Lattes & Art

In this eye-opening episode of Lattes & Art, host James William Moore sits down with designer and creative powerhouse Aneka Brown to unpack the often-blurred line between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation. Drawing from her personal experiences and professional journey, Aneka shares insight into honoring cultural heritage through design, the responsibilities that come with representing cultures not your own, and t...

In this solo episode, I step behind the mic to share a personal reflection on creativity, commitment, and the quiet power of simply showing up for the work. Inspired by my own journey — including the creation of Madame B’s Tarot Readingsand its inclusion in the international art project Expo Metro — we explore how showing up, even on uncertain days, opens doors to unexpected opportunities.

One of those doors led to Madame B being in...

Before superheroes flew across movie screens, comic books were already shaking the foundations of society. In this episode, we crack open the panels of history to reveal the bold, subversive roots of the comic book industry—where capes and speech bubbles met protest and propaganda.

Join us as we explore how early comic creators tackled racism, fascism, sexism, and war, often under the radar and sometimes under fire. From Wonder Woma...

In this episode of Lattes & Art, host James William Moore explores the dramatic world of Caravaggio through the lens of Pope Francis’s admiration. Why does a pope known for humility and mercy gravitate toward an artist with such a turbulent past? We break down two of Caravaggio’s most powerful works—The Calling of Saint Matthew and The Incredulity of Saint Thomas—looking closely at their use of light, realism, and raw emotion. ...

Join us for a stroll through Desert X 2025 as we explore the powerful, playful, and poetic installations scattered across the Coachella Valley. In this episode, host James William Moore is joined by three friends and fellow art lovers—Ellen Pirosh, Susan LeBlanc, and Jeff Snyder—each bringing their unique lens to the experience.

From Ellen’s takes and discoveries to Susan’s emotional insights, and Jeff’s design-savvy reflections at ...

In this deeply personal solo episode, James William Moore pours a warm, heartfelt cup of creativity and invites you into his love letter to art. No guests—just James, his coffee, and some beautifully percolated thoughts on why we create, how art shapes us, and what it means to make something purely for the joy of it.

From childhood sidewalk chalk to cave paintings and campy cultural mashups, this episode explores the instinctual, re...

In this episode of Lattes & Art, we sit down with artist and thinker Roston Johnson for a deep, engaging conversation about the power of inspiration—and how it can shape us in unexpected ways. Roston takes us beyond the traditional art world to explore how Ray Bradbury’s dystopian novel Fahrenheit 451 has influenced his perspective, not just as a creative, but as a person navigating complex societal and cultural landscapes.

Toge...

Are you tired of perfectionism holding you back from creating? In this episode of Lattes & Art, host James William Moore sits down with Nancy Norbeck, a Master Certified Kaizen-Muse Creativity Coach, SoulCollage® Facilitator, novelist, and all-around champion of artistic freedom. Nancy’s project, Make Bad Art, encourages creatives of all levels to embrace imperfection, silence their inner critic, and rediscover the pure joy of ...

This episode will explore David Hockney's Perspective Should Be Reversed exhibit at the Palm Springs Art Museum, examining how Hockney challenges traditional notions of perspective and perception in art. We’ll discuss his vibrant use of color, his innovative approach to spatial representation, and his influence on contemporary artists. this comprehensive showcase spans six decades of Hockney's prolific career, featuring n...

On this episode of Lattes & Art, we sit down with award-winning filmmaker Summer Shelton to explore her journey from a rural sheep farm in North Carolina to the world of independent cinema. Summer has worked alongside acclaimed directors, navigated the highs and lows of indie filmmaking, and won the Independent Spirit Producer’s Award.

We dive into her latest project, You & I, a micro-budget feature film that beautifully cap...

Wrangling the Doubt Monster by Amy L. Bernstein is an insightful exploration into the complex world of creative self-doubt, providing practical advice and emotional support for artists navigating the turbulent waters of creativity. Bernstein dives into the psychological underpinnings of doubt, illuminating how it can both hinder and fuel artistic expression. The book offers a compassionate approach to managing doubt, emphasizing th...

In this episode of Lattes & Art, we look at the idea of graduate art school with our special guest, Roston Johnson. We'll explore what graduate programs can offer artists, the benefits and challenges of advanced art education, and how these experiences shape one's artistic journey. Roston shares his personal insights on navigating the academic art world, discussing the value of mentorship, critique, and the unique opp...

In a world dominated by digital photography, film photography is experiencing a resurgence. This episode explores the reasons behind this renewed interest in an analog medium. We'll delve into the unique qualities that film photography offers, such as its tangible aesthetic, the slower and more intentional process, and the nostalgic appeal that draws both seasoned photographers and a new generation. We'll also discuss the...

On today’s episode, The Art of Truth, we look at the heart of an artist’s journey as they explore the relentless pursuit of honesty and their show of courage to confront and reveal genuine truths through creative expression. Joining us is Sydney Brown, a visual artist based in the San Francisco Bay Area, known for her vibrant, immersive work that merges everyday objects with deeply personal narratives. Sydney’s practice, which span...

This episode explores the transformative power of portraiture in telling women's stories. We will discuss how portraits capture the essence, strength, and diversity of women's experiences, and how this art form has been used historically and in contemporary times to challenge stereotypes, empower individuals, and create lasting impact. We'll chat with Susan Harding, who use an interdisciplinary/mixed media approach t...

In this episode of Lattes & Art, host James William Moore sits down with John Joseph Contreras Romero, a sculptor and educator whose art explores the intersections of violence, trauma, and healing. With a BA in Art and a Minor in Education from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and an MFA in Spatial Arts from San José State University, John brings a nuanced perspective shaped by his experiences as a veteran of the Afgha...

This episode takes a critical look at Banksy's latest works around London, sparking a debate about the very nature of graffiti art. Is Banksy’s Street art just a form of clever vandalism, or does it deserve to be classified alongside traditional fine art? We’ll explore the evolving perceptions of street art and its acceptance (or rejection) by the mainstream art world. we’ll question whether Banksy’s rise to fame is a result o...

This episode dives into the creative process, uncovering how an artist approaches their work from the initial spark of inspiration to the final execution. We’ll explore the unique routines, rituals, and methodologies that Roston Johnson uses to transform ideas into tangible creations. Through a conversation with Roston, we’ll learn about his mental, emotional, and technical aspects of his creative journey. This episode aims to demy...

Welcome to Lattes & Art, the podcast where we sip on our favorite espresso drinks and delve into the fascinating world of contemporary art. I'm your host, James William Moore—artist, curator, and passionate advocate for the transformative power of creativity.

This podcast is brought to you by J Squared Atelier, a vibrant hub for artistic expression and innovation. At J Squared Atelier, they believe that art has the power to...