From Fear to Art: Rhythm, Identity & Photography | Ashley Cayon - ListenUp Podcast

Send us Fan MailWhat if the rhythm that shaped your childhood could also guide your future? We sit down with Miami-born, Cuban American artist and photographer Ashie Kaon to trace a bold journey from Little Havana to Virginia Beach—through Chicago snow, COVID pivots, and a creative awakening that turned fear into fuel. Ashie brings the sound of la clave, the stories of exile, and a grounded philosophy of faith and balance to a conversation about identity, trauma, and the power of local art communities.Ashie opens up about growing up in Miami’s saturated color and music, where Celia Cruz and Willie Chirino score family histories marked by loss and grit. She unpacks how generational trauma shapes political stances in Latino communities, why labels like socialist and communist often blur under fear, and how stepping back from the outrage cycle helped her find clarity in spirituality. Influenced by Catholic roots and Yoruba traditions, and sparked by Alan Watts’ ideas on duality, she reframed belief through the lens of photography: there’s no image without light.We also dig into her creative evolution—darkroom beginnings, graphic design studies, and the moment art became a voice after a rough childhood. In Virginia Beach, Ashie envisions murals beyond a single district, a city where artists, teachers, and photographers lift each other and color every block. She shares how strategic networking led to roles with the Virginia Beach Public Arts Committee and the MoCA advisory group, and why telling fuller histories—including the often-overlooked support from the Ladies of Havana—matters. Grounded in service, she champions veteran support and honest talk about PTSD, connecting healing at home with healing in the arts.This is a story about rhythm, resilience, and community. Hit play to explore Cuban heritage, diaspora music, philosophy, and the blueprint for growing an inclusive arts scene in Hampton Roads. If the conversation moves you, follow the show, leave a review, and share it with a friend who loves art with heart.Support the showDo us a favor and like, comment, share, and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes. To see the full video on YouTube go to Listen Up with Host Al NeelyReach out to us on our socials and hit us up with any questions!Email: [email protected]:  ListenUp4UFacebook: Let's Talk About It - Listen Up Twitter: ListenUp@Listenup4UWebsite: listenup.bizYouTube: Listen Up with Host Al Neely