The Moth Podcast Episode

Title: Becoming An Artist: Jonathan Santlofer & Bob Khosravi
Host/Author: The Moth
Release Date: July 20, 2018

Introduction

In this captivating episode of The Moth, hosted by Dan Kennedy, listeners are treated to two profound stories that explore the intricate journey of becoming an artist and finding one’s voice amidst adversity. The episode features Jonathan Santlofer and Bob Khosravi, both of whom share their unique experiences of honing their crafts despite significant challenges. Through their narratives, the audience gains deep insights into resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of storytelling.

Story 1: Becoming an Artist – Bob Khosravi's Journey

Timestamp: [03:16] – [15:38]

Bob Khosravi begins his story by reflecting on his early aspirations to become an artist. From a young age, Bob nurtured a fabricated dream of artistry, unaware of its true essence. Determined, he pursued formal education in the arts, earning a degree in painting and settling in Hoboken, long before it became a trendy locale.

Key Points:

• Early Struggles in Hoboken: Bob describes his challenging living conditions, including a studio plagued by large rats, symbolizing the precariousness of his artistic pursuits.

• Breakthrough Opportunity: An unexpected encounter with a Whitney Museum curator over dinner leads to his first major exhibition. Bob attributes this breakthrough to a "stroke of luck" influenced by the evening's circumstances.

  Quote: "I cooked dinner for her and we drank a bottle of wine. And sometime around midnight she said, 'I'm going to put you in a show.' I don't know if it was the dinner or the hour or the wine or what it was." – Bob Khosravi [05:45]

• Success and Setback: Building momentum, Bob secures gallery shows in Los Angeles and New York. However, ambition leads him to Chicago, where a devastating snowstorm coincides with a tragic fire that destroys five years of his artwork.

  Quote: "By the time I picked up the phone, I knew it. And indeed, it was my dealer in Chicago who was crying, standing in front of the gallery building burning down." – Bob Khosravi [11:30]

• Emotional Turmoil: The loss profoundly affects Bob, leading to a period of numbness and introspection. He attempts to replicate his lost works, grappling with feelings of inadequacy and impostor syndrome.

  Quote: "I felt like a fake. I felt like I didn't know how to paint." – Bob Khosravi [13:15]

• A New Path: An invitation to the American Academy in Rome becomes a turning point. In Rome, Bob immerses himself in creating Renaissance masterpieces and begins writing a novel. This creative outlet acts as a cathartic process, helping him heal and redefine his artistic identity.

  Quote: "I started making replications of Renaissance masters. I had no fear of destroying my work, and it felt great to rip up my drawings by myself." – Bob Khosravi [14:20]

• Rebirth and Success: Upon returning to New York, Bob completes his novel and resumes painting with renewed passion. The novel's success and his continued artistic endeavors lead to a "second art career," surpassing his initial achievements.

  Quote: "It totally changed my life in the most amazing way. I got a second art career and a writing career which is just astonishing to me." – Bob Khosravi [15:00]

Insights and Conclusions: Bob's story is a testament to resilience in the face of catastrophic loss. His ability to pivot from painting to writing illustrates the multifaceted nature of creativity and the importance of finding new avenues to express oneself after setbacks. The episode underscores the role of luck, timing, and personal determination in an artist's journey.

Story 2: Overcoming Cultural Barriers – Bob Khosravi's Transformation into Comedy

Timestamp: [16:51] – [30:47]

Bob Khosravi continues his narrative by delving into his experiences as an immigrant child in America. Moving frequently across the country due to his family's circumstances, Bob grapples with cultural dissonance and the challenges of fitting into new environments.

Key Points:

• Early Cultural Confusion: As a young immigrant, Bob struggles to understand American traditions, such as the concept of Santa Claus, leading to a clash when he attempts to share his honest perspective with his classmates.

  Quote: "I lean over and ask the kid next to me, 'Who is Santa?' He was surprised. 'Santa's great, man. All you have to do is be good and he brings you anything you want.'" – Bob Khosravi [18:30]

• Confrontation and Reaction: Bob's honesty ignites heated debates and familial tension, prompting his father to caution him against highlighting cultural differences publicly.

  Quote: "I had to explain that there are cultural differences and that it's rude to point them out to other people." – Bob Khosravi [20:15]

• Discovery of Humor as a Defense Mechanism: Repeated encounters with bullying and cultural teasing lead Bob to develop a sharp wit as a means of self-defense. Influenced by comedians like George Carlin, he realizes the power of humor in disarming hostility.

  Quote: "I just figured, if it's going to lead to a fight, let's fight. But then I discovered that being funnier than them could get people to leave me alone." – Bob Khosravi [25:00]

• Embracing Comedy: Encouraged by mentors and peers, Bob embraces comedy both as a personal expression and a professional path. His first successful joke about his cultural background leads to increased confidence and opportunities in the comedy scene.

  Quote: "It's what people wanted to hear about on stage. From there, honestly, it's only gotten better." – Bob Khosravi [28:30]

• Professional Growth: Transitioning from self-defense to self-expression, Bob tours nationally, performs at festivals, and records an album. His authenticity and humorous take on his heritage resonate with diverse audiences.

  Quote: "I've toured the country and worked clubs everywhere. Speaking my truth has been rewarding in other ways because my father became my biggest fan." – Bob Khosravi [30:00]

Insights and Conclusions: Bob's second story highlights the transformative power of humor in overcoming cultural and social barriers. By turning potential conflicts into opportunities for laughter and connection, he not only defended himself but also built a career that celebrates his unique background. This narrative emphasizes the importance of embracing one's identity and using personal experiences as a foundation for creative expression.

Conclusion and Takeaways

Both of Bob Khosravi's stories in this episode illustrate a profound journey of self-discovery and artistic evolution. Whether facing the loss of his artwork or navigating cultural misunderstandings, Bob exemplifies how adversity can be harnessed to fuel creativity and personal growth. His ability to adapt, whether by pivoting to writing or embracing comedy, showcases the resilience required to thrive in the arts.

Final Thoughts from Jonathan Santlofer: Jonathan commends Bob for his remarkable ability to rise to challenges with wit and intelligence, avoiding the pitfalls of negativity. He highlights Bob's ongoing projects, including his groundbreaking silent opera, emphasizing the continuous nature of his creative pursuits.

Quote: "Bob is a comedian and he lives in Texas now, but he's performed around the country and he's still trying to figure out what he wants to be when and if he grows up." – Jonathan Santlofer [30:47]

Encouragement to Listeners: Jonathan encourages listeners to share their own stories with The Moth, fostering a community where personal narratives can inspire and connect individuals from all walks of life.

About the Storytellers

Jonathan Santlofer: Jonathan is a prolific artist and writer, known for his crime novels, including the Pulitzer Award-winning Anatomy of Fear. His memoir, The Widower's Notebook, has received critical acclaim, being named one of the best books of Summer 2018 by Publishers Weekly. Jonathan's work spans various genres, showcasing his versatility and depth as a storyteller.

Bob Khosravi: Bob is a multifaceted artist and comedian residing in Texas. His journey from a struggling painter to a successful writer and comedian illustrates his adaptability and creative spirit. Currently, he is working on an innovative one-man silent opera titled Dallas in Space, further expanding his artistic repertoire.

Final Note

This episode of The Moth masterfully weaves stories of loss, resilience, and reinvention, offering listeners a rich tapestry of human experience. Through Bob Khosravi's heartfelt and humorous narratives, the episode conveys that true artistry often emerges from the most challenging circumstances, inspiring others to pursue their passions despite obstacles.