Exploring Afrofuturism with Tim Fielder: Blending Black Culture and Science Fiction
Welcome aboard 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, under the guidance of your host, Rob Lee. On today’s episode, we have Tim Fielder, a renowned illustrator, concept designer, cartoonist, and animator hailing from Tupelo and Clarksdale, Mississippi. His creative journey is defined by an enduring passion for visual Afrofuturism, action films, and pulp entertainment. Over his extensive 35-year career, Tim's artistic prowess has manifested through comics and graphic novels, seamlessly interweaving black culture with the realms of science fiction. His notable works include "Maddie's Rocket" and "Infinitum: An Afrofuturist Tale." He co-founded Diesel Funk, a dynamic multimedia studio that celebrates Afrofuturism and speculative fiction. With remarkable versatility, Tim has also delved into storyboarding, film visual development, gaming, and animation, collaborating with industry giants like Marvel Comics and Ubisoft Entertainment. He has showcased his talents in various educational settings, such as New York University and Howard University, and his distinctive portrait artistry is embraced by the community in celebrity circles. As an influential voice, Tim is a sought-after speaker, and his recent career retrospective at The Hammonds House Museum underscored his profound impact. With future endeavors in emerging digital content delivery systems, Tim's creativity continues to thrive.
In this episode, we uncover:
- Tim Fielder's prolific journey spanning illustration, concept design, cartooning, and animation over three decades.
- Immerse yourself in the world of visual Afrofuturism through the podcast's exploration of Tim's fusion of black culture and science fiction.
- Dive into the podcast's discussion on Afrofuturism's nascent stage, unraveling Tim's insights on industry development and the imperative of diverse narratives.
- Embark on a podcast journey celebrating artistic trailblazers like Octavia Butler, Chip Delaney, and Pedro Bell, who've propelled Afrofuturism's frontiers.
- Navigate Tim's wisdom-filled podcast episode, as he underscores the significance of completion and legacy, highlighting the finite nature of our existence.
Don't miss out on this valuable conversation with Tim as he shares his journey as an artist, growing up in Mississippi and being influenced by his older siblings who were into comics. He discusses his love for Afrofuturism and how he infuses black culture with science fiction in his work. Tim also talks about the challenges he faced in the industry and the importance of mentors and self-motivation. He shares his thoughts on the representation of Afrofuturism in mass media and the need for more diverse stories. Tim also discusses his project, Maddie's Rocket, and his plans for the future.
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This program is supported (in part) by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.
If you have a story about art, culture, or community, share it with us at rob@thetruthinthisart.com for a chance to be featured on 'The Truth In This Art' podcast.
Follow The Truth In This Art on Twitter, Threads, IG, and Facebook @truthinthisart
Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.
Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.
About "The Truth In This Art"
If you have a story about art, culture, or community, share it with us at rob@thetruthinthisart.com for a chance to be featured on 'The Truth In This Art' podcast.
Follow The Truth In This Art on Twitter, Threads, IG, and Facebook @truthinthisart
Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.
Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.
About "The Truth In This Art"
"The Truth In This Art," hosted by Rob Lee, is a podcast that explores the essence of creativity and its community impact, amplifying artists' voices and their profound stories.
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