The Truth In This Art with Painter Tom Sanford

In this episode of “The Truth in This Art,” host Rob Lee interviews Tom Sanford, a Harlem-based painter renowned for his “low-brow conceptual art.” Tom shares his journey from aspiring finance professional to celebrated artist, influenced by a pivotal college art class. The discussion covers Tom’s early artistic influences, his transition from oil to acrylic painting, and his fascination with celebrity portraiture and cultural themes. They also explore the complexities of discussing race and art, the impact of digital media on creativity, and the vibrant, diverse art scene in New York City. Tom concludes by sharing his website and Instagram handle.

Episode Highlights:

• The early days (00:00:10) Introduction and background of Tom Sanford’s 30-year career as a Harlem-based painter.
• Artistic Beginnings (00:04:29) Tom Sanford shares his early experiences with art and drawing, including his childhood memories and influences.
• Tom Sanford’s Artistic Process (00:12:42) Description of Tom Sanford’s artistic process, materials, and the evolution of his work over the years.
• The art gallery exhibition (00:16:17) Tom Sanford is commissioned to create a painting for an NBA playoffs exhibition, leading to recognition and engagement from Knicks fans.
• Collaboration with a Knicks fan (00:17:07) Tom Sanford’s painting of Knicks players catches the attention of the Knicks, leading to a commercial and involvement in the Knicks fan community.
• Commitment to being an artist (00:29:01) Tom Sanford shares his decision to pursue art over finance, influenced by a college professor and his passion for creating paintings.
• Tom Sanford’s First Exhibition (00:35:07) Tom Sanford talks about his early interest in celebrity portraiture and his first exhibition in Tokyo.
• Creating Controversial Art (00:36:38) Tom Sanford explains his motivation and process behind creating controversial paintings of gangster rappers and his attempt to transform himself into Tupac Shakur.
• Reckoning with Racism (00:48:52) Tom Sanford discusses the racial implications of his art and the need to acknowledge complicity in racism for societal progress.
• The concept of creativity in the current climate (01:02:02) Reflection on the value of creativity in a world saturated with self-proclaimed creatives and the impact of technology on art accessibility and distribution.

Key Takeaways

1. Follow Your Passion: Tom Sanford’s shift from finance to art underscores the importance of pursuing what truly excites you, even if it means breaking away from societal norms.
2. Embrace Imperfections: Sanford’s acceptance of mistakes in his art highlights how imperfections can add authenticity and depth to your creative work.
3. Use Art as a Platform: Sanford’s work on controversial topics shows how art can be a powerful medium for sparking important conversations and challenging societal norms.
4. Leverage Digital Platforms: While mindful of maintaining authenticity, Sanford’s insights remind us to use digital media to reach wider audiences and share our creative expressions.

Website and Socials:
tomsanford.com
X: @uberkunst
Instagram: uberkunst

Hey listeners! If you enjoyed today’s episode with the incredible Tom Sanford, don’t forget to visit and support his website and follow him on social media for more of his amazing work. Your support means the world to us, so please take a moment to rate and review this episode—it helps us reach more art lovers like you! And if you want to go the extra mile, consider supporting us on Patreon. Your contributions help keep “The Truth in This Art” thriving. Thank you! 🎨✨

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.

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Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.

Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.

About “The Truth In This Art“

Hosted by Rob Lee, “The Truth In This Art” podcast dives into the heart of creativity and its influence on the community. This arts and culture podcast from Baltimore highlights artists discussing their ideas, sharing insights, and telling impactful stories. Through these artist interviews, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the creative economy and artistic life in Baltimore. 

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