This episode is special in so many ways! I sit down with artists, caregivers, partners, and co-jurors of the upcoming Painting at Night exhibition (apply here!), Alisa Sikelianos-Carter and Sean Desiree. These two blew me away with not only the depth and importance of their individual art practices, but also their unwavering support for each other. Alisa is a mixed-media artist whose work explores themes of Black boundlessness, infinitude, and futurity, and Sean is a self-taught interdisciplinary artist whose conceptually driven work serves marginalized communities.
In our conversation, we discuss how both artists came to their practices as adults yet how very different their approaches are. Alisa is a true storyteller with a rich and profound engagement with material, texture, and narrative, while Sean is seeking to address problems they see in their community through the best possible means available: their art-making. When I asked the question I have posed to so many artists about how they balance their career, partnership, and caregiving responsibilities, I heard a response I unfortunately do not hear enough: they feel limitless because of their boundless support for each other and true celebration of the other’s success.
I am so honored that this duo will be jurying the upcoming Painting at Night exhibition, and I look forward to what they put together as they reflect on the work of our community.
Final Five:
Alisa Biggest Art Crush: ?
Sean Biggest Art Crush: El Anatsui
Alisa Dream Trip: Norway
Sean Dream Trip: Central America
Alisa Film or book: Undrowned: Black Feminist Lessons from Marine Mammals by Alexis Pauline Gumbs
Sean Film or book: Moonlight
Alisa Favorite meal: Gorgeous salad with salmon or shrimp with a lot of seeds or nuts
Sean Favorite meal: Seafood tower
Alisa Shoutout: Ruth Adams from Art Omi
Sean Shoutout: More Art (public art organization)
To see more of Sean’s work visit their website and please follow them on IG @seandesireestudio and to see more of Alissa’s work please visit her website and follow her on IG @alisasikelianoscarter
The Artist/Mother podcast is created and hosted by Kaylan Buteyn. You can see more of Kaylan’s work on her website or connect with her on Instagram @kaylanbuteyn
