Robert Sevilla, an Artist with a Voice
If you’ve tuned into the FM airwaves at KYSR 88.1 or 92.3 in the Spokane area on a Thursday around 4 p.m., you’ve likely heard the soothing voice of local artist Robert Sevilla on Creative Mindset radio. For the past three years, Robert has used his platform to interview over 150 local artists, historians, healers, philosophers, entrepreneurs, and even the occasional sex therapist. In a world dominated by seven-second sound bites and cable news tirades, Creative Mindset stands out for its thoughtful conversations and emotionally rich discussions.
Local Healers founder, Jon Anderson, experienced this firsthand during his candid interview with Robert, which was a conversation exploring everything from the creation and mechanics of the radio-show to the importance of open-mindedness and genuine dialogue—the real highlight of the discussion being Robert himself. A man who picks up his art student’s crumpled work, hands it back, and encourages them to not to quit knowing from his own experiences that the moment you feel like giving up is often the exact time to push forward.
The Artist and His Journey
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Robert Sevilla’s creative journey began unexpectedly. After graduating high school at 17, he knew he didn’t want to settle for a mundane job. Flipping through the Yellow Pages, he stumbled upon a company that made Rose Parade floats. He joined their art department but eventually learned to weld, a skill he was initially warned against mastering for fear of being reassigned. Welding turned out to be a valuable steppingstone, leading Robert to a career making parade floats and Hollywood props. His artistic journey continued with 12 years in animated filmmaking, but as the industry shifted to digital methods, he craved a more hands-on approach. This led him to relocate to Spokane, where he embraced the challenge of building his own path as an artist.
Photos by Brian McDonnell
Brian McDonnell – Photographer
Brian McDonnell is a photographer with a mission: to celebrate the artistry and passion that drive people dedicated to their craft. His journey began with a serendipitous encounter in New Mexico, where he captured the precise, mesmerizing work of a forged steel craftsman named Curtis Green. That experience ignited a lifelong dedication to telling the stories of those who pour their hearts and souls into their work.
This passion deepened during a transformative four-year project photographing workers in a shipyard. There, Brian discovered the beauty not just in the final product, but in the process itself—the grit, the creativity, and the mastery that elevate everyday tasks into art. Whether it’s a blacksmith shaping steel, a chef perfecting a dish, or a builder finding elegance in functionality, Brian’s photography focuses on "The Heart of Craft," revealing the humanity and artistry behind the act of creation.
Through his lens, Brian seeks to inspire a greater appreciation for the profound beauty of dedication and the pursuit of excellence. His work is more than documentation; it’s a tribute to those who find joy in the journey of perfecting their craft, reminding us all that true artistry is everywhere someone pours their heart into their work.
