The Closeted Artist Podcast: Recent Episodes
Halie Torris
A podcast reflecting on healing through art, love & spirituality. The Closeted Artist Podcast is an extension of my paintings -- it is a safe space to talk about things that go below surface-level. Halie Torris interviews some of her favorite artists and those who share their light with the world.
✨🌈 step into the light of your story.
www.halietorris.com
Link to "lunch" painting reveal: https://x.com/halietorris
The Sapphic Studio Podcast links:
link to YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@halietorris_art?si=RznUCyGS-r2KXOO3
The Sapphic Studio Podcast instagram: @thesapphicstudio Halie's instagram @halietorris
Halie's website: https://www.halietorris.com/
Print shop: https://www.halietorris.com/prints merch: https://halie.store/
Welcome to my first episode swap with Lez Hang Out Podcast - check out my episode with them on their podcast feat. the Jelly Filled Girls Welcome back to Lez Hang Out, the podcast that wants you to draw us like one of your gay French girls. This week Leigh (@lshfoster) and Ellie (@elliebrigida) hang out with figurative artist Halie Torris (@halietorris) to talk about the sapphic gaze in art and what differentiates it from the all too familiar male gaze.
If you spend any time on lesbian TikTok you are likely familiar with Halie Torris’ paintings. The videos of her music-inspired paintings set to songs like Fletcher’s Cherry and Taylor Swift’s Maroon have gone viral multiple times, demonstrating just how feral we all are for art that doesn’t speak to the male gaze. The entire history of art has mostly been portrayed through the male gaze, a perspective that tends to objectify and oversexualize women. Sapphic art, in contrast, is much more subtle, focusing on the little things that men don’t typically appreciate. Halie describes her paintings as capturing the moment right before the climax of the action, that moment right before the wine splashes, the hook of a finger in a belt loop, the hand lightly grazing a thigh. Her paintings showcase the beauty and intricacies of sapphic relationships by sharing these more secretive moments that mainstream art often fails to recognize. There is a big focus on body language in Halie’s paintings and a tendency to intentionally obscure the subjects’ face from view. With the faces hidden, it is easier for people to connect their own narratives to the paintings. Halie views music as a prompt for creating her visual art, fueling the narratives that already reside within her. Alongside Halie’s music-inspired series, she has been hard at work on her newest series of paintings, the situationship series. These paintings focus on the turbulent emotions experienced before, during and after a situationship.
We talk with Halie about her artistic journey, how her paintings going viral has impacted her, and of course, the gaylor of it all. Whether you are a Swiftie or not, there is no denying Taylor is a musical mastermind, painting pictures with her words through incredibly descriptive lyrics. Illustrative songs like Ivy and iconic stage performances like Taylor’s Vigilante Shit chair dance have inspired Halie to create gorgeous figurative paintings from the sapphic gaze. Taylor’s frequently queer-coded lyrics with a focus on secret relationships and yearning speak to sapphic listeners in a different way than their straight peers, in much the same way Halie’s art does. The beauty lies in the subtlety, a feature missing from figurative art created with the male gaze in mind. Even in 2024 Halie can practically count on one hand how many figurative artists she knows of who have made art for and from a female gaze let alone a sapphic one. While we of course wish that sapphic art was not so difficult to come by, we are thrilled that artists like Halie are working hard to change that.
Follow us on Twitter: Lez Hang Out (@lezhangoutpod) and answer our Q & Gay questions at the end of every episode. You can also join us on Facebook.com/lezhangoutpod and follow on Instagram (@lezhangoutpod). Find us individually on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok at Leigh (@lshfoster) and Ellie (@elliebrigida).
In this episode, Halie has a conversation with The Jelly Filled Girls, where they discuss creating from the sapphic gaze in varying industries - sharing a common goal to create with the gaze in mind.
Follow them here: JellyFilledGirls Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jfglinks their instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejellyfilledgirls (check their links in their bio)
hope you enjoy :) Girls in purple painting: https://www.halietorris.com/prints/girlsinpurple Lunch painting: https://www.halietorris.com/prints/lunch
--------------- The Sapphic Studio Podcast links:
link to YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@halietorris_art?si=RznUCyGS-r2KXOO3
The Sapphic Studio Podcast instagram: @thesapphicstudio Halie's instagram @halietorris
Halie's website: https://www.halietorris.com/
Print shop: https://www.halietorris.com/prints merch: https://halie.store/
In this episode, Halie updates you on her new pieces, travel plans and a Q&A from Instagram.
The Sapphic Studio Podcast links:
link to YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@halietorris_art?si=RznUCyGS-r2KXOO3
The Sapphic Studio Podcast instagram: @thesapphicstudio Halie's instagram @halietorris
Halie's website: https://www.halietorris.com/
Print shop: https://www.halietorris.com/prints merch: https://halie.store/
In this episode, Halie has a conversation with Australian-based artist Irene Lee, who focuses on drawing women from the female gaze. Her work expresses true power in sensuality and showcasing the strength of the female form.
Irene's instagram: @artbyirenelee
Irene's website: https://artbyirenelee.com/en-us
her 3 piece drawing that's now listed on her website: https://artbyirenelee.com/en-us/products/longing-limited-print-series
--------------- The Sapphic Studio Podcast links:
link to YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@halietorris_art?si=RznUCyGS-r2KXOO3
The Sapphic Studio Podcast instagram: @thesapphicstudio Halie's instagram @halietorris
Halie's website: https://www.halietorris.com/
Print shop: https://www.halietorris.com/prints merch: https://halie.store/
in the first episode, I wanted to break down how I became a full time artist and which moments stuck out to me the most.
welcome to the sapphic studio podcast... formerly known as the closeted artist. we are creating a fresh slate.
hope you enjoy :)
my month of january in review and a little bit more into my artistic story and leaning into my creative interests 💕
art prints | store:
https://www.halietorris.com/
merch:
https://halie.store/
In this episode, I talk about what has been working for me in the studio, how I start working on a new painting and tips on getting into flow.
Hope you enjoy.
halietorris.com
in this episode, I give you some tips on how I have manifested more space in my life (i promise it's not woo woo)
and share more of my art studio space journey.
From painting on my bed to having a separate space...
https://www.halietorris.com/
In this episode, I speak about shame and my feelings growing up Catholic.
My website:
https://www.halietorris.com/
I finally got around to filming a short update and some tips for staying creative during these times :)
The devotional that I mentioned in this episode is titled "journey to the heart" by Melody Beattie.
https://www.halietorris.com/
Recently, I have been a bit more stressed about social media and the restrictions that they seem to be putting on those in the lgbtq+ space. In this episode, I discuss my thoughts on the matter.
https://www.halietorris.com/
In this episode, Halie dives deep on her most frequently asked question.
"Why do you paint Taylor Swift songs?"
link to website and print store:
https://www.halietorris.com/
tiktok & instagram:
@halietorris
In episode 29, Megan and Halie talk about beauty standards, rock bottom moments, spirituality, astrology and our mutual love for TikTok.
Check out her artwork on instagram @moeai.art and her website https://moeaiart.com/
my website:
https://www.halietorris.com/
instagram:
@halietorris
@theclosetedartist
In episode 28, Janette and I talk about labeling, her coming out story, inner lightness and even canoe trips -- we dive into a lot of different topics. :)
Check out her artwork on instagram @woodrowjanette or her website janettewoodrow.com
my website:
halietorris.com
In episode 27, I talk about five things that I'm most proud of about my art since coming out.
https://www.halietorris.com/
In this episode, I talk about what is holding me back in the productivity realm...(hopefully it resonates) :)
I reference the book:
"The One Thing" by Gary W. Keller and Jay Papasan
https://www.halietorris.com/
insta, tiktok: @halietorris
insta: @theclosetedartist
In episode 25, Fiona and Halie touch on the topics of spirituality, trauma, work-life balance, balancing the masculine with the feminine and holding space for transformation. ⭐️Mindset Coach & International Speaker
⭐️Certified Law of Attraction Coach
⭐️Spiritual Subconscious Reprogramming Coach
⭐️Licensed Heal Your Life Teacher
⭐️Mindful Well-being Coach
her links:
Web: www.fionadrake.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/fionadrakecoaching/
LI: www.linkedin.com/in/fionadrake/
Insta: www.instagram.com/fiona_drake_coaching
In episode 24, Halie and artist Nicolle Cure dive into their mutual love for surrealism, a hidden premonition and the importance of your voice being heard.
Nicolle Cure is a Colombian-American artist based in Miami, Florida.
Her signature series, The Colors of Sound, is a collection of fluid abstract paintings that explore the relationship between sound and life – inspired by her Sudden Unilateral Hearing Loss (SSHL) experience. In 2020, she released the continuation of this collection with a new body of work titled Supernova. Through her new paintings, she continues to illustrate her experience with sound and color now in contrast with how sound occurs in cosmic elements like Pulsars and Supernovas.
Nicolle's website: https://www.nicollecure.com/
Nicolle's instagram: @nicollecure_art
In this episode, I take you on my first meditation/visualization here on the podcast. For artists and creative who feel a little overwhelmed or burnt out. Sending love <3
www.theclosetedartist.com
www.halietorris.com
In episode 23, I talk with Amy about the our mutual love of painting figures, her coming out story and an experience that changed her life and perspective on being an artist.
Amy's Links:
Instagram @amywebberart
Her website: https://www.amywebberart.com/
In episode 22, I talk with Volta about the power of daily habit building and the simple steps that we have implemented into our daily routines. We discuss our 3 favorite books and what has worked for us.
"The 5 AM Club" by Robin Sharma
"The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron
"Big Magic" by Elizabeth Gilbert
Volta's Links:
Instagram @colorsnack
Her Podcast "Art, Snacks and Affirmations" @artsnacksaffirmations
Her website: http://colorsnack.com/
In episode 21, I talk about my struggles growing up being considered "the quiet girl." If you know, you know.
website:
https://www.halietorris.com/
In episode 20, I dive into why I paint from pain and why it's so much easier for me to draw from the bad rather than the good. I'm challenging myself (and you) to create from joy :)
My website and blog:
https://www.halietorris.com/
In Episode 19, I will talk discuss some quotes from one of my favorite books by Oscar Wilde, "Infinite Self - 33 Steps to Reclaiming Your Inner Power." Themes of: ego, inner power and letting go of limited beliefs.
My website and blog:
https://www.halietorris.com/
In this episode, I explore my life early on and what I experienced growing up that led me to understanding my sexuality. It gets a bit more vulnerable than usual... but I hope you can relate :)
https://www.halietorris.com/
In this episode, I discuss what it's been like to experience resistance as an artist and some tips that help me.
https://www.halietorris.com/
In this episode, I talk about triggers that I used to have during the holiday season – and some that I am still working through. <3
Sending love to you.
https://www.halietorris.com/
In this episode, I talk about what I've learned we need and value as humans.
https://www.halietorris.com/
In this episode, I talk about connection to the universe and ramble on about painting –– more of an update :)
https://www.halietorris.com/
Are you thinking about trying talk therapy? I have been seeing my holistic therapist for about a year now and wanted to share my thoughts. Hope you find it helpful :)
www.halietorris.com
In episode 12, I talk about some struggles I had expressing myself when I was closeted... being afraid to paint what I wanted and holding back.
My newest painting series is my most vulnerable yet and I took some time to reflect on that.
www.halietorris.com
In episode 11, I will dive into Greek mythology... Sappho's poetry, Medusa and Aphrodite.
website: halietorris.com
insta: @halietorris
ONLINE STORE: halietorris.com/store
In this episode, I discuss some pitfalls of comparing your work to others while telling you about my newest painting Venus.
Enjoy :)
https://www.halietorris.com/
Tips about opening the heart and why it is so important.
Books mentioned:
"The Choice For Love" by Barbara De Angelis
"The Untethered Soul" by Michael Singer
support me on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/halietorris
website:
https://www.halietorris.com
insta: @halietorris
TikTok: @halietorris
YouTube: @halietorris
In this episode, I will be reading my blog post that I wrote at the beginning of the year. I came out openly as gay on my website and social media – it was my intention to be open and free in hopes of sharing my story with others.
Hope you enjoy :)
for original blog post: https://www.halietorris.com/blog/my-coming-out-story
instagram: @halietorris
website: https://www.halietorris.com/
Reading you some of my favorites from "The Choice for Love: Entering Into a New, Enlightened Relationship with Yourself, Others and the World" by Dr. Barbara De Angelis.
My Spiritual Coach Fiona
insta: @fiona_drake_coaching
my website: www.halietorris.com
In this episode, I'm getting back to the basics and hitting refresh this week. Sending love to you.
https://www.halietorris.com/
Have you ever experienced having a muse? The highs...the lows – and everything in-between. In this episode, I talk about the women I've painted over the years and the positives/negatives of having a muse.
I talk about Lauren Jaurgeui, Cate Blanchett, Charlize Theron.. etc etc.
my website:
https://www.halietorris.com/
In this episode, I talk about how meditation transformed my art practice – ultimately shifting it from the ego into the collective. I draw A LOT of inspiration from Elizabeth Gilbert and directly refer to her book, "Big Magic."
All quotes are by Liz Gilbert herself and the passages that I choose from this incredible book. Check it out and read it if you haven't already!
https://www.halietorris.com/
In this episode, I discuss the positives of staying in the closet... yes you read that right. I think there were a few.
www.halietorris.com
insta: @halietorris
Ever been in a conversation that leaves you feeling drained of energy? Having trouble conversing with someone with completely different views?
This was me in this episode. Hope some of my tips help :)
www.halietorris.com
In the first episode of The Closeted Artist, I dive into my own spiritual journey and how it led me to who I am as an artist and spiritual being. I never discuss this part of my life and it's time to let go of those limiting beliefs.
Without further ado, let's step into our light.
If you like the podcast, be sure to subscribe :)
www.halietorris.com