In this promised second part of our podcast on the problem of fame, Michael discusses how an uneven distribution of support in the arts harms patrons, patronage, and communities. He then explores some ways artists and patrons can solve this problem. Stay tuned at the end of the episode to hear “5 Year Town” by Jacob Davis Martin, from his record Ain’t It All Just Golden.
You can listen to the first part of this podcast, The Artist and the Problem of Fame, here on our website.
In this first part of two, Michael explores the problem of fame as it relates to artists. What is the problem of fame? How does it negatively affect both successful and unsuccessful artists? Stay tuned until the end to hear “I’ve Found Love in Mississippi” by Porchlight artist Trailand Eltzroth from his record For My Friends and Family.
Articles on Inequality of Popularity Among Artists
Reader, Author, Thinker, and Teacher Karen Swallow Prior joins Michael for a discussion of her book, The Evangelical Imagination, and particularly, how the ideas of that book apply to the arts. In their wide-ranging conversation, they touch on metaphor, language, fact and fiction, redemption stories, the connection between sentimentality and power, and much more. Stay tuned at the end of the episode to listen to “Don’t I Know?” by Physick, from their record, All the Days.
Show Notes:
Poet, Author, and Editor Paul J. Pastor joins Michael for a conversation on poetry. From a more general discussion of the uses and benefits of poetry to a more specific exploration of some of Pastor’s favorite poetry, get inspired to explore poetry more deeply.
Check out Paul’s work at his website.
For this episode, Michael is joined by Brian Brown, founder and executive director of the Anselm Society, about the importance of the arts in the practice of communal meaning-making. Along the way, they discuss the work and vision of the Anselm Society, the difference between communal and individual experiences of the arts, why art is not gratuitous to human flourishing, what each of us can do to participate in our communities through the arts, and much more.
Stay tuned at the end to hear the studio version of our new theme song, “Humble & Lowly,” by Civilized Creature, off of the recently released LP, Earthen Vessel.