The Unwritten Aesthetic: Where Philosophy Meets Creativity

What makes art work? Is creativity a psychological process, a mystical one, or something stranger, layered, and unnameable?In this episode of The Unwritten Aesthetic, Reese and Lauren dive deep into an evocative conversation inspired by Gordon White’s Podcast, Rune Soup, and the episode titled “Art as Evocation” with Phil Ford and J.F. Martel of Weird Studies. Together, Reese and Lauren explore the numinous, the imaginal, and the nature of creativity through philosophy, psychology, and personal experience.Topics include:Whether artists act as mediums or makersFlow state vs. ego in artistic practicePossibility, actualization, and unfinished artAI art and the question of human agencyMagic vs. psychology and why the answer might be “both”Oppositional forces within metaphysics and schismatic selfhoodCreation as Genesis and the paradox of consciousnessIf you love philosophical deep dives, metaphysics, art theory, or long-form intuitive thinking, this one’s for you. Enjoy, and step into the imaginal with us!Welcome to The Unwritten Aesthetic, where the intellectual rigor of philosophy meets the creative pursuit of an artful life. A place for two friends to be passionate about philosophy as an artistic pursuit, ask life’s most important questions, create something we believe in, and to be two silly gooses.Please check out and support Rune Soup and the Creator, Gordon White: https://www.youtube.com/@RuneSouphttps://runesoup.com/Please check out and support Weird Studies and the Creators, Phil Ford and J. F. Martel:https://www.weirdstudies.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/weird-studies/id1343819177Be a part of the Collective and tune in to The Unwritten Aesthetic every other Tuesday.To find Lauren's work: https://www.laurenbushpaints.com/To work with Reese: https://www.thecoherecollective.com/coherent-designFollow The Cohere Collective:https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollectiveFollow Lauren: https://www.instagram.com/laurenbushpaints/For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.comTo support The Cohere Collective, head to https://www.thecoherecollective.com/supportReferences and Resources:The Original Podcast Episode, Art as Evocation by Rune Soup: https://youtu.be/3eHU8fZRpis?si=uN7hqiCXs8bCLl_uWith artful Coherence,Reese and Lauren

Existential therapy, aesthetic theory, and philosophically spooky, this Halloween special of The Unwritten Aesthetic dives deep into the philosophy of spookiness. From Paul Klee’s haunting puppets to the Jungian witch archetype and the paradox of being both enchanted and alienated in a hyper-digital world.You’ll heart about…Why the witch symbolizes feminine autonomy and rebellion- How play and childhood eeriness reveal the uncanny unconscious- Whether you can truly dismantle capitalism with capitalist tools- What happens when art, intellect, and identity collide- And how losing control (cognitively, creatively, spiritually) might be the most haunting experience of all.Welcome to The Unwritten Aesthetic, where the intellectual rigor of philosophy meets the creative pursuit of an artful life. A place for two friends to be passionate about philosophy as an artistic pursuit, ask life’s most important questions, create something we believe in, and to be two silly gooses. Be a part of the Collective and tune in to The Unwritten Aesthetic every other Tuesday.To find Lauren's work: https://www.laurenbushpaints.com/To work with Reese: https://www.thecoherecollective.com/coherent-designFollow The Cohere Collective:https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollectiveFollow Lauren:https://www.instagram.com/laurenbushpaints/For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.comTo support The Cohere Collective, head to https://www.thecoherecollective.com/supportReferences and Resources:Our previous episode discussing Paul Klee and Martin Heidegger: https://youtu.be/8Gd9oVfnyHMPaul Klee's Puppets: https://publicdomainreview.org/essay/of-angel-and-puppet/The Archetype of the Witch from This Jungian Life: https://thisjungianlife.com/episode-186-the-archetype-of-the-witch-dangerous-denied-dishonored/With artful Coherence,Reese and Lauren

What does it actually mean to be or become “woman”?In this episode of The Unwritten Aesthetic, Reese and Lauren go full “chaos mode philosophy,” unpacking what it means to grow up under the “myth of woman” — the stories we’re told about femininity, beauty, success, and self-worth — and how those stories still shape our choices today.They explore the cycles of shame and creativity that define early adulthood, the paradox of feminism in the “post-girlboss” era, and why existentialism might be the key to living authentically in a world obsessed with performance.From body image and dance teachers to sex work, motherhood, and the question of freedom, this is a raw, funny, and deeply reflective conversation about how we learn, unlearn, and redefine what it means to be human.This one’s for anyone navigating the space between who you were told to be and who you’re becoming.Welcome to The Unwritten Aesthetic, where the intellectual rigor of philosophy meets the creative pursuit of an artful life. A place for two friends to be passionate about philosophy as an artistic pursuit, ask life’s most important questions, create something we believe in, and to be two silly gooses.Be a part of the Collective and tune in to The Unwritten Aesthetic every other Tuesday.To find Lauren's work: https://www.laurenbushpaints.com/To work with Reese: https://www.thecoherecollective.com/coherent-designFollow The Cohere Collective:https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollectiveFollow Lauren: https://www.instagram.com/laurenbushpaints/For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.comTo support The Cohere Collective, head to https://www.thecoherecollective.com/supportReferences and Resources:The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/457264.The_Second_SexWith artful Coherence,Reese and Lauren

Let’s unpack the quarter-life crisis (yay….). From existential dread to redefining purpose, we at least know one thing: life isn’t a stage, it’s a soup!In this episode of The Unwritten Aesthetic, Reese Brown and Lauren Bush celebrate the space between their birthdays and dive deep into what it means to reach quarter-life. From the awkwardness of birthday songs to existential philosophy, they explore how we define meaning, purpose, and identity in our mid-twenties.Lauren shares a powerful mindset shift: moving from life as a performance to life as a soup — embracing flow, connection, and self-compassion. Together, they unpack Heidegger, Sartre, Camus, and the anxiety of existing in a hyper-productive late-capitalist world.Whether you’re facing your own quarter-life crisis or just rethinking what purpose really means, this conversation invites you to stop performing your life and start living it from a place of owning your worth.Welcome to The Unwritten Aesthetic, where the intellectual rigor of philosophy meets the creative pursuit of an artful life. A place for two friends to be passionate about philosophy as an artistic pursuit, ask life’s most important questions, create something we believe in, and to be two silly gooses.Be a part of the Collective and tune in to The Unwritten Aesthetic every other Tuesday.To find Lauren's work: https://www.laurenbushpaints.com/To work with Reese: https://www.thecoherecollective.com/coherent-designFollow The Cohere Collective:https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollectiveFollow Lauren: https://www.instagram.com/laurenbushpaints/For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.comTo support The Cohere Collective, head to https://www.thecoherecollective.com/supportWith artful Coherence,Reese and Lauren

In this episode of The Unwritten Aesthetic, Reese and Lauren get real about what it means to feel stuck in your creative practice. From writer’s block to painting plateaus, they unpack the frustration of creative ruts and share strategies for finding flow again.They explore:How structure can both help and stifle creativityWhy confidence in your own ideas is essentialThe tension between academic rules and authentic voiceUsing imagined audiences to unlock better writingPractical tools to keep the creative spark alive (journaling, speaking drafts, cutting up notes, etc.)Whether you’re a painter, writer, poet, or creative of any kind, this conversation will remind you that blocks are part of the process—and that your ideas are worth sharing.Welcome to The Unwritten Aesthetic, where the intellectual rigor of philosophy meets the creative pursuit of an artful life. A place for two friends to be passionate about philosophy as an artistic pursuit, ask life’s most important questions, create something we believe in, and to be two silly gooses.Be a part of the Collective and tune in to The Unwritten Aesthetic every other Tuesday.To find Lauren's work: https://www.laurenbushpaints.com/To work with Reese: https://www.thecoherecollective.com/coherent-designFollow The Cohere Collective:https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollectiveFollow Lauren: @laurenbushpaintshttps://www.instagram.com/laurenbushpaints/For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.comTo support The Cohere Collective, head to https://www.thecoherecollective.com/supportWith artful Coherence,Reese and Lauren

What do philosophers think will happen with the future of AI and what are the ethical implications we all need to be considering now, before it’s too late?In this episode of The Unwritten Aesthetic, Reese Brown and Lauren Bush explore the artist journey and what it means to balance artistic practice, studio practice, and academic constraints in a world increasingly shaped by AI. From grad school frustrations to the future of artistic expression and artistic vulnerability, they reveal how technology challenges the role of artists, writers, and philosophical thinkers alike.Expect conversations on:How philosophy of art meets AI and why artistic interpretation mattersThe tension between creativity, multidisciplinary creativity, and institutional boundariesThe creative process as a lived form of existentialism and human experienceThe ethics of AI art through the lens of moral philosophy and thought-provoking ideasWhy interdisciplinary creativity fuels deeper philosophical ideas and even philosophical comedy (yes, expect some “brilliant idiots” moments)It’s a conversation that blends rigor with play, weaving artists, writers, and philosophers into one dialogue. Whether you’re navigating academia, questioning the role of AI, or simply chasing your next spark of creativity, this episode is here to inspire and challenge.Welcome to The Unwritten Aesthetic, where the intellectual rigor of philosophy meets the creative pursuit of an artful life. A place for two friends to be passionate about philosophy as an artistic pursuit, ask life’s most important questions, create something we believe in, and to be two silly gooses.Be a part of the Collective and tune in to The Unwritten Aesthetic every other Tuesday.To find Lauren's work: https://www.laurenbushpaints.com/To work with Reese: https://www.thecoherecollective.com/coherent-designFollow The Cohere Collective:https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollectiveFollow Lauren: @laurenbushpaintshttps://www.instagram.com/laurenbushpaints/For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.comTo support The Cohere Collective, head to https://www.thecoherecollective.com/supportReferences and Resources:The UN’s Take on AI’s Environmental Impact: https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/ai-has-environmental-problem-heres-what-world-can-do-aboutWith artful Coherence,Reese and Lauren

Portraits, love, and the philosophy of art — what can a painting really say?In this episode of The Unwritten Aesthetic, a philosophy of art podcast, Lauren Bush and Reese Brown explore the question: what can an artist truly say through their work? From portraits painted with love and vulnerability to the symbolism of doors and the unexpected ways viewers interpret art, this conversation dives deep into the philosophy of painting. Can an artist control meaning? Should they even try? We unpack the tension between intention and interpretation, the emotional weight of portraits, and why art often says more than words ever could.Welcome to The Unwritten Aesthetic, where the intellectual rigor of philosophy meets the creative pursuit of an artful life. A place for two friends to be passionate about philosophy as an artistic pursuit, ask life’s most important questions, create something we believe in, and to be two silly gooses.Be a part of the Collective and tune in to The Unwritten Aesthetic every other Tuesday.To find Lauren's work: https://www.laurenbushpaints.com/To work with Reese: https://www.thecoherecollective.com/coherent-designFollow The Cohere Collective:https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollectiveFollow Lauren: @laurenbushpaintshttps://www.instagram.com/laurenbushpaints/For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.comTo support The Cohere Collective, head to https://www.thecoherecollective.com/supportWith artful Coherence,Reese and Lauren

In this episode, we discuss the overlapping perspectives between the philosopher Martin Heidegger and artist Paul Klee regarding the essence of the work of art. Through this lens, we interpret art as the vehicle for, and evidence of, the genesis of meaning [the process of bringing meaning into being]. We also explore how this interpretation of art parallels the issue of linguistic translation, asking: what’s the difference between word and image, and how can we bridge that divide? (To further illuminate the essence of art, we also discuss the ancient Greek concepts of khōra and tetelestai.)Welcome to The Unwritten Aesthetic, where the intellectual rigor of philosophy meets the creative pursuit of an artful life. A place for two friends to be passionate about philosophy as an artistic pursuit, ask life’s most important questions, create something we believe in, and to be two silly gooses.Be a part of the Collective and tune in to The Unwritten Aesthetic every other Tuesday.To find Lauren's work: https://www.laurenbushpaints.com/To work with Reese: https://www.thecoherecollective.com/coherent-designFollow The Cohere Collective:https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollectiveFollow Lauren: @laurenbushpaintshttps://www.instagram.com/laurenbushpaints/For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.comTo support The Cohere Collective, head to https://www.thecoherecollective.com/supportWith artful Coherence,Reese and Lauren

In this episode of The Unwritten Aesthetic, a podcast about philosophy and creativity, we explore the question of whether we can separate the artist from their art and, if so, under what circumstances it is permissible to do so. We ask this question in a variety of contexts—philosophy, music, and visual art—and discuss how social media is making it more difficult to separate someone from their work. Welcome to The Unwritten Aesthetic, where the intellectual rigor of philosophy meets the creative pursuit of an artful life. A place for two friends to be passionate about philosophy as an artistic pursuit, ask life’s most important questions, create something we believe in, and to be two silly gooses. Be a part of the Collective and tune in to The Unwritten Aesthetic every other Tuesday. To find Lauren's work: https://www.laurenbushpaints.com/ To work with Reese: https://www.thecoherecollective.com/coherent-design Follow The Cohere Collective: https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/ https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollective Follow Lauren: https://www.instagram.com/laurenbushpaints/ For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.com To support The Cohere Collective, head to https://www.thecoherecollective.com/support References and Resources: There are countless articles documenting Picasso’s abusive character. Here’s one that also explores the question of whether it is worth “canceling” Picasso in light of this: https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/picasso-sexism The following link provides a detailed timeline of Caravaggio’s crimes and the paintings he produced during that time: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Caravaggio/Continued-successes-and-the-murder-of-Tomassoni Check out the painting “Bacchus” (1596) by Caravaggio here: https://www.caravaggio.org/bacchus.jsp Check out “Judith Beheading Holofernes” (1611-1612) by Artemisia Gentileschi and learn about how her traumatic experience informed this painting here: https://artincontext.org/judith-slaying-holofernes-by-artemisia-gentileschi/ With artful Coherence, Reese and Lauren

In this episode of The Unwritten Aesthetic, a philosophy podcast, Reese Brown and Lauren Bush explore the intricate relationship between poetry and art, discussing their creative processes, the questionable value of effort in artistic creation, and the role of humor, spirituality, and the audience in poetry. They delve into the differences between short and long poems, the layers of meaning in both poetry and visual art, and the role of trust in the relationship between the artist and the viewer. The dialogue also touches on the absurdity of life, self-deprecation in art, and philosophical reflections on understanding and interpretation. Welcome to The Unwritten Aesthetic, a philosophy and creativity podcast where the intellectual rigor of philosophy meets the creative pursuit of an artful life. A place for two friends to be passionate about philosophy as an artistic pursuit, ask life’s most important questions, create something we believe in, and to be two silly gooses. Be a part of the Collective and tune in to The Unwritten Aesthetic every other Tuesday. To find Lauren's work: https://www.laurenbushpaints.com/ To work with Reese: https://www.thecoherecollective.com/coherent-design Follow The Cohere Collective: https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/ https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollective Follow Lauren: https://www.instagram.com/laurenbushpaints/ For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.com To support The Cohere Collective, head to https://www.thecoherecollective.com/support With artful Coherence, Reese and Lauren

In this episode, we (read and) discuss Reese’s Master’s Thesis, which draws from philosophy, poetry spirituality, and literature to begin to answer the enigmatic question: If all of life is pointing to one thing, what is that thing? With this text as our anchor, we discuss the utility of interdisciplinary work for filling in explanatory gaps in specific fields/disciplines, how certain linguistic/narrative choices can reframe topics in a new light, the beauty of remaining open to new viewpoints, and how to live a philosophical life oriented toward community. Welcome to The Unwritten Aesthetic, where the intellectual rigor of philosophy meets the creative pursuit of an artful life. A place for two friends to be passionate about philosophy as an artistic pursuit, ask life’s most important questions, create something we believe in, and to be two silly gooses. Be a part of the Collective and tune in to The Unwritten Aesthetic every other Tuesday. To find Lauren's work: https://www.laurenbushpaints.com/ To work with Reese: https://www.thecoherecollective.com/coherent-design Follow The Cohere Collective:https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/ https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollective Follow Lauren: https://www.instagram.com/laurenbushpaints/ For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.com To support The Cohere Collective, head to https://www.thecoherecollective.com/support References and Resources: Feverland by Alex Lemon: https://milkweed.org/book/feverland Learn about Baha’i: https://www.bahai.org/ Within Reason by Alex O'Connor featuring John Lennox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gKCwldMZS8 With artful Coherence, Reese and Lauren

In today’s episode of The Unwritten Aesthetic, Reese and Lauren discuss the crisis of language, exploring how to communicate the “mystery” of the “divine” while acknowledging its inherent ineffability. They reflect on why attempting to express the inexpressible remains a worthy endeavor, even if it proves to be impossible, and how this pursuit shapes their approach to life and meaning-making.Welcome to The Unwritten Aesthetic, where the intellectual rigor of philosophy meets the creative pursuit of an artful life. A place for two friends to be passionate about philosophy as an artistic pursuit, ask life’s most important questions, create something we believe in, and to be two silly gooses.Content Warning: 01:01:20-1:15:25 Self-Harm and SuicideSuicide is discussed as an example for finding meaning in an existentialist context and is mentioned several times throughout this passage.Resources for those Facing Self-Harm: https://www.iasp.info/suicidalthoughts/https://afsp.org/suicide-prevention-resources/Be a part of the Collective and tune in to The Unwritten Aesthetic every other Tuesday.To find Lauren's work: https://www.laurenbushpaints.com/To work with Reese: https://www.thecoherecollective.com/life-coachingFollow The Cohere Collective:https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollectiveFollow Lauren:https://www.instagram.com/laurenbushpaints/For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.comTo support The Cohere Collective, head to https://www.thecoherecollective.com/supportFor full show notes, check out the VOD: https://youtu.be/r_beBVJoBgIWith artful Coherence,Reese and Lauren

In this conversation, Lauren Bush and Reese Brown explore the complexities of awareness, embodiment, and the philosophical concepts of Dasein and being/Being/beyng, using one of Lauren’s recent philosophy papers. They discuss the importance of grounding awareness in action, the tension between subjectivity and wholeness, and the implications of Heidegger's ideas on understanding existence. The dialogue also delves into the hard problem of consciousness and its parallels with quantum physics, ultimately seeking to bridge the gap between physical and non-physical experiences.Welcome to The Unwritten Aesthetic, where the intellectual rigor of philosophy meets the creative pursuit of an artful life. A place for two friends to be passionate about philosophy as an artistic pursuit, ask life’s most important questions, create something we believe in, and to be two silly gooses.Be a part of the Collective and tune in to The Unwritten Aesthetic every other Tuesday.To find Lauren's work: https://www.laurenbushpaints.com/To work with Reese: https://www.thecoherecollective.com/life-coachingFollow The Cohere Collective:https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollectiveFollow Lauren:https://www.instagram.com/laurenbushpaints/For full show notes: https://youtu.be/y3tngYcO4GQWith artful Coherence,Reese and Lauren

In this episode, we reflect on our recent excursion to the Uffizi Gallery, exploring why certain paintings “sing” or resonate emotionally with some viewers and not others, and how different artistic approaches—such as hyperrealism, abstraction, and impressionism—might enhance that resonance. We also discuss the privileging of language over the image in the Western philosophical tradition, considering what non-linguistic forms of communication can “say” that linguistic ones cannot.Welcome to The Unwritten Aesthetic, where the intellectual rigor of philosophy meets the creative pursuit of an artful life. A place for two friends to be passionate about philosophy as an artistic pursuit, ask life’s most important questions, create something we believe in, and to be two silly gooses.Be a part of the Collective and tune in to The Unwritten Aesthetic every other Tuesday.To find Lauren's work: https://www.laurenbushpaints.com/To work with Reese: https://www.thecoherecollective.com/life-coachingFollow The Cohere Collective:https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollectiveFollow Lauren: @laurenbushpaintshttps://www.instagram.com/laurenbushpaints/An Apology to Ursula K. LeGuin by Reese: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jjk06SdVVmMFor more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.comTo support The Cohere Collective, head to https://www.thecoherecollective.com/supportWith artful Coherence,Reese and Lauren

Join creatives Lauren Bush and Reese Brown as they find the middle ground in the free will debate, explore the creative difference between artistic mediums, and go to bat for our intuition! Welcome to The Unwritten Aesthetic, where the intellectual rigor of philosophy meets the creative pursuit of an artful life. A place for two friends to be passionate about philosophy as an artistic pursuit, ask life’s most important questions, create something we believe in, and to be two silly gooses. Be a part of the Collective and tune in to The Unwritten Aesthetic every other Tuesday. To find Lauren's work: https://www.laurenbushpaints.com/ To work with Reese: https://www.thecoherecollective.com/life-coaching Follow The Cohere Collective: https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/ https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollective Follow Lauren: @laurenbushpaints https://www.instagram.com/laurenbushpaints/ For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.com For references and resources, check out the vod video notes here: https://youtu.be/EoAu63dwlFIWith artful Coherence, Reese and Lauren

Welcome to The Unwritten Aesthetic, where the intellectual rigor of philosophy meets the creative pursuit of an artful life. A place for two friends to be passionate about philosophy as an artistic pursuit, ask life’s most important questions, create something we believe in, and to be two silly gooses. Be a part of the Collective and tune in to The Unwritten Aesthetic every other Tuesday. To find Lauren's work: https://www.laurenbushpaints.com/ To work with Reese: https://www.thecoherecollective.com/life-coaching Follow The Cohere Collective: https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/ https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollective Follow Lauren: https://www.youtube.com/@laurenbushpaintshttps://www.instagram.com/laurenbushpaints/ For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.com For full references and resources, head to the Vod Show Notes on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UxFove0G2PwWith artful Coherence, Reese and Lauren

Isn't philosophy supposed to help us live a more meaningful life? Then why does it feel so... stuffy? Academic? Unrealistic.It's time for Philosophy to bust out of the lecture hall and take her rightful place at the corner of curiosity and creativity.Welcome to The Unwritten Aesthetic, where the intellectual rigor of philosophy meets the creative pursuit of an artful life. A place for two friends, to be passionate about philosophy as an artistic pursuit, ask life’s most important questions, create something we believe in, and to be two silly gooses.Be a part of the Collective and tune in to The Unwritten Aesthetic every other Tuesday.To find Lauren's work: https://www.laurenbushpaints.com/To work with Reese: https://www.thecoherecollective.com/life-coachingFollow The Cohere Collective:https://www.instagram.com/thecoherecollective/https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoherecollectiveFollow Lauren: https://www.instagram.com/laurenbushpaints/For more information, head to www.thecoherecollective.comWith artful Coherence,Reese and Lauren