Embodied Presence in Virtual Space: A Conversation with Chris Badeker, Jenna Badeker, and Christa Wells (The Work of Art)

The Rabbit Room Music Substack presents The Work of Art! In this series, we’re sitting down with singers, songwriters, musicians, and professional artists to dive deep into what it takes to start and sustain a music career. Join us for practical insights into navigating today’s artistic landscape as well as spiritual wisdom to help any creative person pursue the hard, but holy, work of art.

In this episode of The Work of Art, we’re joined by Jenna Badeker, a songwriter, and Christa Wells, a songwriter, Together, Christa and Jenna discuss a topic that’s often divisive or even dreaded for artists: social media and online presence. Listen in for this insightful conversation about showing up authentically in an often dehumanizing space, finding ways to use technology for connection and creativity, and maintaining an online presence without selling out (or burning out).

• “Creativity is my bridge to the rest of the world, and in the crossing of that bridge, I come more alive.” (CW)

• “The times that it has not felt soul-sucking are when I have felt sparked with an idea or burdened with something to share. And those are always the things that connect with the most people too.” (JB)

• “We each must be true to our own design. You need to honor what sparks true or joyful or sustainable for you.” (CW)

• “These things online are going to be there, and then gone. I think that can hopefully be an invitation to be a bit more playful and freeing: ‘Okay, I’m going to make something, and it’s going to matter, but matter in that I was truthful and honest and didn’t just put junk into the world.’” (JB)

• “I think of everything I share and post as an extension of my primary art. This has got to be another creative expression.” (CW)

• “I hope that me trying, and often failing, to make things will remind somebody that they also are creative and them making things is important too.” (JB)

• “I hope to leave people with permission to play and take up space and be imperfect, born out of a deep knowing that they’re safe to do that.” (CW)

• “To express and create is going to make us better versions of ourselves.” (JB)