Venus Williams talks about being part of Carnegie Museum of Art podcast

Venus Williams is the narrator behind the Carnegie Museum of Art’s “Widening the Lens” podcast, a six-part series that explores the relationship between people, photography and the environment. That relationship is contextualized, discussed and analyzed by scholars, artists from diverse backgrounds and Williams herself.

Some of the artists also appear in the accompanying exhibition “Widening the Lens: Photography, Ecology and the Contemporary Landscape,” on display at the Carnegie Museum of Art until January. With this series, Williams adds a new element to her career. While she is part of the conversation, her narration and celebrity do not interrupt the discussions but rather add to their nuances and perspectives. Williams, who is returning to the U.S. Open on Aug. 29, spoke with TribLive about being featured on the podcast.

How do you see the intersection of art and environmental justice? In what ways do you think art can influence public perception and policy on environmental issues?

Venus Williams: I learned a lot about the integration of art and our environment. Having this opportunity to learn how art can be used as a tool for social impact has been eye-opening. In this case, it really addresses the urgent issues of our time, like how our environment and landscape are changing, and how that change isn’t always for the best. I’m excited to use this platform to showcase diverse perspectives from artists of all backgrounds, inspiring audiences and sparking discussions about our relationship with the environment, our complicity in what’s happening, and how we can adapt and change the conversation.

During the podcast, geologist Marcia Bjornerud brings up the idea of constant change being the norm and how landscapes are not static, that change isn’t necessarily bad. Why is it important to adapt within our own practices as a society?

Williams: This podcast encourages listeners to consider their perspectives as we reimagine our relationship with the land and the environment and make those connections. It’s also an opportunity to look at our environment, appreciate it and understand the deeper meanings behind how it’s changing.

What specifically drew you to this podcast?

Williams: My partnership with Carnegie came out of mutual interests. I love the arts, and I’ve had different opportunities to be involved in them, but I never thought this would happen. Justice for our environment is crucial because it’s also justice for ourselves, our future and all lifeforms on this planet. I played tennis for a long time, but now I have the opportunity to do something that’s very important, not just for me, but for everyone.

Growing up in California, was the environment something that was on your mind?

Williams: I think we’ve all grown up with the context of what we’re facing with our environment — global warming, loss of habitat, pollutants, landscapes that no longer exist. But there are also amazing stories of reforestation and reintroducing animals into their habitats. While there are success stories, there are also stories that make you afraid of what’s going to happen in the world. I think a lot of that is just blocking it out, thinking, “I can’t be a catalyst for change. What can I possibly do? I’m just one person.” But the beautiful part of all these 20 artists, scholars, writers and thinkers is that they’re doing something. It’s not a time to be afraid or to push it to the back of our minds, thinking someone else will take care of it.

As an athlete, how has your relationship with the environment evolved over your career? Do you consider yourself an artist?

Williams: I admire artists. I think tennis is a very artistic sport. It’s a gladiator sport where you’re constantly thinking about how to construct a point to ultimately be the champion. I’ve had the opportunity to travel the world, experience many different cultures, and visit various museums, which has been amazing. At the end of the day, tennis has given me the platform to be where I am now, to be part of this opportunity with Carnegie and these artists and to give a voice to our environment.

Do you have any future projects in mind that will continue to explore the relationship between art, environmental justice, and sports?

Williams: I’m hoping there’s a part two. Personally, I think this should be something that continues. I was deeply moved. I think anyone who listens to it will be too. I hope I can be part of something in the future.

Throughout the podcast, various topics were explored, including spirituality and the idea of gathering impressions versus making an impact talked about by artist Dionne Lee. Was there any episode that particularly resonated with you?

Williams: Yes, Raven Chacon created a beautiful song, and we heard Sage Bond sing it on the podcast. The songs, were so beautiful, moving and thought-provoking. I think everyone should have the opportunity to hear that. It was one of my favorite moments for sure.

Was there one thing you took away from being part of this?

Williams: Art is incredibly powerful in ways we might never have imagined. Art has recorded our histories and played significant roles in our world, even politically. The social impact art can create in addressing urgent issues of our time, like our environment, is enormous.

On the last episode of the podcast, William Fox, poet and curator mentions the idea of Earth constantly taking a selfie through our collection of photography and digital snapshots. What do you think about that?

Williams: That was super interesting, and I think it relates to how we process and digest information today. It’s important to do that. We need to take the best selfie of Earth through our actions and preserve it for future generations.

Princeton art history professor Rachael DeLue brought up the idea of climate change being too big for people, an overwhelming concept that can leave people feeling disconnected. What do you hope people take away from the podcast, and how do you hope they feel more connected to the current issues?

Williams: I hope it starts a dialogue because the first step to change is having that dialogue, raising awareness, and encouraging people to be part of the conversation and the solution. Advocating for personal change is definitely in my personal interest, and it’s in everyone’s interest. It’s a beautiful way to do it through photography.