Knowing Your Intention: Art and Activism with Genesis Be

Welcome back to The Abundant Artist, the show that dispels the myth of “the starving artist” and shares how you can live an abundant life as an artist and make a living from your talent one interview at a time.

 

Joining the podcast today is one-of-a-kind artist, Genesis Be. Genesis is a critically acclaimed poet, peace activist, and artist from Biloxi, Mississippi; with her work being featured in The Associated Press, New York Times, NY Daily News, Soledad O’Brien, and VICE. Often using theatrical protest during her live performances, Genesis brings attention to both the global and localized issues surrounding racial justice, the peace movement, queer visibility, and gender equity. Her goal with her art is to bring human dignity to the forefront of our divided world; to advocate for compassion, vulnerability, and the burning need for freedom.

 

In this conversation, Genesis highlights and calls attention to the importance of artistic expression from the soul; the connection between activism and art; her personal story of growth, expression, and exploration as an artist; and why it is that she does art. Genesis also shares insights on the importance of trying new things and getting messy, finding the balance in making money while staying true to yourself and discovering solace in solitude.

 

Key Takeaways:

[:30] Genesis Be shares about her love for the people of Mississippi and why she sees it as part of her mission to spread the message of love about the people in her state.

[2:40] Genesis highlights examples of what makes the Mississippi especially resilient and inspirational.

[4:47] How Genesis would describe her art.

[6:16] How Genesis’s artistic expression differs in the various mediums she expresses herself in (such as art, music, poetry, theatre, etc).

[11:52] Genesis describes what an NFT is and why she began to engage with the blockchain as an artist.

[14:34] The importance of trying new things as an artist and not being afraid of getting messy.

[15:00] Genesis shares about her favorite videogame.

[16:58] About the powerful and important activism work Genesis has been doing throughout her life.

[22:09] Why Genesis paints stick figures that interact with barriers; her artistic mission statement.

[27:49] Genesis’s insights into why our youths’ mental health is eroding and the main drivers at play.

[32:21] Genesis’s experience with finding solace in loneliness and solitude.

[36:00] How writing played a key part in Genesis’s journey early on.

[37:50] The difference between art on social media vs. in person.

[41:24] How Genesis makes a living and supports herself financially as an artist.

[43:29] Genesis’s advice to other artists on making money.

 

Mentioned in This Episode:
Genesis Be

Mississippi Rising Coalition

VyZen

“We Are Mississippi | Theo Sutton Interview”

Genesis’s activism work featured:

The Associated Press

New York Times

NY Daily News

Soledad O’Brien

VICE

 

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