Malene Djenaba Barnett, an accomplished multidisciplinary artist, textile designer, and community builder from Brooklyn, New York, begins the conversation by sharing the sources of joy in her life, such as walking on a sunny day, winning awards, and engaging in her creative practices. As the discussion unfolds, Ed, Leyden, and Malene delve deep into the topics of joy, inspiration, and happiness.

Melanie then opens up about her origin story, recounting how her artistic journey began at the age of 5 when she started making mud pies. At 8 years old, she was selected for an art program, igniting her passion for painting portraits and playing the violin and piano. Despite being surrounded by mostly white girls in her early years, it was during 10th grade when she started doing self-portraits and listening to hip hop that she experienced the beginnings of her cultural awakening.

The conversation takes a turn as they discuss the impact of racism on black artists,Leyden and Malene talk about some of those experiences. . Malene shares the challenges she has faced as a black artist, having to overcome various obstacles.

Ed's comment that they are pioneers in their respective fields, leads to a discussion on how being labeled as pioneers can sometimes act as a trigger. Leyden candidly talks about his experience as a gay man and how it, too, has triggered emotional responses, while acknowledging that the effects of racism cannot be negated.

The conversation shifts towards exploring their essences. Ed identifies joy, creativity, and devotion as central to his being. Leyden describes himself as embodying joy, richness, and color. Malene identifies caring and silliness as part of her essence, to which Leyden adds the word "warrior," symbolizing her unwavering commitment to her work and personal journey.

Malene shares how embracing her warrior spirit transformed her success, leading her to establish the Black Artist and Designer Guild, which Leyden also became a member of. They emphasize the significance of support and community for artists and creatives, as it can empower them to overcome challenges and excel in their pursuits.

In the final ten minutes of the conversation, Melanie, Leyden, and Ed reflect on the —greatness, joy, and magic. These concepts encapsulate the essence of their shared experience and creativity.

The conversation concludes by acknowledging the richness of their dialogue, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the creative life and human experiences. Melanie and Leyden's feature in the April/2023 issue of Architectural Digest serves as a testament to their talent and collaboration.

For those eager to learn more, the podcast offers a platform to delve deeper into this captivating and inspiring conversation. Additionally, you can explore Malene's work and learn more about her artistic endeavors at her website: https://www.malenebarnett.com/.