Valerie June Hockett: Creativity As a Force for Change

Valerie June Hockett: Creativity As a Force for Change

 

In this episode, our guest Valerie June Hockett and I embark on a journey through the transformative power of creativity. Valerie, a Grammy-nominated artist and creative visionary, shares her unique perspective on how art can inspire social change and personal growth. We explore her multifaceted career, from her early struggles to her current role as a beacon of inspiration for artists and activists. Key highlights include Valerie's insights on protecting one's sensitivity in the digital age, her strategies for diversifying income as a creative, and her reflections on the financial lessons learned from her childhood. We also discuss the importance of radical imagination in creating a better future and how her workbook, "Light Beams: A Workbook for Being Your Badass Self," aims to empower individuals to embrace their full potential.

 

Meet Our Guest:

 

Valerie June is a creative force whose work spans music, poetry, visual arts, and beyond. Her journey from the heart of Tennessee to the international stage is a testament to the power of following one's creative path. As a musician, singer-songwriter, poet, and visual artist, she has not only captured the hearts of her fans but has also dedicated her talents to uplifting communities and fostering a sense of harmony and awareness. Her commitment to social justice is woven into her art, as she uses her platform to inspire change and encourage others to embrace their creative potential. Her work with the President's Committee for the Arts and Humanities and the Kennedy Center further demonstrates her dedication to empowering the next generation of artists and thinkers.

 

Podcast Highlights:

 

00:00:15 Intro 00:00:25 Meeting the Guest: Valerie June’s Creative Journey 00:01:45 Grammy-Nominated Artist Valerie June's Multifaceted Career 00:02:45 The Joy of Living a Creative Life: Music, Art, and Play 00:03:45 Incorporating Social Justice into Art and Activism 00:05:45 The Cost of Dreaming: Reflections on Dr. King and Activism 00:07:05 Imagination as a Superpower: Creating Reality Through Dreams 00:10:25 Keeping Activists Inspired Through Art and Creativity 00:12:05 Childhood Financial Struggles and Lessons from My Father 00:14:25 The Reality of Bankruptcy: Overcoming Failure and Starting Over 00:16:25 Living Within My Means: How My Upbringing Shaped My Financial Approach 00:19:05 Diversifying Skills: How Multiple Crafts Shape a Creative Career 00:20:45 The Importance of Rest: Why Rest is Radical 00:22:25 Transitioning from a Day Job to Full-Time Artist 00:29:05 AI and Universal Basic Income: Exploring New Work Structures 00:32:25 Imagining a Gentler World with AI and Green Spaces 00:33:45 Learning from Indigenous Practices: Mexico City’s Ancient Water Systems 00:37:05 Pandemic Reflections: Slowing Down and Shifting Values 00:42:25 Insights from “The 48 Laws of Power” by Robert Greene 00:43:45 Money and the Meaning of Life: Different Ways to View Wealth 00:53:45 Valerie's Strength in Pursuing Her Art 00:54:25 Closing with Valerie June's Poem "Who Are We?"

 

Resources:

 

Valerie’s Website Valerie’s Instagram Somebody to Love: The Story of Valerie June's Sweet Little Baby Banjo Lily Light Beams: "A Workbook for Being Your Badass Self" by Valerie June Valerie June's book: "Maps for the Modern World" "Power" by Robert Greene "Mone