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Design, Music & Baltimore: Christopher J. Chester and Micah E. Wood Unveil Creative Synergy

The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter
The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter
Episode • May 12, 2022 • 36m

Welcome to another captivating episode of 'The Truth in This Art' hosted by Rob Lee, where we delve into the creative minds of our esteemed guests, Christopher and Micah, both distinguished in their fields as a designer and a photographer, ready to unravel the essence of their artistic journeys.

Christopher Chester, a versatile and accomplished multidisciplinary designer, has left an indelible mark on the marketing and advertising realm. His educational journey led him to master the art of graphic design at The Maryland Institute College of Art. With proficiencies spanning Identity & Print Design, Product Design, Photography, Project Management, and Communication, Christopher's pursuit of continuous learning drives his passion. Beyond his design acumen, he thrives on nurturing a community enriched with diverse voices, both in the realms of life and design. Notably, Christopher J. Chester's creative prowess extends to his role as a senior product designer at The Atlantic, further enriching his multifaceted portfolio in the design world.

Micah E. Wood emerges as a dynamic force within the pulsating heart of the Baltimore music scene, skillfully blending his dual talents as a musician and a photographer. His photographic artistry speaks volumes, reflecting the vivid vibrancy of Baltimore's music culture. Immersed in color and intimacy, Micah's portraiture evokes a profound sense of belonging, a result of his deep connection with the city's unique spirit. Notably, his photographic journey culminated in the captivating book 'Features', where he tenderly captures the essence of his favorite artists. Over the years, Micah's lens has continued to unveil the microcosmic intricacies of the Baltimore music scene, spotlighting emerging hip-hop sensations like JPEGMAFIA and underground post-punk ensembles, alongside celebrated electropop legend Dan Deacon. Micah's genius extends to his musicianship, as he crafts timeless pop melodies that transcend generational boundaries. Embodying a playful exploration of light as a three-dimensional sculptural element, Micah E. Wood's artistry seamlessly bridges his captivating portraiture and landscape work.


In this dialogue, we peel back the layers on:


  • How Christopher and Micah have seamlessly blended their love for music and artistic talents, discussing the unique ways they visualize and express music through design and photography. Dive into their experiences, inspirations, and the transformative power of music on their creative processes.
  • Take a deep dive into Micah E. Wood's perspective on the enduring appeal of pop music. Discuss how he draws inspiration from timeless pop hits and explores the intergenerational impact of music, highlighting how he captures these echoes through his photography and resonates with a diverse audience.
  • Explore the artists' emphasis on continuous learning and growth through collaboration. Discuss their approaches to seeking knowledge from peers, the importance of learning beyond formal education, and how their openness to new experiences has shaped their artistic evolution.
  • Delve into Christopher J. Chester's journey of merging his love for music with his design work. Explore how he transforms musical experiences into visual stories, creating interactive tools and interfaces that enhance readers' engagement with journalism and storytelling.
  • Focus on Micah E. Wood's photographic exploration of the Baltimore music scene. Discuss his intention to create deeply personal and relatable visual narratives through concert photography, shedding light on the vibrant local music culture and the emotions he aims to evoke.


Christopher and Micah join host Rob L. to discuss their backgrounds and the work they do. Christopher talks about growing up in Baltimore and his journey as a designer, while Micah shares his experiences as a concert photographer and his love for pop music. They also discuss their day jobs, learning new skills, and their favorite places to eat in Baltimore.


Join us on this exhilarating journey as we uncover the captivating narratives of our talented guests, igniting your passion for creativity and artistry.


Mentioned in this episode
Christopher J. Chester's website


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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

  • Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
  • Edited by Daniel Alexis
  • Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

  • Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
  • Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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