Wes Lang

At a Glance

• Philosophy on Life and Art - ‘I want to make artwork that shows you that that is not true. That we are living in a world filled with unbearable amounts of love, unbearable amounts of gratitude.’ This quote encapsulates the speaker’s optimistic worldview and the purpose behind his art, aiming to challenge pervasive narratives of negativity and divisiveness.

• Creative Process - ‘I’ve had no self-doubt, because I had no point where I, after that first hour of saying I couldn’t do it, and once I said I can do it, I did it.’ Highlights the speaker’s overcoming of self-doubt and the power of self-belief in the creative process.

• Cultural Impact - ‘And like, it changed people’s perception of tattoos…’ Discusses the changing societal views on tattoos and how they’ve shifted from a mark of the outsider to a mainstream aesthetic.

• Spiritual Experience - ‘And anything that was wrong with my life went away that day.’ Captures a profound spiritual encounter that had a lasting impact on the speaker, emphasizing the deep emotional and psychological benefits.

• Artistic Integrity and Independence - ‘That’s not a game I’m going to play. I’m not going to do that.’ Reflects the speaker’s firm stance on maintaining artistic integrity and rejecting traditional or restrictive commercial systems.

• Anxiety and Self-Worth - ’the only thing I can think of is having no self-worth of any kind.’ Provides insight into the personal struggles with self-worth despite external success, highlighting the disconnect that can occur between public perception and personal feelings.

What to Do

• ‘Embrace personal growth through art’ - Engaging deeply with art can lead to significant personal and professional development, as seen through the speaker’s transformative experience with Jean-Michel Basquiat’s work.

• ‘Acknowledge and move past self-doubt’ - The process of creating 96 paintings, despite initial doubts, demonstrates the importance of perseverance and self-belief in overcoming personal challenges.

• ‘Take breaks to rejuvenate’ - The speaker’s experience of falling in love with the process again after a short break highlights the value of taking rests to maintain passion and productivity.

• ‘Stay connected to your roots and values’ - Reflecting on one’s upbringing and core values can provide clarity and inspiration, as seen when the speaker reconnects with Ram Dass’s teachings.

• ‘Live in gratitude and love despite external chaos’ - Choosing to focus on love and gratitude can profoundly impact one’s perspective and experience of the world, offering a more fulfilling life.

• ‘Embrace vulnerability and humanity’ - Accepting and expressing one’s vulnerabilities, as done by prominent figures like Ram Dass, can lead to deeper connections and personal growth.

• ‘Trust the journey and let life unfold’ - The speaker’s experience of unplanned yet profoundly transformative interactions illustrates the importance of being open to where life leads.

• ‘Value experiences over material gains’ - Choosing experiences that align with personal growth over materialistic pursuits, as demonstrated by the speaker’s decision to stay at the Chateau, shows the lasting impact of experiential choices.

What to Get

• Elvis’s Music - Music records, used for listening and enjoyment.

• Myer Threat Music - Band’s music, used for listening and personal enjoyment.

• Early U2 Albums (October and Boy) - Music albums, significant for personal musical interest.

• Sketchbook and Drawing Materials - Amazon - Tools for artistic expression and creation.

• Matchbox Cars - Amazon - Collectible items, stored and organized meticulously.

• Ronald Reagan Campaign Posters - Amazon - Created as part of a political campaign, used for supporting and promoting a candidate.

Summary

In this engaging podcast episode, listeners are treated to a candid and insightful conversation that delves into personal growth, artistic expression, and the complexities of the art and music industries. The episode begins with a reflection on personal development, as one speaker shares their journey of self-improvement and the positive impact it has had on their work, resulting in art that they are truly proud of. This sets the tone for a discussion that is both introspective and inspiring.

As the episode progresses, the conversation shifts to the music industry, with anecdotes about encounters with famous musicians like Bruce Springsteen and the influence these experiences had on the speaker’s perception of fame. These stories highlight how personal interactions with idols can demystify and humanize them, offering a more relatable perspective on success.

The discussion also explores the challenges and realities of the art world. One speaker describes their decision to reject the traditional gallery system, which they found restrictive and overly competitive. Instead, they pursued a more independent path, which included hosting successful exhibitions and integrating personal passions and influences into their work, such as the profound impact of Jean-Michel Basquiat on their artistic style.

Listeners are also given a glimpse into the personal challenges faced by creatives, including the psychological toll of producing art and the constant battle with self-doubt. The speakers discuss the therapeutic aspects of art and music, emphasizing the importance of persistence and the joy of overcoming creative obstacles.

Overall, the podcast episode provides a rich tapestry of experiences and insights, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique paths and challenges in both life and creative endeavors. It serves as a reminder of the power of personal growth, the importance of authenticity in art, and the universal struggles and triumphs that connect us all.