web01.fireside.fm Tue, 07 Apr 2026 23:35:22 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Austin Art Talk - Episodes Tagged with “Drew Riley” https://www.austinarttalk.com/tags/drew%20riley Mon, 10 Dec 2018 06:00:00 -0600 The goal of the podcast is to facilitate connections with and to learn from the successes, struggles, life experience, and wisdom of the people featured, most of whom live and create in Austin, Texas. The honest conversational flow of these weekly long form interviews lends itself to some really great insights and information that is available to anyone who wants to listen. Join us to explore the origins, stories, lessons, lives and work of those in our community who are at the forefront of creative expression. The podcast is hosted by photographer, art enthusiast and collector, Scott David Gordon. en-us episodic In depth conversations and wisdom from Austin artists and creatives, about life, work, and creativity. Scott David Gordon The goal of the podcast is to facilitate connections with and to learn from the successes, struggles, life experience, and wisdom of the people featured, most of whom live and create in Austin, Texas. The honest conversational flow of these weekly long form interviews lends itself to some really great insights and information that is available to anyone who wants to listen. Join us to explore the origins, stories, lessons, lives and work of those in our community who are at the forefront of creative expression. The podcast is hosted by photographer, art enthusiast and collector, Scott David Gordon. no austin artist, podcast, austin art podcast, austin texas, austin art, interviews, local artist, conversations with artists Scott David Gordon podcast@austinarttalk.com Episode 51: Drew Riley - Gender Portraits https://www.austinarttalk.com/51 f61feb13-af29-4130-bf27-9a22071aa556 Mon, 10 Dec 2018 06:00:00 -0600 Scott David Gordon 51 Drew Riley - Gender Portraits full Scott David Gordon [Drew Riley](http://www.drewrileycreative.com/) is an artist and activist who through her transition to fully discovering and revealing herself found an opportunity to help others do the same. With her [Gender Portraits](https://www.genderportraits.com/) project she paints, interviews, and shares the stories of trans, intersex, and gender non conforming people. We get a glimpse of their lived experience, their essence, and their lives outside just talking about gender and the oppressive societal norms we all have to deal with in big and small ways. If we are open to taking in these powerful portraits and stories no doubt we can all in some way relate. 1:08:05 no "One of the things that helped me be a better ally to other communities is to believe people. Generally you don’t need evidence to trust if a whole community is saying something. If a whole community is saying we experience this or if a whole community is saying this hurts us. Trust that they know and trust that their experience is authentic." "Do what works for you. Give yourself permission. I had so many people tell me what real art was or what is right or wrong. There would be times where I did something that would work for me and I would be like, but I cant do that, that’s not correct. Actually it works for me. Let yourself use processes that help." <br> Drew Riley (http://www.drewrileycreative.com/) is an artist and activist who through her transition to fully discovering and revealing herself found an opportunity to help others do the same. With her Gender Portraits (https://www.genderportraits.com/) project she paints, interviews, and shares the stories of trans, intersex, and gender non conforming people. We get a glimpse of their lived experience, their essence, and their lives outside just talking about gender and the oppressive societal norms we all have to deal with in big and small ways. If we are open to taking in these powerful portraits and stories no doubt we can all in some way relate. In the interview we go in depth to explore three self portraits she has created that each represent her journey, challenges, and breakthroughs on the road to embodying and realizing her authentic self. Drew’s skill at creating such realistic and expertly rendered portraits came from her strict classical training and many years as a full time concept artist in the gaming industry. That industry supported her but she could not completely be herself and make the type of artwork she truly desired. Leaving that world to pursue her art and activism full time she lost some security but found a huge weight was lifted off of her shoulders. As the executive director of Gender Unbound (https://www.genderunbound.org/), Drew is furthering her mission to help trans and intersex artists. The Gender Unbound Art Fest, which happens in September, showcases the artistic talents of this community and allows attendees to interact with and support these multifaceted and valuable people in an affirming way. It is a sponsored nonprofit project of Austin Creative Alliance. (http://www.austincreativealliance.org/) What important work Drew is doing. I’ve discovered for myself over the last year how fulfilling it is to be of service and focus on others. It’s even more important when it comes to people who are often marginalized for not confining themselves to societal norms. How can we be more inclusive and open and respecting of others and give them the space and security to exist and explore their authentic selves. Aren’t we all doing that? Don’t we all deserve the benefit of the doubt that we are doing our best with what we have. Have a listen and please support Drew's effort's to make difference in these peoples lives. <br> Some of the subjects we discuss: Introduction Gender portraits We can relate Artistic beginnings Gemini School Painting realistically Loosening up Video game track Concept artist/confilcts Leaving game industry Choosing a better life Getting laid off Starting self-portraits Leap of faith Mask comic/story Adolescence portrait Painting specifics Cavan portrait/story Artist advice/techniques Non-profit and art Finding balance/self-care Exploration portrait Struggle/gratitude Social exploration Letting go/being yourself Gender norms Male privilege/feeling safe Prudence portrait Believing people Love or heroics Gender Unbound Festival Winter Art Market How to support! <br> https://uploads.fireside.fm/images/4/41335247-836c-4f4a-8a8b-aeca55f3227a/TP7WB0rL.jpg Adolescence by Drew Riley <br> https://uploads.fireside.fm/images/4/41335247-836c-4f4a-8a8b-aeca55f3227a/QXZOMpG2.jpg Exploration by Drew Riley <br> https://uploads.fireside.fm/images/4/41335247-836c-4f4a-8a8b-aeca55f3227a/pOoQy5Tp.jpg Prudence by Drew Riley <br> https://uploads.fireside.fm/images/4/41335247-836c-4f4a-8a8b-aeca55f3227a/vV5XH-t0.jpg <br> Gender Unbound Winter Art Market (https://www.genderunbound.org/winter-art-market/) December 15th, 1 – 6 pm, at Austin Creative Alliance 81 San Marcos St., Austin, TX 78702 Feel good about supporting trans and intersex artists this holiday season. Shop visual art, jewelry, apparel, and more by local trans and intersex creators. Get uniquely crafted gifts for your friends and loved ones, gender pride gifts for the trans or intersex person in your life, or something beautiful and extraordinary for yourself. This is a free event with complimentary drinks to keep up your cheer. All ages welcome. Must be 21+ to consume alcohol. Find the Winter Art Market in the courtyard (gate access on San Marcos St.). Street parking is available, but not everywhere. Pay attention to signs! <br> This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Intro music generously provided by Stan Killian (http://stankillian.com/main/) Support this podcast. (http://www.austinarttalk.com/supportpodcast) austin art, austin art podcast, austin artist, austin texas, conversations with artists, interview, interviews, local artist, podcast, drew riley, gender portraits, painter, gender unbound "One of the things that helped me be a better ally to other communities is to believe people. Generally you don’t need evidence to trust if a whole community is saying something. If a whole community is saying we experience this or if a whole community is saying this hurts us. Trust that they know and trust that their experience is authentic."

"Do what works for you. Give yourself permission. I had so many people tell me what real art was or what is right or wrong. There would be times where I did something that would work for me and I would be like, but I cant do that, that’s not correct. Actually it works for me. Let yourself use processes that help."


Drew Riley is an artist and activist who through her transition to fully discovering and revealing herself found an opportunity to help others do the same. With her Gender Portraits project she paints, interviews, and shares the stories of trans, intersex, and gender non conforming people. We get a glimpse of their lived experience, their essence, and their lives outside just talking about gender and the oppressive societal norms we all have to deal with in big and small ways. If we are open to taking in these powerful portraits and stories no doubt we can all in some way relate.

In the interview we go in depth to explore three self portraits she has created that each represent her journey, challenges, and breakthroughs on the road to embodying and realizing her authentic self. Drew’s skill at creating such realistic and expertly rendered portraits came from her strict classical training and many years as a full time concept artist in the gaming industry. That industry supported her but she could not completely be herself and make the type of artwork she truly desired. Leaving that world to pursue her art and activism full time she lost some security but found a huge weight was lifted off of her shoulders.

As the executive director of Gender Unbound, Drew is furthering her mission to help trans and intersex artists. The Gender Unbound Art Fest, which happens in September, showcases the artistic talents of this community and allows attendees to interact with and support these multifaceted and valuable people in an affirming way. It is a sponsored nonprofit project of Austin Creative Alliance.

What important work Drew is doing. I’ve discovered for myself over the last year how fulfilling it is to be of service and focus on others. It’s even more important when it comes to people who are often marginalized for not confining themselves to societal norms. How can we be more inclusive and open and respecting of others and give them the space and security to exist and explore their authentic selves. Aren’t we all doing that? Don’t we all deserve the benefit of the doubt that we are doing our best with what we have. Have a listen and please support Drew's effort's to make difference in these peoples lives.


Some of the subjects we discuss:

Introduction
Gender portraits
We can relate
Artistic beginnings
Gemini School
Painting realistically
Loosening up
Video game track
Concept artist/confilcts
Leaving game industry
Choosing a better life
Getting laid off
Starting self-portraits
Leap of faith
Mask comic/story
Adolescence portrait
Painting specifics
Cavan portrait/story
Artist advice/techniques
Non-profit and art
Finding balance/self-care
Exploration portrait
Struggle/gratitude
Social exploration
Letting go/being yourself
Gender norms
Male privilege/feeling safe
Prudence portrait
Believing people
Love or heroics
Gender Unbound Festival
Winter Art Market
How to support!


Adolescence by Drew Riley



Exploration by Drew Riley



Prudence by Drew Riley





Gender Unbound Winter Art Market

December 15th, 1 – 6 pm, at Austin Creative Alliance

81 San Marcos St., Austin, TX 78702

Feel good about supporting trans and intersex artists this holiday season. Shop visual art, jewelry, apparel, and more by local trans and intersex creators. Get uniquely crafted gifts for your friends and loved ones, gender pride gifts for the trans or intersex person in your life, or something beautiful and extraordinary for yourself.

This is a free event with complimentary drinks to keep up your cheer. All ages welcome. Must be 21+ to consume alcohol. Find the Winter Art Market in the courtyard (gate access on San Marcos St.). Street parking is available, but not everywhere. Pay attention to signs!



This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Intro music generously provided by Stan Killian

Support this podcast.

Links:

]]> "One of the things that helped me be a better ally to other communities is to believe people. Generally you don’t need evidence to trust if a whole community is saying something. If a whole community is saying we experience this or if a whole community is saying this hurts us. Trust that they know and trust that their experience is authentic."

"Do what works for you. Give yourself permission. I had so many people tell me what real art was or what is right or wrong. There would be times where I did something that would work for me and I would be like, but I cant do that, that’s not correct. Actually it works for me. Let yourself use processes that help."


Drew Riley is an artist and activist who through her transition to fully discovering and revealing herself found an opportunity to help others do the same. With her Gender Portraits project she paints, interviews, and shares the stories of trans, intersex, and gender non conforming people. We get a glimpse of their lived experience, their essence, and their lives outside just talking about gender and the oppressive societal norms we all have to deal with in big and small ways. If we are open to taking in these powerful portraits and stories no doubt we can all in some way relate.

In the interview we go in depth to explore three self portraits she has created that each represent her journey, challenges, and breakthroughs on the road to embodying and realizing her authentic self. Drew’s skill at creating such realistic and expertly rendered portraits came from her strict classical training and many years as a full time concept artist in the gaming industry. That industry supported her but she could not completely be herself and make the type of artwork she truly desired. Leaving that world to pursue her art and activism full time she lost some security but found a huge weight was lifted off of her shoulders.

As the executive director of Gender Unbound, Drew is furthering her mission to help trans and intersex artists. The Gender Unbound Art Fest, which happens in September, showcases the artistic talents of this community and allows attendees to interact with and support these multifaceted and valuable people in an affirming way. It is a sponsored nonprofit project of Austin Creative Alliance.

What important work Drew is doing. I’ve discovered for myself over the last year how fulfilling it is to be of service and focus on others. It’s even more important when it comes to people who are often marginalized for not confining themselves to societal norms. How can we be more inclusive and open and respecting of others and give them the space and security to exist and explore their authentic selves. Aren’t we all doing that? Don’t we all deserve the benefit of the doubt that we are doing our best with what we have. Have a listen and please support Drew's effort's to make difference in these peoples lives.


Some of the subjects we discuss:

Introduction
Gender portraits
We can relate
Artistic beginnings
Gemini School
Painting realistically
Loosening up
Video game track
Concept artist/confilcts
Leaving game industry
Choosing a better life
Getting laid off
Starting self-portraits
Leap of faith
Mask comic/story
Adolescence portrait
Painting specifics
Cavan portrait/story
Artist advice/techniques
Non-profit and art
Finding balance/self-care
Exploration portrait
Struggle/gratitude
Social exploration
Letting go/being yourself
Gender norms
Male privilege/feeling safe
Prudence portrait
Believing people
Love or heroics
Gender Unbound Festival
Winter Art Market
How to support!


Adolescence by Drew Riley



Exploration by Drew Riley



Prudence by Drew Riley





Gender Unbound Winter Art Market

December 15th, 1 – 6 pm, at Austin Creative Alliance

81 San Marcos St., Austin, TX 78702

Feel good about supporting trans and intersex artists this holiday season. Shop visual art, jewelry, apparel, and more by local trans and intersex creators. Get uniquely crafted gifts for your friends and loved ones, gender pride gifts for the trans or intersex person in your life, or something beautiful and extraordinary for yourself.

This is a free event with complimentary drinks to keep up your cheer. All ages welcome. Must be 21+ to consume alcohol. Find the Winter Art Market in the courtyard (gate access on San Marcos St.). Street parking is available, but not everywhere. Pay attention to signs!



This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Intro music generously provided by Stan Killian

Support this podcast.

Links:

]]>