voice and building a sustainable creative life on your own terms. Mark’s journey is a powerful reminder that sometimes the biggest risks lead to the most rewarding destinations.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mark Clennon and His Journey

01:59 Early Creative Influences and Curiosity

04:14 The Gift of Photography and Initial Struggles

05:54 Building Community and Transitioning to Full-Time Photography

10:12 Taking the Leap: Quitting the Day Job

12:10 Navigating the Early Days of Freelancing

15:00 First Major Commercial Success and Learning the Trade

17:00 Relocating to Los Angeles: A New Chapter

19:03 Defining Artistic Identity and Signature Style

22:57 Creative Voice and Decision Making

30:26 Building Community in a New City

36:22 Learning from Challenges and Problem Solving

42:31 The Importance of Creative Play and Reflection

Connect With Mark:

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mark.c/?hl=en

Mark’s Website: https://www.markclennon.com

Listen to Mark’s TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/mark_clennon_finding_your_point_of_view

Support the Show

Website: www.martineseverin.com

Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_

Subscribe to the Newsletter: www.martineseverin.substack.com

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Santiago Cardona and Daniel Espinosa.

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Step back in time with me to 1977, to a cultural event so monumental it was dubbed the "Black World's Fair." In this episode, we journey to Lagos, Nigeria, for FESTAC '77, the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture.

What made this month-long celebration a landmark of Black pride and unity, and why does its legacy still echo nearly fifty years later? I'll share insights from my conversation with Roy Lewis, the official photographer for the North American zone, who was there to capture it all. Join me as we explore the story of this incredible gathering of artists, thinkers, and performers from across the African diaspora and uncover a piece of our history that continues to inspire.

Chapters

(0:00) - Intro

(1:29) - A Journey Back to FESTAC '77

(6:15) - The Rigorous Road to Lagos

(7:05) - Inside the Festival: A Cultural Feast

(9:08) - The Lasting Legacy of FESTAC

(11:53) - A Juneteenth Reflection and a Call to Imagine

Learn About Roy Lewis

Festac 77 Documentary on YouTube: http://bit.ly/449xUIB

Ebony Magazine Festac Edition: http://bit.ly/3T3WGoy

Support the Show

Website: www.martineseverin.com

Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_

Subscribe to the Newsletter: www.martineseverin.substack.com

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.

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What happens when a child prodigy channels divine inspiration into groundbreaking storytelling?

I sit down with Sophia Stewart, a prolific writer who began writing professionally at just 11 years old. From navigating the complex world of what it means to own your work, Sophia shares powerful insights about trusting your creative vision and the role of faith in artistic success.

We explore the importance of how spiritual guidance shapes artistic decisions and what it takes to stand firm in your creative truth. Whether you're seeking inspiration for your own artistic journey or curious about the intersection of creativity and faith, this conversation offers profound wisdom about following your calling and never giving up on your dreams.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Creativity and Artistic Voice

03:06 Sophia Stewart's Early Inspirations and Writing Journey

06:01 The Birth of Iconic Stories: The Matrix and Terminator

08:49 The Evolution of Writing Skills and Techniques

12:07 The Impact of Early Exposure to Creativity

15:11 The Role of Faith and Spiritual Guidance in Success

18:10 Reflections on Life Lessons and Personal Growth

21:01 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

Connect With Sophia:

Email: sophiastewart10@yahoo.com

Purchase Sophia’s books: https://truthaboutmatrix.com/book-store/

Support the Show

Website: Martine Severin
Follow on Instagram: Martine | This Is How We Create
Subscribe to the Newsletter: Martine’s Substack

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Santiago Cardona and Daniel Espinosa.

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• Leave a review

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Are you searching for stories that feed your creative spirit? In this solo episode, I share four incredible books by women of color essential to your summer reading list.

These books feature narratives of immigration, identity, and magical realism. These reads have resonated deeply with me. I hope they may fuel your artistic journey.

Join me as we explore these powerful voices in contemporary literature that promise to transport, challenge, and inspire you long after turning the last page.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Creative Voices

00:28 Essential Summer Reads by Artists of Color

04:12 Encouragement for Support and Engagement

Books Mentioned on the Episode

Everything Inside by Edwidge Danticat

Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo

Ghostroots by Pemi Aguda

When We Were Birds by Ayanna Lloyd Banwo

Support the Show

Website: Martine Severin

Follow on Instagram: @martineseverin | @thisishowwecreate

Subscribe to the Newsletter: Martine's Substack

This podcast episode is produced and written by Martine Severin and edited by Daniel Espinosa.

What happens when hip-hop methodology meets ancient glassblowing traditions?

In this captivating conversation, I sit down with Leo Tecosky, a glass artist who's redefining what it means to honor craft traditions while pushing creative boundaries. From his childhood memories of watching a goldsmith neighbor work to discovering the mesmerizing world of molten glass in art school, Leo shares how early exposure to hip-hop culture became the driving force behind his unique approach to fine art.

We explore how travel, cultural investigation, and an insatiable hunger for knowledge fuel his creative process. Leo opens up about the challenges of bridging technical mastery with artistic vision, and how he uses what he calls "hip-hop methodology" to remix centuries-old techniques for contemporary expression. This is a conversation about finding your creative voice when it exists at the intersection of multiple worlds.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Creative Journeys

03:08 Childhood Influences and Early Artistic Exposure

06:01 Education and the Path to Art School

08:54 Discovering Glassblowing and Artistic Techniques

12:02 Creative Process and Finding Artistic Voice

15:14 The Influence of Hip-Hop on Art

17:57 Exploring Graffiti and Material Aesthetics

21:07 Personal Passions and Lifelong Learning

Featured Video Footage:

Corning Museum of Glass (CMoG). (2021, December 2). Leo Tecosky, 36th Rakow Commission Recipient [Video].

YouTube. Leo Tecosky, 36th Rakow Commission Recipient

Connect With Leo:

Website: Leo’s Website

Support the Show

Website: Martine Severin
Follow on Instagram: Martine | This Is How We Create
Subscribe to the Newsletter: Martine’s Substack

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.

• Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts

• Leave a review

• Follow us on social media

• Share with fellow creatives