Floyd INTL

Sounds from Soccer in the Streets' StationSoccer at the Kensington MARTA station

Sounds from Soccer in the Streets' StationSoccer at the Kensington MARTA station

Floyd interviews his mom in this special feature!

Floyd interviews his mom in this special feature!

Floyd interviews his mom in this special feature!

On my visit to Storm King Art Center, I captured a moment where the work of jazz pianist Jason Moran, author Toni Morrison, and visual artist Rashid Johnson intersected with one another.

Neda Abgahari is an arts powerhouse as an administrator and curator, and in this conversation we talk about how she got her start, the origin story behind The Creatives Project, surviving breast cancer, and the big ideas behind her future plans. Funding for this program is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.

George Gomez is one of the most talented designers I’ve ever met, with one of the most interesting backstories I’ve ever heard. In this conversation we talk about his New York roots, his path as a music manager, and how he ultimately ended up manifesting his creative energy through design. Funding for this program is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.

Ellex Swavoni is a multidisciplinary artist who works primarily as a sculptor. In this conversation we learn about her love of toy art sculptures, the expansion of her work into public art, her Future Ancient style, and her evolving emphasis on music. Funding for this program is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.

Singer/Songwriter Somalia has been on a journey, and with her 2020 release Never Enough Time, she found ways to capture some timeless R&B energy. In this conversation we talk about that release, her start in music and getting to know her own voice, and the big ideas for her future. Funding for this program is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.

Robert Johnson is a photographer and user experience designer who has dedicated his life and career to crafting things in the visual landscape. In this conversation he discusses how he got started in photography, how he approaches his craft now, plus takes us behind the lens of one of his most popular photographs…the Muse of MARTA. Funding for this program is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.

Bola Pace is a Paper Sculpture artist who creates amazing flowers and figures in her work. Bola and I first met when we both collaborated with visual artist Shanequa Gay for an exhibition installation in 2019, and in this conversation she discusses she is expanding her art practice, her influences, and her vision for the future. Funding for this program is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.

Corrina Sephora is a multidisciplinary visual artist who primarily works as a sculptor and metalworker. In this conversation we discuss the early support she received as an artist in her family, some of the major themes of her work, and her big ideas for the future. Funding for this program is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.

Karen Comer Lowe is a multifaceted creative force--artist, curator, advisor, appraiser, administrator, mentor, thinker, and so much more. This Decatur, GA native has made connections and contributions throughout her journey that have established her as a beloved, trusted, and well-respected voice in the arts…among artists and audiences alike. In this conversation we learn about Karen’s art life and the moments and decisions that have guided her path. If you’re looking for more contemporary art dialogue, please check out Karen’s Creative Conversations series that she hosts via her Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/kcloartsy/ Funding for this program is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. More about Floyd Hall: https://floydcreates.com/

Vek Neal is a designer, photographer, and illustrator from Blythe, GA. Whether he’s creating work for a client or sharing his own artistry, whatever Vek puts his hands and heart into is usually very communicative and emotional. And I’m excited to spend some time with him to learn how he discovered his art journey and some of the important decisions that led him to where he is today. This is Arts & ideas, and I’m Floyd Hall. Funding for this program is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. https://vekneal.carbonmade.com/ https://floydcreates.com/

Elizabeth Jarrett is a Designer, Director, and Producer born and raised in Atlanta, GA. Her work spans visual art, theatre, music, set design, immersive storytelling, and more. She does…a lot. And I’m excited to share some time with Elizabeth to talk about her backstory, how she sees the world, and what she wants for herself. http://www.elizabethjarrett.me/ https://floydcreates.com/ Funding for this program is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.

East Looking West is a collection of perspectives from Atlantans with unique ties to the city. Situated as a site-specific work, ELW positioned each sound recording in the same physical location, and was recorded over the course of several weeks in 2018. Taken as a set, the conversations illustrate the nostalgia, pride, concern, hope and promise that Atlantans have for their city and its future. Thanks to Amir Farokhi, Beth Malone, Sincerely Ward, Reaghan Wainright, and Sigele Winbush.

East Looking West is a collection of perspectives from Atlantans with unique ties to the city. Situated as a site-specific work, ELW positioned each sound recording in the same physical location, and was recorded over the course of several weeks in 2018. Taken as a set, the conversations illustrate the nostalgia, pride, concern, hope and promise that Atlantans have for their city and its future. Thanks to Amir Farokhi, Beth Malone, Sincerely Ward, Reaghan Wainright, and Sigele Winbush.

East Looking West is a collection of perspectives from Atlantans with unique ties to the city. Situated as a site-specific work, ELW positioned each sound recording in the same physical location, and was recorded over the course of several weeks in 2018. Taken as a set, the conversations illustrate the nostalgia, pride, concern, hope and promise that Atlantans have for their city and its future. Thanks to Amir Farokhi, Beth Malone, Reaghan Wainright, Sincerely Ward, and Sigele Winbush.

East Looking West is a collection of perspectives from Atlantans with unique ties to the city. Situated as a site-specific work, ELW positioned each sound recording in the same physical location, and was recorded over the course of several weeks in 2018. Taken as a set, the conversations illustrate the nostalgia, pride, concern, hope and promise that Atlantans have for their city and its future. Thanks to Amir Farokhi, Beth Malone, Sincerely Ward, Reaghan Wainright, and Sigele Winbush.

East Looking West is a collection of perspectives from Atlantans with unique ties to the city. Situated as a site-specific work, ELW positioned each sound recording in the same physical location, and was recorded over the course of several weeks in 2018. Taken as a set, the conversations illustrate the nostalgia, pride, concern, hope and promise that Atlantans have for their city and its future. Thanks to Amir Farokhi, Beth Malone, Sincerely Ward, Reaghan Wainright, and Sigele Winbush.

Mimi Valdes talks about her love for hip-hop, transitioning from the magazine industry to filmmaking and producing the critically recognized movie Dope (2015). A former editor-in-chief at Vibe and Latina magazines, Valdes highlights how she got her start in journalism and what she’s learned as she continues to navigate her career in her current position as Chief Content Officer for i am OTHER. Lastly, Valdes gives some perspective on mentorship and discusses which rappers would be included in her list of Top 5 Dope MCs.

If it truly is timeless then time will tell.

Wisdom from an artist about finding your place and your voice.

Jordan shares his thoughts on his time during his Hambidge Creative Residency. Hambidge is one of the premier artist residencies in the Southeast, and hosts more than 100 artist fellows each year in its 600-acre setting in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Von shares her thoughts on her time during her Hambidge Creative Residency. Hambidge is one of the premier artist residencies in the Southeast, and hosts more than 100 artist fellows each year in its 600-acre setting in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Mark shares his thoughts on his time during his Hambidge Creative Residency. Hambidge is one of the premier artist residencies in the Southeast, and hosts more than 100 artist fellows each year in its 600-acre setting in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Peng shares her thoughts on her time during her Hambidge Creative Residency. Hambidge is one of the premier artist residencies in the Southeast, and hosts more than 100 artist fellows each year in its 600-acre setting in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Radcliffe shares his thoughts on his time during his Hambidge Creative Residency. Hambidge is one of the premier artist residencies in the Southeast, and hosts more than 100 artist fellows each year in its 600-acre setting in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Jeremy shares his thoughts on his time during his Hambidge Creative Residency. Hambidge is one of the premier artist residencies in the Southeast, and hosts more than 100 artist fellows each year in its 600-acre setting in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Lela shares her thoughts on her time during her Hambidge Creative Residency. Hambidge is one of the premier artist residencies in the Southeast, and hosts more than 100 artist fellows each year in its 600-acre setting in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Eric shares his thoughts on his time during his Hambidge Creative Residency. Hambidge is one of the premier artist residencies in the Southeast, and hosts more than 100 artist fellows each year in its 600-acre setting in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Ruby Velle of Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics chats with me about her preparation for performing, how she got to this stage in her career and what she sees for herself and her band in the future.

Charles Babb talks about his start in International Relations/Political Science at Morehouse College, turning down Harvard Law School to study and teach in Japan, and his winding road through Hollywood, the gaming industry, and becoming a venture capitalist. Babb also discusses why he thinks there should be an increased emphasis on STEAM education and gives some advice for early stage entrepreneurs pursuing a start-up venture.

In a wide ranging chat with DJ Tabone for The WonderRoot Podcast about Soul Music, UK Soul vs. American Soul Music, the influence of J. Dilla, and his path as a DJ, there were a few segments of our conversations that didn't end up in the final cut. In this segment, DJ Tabone talks about the connection between Soul Music and House Music, and where the current "home" of Soul Music is right now. To listen to the rest of the conversation, visit: http://ow.ly/Fjj80

An in-depth conversation with Artist, Architect, and Designer Kevin Byrd about his art and design background, fostering innovation, and some important decisions that have affected his career. Note: This portion of our chat was taken from a much longer interview earlier in the year, but I felt this section of the conversation had a lot of insight and deserved to be highlighted on its own. -Floyd

I recently got the chance to interview visual artist PaperFrank about his work, his life, and his rapid growth as an artist. The full interview was recorded for an artist feature for WonderRoot. This audio snippet was one of the out takes, but I feel it gives a great perspective on how Frank deals with some of the struggles of such rapid success, which often includes negative feedback from older artists. The full interview will be featured here: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/wonderroot/the-wonderroot-podcast http://wonderroot.podomatic.com/ About PaperFrank: http://www.paperfrank.com PaperFrank is an internationally known acrylic painter and professional tattoo artist. Combining illustrative and contemporary styles, he creates large acrylic paintings featuring his iconic characters and striking palette. He has exhibited his works in many solo and group exhibitions at a wide variety of locations including in Atlanta and beyond, including Apache Café, City of Ink Tattoo Shop, the New Era Flagship Store, Graveyard Tavern, and W. M. Turner Gallery. In addition to these exhibitions, he has large indoor and outdoor murals around the cities of Atlanta and Asheville, as well as at Sea World Orlando.