139. The Courage to Paint What Others Won't See - Lana Abraham-Murawski
Release Date: 05/20/2025
152. The Craft of Seeing: A Lifetime of Documenting Our Stories - Roy Lewis
This is How We Create
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...
info_outline
151. The Art of Slowing Down in the Kitchen - Murielle Banackissa
This is How We Create
Have you ever wondered how to turn a lifelong passion for food into a celebrated career? In this episode, I sit down with the wonderfully creative food photographer, stylist, and cookbook author, Murielle Banackissa. Murielle shares the story of her creative journey, from her childhood memories in the Republic of Congo to her family's move to Montreal. Join us as we explore how Murielle masterfully blends her Congolese and Russian-Ukrainian heritage into mouth-watering vegan recipes that might just have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about vegan food. We'll dig into how...
info_outline
150. How to Write Your Happy Ending: The Power of a Personal Quarterly Review - Martine Severin
This is How We Create
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...
info_outline
149. From Side Hustle to Mastering a Signature Style - Mark Clennon
This is How We Create
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...
info_outline
148. Capturing a Universe of Black Creativity: The Story of FESTAC '77 - Martine Severin
This is How We Create
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,...
info_outline
147. Unlocking Your Writing Potential: The Role of Early Creative Experiences - Sophia Stewart
This is How We Create
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...
info_outline
146. Must-Read Summer Books by Black Women - Martine Severin
This is How We Create
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...
info_outline
145. The Hip-Hop Glassblower: Reimagining Traditional Techniques for Contemporary Expression - Leo Tecosky
This is How We Create
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...
info_outline
144. Navigating the Tension Between Rest and Responsibility - Martine Severin
This is How We Create
Have you ever woken up feeling inexplicably frustrated for no apparent reason? This morning, I found myself battling some serious irritation. Through this raw, relatable moment, I discovered something important about what happens when our deepest values start pulling us in opposite directions. In this mini-episode, I share a simple but powerful approach to navigating those moments when you feel torn between what you want and need to do. Sometimes the most profound insights come from the most ordinary moments. Chapters 00:00 - Welcome to This is How We Create 00:30 - The Unexplained...
info_outline
143. How A Crocheted Family Quilt Became The Blueprint For Contemporary Art - Qualeasha Wood
This is How We Create
Have you ever had a moment when everything you thought you knew about your path suddenly shifted? In today's episode, I sit down with textile artist Qualeasha Wood, whose innovative work bridges digital imagery with traditional craft techniques. She reveals the unexpected moments that led her from a completely different path into textile art. Qualeasha also shares the profound encounter that changed the trajectory of her art practice. Through stories about family, creativity, and finding her authentic voice, Qualeasha offers powerful insights for any artist navigating their creative journey....
info_outlineWhat drives you to translate your innermost thoughts into visual expression?
Visual artist Lana Abraham-Murawski shares her creative journey and how her unique cultural heritage shaped her artistic style.
In this intimate conversation, Lana reveals the transformative power of mentorship in her development and her thoughtful approach to balancing artistic ambitions with family life.
She takes us behind the scenes of her striking piece 'Meeting of the Mind,' exploring how she weaves themes of nature, society, and human connection into her work.
Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Lana illustrates how art becomes not just a form of self-expression but a powerful bridge between identity, community, and the natural world.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Lana Abraham Moravsky
03:03 Lana's Artistic Journey and Background
06:10 Exploring Identity Through Art
08:52 The Evolution of Artistic Style
11:56 Transitioning from College to Professional Art
15:02 Balancing Art and Life
17:50 Deep Dive into Specific Art Pieces
20:48 The Concept Behind 'Meeting of the Mind'
26:41 Exploring Imagination Through Art
27:47 The Evolution of Artistic Expression
29:30 Symbolism in Art: The Peregrine Orbs
35:20 Nature and Identity in Artistic Creation
40:25 Cultural Roots and Artistic Influence
45:04 Finding Community and Collectors
47:26 Advice for Aspiring Artists
Connect with Our Guest:
Lana’s Website: Lana Abraham
Follow Lana on Instagram: Lana Abraham-Murawski on Instagram
Support the Show
Website: Martine Severin
Follow on Instagram: Martine | This Is How We Create
Subscribe to the Newsletter: Martine’s Substack
Production Credits
This episode was produced by Martine Severin. This episode has been edited by Santiago Cardona and Daniel Espinosa.