Pardon My Art: Recent Episodes
Oskar Castro
The Pardon My Art podcast is a show that focuses on creatives who are painters, sculptors, illustrators, comic book writers & artists, makers, fiction authors, screenwriters, poets, playwrights, filmmakers, crafters, photographers, animators, graphic artists, and more.Pardon My Art is for artists and creatives of all types who are looking to learn from other artists so they can stay focused and productive with their creative pursuits, and it is also for those who love art and want to learn about amazing things being produced by the rock star artists in the Pardon My Art network.Pardon My Art is hosted by Oskar Castro, a visual artist, poet, graphic artist, public speaker and writer. The show is based in Philadelphia, PA and is produced by Bohiti Fotuto Productions, LLC.
Today's guest is Chris Anastasides, a New Jersey-based horror artist. Chris has been creating creepy works of art for five years and took his passion seriously when he founded I Scream Man LLC in 2022.
Art has always sparked Chris's interest since childhood, earning him featured in a grade school news article and an art show in high school. Though he lost sight of his creative side when entering the workforce, he reignited his passion during the pandemic. Chris's love for horror conventions also began as a kid at 13, but he had to set that aside when he started working full-time and “adulting.” In 2019, he returned to the con scene and quickly realized he needed to become a vendor selling his horror-related artwork. Since starting his company, he has been vending at tristate area shows as much as possible.
Chris's artistic repertoire is as diverse as it is impressive. He ventures into various art forms, from the traditional canvas painting to the modern digital art. His specialty lies in miniature paintings, a skill that he seamlessly transitions into larger life-sized pieces. His unique approach involves the use of self-made silicone molds filled with resins or expansion foams, a testament to his old-school practice and innovative spirit.
Before gaining the confidence to sell his art, Chris created fun projects for himself, including an ice cream cone inspired by the cover of the 90s horror comedy "Ice Cream Man." When he had the opportunity to meet the star, Clint Howard, Chris showed him the piece and was immediately asked by Clint and his wife to create a miniature sculpture for them personally. This moment was pivotal in giving Chris the confidence to sell his art to the world, and he’s come a long way in a short period of time.
#HorrorArtist #ChrisAnastasides #IScreamManLLC #HorrorArt #CreepyCreations #ArtisticJourney #PandemicPassion #HorrorConventions #TristateArt #PolymerClay #DigitalArt #MiniaturePaintings #CustomArt #HorrorComedy #ClintHoward #ArtistSpotlight #CreativeRevival #ArtisticInspiration #FromHobbyToBusiness #MeetTheArtist
Support the Show.
Visit me at www.oskarcastro.com and if you like what you hear please support us at - https://www.patreon.com/Oskar.
Today's guests are the dynamic creative duo, Laina Fischbeck and Shawn Dade.
Shawn's musical journey began in New Jersey and Philadelphia's '80s glam and punk scenes. He's played with legendary bands like Pure Hell and after years of being disgruntled with the music scene, he formed Philly trip-hop band Saigon Slimm. Eventually, he moved to Hawaii and gained a love for jazz before relocating to France, where he co-founded the soul tribute band Soul Nation with his wife Laina.
Laina's artistic path spans over 35 years, from dance to choreography, singing, and percussion. Raised in Philadelphia and now based in France, she's performed internationally, collaborated with diverse artists, and co-founded ZeWitches, a women's singing and percussion group.
A firm believer in the mixing of art forms, cultures, styles, and ideas, she has always collaborated with artists looking to bring to the surface the hidden, unknown, profound emotional, and obscure side of human existence.
**Together, Laina and Shawn are a powerhouse creative couple, blending their talents to bring soulful music and experimental dance to audiences worldwide.
To Listen and Watch:**
Hippocampe - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCqOYKSxOMA
Hippocampe Live - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXlxQFWVuZM
The Project for the new album "Ulule" group funding
https://fr.ulule.com/zenew-witches-album----/?utm_campaign=presale_182660&utm_source=shared-from-Ulule-project-page-on---http.referer--&utm_medium=uluid_2438765-post-202402180902
Listen to ZeWitches : Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/zewitches
See Us : Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2LUEhkO_QXrpuaFZ_BeDog
Meet us : Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ZeWitches- 1152108301547096/ #DynamicDuo, #CreativeCollaboration, #SoulfulSounds, #MusicMeetsArt, #JourneyThroughMusic, #ArtisticFusion, #GlobalCreatives, #SoulNation, #ZeWitches, #ExperimentalArt, #MusicalJourney, #CreativeExpression, #CrossCulturalCollaboration, #SoulfulPerformance, #DynamicArtistry, #SoulfulDuo, #MusicAndDance, #ArtisticInnovation, #CollaborativeCreativity, #SoulfulExploration
Support the show
Visit me at www.oskarcastro.com and if you like what you hear please support us at - https://www.patreon.com/Oskar.
Today's guest is Anton Ripatti, a remarkable singer-songwriter known for his distinctive blend of garage blues and theatrical performance. Hailing from the Republic of Georgia, Anton's music is a captivating reflection of his experiences and emotions, seamlessly intertwined with his witty lyrics. He's not just an artist; he's a storyteller who paints vivid images with his music.
Anton's journey is as intriguing as his music. He's a Russian exile who has been an outspoken critic of the Russian war in Ukraine and the government. As a musician, performer, and light experimenter, Anton is constantly on the move, touring and connecting with fans from all corners of the globe. While he may not have achieved pop icon status, he takes immense pride in being a working artist who not only creates incredible music but also manages to make a living doing what he loves.
What sets Anton apart is his unwavering determination. He made a bold leap from the confines of corporate life to pursue a full-time career as a musician. It wasn't an easy transition, but Anton's story is a testament to the resilience required to follow your passion.
Support the show
Visit me at www.oskarcastro.com and if you like what you hear please support us at - https://www.patreon.com/Oskar.
🌟 Meet Maya Chalee: A Colorful Maestro in the Artistic Symphony! 🎨
Today, we're thrilled to welcome Maya Chalee, a dynamic artist and graphic designer, to our creative journey. 🌈 Maya's artistic roots trace back to her great-grandmother, the renowned Taos Pueblo artist Pop Chalee, infusing her work with a profound love for color and the sanctity of every living thing. 🎨✨
Growing up in the vibrant tapestry of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Maya was immersed in a rich fusion of Native, Latino, and Anglo cultures. 🏞️ Surrounded by a diverse community of cowboy mystics, spiritual mechanics, and fellow artists, she absorbed inspiration from every corner of her surroundings.
Maya's creative path has been as diverse as the cultures that shaped her. From costume designer and director to a versatile freelancer and in-house designer in the corporate realm, her artistic expression knows no bounds. 🚀
What sets Maya apart is her exceptional ability to transform ideas and data into vibrant visual narratives. 📊🎨 She's not just a master of raw creativity but also a collaborative powerhouse, seamlessly working within marketing teams, engaging with stakeholders, and contributing to communal projects. 🤝
Join us as we dive into Maya's incredible journey – a celebration of art, diversity, and the boundless possibilities of creative expression! 🚀✨ #MayaChalee #ArtisticJourney #CreativeExpression #DiversityInArt
Support the show
Visit me at www.oskarcastro.com and if you like what you hear please support us at - https://www.patreon.com/Oskar.
**Finding Inspiration and Self-Expression
"🎨 Episode 29 🎙️: Join me, Oskar, on another creative journey in 'Pardon My Art.' Unlocking the Business Side of Creativity.**
**Today, on episode 29 - Finding Inspiration and Self-Expression - we explore finding inspiration, crafting artist statements, and reflecting on artistic vision. There's a lot to cover from exploring diverse art forms to creating vision boards! 🌟 Don't forget to subscribe and share your thoughts. Stay inspired, and keep creating! 🔥
PardonMyArt, #CreativityUnleashed, #ArtistsOnInstagram, #CreateEveryday, #ArtisticExpression, #FindYourStyle, #ArtisticProcess, #ArtLife, #ArtistryMatters, #ArtisticSoul, #InspirationalArt, #ArtisticCommunity, #ArtLifeJourney**
Support the show
Visit me at www.oskarcastro.com and if you like what you hear please support us at - https://www.patreon.com/Oskar.
Episode 28 is LIVE and in EFFECT! "Pardon My Art" Podcast: Setting and Achieving Creative Goals 🌟
In this episode, we're delving into setting and achieving creative goals. Whether you're an artist, writer, designer, or any other creative, these insights can help you strike that perfect balance between productivity and creativity. Here's what we've got for you:
✅ The SMART goal framework: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.
✅ Breaking down colossal projects into manageable tasks.
✅ Prioritization and time management techniques, including the Eisenhower Matrix and the Pomodoro Technique.
✅ Self-care and the importance of taking breaks to fuel your creative energy.
🚀 Listen now to unleash your creative potential and bring your artistic visions to life while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 🎧
#CreativeGoals #SMARTGoals #ProductivityTips #TimeManagement #EisenhowerMatrix #PomodoroTechnique #CreativeJourney #SelfCare #PodcastEpisode #UnlockYourCreativity #Artists #Designers #Writers #CreativityUnleashed
Support the show
Visit me at www.oskarcastro.com and if you like what you hear please support us at - https://www.patreon.com/Oskar.
Today’s guest is the acclaimed writer, Kathie Giorgio, whose literary career is nothing short of remarkable.
Kathie Giorgio has authored multiple books that include six novels, two story collections, essays, poetry chapbooks, and a full-length poetry book. In March 2023, she released her seventh novel, "Hope Always Rises," published by Black Rose Writing.
It was great getting to know Kathie and learning more about her work ethic. Her works have received nominations for prestigious awards, including the Pushcart Prize and the Write Well Award, and she's been recognized as one of the top 21 Wisconsin writers of the 21st century by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Support the show
Visit me at www.oskarcastro.com and if you like what you hear please support us at - https://www.patreon.com/Oskar.
🎧 Tune in to Podcast Episode 26: "10 Things for Monetization of Your Creativity" 🚀
Ready to take your creative journey to the next level? Join us in this episode as we uncover the ten vital strategies to turn your artistic passion into a successful and sustainable career. From creating high-quality work to diversifying your income, these insights are a game-changer for artists and creatives.
**Listen now and unlock the secrets to monetizing your creativity! 🎨📈
Visit my website for a free pdf: 10 Things to Focus on for Monetization of
Your Creativity**
#Artists #CreativeEntrepreneurs #MonetizeYourCreativity #PodcastEpisode26
Support the show
Visit me at www.oskarcastro.com and if you like what you hear please support us at - https://www.patreon.com/Oskar.
🎨 Exciting News! 🎨 Our upcoming podcast episode 25, "Empowering Voices: Organizing BIPOC Art Events," with Shari Jones of The ROOTS Art Show is a must-listen! 🌟
In this episode, we delve into the incredible work of Shari, her partners, and other dedicated individuals who are passionate about creating inclusive spaces for BIPOC artists. Shari, a visionary artist herself 🖼️, shares her inspiring journey and how it led to founding "The ROOTS Art Show." 🌱
I was inspired by Shari's vision and the collective effort to empower voices through art and hope you are too! 🙌✨ Don't miss this enlightening episode! 🎧✨
#EmpoweringVoices #BIPOCArtEvents #ShariJones #TheROOTSArtShow #ArtInclusion #PodcastEpisode, #ArtistryUnearthed 🎙📻 #InclusiveArt, #DiverseArtists, #CreativeCommunity, #ArtAdvocacy, #SupportBIPOCArt, #ArtisticExpression, #EmpowerArtists, #ArtForChange, #ArtWorldDiversity, #PodcastEpisode, #CreativeJourney, #ArtisticInspiration, #ArtistsOfColor, #ReshapingArt
Support the show
Visit me at www.oskarcastro.com and if you like what you hear please support us at - https://www.patreon.com/Oskar.
- 🎙️ Welcome back, creative minds! Today, we're unlocking the world of Art Licensing and Merchandising on the podcast. Tune in for tips to expand your art's reach and income. Don't miss it! 🌟
- #PardonMyArtPodcast
- #ArtLicensing
- #Merchandising
- #FreeCreativeBusinessAudit
- #CreativeBusiness
- #ArtisticJourney
- #ArtistCommunity
- #ArtisticInspiration
- #PodcastAlert
- #ArtisticEntrepreneur
- #ArtAndCommerce
- #Creativepreneur
- #UnlockYourCreativity
Support the show
Visit me at www.oskarcastro.com and if you like what you hear please support us at - https://www.patreon.com/Oskar.
Today’s guest is Josh Smith, a poet, curator of culture, and a performance artist. I’ve known Josh since he was a child and worked with his dad in the music business in the mid-90s. Josh was a deep thinker and a precocious person as a child, and watching him grow up I saw him turn that energy into being a poet, and writer with a few books that he’s published, but it was incredible to find out that he is now organizing musical showcase events.
Josh has created The County Jawn a curated concert series that spotlights independent artists while supporting the economic growth of local businesses in Delaware County, PA. I had the privilege of being in the front row at one of his latest events, and let me tell you, I feel like we should have paid Beyonce and Taylor Swift ticket prices to have access to the talent that Josh assembled. A good man with an incredible passion for the arts, it was a pleasure chatting with Josh about where he’s been and where he’s going.
Support the show
Visit me at www.oskarcastro.com and if you like what you hear please support us at - https://www.patreon.com/Oskar.
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of art and business, exploring how artists can strategically use an LLC (Limited Liability Company) to enhance their careers. Join us as we uncover the marketing advantages, branding benefits, and the potential for elevating your artistic journey to the next level. Discover how embracing the 'LLC' label can not only boost your professional image but also open doors to new collaborations and opportunities. If you're an artist looking to make a mark in the art world, this episode is a must-listen for insights that can transform your art into a thriving business. Tune in and explore the art of business with us!
Support the show
Visit me at www.oskarcastro.com and if you like what you hear please support us at - https://www.patreon.com/Oskar.
In this digital age, having a strong online presence is no longer an option – it's a must. So, let's explore the strategies and elements that can help you establish a compelling and impactful presence in the vast world of the internet."
Visit me at www.oskarcastro.com and if you like what you hear please support us at - https://www.patreon.com/Oskar.
**Today’s guest is Oluwafemi, a rhythmist, and DJ based in Philadelphia, originally from Lagos, Nigeria. As a well-known DJ, his unique blend of classic rhythms, soul, and funk with world fusions creates an electric combination that brings high-energy excitement to audiences across the US, Africa, and Europe. This is combined with over 15 years of experience in music and visual art.
Femi has worked as a graphic designer, muralist, video jockey, and music producer with musical influences including Nigerian legends such as Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Ade, and Fela Kuti. Through his African-inspired musical style and visual explorations, his rhythmic evolution of repetition is woven into a unique creative tapestry and a captivating experience for his audience.**
Visit me at www.oskarcastro.com and if you like what you hear please support us at - https://www.patreon.com/Oskar.
Today's guest is Sam Slade. Sam and I met when I was part of the process for hiring her to be the Director of Communications for Philadelphia Yearly Meeting in Philadelphia, PA and we instantly bonded around the creative consciousness. Sam defines herself as a contemplative mixed-media artist.
Samantha's journey is an inspiring blend of creativity and activism, as she masterfully weaves together the threads of art, journalism, and social justice. When she's not immersed in her creative sanctum, Samantha is also diving deep into the realm of Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice in Design – a true visionary who understands the pivotal role design plays in shaping a more equitable world.
**Beyond her artistic endeavors, Samantha finds rhythm and harmony through an embodied movement meditation practice known as the 5Rhythms. It's a dance of self-expression and inner exploration that brings both vitality and serenity to her life.
https://samanthaslade.com/about-samantha-slade/**
Visit me at www.oskarcastro.com and if you like what you hear please support us at - https://www.patreon.com/Oskar.
Today’s guest is Tim Simmons, an educator, musician, writer, and artist living in the suburbs of Philadelphia. He loves to explore the intersections between music and language. On most days, he can be found behind his beat-up old Gretsch drum kit.
**Tim teaches Lower, Middle, and Upper School music at Delaware Valley Friends School where he developed the music program there based on the concept of improvisation. In addition to a course of general music classes that students throughout all three divisions can take part in, Tim offers classes in music theory, audio engineering, and songwriting. Tim has a certification in music improvisation facilitation from Music for People and a Master of Arts in Individualized Studies from Goddard College. His master's degree focused on the neurologic intersections between music and language so that he could develop a unique music curriculum that targets language learning needs.
Tim also directs the writing process and pit band for the annual DV original musical and directs the DV Rock Ensemble and the DV Dragon Drum Corps. Tim is also the author of Serafine Finds a Son**g, a storybook guide to musical improvisation for music teachers.
Visit me at www.oskarcastro.com and if you like what you hear please support us at - https://www.patreon.com/Oskar.
**Today’s guest is Femi J. Johnson, a talented artist who has made a name for himself in the contemporary art scene with his unique abstract storyscapes. Born in Manhattan, New York, and raised in Easton, Pennsylvania, Femi’s early talent in graphite and charcoal drawing led to a professional career as a Master Draftsman & Designer for companies such as Bell Laboratories and Lucent Technologies.
After thousands of technical drawings over decades of work, Femi redirected his creative energy back to the fine arts. He completed a two-year studio program in art at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, New York, where his engagement with contemporary and modernist art inspired his emerging studio practice.
In 2012 Femi returned to the Lehigh Valley, where he currently works out of Expressions Studio & Gallery in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He has exhibited extensively across the region and internationally, with works in corporate and private collections. His work is held in the permanent collections of The Petrucci Family Foundation Collection of African American Art in Asbury, New Jersey, and The David C. Driskell Center for the Study of Visual Arts and Culture of African Americans and the African Diaspora at the University of Maryland, in College Park, Maryland.**
Visit me at www.oskarcastro.com and if you like what you hear please support us at - https://www.patreon.com/Oskar.
Today’s guest is Nehad Khader, a Philadelphia-based film programmer, curator, and editor **focusing on media and literature by Black and Brown creators. Nehad is the Festival Director for the infamous BlackStar Film Festival founded in 2012 by Maori Karmael Holmes, chief executive and Artistic officer for BlackStar. The BlackStar Film Festival is recognized around the world as an event that counters the erasure and the misrepresentation of BIPOC individuals in storytelling through film.
BlackStar's fundamental mission is to create the spaces and resources needed to uplift the work of BIPOC artists working outside of the confines of genres. I learned a lot from Nehad about how she journeyed as a creator, became a festival director, and why this work is so important to her.**
Visit me at www.oskarcastro.com and if you like what you hear please support us at - https://www.patreon.com/Oskar.
Today’s guest is Yujiro Seki, a visionary director whose passion has shaped a mesmerizing feature-length documentary, 'Carving the Divine.'
**In Carving the Divine,' we witness the preservation and evolution of the revered art of Busshi, sculptors who special in carving Buddhist statues.
Yujiro embarked on a rare journey, capturing the essence of a guild of Buddhist sculptors led by the esteemed Master Koun Seki, a former apprentice of the legendary Busshi, Kourin Saito, who is also featured in the film. This cinematic project is the result of Yujiro's fortitude where he took on the roles of planner, cinematographer, and editor all by himself.**
Visit me at www.oskarcastro.com and if you like what you hear please support us at - https://www.patreon.com/Oskar.
**Today's guest is Mantel Amey, an experienced Visual Artist with a demonstrated history of working in the arts and crafts industry. Mantel and I have been social media friends for a number of years, and we have many mutual artist friends. I invited her to be a guest because Mantel’s work is exciting and dynamic ranging from portraits to scenic imagery framing a scene she composes with a key figure.
A graduate of Moore College of Art, with a BFA in illustration, Mantel has developed a style that is uniquely her own. I really love the way that she brings in a sense of culture and being a strong woman of color into her work. Mantel hails from Philadelphia and it was a delight to learn more about her process.**
Visit me at www.oskarcastro.com and if you like what you hear please support us at - https://www.patreon.com/Oskar.
Today’s guest is my friend and accomplice, Alex Smith. Alex is a speculative fiction writer, collage artist, vocalist, keyboardist, and lyricist in avant-garde punk bands Rainbow Crimes and Solarized.
**A 2021 Pew Fellow, Alex draws from influences like science fiction, Dadaism, and comic art, and through his creations, he frames the creativity, survival, and hopefulness of queer and Black people. One of his latest creations is Black Vans, a thrilling comic book series that centers around a team of LGBTQ+ hackers who provide superheroes essential support in their fight against evil forces.
However, things take a dark turn when the superheroes start disappearing, and the hackers are left to unravel the mystery behind their disappearance. A groundbreaking adult-themed comic, Alex and his co-creator/illustrator James Dillenbeck aim to break stereotypes by showing fat and queer people in heroic roles.**
Visit me at www.oskarcastro.com and if you like what you hear please support us at - https://www.patreon.com/Oskar.
Today’s guest is Petrova, a self-taught artist born and raised in New York City with Puerto Rican roots, now based in Orlando, Florida. For the past three years, Petrova has dedicated herself to painting and creating art inspired by space and everything cosmic. Her art is a reflection of her deep connection to the universe and her desire to bring a piece of it into people's homes. Petrova believes that space art is a constant reminder of our interconnectedness as humans and our interconnectedness with the universe. Her imaginative and inspired pieces serve as self-portraits of our past, present, and infinite future.
Visit me at www.oskarcastro.com and if you like what you hear please support us at - https://www.patreon.com/Oskar.
Julia and I have been friends for a very long time. She’s like a big sister to me and aside from being an inspiration creatively, she was one of the Boricuas I met in my college years who helped me to understand some of the political and economic realities associated with the colonial status of Puerto Rico.
Julia is a poet, playwright, actress, and most importantly a mother, who advocates strongly for the power of the arts in education and social justice. Julia was born and raised in the South Bronx, NY to Puerto Rican parents and shw dedicates her work to them, documenting their struggle to provide a better life for their children who embody the complexity of the 1st generation experience in the US. Julia has written innumerable plays and performance art pieces.
She has performed and facilitated Art & Social Change experiences throughout the United States, Mexico, Madrid Spain, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Cuba. Julia has a BA in Theater from Wesleyan University, and attended the Eugene O'Neill National Theater Institute in Waterford, CT, as well as the Instituto Internacional in Madrid, Spain. Julia was the Board President of the Leeway Foundation, Executive Director of Centro Pedro Claver, and Director of Education at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. She also served as the Programs Manager for the Philadelphia Jazz Project - Mural Arts Philadelphia.
Visit me at www.oskarcastro.com and if you like what you hear please support us at - https://www.patreon.com/Oskar.
Today’s guest is Brooke Dean. Brooke and I have been friends since the mid-90’s when I used to work for Inroads, Inc., an organization that supports talented youth of color in their goals of developing the acumen needed to be successful in business & industry. Brooke was an alum of the program and volunteered her time to give back to the youth in our cohort when I first met her.
Brooke has a more than 20 years of experience in the television industry and currently oversees the Audible Originals Third Party Scripted Content and Podcasts team at Audible.com. Brooke and I reconnected a couple of years ago when Audible was looking to increase the diversity of talent that it worked with to create their audiobook and podcast cover art and I was picked up as an Audible artist. Brooke and I have since worked on a few projects together including one that she pitched and produced which is a biographical memoir of popular writer, motivational speaker, and TV personality, Mikki Taylor who is known as the country's leading authority on beauty and style for women of color. We’ve also collaborated on art for a podcast series that tells the story of Jerry Lawson, an African American video game engineer who invented the video game cartridge.
In addition to her corporate experience, Brooke is also a freelance writer and an author, and the reason that Brooke is with us today. A multi-disciplinary writer, Brooke’s first published work as an author is an erotic story that examines the idea of discovering one’s sexual identity in terms of likes, and dislikes, turn ons and turn offs, but also how one navigates who they come to realize themselves to be especially when social norms would be in conflict. Brooke’s book titled, Brooklyn Unbound, is in the same lane as legendary erotic fiction writer, Zane, who helped to edit the book and who has also edited Brooke’s second book set to come out as part of a three-part series exploring her protagonists journey.
An incredible human, Brooke has written for online magazines such as madamenoire.com focusing on love, sex, relationships and lifestyle content. A native Philadelphian now a NYC transplant, she currently resides in Queens with her son Jaxon, who is also a budding author of the children's picture book series The Whisker Gang. Brooke is also a podcaster herself, having recently launched a podcast with her friend and colleague Phara Joseph titled “Single Moms Doing the Most.” Brooke is our first writer on this podcast and it was great to start off with a literary creative as smart and intelligent as Brooke.
Visit me at www.oskarcastro.com and if you like what you hear please support us at - https://www.patreon.com/Oskar.
Today’s guest is Yasmín Hernández, a Brooklyn-born and raised artist, based in el oeste de Borikén. Yasmin and I have a number of mutual friends and associates and watching her share her art and her activism clearly made her someone who I could connect with about the motherland and art related to the place of our ancestors.
Yasmín’s work as a portrait artist is rooted in new and ancestral liberatory practices. Her 2009 project Bieké: Tierra de Valientes, a tribute to activists who ended US Navy bombing practices on Vieques, led her to the bioluminescence areas along the coast and this transformed her creative aesthetics and inspired her 2014 rematriation to the island of Puerto Rico.
Living four months without electricity after Hurricane María, the fireflies of those dark nights reignited her interest in bioluminescence. While reflecting on the perpetual darkness of power outages, climate change and colonialism, in the fall of 2022 she launched CucubaNación, an art space in Mayagüez dedicated to the liberatory lessons of Boricua bioluminescence.
Yasmín’s art is inspiring and thought provoking allowing the viewer to see her full authentic self emoting through her art. Her Rematriating Borikén project explores the decolonial journey home in aesthetics inspired by the Puerto Rico Trench.
Yasmín has a BFA in Painting from Cornell University and has worked as an educator with Taller Puertorriqueño in Philadelphia, El Museo del Barrio, and the Studio Museum in Harlem.
She shares her art and her writing at YasminHernandezArt.com and RematriatingBoriken.com.
Visit me at www.oskarcastro.com and if you like what you hear please support us at - https://www.patreon.com/Oskar.
Amy and have known each other for over 30 year as we went to college together in South Jersey ages ago and, I think she may have been one of the first people to introduce me to the Grateful Dead. Life happens and before the internet and social media we lost touch but thanks to the wonders of technology, Amy and I reconnected again and I rediscovered her and her art.
With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics and Art Education from Bowling Green State University much of Amy’s art addresses multiple dichotomies – the divergences between craft and art, commercial and fine, childhood naivety and adult sophistication.
Many of her pieces carry a feminist undertone that hopes to nudge people into reconsidering their ideals of womanly beauty and duty.
Amy will tell you more about how she defines herself as an artist, but on paper she is an accomplished welder, painter, patinist, conservator, sculptor and ceramicist. And, Amy is also a beloved art educator working with teenagers at Atlantic City High School in Atlantic City New Jersey.
Amy is also an avid gardener, and I’ve watched her grow some amazing things on her patch of land in Jersey like glass gem corn and some of the coolest veggies. Seeing gardening and the raising of plants as an art, Amy has more power in her green thumbs than Monsanto has law suits against it and it’s a special thing to see an artist spending time creating the opportunity for life to flourish in the soil naturally. It was fun to be chatting with my old friend Amy!
Visit me at www.oskarcastro.com and if you like what you hear please support us at - https://www.patreon.com/Oskar.
Lynda and I are both Quakers and happen to be members of the same Quaker Meeting in Philadelphia. She was one of the first people I met after I joined the Quaker community and I’ve always known her as an artist and urban gardener. Unpretentious and one of the most authentic people you will ever meet, Lynda is a visual artist whose aesthetic is informed in part by her dad’s activism and her grandmother’s crochet lessons. Her crocheted vessels, paper collages and knitted assemblages are an expression of some of the stories we have yet to know and some of the ones we need to unlearn.
What I like about Lynda’s work is that she operates in a 3 dimensional way with materials that have their own unique textures and hues and when you really get into the meaning behind her art you realize that she makes her pieces come alive in more ways than one.
Lynda’s work has shown in numerous Philadelphia area venues, including The Colored Girls Museum, Seed on Diamond Gallery, The Barnes Foundation, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. An occasional DIY public space artist, she placed her crocheted vessels in trees in Philadelphia, St. Helena, Savannah, Berlin and London to represent lynchings and other government sanctioned brutality.
Lynda’s work is featured in the book Making Good: An Inspirational Guide to Being an Artist Craftsman. Lynda holds a BA in Journalism and MA in Education. Her self-guided study includes programs at Fleisher Art Memorial, Asian Arts Initiative and private training.
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Kara Mshinda (she, her, hers) is an abstract artist with roots in photography and collage art who contributes to current visual dialogues that shape diverse and changing meanings of otherness and art.
Born and raised in Ohio, Kara graduated from The University of Akron with a degree in Interdisciplinary Anthropology. She later relocated to Philadelphia to pursue her Master of Arts in the Anthropology of Visual Communication program at Temple University. Her graduate work focused on the visual language socialization of a community of graffiti writers in Philadelphia. In addition to creating artwork, Kara is Fellowship Director at Da Vinci Art Alliance and an instructor at Tyler School of Art and Architecture where she teaches on the themes of race, identity, and artistic practice. She is also a member Tiger Strikes Asteroid Philadelphia.
Kara and I met through her husband and partner, DuiJi Mshinda, a Philly based DJ empresario who holds down a vibrant DJ Collective called Vinyl Tap and who is also an artist and poet. Together the two of the created one amazing little human and together, they are one of my favorite creative families.
Kara's work has been exhibited at Rush Arts Philadelphia, Mana Contemporary Chicago, Leonard Pearlstein Gallery, Philadelphia Sketch Club, 2020 Gallery, and William Way LGBT Community Center*.
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Anthony is a self-taught mixed media painter and sculptor with a 20 plus year career in construction creation and restoration of decorative architecture. He has been drawing since the age of three and painting with mixed mediums since the age of twelve. As a young adult, he worked as a scenic on movie, video and theater sets. He has mastered live painting and created pieces in front of audiences at the renowned Leaf Art and Music Festival in Asheville, NC to The Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, PA.
All of these life experiences lead to his current painting style, which is a mix of sculptural relief with a repurposing of found objects and recycled materials. Anthony's work has been exhibited at reputable New York galleries such as Kenny Schacter Contemporary and La Mama La Galleria as well as The Painted Bride Art Center. The Ellen Powell Tiberino Memorial and Rush Arts Philadelphia.
Anthony’s work is inspiring and when I say that it sheds light on matters, I mean that both literally and figuratively. His light paintings and his light sculptures that involve powered lighting are particularly the thing that drew me in to his work because his use of found and recycled objects and the lights tickled my own abstract imagination and I have been following his work ever since discovering it.
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Born in Columbus, Ohio in 1968, from an early age travel and world cultures inspired his love of art prompting him to engage in the creation of art ultimately describing himself as an artist when he was a child.
Roger began woodcarving while a student at The University of California, Santa Cruz in the 1980’s where he studied under master sculptor, Jack Zajac. After college, he visited Japan to study the country’s rich woodcarving heritage where he was introduced to Koyo Taketani, a carver of traditional wooden dolls, who gave Wing his first Japanese tools. The Japanese mallet made especially for Wing almost 30 years ago is a tool that he uses daily.
Roger names Christopher Gonzales, a leading Jamaican sculptor, and Barrington MacLean, a Panamanian born artist and Wing’s first woodcarving instructor as two of his early influences. His love of woodcarving has carried over to many other materials and Roger is also adept with stone, ice, snow and sand.
His work is mostly figurative, and Roger’s art makes me feel like he has plucked a character from a magical, mystical world and rendered them into a 3-dimensional form from a piece of wood, a block of ice, or whatever he is using to bring them to life. What inspires me the most about Roger’s work is the confidence that emotes from his pieces and I may be biased because we are Friends, but Roger’s work motivates me to stay creative because he is just that good!
Roger’s art is known worldwide, and he’s been to places like a remote Zimbabwe artist community where he got his first taste of stone carving. He has also been invited multiple times to carve ice in China, Finland, Poland, and Germany and he has been invited to carve sand at the top international events. Roger currently works out of his studio at 40th and Westminster in West Philadelphia.
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Bernard is a proud South Philadelphia native who now resides in my hometown of Lawnside, NJ, a historic place in South Jersey connected to the Underground Railroad that became the only antebellum, Black community in NJ founded and incorporated by Black folk prior to desegregation in the United States. And it is important to note that as Lawnside was once well known for the kind of culture that Bernard honors through his creative energy.
Bernard is a visual artist, poet, lyricist, muralist and educator who has shared his art across New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. A figurative artist, I am always drawn in by Bernard’s portrait work which to me is beyond amazing as his use of color and his command of composition are masterful.
Bernard has this to say about his fine art, "My paintings are a reflection of my desire to understand the human body and soul. As an African American artist, I have had to balance my educational background which has been firmly grounded in European (traditional) techniques such as glazing, under-painting etc. and my desire to capture the liveliness and innovativeness that is present in African American culture.”
Bernard and I have been friends and contemporaries for close to 30 years now and I consider him one of the greatest creatives of my generation.
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Today’s Guest is Misty Sol
Misty and I met over social media a couple of years ago when we were introduced by a mutual friend and fellow art aficionado. An interdisciplinary artist, Misty uses the gifts she’s developed as a painter, a performance artist, and a farmer, among her many other talents. Misty Sol creates art that explores Black people’s connections to nature, wellness, and speculation. Her paintings, children’s book illustration, stories and eco practice are heavily influenced by Black history and aesthetics.
Misty’s work inherits a sense of narrative, sensuality, magic, timelessness, hope, the bucolic and fecund stimulated by the history of her family through tales told to her by her grandmother who was a migrant farmworker, a midwife and a gifted story teller in early 20th century America.
Since 2018, Misty has been the creative director of Tiny Farm Wagon. Misty's paintings made international debut on the CBS sitcom Grand Crew in 2021. In 2022 her paintings were seen on the set of the Oprah Network's All Rise Season 3, now streaming. Misty Sol has a BA in Literature from Penn State University Park and an MFA in Interdisciplinary Art from Goddard College.
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An accomplished culinary artist, that’s not what we are going to talk about with our guest Charles Mason today. Charles is also an accomplished maker who is known publicly for his time spent on the reality-TV show, "Steampunk'd" a show that brought other creatives together in a steam punk themed competition to see who would stand out as the best steam punk creative.
Over the pandemic period, Charles put the combination of skills he has acquired into making commercial grade cosplay outfits, as well as relevant accessories and gear, by kit-bashing and using his design talents to become a sought-after creative for those looking for original steampunk and cosplay creations.
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