The Intentional Expressions Podcast

The Mosaic Mural Years of Larkin Street Youth Center

In this episode, Peter reflects on the twelve-year journey of a mosaic mural project that began with the Larkin Street Youth Center and grew into one of San Francisco’s most enduring public artworks. Through the hands of young people navigating homelessness, instability, and deep transition, art became both refuge and expression.

 

With 96 mosaic panels installed in Powell Street Station and additional works throughout the city, this is a story of public art born from collaboration, resilience, and a profound sense of place. Peter shares the process behind the work—how the murals were built, who contributed, and what it meant to build something permanent in a world that often felt anything but.

The Listener: Persuasion of a Kind

Hello everyone and welcome to the Intentional Expressions Podcast with host Peter Carpou, helping you rethink, create, and empower through the social impact of artistic expression.

 

In this episode, Peter begins with a poem and explores the transformative role of art and craft in the lives of youth who have faced profound hardship. Many young people navigate histories of abuse, neglect, addiction, and homelessness—often making the impossible choice between staying in dangerous environments or stepping into the unknown without a support system.

 

The trauma of isolation, compounded by exploitation and the absence of family or community, leaves them drifting in a space of uncertainty. Through creative expression, however, there is a path toward healing and self-discovery. Peter reflects on the ways in which art can provide stability, a voice, and even a sense of belonging for those who have been left to navigate crisis alone.

Voyaging in America

In this heartfelt episode of Intentional Expressions, hosted by Peter Carpou, listeners are invited to explore the poignant journeys of young people as they leave home in search of a better life. These courageous youths navigate the unknown, often facing challenges and dangers on their path to self-discovery and independence.

The episode shares stories of remarkable courage, resilience, and the real-life interventions that pave the way for brighter futures. Through the lens of art, Peter outlines the transformative power it holds for these young travelers. From coming out of isolation to engaging in creative outlets, art is portrayed as a meaningful way for youths to find solace and expression amidst their turbulent lives.

The Moral Equivalent of War: Art, Empowerment, and Underserved Communities

Hello everyone and welcome back to the Intentional Expressions Podcast with Host Peter Carpou, helping you rethink, create, and empower through the social impact of artistic expression.

 

In this episode, Peter delves into William James’ essay The Moral Equivalent of War and its relevance to working with underserved populations as an artist. He reflects on how James’ call to channel the discipline and purpose of war into constructive social efforts parallels the transformative role art can play in building resilience, fostering connection, and creating meaning in marginalized communities. Peter also shares personal stories and insights about using art as a tool for empowerment and social change.

Concerning a Geometry of Time, Place, and Belonging

In this episode, Peter shares his journey to Edgewood Children’s Center, San Quentin State Prison, and Larkin Street Youth Center, along with how the concept of a ‘triangle’ came to be a useful tool that brought the experiences together into a cohesive yet separate, whole. He also explores how adolescence became the keystone to the unity of dislocation and trauma, common to these seemingly disparate locations. 

Nurturing Quiet Voices: Self-Expression Through Art and Communication

In this episode, Peter explores how to create supportive spaces for self-expression, especially for quieter individuals, tackling insightful listener questions, ranging from educators and child psychologists to a young artist, about how art, music, and classroom environments can foster creativity and communication. Peter also reflects on his own favorite form of expression and the role of creativity in building confidence.

Discovering Healing Through Art: An Intentional Journey

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Intentional Expressions podcast with your host, Peter Carpou. In this episode, Peter shares his profound journey from working with inmates in correctional settings to supporting children in residential care through the transformative power of art.

Listeners will also gain insights into how art serves as a tool for healing and communication, especially for those struggling with verbal expression. This episode answers questions from educators, teenagers, and social workers on using art to explore emotions and support vulnerable populations.

Join us on this enlightening journey as we uncover the beauty of art and its potential to touch lives, heal, and empower individuals across different walks of life.