This week I interview artists Dazié Rustin Grego-Sykes and Derrick Miller-Handley. They discuss the creation and impact of their performance piece, 'The Changer and the Changed', a performed memoir of Dazié’s lived experience, exploring issues of child sex abuse, addiction, and the experience of being Black, Queer, and HIV positive. Through this deeply personal piece, performed in a community space, Dazié and Derrick aimed to create an intimate shared experience, encompassing the transformation, complex conversations, and the delicate balance of addressing difficult topics. The duo, who form the art collective 'Bundle of Sticks', share how their long-term friendship forms the foundation of their collaborative process. They also highlight the importance of acknowledging and embracing personal histories, shaping experiences into art, and finding a sense of belonging. 00:12 Introduction to Art Heals All Wounds 00:47 Discovering Dazié Grego-Sykes and The Changer and The Changed 01:47 Experiencing The Changer and The Changed 02:19 Understanding the Impact of Art 04:19 Interview with Dazié Grego-Sykes and Derrick Miller-Handley 05:03 Introduction to the Art Collective Bundle of Sticks 07:01 The Creation and Transformation of The Changer and The Changed 15:13 The Role of Personal Journals in The Changer and The Changed 20:34 The Power of Mythology in Art 23:48 Creating a Tangible Environment 24:18 The Thin Line Between Performance and Reality 24:52 The Power of Trust and Friendship in Performance 25:21 The Real-Time Experience of Performance 26:10 The Transformational Power of Art 27:03 The Influence of Kehinde Wiley's Work 28:38 Creating New Spaces in Art 29:28 The Role of Afrofuturism in Art 32:06 The Importance of Ancestry and History 35:41 The Performers: A Deep Dive into Their Stories 38:40 The Concept of Belonging in Art 41:19 Connecting with the Audience 43:17 Where to Find More About the Artists and Their Work 44:11 Closing Remarks Don't forget to go to my website and leave me YOUR story of belonging to feature on a future episode! Buy Me a Coffee! Follow Dazié Rustin Grego-Sykes and Derrick Miller-Handley! Bundle of Sticks website Dazié's Instagram and Facebook Derrick's Instagram and Facebook Follow Me! ● My Instagram ● My LinkedIn ● Art Heals All Wounds Website ● Art Heals All Wounds Instagram ● Art Heals All Wounds Facebook