Not Real Art: Recent Episodes
Crewest Studio
The NOT REAL ART podcast celebrates creative culture and the artists who make it. NOT REAL ART is fresh, fun and inspiring. It contains material not suitable for pretentious art snobs. Guests include the world-class artists, designers and creatives who drive the $2T creative economy.
NOT REAL ART is hosted by L.A. based art world insiders Man One and Sourdough who bring their devil-may-care attitude to discussing their mutual love — and hate — for the contemporary art world, creative culture, and everything in between.
If you're an an arts professional or creative culture enthusiast, NOT REAL ART is for you!
Born and raised in New Orleans, Marcus Brown crafts objects—sometimes monumental, sometimes intimate—that blend history, technology, and ritual. His work urges viewers to confront the unseen: memory, sound, and the stories buried beneath everyday footpaths.
Marcus’ “Human Universal Musical Sculpture (HUMS)” was selected to represent Louisiana in 250: A Celebration of Public Art in America, our summer exhibition with CODAworx, the leading platform for the public art industry. Inspired by the electric hum of the human body, this interactive sound sculpture invites the public to trigger harmonic resonances through touch, a testament to Marcus’ ability to fuse old-world craftsmanship with the bleeding edge of innovation.
But Marcus doesn’t make monuments that merely commemorate. With his ongoing project Slavery Trails, he maps America’s suppressed histories using augmented reality, turning street corners and parks into digital memorials that demand attention from passersby. In conversation, Marcus sifts through the spiritual mechanics of making, the ghosts of New Orleans, and the responsibility of placing memory in plain sight.
Contacts & Socials
Website: https://artistmarcus.com
Instagram: @paintwithmusic
Facebook: @artistmarcusbrown
Episode Credits
Host:Scott ‘Sourdough’ Power
Guest:Marcus Brown, sculptor and educator, featured artist in 250: A Celebration of Public Art in the U.S.
Production:Crewest Studio, Los Angeles
Theme Music:Ricky Peugeot & Desi DeLauro of Parlor Social
Stay in the Loop:Subscribe to NOT REAL ART, and follow us on Instagram for more coverage of the 250: A Celebration of Public Art in the U.S.
Twelve years in, Toni Sikes shows no signs of slowing down. As founder and CEO of CODAworx—the leading platform for the public art industry—she has shepherded the ecosystem from ‘90s print directories to a global digital network representing over $13 billion in projects. For Independence Day 2026, CODAworx teamed with NOT REAL ART and nonprofit Arterial to launch 250: A Celebration of Public Art in the U.S.—an ambitious online exhibition featuring one artwork from each state, plus Puerto Rico and DC. Curated by NOT REAL ART’s Kirsten Bengtson-Lykoudis and powered by CODAworx’s extensive artist network, 250 is already live online and will remain available for all to explore indefinitely.
How did this partnership come together? Toni and NOT REAL ART/Arterial founder Scott “Sourdough” Power unpack the vision behind 250, swap stories from the front lines of public art, and make the case for why murals, installations, festivals, and even giant flamingos belong at the heart of the American experience.
See the 250 exhibition: Explore all 52 works online.
Episode Credits
Host: Scott ‘Sourdough’ Power
Guest: Toni Sikes, CEO and founder of CODAworx, advocate for big art and public art’s economic power.
Production: Crewest Studio, Los Angeles
Theme Music: Ricky Peugeot & Desi DeLauro of Parlor Social
Stay in the Loop: Subscribe to NOT REAL ART for future episodes, follow us on Instagram, and tag your favorite public art using #FirstFridays250.
Baltimore’s harbor is calm, but resident artist Joan Cox is gathering momentum. Since her last appearance with NOT REAL ART, she’s been named a finalist for the Baker Artist Award, recognized among London’s Top 100 International Artists, and seen her intimate portraits circulate through exhibitions and publications. A past NOT REAL ART grant winner (2022), Joan is known for capturing the “energy field” of love between women. Now, her work takes center stage in NOT REAL ART’s Modern Love exhibition, running online atnotrealart.com this spring.
In conversation with host Scott “Sourdough” Power, Joan reflects on the work of recording contemporary queer intimacy. She describes her process, from asking strangers to sit for her, to searching for the subtle charge that passes between couples, all while managing the demands of a full-time career and raising a middle-schooler.
Her canvases are lush and unscripted, dense with narrative detail—bedroom Buddhas, floral wallpaper in the corner of a bar. Beneath the surface, each painting offers an act of correction, adding a page to art history where overlooked couples are seen, valued, and, at last, collected.
Where to Connect & Experience
See Joan Cox’s latest work in Modern Love.
Follow Joan on Instagram for in-progress shots and behind-the-scenes studio news.
Learn more about the NOT REAL ART Grant.
Episode Credits
Host: Scott ‘Sourdough’ Power
Guest: Joan Cox, Baltimore-based painter focused on queer intimacy, identity, and representation; NOT REAL ART grant winner.
Production: Crewest Studio, Los Angeles
Theme Music: Ricky Peugeot & Desi DeLauro of Parlor Social
Subscribe to NOT REAL ART for future episodes, follow us on Instagram, and join the conversation.
Michael Moore was one of the first artists to hit the NOT REAL ART airwaves, and he’s just as unpredictable now as he was then. A mainstay of the Chicagoland art scene, Michael is best known for his madcap “Frankenstein” machines: kinetic assemblages built from scrap steel, blinking warning lights, and whatever vintage oddities he can scavenge, all pieced together in his garage.
These days, the self-taught tinkerer and lifelong musician has a new twist in his story: He’s a finalist for the People’s Artist competition, a wild card contest backed by Johnny Depp, Artforum, and the nonprofit Art of Elysium. The prize? Twenty-five grand, a spread in Artforum, and a moment in the LA spotlight at Elysium Salon, all decided by public vote. If you’re reading this, you can tip the scales by voting for Michael here.
On this episode, Michael and host Scott “Sourdough” Power talk about the evolving world of people-powered art, the highs and lows of chasing votes, and why Michael still can’t quite believe his “cremation station”—one of his signature contraptions in the running—might just be his ticket to the big time.
Los Angeles doesn’t do subtle, and neither does Carmen Zella. For over two decades, she’s been yanking art out of the gallery and into the city, mixing it with technology and letting it spill onto LA’s streets.
Carmen leads NOW Art, an agency that fuses art, architecture, technology, and community—sometimes all at once. She also co-founded NXT Art Foundation, the nonprofit arm of NOW Art, with a mission to shake up public spaces and reimagine how we experience the city together. The goal: break art out of the museum and let it breathe in LA’s neighborhoods.
She’s collaborated with artists like Refik Anadol and Nancy Baker Cahill, launched citywide experiments like Luminex and Attune, and found ways to connect artists, neighbors, and city officials who might never have crossed paths. If you’ve ever paused on a sidewalk in LA, caught off guard by a burst of color or light, chances are Carmen had a hand in it.
In our conversation, Carmen talks about what’s shifting in LA’s art scene, what makes public art both a thrill and a grind, and why cities need to stop micromanaging artists.
Houston might be known for its outsized personality, but every two years, during FotoFest, the city becomes a swirling epicenter of photographic art from around the globe. This year, to mark 40 years of pushing the boundaries of photography, FotoFest’s 2026 biennial, Global Visions, is bringing together a dizzying array of artists from over 58 countries. But what does it take to wrangle over 450 artists and hundreds of works into a two-month citywide celebration?
Enter Chris Wicker, the unflappable exhibitions manager at FotoFest, and, as it turns out, an obsessive media-sampler, self-diagnosed denim junkie, and master of absurdist art. In this episode, Chris unpacks the coordination behind “Houston’s global photo party” and how his own art practice peels back the layers of Southern culture, NASCAR rituals, and the unstoppable flood of American consumerism.
Episode Credits
Host: Scott 'Sourdough' Power
Guest: Chris Wicker
Production: Crewest Studio, Los Angeles
Theme Music: Ricky Pajot & Desi DeLauro of Parlor Social
Subscribe to NOT REAL ART for more creativity, culture, and chaos. Leave us a review, share the show, and remember: Make it weird, y’all!
What happens when you stare fear in the face and choose to laugh? Filmmaker Zinzi Gugu Johnson joins host Scott “Sourdough” Power to discuss “Fears,” her new short film that turns American anxieties into darkly humorous cinema. Don’t miss this surprisingly funny episode on embracing your fears as fuel.
On today's episode, we're diving into a wild and totally unexpected topic: the intersection of art and adult entertainment, sparked by a hilarious story about our own "Not Real Art" sticker showing up in a porno scene. Yep, you heard that right! We will explore the quirky synchronicity of how our little brand made its way into a billion-dollar industry and forces the question: is pornography not real art? So grab your favorite beverage, kick back, and let's talk porno!
Artist and podcaster Tyler Ramsey joins us today to dive into the vibrant world of creativity and the power of choice in happiness. In this episode, we explore how Tyler transitioned from a chaotic career in Hollywood to a fulfilling life as a visual artist, emphasizing that being happy is a conscious choice we all can make, even when life throws its curveballs. We chat about his unique artistic process, from finger painting to using multimedia elements like wood and neon, and how his experiences in recovery have shaped his art and outlook on life. Expect a fun and insightful conversation filled with humor, anecdotes, and a whole lot of heart as we navigate the intersection of art, authenticity, and personal growth.
Links referenced in this episode:
- notrealart.com
- painfullessons.com
- adoptogether.org
Buckle up, folks, because today's episode of Not Real Art is a real eye-opener! Our beloved host Sourdough is back, and he’s dishing out some spicy takes on why the art market appears to be hitting a rough patch. With a blend of playful humor and serious analysis, he dives into the current state of galleries closing their doors and sales figures that are making everyone a bit jittery. What’s the deal? Sourdough proposes that we’re witnessing a fundamental shift as the baton is passed from the boomer generation to the millennials. This isn’t just a passing trend; it’s a cultural shift that’s reshaping the very fabric of the art world.
As he navigates through the conversation, Sourdough highlights that millennials are not just inheriting a market built on the boomer’s dreams; they’re actively rejecting it in favor of their own creative expressions. They’re proving that you don’t need to drop stacks of cash on a piece of art to appreciate it or to have a meaningful connection with it. This generation is all about supporting local artists and finding joy in affordable pieces that resonate with their personal tastes. It’s a refreshing perspective that challenges the traditional notions of art as an elitist pursuit reserved for the wealthy.
Sourdough doesn’t shy away from calling out the stagnation in the art market—he points out that the same old models are no longer serving the majority of artists or buyers. With a lack of innovation and a failure to engage younger audiences, the art world risks becoming obsolete. He urges a reevaluation of how we connect artists with buyers, especially at the entry level, where most people are still dipping their toes into the world of art. With humor and heart, this episode invites listeners to rethink their relationship with art and to embrace a future that is more inclusive, innovative, and vibrant. So grab your headphones and get ready to rethink everything you knew about the art market!
Takeaways:
- The Not Real Art podcast is all about celebrating creative culture and fresh ideas, aimed at inspiring listeners to appreciate art beyond the traditional boundaries.
- We're tackling the big question of why the art market is crashing, diving into how economic cycles and political uncertainty are reshaping the landscape.
- Millennials are shaking things up by rejecting the expensive art market of their boomer predecessors, opting for art that resonates with them personally rather than just what’s deemed valuable.
- The podcast highlights a seismic demographic shift as millennials and younger generations become the new driving force in the art world, leaving behind the old models.
- In a world where boomers are aging out, the art market faces a fundamental transformation because millennials and Gen Z aren’t buying into the old ways of doing things.
- We discuss the lack of innovation in the art market over the past decades, emphasizing the importance of attracting new buyers and fresh ideas to keep the industry alive.
Links referenced in this episode:
- notrelart.com
- arterial.org
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- Arterial
- Crewest Studio
- Not Real Art
- Parlor Social
- Captivate
Dim the lights, grab a cozy blanket and a mug of cider (or a pumpkin spice latte, if you prefer), and settle in for three tales of terror from our Art World Horror Stories series.
First on the chopping block is Mellyssa Diggs, a brand identity designer whose passion for social justice quickly spiraled into a nightmare of cyberbullying and social media censorship. Next, we turn to Asheville-based artist Wendy Newman. Last fall, her life was upended by Hurricane Helene, which not only obliterated her gallery but also displaced countless artists in her community. Finally, we meet painter Jacobina Oele, another Asheville artist, whose masterpiece was mangled beyond recognition at the hands of an unscrupulous gallery owner.
Presented by NOT REAL ART’s parent company, Crewest Studio, Art World Horror Stories is a podcast about bad things that happen to good artists. In today’s crossover episode, we delve into the spine-chilling stories usually reserved for the spookiest podcast in Crewest’s network.
How You Can Get Involved
- Listen: 5 Practical Tips From 30 Years of Art World Horror
- Listen: Muralist Amandalynn Took a Great Fall
- Visit the Art World Horror Stories website.
- Visit Mellyssa Diggs on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube.
- Visit Wendy Newman on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest.
- Visit Jacobina Oele on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube.
- Learn more about Crewest Studio and our host, Scott “Sourdough” Power.
- Submit a horror story for 2026.
About Art World Horror Stories and Crewest Studio
Art World Horror Stories is a podcast about bad things that happen to good artists. The series is produced by Crewest Studio, an independent company specializing in entertainment media, publishing, and experiential content, serving a diverse network of professional creatives and enthusiasts. With a mission to entertain, inform, and inspire, the studio recognizes the significance of the $2 trillion creative economy and the 30 million professionals within it. At the helm are co-founders Scott "Sourdough" Power, a seasoned leader with decades of experience, and Man One, a passionate artist dedicated to the transformative power of art in society.
Follow NOT REAL ART
- Website
- YouTube
Thanks for listening! Subscribe, share, and support creative culture!
Episode artwork: David Schwartz.
On May 3, hundreds of arts organizations across the US opened their inboxes to an abrupt notice: their NEA grant applications had either been denied or rescinded. Among them, Art21, the New York nonprofit that produces the beloved public television series Art in the 21st Century, lost an $85,000 grant to support the production of seasons 12 and 13.
In today’s episode, host Scott "Sourdough" Power sits down with Lolita Fierro, Director of Development at Art21, to discuss the triumphant premiere of Season 12 (Oct.17), despite executive orders defunding the NEA and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting earlier this year. Together, they unpack the season’s first episode, “Between Worlds,” which features artists whose practices explore the space between the self and the other, reflect on histories of migration, borders, and displacement, incorporate knowledge across disciplines, and create human connections across difference.
Together, Scott and Lolita Unpack…
- The upcoming premiere of Art in the 21st Century, Season 12, on Oct. 17, 2025
- Art21’s new social-first series, IRL, focusing on artists working in both online and offline spaces
- The second biannual film festival in New York, which included premieres, panel discussions, and behind-the-scenes insights
- Why Art21 is an essential educational resource that supports teachers and lifelong learners
- The challenges and rewards of securing support for nonprofit art organizations
- The concept of art as “soul food”—exploring its spiritual and philosophical significance beyond market value and investment
How You Can Get Involved With Art21
- Watch the trailer for Season 12 of Art in the 21st Century.
- Explore over 600 films with no paywall and global accessibility.
- Register to host an Art21 Screening Society screening event.
- Discover tools for educators.
- Watch Art21.live, an always-on broadcast channel featuring high-quality, hand-selected video programming on contemporary art and artists.
- Support Art21; donations of any size are meaningful.
About Art21 and Lolita Fierro
Art21 is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to contemporary art through documentary films, educational resources, and public programs. With a mission to inspire a more creative and inclusive world, Art21 produces award-winning films that highlight groundbreaking contemporary artists. Its flagship PBS series, "Art in the Twenty-First Century," along with digital shorts like "Extended Play" and "New York Close Up," engages millions of viewers worldwide. Art21 also offers free materials and professional development programs for educators and hosts community film screenings globally, making contemporary art accessible to all.
Lolita Fierro, the Director of Development at Art21, plays a vital role in overseeing the organization’s annual operating budget and donor engagement strategies. Under her leadership, Art21 has launched its first gala, revitalized events programming, and strengthened its patron programs to connect supporters with artists and cultural communities. Fierro also spearheads "Art21 for Everyone," the organization’s inaugural capacity-building campaign to enhance operations and expand reach. With a background in graphic design, marketing, and art history from the University of Texas at El Paso, she previously held key roles at ArtTable and the Chinati Foundation, further enriching her expertise in fundraising and arts advocacy.
- Website
- YouTube
- TikTok
- X (Twitter)
Follow NOT REAL ART
- Website
- YouTube
Thanks for listening! Subscribe, share, and support creative culture!
Throughout history, figures like Jane Goodall, Benjamin Franklin, and Leonardo da Vinci have stood out as polymaths—individuals driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and expertise across a multitude of fields. This week, we welcome Hans Fjellestad, a member of their esteemed ranks. A true Renaissance man, Hans's talents span music, film, and education.
In our conversation, Hans walks us through his artistic evolution, starting with his classical piano background and progressing into the realm of experimental electronic compositions. Along the way, he shares stories from his experiences in documentary filmmaking, including insights from acclaimed projects such as Moog and a recent work centered on the sculptor Luis Bermudez.
As Hans and Scott delve deeper into the conversation, they explore the roots of creativity, the fascinating interplay between music and language, and the chaotic beauty of performing live in front of an audience.
For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/hans-fjellestad
In this week’s episode, we take you behind the scenes of our recent adventure filming the pilot for Arthouse in Scott’s hometown of Chicago. From navigating the bustling urban landscape to dealing with unexpected equipment malfunctions, our journey was anything but straightforward. We even faced a COVID scare that threatened to disrupt our plans, but through teamwork and determination, we emerged victorious. The footage captured is truly stellar and a testament to our passion for this project.
For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/filming-arthouse-pilot
What is Digitalism—and why is it making waves in the art world? As award-winning filmmaker and curator Rebekah Tolley writes in her recent essay “The Rise of Digitalism: A New Movement in Art,” Digitalism explores the intersection of art, culture, and technology in the digital era. Today, Rebekah joins us to unpack the emergence of Digitalism as both a cultural movement and a groundbreaking exhibition that she curated for the British Art Fair in 2024.
Throughout our discussion, Rebekah emphasizes the challenges digital artists face in gaining acceptance within the traditional art world, a struggle reminiscent of photography's early days. She advocates for accessibility and community, aiming to dispel myths and foster an inclusive environment for practitioners of Digitalism. As we look forward to the 2025 Digitalism showcase (Sept. 25 - 28, Saatchi Gallery), it’s clear this movement is more than a trend; it has the potential to redefine expression within the digital realm as we enter a new digital age.
For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/rebekah-tolley-digitalism
In this episode, we sit down with Chris Davies, a creative strategist and the visionary behind the groundbreaking platform, AskChris.AI. Designed specifically for artists and creatives, this innovative tool acts as a personal coach, providing thoughtful advice and support around the clock. Chris shares insights from his journey in the art world, detailing how his extensive experience shaped the development of Ask Chris AI.
We explore the practical ways this platform assists artists, from crafting the perfect artist statement to navigating the complexities of gallery outreach. Chris emphasizes that while AI can serve as a valuable thought partner, it doesn’t replace the human touch essential to true artistry. Instead, it empowers artists to brainstorm ideas and work through creative blocks more effectively.
Our conversation highlights the importance of leveraging technology to enhance creativity and streamline processes, freeing up valuable time for artists to focus on what they love most: making art. We also explore the vital role of community and collaboration in the creative process, reminding us that, even as technology evolves, the heart of creativity remains deeply human.
For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/ask-chris-AI
Step right up and prepare to peek behind the painted smiles, as today’s guest, professional clown Guilford Adams, reveals there's more to the profession than a big red nose. As the co-director of the feature-length documentary American Clown, Guilford joins us to discuss the film, which explores the plight of clowns in a country that increasingly views them with apprehension and disdain.
Guilford traces his roots to his childhood church, where he discovered his love for magic and comedy. He recounts his evolution from a junior high clown to a professional performer, including his time with the Ronald McDonald program and how the clowning landscape has shifted over the years.
Guilford discusses the challenges that clowns face today, particularly the stigma created by horror films and negative media portrayals. He reflects on how these representations affect his career and the wider clowning community, as highlighted in American Clown. Despite these hurdles, he emphasizes the resilience and creativity inherent in the clowning tradition. The conversation explores the diversity within clowning, highlighting different classifications of clowns from classic to modern specialties. Guilford underscores the importance of community among clowns, pointing out the supportive networks that exist despite the competitive nature of the industry.
Guilford also shares how fatherhood has influenced his craft. As a dad to twin boys, he reveals how parenting has shaped his understanding of performance and deepened his empathy as an artist. This episode offers an insightful look into the art of clowning, illustrating how it goes beyond mere entertainment to foster connection and understanding in a complex world—themes that resonate throughout American Clown.
For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/american-clown
Pack an extra warm sweater because we’re headed to the Arctic Circle with David Scott, a multifaceted artist, writer, and close friend of our host, Scott “Sourdough” Power. In today’s episode, the two pals reminisce about their daring year spent living off-grid in a simple cabin near Churchill, Manitoba. This remarkable experience is detailed in David’s new book, Paradise Creek: A True Story of Adventure and Survival, where he recounts their unforgettable true story of stepping from a bush plane onto a frozen lake and struggling to find their cabin, just three miles away, after being lost for six bitterly cold days. David reflects on how the lessons they learned during this time shaped their diverging creative paths and contributed to their personal growth.
Listeners are treated to a glimpse inside their longstanding friendship, as Scott and David think back to the thrilling days of building their cabin and navigating through the frigid cold, with only the stars as their compass. They share stories of hunting moose for winter meat and the joys and hardships of living in a wilderness log cabin, all while eliciting chuckles about their initial excitement and somewhat naive optimism while gearing up for the expedition. Throughout the conversation, they delve into the various artistic endeavors that emerged from their experiences, from writing poetry to crafting furniture, emphasizing the importance of creative expression and how it intertwines with their survival story.
The episode also touches on the challenges of living in isolation, the beauty of the northern lights, and the thrill of hunting and fishing in the wild. With light-hearted banter and playful humor, the duo shares anecdotes that range from hilarious to harrowing, making for an entertaining listen that highlights the resilience of the human spirit and captures the essence of their year at Paradise Creek.
Paradise Creek: A True Story of Adventure and Survival is available on Amazon.com. For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/paradise-creek
In this week’s episode, host Scott “Sourdough” Power takes us on a personal journey into the world of brand loyalty through the lens of an unexpected favorite: The Ironman Triathlon Series. While many brands offer lifestyles, the Ironman brand epitomizes dedication and grit, offering experiences that are truly earned.
Straying from the typical conversation around tech gadgets or luxury items, Scott shares why this brand resonates deeply with him, symbolizing endurance, community, and growth. He reflects on his experiences as a two-time Ironman finisher, sharing the challenges, triumphs, and the dedication it takes to complete such an intense competition. This episode captures not just the physical aspects of the race, but also the emotional rewards that come from pushing one’s limits.
Throughout the episode, Scott explores what it means to have a favorite brand and how real commitment reflects in experiences rather than material possessions. He encourages listeners to find their own version of an “Ironman”—a challenge that fosters personal growth and a sense of achievement.
For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/my-favorite-brand
In today’s episode, Scott “Sourdough” Power discusses his decision not to attend Burning Man this year—an annual pilgrimage that has long been a cornerstone of his creative life. Known for its jaw-dropping installations and rebellious artistic spirit, the festival holds a special place in Scott's heart, particularly for the cherished memories made at Camp Corny, “the friendliest fucking camp in the universe.”
As he explores the reasons behind his absence, Scott balances nostalgia with the realities of life. This year, his daughter’s milestone 13th birthday coincides with the festival, forcing him to weigh family commitments against the allure of the Playa. He candidly shares the bittersweet feelings that come with stepping away from an experience woven into the fabric of his identity.
Scott also reflects on the evolution of Burning Man amid the rise of social media and technology, particularly the introduction of internet service provider Starlink. He questions the impact of these changes on the festival's essence and whether they dilute the very magic that draws so many to the desert. Finally, Scot considers what it means to dance to your own beat, even when the rhythm of life pulls in different directions.
For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/why-im-not-going-to-burning-man
In this week’s episode, host Scott "Sourdough" Power describes his recent 20th wedding anniversary celebration at the breathtaking Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur. Nestled among nature's grandeur, this luxe getaway highlights the seamless blend of architecture and the environment, thanks to the visionary work of designer Mickey Muennig.
Scott paints a vivid picture of the stunning landscapes that envelop the Inn, where each view is a testament to the beauty of eco-minded design. Muennig’s unique approach to architecture at Post Ranch Inn embraces sustainability and fosters a deeper connection with the surrounding nature. Scott reflects on how this experience enriched his understanding of creativity and its role in harmonizing human life with the natural world.
The episode is a delightful journey through joy, love, and reflection, as Scott shares personal anecdotes about his time spent there with his partner. Listeners will hear about the invigorating beauty of Big Sur and the enchanting allure of Post Ranch Inn, described as a luxurious treehouse suspended in time.
Scott also explores broader themes of creativity and community in the arts, encouraging listeners to support and celebrate the artists that inspire us. With a dash of humor and whimsy, he invites everyone to join him in appreciating the interplay of love, nature, creativity, and architecture—reminding us all that life’s most precious moments are meant for sharing.
For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/architect-mickey-muennig
Today, host Scott “Sourdough” Power addresses a dilemma that many artists face: When is an artwork truly finished? This week’s episode encourages creators to rethink their perceptions of completion and offers three essential steps every artist should take to elevate their work.
First and foremost, Scott emphasizes the critical importance of copyrighting artwork. Protecting your work is paramount in an environment where art theft is all too common. Next, he discusses the necessity of capturing high-resolution images of artwork. A stunning image showcases the piece in its best light and can also serve as a valuable asset in an artist's portfolio or promotion strategy.
The final step Scott explores is cataloging. While it might seem mundane, properly documenting art ensures a lasting legacy and provides clarity for future generations. This episode invites listeners to envision their artistic journey as a series of works and a narrative that deserves preservation.
With a blend of insightful commentary and lighthearted banter, Scott creates a comfortable space for seasoned artists and newcomers to reflect on their creative processes. Whether it’s about safeguarding intellectual property or enjoying a few laughs along the way, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways that inspire confidence and joy in every artistic endeavor. If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a piece of art, wondering if it’s truly finished, this episode is for you.
For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/finishing-your-artwork
Are you ready to transform the energy in your home? It might be simpler than you'd think. In our latest episode, we sit down with Dan Ubick, widely celebrated as DJ Constantine "Connie" Price. He explores the ways in which music shapes our environments and enriches our living spaces via the innovative Arthouse project.
This unscripted television series follows everyday individuals as they interact with local artists, explore studios, and discover original artwork that resonates with them—all while keeping within their budget. As Arthouse continues its crowdfunding campaign, Dan unveils the exclusive playlists he’s curated for donors and explains how listeners can get involved to make a tangible impact.
For just $30, backers will gain access to the official Arthouse music playlist titled "Chill," curated by Dan himself to boost creativity and relaxation. But that’s just the start—contributing $25 will secure a limited edition show poster, while a $30 contribution also allows you to nominate an artist or town to be featured in future Arthouse episodes. For those feeling particularly generous, higher-tier contributions open the door to exceptional experiences, such as a private piano performance by the acclaimed Steinway artist Ric'key Pageot for $2,500, or the chance to receive an Associate Producer credit and an invitation to the wrap party for a $10,000 donation. All contributions are tax-deductible and will directly support the filming of the Arthouse pilot episode, slated for this summer in Chicago.
A longtime composer, producer, and record collector, Dan's insights into how music enhances the creative experience are both enlightening and refreshing. In our conversation, he also shares anecdotes from his treasure hunts in record stores, showcasing his eclectic taste and continuous quest for hidden gems that ignite his creativity. His passion highlights the importance of accessibility in the arts, as he articulates how Arthouse aims to link everyday people with local artists and original works—creating an artistic community that thrives on inclusivity.
To learn more about Arthouse, support its mission, or nominate your favorite artist for future episodes, please visit Arthouse on Indiegogo.
For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/dan-ubick-arthouse-playlist
It’s no secret; there is an epidemic of loneliness in the United States. In recent years, about one in two Americans reported experiencing loneliness. Today, we welcome David Bosnak, the CEO of Attune Media Labs, an organization that combats loneliness and anxiety with empathetic AI companions that enhance human connections through state-of-the-art technology.
David began his career as an electrical engineering undergraduate with a passion for storytelling, eventually moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting and writing. Blending his engineering background with his storytelling skills, David launched Attune Media Labs, where he now focuses on leveraging the power of emerging technologies. In an era of disconnection, David’s work emphasizes technology’s potential for positive social impact while tackling the challenges of building ethical boundaries in AI development, especially within the creative fields and copyright considerations.
In today’s conversation, David shares insights from his recent book, AI for Your Real Life, a practical guide empowering readers to harness generative AI tools like ChatGPT in their everyday lives. In the book, David suggests that AI should be viewed as a tool that enhances creativity and problem-solving rather than a replacement for human ingenuity. He underscores the necessity of ongoing dialogue about AI ethics, particularly as technology continues to evolve and influence various industries. Our conversation is packed with insights, laughter, and a few puns—because, let’s face it, who doesn’t love a good dad joke to ease their anxiety?
Listeners interested in receiving a free month's trial of Attune Media Labs’ emotional support companion, MiM, should email David here using “NOT REAL ART” for the subject line.
For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/attune-media-labs
Theresa Hubbard, the powerhouse CEO of Fractured Atlas, joins NOT REAL ART this week for a lively chat about collaborating on the Arthouse project, an unscripted TV show that aims to connect real people with real artists to buy original art without breaking the bank. During our conversation, Theresa emphasizes the importance of fiscal sponsorship for artists and creative projects like Arthouse, illustrating how Fractured Atlas has evolved from a production company into a crucial service for artists over the years.
We dive into the fantastic work Fractured Atlas does to support creatives through crowdfunding, making it significantly easier for them to get their projects off the ground. Theresa shares insights from her role within the organization and highlights how they’ve adapted to meet the needs of artists across the nation.
Arthouse, as we explore, isn’t just a show; it’s a movement designed to demystify the art world and help everyday folks discover the beauty of original art. The initiative also showcases artists from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of highlighting art beyond major markets.
Special thanks to Fractured Atlas for their continued support of Arthouse. To learn more about Arthouse, support its mission, or nominate your favorite artist for future episodes, please visit Arthouse on Indiegogo.
For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/fractured-atlas-arthouse
Art has an extraordinary ability to connect people, and director Laura Patterson is on a mission to make it accessible to everyone through her groundbreaking new project, Arthouse. This unscripted TV show allows real people to meet real artists and acquire art without breaking the bank, sidestepping the intimidation often associated with traditional galleries.
With over 25 years of experience directing popular shows like Unsolved Mysteries and House Hunters, Laura’s career path has been shaped by her upbringing in a family devoted to the performing arts. This background has given her a profound understanding of storytelling, especially in conveying complex narratives in the unscripted genre. In our chat, she highlights the emotional depth of these real-life stories and the art of approaching them with a delicate touch.
In line with Laura’s mission, Arthouse aims to change how we see art in our lives, whether you’re a homeowner or a renter. By blending her extensive experience in storytelling with a commitment to making art accessible, Laura is reshaping the way we engage with art and fostering a greater appreciation for the narratives behind it. Her insights into indie TV and the importance of accessibility in the arts make Arthouse not just a show but a movement aimed at demystifying the art world, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their financial status, has access to the arts.
To learn more about Arthouse, support its mission, or nominate your favorite artist for future episodes, please visit Arthouse on Indiegogo.
For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/laura-patterson-arthouse
What if an artist-focused TV series filmed an episode in your hometown? Which artist would you want to meet? Who would you recommend?
Now, art lovers will have the chance to nominate an artist or city of their choice for Arthouse, a groundbreaking TV series that promises to bridge the gap between authentic artists and the communities that often overlook their talent. Produced by Crewest Studios and supported by NOT REAL ART fiscal sponsor Arterial, Arthouse aims to peel back the layers of the art world, sharing the personal stories of regional artists and their collectors.
With a mission to democratize art, Arthouse empowers viewers to curate authentic artwork that aligns with their tastes without straining their budgets. The show's concept centers on eliminating intimidation in art collecting, providing local artists with a platform to showcase their work directly to buyers.
To support this vision, Arthouse has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise $150,000 to produce a full-length pilot episode. Set in Chicago, the pilot will follow an individual or family as they explore local art scenes, visit artist studios, and make informed purchasing decisions with the help of host Carmen Acosta. The campaign, running from June 10 to July 25, 2025, on Indiegogo, offers a unique opportunity for art lovers to contribute to a project that aims to transform the way we perceive and appreciate art in our daily lives. With a $40 donation, anyone can nominate an artist or city of their choice to appear on Arthouse.
Listen to today’s episode to learn more about the project, or nominate an artist for Arthouse here.
In today’s episode, we shine a spotlight on Linc Thelen, a Chicago-based artist who plays a key role in Arthouse, an unscripted home design television show. Produced by Crewest Studio and supported by the nonprofit Arterial, NOT REAL ART’s fiscal sponsor, Arthouse aims to bridge the gap between talented artists and everyday people, redefining how art is experienced in personal spaces. With a mission to democratize art, Arthouse empowers viewers to curate authentic artwork that aligns with their tastes without straining their budgets. The show's concept centers on eliminating intimidation in art collecting, providing local artists with a platform to showcase their work directly to buyers.
To support this vision, Arthouse is launching a crowdfunding campaign to raise $150,000 to produce a full-length pilot episode. Set in Chicago, the pilot will follow an individual or family as they explore local art scenes, visit artist studios, and make informed purchasing decisions with the help of host Carmen Acosta. The campaign, running from June 10 to July 25, 2025, on Indiegogo, offers a unique opportunity for art lovers to contribute to a project that aims to transform the way we perceive and appreciate art in our daily lives.
As the featured artist in the Arthouse sizzle reel, filmed in Chicago last year, Linc brings a unique perspective on how this groundbreaking initiative is reshaping the relationship between artists and the public. With a mission to connect real people with authentic art, Arthouse aims to eliminate the barriers that often separate original artwork from everyday life.
Linc also shares his artistic evolution, discussing the challenges he has faced while navigating the contemporary art scene. His involvement with Arthouse reflects his deep commitment to making art accessible to everyone, not just art collectors and gallery-goers. Throughout our conversation, Linc emphasizes the importance of fostering emotional connections through art, reminding us that the true value of a piece lies in its ability to resonate with individuals on a personal level. Listen to our conversation with Linc Thelen on the player above, or support Arthouse here.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Arterial
Arthouse
Arthouse on Indiegogo
ArtsvilleUSA
Crewest Studio
First Friday Exhibitions
Linc Thelen
Linc Thelen on Instagram
NOT REAL ART
NOT REAL ART Podcast
Remote Video Series
Scott “Sourdough” Power
For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/linc-thelen-arthouse
In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Carmen Acosta, also known as Jane Dope, back to the podcast. The experienced LA artist and curator will soon assume her new role as host of the unscripted home design television show “Arthouse.” Produced by Crewest Studio and supported by the nonprofit Arterial, NOT REAL ART’s fiscal sponsor, “Arthouse” aims to bridge the gap between talented artists and everyday people, redefining how art is experienced in personal spaces. With a mission to democratize art, “Arthouse” empowers viewers to curate authentic artwork that aligns with their tastes without straining their budgets. The show's concept centers on eliminating intimidation in art collecting, providing local artists with a platform to showcase their work directly to buyers.
To support this vision, “Arthouse” is launching a crowdfunding campaign with a goal of raising $150,000 to produce a full-length pilot episode. Set in Chicago, the pilot will follow an individual or family as they explore local art scenes, visit artist studios, and make informed purchasing decisions with help from Carmen. The campaign, running from June 10 to July 25, 2025, on Indiegogo, offers a unique opportunity for art lovers to contribute to a project that aims to transform the way we perceive and appreciate art in our daily lives.
Scott “Sourdough” Power, the creator of “Arthouse” and NOT REAL ART, as well as the visionary behind the nonprofit arts media platform Arterial, emphasizes that the show is more than just a way to sell art—it's about cultivating emotional connections between artists, buyers, and viewers. As Carmen steps into her role, she’s eager to lead this movement that celebrates creativity and makes art accessible for all. Don’t miss her insights on how “Arthouse” aims to reshape the way we engage with art and artists alike.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Arterial
Arthouse
ArtsvilleUSA
Carmen Acosta
Carmen Acosta on Instagram
Carmen Acosta on NOT REAL ART
Crewest Studio
First Friday Exhibitions
NOT REAL ART
NOT REAL ART Podcast
Remote Video Series
Scott “Sourdough” Power
For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/arthouse-host-carmen-acosta
In this week’s episode, host Scott “Sourdough” Power welcomes Vincent Bragg and Joe Michael Nickson, the co-founders of ConCreates, a creative agency that elevates the talents of individuals with criminal backgrounds. Vincent and Joe, both former inmates who met in prison, tell us how their lived experiences inspired them to challenge societal stereotypes surrounding incarceration and led to the founding of ConCreates.
ConCreates connects currently and formerly incarcerated individuals—known as ConCreators—with established brands, like Meta and Google, seeking innovative perspectives. The agency aims to provide these individuals with meaningful work and fair compensation that matches their skill sets. A key aspect of their values is the belief that diversity benefits businesses and, more importantly, that it fosters creativity. Vincent and Joe discuss how their unique insights attract major corporate partners, allowing them to disrupt conventional marketing narratives with authentic stories.
This episode explores how ConCreates empowers its ConCreators, demonstrating that creativity can emerge from adversity when the right conditions are present. Vincent and Joe’s mission goes beyond generating ideas; it's about diversity of perspective and giving talented people a well-deserved second chance.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Arterial
Arthouse
ArtsvilleUSA
ConCreates
ConCreates on Facebook
ConCreates on Instagram
Crewest Studio
First Friday Exhibitions
NOT REAL ART
NOT REAL ART Podcast
Remote Video Series
Scott “Sourdough” Power
For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/concreates
Forget the sales gimmicks—“Arthouse”is here to support artists sidelined by the traditional gallery model. In today's episode, our host, Scott “Sourdough” Power, founder of nonprofit media platform Arterial, discusses the concept behind “Arthouse,” an innovative TV series currently in pre-production. This series, which is fiscally sponsored by Arterial, aims to connect artists directly with buyers, eliminating the need for middlemen or galleries.
“Arthouse” is all about community engagement. Each episode will feature a family, a couple, or an individual interested in purchasing original art from a local artist but feels intimidated and unsure where to start, often working within a budget of just $500 to $1,000. The “Arthouse” team will meet with prospective buyers in their homes to better understand their needs, tastes, and living situation. Then, he takes them to visit the studios of three talented artists from their community. This immersive experience allows them to learn about the artists’ practices and the stories behind their creations.
Scott believes that by directly connecting these buyers with local artists, “Arthouse” can recalibrate public perceptions of art ownership and make it more accessible to everyone. He emphasizes the socioeconomic dynamics that often deter people from investing in original artwork, noting that a lack of knowledge and exposure plays a significant role in this issue. By fostering open dialogues about personal tastes and accessibility, he aspires to cultivate a culture where original art is not merely reserved for the elite but is embraced and appreciated by all.
Tune into this episode to learn more about “Arthouse,” or subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the latest “Arthouse” news.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Arterial
Arthouse
ArtsvilleUSA
Crewest Studio
First Friday Exhibitions
NOT REAL ART
NOT REAL ART Podcast
Remote Season One
Remote Season Two Sneak Peek
Scott “Sourdough” Power
For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/introducing-arthouse
Public art in America transforms ordinary streets into extraordinary canvases for everyone to enjoy. Today, we welcome back filmmaker Badir McCleary for a sneak peek into Remote, his documentary series on contemporary public art. In this episode, Badir gives our host, Scott “Sourdough” Power, the inside scoop on season two, slated for release on NOT REAL ART in July 2025. This season is all about changing how we think about public art—not just where to find it, but the deeper stories and themes behind it.
Badir shares his vision for this new approach, encouraging us all to reflect on the societal narratives these works of art represent and their impact on our urban environments. Throughout the chat, he opens up about his personal experiences and the hurdles he faced while bringing this season to life. From logistical challenges to those unexpected moments that can change everything, Badir's insights highlight the creative process as fluid and evolving.
His passion for public art is contagious, prompting us to see it as more than just something nice to look at. Badir invites us to treat these artworks as living pieces of our communities that spark conversations and reflections on human experiences. This episode is a reminder that art plays a crucial role in our lives, pushing us to engage more deeply with the world around us.
Don’t miss this look at season two before its official release in July, or catch up on season one of Remote here.
For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/badir-mccleary-remote-season-two
What happens when the worlds of animation and fine art collide? This week on the NOT REAL ART podcast, host Scott "Sourdough" Power sits down with the talented Bob Boyle, an Emmy Award-winning animation creator whose work spans Disney to Netflix.
In today’s episode, Bob dives into the fascinating connections and contrasts between animation and visual art. Drawing from his vast experience, he shares how his journey in animation has enriched his artistic expression, turning complex ideas into vivid, memorable visuals. But it’s not just about creating art; it’s about fostering community. Bob recounts heartwarming stories from art fairs and discusses his inspiring initiative, “art drops,” where he anonymously distributes original pieces in public spaces, sparking dialogue and connection among strangers.
Throughout the conversation, Bob emphasizes the idea that art has the incredible power to transcend boundaries and unite people from all walks of life. His pieces, which he refers to as “hieroglyphs for the soul,” explore the struggles of the human spirit, resonating with anyone seeking clarity and hope amid life's chaos.
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Arterial
ArtsvilleUSA
Bob Boyle
Bob Boyle on Instagram
Crewest Studio
First Friday Exhibitions
NOT REAL ART
NOT REAL ART Podcast
Remote Video Series
Scott “Sourdough” Power
For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/bob-boyle
In our fast-paced world, staying ahead creatively means rolling with the punches. This week on the podcast, host Scott Sourdough Power, founder of NOT REAL ART, talks with Mark Brickey, host of the acclaimed arts podcast Adventures in Design. Mark, who started as a musician, has made a name for himself as a content creator with a successful podcast and a YouTube channel, Hey Brickey, which focuses on Disney-themed content and boasts over four million views.
During the episode, Mark shares his story and talks about how important it is for artists to be resilient and adaptable in today’s ever-changing creative landscape. He also dives into the power of storytelling and explores the challenges artists face in staying true to themselves while also trying to make a living. With over a thousand interviews under his belt with artists, designers, and makers, Mark brings a ton of experience and insight to the table.
Scott and Mark go on to discuss how to balance the passion for art with the reality of making money, stressing just how vital it is to have a community of support among artists. Mark’s transition from music to podcasting and design is a powerful reminder of how we can embrace our creative roots while also welcoming new opportunities. This episode isn’t just an exploration of the creative process; it’s also a motivating nudge for our listeners who might be feeling stuck.
If that sounds like you, tune in and hear how Mark’s approach to creativity and community helps him navigate an ever-evolving world.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Adventures in Design
Arterial
ArtsvilleUSA
Crewest Studio
First Friday Exhibitions
Lincoln Design
Mark Brickey
Mark Brickey on Instagram
Mark Brickey on YouTube
NOT REAL ART
NOT REAL ART Podcast
Remote Video Series
Scott “Sourdough” Power
For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/mark-brickey
In this month’s auditorial episode, we dive into some exciting discussions around fiscal sponsorship and how it can really benefit artists. But we don’t just stop there; we also explore the deeper connection between NOT REAL ART and its parent nonprofit, Arterial, when it comes to the role of art in our culture.
Host and Arterial founder Scott shares some personal anecdotes and reflects on how the podcast and his own artistic journey have evolved over time. He emphasizes how crucial it is for artists to have sustainable ways to thrive, without getting bogged down by commercial pressures. This isn’t just about making a living; it's about creating a space where creativity can grow freely.
Listeners, we encourage you to see yourselves as more than just consumers of art. You’re part of a community that plays a vital role in supporting and promoting artistic expression. Whether through sharing your thoughts, attending events, or even spreading the word about the importance of creativity, everyone can contribute to fostering a richer artistic ecosystem.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Arterial
ArtsvilleUSA
First Friday Exhibitions
NOT REAL ART
NOT REAL ART Podcast
NOT REAL ART School
Remote Video Series
Scott “Sourdough” Power
For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/fiscal-sponsorship-arterial
This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Kristin Reese, the executive director of the Mono Arts Council. Kristin shares her journey and dedication to promoting creativity in the Eastern Sierra region of California. In our conversation, she outlines the Mono Arts Council’s evolution, emphasizing its shift toward arts education. Kristin believes that every child in Mono County should have access to the arts, and she discusses the numerous initiatives aimed at making that happen.
Having grown up in the Eastern Sierra, Kristin developed a passion for the performing arts early on, influenced by her family of artists, musicians, and dancers. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in music from Sonoma State University, she felt the pull to return to her roots. Once back, she co-founded the Sierra Classic Theatre in 1999 and later worked at the Edisto Gallery & Tea Room, where she connected with local artists.
Now at the helm of the Mono Arts Council, Kristin is committed to ensuring arts education is a priority for all K-12 students in the region. She highlights the positive impact of arts education on students, noting how it can improve test scores and attendance while also supporting mental health and social-emotional learning. The Council also runs several adult programs, like Art & Wine and the MAC Gallery & Community Arts Center, creating platforms for local artists to showcase their work. With her background in music and a deep love for the arts, Kristin aims to strengthen connections within the local arts community and inspire the next generation of creators.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Arterial
ArtsvilleUSA
First Friday Exhibitions
Mono Arts Council
Mono Arts Council on Facebook
Mono Arts Council on Instagram
NOT REAL ART
NOT REAL ART Podcast
Remote Video Series
Scott “Sourdough” Power
For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/mono-arts-council-kristin-reese/
Ever wondered what it takes to break into Hollywood as a writer? In today’s episode, NOT REAL ART host Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Paul Miloknay, a former attorney turned author, to chat about his new book, Welcome to Hollywood: A Survival Guide for Aspiring Writers.
In their discussion, Paul shares his journey from the courtroom to crafting a comprehensive guide specifically designed for novice writers. He emphasizes the challenges that come with trying to make it in Hollywood and highlights the critical importance of understanding the legal aspects of creative work. Among the key topics discussed are the value of building trustworthy relationships, the need to protect your intellectual property, and why every collaboration should involve clear written agreements.
The conversation also digs into the current landscape of the entertainment industry, especially how recent economic shifts and labor strikes have reshaped opportunities for writers. Paul not only shares insights but also offers practical strategies for navigating these complexities. He reiterates that while talent is important, success in Hollywood often hinges on informed planning and relentless perseverance. Listeners gain actionable tips and a clearer understanding of what it really takes to thrive in the competitive world of writing. Whether you're a budding writer or just curious about the industry, this episode is packed with valuable advice and real-world examples to help you on your journey.
Links mentioned in today’s episode:
Arterial
ArtsvilleUSA
First Friday Exhibitions
Katie Love: Two Tickets to Paradise
NOT REAL ART
NOT REAL ART Podcast
Paul Miloknay on Facebook
Paul Miloknay on Instagram
Paul Miloknay on LinkedIn
Paul Miloknay: Welcome to Hollywood
Remote Video Series
Scott “Sourdough” Power
For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/paul-miloknay
Is there life after layoff? Today, former creative director Carmen Acosta, aka Jane Dope, joins us to talk about resilience, the lessons she learned during her recent career transition, and how she found renewed passion in creative pursuits after leaving her corporate job.
As the former creative director at Sofi Stadium, Carmen played a key role in shaping the stadium’s brand identity with her innovative ideas. From her debut group show in Los Angeles in 2008 to curating over 25 art exhibitions in various locations, Carmen’s story is one of purpose and dedication.
In this episode, we dive into her unique experiences and her commitment to uplifting local artists while navigating the challenges of the entertainment industry. Carmen opens up about a major turning point in her career—her transition into voiceover work after a layoff—and shares her excitement about exploring this new avenue of artistic expression.
We also touch on the idea of resilience—Carmen shares some personal and professional challenges she’s faced while adapting to change. Her journey is a powerful reminder to stay flexible and embrace new opportunities. Whether you’re an artist, an art lover, or just someone who enjoys a good story, this episode is packed with advice for navigating the ever-changing art ecosystem.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Arterial
ArtsvilleUSA
Carmen Acosta Website
First Friday Exhibitions
NOT REAL ART
NOT REAL ART Podcast
Remote Video Series
For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/carmen-acosta
What happens when a two-time Emmy Award-winning television executive decides to flip the script on her career? In this episode of the NOT REAL ART podcast, host Scott "Sourdough" Power uncovers the remarkable story of Shannon Malone-deBenedictis—a creative entrepreneur transforming the media landscape. From sharing the screen with Hollywood legends to forging her own path with the artist mentorship organization Padlin Creative, Shannon’s story is a powerful testament to resilience and authenticity.
Throughout our conversation, we explore Shannon’s history in documentary filmmaking, where she’s had the privilege of working alongside legendary figures like James Cameron and Sigourney Weaver. It’s fascinating to hear her reflect on her transition from the bustling world of television to launching her own venture, Padlin Creative. This new endeavor is more than just a career shift for her; it’s a heartfelt mission. With the media landscape in constant flux, she’s deeply committed to mentoring creatives and providing them with the essential tools they need to thrive.
Shannon also opens up about her experiences as a plus-size woman navigating an often critical industry. She bravely shares the societal pressures she's faced and advocates for a culture that promotes acceptance and self-empowerment. Her workshop, Fully Unapologetic, is a powerful call to action for women everywhere to embrace their true selves without fear or hesitation. It's a refreshing perspective that encourages confidence and self-worth, and it highlights how essential authenticity is to the creative process. Whether you’re an established artist or just starting out, Shannon’s insights will inspire you to embrace your identity and cultivate your creative journey unapologetically. Join us as we explore her mission and discover how embracing your true self can redefine success.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Arterial
ArtsvilleUSA
First Friday Exhibitions
NOT REAL ART
NOT REAL ART Podcast
PADLIN CREATIVE
Remote Video Series
For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/shannon-malone-debenedictis-padlin-creative
Every brushstroke, every note, every pixel—what if your artwork could live forever? In this episode, you’ll discover why archiving your work isn’t just about saving files—it’s about preserving your legacy. Join host Scott "Sourdough" Power as he highlights the critical role of preserving artistic legacies for future generations, especially as creators navigate life's complexities and the reality of mortality.
Scott shares a straightforward, step-by-step guide to help artists inventory their creations and choose the best storage methods. Listeners will explore various strategies for effective archiving, including how to compile a comprehensive inventory, organize physical storage, and develop a system that emphasizes the significance of each piece. Scott also underscores the necessity of estate planning and the value of designating a legacy keeper to honor an artist's wishes after they're gone.
This episode serves as a rallying cry for artists to take proactive steps in documenting their work, alleviating pressure on their loved ones while safeguarding the integrity of their creative contributions. Tune in and discover how to ensure your artistic legacy lives on.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Arterial
ArtsvilleUSA
Artwork Archive
NOT REAL ART
For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/archiving-artwork
This week, the NOT REAL ART podcast features Casey Fletcher, a grant recipient whose exploration of identity, faith, and artistic expression is both personal and provocative. As a biracial artist raised in a family committed to the Salvation Army, Fletcher's work reflects his own experiences while challenging societal norms and sparking meaningful conversations about culture, spirituality, and belonging.
In this episode, he shares details about his recent project involving the Chamberlain Rock—a boulder removed from the University of Wisconsin campus because of its association with racist terminology. This initiative showcases Casey's dedication to confronting historical injustices and initiating dialogue about race and identity. For him, art transcends mere self-expression; it is a powerful means of cultivating community discourse that fosters understanding and healing.
Throughout the episode, Casey articulates a vision of art that is deeply connected to his faith and personal convictions. He views his artistic practice as a journey toward truth, encouraging others to embark on their own paths of discovery. Ultimately, this episode highlights the transformative nature of art, demonstrating how creativity can serve as a catalyst for change and a bridge for empathy in an increasingly divided society.
Casey Fletcher
NOT REAL ART
NOT REAL ART Artist Grant
NOT REAL ART 2024 Grant Winners Exhibition
Scott “Sourdough” Power
For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/casey-fletcher
In this episode, you’ll learn about an incredibly relevant topic: the connection between art, creativity, and climate change.
Today, host Scott “Sourdough” Power highlights the staggering impact of recent climate disasters on creative communities in Los Angeles and Asheville, North Carolina. When Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina last September, it displaced hundreds of artists and flattened key creative spaces across 25 counties. As Scott explores the history of climate disaster, he also tackles the common but false belief that some places, like the Appalachian Mountains, are safe from its impacts. It’s a stark reminder that climate change doesn’t play favorites—it affects everyone, regardless of background.
Our conversation also touches on the Palisades and Eaton fires, two of the deadliest and most destructive wildfires in California history. An Angeleno himself, Scott witnessed firsthand how a trifecta of fire-friendly climate conditions turned entire neighborhoods into heaps of ash and soot this past January.
While he stresses the importance of moving from passive observation to active engagement, Scott also celebrates the resilience of these communities in overcoming challenges through creativity. Ultimately, this episode emphasizes that creativity isn’t just about reflecting what’s happening around us; it’s also a powerful way to imagine and work towards a more sustainable future.
ArtsvilleUSA
First Friday Exhibitions
NOT REAL ART
NOT REAL ART School
Remote: A Video Series Exploring Public Art
Scott “Sourdough” Power
For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/creativity-and-climate-change
This episode is your guidebook to our 2025 First Friday Exhibition series. Today, NOT REAL ART Editor-in-Chief Morgan Laurens joins the podcast to share the first half of this year’s exhibition schedule, beginning with January's exploration of figurative art, Out of Body: New Narratives in Figurative Art.
In February, Pantone 2025: Mocha Mousse showcased pieces that embody comfort and warmth. March celebrates craft artists from Western North Carolina, created in partnership with ArtsvilleUSA, to support those affected by Hurricane Helene.
April highlights under-recognized emerging artists, while May features exhibitions on creatures, both real and imagined. Finally, the June exhibition focuses on Midwestern iconography, spotlighting artists from between New York and Chicago.
Curated by Morgan Laurens and former New York gallerist Kirsten Bengtson-Lydoukis, the First Friday Exhibition series supports an array of talented artists who submitted work to our biennial grant.
ArtsvilleUSA
First Friday Exhibitions
Full 2025 Exhibition Schedule
Morgan Laurens
NOT REAL ART
NOT REAL ART Artist Grant
For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/first-friday-exhibitions-2025
Creativity can be a powerful tool for spreading eco-awareness. As the climate crisis worsens, today’s guest, sustainable sculptor and NOT REAL ART grant winner Danielle O’Malley, joins us to discuss the intersection of art and environmental awareness and how communities can work together to stem the rising tide.
Growing up in rural Montana, Danielle learned to garden, preserve food, and care for livestock, which heightened her sensitivity to local environments and the increasingly hazardous climate. Still based in Montana, she now creates large-scale, site-specific sculptural installations that explore the ecological impact of industrialization with a combination of upcycled materials and industrial surplus. Throughout the episode, Danielle shares insights into her creative process, which ebbs and flows with the season.
Our conversation also explores the complexities of being an artist in a conservative state like Montana, where the creative community is supportive but underfunded. Danielle reflects on the challenges and opportunities that arise from living and working in a rural setting, emphasizing how mentorship and community support can empower emerging artists to embrace their creativity without the constraints of societal expectations. Danielle’s philosophy on resource sharing and grassroots networking manifests in projects like Montana Clay, a gathering designed to foster connections between ceramic artists who live and work in “Big Sky Country.”
Danielle’s story invites listeners to reconsider the role of artists in society and the vital importance of nurturing creative voices that resonate with the existential dilemma of our time.
For more information on this episode, please visit http://notrealart.com/danielle-omalley
It’s often said that no friendship is an accident. In this special holiday episode, our final one for 2024, hosts Scott “Sourdough” Power and Man One reflect on the enduring bond they've cultivated over the years. Their ability to weather life's many ups and downs is a testament to their strong friendship, which has provided unwavering support, laughter, and many opportunities for creativity. In today’s episode, the two friends share heartfelt stories about their challenges and emphasize how creativity has guided them through tough times. The conversation is a warm reminder of the power of maintaining a positive mindset and the health hurdles that often accompany the life of an artist.
Sourdough and Man One also explore what it means to be an artist today, discussing the passion that fuels their creativity and exploring the intriguing crossover between art and sports. They share insightful reflections on how society views artists, the struggles they encounter, and the vital need to find purpose and meaning in their work. Their conversation also touches on childhood influences, the debate between raw talent and hard work, and the personal journeys that lead artists to discover their true selves.
The two friends explore the intersection of art, culture, and the immigrant experience, shedding light on the challenges and influences that shape an artist's path. The conversation touches on themes like the perceived immaturity of artists, the pressures from immigrant families, the significance of education, and the tough choices between gang life and a committed pursuit of artistic expression. They reflect on themes of personal growth, the complexities of urban life, and the transformative power of travel and exposure to diverse cultures. The role of art as a means of truth-telling comes to the forefront as they share their experiences in Los Angeles, address the struggles of marginalized communities, and inspire hope for the future, especially with aspirations for 2025.
In their discussion, Sourdough and Man One emphasize the vital roles of empathy and collaboration in their friendship. Join them as they reflect on the pivotal moments that have deepened their connection and made their experience truly remarkable.
For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/holiday-cheer-2024
While Christmas in Los Angeles brings sunshine instead of snowflakes, Angelinos can still enjoy holiday festivities—particularly the music. In today’s podcast episode, graffiti artist Man One and filmmaker VONJAKO join host Scott “Sourdough” Power to discuss the creative journey behind the music video for “Christmas in L.A.,” a unique hip-hop holiday track celebrating the vibrant culture of LA. Released by Crewest Studio as a tribute to the city, the song features a powerhouse lineup of LA-based emcees, including Aceyalone, 2Mex, Medusa, and Myka 9, along with members from Grammy-winning band Ozomatli. Produced by Dan Ubick of Danube Productions, “Christmas in L.A.” stands out as a rare addition to holiday music, infusing traditional festivities with the city’s iconic hip-hop roots.
The episode delves into the challenges of the music video’s production, highlighting the creative decisions that brought a fresh perspective to Santa Claus’s portrayal—reimagined as a graffiti artist. Man One and VONJAKO discuss the importance of collaboration, emphasizing how working with local talent contributes to an authentic representation of LA culture. They reflect on the joys and trials encountered during filming, reinforcing the significance of storytelling in art and the shared experience of creating with limited resources.
Listeners will hear insights about the joy of authenticity in the creative process and the unexpected adventures that arise when artists engage deeply with their surroundings. The episode invites audiences to appreciate the music and the stories behind it, capturing the essence of the holiday spirit in a city famously devoid of snow. As "Christmas in L.A." gains traction on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, this podcast is a crucial companion piece, illuminating the artistic spirit that defines LA's unique seasonal celebrations.
For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/christmas-in-los-angeles-music-video
What motivates an artist to choose one of the most painstaking visual storytelling methods available? In today’s podcast episode, host Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with 2024 NOT REAL ART grant winner Jessie Rodriguez to discuss the meticulous craftsmanship behind her stop-motion movies. The Denver-based artist specializes in animated shorts created from linocuts, carefully carving and assembling every visual element of her "hand-printed movies."
Her animations, selected for film festivals in Denver, Portugal, and Germany, explore themes such as grief, insomnia, and emotional resilience, balancing playful visuals with poignant narratives. Inspired by women filmmakers like silhouette animation pioneer Lotte Reiniger, Jessie’s hands-on approach reflects her commitment to experimentation and storytelling.
Join us as Jessie shares insight into her creative process, discusses the deeply personal themes in her films, and reflects on the significance of winning the 2024 NOT REAL ART grant. We also delve into her community-driven work with the Denver Tool Library and her multidisciplinary approach to creativity. Listen to our conversation with Jessie Rodriguez to hear her unique perspective on resilience, innovation, and the beauty of imperfection.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/animator-jessie-rodriguez
What if art could unlock the mysteries of science and reveal the hidden connections between technology, nature, and the human experience? In today’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Alison Hiltner, a visual artist based in Minneapolis and the Associate Director of the Soo Visual Arts Center. She is also a self-proclaimed “science fiction archaeologist” and one of six 2024 NOT REAL ART grant winners. Her fascinating and evocative work explores how science fiction shapes our understanding of scientific research.
Known for her immersive multimedia installations, Alison creates mind-blowing sensory experiences that bridge the gap between art and science, prompting us to rethink our perceptions of reality. Join us as we discuss the importance of making art accessible to a wider audience, how science fiction influences our views of ourselves and the world around us, and Alison’s intriguing creative process, which blends hands-on scientific experiences with her unique artistic vision. Don’t miss this episode to discover how her thought-provoking work can inspire us to see art and science in a new light. It’s a must-listen for artists, art enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the intersection of creativity and innovation.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/alison-hiltner
They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but some secrets are too juicy to remain buried in the neon glow of the Strip. In today’s podcast episode, we dive into the exciting world of DesignerCon as it transitions from Anaheim to Las Vegas, where the art world is about to collide with the neon lights and vibrant culture of Sin City. Visionary DesignerCon founder Ben Goretsky joins host Scott “Sourdough” Power to share the inspiration behind this bold move.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/designercon-2024
How can Asheville’s artists rebuild after Hurricane Helene? In this heartfelt episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sheds light on the creative community in Asheville, North Carolina, in the aftermath of the tropical storm. With over 300 artists displaced and studios destroyed in Asheville’s River Arts District, Scott reflects on the unique cultural and creative legacy now at risk. Asheville, a region known for its rich artistic history and thriving arts community, now faces an uncertain future as rising rents and gentrification threaten the survival of that community.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/rebuilding-asheville-after-hurricane-helene
When natural disasters strike, they don’t just destroy homes; they can devastate entire communities, livelihoods, and creative legacies. In this special edition of Art World Horror Stories, Asheville-based photographer Michael Freas shares the harrowing tale of Hurricane Helene’s destruction, which left hundreds of local artists without studios or income.
This episode explores the billion-dollar impact on Asheville’s arts economy and the challenges of securing relief, revealing the hidden toll of climate change on the creative sector. You’ll gain insight into the mental health struggles of those affected and the critical roles of self-sufficiency and community support.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/photographer-michael-freas
Art has the power to disrupt the status quo, challenge authority, and ignite social change. Just ask today’s guests, whose provocative artworks have sparked conversation in the political realm for decades. In today's episode, we welcome legendary provocateur Robbie Conal and activist artist Karen Fiorito to discuss the transformative power of political art.
Robbie, best known for his clever street posters that skewer corrupt politicians, has spent over three decades turning city streets into a canvas for social change. Karen, curator of the annual political exhibition Indivisible 2024, is the fearless creator of controversial billboards. She joins the conversation to share her experience pushing boundaries and challenging authority with bold public art. Together, Robbie and Karen dive into the wild world of street art, the legal and personal risks that come with it, and how humor can serve as the ultimate weapon in activism.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/robbie-conal-karen-fiorito
How does PBS harness the power of personal identity and diverse storytelling to challenge the status quo? In today’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough Power” sits down with Nic Cha Kim, the senior producer of arts and culture at PBS SoCal, to find out. Nic produces Artbound, an award-winning anthology documentary series exploring the lives, works, and creative processes of artists and innovators in Southern California. Now in its 15th season, Artbound continues to showcase the region’s rich cultural legacy and diversity.
In this episode, Nic shares his remarkable journey from aspiring Hollywood screenwriter to a critical player in the downtown LA art community. Nic also discusses the undervalued role of naiveté, the importance of boundless curiosity, and why he views his work as a “sacred responsibility.” You’ll also get an exciting sneak peek into season 15 of Artbound, which includes documentaries about The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture, the fusion of art and science at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and the rise of West Coast Modernism. Tune into our episode with Nic Cha Kim for a compelling conversation about the intersection of personal identity, responsibility, and creativity in storytelling.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/nic-cha-kim
If you’ve ever set foot in Black Rock City, you’ll know Burning Man isn’t just a festival. It’s a living, breathing canvas where art, technology, and human connection collide in the most unexpected ways. In today’s podcast episode, NOT REAL ART founder and veteran burner Scott “Sourdough” Power shares his experience at Burning Man 2024, which unfolded in the Nevada desert from Aug. 25 through Sept. 2.
Scott reflects on Burning Man’s 2024 theme, Through the Looking Glass, marveling at the festival’s artistic innovations and evolving cultural landscape. He recounts mesmerizing moments like the historic “art plane,” the first FAA-approved aircraft to shoot fireworks and lasers, and explores how LEDs, drones, e-bikes, and smartphones are reshaping the Playa. He also touches on the festival's impermanence, its more than 400 art installations, and the growing tension between Burning Man's anti-commercial roots and its increasing commodification through social media.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/burning-man-2024
As the 2024 U.S. presidential race intensifies, art remains a powerful tool for political activists. From protest posters to public installations, art shapes the conversation and challenges the status quo. But how exactly does art influence social change, and what role does it play in a deeply divided nation? In today’s podcast episode, curator Karen Fiorito joins us to discuss Indivisible, an annual exhibition confronting our most pressing social issues with provocative, politically inclined artwork. Carol A. Wells, founder and executive director of the Center for the Study of Political Graphics (CSPG), joins Karen to discuss the history of political art and its capacity for unification and social change.
This episode is a treasure trove of insights and stories that will deepen your understanding of the power of art in activism and politics. Karen shares the challenges of curating such a timely exhibition, offering unique insights into key pieces like “The Fine Line”by Mary Ann Sadowski, which tackles gun violence. Carol, with her decades of experience in political activism, offers fascinating stories about the power of posters in movements like Occupy Wall Street, explaining how political art can cut through the noise to inspire action. Together, they examine the fine line between political art and propaganda, exploring art's critical role in shaping public consciousness. You don’t want to miss Karen and Carol’s conversation if you're passionate about the intersection of art, activism, and politics.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/indivisible-2024
Art has the power to engage communities, connect diverse histories, and elevate the stories that shape our world. In today’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with 2024 NOT REAL ART grant recipient Nastassja Swift to discuss the artist’s mission of transformation through visual storytelling.
Based in Virginia, Nastassja is an interdisciplinary artist whose life-sized, needle-felted sculptures explore identity, Black womanhood, and the African diaspora. In our discussion, Nastassja reveals how her background and personal experiences have shaped her work and the narratives she chooses to explore. Nastassja also highlights the importance of sharing resources rather than guarding them, supporting fellow artists, and broadening our definition of creativity. Tune into our conversation on the player below to hear Nastassja’s insights on the transformative power of visual storytelling.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/nastassja-swift
How does one transform abstract ideas into striking monumental art? Today, we discover the answer with Blessing Hancock, a visionary artist who has completed monumental public art projects across the globe. As the founder of Skyrim Studio, Blessing specializes in creating site-specific sculptures that transform public spaces. With a BFA in sculpture and an MLA in landscape architecture, her unique ability to blend natural forms with technology and community engagement has earned her international recognition. In this episode, Blessing delves into her unconventional creative process, sharing how she translates nebulous concepts into tangible and impactful artworks. Tuning in, you’ll learn about her unique interpretation of the divine and the methods she uses to tap into her inner muse. We also explore the practical challenges that accompany large-scale art projects and the crucial role that trust and communication play in successful collaborations. For valuable insights into channeling your creative energy and building effective teams for your artistic ventures, don’t miss this inspiring conversation!
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/Blessing-Hancock
What do William Grant Still, Joseph Bologne, and Florence B. Price have in common? They’re all Black composers who contributed to the canon of classical music. Today’s podcast episode spotlights Classic Black, a groundbreaking youth program celebrating Black excellence in classical music.
Created by Montreal-born pianist, accordionist, producer, composer, and music director Ric’key Pageot in collaboration with Crewest Studio, Classic Black hosts live performances and educational talks that spotlight the incredible contributions of Black composers and musicians to the world of classical music. Tune into the episode on the player below to learn how Classic Black redefines the narrative surrounding classical music and honors the trailblazing musicians of color who helped shape history.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/classic-black
Right now, over 400 artists are preparing to unveil their avant-garde installations at Burning Man 2024. Staged annually at Black Rock City in the Nevada desert, the festival is a huge undertaking and massive success, thanks in no small part to Katie Hazard, the festival’s longtime associate director of art management. In today’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Katie to discuss her decade-long career managing the art at Burning Man—quite possibly the coolest job in the world.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/burning-man-katie-hazard
When Steve Grody first noticed spray-painted murals popping up around Los Angeles in the ’80s, he swooned over their daring colors and stylized calligraphy. Since then, he’s dedicated himself to understanding and cataloging the evolving graffiti scene in LA. His book, Graffiti L.A.: Steet Styles and Art (2007), is a comprehensive visual history of LA street art and an in-depth exploration of artists' styles and techniques. In today’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Steve Grody to discuss the author’s role as a documentarian and cultural storyteller.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/steve-grody
At some point or another in your creative career, you may need to travel for business purposes. Whether it’s for a quick overnight trip or a week-long conference, packing efficiently is crucial. It will not only ensure you have everything you need but also reflect well on your professionalism. That’s why, in today’s punchy and practical auditorial, Scott “Sourdough” Power shares his top tips to help you master the art of packing for business travel! From choosing the right luggage to sage advice on what to put in it, this episode has everything you need to transform your packing game from chaos to confidence.
Key Points From This Episode:
- Taking joy in the puzzle of having as little luggage as possible.
- What packing smartly and efficiently says about you.
- Why Scott is so dogmatic about his personal packing techniques.
- The practical implications of not having checked luggage.
- Advice Scott received from a professor that changed the way he traveled.
- How packing more efficiently can save you time, money, and grief!
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/how-to-pack-for-business-travel
Whiskey is more than just a drink; in fact, the word “whiskey” derives from the Gaelic phrase uisge beatha, meaning “water of life.” In today’s podcast episode, NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Jared Himstedt and Gabe RiCharde of Balcones Distilling to discuss the duo’s philosophy on crafting fine whiskey in Waco, Texas.
Key Points From This Episode:
- What “Balcones” means and how it’s relevant to Texas and Balcones Distilling
- Challenges that come with high standards and keeping a business local
- How Jared and Gabe use raw ingredients as tools for artistic expression
- Where Balcones falls on the spectrum between tradition, rebellion, and innovation
- The significance of Texas to Balcones Distilling and the American Single Malt Movement
- Product development at Balcones and their sometimes surprising sources of inspiration
- Why artists shouldn’t rely on critical acclaim, external validation, or market feedback
- Insight into Gabe’s journey from geologist to spirits manager at Balcones
- Jared’s deeply personal path from ceramicist and social worker to whiskey distiller
- Why Balcones works with artists to support the visual arts
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/balcones-distilling
Not everyone would leave behind a cushy career on Wall Street to pursue their creative pipe dreams. Then again, not everyone is Diarra Bousso. Today, the Senegal-born, Silicon Valley-based entrepreneur joins us to discuss her remarkable journey from financial trader to founder of DIARRABLU, a sustainable, size-inclusive fashion and lifestyle brand. Using algorithmic design and crowdsourcing to reduce waste, DIARRABLU fuses technology with traditional craftsmanship to promote ethical consumption within the fashion industry.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/diarra-bousso
It's the height of summer in North America, making it the perfect time for a getaway. If you're planning a trip, consider this episode your friendly travel guide! Scott “Sourdough” Power recently embarked on an inspiring journey to Asheville, North Carolina, which we at Not Real Art proudly call the Capital of American Craft. Whether you're an artist, an art lover, or simply a curious explorer, you'll be captivated by the pristine natural beauty and the impressive array of contemporary American art and craft in this region. In today's episode, we offer a sneak peek into what makes this part of the country so unique. You'll learn what to expect when you visit, gain insight into the history of craft-making in the area, and find out who to contact to learn more about the artists and artisans that make it so special. For more information, you can also tune into the Artsville USA Podcast to celebrate the vibrant contemporary arts and crafts scene from Asheville and beyond!
Key Points From This Episode:
- The valuable partnerships that made the Artsville USA Podcast possible.
- Natural and manmade beauty you can expect in Asheville, North Carolina.
- Insight into the history and provenance of art and craft-making in the area.
- Why we suggest you visit Asheville (and who we recommend to show you around!)
- Challenges that the region is facing and how your support can help.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/the-capital-of-american-craft
Submissions for the 2024 NOT REAL ART grant have come to a close, marking the end of a rigorous and methodical selection process by our esteemed panel of judges. With six $2,000 grants at stake and over 1,200 incredible applicants to choose from, the journey has been long and challenging, but the wait is finally over. Today is the day that we announce our 2024 grant recipients! Tune in as we reveal the six amazing artists who will receive not only a tidy financial reward but also substantial PR and marketing support to propel their careers forward. For further details, check out the NOT REAL ART blog where we'll publish the results. A sincere thank you to all the artists who shared their exceptional work with us!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Why methodically evaluating each applicant is a job we take very seriously.
- The four criteria that we score each application on.
- A special shout-out for our panel of esteemed judges.
- What grant recipients receive, including financial and promotional support.
- Without further ado: introducing our six 2024 Not Real Art Grant recipients!
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/2024-not-real-art-grant-recipients
While struggling to watch a concert by one of his favorite metal bands online, Samuel Douek realized there was a gap that needed to be filled. Thus, Thunderflix was born, the world's first on-demand video streaming service dedicated exclusively to heavy metal music and its ardent fans. Samuel built his career as the founder and director of the Hola Mexico Film Festival and a former film distributor. In this episode, he joins us to tell the story of Thunderflix, a place where metalheads like himself can access new releases, live performances, documentaries, behind-the-scenes footage, and official content from their favorite artists. You’ll learn what goes into launching a streaming platform and curating digital content directed at a subculture of highly passionate fans. We also discuss the challenges of licensing, how the platform helps viewers discover new bands, and so much more! Regardless of whether you’re a metalhead or not, you’ll see that Thunderflix is a testament to the dedication of one enthusiast's unwavering vision for a "Netflix for metal.” This episode promises insights and inspiration for music enthusiasts, art lovers, and entrepreneurs alike, so be sure to tune in today!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Insight into the Hola Mexican Film Festival, which is in its 16th year.
- When Samuel first discovered heavy metal and fell in love with the art form.
- The ardent passion that heavy metal fans have for the bands they love.
- Where the idea for Thunderflix came from and how it satisfied Samuel’s needs as a fan.
- How he went about negotiating licensing and copyrights with record labels.
- Challenges of curating and organizing the content available on Thunderflix.
- What goes into building a streaming platform and populating it with data.
- Different ways Samuel and his team marketed Thunderflix to their target audience.
- The future of Thunderflix, which includes producing their own films and concerts.
- How the platform helps metalheads discover new and incredible bands.
- Why Samuel believes that work is work, even when you love what you do.
- A look at some of the many ever-evolving sub-genres of metal.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/samuel-douek
Wally Feresten, iconic cue card writer for shows like SNL and Late Night with Seth Meyers, Explores his craft's artistry and his journey during the pandemic. He shares how he adapted to the challenges, starting his successful business, Cue Cards by Wally, and the joy of bringing personalized cue cards into people's lives globally. Wally also reflects on his relationships with hosts and performers, stressing the importance of rapport and discussing the unforeseen inventiveness brought about by navigating COVID-19 restrictions. The conversation rounds out with insights into the supportive and creative environment of his work and the significant but often overlooked role of cue cards in live television production.
https://notrealart.com/snl-cue-cards-wally-feresten
Episode Contents00:00 Wally is a lovable, funny, cue card writer.
07:33 Discussion of various dimensions of sign painting.
12:44 Discussing tradition, design, and obsession in conversation.
21:25 Building trust and relationships for successful collaboration.
24:03 Building trust with SNL hosts every week.
29:50 Grateful for long-lasting job on TV show.
36:33 SNL returns with COVID restrictions, logistical challenges.
39:24 Wife entrepreneur rejects personalized cue card idea.
46:41 Christopher Walken hosts SNL, asks for card.
51:39 Sharpies, Power pilot pens, and old markers.
57:18 Meeting artists and celebrities can be challenging.
01:00:42 Talent, hard work, and kindness matter most.
01:05:13 Endorsement for custom cue cards by Wally.
Topics DiscussedIntroduction to Wally Feresten
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Introduction of Wally Feresten as a guest on the Not Real Art Podcast.
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Explanation of Wally's role as a cue card writer for notable TV shows like SNL and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
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Mention of Wally's personal life, including his family and recreational activities.
Cue Cards and Artistry
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Discussion on the artistic aspect of writing cue cards.
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Comparisons made between Wally's work and famous sign painters.
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Reflection on the history and evolution of cue cards in the entertainment industry.
Business Ventures and Adaptations During COVID-19
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Exploration of Wally's business "Cue Cards by Wally" providing personalized cue cards.
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How the pandemic influenced Wally to start the business.
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Transition to remote work and adaptation of the business model during COVID-19.
Operational Details and Employee Management
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Insight into Wally’s operational and billing practices for shows.
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Discussion of employee status transitioning from independent contractors to full-time staff with benefits.
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Wally’s approach to maintaining a good work environment, highlighting the importance of being nice.
Impact of Cue Cards in the Industry
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Highlights of famous cue card writers and their contributions.
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The preference of cue cards over prompters by traditional hosts.
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Story about Wally's mishap during a live show and handling different personalities.
Creative Side Projects and Personal Stories
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Wally’s involvement in creating cards for various personal events and celebrations.
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Mention of his sons’ careers and personal projects.
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Story about Wally’s interaction and relationship with fans and other industry figures.
Reflections and Philosophy
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Wally’s reflections on the stability and changes in the entertainment industry due to strikes and other disruptions.
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His philosophy on work ethic and the advice of being nice as pivotal to success.
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Scott and Wally’s shared experiences and appreciations for behind-the-scenes work.
Conclusion and Further Engagements
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Summary of the episode’s discussion points.
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Promotional mention of Wally's forthcoming book.
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Encouragement for listeners to visit Wally’s business website and explore his offerings.
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Closing remarks thanking Wally for his contributions and a nod to the viewers to stay creative.
Quotables
Longevity in Television Careers: "You're not supposed to work on the same TV show for for 34 years and plus and still going. You know? Like, how lucky is that too?"— Wally 00:30:00
Pursuing Creative Careers: "You need to make a decision. You need to leave cue cards and really focus on writing if you wanna really do that or commit fully to cue cards."— Wally 00:09:54
Wally Feresten Links & BioMeet Wally, a seasoned television professional whose career spans various high-profile productions. Wally's primary responsibilities are with two iconic shows, "Saturday Night Live" and "Late Night with Seth Meyers," both of which are conveniently located on the same floor, allowing him to seamlessly manage his duties. In his role, he adeptly coordinates and supervises the integration of these shows' elements, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Apart from his core commitments, Wally also oversees a small, efficient team dedicated to "The Tonight Show." He describes this team as being on "automatic pilot," attesting to their competence and his trust in their abilities to handle responsibilities with minimal intervention. This allows Wally the freedom to engage with diverse projects beyond his day-to-day tasks.
Adding variety to his career are the special assignments that take him around the country. Over the summer, Wally found himself in Miami for a shoot, and he also traveled to Toronto to work on a commercial featuring none other than Ryan Reynolds. These projects serve as exciting deviations from his routine, infusing his regular schedule with fresh experiences and challenges in the dynamic world of television production. Through it all, Wally remains enthusiastic and passionate, continually embracing the "spice" these opportunities bring to his professional life.
- https://cuecardsbywally.com/
In today’s auditorial with NOT REAL ART Founder and host, Scott “Sourdough” Power, we delve into the current renaissance that the visual and performing arts are enjoying in America. Against a backdrop of waning trust in religious institutions, corporations, and the prevailing capitalist narrative, we explore how our society's shifting attitudes have sparked a renewed appreciation for creative expression. Is this a quest for authenticity in an increasingly commodified world? Are we yearning for connection in an age of digital isolation? Tune in today as we explore these questions, shed light on the cultural shifts unfolding before our eyes, and celebrate the resilience of creativity and the enduring power of artistic expression in shaping our collective consciousness!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Brands that have ignited a passion for creativity and design.
- Reasons that we’ve lost faith in institutions, corporations, and capitalism at large.
- Different ways that our governments and communities have eroded in recent years.
- How art fills the void that’s left when all the fundamentals have lost their integrity.
- Why looking at great art and meeting great artists is so inspiring.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/arts-renaissance
Instantly recognizable and beaming with positivity, Michelle Hoogveld’s colorful, kaleidoscopic murals demonstrate the power of love, connection, and color. Her graphic, geometric compositions weave an intricate tapestry of joy and passion, the relationships we form with each other, and the one thing that connects us all: love.
“I chose February 14 as my first day as a professional artist because I wanted to choose love,” Michelle says. “I wanted that to be my day of choosing the thing that brought me the most joy and passion. At that time, I had no idea that my art would be about love and connection, so it's a symbol and a meaningful date because it's not only just about love romantically for the world, but it became a catalyst for this career change and my goal as an artist moving forward.”
In today’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Michelle to discuss the Canadian artist’s practice and creative process. A former athlete, Michelle shares the valuable lessons she picked up playing soccer and how it helped her in the studio. “[Being an athlete] taught me determination, [motivation], and hard work ethic,” she says. “You put in the time. That very much translates to running your own business and being an artist. You have to put in the time, you have to dream big, and you have to have goals of excellence.”
Michelle and Scott also chat about the motivating effects of self-care, why her practice remains mostly a “one-man show,” and the importance of “just showing up.” Tune into today’s episode with Michelle Hoogveld for a conversation about color, connection, and creating a brighter world.
Key Points From This Episode:
- Some of the colorful, eye-catching murals Michelle has done in LA.
- The massive studio she recently found that can accommodate her large-scale work.
- Insight into her creative process and why she mostly remains a “one-man show.”
- What Michelle learned about putting in the time and dreaming big from being an athlete.
- Why she chose February 14th as the first day of her career as a professional artist.
- Influential people in her life and how the painter Andrew Salgado has inspired her.
- How seeing others chase their dreams gives you permission to try.
- Advice for young artists who are trying to find their voice in the art world.
- Reasons that love, connection, and color are at the core of Michelle’s work.
- A look at her daily schedule and routine and the power of just showing up.
- How self-care informs motivation and even inspiration for Michelle.
- What the future holds for today’s guest and where you can view her work.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/michelle-hoogveld
Despite its short lifespan, Black Mountain College (BMC) left a lasting legacy as an influential pioneering arts institution that challenged traditional academic structures and fostered a unique community of creative thinkers. Founded in 1933 just 20 minutes outside of Asheville, NC, the college emphasized holistic learning and the study of art as central tenets of its educational philosophy. While BMC closed in 1957 due to funding issues, many of its faculty and students were or would become influential in the arts, including Josef and Anni Albers, Elaine and Willem de Kooning, John Cage, Ray Johnson, Robert Motherwell, Robert Rauschenberg, and Cy Twombly.
In today’s special crossover episode from our friends at ArtsvilleUSA, we welcome Kate Averett Anderson, a writer, curator, staff historian, project coordinator, and board member at the Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center (BMCM+AC). The museum works to preserve the legacy of educational and artistic innovation of BMC through exhibitions, conservation, educational events, and public programs. “It's not about having a gallery space where you walk in and you go, ‘Here is the history of Black Mountain College from beginning to end,” says Kate. “You can come in and have hands-on experiences with different exhibitions that tell a lot of different stories.”
In this episode, you’ll discover the fascinating connections between BMC and the iconic Bauhaus movement, relive the vibrant atmosphere of the college's legendary parties, and uncover the pivotal role of the BMCM+AC in keeping BMC's spirit alive. From exploring historical parallels to celebrating the creative freedom that BMC championed, this episode offers valuable insight into the birthplace of the American avant-garde. “[Black Mountain College] was a haven for a lot of people,” says Kate. “It was a place where a lot of people had the freedom and ability to explore different elements of their identity.”
Key Points From This Episode:
- An introduction to Kate, her career journey, and her role at BMCM+AC.
- The origin story of BMC (which starts with a scandal, like all good stories do).
- Insight into founder John A. Rice’s educational philosophy on hands-on learning.
- Nazis, the final days of the Bauhaus, and how Josef and Anni Albers found BMC.
- Influential figures that attended BMC and the relationships that developed between them.
- The legendary parties that were thrown at BMC; such as Jean Verda’s Greek party.
- An overview of the communal, democratic, non-hierarchical structure at BMC.
- How a young Robert Rauschenberg was profoundly influenced by his time at BMC.
- Some of the many famous student revolts at BMC; including one known as The Split.
- Cultural and political shifts that impacted the college in the late 1950s.
- The important role that BMCM+AC plays in keeping the BMC legacy alive.
- How the BMCM+AC differentiates itself from the typical stagnant museum institution.
- Different stories that BMCM+AC hopes to tell about BMC, not just its history.
- Looking to the future in the ReVIEWING Black Mountain College conference.
- Reflecting on the history of identity intersection and racial integration at BMC.
- A closing anecdote about Harriet Sohmers Zwerling and sexual liberation at BMC.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/black-mountain-college
In a world full of digital noise, street art can tell vital stories, rejuvenate urban spaces, and bring communities closer together. For over 10 years, creative agency Beautify Earth has collaborated with artists and brands to connect communities through murals, street art, and strategic marketing. Today’s guest, Beautify Earth CEO Moral Masuoka, joins host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power to discuss her organization’s commitment to positive social and environmental change through public art.
“People are starting to think about the spaces that they live in, especially when it comes to community and how we’re relating with the people around us, getting out of our own houses, and trying to be engaged in the places that we live,” says Moral, who combines her love of contemporary art with social policy and urban design to create community engagement. “Street art does an amazing job of that. People can be connected by a piece of artwork in their community. It’s something that you can talk about and [identify with]. It can also become a representation of the stories and the people who live there.”
In today’s episode, Scott and Moral discuss public art as a vehicle for placemaking, balancing professionalism with creativity and spontaneity, and the importance of cultivating creative habits daily. The two also explore the complex relationship between street art and gentrification:
“[Street art can either be] a tool of people trying to gentrify neighborhoods or it can be a powerful tool to represent the people that are there, amplify voices, and show the people in the community that need to be prioritized, not displaced,” says Moral.
To find out more about Beautify Earth and its mission to elevate street art and advocate for its practitioners, listen to our conversation with CEO Moral Masuoka on the player above.
Key Points From This Episode:
- The origin story of Beautify Earth and how it utilizes art as a tool for positive social change.
- How the perception of street art has progressed and how it can connect communities.
- Street art as a vehicle to amplify community voices versus as a tool for gentrification.
- Different roles that art can play and why situational awareness is key.
- Opportunities for connection within the network of artists that partner with Beautify.
- Ways that Beautify caters to the constantly evolving needs of artists.
- Common career challenges that Beautify works with artists to overcome.
- How Beautify educates clients (and artists) about the economic impact of art.
- Lessons that Moral has learned as Beautify has grown into a creative agency.
- Balancing professionalism versus spontaneity in street art.
- Insight into Moral's career journey, her love for art, and how it led her to Beautify.
- Why Moral believes it’s important for everyone to cultivate a daily creative practice.
- Reasons that drawing should be considered as crucial a skill as writing or math.
- Moral’s parting thoughts about the unique value of art as a communication tool.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/moral-masuoka-beautify-earth
“First, do no harm.” Written nearly 2,500 years ago in Greece, the Hippocratic Oath and its principles hold a sacred place in the hearts and minds of doctors to this day. Traditionally sworn by graduating medical-school students, the Oath remains the gold standard for ethical practices in Western Medicine. While codes of ethical conduct are commonplace throughout medicine and science, the art world is sorely lacking a similar system to hold industry professionals accountable for their actions. What would it look like if artists had their own version of this solemn pledge?
“I think that artists need to swear an oath as well,” says NOT REAL ART founder and podcast host Scott “Sourdough” Power in today’s episode. “An oath of ethical behaviors, an oath to a certain level of performance that's based on a mutually agreed upon set of ethics and values so that artists, art buyers, and arts professionals [are] confident and comfortable that people are behaving well and not behaving badly.”
Picture a code of conduct tailored for artists, patrons, and creative professionals alike, a compass to help navigate the complexities of artistic endeavor. In these uncertain times, we at NOT REAL ART believe the need for an effective creative code is more pressing than ever. In today’s episode, Scott delves into what this oath might entail and how it could benefit artists in the long run: “If [artists] could create a culture that's rooted in a mutual set of ethics and values that we all agreed to and we had our own pledge, our own oath that we swore to that everybody knew what it was and held us accountable, we would behave better, and we would do better.”
Want to be part of a more ethical art world? Tune in to today’s episode, then submit your own version of the artist’s ethical code for a chance to be featured on NOT REAL ART.
Key Points From This Episode:
- What the Hippocratic Oath is and what it means for physicians
- Reasons that the art world needs its own Hippocratic Oath
- How a mutually agreed upon set of ethics and values could benefit artists
- Listener challenge: submit your Hippocratic Oath for artists!
- Why an artist’s reputation is so important at the end of the day
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/hippocratic-oath
Editor’s note: Today’s special episode comes to us from our friends at Laugh Gallery, who operate under the Crewest Studio network of podcasts alongside NOT REAL ART.
Despite what your parents told you, comedy is an art. Comedy writing is difficult, and crafting laughs is no easy feat, especially when the stakes are so high. “Funny” varies from person to person, and there’s no hell deeper than the punishing silence after a failed joke.
Welcome to Laugh Gallery, a podcast that celebrates—and elevates—the art of comedy and the comedy of art. In this introductory episode, NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power and Laugh Gallery host Katie Love take you behind the curtain for an inside scoop on the what, why, and how of the podcast. “Laugh Gallery is an honorary, beautiful way to celebrate the art of comedy and the comedy of art,” says Katie, a Los Angeles-based writer and comic. “The wonderful thing about being in L.A. in the comedy scene is you can literally take yourself to school. There’s a lot of comedy classes out there. But if you really want to learn comedy, buy yourself some tickets because you're going to see the best comics come through Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and they're often working on their stuff here in cafes, coffee houses, bars, and weird little shows.”
Scott and Katie discuss the origins behind Laugh Gallery, the importance of stage time and money for comedians, and the similarities between visual artists and comedians. As Scott says in this episode, “Comics and visual artists have so much in common, in that they are struggling to break out and to be appreciated.” Listen to this special crossover episode on the player above, then subscribe to the Laugh Gallery podcast for side-splitting comedy with a dash of wisdom.
Key Points From This Episode:
- What Laugh Gallery is, where the idea came from, and why we’re doing it.
- Similarities and shared struggles between the art world and the comedy scene.
- Stage time and money: the two most important things for comics.
- Insight into Comedy 420, four comics doing 20 minutes of standup.
- Our vision for the Laugh Gallery Podcast and where you can see Comedy 420.
- Some of the amazing comics you’ll get to laugh with on Laugh Gallery!
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/laugh-gallery-podcast
As you may or may not know by now, we share some compelling creative conversations from the NOT REAL ART archives a couple of times a month. In today’s very special replay, we're throwing it all the way back with a truly historic episode: the very first one! As you’ll discover, it isn’t quite as polished as the podcast you’ve come to know and love. In fact, it’s a little bit of a mess, but you can’t deny that it’s raw and authentic! Listening in, you’ll hear NOT REAL ART Founder Scott “Sourdough” Power and the one and only Man One chopping it up and solving all the world's problems as they find their feet in the podcasting world and put the show you’re listening to today in motion. Stay tuned to enjoy this blast from the past!
Key Points From This Episode:
- The raw, authentic roots of the NOT REAL ART Podcast.
- Why we started a podcast when the last thing anybody needed was another podcast!
- Where the title, NOT REAL ART, came from.
- Insight into the culture of graffiti from Man One’s perspective.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/numero-uno
Former software engineer John Houck is a multidisciplinary artist whose work examines human perception and memory. From subtly folded and rephotographed pieces of paper to paintings of psychological landscapes overlaid with personal objects, John explores how shadows can act as signatures of both the condition and the limits of our experience, playfully navigating the intersection between reality, memory, illusion, and imagination.
In today’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with John Houck to discuss the artist’s thought-provoking practice, which marries visual art with his background in technology. “I love thinking through code as a tool to work creatively and playfully,” he says. “Then I [also] get to be in my studio. It's the best of both worlds for me.” In our conversation, we also investigate John’s fascination with psychoanalysis and find out why he believes that therapy is more effective than grad school for artists who want to get in touch with themselves and their artwork. “Being in therapy did more for me than grad school ever did,” he says. “It was way more effective and helpful in terms of getting in touch with who I am [and] the art I want to make.”
Listeners will also learn time-management techniques for better focus and why truly great artists are constantly “emerging” as opposed to becoming firmly established, as the art world would have us believe. As John comments during our conversation, being alone in the studio is vital, but “at some point, you have to go out into the world and emerge.”
Key Points From This Episode:
- How Inversion Art makes John’s practice easier (and introduced him to Not Real Art).
- What it means to him to be a creative technologist and how it influences his work.
- The language of programming, how it relates to art, and how John navigates both worlds.
- Fascinating ways that art-making “amplifies” his humanity.
- The evolution of John's iterative artworks and the mediums he uses to create them.
- Insight into his transition from photography to painting and how he “found his voice.”
- The inspiration behind his current exhibition, Perfect Temperature Lava in New York.
- Why hope, joy, and play are more important than they might seem.
- Work-life balance for artists and how self-care keeps John focused.
- How the Pomodoro time-management technique can benefit artists.
- John’s emergent vision for himself and his practice in 2024 and beyond.
- The power of therapy, putting yourself out there, and other advice for aspiring artists.
- Reflections on what it means to be a truly great artist.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/john-houck
Performing for a live audience in a new, unpredictable setting requires tremendous concentration. The stage is bigger than your studio, someone sneezes or coughs, a cell phone rings, and your costume is way itchier than your practice sweats. How do you stay focused when your performance space is full of distractions and irrelevant stimuli? Enter the dress rehearsal.
“A dress rehearsal will give you information that you just can't get otherwise,” says host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power, who discusses the benefits of rehearsing a dry run in today’s podcast episode. “[Making] the effort to go through the motions and do the dress rehearsal is going to be hugely powerful for you in terms of giving you confidence, empowering you, and giving you agency.”
Dress rehearsals aren’t just beneficial to those in the performing arts. Anyone can benefit from a confidence boost before a nerve-racking event. “If you find yourself in a situation where you're nervous, you've got a big meeting, you've got a big interview, you've got a big presentation, and you want to alleviate or mitigate some of those nerves, some of that anxiety, do a dress rehearsal,” says Scott, who tells listeners about a successful dress rehearsal of his own in this episode.
Scott doles out practical advice for making the most of your rehearsal, so whether you’ve got a big presentation, interview, or performance coming up, this episode is here to help.
Key Points From This Episode:
- A story that illustrates the everyday power of dress rehearsals.
- Sourdough’s key takeaway from his example of a dress rehearsal.
- How he changed his mind after a meeting (and why you should always take the meeting!)
- Why he believes it was the dress rehearsal that ultimately led to his success.
- Practical applications for dress rehearsals in your personal and professional life.
- The confidence-boosting power of taking the time to “go through the motions.”
- Information you can gain from a dress rehearsal that you can’t get otherwise.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/dress-rehearsal
Editor’s note: Today’s special episode comes to us from our friends at The Conduit, who operate under the Crewest Studio network of podcasts alongside NOT REAL ART.
In the ‘90s, rock was rock, hip-hop was hip-hop, and never the twain did meet. Then, at the turn of the century, a 73-minute, genre-bending bomb exploded onto the music scene, shattering notions about the limits of creativity and collaboration. Uneasy Listening, Vol. I, a joint record from like-minded DJs P and Z-Trip, broke genre conventions by mixing rock ‘n’ roll mainstays like Rush and Pat Benatar with dance and hip-hop cuts from Madonna, Redman, and The Pharcyde.
Welcome to The Conduit, a podcast featuring candid conversations with professional musicians who give listeners the unvarnished truth about being an artist in the music industry. In today’s episode, L.A.-based DJ, producer, and musician Dan Ubick (aka Constantine “Connie” Price) sits down with Zach Sciacca (better known as DJ Z-Trip) to discuss the musician’s pioneering work as a key player in the mash-ups movement.
“It wasn’t like I set out to become a DJ,” says Z-Trip, whose Uneasy Listening arrived on the scene in 2001, just as samples, remixes, and mashups were gaining credibility as a valid form of self-expression. “It was very much about me having this music and wanting to share it,” he continues. “Once I realized that I could put it together and I could expose people to the things that I liked, the DJ thing came into play.”
Widely known as both the godfather of mashups and “America’s Best DJ,” an award he received in 2009 from the DJ Times, Z-Trip is also renowned for his technical abilities and production skills. Over the years, he’s collaborated with innovative artists like Nas, Beck, Public Enemy, and DJ Shadow, remixing songs from artists as varied as Bob Marley and the Butthole Surfers. In his interview, Z-Trip shares the brightest pearls of wisdom he’s pocketed along the way: “One thing I learned through the arc of my whole career is take chances,” he says. “Be risky, try to push boundaries. Don’t always play it safe. There’s a time to play it safe, there’s a time to lock in.”
Z-Trip also touches on his favorite genre-bending tracks (see Afrika Bambaataa’s “Planet Rock”), why creative consistency trumps big milestones, and how to find like-minded artists traveling a similar career path. His advice to aspiring DJs? “Every gig, go into it like it’s your first [and last],” he says, adding, “put your heart and fucking soul into it because you never know who’s watching.”
Key Points From This Episode:
- How the contrasting worlds of New York and Arizona influenced Zach’s taste in music.
- The diverse collection of 12-inch singles that led him to become a DJ.
- Why ‘Rock the Bells’ by LL Cool J epitomizes Zach’s genre-bending style.
- Zach’s belief in pushing boundaries rather than chasing money or trends.
- The unique sense of discovery that attracted him to hip-hop.
- Talent over appearance: the freaks, geeks, and outcasts that were also drawn to the genre.
- Insight into Zach's process of producing his own music; which started with pause tapes.
- The story of the ‘Rockstar’ track on Return of the DJ that caught the attention of his peers.
- Why open-mindedness is an essential component of the mashup.
- Benefits of working with someone who’s “in your trajectory” versus an established artist.
- Key lessons from Zach’s career: be risky! Push boundaries! Take chances!
- Reasons that getting signed is only the beginning of your career.
- Why, not how: the perspective Zach gained from the COVID-19 pandemic.
- How live streaming and virtual raves influenced his practice and mindset.
- What it looks like to define true success by the aggregate, not the benchmarks.
- Playing every gig like it’s your first and last: Zach’s advice for aspiring musicians.
- Why he recommends building a small passionate community over chasing the numbers.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/z-trip
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this episode ran in March 2021 and has been updated with a new introduction.
Historically, street art has been used as a powerful tool for community engagement thanks to its ability to transcend physical and social boundaries. In today’s special podcast episode, guest host and muralist Erin Yoshi sits down with public arts luminary Judy Baca to discuss the painter’s pioneering social work in the urban environment of L.A., the former “mural capital of the world.”
“Long before the predominance of graffiti art on the street, there were writings on the street," says Judy. “There was no control over who could paint where, and it was in that climate—1972—that I stepped out onto the street.”
Soon after, In 1974, Judy founded the City of Los Angeles’ first mural program, which produced over 400 murals, employed thousands of local participants, and eventually evolved into the Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC), where she continues to serve as artistic director. “The work I was doing needed to be institutionalized in educational systems,” she says. “There was so much work to be done around the kind of training that we needed to get another generation of artists into the world, to [give] another generation of young people the stepping stones to advance, and [without] having to start at the very beginning, as I did. So it became increasingly important to me to do the teaching, to see SPARC thrive and continue.”
Judy attributes SPARC’s success to their unique participatory model, which allows community members to contribute their ideas and talents to local murals. “I was interested in a participatory methodology that not only included the ideas of the people but included them in the process of the making,” says Judy, who observes a vast cultural distinction between murals in different L.A. neighborhoods. “Whose memories are saved?” she muses. “Whose stories are told? Whose history is taught? That became a quest that has been my life's work: the land’s memory, whose stories are told and remembered, and how we come up with the real story of America.”
Key Points From This Episode:
- Insight into Judy’s start as a muralist in LA, the former “mural capital of the world.”
- How permitting and bureaucratic control have hindered the creative process of public art.
- Ways that SPARC sought to change the face of LA by representing the people in it.
- The genesis of SPARC and what Judy’s cross-cultural vision for it entailed.
- Judy’s unifying ambition to excavate unknown stories that led to The Great Wall of LA.
- What she learned about dynamic imagery from the late great David Alfaro Siqueiros.
- Steps for creating a participatory community-based project like The Great Wall.
- Relationships built during the creation of The Great Wall that are still intact today.
- The drive to institutionalize her work that led Judy to become a professor at UCLA.
- Why she decided early on that she wouldn’t try to “make it” in the world of fine art.
- Unpacking the hierarchy of the arts that deems community art “low brow.”
- Reasons that The Great Wall is so critical at a time of heightened awareness of injustice.
- How SPARC has become a modern marvel with an inspiring heritage.
- The future of women’s leadership that Judy’s Matriarchal Mural addresses.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/judy-baca
Birds of a feather flock together… right? As human beings, we are naturally drawn to people who look and think like us, but limiting our friendships to a homogenized group of people reduces our ability to see the world in all of its richness and complexity. Our own lives become smaller and less rewarding as a result.
“If we're only talking to the people that we like and that agree with us, that's going to be a problem for a healthy functioning democracy,” says host and NOT REAL ART publisher Scott “Sourdough” Power. In today’s podcast episode, Scott discusses the 10 friends we should surround ourselves with for richer, fuller, and more enlightened lives. “We all need friends who help us see the world differently. We all need friends who help us see the world more fully, more richly, more colorfully, more accurately, more realistically.”
From Democrats and polymaths to techno-geeks and Jesus freaks, Scott shares his thoughts on the 10 friends who will broaden your horizons: “Everybody needs at least one friend who's an artist because artists see the world in a very different way. They are empathetic seers that are able to see things we can't see.”
He continues: “It’s a mosaic out there. It’s a beautiful spectrum of realities and truths out there. If we only talk to our tribe and we Balkanize and segregate into our echo chambers of biased opinions and prejudices, if we only are friends with people who see the world like us, we're destined to not be able to empathize or have compassion or respect for other people. We end up making the 'other’ the enemy. We end up reducing our ability to see the world in its fullness and its richness. Your life is going to be less than if you limit your friends to a very narrow homogenized group or sample of people, but if you can work towards having a diverse, eclectic group of friends, your life will be richer and more fulfilling.”
Tune into today’s episode to find out why your circle of friends should reflect the diversity of our world.
Key Points From This Episode:
- The importance of having a diverse group of friends.
- How our mobile phones have isolated us from those around us.
- Reasons that we should respect one another, despite our differences.
- Benefits of having friends that support different political parties.
- Ways that scientists can help us view the world differently.
- Why we need both engineers and artists in our lives.
- Friends who can help us take better care of our bodies and spirits.
- Potentially selfish motivations for having at least one tech-savvy friend!
- Why our friendship groups should reflect the beautiful, diverse world we live in.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/ten-friends
“Making artwork probably saved my life,” says mixed-media artist Amanda Maccagnan. “[It] helped me figure out who I am, where I was going, and what I was doing—and it continues to do.”
Navigating the boundary between traditional techniques and contemporary influences, Amanda is rapidly making a name for herself as a rising star in the art world. Working primarily with stained glass, Amanda combines multiple mediums to create unexpected, radical pieces that satirize cultural expectations through exaggeration. Her bold, tongue-in-cheek works frame the artist as a rebel who’s comfortable with making her own rules whenever necessary.
On today’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Amanda to discuss the glass artist’s belief in the spiritual nature of her practice.
“My spiritual practice is one of open acceptance,” she says. “As a human, I just want to be receptive to whatever the universe has for me at this point. I believe in vibrational resonance and the powers of symbols and belief, as well as practical and intuitive magic. I feel like that's where my spirituality comes in with my work—it feels like it's more about an energetic realization that creating artwork and being able to manifest thoughts into something tangible and real is alchemy.”
Amanda shares her thoughts on using art as therapy, incorporating magic mushrooms into her creative process, and preserving archaic art forms, like glasswork, through apprenticeship. As you’ll discover, Amanda’s success story hinges on the artist’s resilience, reinvention, flexibility, and creative audacity: “There is no such thing as talent,” she quips. “Just try hard and believe in yourself. It's just putting yourself into what you do. That's the talent.” Tune into today’s podcast episode with Amanda Maccagnan for plenty of charm and just the right amount of attitude.
Key Points From This Episode:
- Amanda’s creative upbringing and what drew her to stained glass.
- Art as therapy: how making art helped her figure out who she is.
- Amanda’s love for John Waters and her inclusion in the Pope of Trash exhibition.
- The important role of apprenticeship in preserving traditional mediums like stained glass.
- Why Amanda says she took to glasswork like she’d been doing it her whole life.
- The alchemy of art: how artists can manifest their thoughts into something tangible.
- The role of psychedelics and spirituality in Amanda’s practice.
- Insight into her process and some of the exciting projects that she is working on currently.
- What John Waters had to say about the stained glass portraits Amanda created of him.
- Her journey into the novel world of augmented reality (AR) painting.
- The mental toll that the current state of the world takes for many young people today.
- Final thoughts on the nature of talent (and why Amanda believes there’s no such thing).
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/amanda-maccagnan
You might already know this, but here at Crewest Studio, we produce several different podcasts. One of these podcasts is Artsville, which celebrates American contemporary art and craft from Asheville, North Carolina, and beyond. If you’re looking to discover world-class artisans, artists, craftspeople, and makers, Artsville has it all: from painting and pottery to weaving, woodworking, glass blowing, and more! Today, you’ll hear from contemporary mixed-media abstract artist, Kenn Kotara, as we share an interview from the Artsville archives. Based in Asheville, Kenn’s practice is shaped by his lifelong fascination with architecture, philosophy, and literature, and he masterfully expresses himself across canvas, paper, mylar, polaroids, site-specific installations, and even Braille. In this episode, we explore Kenn’s transition from representational to abstract work and the impact that Asheville has had on him as an artist. Tuning in, you’ll find out what working with Braille taught Kenn about being present and mindful, why he believes in the power of art to bridge divides in a world where so many seek to widen them, and how he has devoted his career to looking at the world differently by embracing a myriad of inspirations. We also touch on the paramount importance of education, how artists can practice the art of listening, and so much more. For a fascinating conversation with a side of inspiration and a fresh perspective on life (and art), don’t miss this episode of Artsville with Kenn Kotara!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Kenn’s upbringing, his French Cajun heritage and the Polish origins of his name, Kotara.
- The story of what brought Kenn to Asheville more than 25 years ago.
- What he loves about living and working in the nurturing environment of Asheville.
- The evolution of his work and the impact Asheville had on his practice as a painter.
- Understanding the influence of architecture, graphic design, and technology on his work.
- How Kenn cultivates discipline as an artist and navigates what he calls the chaos of creation.
- Kenn’s work with Braille and the perspective it gave him on empathy and perfection.
- The relationships he has built within the visually impaired community as a result.
- What wearing a blindfold to emulate blindness taught him about being present in the moment.
- Insight into the process of writing Braille and the tools and methodologies that he uses.
- One of the major literary influences on Kenn’s work: Henry David Thoreau’s Walden.
- Reflecting on the significance of his Braille work for those who aren’t visually impaired.
- The power of art to bridge gaps rather than create them, like so many politicians seek to do.
- How Kenn’s site-specific installations encourage conversation and facilitate education.
- Listening as an art form: how Kenn came to be so articulate about his artwork.
- Why Kenn is so devoted to his work in education, even as he formally retires from teaching.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/kenn-kotara
As part of our mission to reinvigorate the NOT REAL ART Podcast schedule in 2024, we’re not only introducing you to new artists every month but we’re also revisiting the archives to bring you creative conversations that you might have missed! In this episode, you’ll have the opportunity to reconnect with Teddy Margas, a charismatic actor, writer, comedian, and performer who shared an uplifting message about embracing the power of creativity back in Episode 170. As we say in Hollyweird, Teddy is a “working actor” who has his fingers in many pies and continues to grow and branch out, always taking on new challenges and art forms to stay inspired. Tune in as we discuss Teddy's upbringing, moments from his childhood that left an impression on him, how he welcomes his trauma into his comedy performances, and why connecting with an audience is such a powerful thing. We also touch on some of his incredible character work, particularly his fascination with the ‘Karen' stereotype, and his insightful advice for approaching auditions. As you’ll discover, Teddy is a shining example of creative talent and dedication, who believes that allowing space for the magic of play and creativity can bring so much joy and fulfillment into our lives. If you missed this conversation the first time around, here’s your chance to soak up the wit and wisdom of the one and only Teddy Margas!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Insight into Teddy's upbringing, birth in North Carolina, and formative years in Philadelphia.
- Benefits of growing up in a cultural melting pot like Philly.
- His two-part move to LA and what it was like to leave a small pond for a big city.
- Free your mind and the rest will follow: how he learned to marry all of his creative talents.
- Teddy's belief in the importance of nurturing the artistic impulses of young children.
- The bravery it takes to get up on stage and why he thinks everyone should try it!
- Thoughts on the connection between comedy and trauma.
- When Teddy found his voice and learned to truly connect with an audience.
- How Teddy describes his work and skillsets depending on the context.
- What goes into the development of Teddy's characters and his fascination with Karens.
- From studying acting in Philly to scene study in LA: important lessons from Teddy's journey.
- The art of auditioning: key elements of successful auditioning techniques.
- How Teddy has used silence in his routine to great effect.
- Surprising roles and places that Teddy has found himself in thanks to his love for creating.
- Why he encourages everyone listening to do something creative today.
- Hurdles he faces at this point in his career (and why we should all face challenges head-on).
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/teddy-margas
Happy holidays, listeners! Welcome to our penultimate podcast episode of 2023. In our year-end round-up, NOT REAL ART Publisher Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Editor in Chief Morgan Laurens to reflect on the past year and offer an exclusive sneak peek into our exciting 2024 programming.
From launching First Friday Exhibitions to hosting REMOTE, Badir McCleary’s video series on public art, available exclusively through NOT REAL ART, 2023 was jam-packed with fresh, innovative ways to support working artists. “[REMOTE] is part travel show,” says Scott, commenting on the series’ broad appeal. “[Badir takes] you to these fantastic works of public art and explores the city in the process.” The first five episodes of REMOTE, covering cities as diverse as Philadelphia and San Antonio, are available to watch here.
Tuning in, listeners will hear about our favorite Q+Art interviews from the past year, the most memorable exhibitions from our First Friday series, and our ongoing collaboration with sister brand Artsville, which celebrates contemporary American arts and crafts. Scott and Morgan also discuss the expanded programming for 2024, including a fresh take on our podcast, the 2024 grant cycle, and novel ways to engage with and nurture our community of artists. “We’ve done a good job of amassing and coalescing and organizing thousands of artists who are now in our ecosystem and community,” says Scott, reflecting on NOT REAL ART’s new membership program (join here!). “We’re going to spend a lot of time in 2024 intentionally nurturing and engaging our community in a way we haven’t in the past.”
Above all, we want to thank our friends, partners, collaborators, and guests for another year of incredible artwork, interviews, exhibitions, kind notes, and all-around badassery. Your generosity, creativity, and boundless curiosity inspire us to the stars and back. Wishing you a happy holiday season and a sublime new year from your friends at NOT REAL ART.
Key Points From This Episode:
- First Friday exhibitions from 2023 that stand out in Morgan’s memory.
- How Morgan works closely with artists to hone in on the story behind their work.
- Ways that she has fine-tuned her art writing process over the years.
- Some of Morgan’s favorite artist interviews from the Q + Art series.
- The ‘Remote’ video series with Badir McCleary, which explores the world of public art.
- Exciting ways that we will refresh the NOT REAL ART podcast schedule in 2024.
- Perks and benefits that will accompany our new membership portal.
- Acknowledgment and appreciation for all of our incredible pals and partners!
- A preview of what might be the world’s first hip-hop holiday song, ‘Christmas in L.A.’
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/holiday-special
While much of the country prepares for a frosty festive season, the holidays look a little different in Los Angeles. Imagine palm trees decked out with baubles and twinkling lights, sunny skies, and 70 degree temperatures.
With Christmas just around the corner, our parent company, Crewest Studio, wanted to spread the holiday cheer, put some positive vibes into the world, and celebrate the City of Angels’ legendary hip-hop roots. Produced as a “special gift” to the City of Los Angeles, “Christmas in L.A.” is a free, downloadable song that taps into the city’s hip-hop culture with special guest performances. Featuring L.A.-based emcees Aceyalone, 2Mex, Medusa, and Myka 9 alongside Raul Pacheco and Asdru Sierra of Grammy award-winning Latin rock band Ozomatli, “Christmas in L.A.” pays homage to the City of Angels' magical—and unique—holiday season.
On today’s podcast episode, host Scott “Sourdough” Power and Crewest Studio co-founder Man One sit down with the song’s producer, multi-instrumentalist Dan Ubick, to discuss how “Christmas in L.A.” came together in just a few short weeks. “I was so honored to get to work with some new people and try and rise to the challenge of creating a Christmas song that wasn’t corny, [that was] fresh and fun,” says Dan. “[We wanted] to show off the multicultural-ness of growing up in L.A.”
Listeners will also hear from some of the brilliant musical minds behind “Christmas in L.A.,” including Aceyalone, 2Mex, Myka 9, Medusa, Raul Pacheco from Ozomatli, Mixmaster Wolf, and Monalisa. Join us as they share their memories of celebrating warm Christmases in California and reflect on the unforgettable legacy of hip-hop in L.A. “From the minute we thought of doing the [“Christmas in L.A.”] project, we knew we wanted it to be 100 percent pure L.A.,” says Scott. “It had to be real; it had to be authentic. To be able to get this line-up, this roster of L.A. emcees, is such a huge honor. It elevates this project in such a special way. Everybody brings their unique flavor to what is really a Christmas story.”
“Christmas in L.A.” is available to download on Crewest Studio or for streaming on Spotify or Apple Music. An exclusive artist autograph signing takes place at DesignerCon in Anaheim, CA, on Dec. 15, 2023. Limited edition prints and other merchandise featuring artwork from L.A. graffiti artist Man One will also be available.
Listen or download the track here.
Key Points From This Episode:
- Dan Ubick’s perspective on producing this bumper holiday tune in just a few weeks.
- Insight into the dope artwork that Man One created for the track.
- What Aceyalone’s Christmas traditions look like and why he’s so proud of this song.
- 2Mex’s growing appreciation for Christmas and his gratitude for the legacy of Project Blowed.
- Reminiscing on what it was like to work with all the musicians on this project
- Why Myka9 believes that it’s important to celebrate joy and creativity right now.
- A look at what Christmas means to Raul Pacheco, having grown up in LA.
- Raul’s take on the unique underground hip-hop flavors of ‘Christmas in L.A.’
- Surfing on Christmas Day, Ray Charles records, and other holiday memories from Dan Ubick.
- What a big traditional Latinx family Christmas looked like in Man One’s house!
- Some of the most memorable gifts that Dan, Man One, and Sourdough ever received.
- Medusa on the privilege of being invited to commemorate Christmas in Los Angeles.
- How she will be celebrating the festive season with her family this year.
- The importance of giving back to your community this Christmas.
- Why Mixmaster Wolf believes this song is so relatable to so many people.
- Monalisa’s family-centric experience of the festive season and the “gift of being alive.”
- Where Man One got his inspiration for the ‘Christmas in L.A.’ artwork and merch.
- Stay tuned to hear our labor of love and our Christmas gift to the City of Angels!
For more information, please visit:
http://notrealart.com/christmas-in-la-the-song
http://xmasinla.com
https://creweststudio.com/christmas-in-la/
What sets professional artists apart from amateurs? 10,000 hours of practice is the common rule of thumb, popularized by author Malcolm Gladwell in his bestseller Outliers: The Story of Success. Today’s guest, multidisciplinary artist Tm Gratkowski, believes that 10,000 hours is the minimum when it comes to achieving creative mastery.
On today’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Tm to discuss the Chicago artist’s commitment to mastering multiple creative skill sets within his artistic practice. “I always say that 10,000 hours is for amateurs,” he tells Scott early in the interview. “It’s just the beginning. You've got to multiply that by 10 if you're ever going to get to a level that it’s in your interest to aspire to.”
Working as an architect and art framer, Tm, like many successful contemporary artists, supports himself with a diverse range of services. In his studio practice, he uses paper to create large and small-scale sculptures, collages, and even installations. Tm’s work is chaotic, colorful, and detail-oriented, suggesting a preference for tactile, easily manipulated materials. “I break [an idea] down, make it bend my way,” he says, “and then use that to create.”
In this episode, Tm shares his philosophy on developing a diverse set of skills, embracing discomfort as part of the process, and why he chooses to identify as a creative thinker rather than a multidisciplinary artist. We also discuss the many facets of an artist's DNA, the pressure many artists feel to find a “practical” angle for their creative practice, and how Tm finds time for work-life balance, given his thoughts on the 10,000-hour rule.
Above all, Tm wants artists to recognize the hard work they put in to get where they are. “Snoop Dogg received a big award recently,” he tells Scott. “In his speech, he said, ‘I'd like to thank myself for all the years of struggle and hard work. I did it all myself to get here.’ That is me. Whether or not that's working hard or smart, it takes a lot to do it. You’re wearing many hats.”
Key Points From This Episode:
- How Tm’s approach to work-life balance has evolved as his practice has grown.
- Why he says that discipline, work ethic, and creativity are part of his DNA.
- The path less traveled that Tm took to “find his voice” and develop his visual language.
- Being a contemporary artist and creative thinker rather than a multidisciplinary artist.
- How studying architecture has informed and influenced Tm’s art practice.
- Insight into the various layers, elements, and ideas that make up one of Tm’s artworks.
- What kind of support he had from his family on his journey as an artist.
- Unpacking the pressure that artists often feel to have a “practical” profession.
- The interplay between hard work and cultural heritage that Tm benefited from in the Midwest.
- A pragmatic look at the diversity and flexibility Tm has incorporated into his business.
- Some of the many hats that artists and business owners have to wear today.
- Tm’s take on AI and its role in the current “creative renaissance.”
- What Tm is working on right now and where you can see his upcoming exhibitions.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/tm-gratkowski
Creativity doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Even solo artists draw inspiration from the people, places, and artworks that most affect them. In a performance-oriented industry like music, comedy, or theater, embracing the power of collaboration can yield unexpected artistic highs for everyone involved.
Our guest today, comedian Zach Zucker, is a living example of the incredible things creative collaboration can bring. As the creator of Stamptown, an award-winning production company that creates and tours with original comedy and musical acts, Zach collaborates with countless artists and facilitates performances all over the world. “I want to learn from the best at all times,” he says. “And just constantly get my mind blown and see how much more there is out there and how much I can aspire to achieve.”
On today’s podcast episode, host Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Zach to discuss the comedian’s background in athletics and how the virtues he learned—discipline, teamwork, and humility—helped him navigate his transition to show business. Zach shares the many challenges that arise from running his own business and why it’s uniquely difficult to be a good performer while simultaneously dealing with the pressing concerns of a producer. “One of the maybe the hardest parts I run into is advocating for myself in a way that doesn't have consequences because I have to wear the producer's hat and the performer's hat.”
Zach also sheds some light on the delicate balancing act required for fruitful collaboration. “We are, as a group, unstoppable when we are all playing in the [best] way that we can, when we're all listening to each other, and we trust each other, and we respect each other,” he says. I want everyone to go out there and steal the show. I want everybody to be the funniest part of the show. I want them to do it in the most selfless, respectful way possible.”
Key Points From This Episode:
- Zach’s background in athletics and the origins of his interest in comedy.
- The pivotal show that inspired him to become a performer.
- Key skills Zach learned as an athlete and how it has supported him in show business.
- Insights into what motivates him to be such a prolific creator and collaborator.
- Stamptown as a production company and how they support other exceptional performers.
- Unpacking the underlying principles of clowning and having a playbook mentality onstage.
- Contrasting method acting with other schools of thought.
- Zach’s approach to comedy line-ups and how he prioritizes the ensemble elements.
- Putting together a variety show for Stamptown’s inclusive, avante-garde, anarchic style.
- Millennial and Gen Z comedy taste and how it’s reflected in Zach’s shows.
- Why comedy is all about rhythm and how hip hop influenced his approach.
- Zach’s SNL audition tape and how they built a skit around it.
- The challenges of being an artist and business owner and what Zach has learned from it.
- Negotiating with venues, the costs involved, and how performers are often exploited.
- Some of the exciting things that Zach, and Not Real Art, have coming up!
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/zach-zucker
On today’s podcast episode, we attempt to answer a deceptively simple but critical question: Why do we make art? The answer, it turns out, is different for everyone.
“The way I see it, there are three basic reasons why anyone makes art,” says NOT REAL ART founder and podcast host Scott “Sourdough” Power. “Number one, some people make art just for fun. Other reasons people make art, money, they want to make money. The last reason I think artists make art is that many artists want to make history.”
By outlining three basic approaches to art-making, this episode encourages listeners to define their motivations in concrete terms. Do you want to go down in history as an influential artist? Do you simply have mouths to feed and bills to pay? Or are your creative pursuits purely for joy and personal fulfillment? Maybe it’s a little bit from all three categories. “The answer to those questions really dictates the kinds of decisions you make for your career and for your business moving forward,” Scott says. “It will really clarify where you want to go in your life, the decisions you want to make, the kinds of investments you want to make in time and treasure.”
With a clearer understanding of your motivations, you can make decisions that align with long-term goals and overarching values. On today’s episode, Scott discusses the different paths an artist might take depending on their objective and shares some practical tips to help them get there. “I don't think any artist should hesitate to make a T-shirt, or a hat, or a sticker, or a tote bag, or key chain with their art, because that's a revenue stream, and museums have gift shops for a reason.
“Think deeply,” he continues. “Do some soul searching and some introspection and define very clearly in your own mind and heart and ask yourself—why do you make art?” Join us for today’s episode as we unpack the critical process of understanding and living by your motivations.
Key Points From This Episode:
- This episode’s topic: an auditorial centering on the question of why you make art.
- Three basic reasons people make art: for fun, for money, or to make history.
- The path you will need to follow if your goal is to find critical acclaim.
- What you’ll need to do if your goal is to generate an income through art.
- How your approach will differ if you are looking only to feed your soul through art.
- The way your reason for making art influences your relationship with it.
- What will change if you ask yourself what motivates you to make art.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/why-do-we-make-art
What role does public art play in our communities? And how has it changed across human history? From England’s prehistoric Stonehenge to Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate in Chicago, public art transforms landscapes, combats isolation, and reinvigorates cities and public spaces. Whether it provides space for sacred rituals or acts as a monument, public art has the power to spark conversations and deepen our sense of community.
Today, we’re honored to welcome public art enthusiast Badir McCleary back to the podcast. On a special bonus episode, NOT REAL ART founder and host Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Badir to discuss Remote, the filmmaker’s ongoing video series on the power of public art. “With public art, people feel like it's theirs, especially as a taxpayer in America,” says Badir, who treks to a different location—sometimes two or three—for each episode. “In a public space, you're like, ‘Yeah, I've put at least some money into this. I can get a little bit closer.’ And I think that's what's needed. People need to feel like they have agency in [public art] because then they'll protect it, they'll engage with it, they'll have something to say about it—they won't just ‘never mind’ it.”
Created in partnership with NOT REAL ART, Remote explores the evolving role of public art and its ability to transform communities, facilitate connection, and cultivate culture. Today, Badir gives us an overview of the project, from the first episode to the fifth and most current, where he visits the National Mall in Washington, D.C. “What would America be if it didn't have all these colorful things like art?” he asks, reflecting on the capitol’s bulky concrete architecture. “What would [America] be if we just looked at all these brutalist buildings down in D.C. on Capitol Hill?”
Our conversation also unpacks key themes in public art, including the role of technology in contemporary pieces, why allocating resources to marketing and storytelling is essential, and how public art fosters community engagement. Join us for a fascinating discussion on the complexity of public art with the creator of Remote, Badir McCleary.
Watch the series trailer below, then watch episode one: “Desert X”; watch episode two: “Aesthetic Information as Public Art”; watch episode three: “Perception of Public Art; watch episode four: “Becoming a Public Art City”; watch episode five: “We’re Going to the Mall!”
Key Points From This Episode:
- Catching up with Badir on the work he’s been doing for Remote, his series on public art.
- Public art in San Antonio and how it has grown and flourished over the last decade.
- Insights into his two-part series on Washington DC for Remote.
- Key differences in how people engage with public art versus art in a gallery or museum.
- Chicago’s thriving public art scene and why Badir would love to do a Remote episode on it.
- Unpacking the role of scale in public art, especially for contemporary pieces.
- How technology can be used to educate and provide information on public art pieces.
- The importance of allocating resources to marketing and storytelling for public artworks.
- Reflecting on Desert X, the first installation of his Remote series, and why it’s worth watching.
- How the function of public art has evolved over centuries.
- Why Badir’s Remote episode set in Philadelphia is so special to him.
- Philadelphia’s beautiful use of markers sharing the cultural history of public spaces.
- Inspirational lessons from Badir’s interview with Charles Dixon.
- Insight into Badir’s upcoming episode on Austin and other parts of Texas.
- Unpacking the significance of public art in our nation’s capital, Washington DC.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/badir-mccleary-remote-series
Step aside, digital design, and make way for the magic of hand-crafted signage.
On today’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Chicago-based sign painter Ches Perry to discuss the timeless allure of hand-made art. “Never dreamt I'd be painting signs for the rest of my life,” says Ches, who wanted to be a commercial artist growing up. “But I loved that. That was the weird thing. Right from the beginning, I just loved sitting there all day long and practicing my lettering.”
A true master of the craft, Ches trained at the Institute of Lettering and Design before opening Rightway Signs, a Chicago-based company that specializes in hand-painted designs. Ches and his team aren’t confined to hand-painted lettering, though; their expertise covers digital design, murals, neon, and eye-catching rooftop signage. “Whether you're on the side of a roof, or wherever, you're by yourself,” says Ches, who revels in the solitary life of a sign painter. “I think most artists are that way. Whether it's a sign painter or a regular artist, they like that alone thing. When you're doing something that you love. No distractions.”
Ches and Scott discuss the long history of sign painting, how the field has evolved since the ’70s, and what the future holds for the next generation of sign painters. Ches also shares details about his journey from Newfoundland to Chicago, how he fell in love with sign painting, and the three intensive years he spent learning the fundamentals of signage. Above all, Ches feels grateful to work in a field that brings him so much joy: “People sometimes ask me, ‘When are you gonna retire?’ I say ‘never.’ I never worked a day in my life. This is like a hobby.”
Tune into today’s episode on the player above to hear our conversation with a true icon of sign painting, Ches Perry.
Key Points From This Episode:
- Ches’s long history in the industry, starting in the 1970s.
- How his company, Rightway Signs, came to be.
- Digital overload, and the popularity of Ches’s handmade signs.
- Ches’s son, Alex, and the excellent work he’s done marketing Rightway Signs.
- The uniqueness of every sign painter's work.
- Some of the legendary sign painters who taught and inspired Ches.
- How Ches fell in love with sign painting: the course that started it hjbk , ,all.
- The fundamentals of what they learned: fonts, brushstrokes, colorways, and more.
- How layout can make or break your design.
- The clever trick sign painters use to paint signs in reverse on glass surfaces.
- How rooftop signage has evolved and the complex rooftop signs that Ches has done.
- Working with designers and the impact computers have had on sign painting.
- Ches’s upbringing in Newfoundland and how he decided to attend art school in Chicago.
- How Ches met his wife, got married, started a family, and came to own his own business.
- Becoming a coffee drinker, training the next generation, and an overview of just a few of the amazing things that Ches has achieved with his company.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/ches-perry
For artists and entrepreneurs, risk comes with the territory. Today’s guest, Los Angeles artist Tomer Peretz, embraces uncertainty in his career by making as many gaffes, blunders, and flubs as possible. “We [make] a lot of bad choices,” says Tomer, whose iconic “Bad Choices” t-shirt is emblematic of his philosophy on art: Make lots of mistakes.
On today’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Tomer Peretz to discuss the Israeli artist’s now-thriving practice and the risks it took to get there. “I intend to [make] mistakes,” he says. “Sometimes, it works and turns into a great choice. But sometimes it stays as a bad choice. In this case, in [some of my riskier] creations, I thought, ‘I'm ruining my entire relationship and my entire career,’ and it actually turned into a really good thing for me.”
Before landing in L.A. to start his art career, Tomer served in the Israeli military and backpacked across South America. His practice, inspired by travel, stories, and the people he’s met along the way, spans various mediums, including painting, photography, fashion, performance art, and NFTs. “The most creative people in the world, they're not afraid to get out of their comfort zone and just try new things,” he says.
In this episode, Tomer reveals how he leveraged his “bad choices” into a successful career in the arts. Listeners will also gain insight into his super limited-edition fashion collection, which he describes as “one-off” works of art. Tomer covers everything from courage and experimentation to storytelling and spiritual wandering in this episode, so tune in, and learn about the joys of risk without regret.
Key Points From This Episode:
- Insight into Tomer’s limited edition fashion collection.
- Questionable decisions that inspired his ‘Bad Choices’ t-shirt.
- The importance of getting out of your comfort zone as an artist.
- Ways that Tomer’s life experiences have informed his work.
- His time in South America, why he fell in love with LA, and how travel inspires him.
- Insight into Tomer’s gallery representation and how he built connections in Milan.
- The community-driven motivations behind his gallery in DTLA.
- Why he believes storytelling in art is more important than technical skill.
- Questions about mortality that inform Tomer’s life and work.
- Where he finds hope as a “spiritual wanderer” and why he chooses to embrace failure.
- How Burning Man inspires Tomer and informs his outlook on life.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/tomer-peretz
Happy Halloween, trick-or-treaters! Grab some candy corn, a mug of hot cider, and a blanket—it’s time for our third and final art world horror story of the year. Produced by NOT REAL ART parent company Crewest Studio, Art World Horror Stories is a podcast series about bad things that happen to good artists.
On today’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power shares some spine-tingling anecdotes from his personal collection of art world horror stories. Rather than indulging every screwup and screw over from his 30-year career in the arts, Scott distills the horror into five practical tips for artists at every stage of their careers. “One of the lessons I've learned over 30 years in the art world, working with artists and doing projects with clients, is that poor negotiation skills result in bad deals,” he says. “Get that signed contract. You will live a happier, healthier life, not horrified and mortified by art world shenanigans.”
Tuning in, you’ll learn about the value of comprehensive communication, solid negotiation, copyright protection, clear contracts, and stoking demand for original art. Yes, bad things still happen to good artists, but they’re significantly less likely if you implement Scott’s hard-won lessons. “One of the fundamental reasons that bad things happen to good artists is because of financial reasons,” he says. “We need money to live and to work. Ultimately, when we're struggling to make ends meet, it's harder to do good deals and communicate better because you're strapped, you're paranoid, and you're stressed out, so you want to do that deal.
“Good, clear, comprehensive, real-time communication is essential to avoiding an art world horror story.”
Key Points From This Episode:
- The spooky history of Halloween and trick-or-treating, which goes back 2,000 years.
- Why bad things happen to good artists when communication isn’t prioritized.
- The art of negotiation: why poor negotiators tend to make poor deals.
- Benefits of investing in copyright protection for your work.
- How a signed contract can help you avoid art world shenanigans.
- What a “weak demand for cultural products” means for your art practice.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/art-world-horror-stories-five-lessons
Halloween is just around the corner, which means spooky season is alive and well at NOT REAL ART. To get listeners into the spirit, we’ve got another episode of Art World Horror Stories on deck this week. If you missed last week’s episode with muralist Amandalynn, head there now to hear about her terrifying fall from high-rise scaffolding and the slow but steady recovery process that followed.
On today’s episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with longtime friend and close collaborator Man One to discuss the graffiti artist’s disastrous mural project for the Center for Disease Control (CDC). “This is one of those stories where it just keeps getting worse and worse and worse,” says Man One, an LA-based illustrator, curator, and entrepreneur who’s been an active member of the art world for 20 years. “I'm going to forewarn you, this horror story gets worse!”
From racial slurs and defamation to vandalism and cease and desist letters, the project was plagued by obstacles from the start. “Every single day, some old person would stop by, yell at us, flip us off,” Man One says. “This [was] the least threatening mural that I have ever done in my life, and [I was] getting the most flak that I've ever received!” The project’s concept? A fun, colorful mural promoting the benefits of exercise and play for children in the neighborhood. “The first thing [this experience] did was open my eyes, not to be so naive about coming into a community [with a mural] and thinking that people are going to be on board just because it's a positive message.”
Today’s episode is peppered with unexpected surprises and a few life lessons from Man One himself. “Expect the unexpected,” he says. “As an artist, I always have to be aware that there's something that I'm not aware of. There's the unknown. There's something that I'm not seeing, but I’ve got to keep my ears and eyes open so that, when it shows up, I can address it, whatever it may be.”
With more twists and turns than an M. Night Shyamalan film, Man One’s horror story is one for the books. Tune into today’s episode for a dose of art-world dread.
Key Points From This Episode:
- The brief: a fun, high-visibility mural project promoting physical activity for kids.
- Cue the red flags, starting with getting permission from members of a gated community.
- The trouble that arose, even after the project had gotten the go-ahead.
- Racial slurs, cease and desist letters, defamatory newsletters, and more!
- Vandalism that took place just when Man One thought it couldn’t get any worse.
- The insane lengths that those opposed to the mural went to (even suing the CDC!)
- Why Man One goes straight to the hood now when asked to find a wall for a project.
- Reflecting on the power of art to bring people together but also to divide.
- Lessons that Man One took away from this experience and how it impacted his practice.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/art-world-horror-stories-man-one
Being a muralist is risky. From balancing on high-rise scaffolding to navigating busy public spaces, beautifying building facades comes with its own set of liabilities. There’s an art to recognizing potential hazards and putting necessary precautions in place, but unfortunately, accidents are bound to happen.
On today’s podcast episode, Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with muralist Amandalynn to discuss the artist’s unexpected fall from a scaffold earlier this year. Based in North Carolina, Amandalynn is a conservator and art director whose large-scale murals steep cities in lush botanicals and feminine magic, providing a brief escape from crude, masculine architecture and urban anxiety.
In March 2023, Amandalynn plummeted from the security of her painting scaffold while working on a client’s ceiling. “The first thing I thought when I opened my eyes was, ‘Why is there paint all over [my client’s] books?’” she tells Scott. “I wasn't comprehending why I was looking at books. Then I tried to move and realized that something was really wrong.”
The fall shattered Amandalynn’s ribs and pelvis. After a trip to the ICU, the muralist returned home, supported by friends, patrons, and a “circle of witches” who cared for Amandalynn during her recovery. “It was incredibly humbling to see everyone come together and donate to me,” she says. “People are still trying to give me money!”
Sometimes bad things happen to good artists, but Amandalynn proves there’s light at the end of a dark tunnel. In this episode, she shares the story of her terrible tumble, how it could have been prevented, and the challenges she faced during recovery. Tune into today’s special episode of Art World Horror Stories to hear how Amandalynn turned her trauma into a learning experience. “It has been pretty beautiful in the last year since I started back up again,” she says. “I've enjoyed my work a lot more.”
Key Points From This Episode:
- The story of the fall that took Amandalynn out of commission for six months.
- Ways that this accident could have been prevented (hint: it’s why guardrails exist!)
- Reasons that artists need personal liability insurance or worker’s compensation coverage.
- What the pain was like and why it looked like Amandalynn was covered in tar.
- How Amandalynn’s ambulance ended up in a ditch on the way to the ER.
- Why ending up in ICU was a godsend and how Dr. Axelrod screwed her back together.
- The “circle of witches” that cared for Amandalynn once she returned home.
- Radical acceptance and the importance of learning to ask for help.
- Insight into Amandalynn’s recovery process, which included rigorous physical therapy.
- Lessons that she took from this experience, including the value of slowing down.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/art-world-horror-stories-amandalynn
Does the name Keith Haring ring any bells? How about Jean-Michel Basquiat? In the 1980s, New York was home to some of the art world’s biggest celebrities. But what does this iconic era look like from the perspective of someone who never “made it”?
On today’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Brian Vincent and Heather Spore to discuss the duo’s latest documentary, Make Me Famous. Directed and edited by Brian and produced by Heather, the film follows the rise and fall of the East Village art scene from the unlikely perspective of Edward Brezinski, a decidedly un-famous neo-expressionist painter who worked alongside Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat but never quite reached the same levels of success.
“[There] was a duality that [artists like Edward Brezinski] had,” says Brian. “They both wanted to be famous and they also didn’t want to look like they were selling out.”
“We live in a world where money is so lifted up,” adds Heather. “You’re successful because you have money. We think there’s heroism in just giving your all to your art. We think that the world needs a little more of that right now. I think there’s inspiration in looking at a creative moment in American history, in New York City, in the ’80s, in the East Village, with this group of punk, angsty youth just trying to do something with their lives.”
In today’s episode, Brian and Heather open up about their project, unpacking why such a well-connected artist never became widely known. They also discuss the commodification of fame, the instrumental role that rare archival footage plays in Make Me Famous, and how the film creates a window into a pivotal moment in art history.
Key Points From This Episode:
- The kind of famous Edward Brezinski would be in today’s social media age.
- Fame as a commodity that artists could use to get more work.
- The Make Me Famous timeline and what it was like to work with artists rather than actors.
- How the concept for the film evolved (and how it was originally conceived of as a play).
- A look at the veritable treasure trove of archival footage that makes the film what it is.
- Some pivotal moments and surprising milestones in the making of Make Me Famous.
- From actors to filmmakers: a glimpse into Brian and Heather’s personal journeys.
- The punk do-it-yourself spirit of 1980s New York that the film encapsulates.
- How the story developed in multiple directions before zeroing in on Brezinski.
- Challenges that accompanied working with Brezinski’s close acquaintances.
- Some light-hearted speculation about what Brezinski would think of this film.
- Why the best advice Heather could have given her younger self is no advice.
- Making art history fun: the best compliment our guests received about the film.
- The inspiration that even non-art-lovers will take from Make Me Famous.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/make-me-famous
Yesterday, we published our first photo essay on ICONS: A Conversation with Legendary Graffiti Artists Prime and Man One. Moderated by NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power, the conversation between legendary L.A. graffiti artists Prime and Jose “Prime” Reza unfolded at Helms Bakery District in Culver City, CA, as part of the traveling exhibition Close to the Edge: The Birth of Hip-Hop Architecture.
On today’s podcast episode, we present the entire conversation between Scott, Prime, and Man One during the ICONS event on Sept. 15, 2023. The three longtime friends chat about the birth and evolution of graffiti in L.A., supplementing the conversation with personal stories about their experiences in the scene. “[Graffiti] has gotten a lot more attention as an art form,” says Jose “Prime” Reza, who flooded the gallery walls of Close to the Edge with his distinct hybrid of Cholo lettering and East Coast-style writing. “[Cholo writing was] my stepping stone into the arts,” he tells Scott. “It has opened my eyes with regard to what it is and what it was used for.”
Curated by Sekou Cooke, Close to the Edge: The Birth of Hip-Hop Architecture explores the rich world of hip-hop, from the movement’s fundamental elements, like emceeing and graffiti, to its lesser-known impact on design and architecture. The exhibition includes groundbreaking work from students, academics, and practitioners that’s rooted in hip-hop’s core ethos: identity, process, and aesthetics. The exhibition features experimental visualizations, installations, façade studies, building designs, and urban development proposals.
If you missed yesterday’s photo essay on the ICONS event, make sure to head that way now. Then pop on your headphones for an in-depth conversation on the intersection of hip-hop, graffiti, gentrification, and the urban environment of L.A.
Key Points From This Episode:
- Man One reflects on the impact that Prime’s work had on him as a young artist.
- What hip-hop means to each of our panelists: freedom of expression.
- The stories of how Man One and Prime got their names.
- Dispelling some common misconceptions about hip-hop.
- Insight into the relationship between graffiti artists and the urban environment.
- How public perception of graffiti has changed and the important role of education.
- The evolution of Los Angeles from the perspective of two of its OG graffiti artists.
- Ways that the city has come to embrace graffiti as public art.
- Gentrification as a double-edged sword and the role that artists play.
- Opportunities for developers to work with artists and include the community.
- A look at what Prime has written on the walls for Close to the Edge.
- Man One’s recent experience on assignment with the US Embassy in Nepal.
- The distinct lettering style that Prime uses and why it’s unique to LA.
- How Prime’s approach to his artistic practice has developed over the years.
- What the future of graffiti (in museums and on the streets) looks like.
- The relationship between images and language in Prime and Man One’s work.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/icons
Shifting gears into an art career can be an exhilarating but challenging task. While passion is a plus, this transition also demands discipline, hard work, and the right kind of encouragement from those around you. For Miles Regis, everything fell into place once the hard-working L.A. artist found support among a steadily growing roster of clients and collectors.
On today’s podcast, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Miles to discuss the painter’s path from entertainment executive to full-time artist at age 40. “A lot of my early collectors were actors and actresses, celebrities,” he says. “It was then a little bit easier for me to jump ship and become a full-time artist. I was actually encouraged by a few of my collectors to do it…that encouragement helped me make the leap.”
Miles’ story may highlight the importance of community, but the Trinidad-born artist stresses that success takes more than famous friends and collectors with deep pockets. “It doesn't matter what you do,” he says. “If you are to succeed at it, you have to put in the hours. End of story.”
In today’s episode, Miles shares some actionable advice for anyone who’s thinking about leaping into a creative career. He discusses leaning into your purpose, using transferable skills to your advantage, and the undeniable benefits of practice, practice, and more practice. If you’re serious about leaving your nine-to-five for a full-time arts career, learning to balance vision with industry practicalities is a necessity. Our conversation with Miles is designed to help listeners get started on the first leg of their journey into a career they love. For a few practical words of wisdom and a whole lot of inspiration from someone who believes “every action is an opportunity for creative self-expression,” tune into our conversation with the incomparable Miles Regis.
Key Points From This Episode:
- How Miles uses art to make sense of his reality (and how it’s made him a better parent).
- A look at his previous life as a headhunter in the entertainment industry.
- Insight into his transition from the corporate world to full-time artist.
- The encouragement and support Miles received from his early collectors.
- Multifaceted ways that he has expressed himself creatively since he was a kid.
- Why it’s so powerful to lean into your purpose and do what you love to do.
- The work ethic Miles inherited from his parents and how it has served him.
- Ways that his upbringing in Trinidad has influenced his creative practice.
- What moving to the US taught Miles about resilience and finding his tribe.
- His experience of race and racism in the US (and how it evolved once he had children).
- Some of the ways that he deals with inequality and social injustice in his work.
- Where you can see Miles’ work until the end of the year and beyond!
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/miles-regis
If you’re a longtime listener of our podcast, you already know NOT REAL ART strives to make art accessible to everyone—not just a privileged few. Today’s guest shares a similar mission: As the co-founder of UNREPD, a cutting-edge L.A. gallery that seeks to represent the underrepresented, Sarah Griffin offers a safe space for artists to sell their work without the pretense that comes with typical “white cube” galleries. “As long as we're doing what feels great, what we like, what we're excited about, that's how we stay on the right path,” she says.
In today’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Sarah Griffin to discuss the consultant’s ongoing work with marginalized artists and communities. “People have been told that there's a ‘right’ way to do [art],” she says. “Somewhere along the line, people are told that there's a way to make real art. There's a way to make good art. There's a way to look at art. There's a way to understand art. This is what you're supposed to feel about this artist because this is a good artist—all of that is bullshit. None of that is real.”
Sarah co-founded UNREPD in 2019 after she met Tricia Benitez Beanum, an estate sale specialist and interior stylist who owns the Pop Up Home vintage showroom. The two quickly bonded over their shared vision to advance the careers of overlooked artists by introducing them to a new collector base. “[Tricia and I] are both outsiders,” Sarah says. “Neither of us came through the art world. We think that that works to our benefit because we have something a little bit different to say.”
In this episode, Sarah explains how UNREPD sets itself apart from the cold, unfriendly galleries that intimidate artists and buyers alike. She also shares advice for emerging artists and waxes poetic about the artists who call UNREPD home. Don’t miss our conversation with a true trailblazer, gallerist Sarah Griffin.
Key Points From This Episode:
- How Sarah and Tricia discovered their mutual passion for representing the unrepresented.
- The different perspectives that they bring to the art world as “outsiders.”
- Why she believes that art should be about feeling, not knowing.
- The “buy it because you love it” approach that she takes with collectors.
- Reframing art as a necessity, not a luxury.
- How to find high-quality, original, affordable art that fits any budget.
- The special place that Chicago holds in Sarah’s heart.
- Overcoming the unique challenges that come with running a gallery like UNREPD.
- Ways that UNREPD sets itself apart from typical “white cube” spaces.
- Highlighting some of the incredible artists that Sarah is working with.
- Insight into how UNREPD has built its stable of artists.
- Why Sarah emphasizes that there is no “right” way to make or consume art.
- The role that relationship management plays for gallery owners.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/sarah-griffin
If you’ve spent any time in Los Angeles, you’re probably familiar with WRDSMTH. His iconic image of a vintage typewriter spitting out different sheets of inspirational text is almost as ubiquitous as the traffic. Born and raised in the Midwest, WRDSMTH relocated to LA to chase the dream like countless others, initially making the journey to join “the business” and write scripts for film and TV. Realizing he needed a hobby, he took to the streets and began stenciling, painting, and wheat-pasting for the fun of it. The rest, as they say, is history! Today, his work resonates with viewers from LA to San Francisco, New York to Melbourne, Auckland to Paris, London to Tokyo, and beyond. His most-memorable messages are inspired by the conversations he hears, the things he sees on a daily basis, and his personal journey from comic-book-kid to world-renowned-artist, which you’ll learn more about in today’s episode. Join us as WRDSMTH shares his take on making authentic connections, the importance of reinventing yourself as often as you can, and choosing the “paths that make you happy,” even if they’re considered unconventional. He also encourages listeners to dive into “pools of unknown” and advocates for rising together rather than scrambling over one another in our pursuit of success. If this conversation doesn’t inspire you to follow your dreams, nothing will! So, don’t miss this hour of wisdom and wit from the one, the only, WRDSMTH.
Key Points From This Episode:
- Insight into WRDSMTH’s trajectory, from writing scripts to writing on walls.
- Rising together: what he really means when it says it’s about “who you know.”
- WRDSMTH’s cookout approach to making connections in the LA art scene.
- How he brought what he loved about comic books and movies into his street art.
- The role of reinvention and why he encourages us to “dive into pools of unknown.”
- How Star Wars inspired WRDSMTH’s dream to become a writer.
- Why he loved the creative control that street art gave him.
- Being the black sheep and choosing an unconventional path to success.
- From vice to candy: some of the brands that WRDSMTH worked on as a copywriter.
- Why he believes you’re doing it wrong if you’re focused on the payout, not the journey.
- How he navigated the “sprawling” world of LA and started doing street art as a hobby.
- The correlation between commissions and building a career as an artist.
- A glimpse into WRDSMTH’s creative process and where he gets inspiration from.
- What the future holds for WRDSMTH (plus a sneak peek into his next book!)
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/WRDSMTH
If you decide to start an art publication from scratch, with virtually no capital, then you’d better make sure that resourcefulness is a skill you’re ready to master! Raised by hard-working immigrant parents, this was a non-issue for Victor Gonzalez, who co-founded GRØSS magazine when he was fresh out of college with few assets to speak of. Fast forward seven years, and Victor has made massive strides in building Grøss Creative Studio, a thriving media company also known as the GCS Agency. The GCS brand is currently home to two initiatives. There’s GRØSS, a contemporary art platform focused on creating space for creative talent, cross-pollination, and ingenuity. Then there’s Relish, a traveling art initiative empowering, connecting, and celebrating creative communities everywhere through a growing range of special projects. Tuning in today, you’ll learn all about Victor’s experiences as an entrepreneur, from establishing the GCS brand to honing his writing skills, and how his passion for art has helped him understand the needs of artists (and impacted the trajectory of his businesses). He also gives listeners a sneak peek into the art documentary he’s currently producing and expands on how it differs from more traditional forms of art media. Victor’s passion for art, connection, and community is truly infectious! Tune in to hear Victor’s perspective on everything from AI in the art world to building your brand.
Key Points From This Episode:
- Background on Victor, his love of art, and his entrepreneurial pursuits.
- His publication, GRØSS Magazine, and what motivated him to launch the GCS Agency.
- How the pandemic reinvigorated his passion for art and artists.
- Victor’s thoughts on why he struggles with identifying as an artist.
- Being the child of immigrant parents and the resourcefulness they instilled in him.
- Ways that Victor has honed his writing skills over the years.
- Starting a media company with virtually no capital and the art of wearing many different hats!
- The story behind the name, GRØSS.
- How he founded the Relish Traveling Art Program as a way to create community.
- Victor’s take on the current state of art media and art journalism.
- AI in the art world and how Victor has been using it for rapid ideation.
- A sneak peek at the art documentary that he’s is producing.
- Victor’s first anniversary with his wife and the “miraculous” story of how they met.
- Tips for artists on building their practice, their career, and their business,
- Some of the exciting upcoming plans for GRØSS and Relish.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/victor-gonzalez
Remote, Badir McCleary’s video series on public art, opens with an ambitious statement from the L.A.-based filmmaker: “In a world full of vibrant creativity and captivating stories, there are secrets waiting to be uncovered. From towering sculptures to interactive murals, each stroke and structure is a testament to the boundless imagination of artists who dared to dream big.”
Created in partnership with NOT REAL ART, Remote transports viewers to hidden corners of the globe, where public art ignites conversation, breathes life into forgotten neighborhoods, and transforms entire cities into living galleries. On today’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with longtime friend and collaborator Badir Mcleary to discuss the filmmaker’s interest in public art as a force for radical change.
“Public art was a great topic for this project,” Badir tells Scott. “You don't have to worry about galleries closing. People can easily access what we're talking about. It makes everyone feel included. It's not, ‘Oh. Well, you might have missed it,’ or ‘You had to have a ticket.’ No. You just go.”
“Desert X,” the series’ first installment, sees the filmmaker toting his camera to Coachella Valley in search of site-specific desert installations hiding in plain sight of L.A. “Even though [L.A.] is bustling with a bunch of creatives and creative things, [...] there's just so much more out there,” Badir says, explaining the idea behind Remote and its first episode. “I go to a lot of places in search of art, especially out and around California,” he continues. “There's a lot of stuff that's out in the deserts and just an hour or two drive right outside the city.”
The second episode in Badir’s Remote series, “Aesthetic Information as Public Art,” transports viewers to the filmmaker’s hometown of Philadelphia, where murals and markers shape the city’s cultural and historical identity. “Philly, for the most part, is a mural- and graffiti-heavy city, filled to the brim with art schools and universities but no true art scene,” says Badir, who now lives and works in L.A. “It has completely done a 180 turn since my youth by providing more opportunities for arts-based activities and mentorship for emerging artists.”
Want a preview of the third episode? Tune into today’s episode with Badir McCleary, who gives listeners a sneak peek into the incredible stories behind the Remote series.
Key Points From This Episode:
- Badir reflects on his experience of creating Remote (and why it doesn’t feel like work).
- How this project is helping him become a better storyteller.
- Ways that Remote has forced Badir to step outside of his comfort zone.
- Why the editing process is such a challenge, especially when it comes to content about art.
- The key to making videos that are impactful and keep viewers coming back for more.
- How viewers can use Remote as a guide to “what’s cool out there in art.”
- A sneak peek into episode two, which explores markers and murals in Philadelphia.
- The types of leaders that are vital to the survival of any creative community.
- Teasers for episodes three, four, five, and six of Remote!
- Questioning what happens to public art when it “comes inside.”
- How Remote is working towards the vision of making art accessible to everyone.
- The importance of feedback (and the positive responses that Badir has already received).
- Ways that Badir
As you read this sentence, Black Rock City is preparing to welcome Burners home for another year of jaw-dropping art and all-night dancing in the desert. That’s right, Burning Man 2023 is upon us! To celebrate, we’ve invited one of the most talented artists on the playa to chat about his annual contribution to the festivities—an artist so gifted that he, like Cher, only needs one name: Alice, mirror artist.
On today’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Alice to discuss the artist’s dream-inspired mirror sculptures. “I find a lot of inspiration for my own art in [my] dreams,” he says. “When you're patient, quiet, and attentive, then the dream will show you what you need to know.”
Based in Orange County, Alice first became interested in art as a child. While his formal education centers on automotive technology and music, Alice has a talent for what he calls “weird art”: large-scale, kaleidoscopic mirror sculptures that transport viewers into the fourth dimension. Right now, Alice is gearing up for Burning Man 2023, where his five-foot tall infinity mirror sculpture, “Tesseract,” will appear for the first time. Constructed from glass, mirror, and LEDs, “Tesseract” is another name for “hypercube,” or a fourth-dimensional cube. “A tesseract is to the cube what the cube is to the square,” says Alice, who hopes the “citizens of Black Rock City […] will immerse themselves deeply in the appreciation of the unknown fourth dimension.”
Heavily influenced by dreams, Alice is also a Dreamschool scholar with The School of Metaphysics, where he’s studying to become a dream interpreter. In this episode, Alice explains how dreams inspire his sculptures, help him solve creative challenges, and point him in the right direction. We also discuss the value of keeping a dream journal, then get a sneak peek at “Tesseract,” which Burners will be able to see on the playa later this year. “Anything that is possible can happen [at Burning Man and] has happened there,” Alice says. “It's like every holiday wrapped into one, for adults, for a week long.”
In Today’s Podcast Episode
Alice discusses…
- The story behind his name: from Nicholas Baumann to Nicky Alice to Alice
- His unique trajectory, from mechanic to band manager to artist
- Lucid dreaming, astral travel, the School of Metaphysics, and dream circles
- How he uses his dreams to follow signs from the universe
- How to manifest the answer to any challenge using dream incubation
- His dream journal and some tips for keeping your own
- Why he believes “being lost” is a part of your success
- The inspiration behind “Tesseract,” his installation for Burning Man 2023
- What Burning Man means to him and how it inspired him to create his own event
- Where to find Alice online (and at Black Rock City this year)
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/alice-mirror-artist
Known for its emphasis on figuration, surrealism, and pop culture, the New Contemporary Art movement has roots in the irreverent, high-energy counterculture of the ‘90s. Largely self-supported and community-driven, the movement has slowly taken shape beyond gallery walls, incorporating “lowbrow,” accessible, and socially-activated work by artists that tend to fall outside the mainstream.
On today’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Andrew Hosner of Thinkspace Projects to discuss the curator’s leading role in the New Contemporary Art movement. As the co-founder, curator, and owner of Thinkspace, Andrew is an authority on all things street art and L.A. subculture. “We're blessed to know a lot of people,” he says. “We’ve got our toe in the subculture. If we’re able to help be that mouthpiece that helps expand that bandwidth for those folks and get them seen by the general public and let them live their lives through their creativity and their God-given gifts and stuff like that, that's a pretty special thing.”
For nearly 20 years now, Andrew’s discerning eye for emerging talent, commitment to community building, and passion for pushing culture forward has resulted in an exceptional roster of lesser-known, mid-career, and established artists from all over the world (as well as a close-knit circle of loyal art-lovers that keep coming back for more). “In LA, a city that's probably got [a hundred things going on on any given night], we’re pretty blessed to have [so many people in] our community that are always showing up, month after month, to support us and our artists,” Andrew says. “We try to never lose sight of that.”
In this episode, Andrew gives us a glimpse into Thinkspace’s history, charting its unconventional trajectory from a passion project to an internationally acclaimed gallery space. Tuning in, you’ll learn how Thinkspace’s focus on collaboration and community benefits both the gallery and the artists it supports. Don’t miss our conversation with the visionary curator behind Thinkspace Projects, Andrew Hosner.
In Today’s Podcast Episode:
Andrew Hosner discusses…
- How Thinkspace found a foothold in the up-and-coming L.A. art scene
- The history behind the gallery and their unconventional approach
- The collaborative mindset that underpins Thinkspace’s marketing strategy
- How Thinkspace’s focus on community benefits both the gallery and its artists
- The gallery’s process for working with international artists and galleries
- Art as a spiritual product that benefits your health and well-being
- The juxtaposition of gentrification and economic development through art
- Why he refers to his ever-expanding art collection as a “roadmap”
- Insight into his approach as an art dealer: “If I wouldn’t buy it, I won’t try and sell it to you.”
- Why it's better to have art on the walls than money in the bank
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/andrew-hosner
Our individual and collective histories are made up of fragments of information and experiences that we piece together in different ways. According to former professional athlete, visual artist, and 2022 Not Real Art Grant winner Kiley Ames, these fragments can be re-arranged and re-interpreted to create our own perceptions of reality. Using small, distinct strokes of color to form an image from a distance, Kiley’s impressive painting technique evolved from the realization that “good art” isn’t necessarily photorealistic. In addition to her own studio practice, which also incorporates sculpture, drawing, printmaking, and photography, Kiley was a freelancer at Annie Leibovitz Studio for the better part of a decade. In today’s episode, we sit down with Kiley in her studio at the Beacon Arts Building to discuss the importance of being true to oneself, embracing duality, redefining success, and using art as a means to facilitate quiet discussions about serious issues. Kiley also shares how working with Annie Leibowitz taught her that even great artists don’t always get it right the first time, how humor (particularly Seinfeld) helps her cope, and why young artists need to learn to fall in love with the process, plus so much more! For Kiley, reinterpreting the fragments of her experiences thus far has allowed her to build a rewarding and fulfilling art career that isn’t restricted to one particular style or medium, and she encourages other artists to stay open to exploration, whatever form it takes. Tune in for a fascinating and uplifting conversation with the one and only Kiley Ames!
Key Points From This Episode:
- The welcoming community and support system that Kiley found at Beacon Arts Building.
- Challenges with networking in the art world and how Kiley has built relationships.
- Why it’s difficult to properly appreciate her paintings in pictures or online.
- How Kiley found her artistic voice and developed her unique visual style.
- Some insight into who Kiley is and how she embraces duality.
- What being a professional athlete taught her about discipline and redefining success.
- A look at Kiley’s creative process (which doesn’t involve sketchbooks!)
- Her most recent body of work and what it represents, and what she’s working on now.
- Kiley’s take on why lawmakers are focused on drag shows and not gun control.
- Ways that art can facilitate less combative discussions about very serious issues.
- Advice for navigating the art world, staying on budget, and applying for artist grants.
- The impact COVID had on Kiley as an artist, and how the ocean helped her personally.
- Lessons and personal reflections from Kiley’s experience of working with Annie Leibowitz.
- Words of wisdom for young artists: learn to fall in love with the process!
- Why artists shouldn't restrict themselves to just one medium.
- The stories that Kiley is trying to tell through her work and her approach to titles.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/kiley-ames
Did you know that the US government spends just $5 per person per year on the arts? Or that over 50 countries have a Department or Ministry of Culture, but the US doesn’t?
In fact, the US has less government support for the arts per person than any other developed nation. These uncomfortable truths surface in The Art of Making It(2021), a fascinating documentary that follows a diverse group of young artists as they navigate an increasingly fraught art-world ecosystem. Directed by Kelcey Edwards, The Art of Making It includes interviews with six artists—Jenna Gribbon, Gisela McDaniel, Chris Watts, Hilde Lynn Helphenstein, Sebastian Errazuriz, and Felipe Baeza—at pivotal points in their careers.
On today’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power discusses The Art of Making It, unpacking what the film gets right, where it flounders, and how it could’ve done better. “[The film] did a fabulous job of celebrating the world we love, some of the artists, and the art that we love,” says Scott on the documentary’s high points. “It did a great job of level setting, and being relatable and relevant to those of us who sometimes might think we're crazy that we're in this business. But nope, everybody is feeling the same pain. Everybody’s dealing with the same problems and challenges. It was a wonderful movie in terms of watching very fashionable, presumably smart, and successful people talk about something that we all love: art, artists, the art world, and all the problems that vex us and stress us out.”
Scott goes on to discuss his main criticism of The Art of Making It: “It did a horrible job of offering any viable, real solutions to the problem or innovations for the problem,” he says. “That is where this movie fails miserably. It does a fantastic job of bringing the problems, identifying the problems, [and] clarifying the problems. It does a horrible job of offering any possible solutions whatsoever.”
Still, the film has valuable art-world insights for those in need of a refresher. “If you haven't seen The Art of Making It, you need to see it,” says Scott in his final verdict. “It should be required watching for anybody that works in the art world.”
Key Points From This Episode:
- A look at some of the amazing cast and crew behind The Art of Making It.
- What The Art of Making It did incredibly well (and what it didn’t do so well).
- Scott unpacks his main critique of the film: many problems, no solutions!
- The reason why there tends to be very little disruption in the art world.
- Why the art world needs to evolve, innovate, and become more accessible.
- How The Art of Making It could have done a better job of inspiring change.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/the-art-of-making-it
Today on the Not Real Art Podcast, we have a veritable virtuoso among us! At just 16 years old, Los Angeles-based Tex Hammond is already deeply embedded in the art world following sold-out shows, featured work in HBO’s The Hype, and a prominent review in the LA Times. While his career thus far may have been relatively short, you’ll discover that it is certainly not lacking in depth or accomplishment! Inspired by things like graffiti, music, and video games, Tex incorporates these pop culture interests into each of his unique abstract pieces, which include a variety of mediums from oil paint to collage. With a focus on upcycling and repurposing unconventional materials, his eco-conscious work takes a definitive approach to modernizing classic genres and giving “trash” a second life and has garnered the attention of a growing community of fans. In this episode, Tex offers some insight into his practice, his rapidly maturing talent, and the trajectory of his artistic career. He also has some very astute things to say about the importance of being true to your vision as an artist and the correlations between fame and success, as well as what it means to find your purpose, the role of emotional reactions in art, and more. To be inspired by this articulate conversation with the highly energetic and generous Tex Hammond, be sure to tune in today!
Key Points From This Episode:
- How Tex is constantly innovating and exploring new mediums as his practice matures.
- Ways that he upcycles and repurposes unconventional materials.
- When he first knew that he was an artist and the role his mom has played in his career.
- An understanding of what Tex means when he refers to his “spiritual hand.”
- Insight into the special, supportive relationship he has with his mom.
- The story of how Tex was first “discovered” after his first show in LA.
- Why Tex believes that being true to your vision is important.
- How his work takes inspiration from classic art genres.
- Whether or not Tex identifies with being an “old soul” or “mature for his age.”
- His opinion of AI, social media, trending content, and the state of the world.
- How Tex uses painting as a form of escape from the chaotic world around him.
- Reflecting on privacy versus fame in relation to success.
- What Tex believes it means to find your purpose and elicit an emotional response.
- His growing interests in travel, architecture, film, and more.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/tex-hammond
What’s the best way to spark meaningful social transformation? Today’s guest, Dr. Ashfaq Ishaq, believes he has an answer: “If you are looking at social justice or equity or the environment, [creativity and empathy are important for all of these things],” he says. “Through the arts, we can cultivate creativity and grow mutual empathy.”
On today’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Dr. Ashfaq Ishaq to discuss his role as founder and executive chairman of the International Child Art Foundation (ICAF), an organization that fosters the imagination of children and infuses it with empathy. The ICAF organizes and produces several programs intended to create the next generation of empaths, including their flagship after-school program, Arts Olympiad, and the World Children’s Festival, a three-day celebration of creativity, diversity, and unity.
“The [World Children’s Festival] should be such a positive experience that it becomes transformative for the children,” says Dr. Ishaq. “Only a positive, transformative experience can wash away the adverse childhood experiences that a child may have suffered from – These children see each other and they can co-imagine and co-create art and communicate with each other through the universal language of art so that they can become empowered to disrupt the generational transmission of trauma.”
In today’s episode, Dr. Ishaq shares the ICAF’s origin story, what it means to foster future generations of creative empaths, and how the universal language of art can empower children to disrupt generational trauma. Scott and Dr. Ishaq also discuss the role of sports and STEM programs in holistic education, why we should be a nation of creators rather than consumers, and what you can do to support “a brighter, more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future.”
Tune into today’s episode with Dr. Ashfaq Ishaq for a fascinating conversation about coloring outside the lines.
Key Points From This Episode:
- Insight into Ashfaq’s vision and the work ICAF does to democratize creativity.
- How empathy makes creativity morally positive rather than morally neutral.
- Ways that ICAF seeks to address serious issues like transgenerational trauma.
- Why Ashfaq believes that we don’t value children’s creativity as a society.
- Capitalism as an outdated model and why we need to build a nation of empathic creators.
- What inspired Ashfaq’s interest in creativity and how ICAF counters the “fourth-grade slump.”
- The power of imagination and holistic STEAMS education that includes art and sports.
- What it means to develop a nation of creators rather than consumers.
- The need for imagination and creativity in order to use AI effectively.
- A look at why Ashfaq says that he is “disappointed in American artists.”
- An overview of his background in economics and what led him to create ICAF.
- How imagination enhances human discovery in a creative-empathic future.
- The importance of expanding on our overly simplistic definition of creativity.
- Benefits of cultivating design-thinking and collective creativity in corporations.
- Ways that you can support the International Child Art Foundation.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/ashfaq-ishaq
Some artists are rebels at heart. Today’s guest, Jo-Ann Morgan, found her inner iconoclast as professor emeritus of African American studies and art history at Western Illinois University. Jo-Ann is also a professional fiber artist and one among six winners of NOT REAL ART’s 2022 artist grant. Established in 2019, the grant is awarded annually to six working artists who push the boundaries of what’s possible in the art world. Today, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Jo-Ann Morgan to discuss the evocative fiber work that netted her a spot as one of last year’s grant winners.
“I usually don't like to talk about work until it's done,” says Jo-Ann, whose elaborate wall hangings are lovingly stitched in remembrance of violence victims. Works like “Daddy Changed the World” and “Elegy for Elijah” commemorate George Floyd and Elijah McClain, who both recently died at the hands of police in separate encounters. Similarly, "Lady Corona Comforts the Children" depicts a maternal apparition who watches over the children separated from their parents at the US/Mexico border.
“There's always something going on that is worthy of remembering,” says Jo-Ann, who adopted her signature social justice art after becoming an art historian. “I learned a lot from researching the African American artists of the late sixties,” she says, explaining her urge to rebel against the dominant “Western traditions” typically taught in art school. The artists she studied as a historian made a concerted effort to avoid “Neoclassical art, to develop their own vocabulary, way of working, themes, subject matter that was germane to the African American experience.”
A full-time working artist, Jo-Ann is also the author of The Black Arts Movement and the Black Panther Party in American Visual Cultureand Uncle Tom’s Cabin as Visual Culture. Tune into today’s episode with Jo-Ann Morgan to hear about the artist’s ongoing series of wall hangings intended to honor the 19 student victims at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas.
Key Points From This Episode:
- Introducing visual artist and NOT REAL ART grant winner, Jo-Ann Morgan.
- How Jo-Ann returned to artmaking during the pandemic.
- What drew her to apply for the NOT REAL ART Grant.
- Jo-Ann’s art background and why she feels compelled to rebel against Western art standards.
- What she learned from researching African American artists of the late sixties.
- How the art world has evolved since Jo-Ann studied fine art.
- Insight into Jo-Ann’s art-making process.
- What drew her to the world of academia and teaching art history.
- Her journey from artmaking to academia and back.
- How the Black Lives Matter movement inspired the content of her art.
- Jo-Ann describes her piece, Elegy for Elijah.
- Why she typically doesn’t like to talk about work until it's complete.
- The collection she’s working on in honor of the 19 child victims of the Uvalde school shooting.
- Jo-Ann elaborates on her creative process and workflow.
- An observation about her fellow art history...
Some people are problem-solvers by nature. With 15 years of experience in the tech industry and a background in art business, today’s guest, Badir McCleary, knows how to fix nearly any problem the art world throws at him.
On today’s podcast, host Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Badir—a longtime friend of NOT REAL ART—to discuss how the entrepreneur’s problem-solving skills helped him forge a unique, multifaceted career in the arts. Growing up, Badir was “really good at taking things apart and putting them back together,” a skill his parents cultivated at every opportunity. “That gave me the confidence that I could get into something and problem-solve,” he says early in the interview. “That’s where my creativity in tech and also my problem-solving in art comes from.”
Based in Los Angeles, Badir is the founder of Art Above Reality, a full-service art consulting and curatorial firm focused on “vision, history, and people.” In 2015 he co-founded Gallery 38, a contemporary gallery that catered to artists of color, along with the Gallery 38 Mural Program, which brought those same artists into the community. With a background in curating, consulting, and writing, Badir is uniquely positioned to face the challenges of a changing industry. Above all, he champions soft skills, like respect, leadership, and the ability to listen: “I pride myself on being that type of person,” he says. “Always being able to listen. Someone always has something to teach you.”
In today’s episode, Badir elaborates on the skills he learned while earning his MA in art business from Sotheby’s Institute of Art. He also shares his thoughts on the distinction between public art and “real art,” the importance of creating opportunities for artists to be seen, and how artist-run spaces allow artists to establish new definitions of art.
While Badir is already a near and dear friend, we’re excited to announce he’ll join us as a collaborator on the production of Video Stories, an upcoming new series from NOT REAL ART. Tune into the episode to find out more about Video Stories and hear our conversation with the always fascinating Badir McCleary.
Key Points From This Episode:
- The immense value of listening and continuous learning.
- How Badir’s tech background informs the way he serves those in the art world.
- Insight into his career journey and the story of when he first fell in love with art.
- Badir’s ability to appreciate, analyze, and provide solutions to problems in the art world.
- What the Sotheby’s Institute taught him about art history, business, and management.
- The importance of having a common language to truly communicate and connect.
- Reflecting on the role of etiquette, responsibility, and respect in the art world.
- What the words “create what you want to create” mean to Badir.
- Exploring the distinction between public art and so-called real art.
- A look at Video Stories, the collaborative project Badir is creating with Not Real Art.
- How Not Real Art and the Not Real Art Grant provide artists with “opportunities to be seen.”
- Why Badir is in favor of artist-run spaces that allow artists to define art for themselves.
- Bonding over our shared love for educating and enlightening art lovers.
- Why it’s important to check your prejudices at the door: not all collectors wear Gucci!
- What to expect from Video Stories, which showcases Badir’s love for public art.
For more information, please visit...
Pablo Picasso once said, “Everything you can imagine is real.” But today’s guest believes that it takes more than simply having a dream; you have to create it into reality. Mary Lai is a Los Angeles based artist, designer, and tireless source of positive energy. She creates vibrant contemporary paintings, mixed media art, digital art, large-scale murals, and most recently, sculptures that bring a smile to all who view them. Prior to her career in visual art, Mary was a seasoned designer who built a decade-long career in NYC as a fashion accessories designer, including an award-winning eponymous handbag collection. In this episode, Mary shares her experience as an artist-in-residence at the W Hotel in Westwood, Los Angeles where she recently launched her characteristically colorful installation, Unlock Your Dreams. Blending inspirational fantasy with elements of playful nostalgia, Unlock Your Dreams celebrates the power of inclusivity and lifting one another up, and speaks to the power of following one’s own path, which is exactly what Mary encourages listeners to do. She believes that all our dreams can come true when we create the right doors and opportunities for ourselves. As she says in her artist statement, “The key to manifesting a dream is by daily actions.” Tune in as Mary sheds light on her creative journey thus far and highlights the importance of community, collaboration, and failing your way to success, plus so much more!
Key Points From This Episode:
- How the opportunity to be an artist-in-residence at the W came about.
- Why artists need to learn to “wear multiple hats.”
- Finding a balance between commercial and conceptual art.
- Dispelling the misconceptions that many artists have about overnight success.
- Insight into Unlock Your Dreams, the theme for the body of work Mary created for the W.
- Why Mary believes it’s important to lift other artists up and showcase their work.
- A behind-the-scenes look at the process of creating work for this artist-in-residence program.
- The inspiration for Mary’s Dream Portal sculpture, which employs augmented reality.
- Benefits of collaborating with other artists to bring your vision to life.
- What it means to be an artist-in-residence (and whether it included a stay in the penthouse!).
- How Mary’s graphic design experience influences her artmaking practice.
- Artists as magicians and the emotion and soul it brings to their work.
- Why having journalist Lisa Ling at the opening night was so special for Mary.
- Art as an essential service that reflects the culture of the time it was created.
- A look at Mary’s high school experience and when she knew she was going to be an artist.
- What’s next for Mary, where you can see her work, her definition of success, and more!
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/mary-lai
If you’re a regular listener of the Not Real Art Podcast, you’ll likely agree that art has the ability to educate, entertain, provoke thought, and illicit a wide range of emotions. Today’s guest believes that, as long as you can make a viewer feel something, you’re on the right path! Joining us is Michael Massenburg, an African American teaching artist and community organizer. Born in San Diego, raised in South Central Los Angeles, and based in Inglewood, Micheal says that he began his career at the Watts Towers Arts Center in Los Angeles, influenced by the Watts Rebellion, the Black Art Movement of the 1960s, and the 1992 Los Angeles Uprising. His socially-informed practice speaks to historical, cultural, and personal narratives and incorporates a diverse range of materials, combining painting, collage, photography, and assemblage to explore the African diaspora experience in the Americas. Michael is also what you would call an “artivist” (or an art activist), devoting much of his time to art education, lectures, and community organizing. In today’s episode, Michael shares how travel helped shape his perspective, why he believes that he was called to be an artist, and why labels like “Black art” are important. We also discuss how his former arts organization, The Collective, carried the torch for Black artists, and why Michael believes that artists and educators can be a voice for those who have had their own voices suppressed. Tune in for all this and more!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Memories from Michael’s childhood and how his upbringing inspired his love for travel.
- Some of the first journeys he made as an artist, including a life-changing trip to Haiti.
- The “three Americas:” Indigenous people, immigrants, and those brought over as property.
- How traveling shifted Michael’s perspective on what it means to be an African born in America.
- Spiritual Nature, Michael’s exhibition about the African diaspora experience in the Americas.
- Why he chooses to create work about community, family, sociopolitical issues, and history.
- Unpacking Michael’s belief that artists and educators are the voice of the people.
- The story of how he realized that he was called to be an artist.
- How Michael gained his knowledge of business and entrepreneurship.
- The influence that Charles White had on Michael’s decision to study at Otis.
- How The Collective carried the torch for Black artists who are no longer with us.
- Michael’s take on the significance of labels like “Black art.”
- An experience in Barcelona that made Michael recognize art as a common language.
- A look at the Future of Dreams project that he created with a collaborator in Columbia.
- The importance of traveling “without entitlement.”
- Ways that Michael believes artists can minimize the problems of the world.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/michael-massenburg
One essential trait that differentiates us from animals is creativity—you could say it’s what makes us human. Today’s podcast guest believes creativity not only cultivates connection, better health, and critical thinking but can also “help humanity save itself.”
In today’s episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power introduces 2022 NOT REAL ART grant winner Ellamaria Foley-Ray, a visionary artist who combines ceramics, literature, anthropology, and quilt-making to magical effect. The annual grant, established in 2019, provides financial backing and creative support to working artists across the US who challenge the meaning of “real art.”
“[The phrase] ‘not real art’ has Western, colonial, oppressive tones that define some creatives as legitimate art-makers and the rest of us as imposters who fail at making ‘real art,’” says Ellamaria, whose work explores African culture across the continent and throughout the diaspora. Treating clay like cloth, the professor of African American studies and visual anthropology creates ceramic quilt sculptures that chronicle the rich history of African art, expression, and storytelling the world over. “When I carefully listen to my internal ancestral voices and consider ways to bring clay to cloth, I’m no longer interested in making ‘real art,’ but in creating ceramic quilts that touch viewers from the inside out,” she continues.
As both a visual artist and anthropologist, Ellamaria strives to educate viewers on the complex cultural aesthetic of Africans across the globe in the 21st century. The Denver artist incorporates quilting into her practice “as a way to talk to ancestral women,” who were considered keepers of the domestic craft. Instead of traditional cloth, Ellamaria sculpts with clay because it speaks to her soul: “I am using clay because that is how I write the narratives I tell,” she says.
Viewing artmaking as a “portal to healing,” Ellamaria encourages adults to “come home” to their creativity: “Life is calling us to come back to that space where we are creating beauty, to come home to who we are as poets, novelists, playwrights, dancers, comedians, sculptors, and painters,” she says before adding, “Life is calling us to do this in an attempt to help humanity save itself.”
Tune into today’s episode on the player below to hear our conversation with NOT REAL ART grant winner Ellamaria Foley-Ray.
In Today’s Episode
Ellamaria Foley-Ray discusses…
- Winning the NOT REAL ART grant and her subsequent plans for the award
- Her current body of work, which is inspired by civil rights leader Rachel Noel and writer Octavia Butler
- The power of ancestry, storytelling, and creativity for healing
- How her deep emotional connection to clay began
- How she balances teaching with studio time
- Why the pandemic brought so many people back to their creativity
- Her advice for staying healthy, safe, and curious
- How art and fiction offer opportunities to solve social justice problems
- The ceramic quilt she wants to make next
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/ellamaria-foley-ray
Is the term artist simply assigned to those who enjoy creative expression, or is there more to it? Whatever your definition of an artist is, it’s possible that it celebrates a limited few while excluding others, including yourself. In today’s auditorial, Not Real Art founder and host Scott “Sourdough” Power is back to weigh in on a topic that has been on his mind for quite some time; what does it really mean to be an artist? And how do you know if you are one? Tuning in, you’ll find out why the question, “Are you an artist?” has made Sourdough squeamish in the past and hear his take on some of the common attributes that “artists with a capital A” share. From viewing the world differently to aspiring beyond the status quo, feeling called to create, having a human-centered ethos, and being inherently curious, here are 10 reasons why Sourdough is, in fact, an artist (and you may be too)!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Why even Sourdough’s view of what a “real artist” is can be seen as conservative.
- An artist’s complicated relationship with imposter syndrome.
- How artists see the world through a unique lens.
- Reasons that many artists dislike or distrust the status quo.
- Why profit is a secondary motivation for artists.
- What it might mean if you enjoy being around art and artists.
- The empathetic artist’s tendency to find human greed incomprehensible.
- An argument for why artists are global citizens.
- Why you don’t have to go to art school to be an artist!
- Artists as innately open-minded, curious, and discerning.
- The compulsion to create that drives many artists.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/10-reasons-why-i-am-an-artist
“Anybody can be a collector of beautiful things,” says Michael Hawley, who heads the Getty Museum Photographs Council (GMPC), a donors’ group that helps the museum acquire work from underrepresented artists. The world of art collection and custodianship is historically elitist, so it’s no wonder many people find the idea of simply entering a gallery intimidating. An established collector himself, Michael reassures would-be collectors that art is for everyone and anyone can be a collector with the right mindset.
On today’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Michael to discuss the curator’s avid love of art and his mission to democratize ownership for collectors of all different incomes. “We're very interested in this democratization of art,” Michael says of the Photographic Arts Council Los Angeles, where he is also a sitting chairperson. To draw in a younger audience, the council recently instituted an affordable membership level for educators and students of all ages. “We don't want it to be or feel elitist,” he continues.
Michael shares pieces of his personal story, describing how his growing art collection led to a position with the Getty: “Some of the curators from the Getty came and saw [my collection] and thought it was interesting, and the way that I collected was interesting, and what I collected was interesting, and asked me to be part of the Photographs Council,” he tells Scott. Michael also chats about the intersection of art and AI, the role of NFTs in democratizing art, and how to get a collection started on a budget.
This episode is dedicated to anyone who’s ever felt too intimidated to start an art collection. To start your collection with confidence, tune in to our fascinating conversation with Michael Hawley, who firmly believes “art is for everyone.”
In Today’s Episode
Michael Hawley discusses…
- The story behind the first piece in his collection
- His personal approach to art collecting
- Why philanthropy and support for the arts and are so important
- How to become a collector on whatever budget you’re working with
- His advice for collectors intimidated by high-end galleries
- The premise and purpose behind the Photographic Arts Council Los Angeles
- The specific challenges that go along with democratizing art
- Why collecting art is really a form of self-care
- The contemporary artists he’s particularly excited about right now
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/michael-hawley
Was the iconic Roy Lichtenstein a great artist, a thief, or both? This is the question posed by Whaam! Blam! Roy Lichtenstein and the Art of Appropriation, a documentary film directed and produced by today’s podcast guest, James L Hussey.
“When I set out to make [the film], I viewed it as a very straightforward, intellectual, technical film about appropriation,” says James, who released the film in November 2022. “When is it OK? When is it not OK? What surprised me and surprised audiences is that [it turned] into a human-interest story.” On today’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with James to discuss Whaam! Blam!, Lichtenstein’s legacy, and the thin line between appropriation and plagiarism.
A key figure in the Pop Art movement of the 1960s, Lichtenstein borrowed directly from comic books, advertisements, and historical art sources to create bold, graphic paintings. His recognizable works are housed in the world’s finest galleries and can fetch upwards of $150 million a piece—but some see him as nothing more than a plagiarist. “[Whaam! Blam! raises] this question about appropriation and whether what Lichtenstein did was right or wrong,” James tells Scott. “Like so many things, it’s not always black and white. There’s a lot of gray.”
Today, James shares stories from the last living comic artists Lichtenstein copied from, and why they’re unhappy about it: “[The art world] very casually refers to the original comic art as ‘low art,’ while almost an exact copy of it, blown up and hanging in the Tate Modern, is [considered] ‘high art,’” James says, explaining that some of these comics toiled in obscurity, below the poverty line. Tune in for our thought-provoking conversation with James L Hussey on plagiarism, appropriation, and giving artists credit where credit is due.
Watch the trailer for Whaam! Blam! Roy Lichtenstein and the Art of Appropriation hereor rent the documentary via Amazon.
In Today’s Episode
James L Hussey discusses…
- His personal (and eclectic) comic book and art collection
- What led him from politics to documentary filmmaking
- The evolution of Whaam! Blam! from intellectual documentary to human interest story
- Why he sees working on Whaam! Blam! as “a great privilege”
- How appropriation differs from plagiarism, and the often fine line between the two
- Whether or not Lichtenstein was a product of the ‘60s, when attribution wasn’t common
- The relationship between the commercialism of art and its legitimacy
- How the art world distinguishes between low and high art
- What most people don’t understand about intellectual property rights
- The documentary project he wants to tackle next
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/james-hussey
“My art has become my way to play,” says photographer Y Hope Osborn, who “never had any art education” but grew up with a camera in her hand.
In today’s podcast episode, the 2022 NOT REAL ART grant winner sits down with our host, Scott “Sourdough” Power, to talk about the healing power of art, writing, and play. “As a child, I was so stifled by abuse that I didn’t know how to play,” Hope says. “I didn’t know how to be a child. You’d put these toys in front of me and I’m like, ‘They’re just things, I’m supposed to do what with them?’ And it didn’t make any sense or mean anything in my world.”
Hope, an Arkansas-based writer and self-taught photographer, describes her art as a form of play, an outpouring of expression, and a tool to transcend the trauma she experienced as a child: “Now I have this freedom,” she says, “even in bad health and in still dealing with trauma and everything, I have this freedom to be creative and play in my art. Whether it's in my digital, abstract art or in finding a creative perspective of an old building.”
Taking us back to her childhood, Hope chats about her interest in photography as a timeless medium—“moments slip by so fast and memory slips by so fast but photographs can last for centuries”—and expands on her fascination with old buildings and barns. "I can't tell you how many times I passed barns without a second or even first glance,” Hope says of Roundup, a digital photographic series that impressed NOT REAL ART grant panel judges during the 2022 cycle. “Now I notice these ordinary structures for the extraordinary variety of architecture from unnamed architects, and for being stalwarts of the rural. When all else falls, these rural stalwarts stand.”
To Hope, art is freedom and safety all at once, a tool for both deep catharsis and lighthearted experimentation. Tune in to this week’s episode with photographer Y Hope Osborn to hear an inspiring story about courage, creativity, and resilience.
In Today’s Podcast Episode
Y Hope Osborn discusses…
- Why she was drawn to photography at a young age
- How art and writing helped the artist reclaim her childhood
- The subject matter that inspires both her photography and writing
- The healing role the natural world plays in her life
- How writing supports creative and critical thinking, and why it’s a valuable skill
- Why focusing too heavily on STEM subjects is a disservice to society
- Why artists should speak about and promote their work publicly
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/y-hope-osborn
It’s no revelation that success is the sum of preparation and opportunity, yet it’s always inspiring to witness the philosophy in action. Today we are joined by artist Ezra Brown to discuss his artistic journey. Ezra has been creating tirelessly since childhood, but it wasn’t until the global pandemic struck that he was able to push his art to the top and finally drop his nine-to-five. In this episode, we hear about Ezra’s revolutionary approach to art and the way he humanizes classic iconography to appeal to people’s raw emotions. In this episode, we discuss everything from parenthood and the dangers of social media to the overlap of the art world and the collectible toy market. Ezra’s journey demonstrates the power of perseverance and the value of challenging the norm. Tune in to hear how Ezra got to where he is today and what he has planned for the future!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Artist Ezra Brown’s internal battle prior to the pandemic.
- How the pandemic propelled his artistic journey and career.
- How people connect to the expression of raw feelings.
- The exaggerated narratives portrayed on social media and national news.
- The challenge of being a parent in the age of social media.
- How Ezra’s family inspired his artistic career.
- The trajectory of his life as an artist.
- Ezra’s collaboration with Tenacious Toys.
- The overlap of the art world and the collectible toy market.
- The reward of Ezra’s perseverance.
- His instinct to challenge the status quo and create memorable experiences.
- The explosion of experiential and immersive art.
- The consequence of choice and the fame delusion.
- Insight into Ezra’s show at Thinkspace Gallery.
- Ezra’s future goals and plans.
- The pivotal players in his career.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/ezra-brown
For 48 years, the quick-witted comedians, writers, and actors of Saturday Night Live (SNL) have inspired both belly laughs and giddy tears. Whether broadcasting John Belushi’s cartwheels, Will Ferrell’s cowbell routine, or Tina Fey’s biting commentary on Weekend Update, the long-running show has guided multiple generations through cultural changes with humor and professionalism.
In today’s auditorial episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power recounts a recent, once-in-a-lifetime experience: attending a taping of SNL at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Scott shares his observations on the big night, reflecting on the collaborative spirit between cast and crew that contributes to the show’s lasting impact. “I was so moved by the level of precision, commitment, and practice that was essential and necessary to create the best-in-class cultural, creative institution,” Scott says in the episode.
An important part of SNL’s unrivaled execution, according to Scott, is the artful leadership of producer Lorne Michaels. “One of the things I observed is [...] Lorne on the floor, quietly making his presence known, showing support, nudging and prodding where needed, but calm, cool, [and] collected,” Scott notes. He also touches on focus, discipline, passion, mutual respect, and gratitude, virtues that have sustained SNL’s creative momentum through the decades: “You’ve got to be passionate in what you’re doing because you can’t be focused, disciplined, or have integrity without it.”
Find out how you can apply the same virtues to your life and craft by tuning in to the episode on the player below. Though Scott praises the cast and crew at SNL, he also offers his listeners some practical tips based on his experience at Studio 8H: “If you want to compete at the highest levels in whatever art form or whatever business or organization you’re in, you absolutely need to be disciplined.” Step up your creative game with Scott’s thoughts on timing, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.
In Today’s Podcast Episode
Scott “Sourdough” Power discusses…
- SNL’s lasting legacy as a creative institution
- Former and current SNL cast members
- The overall level of professionalism permeating everything at Studio 8H
- The seamless transitions between scenes, despite little preparation time
- The incredible behind-the-scenes teamwork at SNL
- The mutually respectful environment and gratitude he observed
- Lorne Michaels’ undeniable leadership
- Why great risk is required for great reward
- How to perform at a higher level of excellence
- Why it’s important to celebrate accomplishments
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/saturday-night-live
Introducing First Friday Exhibitions, a Not Real Art exhibition series designed to inspire you with the artwork and artists we love. For this atypical episode, we’re joined by our Editor-in-Chief, Morgan Laurens, who is here to shed some light on our 2023 online exhibition program. Opening on the first Friday of every month and exploring diverse themes like art and the environment or the power and complexity of love on the cusp of an increasingly unsettled future, these online exhibitions feature a variety of carefully selected works from leading lights in the creative industry. This program helps us fulfill our mission and purpose to amplify the voices of artists by enabling them to tell their stories and promote their work in the most accessible way possible, and we’re so excited to share it with you! Tuning in today, you’ll get the lowdown on First Friday Exhibitions past and present. Morgan also offers us an exclusive sneak peek into what we have in store for you for the rest of the year, plus so much more, so make sure not to miss this illuminating conversation with our very own Morgan Laurens!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Insight into the past and present First Fridays Exhibition program.
- Standouts from our first online exhibition, which featured Not Real Art Grant winners.
- A curatorial overview of Women in Love, our second exhibition of the year.
- What you can expect from Art and the Environment in April.
- Hilary Baker and other artists that Morgan has worked with on this program thus far.
- A sneak peek of Sugar Rush, a “feast for the eyes” coming in May!
- Sourdough and Morgan reflect on their favorite Midwestern treats.
- Highlights from the exhibition program for the rest of the year.
- How the December exhibition will celebrate our very favorite art from 2023.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/morgan-laurens
Food and the environment are inextricably linked—everything we eat has a footprint. Since the 1950s, industrialized food production and modern-day overconsumption have contributed to climate change, environmental degradation, and economic depression. Still, many innovators are working to find sustainable ways to feed the world's population.
Food as a means to create positive change has long inspired Taiji Terasaki, a Japanese American artist and activist based in Hawaii. Raised in a family of scientists and creatives, Taiji combines the best of both worlds to create work across a wide variety of mediums. From large-scale installations to pioneering “mist” photography, Taiji’s cutting-edge presentations emphasize the urgency and importance of environmental conservation.
On today’s podcast, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power chats with Taiji about the artist’s mission to improve life on Earth for all its inhabitants. “Believe me, I never dreamed I would be an activist,” Taiji tells NOT REAL ART. “I never dreamed that I would be [sharing] my opinion on a podcast, but what I’m learning is [how artists] can find a voice.” Taiji also discusses his latest project, Recipes to Nourish Communities, an interactive mural on display at the Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles’ recently renovated headquarters. The mural invites viewers to consider food as nourishment for the body, a direct exchange between themselves and their environment. “I really believe that the visual arts should make a difference in our world and what our future will become,” Taiji says.
Join us today as Taiji and Scott discuss the most pressing issues of our time: food insecurity, the organizations that seek to tackle it, and the ultimate resilience of the natural world. “When you see what nature is capable of, how it can rebound, it is amazing,” Taiji tells Scott. Don’t miss this crucial conversation on the health and wellbeing of planet Earth.
In Today’s Podcast Episode
Taiji Terasaki discusses…
- What artists and scientists have in common
- How an unconventional childhood impacted his innovative art practice
- Why raising his own children forced him to consider the world they’ll inherit
- His advice for building a studio team and taking criticism from gallerists
- How Recipes to Nourish Communities tackles food insecurity in LA
- The four organizations that benefit from Recipes to Nourish Communities
- The concept of rewilding and the importance of biodiversity in food production
- Why he ultimately feel positive about climate change and our ability to stem its rising tide
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/taiji-terasaki
While not all entrepreneurs are artists, all artists looking to make a living or at least generate income from selling their work are entrepreneurs. Despite this fact, few artists have invested in their business skillset, and while there are tools and resources that artists can use, there are hardly any designed specifically for artists. To discuss this issue, we are joined by the one and only Theresa Hubbard, CEO of Fractured Atlas. This non-profit technology company provides artists with the business tools and guidance they need to thrive. Serving both individual artists and arts organizations at every level of the cultural ecosystem, Fractured Atlas provides artist-specific fundraising and educational resources and personalized support. This makes the journey “from inspiration to living practice” much more accessible and equitable, allowing artists to devote their time and effort to doing what they do best: making art! In this episode, you’ll learn about the benefits of fiscal sponsorship for artists, the labor movement in the arts, why artists should view one another as resources rather than competition, and so much more. As you’ll discover, Fractured Atlas is all about empowering artists, something Not Real Art strongly values! To find out more, be sure to tune in today.
Key Points From This Episode:
- How Fractured Atlas addresses the lack of tools designed specifically for artists.
- Insight into who Fractured Atlas are, where they come from, and where they’re going.
- Defining fiscal sponsorship and how it removes barriers for artists.
- The pros and cons of 501(c)(3) nonprofit status for artists.
- An understanding of the labor movement happening in the arts right now.
- Quantifying the value of art and the role artists play in the global economy.
- Resources, programs, and services that seek to protect artists’ income.
- Debunking common misconceptions about passion versus getting paid.
- Opportunities that could come from a new appreciation for handmade art in a digital age.
- Reflecting on how we can protect artists from piracy in the new world of AI.
- Highlighting some of the incredible art projects that Fractured Atlas has helped to facilitate.
- Ways that Fractured Atlas functions as a platform and builds community.
- Why Fractured Atlas has no minimum or maximum fiscal sponsorship requirements.
- How institutional funders are beginning to recognize the value of funding the arts.
- A look at Theresa’s trajectory within Fractured Atlas since she joined in 2011.
- Theresa’s formal education and her roots in music and vocal performance.
- Challenges that come with running a distributed organization like Fractured Atlas.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/theresa-hubbard
Using highly reflective spheres as his primary medium, Miami-based artist Shawn Kolodny creates large-scale sculptures and installations that exist somewhere in the realm between art and science. As a former entrepreneur and industrial designer turned artist, Kolodny has a unique perspective on how he practices art and makes a living from it. He also has an MBA under his belt, which lends him the kind of confidence and empowerment that artists without a formal business education can sometimes struggle with. In response to this, Kolodny created the Ballsy Podcast, where he speaks to artists about the real numbers, growth hacks, and tools behind how they turned their art practice into a profitable business. Tuning in today, you’ll learn more about Kolodny’s fun and thought-provoking work and his non-linear path into the art world. We discuss the difference between a job, a career, and a calling, how artists can get out of their own way by failing forward, and the inherent value of constraints, and Kolodny elaborates on his belief that we need to take more “weird risks.” You’ll also find out why he views every artist as an entrepreneur and how you can be ballsy enough to make your art your career, plus so much more! For a conversation that is equal parts inspiring and practical, don’t miss today’s episode!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Kolodny’s unique journey into the arts and how he learned to “problem-solve with purpose.”
- Distinguishing between a job, a career, and a calling.
- The importance of failing forward and learning from your mistakes.
- Insight into Kolodny’s 80% rule and why he suggests “shipping it” before you’re ready.
- How artists can benefit from introducing more constraints to their work.
- The essential role of the sphere in Kolodny’s work.
- A look at the evolving iterations of his art practice over the years.
- The story of how Kolodny became known for his “balls.”
- A technical overview of his creative process and materials.
- How getting an MBA taught Kolodny to see every artist as a small business.
- The power of reinventing yourself while still making money from what you’re known for.
- Why branding, audience, and multiples are inherent parts of your business as an artist.
- Dispelling the myth of “overnight success” and promoting the value of the hard slog.
- Tips for structuring your workflow and scheduling your responsibilities.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/kolodny
If you’re an avid listener of this podcast, you already believe that art has the ability to connect people across cultures and express things that words cannot. Today, we speak with large-scale figurative painter, Joan Cox, another one of our incredible 2022 NOT REAL ART Grant winners and a queer artist who adheres to the notion that representation in art matters.
Typically, images of lesbian couples in art history have been repressed or justified as erotic material for the male gaze. Drawing on her own life with her partner of 21 years and the intimate lives of lesbian couples in her community, Joan creates highly-detailed visual narratives that champion these complex, beautiful, yet still-taboo relationships between women. By celebrating the female gaze, Joan’s work opens up dialogue through a complex investigation of cultural norms, sexual identities, and body politics.
Tuning in today, you’ll learn more about Joan’s journey as an artist and a queer person and why she believes that art that is representative of the great multitudes of human experience not only creates new mediums for understanding one another but can even facilitate difficult but necessary conversations. We also touch on the importance of creative expression, why culture is like a river, what it means to be either a switchblade or a Swiss Army Knife, and so much more, so make sure you don’t miss this compelling conversation with NOT REAL ART grant winner, Joan Cox!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Joan’s response to being selected for the NOT REAL ART Grant.
- What 2023 holds for Joan as a fine artist and a commercial graphic designer.
- Some of the reasons that people resonate with Joan’s work.
- How discourse around sexual identity has evolved in recent years.
- When Joan began to call herself an artist and when she came out as queer.
- Equating culture to a river, with some in the “main stream” and others who aren’t.
- A look at how creative talent runs in Joan’s family.
- Why Joan believes that there is no handbook for making a living as an artist.
- Switchblade or Swiss Army Knife? How you can benefit from building a diverse skillset.
- Ways that Joan’s practice has changed since COVID and becoming a mother.
- How Joan selects her subjects, some of whom are total strangers.
- Why there’s nothing wrong with putting your artwork on a mousepad!
- What art school taught Joan about always being an artist, no matter what she’s doing.
- The important role of creative expression in everyone’s life.
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/joan-cox
Artists have always sought unconventional ways to express their creative principles, which means they’re often at the forefront of innovation. On the business side of the art world, however, artists have long been confined to stale institutions like museums, auction houses, and white cube galleries. While we've seen some transformation when it comes to digital commerce for artists, options for career development are limited; artists are in desperate need of new platforms to learn, share, and grow.
Enter Inversion Art, an international accelerator program that offers community, connection, and capital for artists. Driven by innovation, cofounders Joey Flores and Jonathan Neil are creating new models for artists to grow and elevate their businesses. In today’s podcast episode, host Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Joey and Jonathan to discuss Inversion Art’s mission to reinvigorate the art world. “What we’re trying to do is take artists who are already starting to achieve success and help them take control [of their career] at that moment and ensure long-term success,” Joey tells Scott. As Joey and Jonathan explain in today’s episode, Inversion Art’s investment in artists includes a three-month career development program, ongoing career advocacy, access to an incredible peer community, and more.
“Inversion’s model of providing operational support is designed to create space so that the artist can pursue excellence but maintain their independence from the other players in the marketplace, so that they don’t feel like they’re beholden to their galleries,” Jonathan says, explaining that many artists have already moved away from the gallery system. “There are lots of different paths to lots of different types of success in the art world,” Joey agrees. “Just because one of those paths is blocked by some gatekeeper doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t be successful in whatever way is important to you.”
Tune into today’s episode to learn more about how you can apply to and benefit from Inversion Art’s robust programming. Join us for a fascinating conversation on innovation and entrepreneurship with Joey Flores and Jonathan Neil of Inversion Art.
In Today’s Podcast Episode
Scott, Joey, and Jonathan discuss…
- How entrepreneurship, innovation, and art brought the cofounders together
- The problem that Inversion Art is working to solve
- Who can apply for and benefit most from the programs Inversion Art offers
- Artists as natural-born innovators who need help scaling their businesses
- Facilitating new opportunities that the institutional art world hasn’t caught up with yet
- Taking the best of capitalism and entrepreneurship to create a new patronage model
- The value of having access to an ambitious, like-minded community
- How to capitalize on your breakthroughs and take your creative practice to the next level
- Creating alternatives for artists who can’t afford or aren’t interested in formal education
- Why it’s important to know what you value and what kind of career you want
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/inversion-art
The contemporary art establishment isn’t exactly known for its accessibility. In fact, the industry is far more notorious as a toxic purveyor of snobbery and pretentiousness than anything else. This exclusionary mindset discourages artists, art lovers, and buyers alike from ever venturing into the art world to discover their favorite works or develop their creative passions.
On today’s podcast episode, NOT REAL ART digital strategist Juergen Berkessel hops into the interviewer’s seat for the first time to chat with our regular host and founder, Scott “Sourdough” Power. Scott discusses his vision for NOT REAL ART, explaining how the organization serves artists and art lovers by rejecting the elitism that defines much of the traditional art world. “We want to democratize the arts,” he says early in the interview. “We believe art is for the people and should be accessible to all the people. And so we wanted to speak to those people, and hopefully, let them know that we're for them.”
With a passion for supporting emerging and upcoming artists, Scott designed NOT REAL ART to empower, educate, and inspire professional artists of all stripes. In his interview he shares some of the programming that lets NOT REAL ART support a wide range of talented artists year after year, including the annual grant, a growing network of podcasts, and the smARTtalks educational series. He also lets us in on the lightbulb moment behind the organization’s name: “When ‘NOT REAL ART’ hit me, it sort of hit me, as many good names do, right in the gut. I just knew that it was the right one, it resonated. I had a visceral reaction.”
You’ll also hear Scott’s thoughts on what art means to him, and why it’s the artists themselves who truly motivate him to do the work. After all, without the artists, there would be no art. Tune into this week’s podcast to hear all about NOT REAL ART from the founder himself.
In Today’s Podcast Episode
Scott Power and Juergen Berkessel discuss…
- The story behind how NOT REAL ART got its name
- Why it was important for the organization’s name to resonate with artists
- The organization’s goal to democratize art and create a welcoming space for artists and art lovers
- How the organization expresses appreciation for artists through support and advocacy
- The annual NOT REAL ART grant for artists, how it’s grown, and how it’s changing
- The growing network of podcasts under the NOT REAL ART organization
- The NOT REAL ART School and what it has to teach artists about the business of art
- Why The NOT REAL ART School is such a great resource for artists
- Information on the smARTtalks education series and how you can take part
- Scott’s three wishes for the future of NOT REAL ART
For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/scott-sourdough-power-interview
Welcome back to part two of our very special series on the Nepal Street Art Project, a collaborative endeavor between Nepali artists and Crewest Studio co-founder Man One. If you missed part one, head to last week’s episode to catch up on the project’s impact on historic Nepali cities Janakpur and Kathmandu.
In today’s episode, NOT REAL ART founder and host Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with three key players of the Nepal Street Art Project to discuss how government exchange programs can benefit the arts. He’s joined by Project Curator Kailash K. Shrestha of Nepali art collective Artudio, Project Coordinator Sarah Knight of the US Embassy in Nepal, and street artist extraordinaire Man One, who was invited by the US Embassy to serve as an ambassador of American contemporary art.
Organized by Kathmandu-based art collective Artudio in collaboration with the US Embassy in Nepal, the Nepal Street Art Project showcases and celebrates socially excluded communities in the region with curatorial projects in Janakpur and Kathmandu. Combining research, cross-cultural exchange, and public workshops, the project’s main objective is to establish critical public discourse on key issues surrounding equity and diversity.
“It’s about inclusion,” says Project Curator Kailash K. Shrestha. “Sharing ideas, being on one platform, and talking about it, having [deeper conversations] about our art practices; that’s the pure form of inclusion and equity.” The three stakeholders chat with Scott about the impact of government-funded exchange programs like the Nepal Street Art Project, highlighting the benefits to artists, organizations, and taxpayers. “What’s the value [of art and cultural exchange programs] to an American taxpayer” asks Project Coordinator Sarah Knight. “World peace. But really, the exchange between people and communicating different policy areas in a way that reaches more people than some of our traditional programs would.”
Tune in to part two of our Nepal series to learn more about the cultural significance of graffiti and the unifying power of public art.
In Today’s Episode
Scott “Sourdough” Power and Man One discuss…
- The inspiration behind the Nepal Street Art Project
- The US Embassy’s partnership with Kathmandu-based contemporary art collective Artudio
- How (and why) Artudio encourages artists to practice art in public spaces
- Curator Kailash K. Shrestha’s inclusive selection process for the project artists
- How the project’s key themes of diversity, social inclusion, and equity evolved
- Why “the universal language of art” is so much more than just a phrase
- The value of creative exchange programs to American taxpayers
- Why the process behind a project like this is more important than “success”
- Why artists have to “create their own fate” and adopt an entrepreneurial attitude
- The lasting impact the Nepal Street Art Project created on its participants
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/nepal-street-art-project-part-two
Late in 2022 street artist extraordinaire Man One traveled to Nepal to participate in a cultural exchange program designed to celebrate the voices of Nepali minorities. Over a two week period, the California-based muralist—who also serves as co-founder of NOT REAL ART parent company, Crewest Studio—collaborated with Nepali artists on a unique public mural project promoting diversity, inclusion, and equality.
In today’s podcast episode, NOT REAL ART founder and host Scott “Sourdough” Power discusses the Nepal Street Art Project through a series of man-on-the-street interviews. Scott chats with those intimately involved in the project, including Man One and Project Coordinator Sarah Knight, who calls the venture “a people-to-people exchange through the arts that is particularly [focused] on the topic of social inclusion and diversity.”
Combining research, cross-cultural exchange, and public workshops, the project’s main objective is to establish critical public discourse on key issues surrounding inclusion and equity. Powered by the creative potential of street art to inspire social change, the project showcases and celebrates socially excluded communities in the region with curatorial projects in Janakpur and Kathmandu. The final outcome is “The Wall of Unity,” collaborative mural designed by Nepali artists from diverse ethnic, geographic, and creative backgrounds. Organized by Kathmandu-based contemporary art collective Artudio in collaboration with the US Embassy in Nepal, the project featured the incredible talents of Khem Bahadur Palpali, Kiran Maharjan, Sudeep Balla, Manisha Shah, and Man One.
“There’s not a lot of data that we can show to say, ‘Look how successful this program was,’ says Project Coordinator Sarah Knight, who serves as the cultural affairs officer for the US Embassy in Nepal. “But when you’re here, when you’re seeing people interact and change their minds about [street art] and start important dialogues, you see the value happen. No matter how the art turns out, I’d say that it has been a very successful program.”
Tune in today’s episode to hear more about the power of street art in the fight for social change.
In Today’s Episode
Scott “Sourdough” Power discusses…
- Project Coordinator Sarah Knight’s crucial contribution to the exchange program
- Why the US Embassy and Artudio chose to work in Janakpur and Kathmandu for this project
- How Man One worked with a local Nepali school to teach the students about graffiti
- Modern Mithila painting, a traditional style of art practiced in India and Nepal
- How Nepali artists honor tradition while making space for contemporary expression
- The significance of the location where the “Wall of Unity” appears, near Nepal’s Parliament
- The one word that summarizes the message of this mural: “ekata” (unity)
- The varied ways this project challenges conventional ideas about art in Nepal
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/nepal-street-art-project-part-one
Organization and management are important skills in a professional artist’s toolkit. In fact, organization is such an important part of being a successful artist that today’s guest has built an entire career around it.
On today’s podcast episode, NOT REAL ART founder and host Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Artwork Archive co-founder Justin Anthony to discuss the platform’s mission to give artists, collectors, and organizations a better way to manage their art. Now over a decade strong, Artwork Archive provides a cloud database and inventory system for thousands of creative people and organizations in over 130 countries. “The three original tiers [of Artwork Archive were] get organized, manage your business, and share your art with the world, so those are the three things we have continued to double down on,” Justin tells us.
A small company based in Denver, Artwork Archive works closely with their core client base to develop a system intuitive enough for emerging artists and powerful enough for complex organizations managing global collections. Justin gives us the scoop on Artwork Archive’s origin story, discusses their commitment to education, and shares his view on professional success: “If your ultimate goal is to put these wonderful [artworks] out in the world, I do think having some business savvy facilitates not just your creative process but your ability to grow.”
Scott and Justin also reflect on some paths artists can take to diversify and monetize their practice, and why mainstream or commercial work should be destigmatized. Whether you’re a lean, mean organization like NOT REAL ART or an emerging artist desperately searching for a way to manage your growing body of work, our interview with Justin Anthony is sure to spark your imagination. Tune in to today’s episode to learn more about how Artwork Archive is arming artists with the tools they need to succeed.
On Today’s Podcast Episode
Justin Anthony and Scott Power discuss…
- Artwork Archive’s origin story and mission
- How Justin and his business partner manage Artwork Archive’s explosive growth
- Some of the “unsexy” things that are critical for driving an artist’s success
- Why a basic understanding of business is critical for contemporary artists
- How “selling out” can drive your practice forward without diminishing your body of work
- The benefits of creating smaller, limited-edition prints of your original work
- How artists, collectors, and organizations can manage their work with Artwork Archive’s robust inventory system
- Why artists should never underestimate the power of their personal story
- The recent obsession with digital art and NFTs: friend or FOMO?
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/artwork-archive
By most measures, time is priceless. But as mere mortals, we still need to take practical matters into consideration when it comes to selling our time, managing expectations, and paying bills.
On today’s podcast, NOT REAL ART founder and host Scott “Sourdough” Power is back to weigh in on the value of time in an artist’s life. “From a spiritual perspective, time is priceless and it’s precious and we need to honor it and guard it,” he says. “It’s sacred. We shouldn’t waste it. This notion of the preciousness and the sacredness of time has guided my life in many ways.”
Scott opens up about his own experiences with the complicated concept of time, explaining how living in the wilderness changed his perception of temporality. He also shares a hilarious anecdote about a certain time management seminar that should make listeners empathize while they howl with laughter. Ultimately, Scott sees time as a precious resource that deserves priority in our lives. “We need to be way more thoughtful and considerate and disciplined and rigorous about how we use our time and the choices we make and who we give our time to,” he says.
A measured consideration of time will look different from person to person, especially those with creative careers. Scott encourages artists to think of their time as an investment that will yield health, wealth, and happiness with small, incremental steps. “We talk about return on investment,” he ponders. “What about return on time? What are we doing to get time back? How do we make choices, how do we invest our limited resources of [time, treasure, and talent] to actually get time back to perhaps make more art or be with our families or be with our friends or go for a walk on the beach?”
Tune in today’s podcast to hear how you can get the best possible “return on time” from any project, activity, or investment.
Key Points From This Episode:
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/the-value-of-time
Have you ever felt compelled to put your artistic calling on hold when there are bills to pay and mouths to feed? Sometimes life’s day-to-day responsibilities keep us from realizing our true creative potential. That was the case for Sherita Herring, an artist, philanthropist, and single mother who pushed her artistic dreams to the back burner in order to raise her two sons.
Today, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Sherita and her son Crushow Herring, aka ShowzArt, to discuss the duo’s powerful creative collaboration. A former guest on the NOT REAL ART podcast, Crushow is an artist, activist, and community organizer who works to uplift LA’s unsheltered population. “Art took me off the streets,” he shares with us. “I felt like it could take [my mom] out of what she was in. I’m honored and there is just so much joy and pleasure to do [this] for her.”
In today’s episode, you’ll learn more about Sherita’s inaugural solo exhibition, Beverly Hills to Barnyard, which features more than 30 original artworks from the artist. Curated by the mother and son team, the event takes place at the Brewery Artist Lofts in downtown LA, with all proceeds going to Sherita’s non-profit organization, the Philanthropy Alliance Foundation. Working in collaboration with each other, Sherita and Crushow are dedicated to the growth and prosperity of those struggling in their community.
Her advice for artists at the beginning of their creative journey? “Follow your inner gut,” she advises. “Continue to do what you love and all of it will lead you to the path that is best for you. That’s how I ended up here.” Tune in to today’s compelling episode with Sherita and Crushow Herring to find out how instinct can lead you to a more creative place.
On Today’s Podcast Episode
Sherita and Crushow Herring discuss…
- Their excitement over Sherita’s inaugural solo exhibition, Beverly Hills to Barnyard
- The correlation between Sherita’s work as a business coach and her work as an artist
- Why doing what you love is like having “shock absorbers” for life’s bumpy road
- Their belief that our journey always leads us to what truly feeds our soul
- The different ways that each and every one of us is an artist at heart
- How government-funded programs can improve education, health, and community
- The importance of creating your own narrative in life
- How the two view Sherita’s role as both an artist and mother
- The uplifting message they hope viewers will take from their work
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/sherita-herring
Every year NOT REAL ART chooses six artists who push the boundaries of what’s possible in the art world. Those artists are awarded our annual grant for open-ended use. Established in 2019, the grant is designed to empower contemporary artists through financial backing and creative support. In today’s podcast episode, our host and founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with 2022 NOT REAL ART grant winner Buena Johnson to discuss the artist’s philosophy on art and positivity.
Based in Los Angeles, Buena is a multidisciplinary artist and educator who counts Oprah Winfrey, Halle Berry, and Queen Latifah among her collectors. Her work has been showcased in the Smithsonian, The Getty Collection, and MOCA Los Angeles. Known for her sensitive portraiture and imaginative compositions, Buena promotes Black visibility in the arts using a combination of historical and spiritual imagery. “There wasn’t anyone that looked like me that was put in a positive light in art history,” Buena tells NOT REAL ART. “When I decided to do my own work, I had made a vow to myself that I would [put] Black and brown figures and people in my work because we weren’t put in any positive light at all.”
In our chat with Buena, she shares her journey from commercial artist in Chicago to thriving fine artist in LA. She also offers insight into her creative practice by discussing the subjects and themes she’s drawn to: Black American history, Black music, and spirituality. “My aim is to promote advancement, to promote hope, to propel [wellbeing],” says Buena, who is an active member of her community and advocates for positive change as an artist and instructor. By visually retelling our past, Buena not only serves as a storyteller, she brings hope and acts as a catalyst for constructive change. “My work is timely,” she says. “If it’s a visual retelling of our past, hopefully, it can correct what is happening in our future.”
On Today’s Podcast
Buena Johnson discusses…
- How she felt about being named a NOT REAL ART grant winner
- Why she believes her artistic ability is an innate gift from God
- The all-consuming role art has played in her life since she was a child
- Her journey from commercial artist in Chicago to full-time fine artist in LA
- How she chooses her subject matter, which prominently features women and people of color
- Why giving back to her community is one of her greatest accomplishments
- How she promotes positivity through her work as an art teacher
- Her upcoming body of work, which aims to empower and uplift women
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/buena-johnson
Happy New Year, creative brothers and sisters! To help you ease out of holiday mode, we have a very special guest joining us for the first episode of the NOT REAL ART podcast in 2023.
Today, host and founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Renaissance man Zack Norman. Zack is a true creative legend, working not only as an actor, director, producer, writer, and comedian but also as a musician, painter, art collector, and real estate developer. As a painter, he is known as Zack Zuker and began his art career in New York City in 1976. He has guest-starred in wildly popular series like The A-Team, Baywatch, and The Nanny, and has also been featured in several TV movies. As Howard Zuker, he has produced, presented, or financed more than forty movies, including Hearts and Minds, which won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 1975.
You’ll also gain some insight into Zack’s fascinating life story, from his television debut at just 12 years old to the creation of his first painting at 36. As a teenager, Zack worked in nightclubs and developed a longstanding appreciation for comedy, citing Lenny Bruce as an inspiration. In college, he would pursue a career in acting, absorbing everything there was to know about the movie industry in the late ’60s. When Zack’s focus shifted to fine art in the ’70, he crossed paths with Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, and Keith Haring, three artists who would wind up in Zack's impressive art collection.
Zack also shares how art brings him enduring joy, helping him understand his emotions with greater depth. “This is the beginning,” he says. “I want to keep growing because, as a kid, I never looked at a piece of art, never saw it or thought about it, and now it’s an integral part of my life.” Tune into today’s episode for a joyful conversation with Zack Norman.
In Today’s Episode
Zack Norman discusses…
- How he discovered his passion for art at the age of 36
- Why Lenny Bruce inspired him to be a comedian and actor
- What he learned about working in the film industry as an actor
- The story behind his many name changes over the years
- His proudest moment as a producer and film financier: Oscar-winner, Hearts and Minds
- When crossed paths with and collected works from Basquiat and Warhol
- How to build an art collection that will bring you joy
- What makes art great, and the new dimension it’s added to his life
- Why he encourages everyone to make art an integral part of their lives
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/zack-norman
Love design in all its forms? Then you’ll want to join us for today’s episode, which features an in-depth look at DesignerCon (DCON), an annual art and design convention in Anaheim, California.
Combining collectible toys and designer goods with underground art, this year’s convention included over 700 vendors, custom art shows, and live demonstrations galore. At booth 1221, NOT REAL ART’s parent organization, Crewest Studio, took part in the festivities, joined by longtime friends Man One, Anne Martin of Sugar Press Art, and Javie Lopez and OneSaints from Graffiti the City.
In this week’s episode, you’ll hear from a few of the incredible artists, creative professionals, and art lovers who attended DCON 2022. NOT REAL ART founder and host Scott “Sourdough” Power conducts a series of man-on-the-street interviews with a whole host of art world luminaries. From illustrator and Rugrats co-executive producer Dave Pressler to Adventures in Design founder Mark Brickey, you’ll hear insight and commentary straight from the mouths of DCON participants. Other interviews include artist and creative director Nina Palomba, Zully from ZooDoo Dolls, digital artist and toy creator Alex Solis, and surrealist painter Mary Jhun.
“[At DCON], you get to interface with the artists, you get to talk to them, you get to actually meet people,” says Dave Presssler I look forward to not only meeting fans and collectors, but I get to see all my industry friends too that I don’t get to see all year.”
For a little taste of design magic, make sure to tune into today’s episode on DCON 2022.
In Today’s Podcast Episode
- Mark Brickey shares his perspective on the “transformative year” at DCON 2022
- Zully from ZooDoo Dolls offers some insight into her cute, creepy creations
- A look at the whimsical work Nina Palomba created in collaboration with Pretty in Plastic
- Why Dave Pressler believes that artists have to continually reinvent themselves and their ideas
- How artmaking helps Mary Jhun connect with people and understand life better
- A peek at the classic 1930 Model A Ford that Man One painted for DCON 2022
- Why DCON 2022 feels like a homecoming to Juan Muniz (aka Ninobuni), who created an illustrated book this year
- How Alex Solis combines physical toys with blockchain at DCON 2022
- Why having your artwork tattooed on someone’s body is the ultimate compliment
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/designercon-2022
No matter where you turn these days, you’re likely to encounter some form of discourse about the impact of Web3, NFTs, and blockchain technology. Of course, art and tech comprise exciting new frontiers for making and selling art, but what do artists need to know about these new media? Do they represent a real and fundamental shift in the art market, or are they simply new tools for artists and art lovers to enjoy?
By now, you’ve probably heard us mention smARTtalks, a series of intimate learning sessions covering relevant topics for artists and creatives working in the 21st century. On November 12, 2022, Crewest Studio—NOT REAL ART’s parent company—produced its second smARTalks event, held at Helms Bakery District in Culver City. In today’s podcast episode, we look back at our fascinating conversation on NFTs, “Has Digital Art Finally Earned Respect? How Web3, NFTs, AR, VR, AI, and The Metaverse Are Impacting The Art World.”
Featuring the creative minds and expertise of Ronnie Pirovino, Daniel Nomad, and Rad Laser Falcon, this discussion explores how artists can get into the NFT space, ways they can create additional engagement with collectors and the creative community, and some of the benefits these emerging digital tools have to offer artists, collectors, and art lovers alike. By educating yourself about new technologies and platforms, you’ll be better positioned for future opportunities. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on the future of digital art.
In Today’s Podcast Episode:
- Tips for integrating the contemporary art world into the NFT space
- Distinguishing between cryptocurrency, NFTs, and digital art
- How NFTs help artists and collectors track the provenance of an artwork
- Reflecting on the prevalence of crypto wallets among the general population
- How your digital wallet can form an extension of your identity
- How Web3 facilitates communication, while Web2 only aids broadcasting
- A look at why Web3 is a great space for collaborative, community-minded artists
- How artists can connect with collectors and customize their profit from secondary sales
- Responding to questions about minting, leveraging the blockchain, displaying digital art, and more from the audience
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/nfts
A longtime friend and creative collaborator with NOT REAL ART, today’s guest has a name that matches her unique style. As you’ll discover in this episode, Katie Love writes, performs, and creates from the heart. Based in Los Angeles, Katie is a comedian, writing coach, producer, and the author of three books. Her latest title, Two Tickets To Paradise: From Cult to Comedy, was recently published by NOT REAL ART parent company Crewest Studio to critical acclaim.
Katie’s personal memoir tells the humorous and heartbreaking story of an earnest, bible-toting kid intent on saving the world, and follows Katie’s metamorphosis into a boisterous comedian intent on saving herself through the healing power of humor.
In today’s episode, Katie offers us an overview of the story she tells in Two Tickets To Paradise and explains how it knits together the comedy and tragedy of her life. “Comedy-tragedy is what I know and what I’ve had to live through, but it’s also the thing that healed me,” she tells host Scott “Sourdough” Power. “Without a sense of humor—even if I didn’t do comedy as an outlet—I don’t know where I would be.”
You’ll find out why Katie believes we are the gods of our own stories, what she means when she refers to herself as a “cunt tank,” and why she has dedicated this book to all the truth-seekers and misfits out there. Listeners everywhere are bound to find inspiration in Katie’s remarkable story, which ultimately ends in joy and laughter despite the darkness. Buy the book here, and don’t miss our heartfelt and hilarious conversation with the one and only Katie Love.
In Today’s Episode:
Katie Love discusses…
- The personal story she tells in her memoir, Two Tickets To Paradise
- Her writing process and the themes she explores throughout the book
- Why she describes the book as “80 percent funny and 20 percent not funny at all!”
- The hilarious irony of choosing to leave her religion at a resort called Paradise Island
- Religion versus spirituality and the devastating impact that religion can have
- Why reading the tragic parts of her story was more difficult than writing them
- How she used writing to help her understand her own experiences
- The immense healing power of humor
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/katie-love
As an artist, you form part of a nearly two-trillion-dollar segment of the global economy, and it is important for you to know your worth as you negotiate your place in this ecosystem. In this auditorial episode, brought to you by your ever-faithful host and Not Real Art founder, Scott “Sourdough” Power, you’ll learn to appreciate (and evaluate) the unique value you have to offer! Join us as we take a look at a 2015 global study on the economic and social contribution of Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) to the world economy and discuss some of its key takeaways. While quantifying the value of creativity might be an exercise in subjectivity, there are a number of objective tools and techniques that you can use to help you determine what your time is worth. Tune in today to find out more!
Key Points From This Episode:
- The importance of knowing your worth in the global art economy.
- Why quantifying the value of art, creativity, and design has always been a challenge.
- Unpacking the “creative economy” and the unique value you have to offer.
- Why you should feel empowered to stand up for your worth.
- Key takeaways from the 2015 ‘global map of cultural and creative industries’ study.
- How knowing your worth can help you negotiate better deals for yourself!
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/know-your-worth
Whether we realize it or not, most of us have experienced some level of trauma over the past few years as we learned to navigate the fallout of COVID-19. As a result, we are changed people (and artists)—but what have we learned? How do we begin to process the impact of the pandemic? And where do we go from here?
By now, you’ve probably heard us mention smARTtalks, a series of intimate learning sessions covering relevant topics for artists and creatives working in the 21st century. On September 24, 2022, Crewest Studio—NOT REAL ART’s parent company—produced its first smARTalks event, held at Helms Bakery District in Culver City. In today’s podcast episode, we look back on an especially important discussion held during the inaugural event: “Who Are We Now? A Discussion About COVID, Trauma + Creativity. How Did The Pandemic Hurt or Help Us and Our Creativity?”
Moderated by your intrepid host, Scott “Sourdough” Power, alongside trauma experts Dr. Kim Cookson and Eric Weiss, this discussion centers on wellness in arts. “Whether we’re walking around traumatized—some people are, some people are not—but everyone is working under a new level of stress,” says Dr. Cookson. “They’re having to negotiate a new reality.”
Tune into today’s episode to catch some much-need discourse on the intersection of trauma and creativity, and how you can use art-making as a form of self-care.
In Today’s Episode:
Dr. Kim Cookson and Eric Weiss discuss…
- The inherent trauma that comes with navigating COVID-19
- How artists were affected by lockdowns and isolation
- How trauma can influence and impact creativity
- Art as therapy: how artists can use their creativity for self-care
- Budget-friendly ways to regulate and manage trauma
- Helpful therapeutic methods such as somatic therapy
- How to promote activities that bring you joy
- Tips for finding your “escape hatch” and focusing on the positive
- The silver linings in and around post-traumatic growth
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/trauma-creativity
Creativity is rarely a “lightbulb moment.” In fact it usually arrives through a winding and non-linear process that involves self-understanding, improvisation, and a whole lot of uncertainty.
That’s the belief of today’s guest, Lorne Buchman, president emeritus of the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California. ArtCenter is known as a world-class leader in art and design education, with some even referring to it as the Harvard of art, design, and creativity. When Lorne took office in 2009, he quickly challenged students, faculty, staff, alumni, and trustees to redefine what a great art and design college should look like in the 21st century.
As the host of Art Center’s podcast Change Lab, Lorne interviews leading artists and designers to explore the ideas behind their work and discover how the creative process can act as a catalyst for change. In today’s podcast episode, NOT REAL ART founder and host Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Lorne to discuss his recently published book, Make to Know: From Spaces of Uncertainty to Creative Discovery, which illuminates the long, winding creative process of today’s top artists, innovators, entrepreneurs, and designers.
Join us for today’s episode with Lorne Buchman as we unpack what it means to be a maker, what defines creativity, and how the creative process allows us to understand the world around us in new, exciting ways.
On Today’s Episode
Lorne Buchman discusses…
- How he unpacks the four characteristics of “making”: uncertainty, material engagement, problem-solving, and improvisation
- Why we tend to celebrate some forms of creative improvisation over others
- Expanding the narrow definition of what it means to make
- The profound significance of democratizing creativity
- The immense value of observation and collective engagement
- What the world would look like if “design thinking” were taught in K-12 education
- How the creative process opens up whole new ways of understanding
- His tips for wrestling with failure and entering into uncertainty
- How sharing personal stories can help instill courage in young creatives
- Why the act of making is just as important as the end product
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/lorne-buchman
While there are a number of e-commerce platforms available to artists, there are very few—if any—that seek to integrate art and community and enable engagement between artists, buyers, art lovers, and critics too. Today, we’re joined by Michael Facchinello, who is the founder and CEO of Altamira, a unique community-oriented marketplace for artists.
Prior to Altamira, Michael spent eight years at Clique Studios, a top national design firm headquartered in Chicago. There, he started as a UX designer before transitioning into launching and managing new offices—but he felt compelled to create something meaningful that combined his tech expertise with his love of art. Altamira was born, offering artists the opportunity to gain recognition, sell their work, and become part of a thriving creative community. It allows art fans, commentators, and collectors to discover new artists, bringing them all together in an accessible space, all without the gatekeeping and snobbery often associated with the traditional art ecosystem.
In today’s episode, Michael shares his mission to democratize art and help artists make a better living by promoting their work and connecting them with buyers. We also discuss the importance of facilitating interaction, “growing the pie,” and appealing to a broad audience. To find out how Altamira is integrating art, community, and commerce, tune in to our fascinating conversation with its founder, Michael Facchinello.
In Today’s Episode:
Michael Facchinello discusses…
- Why he decided to name his platform “Altamira”
- Altamira’s focus on facilitating community first, then commerce
- The challenges of competing on crowded digital art platforms
- The benefits of designing for both ends of the spectrum, from art experts to total novices
- Why anyone who is interested in art should be able to participate in the conversation
- The need for more business models that empower artists to promote their work
- How traditional gallery spaces don’t “grow the pie” for artists
- Why galleries are still an important part of the art ecosystem
- The importance of democratizing art, from an individual to a societal level
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/altamira
Art has the power to make people think twice, change their perspectives, and heighten their consciousness around important issues. For Puerto Rican artist NiNo Alicea, the destruction caused by climate change is the most pressing issue of our time. In today’s podcast episode, NiNo chats with host Scott “Sourdough” Power about his mission to raise climate awareness through art.
“A lot of my art has become a vessel to create more climate change awareness,” says NiNo, who was deeply affected by Hurricane Maria, the near-Category 5 storm that roared across his home island of Puerto Rico in 2017. During this episode, NiNo explains how the natural disaster moved him to focus on art with a message about climate change.
Crafted from pizza pans and recycled metal, NiNo’s solar-powered installation for this year’s Burning Man (2022) was created in honor of Atabey, the Caribbean goddess of fresh water and fertility. In this week’s episode, you’ll hear about the challenges NiNo faced bringing this spectacular creation to life. “I’m the first Puerto Rican that has ever brought art to the Playa,” he tells NOT REAL ART. “I’m trying to inspire others; I don’t want to be the only one.”
Tune into our chat with the one and only NiNo, who shares his hopes and dreams for our future on planet Earth.
In Today’s Episode
Nino Alicea discusses…
- The environmental and humanitarian crisis in Puerto Rico
- How Hurricane Maria inspired him to change to focus of his work
- The experience of creating “Atabey’s Treasure,” his 2022 Burning Man installation
- How he designed the 18-foot sculpture from recycled materials
- His future plans for “Atabey’s Treasure”
- How he became the lead production designer for Ricky Martin
- His upcoming tour with Ricky Martin and what the future holds for the coming year
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/nino-alicea
Halloween is right around the corner, which means we’re back with our infamous Art World Horror Stories series. We’re not talking about ghosts, ghouls, and goblins though—in today’s podcast episode, you’ll hear some truly terrifying tales from artists who brave the ugly side of the art world.
You’ll hear about malicious gallery owners, neglectful shipping companies, and one graffiti artist’s very stinky encounter on the streets of San Francisco. “It could happen to anybody,” muses host Scott “Sourdough” Power. “That’s what art world horror stories are about. That’s why we want to share them, because it could happen to you.”
Presented by NOT REAL ART’s parent company, Crewest Studio, Art World Horror Stories is a podcast about bad things that happen to good artists. In today’s crossover episode, we delve into the spine-chilling stories usually reserved for the spookiest podcast in Crewest’s network.
While we’d rather gobble down treats than suffer through tricks, these stories offer insight into some of the baddies you’ll encounter in the art world. So dim the lights and settle in with a mug of cider or a few fun-size Snickers—we’ve got a few stories to tell.
Got an art world horror story of your own? Call the NOT REAL ART hotline at 833-668-7325 and tell us about it!
In Today’s Episode
Scott “Sourdough” Power discusses…
- Halloween traditions, updates, and new artists to check out
- The red flags textile artist Jeanne F Jalandoni wants to warn other artists about
- Why Los Angeles-based Linda Vallejo laughed when we asked for her art world horror stories
- Street artist Amanda Lynn’s gross-out encounter with poop while painting walls in San Francisco
- The perils of exhibiting your work outdoors, as detailed by collage artist Alexandra Chiou
- Neon artist Dani Bonnet’s experience with being scammed, and the financial pitfalls that followed
- How you can learn from these scary moments and prevent them from happening to you
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/art-world-horror-stories-2022
Victor "Marka27" Quiñonez is a phenomenal street artist working at the intersection of graffiti, contemporary art, and design. Blending elements of pop culture with Mexican and Indigenous aesthetics—a style he calls “Neo-Indigenous”—Marka27 creates vinyl toys, large-scale murals, and private commissions for major brands. His award-winning creative agency, Street Theory, activates communities and global brands through experiential marketing, bringing the vibrancy of art and street culture into all aspects of life and work.
On today’s podcast episode, host Scott “Sourdough” Power chats with Marka27 about the power of controlling his creative narrative. “Imagine if the media pushed narratives that were uplifting, that were inspiring, that showed our people thriving,” the artist muses. “It would make somebody in a bad situation see themselves [differently].”
Scott and Marka27 also discuss the importance of family and faith, the tenuous balance between personal creative expression and paid work, and the artist’s dedication to the mentorship and support of formerly incarcerated creatives. Marka27 emphasizes his commitment to creating work that preserves culture and highlights the value of collaboration, advocacy, and upliftment, all of which form an intrinsic part of his practice. We also discuss the sometimes unsettling experience of belonging to more than one culture and how Marka27 authentically bridges these two worlds with his incredible work.
Ultimately, Marka27 refuses to let labels or titles define him. He believes artists have the power to control their own narratives, create with passion and purpose, and stay true to the causes they believe in. For more words of wisdom, as well as some actionable advice that you can implement in your own artistic practice, tune into our insightful conversation with Victor “Marka27” Quiñonez!
In Today’s Episode
Marka27 discusses…
- How he took his practice from passion to full-time profession
- Important lessons learned from working with brands in corporate America
- How to maintain your artist’s DNA, even when working with big brands
- Why he believes process is everything; there’s no “right”’ way to create
- Building partnerships that focus on complementary strengths and a common vision
- How to positively impact struggling communities with uplifting narratives
- The importance of celebrating the work of BIPOC artists and activists
- His involvement with Right of Return, an organization that supports formerly incarcerated artists with mentorship and funding
- The root cause of many of mankind’s problems: division
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/marka27
World-building is the practice of bringing imagined environments to life, and it’s become a major part of artmaking today. With rapid advancements in emerging technology, artists are now able to create fully immersive artworks that transport viewers to another place. Enter https://www.blinkcincinnati.com/ (BLINK), the nation’s largest light, art, and projection mapping experience, which returns to downtown Cincinnati this October for the first time since 2019. At the intersection of new technology and innovative art, BLINK embodies the spirit of world-building and brings artists together to create their own unique environments within the Cincinnati cityscape. Today, host Scott “Sourdough” Power speaks to the event’s first executive director, Justin Brookhart, to learn more about the 2022 installment of BLINK and how a large-scale immersive art experience like this not only invigorates the City of Cincinnati but provides a major economic boost to the region. With a background in the film and film-adjacent festival and production industry, Justin is equipped to organize an art event on this scale. In today’s episode he offers us insight into the logistics behind BLINK and some of the incredible artists participating this year. Tune into our illuminating conversation with Justin to learn more about this incredible event. BLINK runs October 13 - 16 in Cincinnati, OH. For specific times, locations, and prices, please visit BLINK https://www.blinkcincinnati.com/ (here). In Today's Episode Justin and Scott discuss... Why generous support for the arts in any city is important The amazing artworks and installations visitors can anticipate at BLINK 2022 A few of the incredible artists participating in the event this year What to expect from BLINK’s first-ever drone show How BLINK approaches the inclusion of more thought-provoking artwork within this context How emerging technology intersects with innovative art to create an experience like this The economic impact of an event like this, and the interest it’s received from other cities The global appeal of large-scale immersive art experiences A shout out to organizations like ArtsWave that support the arts community in Cincinnati Tools and resources available to visitors to help them navigate BLINK
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/justin-brookhart
As many of you know, your faithful host, Sourdough, has just returned from the Nevada desert, where he and tens of thousands of others experienced all the weird, wild, and wonderful happenings that make up Burning Man. After an event of this scale and magnitude, it’s important to decompress, and there are all sorts of decompression parties and events to help Burners relive the magic of the Burn as they readjust to the Default World. Here, at Not Real Art, we’re speaking to a few of these intrepid explorers as they go through this process. Today, you’ll hear from Newbie, a fellow podcast professional and Burner from the HeeBeeGeeBee Healers camp, as she recounts her experience of Burning Man 2022: Waking Dreams. Every Burner, regardless of their level of experience, encounters a whole host of peculiar emotions in the days and weeks that it takes to reintegrate into the Default World. You are not alone! Join us as we relive the strange synchronicities, serendipitous interactions, and magical moments that make Burning Man what it is! Key Points From This Episode: How many Burns Newbie has attended and how her fifth compared to her first. A look at the HeeBeeGeeBees, how Newbie found them, and their gifts to the Playa. Why many first-timers are caught off guard by the freedom that Burning Man affords them. Why Newbie believes that we are rewarded when we take risks. Some of the surprising themes that showed up for her this year. A story that illustrates the magic and manifestation power of the Playa. How a specific art installation helped Newbie find closure after her father’s death. Pro tip: honor and delight in the gifts that the Burn gives you! The importance of awareness, gratitude, and presence. How the HeeBeeGeeBees camp shaped and influenced Newbie’s experience. Sourdough shares his own story about the power of intention and synchronicity. Why it can sometimes be difficult to shake the Default World at the Burn. The role that longing played in Sourdough’s experience this year. Why Newbie believes that a lot of people struggled to ‘drop in’ at this year’s Burn. The strange story of how Sourdough “met himself” in a dust storm! Finding the sacred in the mundane as we readjust to the Default World.
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/decompressing-after-burning-man-with-newbie
Today, after a week’s hiatus, our founder and podcast host Scott “Sourdough” Power is back from Black Rock with a special treat. That’s right, today’s episode is all about https://burningman.org/ (Burning Man): the landscape, the people, the stories, and of course, the art. Scott hops on the mic to talk about his annual trek into the desert and this year’s party on the Playa. You’ll hear about the incredible interactive installations that populated the landscape of northwestern Nevada for a week in late summer. You’ll also learn more about the artists and musicians who contributed their remarkable creativity and talent to https://www.instagram.com/campcorny/ (Camp Corny), the unicorn-themed camp that Scott calls his home in Black Rock City. Burning Man, at its core, is a performance art piece on a grand scale, one that Scott believes is a must-see for any creative professional. We hope today’s episode leaves you feeling inspired to use the power of art for escape, fantasy, and imagination. Join us for this week’s episode as Scott decompresses from the madness and the magic that was Burning Man 2022! Key Points From This Episode: What it was like to be back in Black Rock City after a three-year hiatus. A brief look at the history of Burning Man and its founder, artist Larry Harvey. The awe-inspiring scale of the Burn and its focus on radical self-expression. Using the power of art to escape the insanity that is the ‘default world’. Insight into Sourdough’s experience as part of Camp Corny. The extreme weather and environmental conditions you can expect in Black Rock City. How the Burning Man enterprise has positively impacted local economies. Criticism of Burning Man’s impact on the environment and indigenous communities. More about Camp Corny and their gift to the Playa: a spirit animal adoption center. How Camp Corny prioritizes music and dancing. Some of the musicians, DJs, and artists who share their creativity with Camp Corny. Why Sourdough’s highlights from this year’s Burn include the many kids that attended. How artist attribution could be improved on the Playa. Some of Sourdough’s favorite installations, including Paradisium, BLACK! Asé, and more. An understanding of the interactive nature of the artwork at Burning Man. Some of the incredible art cars, like Robot Heart and Mayan Warrior. A few weird, wonderful, and sometimes shocking stories from Burning Man 2022! Experience burn night from Sourdough’s perspective. The evolution of technology at Burning Man, from LED lighting to drone photography. Recounting the 10-hour drive it took just to get off Gate Road! The process of decompressing from Burning Man.
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/burning-man-2022
Welcome back to the Not Real Art Podcast, where we speak to some of the world’s most creative people! Well, most of the time. Sometimes, we like to mix it up. Today, for example, you’ll hear soundbites from some of the artists who engage with us about why art is important to them. From creating new perspectives to reflecting the times we’re living in, bringing joy, and facilitating expression, there are so many reasons that art plays an important role in all of our lives. Make sure to tune in today to hear just a few of them! Key Points From This Episode: An update on what you can look forward to, including smARTtalks and the Not Real Art Grant. A look at some of the answers we received to the fundamental question: why is art important? Why we want to hear from everybody, from experts and academics to artists and art lovers! Sourdough speaks candidly about why art is important to him. Hear from these artists: Dana Alberson, Kendra Schellenberg, Rebecca Youssef, Leslie Arlette Boyce, and Douglas Dale. Call the Not Real Art Hotline on 833-668-7325 and share why art is important to you!
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/why-art-is-important
Storytelling—whether visual, verbal, or written—is an essential part of the artist’s toolkit. Stories forge connections, evoke emotions, and help people understand different ideas and perspectives. In this week’s podcast episode, NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power introduces a new member to the crew: Editor-in-Chief https://morganlaurens.com/ (Morgan Laurens). With a background in printmaking, pop culture, and classic literature, Morgan is an arts writer from the Midwest who specializes in grant writing and narrative-based storytelling for mission-driven artists and arts organizations. “Being able to help people tell their stories, with visuals and with words, has been really gratifying for me,” she tells Scott. “We get so many positive messages from the artists that we work with.” In today’s episode, Morgan shares her vision for NOT REAL ART’s editorial, how big-picture narratives set the publication apart, and why purposeful storytelling is so important in today’s digital landscape. You’ll also gain some insight into Morgan’s journey from art school graduate to writer/editor, and learn about her enduring fascination with the Midwest arts scene. Lastly, Morgan offers her opinion on overblown, baffling “artspeak,” explaining how it severs the emotional connection artists need to establish with their audience. “If you’re trying to improve your writing, you should forget everything that you learned in school!” she says, adding that academic writing alienates the reader and teaches artists to distance themselves from their work. Learn more about Morgan’s mission to banish artspeak for good, help artists tell stories that stick, and foster emotional connections that resonate with art lovers and artists alike. In Today’s Episode Morgan Laurens discusses… NOT REAL ART’s mission to make art and artists more accessible through storytelling Her exciting and innovative vision for the blog over the next few years Why NOT REAL ART publishes human interest stories rather than formal art criticism The importance of creating thoughtful stories in a world already drowning in content What she finds most gratifying about her work as editor in chief, and what she believes sets the editorial apart The prevalence of pompous artspeak in the art world, and what you can do about it Why you should forget everything you learned in school if you want to be a better writer Some tactics for cutting stuffy academia and art-world snobbery from your writing Why and how she became an writer, even after graduating with a fine arts degree A few of her favorite things about the Midwestern arts scene
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/morgan-laurens
Networking. For many in the creative industry, it’s a dirty word. Most of us dread the prospect of hovering around a fountain of thawed shrimp cocktail, waiting for the right moment to ambush a key contact. The wine will give you a headache, and the people you need to meet simply aren’t there. Yet networking is a fairly essential skill for creatives in today’s market, one we think deserves a second look. Since 2019, https://creweststudio.com/ (Crewest Studio)’s mission has been to empower the creative community through education, appreciation, and funding. With the help of our readers, we’ve expanded our platform into a supportive network of arts programming, including a robust https://notrealart.com/ (online publication), an entire https://notrealart.com/podcast/ (network of podcasts), and our annual NOT REAL ART https://notrealart.com/grant/ (artist grant). Today we introduce something entirely new to Crewest Studio, marking an evolution in our efforts to support the creative workforce. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/smartalks-2022-tickets-223629079597 (SmARTalks), an educational event series produced by Crewest Studio, aims to empower and inspire creative professionals in all stages of their careers. Presented in conjunction with Helms Design Center in LA’s historic https://helmsbakerydistrict.com/ (Helms Bakery District), the in-person events provide a warm environment for artists to practice rubbing elbows after months of lockdown. “It’s going to be an intimate affair where you’re going to be inspired and learn a lot,” NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power says on today’s podcast. “You’re going to be able to meet these experts, meet other artists, meet other people. You’re going to learn, share, and grow. This is what [NOT REAL ART is] about!” Tune in to today’s podcast for more details on how to attend these can’t-miss events, which run September through December, 2022. In Today’s Episode: Scott “Sourdough” Power discusses… His motivation for creating four distinct events for the smARTtalks series Crewest Studio’s new friendship with the Helms Bakery District in Culver City, California, where each event takes place The program for each smARTtalk, which runs the gamut from toy-making to art in the age of political unrest How you can snatch a limited ticket to attend Crewest Studio’s smARTalks 2022!
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/smARTtalks-2022
Every creative professional has heard the phrase “for exposure” at least once and, while it means that your work will be seen by a new audience, it mostly just means that you won’t be getting paid. This episode is part of a new ‘audiotorial’ series that furthers Not Real Art’s mission to celebrate, elevate, and empower artists and art lovers by addressing various topics that have an impact on the art world around us. Today, we take a look at an age-old dilemma for artists: is it ever worthwhile to create free work in exchange for ‘exposure’? When should you work for free? How should artists think about freebies? Ultimately, Sourdough argues that freebies have a place, but it has to be on the artists’ terms. By creating strategies and policies that work for you, you increase the perceived value of art and the role of artists in the world. Tune in today for a fresh perspective on freebies! Key Points From This Episode: How brands and organizations exploit artists by asking them to do free work for ‘exposure’. Why you shouldn’t always say no to these opportunities; there is a place for freebies! Approaching freebies on your own terms and in ways that benefit you as an artist. How to turn a charity request into a paid sale by asking for a 50/50 split on auction proceeds. The benefits of offering charities a reduced or wholesale price for an artwork. Why it’s important to advocate for yourself as an artist. Looking at freebies like free samples; stickers are a great example! A reminder that, when it comes to freebies for big companies, you have the right to say no. How you devalue the work of other artists by offering to give yours away for free. The value of redirecting clients to your portfolio rather than offering them a free sample. Why saying yes to free work should be the exception, not the rule.
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/freebies
Galleries play a fundamental role in the art world, encouraging the success of an artist or the growth of a high-quality art collection. However, today’s guest believes there’s often too much emphasis on what gallerists do for artists, and not the other way around. In this week’s episode, legendary gallerist Merry Karnowsky of LA’s https://kpprojects.net/ (KP Projects) joins us to talk about her highly influential career in street art and the lowbrow art movement. Merry’s work over the years has helped legitimize the careers of world-renowned artists like Shepard Fairey, https://notrealart.com/camille-rose-garcia/ (Camille Rose Garcia), Todd Schorr, and Jeff Soto, to name just a few. This year Merry celebrates her 25th anniversary at KP Projects, having opened the gallery in 1997. Today’s episode is all about celebrating Merry’s contributions to the art world as we learn more about her journey as a gallerist, a curator, and perhaps most importantly, an art lover. Merry shares her motivations for starting a gallery, and how she seeks to represent the work she loves with the reverence it deserves. We also discuss the importance of creating diverse business models in the art world, how the gallery system has evolved since the ‘90s, and what you can expect from KP Projects’ upcoming 25th anniversary exhibition. Ultimately, Merry believes the artists she represents inspired her to create an impactful legacy in the arts—one we hope persists for another groundbreaking 25 years. In Today’s Podcast Episode Merry Karnowsky discusses… How she founded KP Projects, and what her motivations were at the time How she facilitated greater recognition for now-famous artists like Shepard Fairey Her relationship with pop surrealist Todd Schorr, who was one of her first exhibited artists Why she believes lowbrow art is sometimes overshadowed by the “scene” around it The unconventional trajectory of many lowbrow artists, and the hierarchies that often exclude them from blue chip representation Why she believes KP Projects wouldn’t have worked anywhere but LA How her artists have inspired her to create an impactful legacy for the arts community What she hopes the artists she’s worked with over the years will say about her What you can expect from KP Projects’ upcoming 25th anniversary exhibition
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/merry-karnowsky
Ever wanted to start an art collection of your own, but didn’t know where to start? Turns out it’s not as scary as you’d think. Today, we introduce a very special “audiotorial” series from NOT REAL ART founder https://www.notarealartist.com/ (Scott “Sourdough” Power). This week’s episode, on the ins and outs of art collecting, is the first in a series that aims to celebrate, elevate, and empower artists and art lovers by addressing topical issues and events in the art world. Blue chip art galleries often make art-buying seem exclusive and mysterious—but it doesn’t need to be that way. In this episode, Scott shares his personal reasons for buying art, and how you can follow suit. Learn why starting your own collection isn’t as intimidating as it seems and how buying original art can tip the scales in favor of the artists—not the billion-dollar home decor industry or the galleries that seek to keep the art market opaque. Whether you’re a newbie to art buying or want to expand a small collection, this is one episode you don't want to miss. Join us for the first in a series of episodes that tackle contemporary art-world issues. In Today’s Episode Scott “Sourdough” discusses… Why lots of people feel intimidated when it comes to buying art Understanding that most original contemporary artworks out there are affordable Why it’s important for artists to nurture the mass market and grow demand for original, affordable art How existing business models in the art world fail to serve the majority of artists The importance of buying art that you love; it shouldn’t just serve as an investment Why he loves buying art, starting with how it makes him feel The value of owning something unique that supports small business owners The conversation-starting qualities of original art that mass-produced decor lacks
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/why-i-love-buying-art
Camille Rose Garcia was born into a creative family. The daughter of an activist filmmaker and a muralist, Camille began her artistic journey as a young apprentice to her mother, painting walls throughout the suburbs of Orange County. During this formative time Camille also visited Disneyland and attended punk shows with other disenchanted youth. Drawing from an eclectic range of influences, including authors Philip K. Dick and William S. Burroughs, vintage cartoons, outsider art, and politically aware bands like The Clash and the Dead Kennedys, Camille makes engaging, vividly colored work that blends nostalgic pop culture references with a satirical slant on modern society. Her psychedelic, eye-popping paintings, detailed drawings, toys, and books strive for both visual pleasure and incisive social criticism. In today’s episode, Camille sits down with NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power to share insight into the creative legacy she inherited from her parents. Believing she was destined to create and manifest her own reality, Camille reflects on the ways this thinking shows up in her work and life. She also discusses reconciling the opposing forces of capitalism and creativity as she works to build a practice that is accessible, thought-provoking, and impactful. Finally, we explore Camille’s deep compassion for the natural world and her fascination with the planets that exist beyond our own. Make sure to tune in for this poignant discussion about art, the universe, and everything in between with beloved pop surrealist Camille Rose Garcia. In Today’s Podcast Episode Camille Rose Garcia discusses… How she honors her parents’ creative legacy The essence of her brand and the message she imparts through her work Why she takes the act of creating so seriously The challenges of keeping pace with innovations in the art world How she makes her artwork more accessible to the public through her online store The fundamental importance of showing compassion towards animals, land, and people The very specific “sonic requirements” she considers part of her art-making process Illustrating and writing The Cabinet of Dr. Deekay, a dystopian fairy tale published by Sympathetic Press Her most “far out” theories about life on planet Earth, and beyond
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/camille-rose-garcia
Everyone is talking about NFTs; but what do they really mean for artists and art collectors? Today, you’ll hear from Ronnie Pirovino, a widely recognized collector, curator, and appraiser who hails from Denver, Colorado. After his art collection grew to prominence, Ronnie left his successful career in digital advertising in 2015 to focus on his passion for art and, today, his pursuits encompass a variety of entrepreneurial projects including NFTs, which he believes are positioned to restructure the creative economy. He has partnered with Christie’s on Trespassing, an ongoing series of auction sales that trace graffiti’s influence on contemporary art, and he acts as Chief Curator at LGND.art, an innovative platform built by artists, for artists at the intersection of art and technology. He is also well-known as the world’s largest collector of KAWS artworks! As you’ll discover in today’s episode, Ronnie helps artists and organizations understand and navigate the emerging world of NFTs and Web3 and he is a passionate advocate for making the NFT space accessible to everyone, not just the crypto natives! Tune in as we dive into ownership, security, and the growing responsibility that artists have to actively engage with their audiences, as well as how you can meet the challenges of the new creative economy with vigor and embrace the possibilities it presents, plus so much more. Key Points From This Episode: Why Ronnie believes the NFT space is for everyone, not just the crypto natives. The inherent understanding Ronnie’s kids have of the metaverse thanks to Roblox. How NFTs shifted his perspective on ownership when it comes to digital assets. Overcoming some of the stumbling blocks on the path to greater adoption. How intimidating terminology and a cult aesthetic can act as gatekeeping devices. Why Ronnie suggests participating in the NFT community via channels like Discord. Defining Web3, how it’s different from Web2, and what it makes possible for end-users. Security in the NFT space; with great freedom comes great responsibility! The growing expectation for artists to actively engage with their audiences. Why Ronnie encourages galleries to revise their business models as artists gain more control over their own careers in the NFT space. Empowering people to feel like they can participate and grow the demand for digital assets. Ronnie’s advice for artists entering the world of NFTs: be patient and view it as an extension of your existing practice. Concept as a driving force; why execution isn’t necessarily the star of the show! Why the most successful NFT artists didn’t rush in, but used the medium to its fullest potential. The importance of meeting the challenges of the new creative economy with vigor. Ronnie shares why he loves and collects art: because of its inherent ability to communicate. The third installment of Trespassing with Christie’s, which Ronnie hopes will spark dialogue between different generations of art collectors. How NFTs have brought young people to the previously elitist practice of art collecting.
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/ronnie-pirovino
Confused by NFTs? Meet the software developers who are making generative artwork a piece of cake. Today, we’re joined by two cutting-edge innovators: Ashton Owens and Andrew Medearis of Good Month Labs, a software development company that calls itself “the TurboTax of NFT deployment.” In this episode, Ashton and Andrew sit down with NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power to discuss their recent passion projects in the spheres of cryptocurrency and counterculture. You’ll learn how the two founded Good Month Labs and subsequently launched BAZ, a golf-inspired collection of NFT artworks numbering over seven thousand. Featuring the “violently pastel” works of https://kyokill.com/ (Kyokill), the collection is available on OpenSea, and will likely appeal to patrons who adore its unique combination of golf, dinosaurs, and Web3 art. Discover the collection https://opensea.io/collection/baztour (here). Ashton and Andrew also dive into their recently launched Cake app, which will create a one-stop solution for artists in Web3 spaces—regardless of whether you’re an old pro or a total NFT neophyte. The two discuss how NFTs are shifting power back to artists, what Cake will do to facilitate this process, and how artists and NFTs can evolve together. We also touch on the definition of “programmable assets,” why NFTs can actually offer IRL experiences, and how blockchain technology can be kinder to our planet. Don’t miss our insightful conversation with Ashton and Andrew of Good Month Labs. Key Points From This Episode: Andrew explains how a passion for counterculture led him to NFTs Ashton shares his chance encounter with NFTs while working in sports marketing Ashton and Andrew relay their vision of accessible art at the intersection of golf and NFTs Ashton sheds some light on the BAZ TOUR Collection by Kyokill on OpenSea The two discuss Good Month’s Cake app, and how makes NFTs easier for artists Andrew acknowledges market value for art and NFTs can be borne out of confusion Ashton explains how NFTs can lead to real-world experiences and strengthen relationships The two software developers respond to environmental criticism of NFTs Lastly, the two talk about the hottest new industry event: https://www.nft.nyc/ (NFT.NYC)
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/good-month-labs
Everyone is talking about NFTs—but what do they really mean for artists and art collectors? Today, you’ll hear from Ronnie Pirovino, a widely recognized collector, curator, and appraiser who hails from Denver, Colorado. After his art collection grew to prominence, Ronnie left his successful career in digital advertising to focus on his passion for art. Today, his pursuits encompass a variety of entrepreneurial projects, including NFTs, which he believes are positioned to restructure the creative economy. He has partnered with Christie’s on https://www.christies.com/en/auction/trespassing-21280-nyr/ (Trespassing), an ongoing series of auction sales that trace graffiti’s influence on contemporary art, and he acts as chief curator at https://lgnd.art/ (LGND.art), an innovative platform built by artists, for artists, at the intersection of art and technology. He is also well-known as the world’s largest collector of KAWS artworks. As you’ll discover in today’s episode, Ronnie helps artists and organizations understand and navigate the emerging world of NFTs and Web3. He’s a passionate advocate for making the NFT space accessible to everyone, not just the crypto natives. Tune in as NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power and Ronnie dive into ownership, security, and the growing responsibility that artists have to actively engage with their audiences. You’ll also learn how to meet the challenges of the new creative economy with vigor, embracing the many possibilities it presents. Key Points From This Episode: Why Ronnie believes the NFT space is for everyone, not just the crypto natives How intimidating terminology and a cult aesthetic can act as gatekeeping devices Defining Web3: how it’s different from Web2, and what possibilities it opens up for creatives How NFTs have brought young people to the previously elitist practice of art collecting Why the most successful NFT artists didn’t rush in, but used the medium to its fullest potential Why Ronnie suggests participating in the NFT community via channels like Discord Ronnie’s advice for artists entering the world of NFTs: be patient and view it as an extension of your existing practice Why Ronnie encourages galleries to revise their business models as artists gain more control over their own careers in the NFT space
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/ronnie-pirovino
The democratization of art does not mean dumbing it down. It means increasing access for artists and audiences alike, an objective that today’s podcast guest, Melissa Richardson Banks, is super passionate about. Melissa is an arts marketing specialist, podcast host, photographer, and the founder of https://causeconnect.net/ (CauseConnect), an art consulting firm that recently celebrated its 20th anniversary of “doing business by doing good.” She specializes in creating strategic marketing partnerships and is known for designing innovative, cost-effective solutions that produce results, from raising funds to raising awareness. Known as https://www.musedla2hou.com/ (Downtown Muse) for her photography of the Los Angeles and Houston art districts, Melissa is also an independent cultural producer. She plans, creates, funds, and executes events and projects, from museum exhibits, community festivals, and virtual and in-person speaker series to classical music concerts, influencer dinners, and salons. To date, Melissa has produced, marketed, managed, or funded over 100 museum exhibitions and managed several national tours of traveling exhibitions and art shows. In today’s episode, Melissa shares her observations on the legitimacy of so-called “real art” and offers some insight into her creative journey, from middle school artist to arts marketing specialist. We also touch on the dissolving divide between fine and commercial art, why what you call yourself as an artist matters, and the story behind her creative partnership with longtime comedian and art collector https://notrealart.com/cheech-marin-collects-chicano-art/ (Cheech Marin). Tune in to the episode to find out how Melissa elevates and supports artists—then learn how you can do the same. Key Points From This Episode: The importance of arts education and making art more accessible Why Melissa believes that art is all around us; all we have to do is seek it out Hear the story of the first time she acknowledged herself as an artist Reflecting on the dissolving divide between fine and commercial art Why what you call yourself matters, and the growing number of titles artists can choose from The fascinating story of how she came to manage Cheech Marin’s art collection How the two launched the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art and Culture, now open in Riverside, CA Why Melissa believes her role is to promote and support artists over herself Debunking some of the biggest misconceptions about Chicano art The intangible services Melissa has provided for artists over the years, and the tangible projects that are most significant to her The multitude of ways that you can support artists, from buying art to sharing their work A glimpse into the joy that Melissa’s art collection brings her on a daily basis
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/melissa-richardson-banks
Welcome to a special Father’s Day edition of the Not Real Art Podcast! Today, you’ll hear from Sol Guy, an incredible film producer and writer who believes that we change and shape our world through the stories we tell. His passion for art and social change has led him on a unique creative journey. From his early days as a founding member of the groundbreaking Canadian hip-hop group, the Rascalz, to creating and presenting TV shows, producing and directing films, writing books, and managing other artists, Sol has always been very intentional about implementing business practices that are both innovative and socially-minded. His most recent film, The Death of My Two Fathers, is a courageous exploration of identity, fatherhood, life, and death. In this episode, Sol shares how the film unpacks the meaning of family, explores race, and why we must all face where we come from for the sake of those who come after us. By offering the film as a resource, Sol’s hope is to inspire people to live intentionally, face difficult challenges head on, and be inspired to use creativity, conversation, and storytelling as a means for healing and honoring our loved ones. Tune in today for a powerful (and emotional) conversation about grief, reconciliation, and fatherhood! Key Points From This Episode: A candid and emotional reflection on the unpredictable voyage of grief. The importance of recognizing your mortality in order to get the most out of life. Why Sol believes we can heal ourselves and one another through creative practice. Recognizing that we can inherit beauty, truth, and gifts in the same way we inherit intergenerational trauma. How Sol found the courage to explore difficult topics like fatherhood, reconciliation, and loss. Why he believes it’s important to raise sensitive sons and encourage vulnerability in boys. Hear about Sol’s experience of visiting his father’s first family in Kansas City. How his sister, Travistine, helped Sol rediscover his roots, reexamine what it means to be Black in America, and reconnect with the people his father left behind. How Sol came to understand the parallels in his own life as a better understanding of his father’s choices emerged. Understanding the value of showing up as a witness, not a savior. Sol shares what he believes is his love language: making art with someone. A look behind the scenes as Sol shares the process of filming The Death of My Two Fathers. How his team helped him find the universal narrative in his personal story. What Sol learned about collaboration and the true nature of abundance during the process. The energetic resonance of the process that remains in the final creative product. How Sol hopes to offer this film as a resource and where you can watch it!
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/sol-guy
How many people would be willing to risk it all to pursue their dreams? Today’s guest, Danish artist https://shop.mikael-b.com/ (Mikael B)., packed his bags and flew to LA after selling the graphic design company he started with his twin brother. In 2014, while Mikael was working as a graphic designer, he created a colorful map to hang in his Copenhagen apartment. That work, “Vibrant World,” went viral after being posted online, spurring global demand for Mikael’s prints and providing a launchpad for the artist’s budding career. Encouraged by the response, Mikael and his brother sold their graphic design business and moved to LA to focus on art-making—and the rest, as they say, is history. Blending Cubism with Wildstyle graffiti, Mikael began splashing his designs all over LA soon after arriving. Today he works with brands like American Express and Bentley Motors to create eye-catching projects and public murals that brighten the city. He credits his success to his brother’s business savvy, describing their partnership as “yin and yang.” In today’s podcast episode, NOT REAL ART founder and publisher https://www.notarealartist.com/ (Scott “Sourdough” Power) sits down with Mikael B. to discuss how the young artist took control of his creative career. You’ll get a glimpse into Mikael’s creative journey, from Denmark to The City of Angels, and hear about his ongoing commitment to creating work he loves—not just art that sells. We also touch on the role social media plays in Mikael’s success, how to embrace the unknown with enthusiasm, and what you can learn from the crossover between fine and commercial art. Ultimately, Mikael believes taking an extraordinary leap of faith enabled his creative success. The artist shares a powerful and inspiring story about sacrifice, commitment, and vision—tune in today for insight from the intrepid artist. Key Points From This Episode: Mikael’s introduction to art-making via graphic design How he felt called to express himself authentically rather than building corporate brands Why he describes his partnership with his twin brother as “yin and yang” The story of how "Vibrant World" went viral and kickstarted Mikael’s journey as an artist The role that social media played in enabling Mikael to take control of his own career Some of the sacrifices he had to make in order to get his business off the ground in LA What you can learn from the crossover between the commercial and fine art worlds. How Mikael has been inspired by graffiti and how it has influenced his signature style The value of embracing the unknown and getting out of your comfort zone Strategies from his agency days that Mikael applies to building his personal brand The importance of staying true to yourself: why Mikael paints what he loves, not what sells The dedication and commitment it takes for ordinary people to do extraordinary things How taking this leap of faith enabled Mikael to become a better version of himself Insight into his daily routines and rituals, from regular exercise to meditation and practicing gratitude, and how they contribute to his success How you can benefit from prioritizing self-care as a creative practitioner What's next for Mikael B, including his upcoming solo exhibition!
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/mikael-b
How do you turn your passion into a successful business? When Los Angeles-based artist and entrepreneur https://www.instagram.com/ilsevalfre/?hl=en (Ilse Valfré) was just 22-years-old, she started a Tumblr blog that would propel her from preschool teacher to internationally sought-after artist. Today, fans of her brand, https://valfre.com/ (Valfré), include Jessica Alba and Emma Roberts, as well as millions of girls and young women around the world. In this episode of our podcast, NOT REAL ART founder and publisher https://www.notarealartist.com/ (Scott “Sourdough” Power) sits down with Ilse and her husband, Donald Eley, to discuss how they built a family business while raising two bchildren. You’ll gain insight into the challenges and rewards associated with building a successful brand in today’s tech-savvy world and learn about Ilse’s passion for drawing. We also touch on the importance of starting a creative business while you’re young, establishing a strong community to rally around you, and what it takes to forge your own path. Prompting young artists to view hardships as gasoline for their creative fire, Ilse believes the challenges she’s endured shaped her success for the better. Her quirky, irreverent characters reflect this philosophy, smirking in the face of adversity even as tears fall from their eyes. A modern-day internet success story, Ilse urges creative entrepreneurs to follow their passions, jump in with both feet, and make mistakes—you never know what might happen! We also dive into the Web 3.0 and NFT world, where Ilse and Donald have createdhttps://valfrelandia.com/ ( Valfrélandia), a collection of 600 unique, hand-drawn NFT artworks Though Ilse credits her success to the incredible community she’s managed to build online, it’s the artist’s sunny disposition and relentless optimism that propels her work into the wider world. In today’s episode, Donald and Ilse share their magic formula for modern success as they reflect on what it’s like to have over a million followers in their community: “It keeps us inspired.” Key Points From This Episode: Insight into Ilse’s upbringing and the Tumblr blog that launched her global brand Why Ilse encourages creative entrepreneurs to start young (and make mistakes!) Donald explains how the Valfré brand “rides the line” between fashion, art, and design The authenticity in her work that Ilse believes people are drawn to How the internet provided a space for Ilse to build her own world and forge her own path Viewing the internet as a window or a stage to introduce viewers to your work Discover how Donald and Ilse met and how their skillsets compliment one another How growing up surrounded by street food and urban art in Tijuana influenced Ilse’s practice A glimpse into Donald’s journey and how he became the businessperson that he is today Why Ilse says she has learned to trust the journey, even when it is challenging Understanding how Ilse’s characters reflect this philosophy, smirking in the face of hardship What it’s like for Ilse to have a million followers and how it inspires her to keep going The uplifting and positive messages her artwork spreads amongst the Valfré community Diving into the Web 3.0 and NFT world, where Ilse and Donald have created Valfrélandia How emerging technology can connect creators with their fans in a whole new way The benefits of having a family business and how Ilse and Donald advocate for each other
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/valfré
No matter how many accolades you receive, they will fade, and the plaques in your honor will eventually be removed and replaced with new ones. Of course, receiving recognition for the creative work you do is an important part of staying motivated as an artist, but today’s guest believes that it should be the work itself that inspires you, not the awards you collect for it. That being said, today, we are honored to welcome our first-ever Emmy Award-winning artist, Senior Vice President of Development and Production for Red Rock Films, Shannon Malone-deBenedictis! A former video installation artist, Shannon is a creative storyteller and a leading figure in film development and production spanning several genres. Notable projects include Secrets of the Whales, winner of the 2021 Emmy for Best Documentary or Nonfiction Series, as well as Penguin Town and Shark Week. In today’s episode, Shannon emphasizes the value of patience, determination, and collaboration, highlighting the critical roles that great storytelling and constant curiosity have played in her decades-long career as a documentary filmmaker. We also touch on why the ability to work well with others is more important than raw talent and discuss some of the challenges that come with pitching films to investors, before Shannon offers her practical advice for filmmakers, plus so much more! Make sure not to miss this down-to-earth and insightful conversation with the one and only, Shannon Malone-deBenedictis! Key Points From This Episode: Insight into Shannon’s career trajectory; from an art degree to office work and back to film! Hear what it was like for Shannon and her team to win an Emmy for Secrets of the Whales. The epic undertaking of filming the series and the collaborations that made it possible. Studying the social, cultural traditions of whales, previously considered exclusive to humans. Shannon’s belief that studying the culture of whales will play a key role in our ongoing efforts to protect them. How advanced technology like drones enable us to capture footage in an ethical way. Some of the controversy that often accompanies documentary filmmaking. How Sigourney Weaver brought classic storytelling and emotion to Secrets of the Whales. Find out how Shannon believes COVID contributed to this project winning the Emmy. Two compliments that meant the most to Shannon, one of which was from a four-year-old. The surreal moment when Secrets of the Whales won the Emmy for Best Documentary or Nonfiction Series. Why Shannon prioritizes the work she does over any accolades she has received for it. Why simply having talent doesn’t mean you’ll get work; you can’t work in a vacuum. The importance of learning how to collaborate and work with others as an artist. Shannon and Sourdough share their mutual appreciation for the Jackass movies. The amazing travel opportunities that being a documentary filmmaker has afforded Shannon. Highlighting the roles that great storytelling and curiosity play in documentary filmmaking. Challenges that come with pitching documentary films, and Shannon’s advice for filmmakers.
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/shannon-malone-deBenedictis
The shifts and changes that have always characterized the creative industries have accelerated in the last few years with the rise of the blockchain and the introduction of NFTs into the popular lexicon. There are now more new avenues than ever for artists to explore and find themselves a niche in, and this is both exciting and daunting for many young creators. Here to talk about his journey through the creative life and his explorations into new possibilities is the amazing kaNO! Born and raised in New York and now based in Los Angeles for many years, kaNO is an artist, toymaker, animator, and generally a man of many talents! kaNO is also a family man, a thoughtful human, and someone we are so lucky to host on the podcast and share this space with. In today's episode, we speak about many different areas of kaNO's life, from how he approaches productivity and time management to his thoughts on education and community. The bulk of the second half of our chat is spent on the crypto space and how kaNO is thinking about his place in this burgeoning area of the art landscape, so to catch it all from a truly fantastic guest, hit that play button! Key Points From This Episode: kaNO's attitude to juggling different projects and demands on his time. The impact of education in kaNO's journey and the time he spent at art school. Democratization of the art business; his philosophy and what enabled him to keep growing. Why a network of peers and mentors are so important to any aspiring artist. Current projects that kaNO is busy with; his forthcoming exhibition, new toys, and forays into NFTs and the blockchain! kaNO's perspective on NFTs currently and how they could change the game. How the NFT world connects to the Metaverse and a new creative culture. kaNO explains where he is at in his own process of learning about NFTs and where he wants to pour his energy. The shift away from physical and tangible products with the younger generation. Staying relevant with the ways we acquire and share knowledge. The attraction that young people have towards the open and free nature of NFT education.
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/kano
Today on the Not Real Art Podcast, we have the pleasure of introducing you to world-renowned artist, Andre Miripolsky. As colorful as the art he creates, Andre’s signature style of pop imagery is bright, whimsical, and energetic, and he has collaborated with the likes of Bette Midler, Quincy Jones, Robin Williams, The Rolling Stones, and MTV, among others. His work exploded onto the scene in the 1980s with the design of Elton John's famous ‘piano jacket’, and he is best known for his Fear No Art series, the Miripolsky Art Barbie, and his ‘Absolut Vodka illustrations from the ‘90s. In this episode, Andre shares some insight into his career, his upbringing around the world, and what led him to ultimately settle in Los Angeles. Tuning in, you’ll learn more about his iconic Viva LA! Program, which celebrates the power of collaboration and the incredible, dynamic people that make LA one of the most creative cities in the world, and we dive into how Andre is embracing cutting edge technology as he ventures into the world of NFTs with his distinctive shark characters. Andre believes he was born to be an artist, which is clearly evident as we dive into his story. So, for a fascinating discussion with one of the most brilliant creative minds of our time, make sure to tune in today! Key Points From This Episode: What constitutes ‘real art’ and some of the unintended consequences of technology. An interesting story about why Andre isn’t a French citizen, despite being born in Paris. Why Andre says he received an art education “by osmosis" by the time he was two. How he found himself through art at a young age and sold his first painting at 10-years-old. The importance of branding as an artist, which Andre first discovered as a high school senior. The role of marketing and promotion in the NFT world and the challenges virtual art presents. Insight into some of the important partnerships that Andre has made in the NFT space. Why Andre says that he always felt like an old soul, even when he was a child. How he has embraced cutting edge technologies and processes throughout his career. Why he believes the epitaph on his tombstone should read, "In spite of myself.” The accident that led Andre to create one of his best-known bodies of work, Fear No Art. How he made rock and roll history by designing Elton John’s famous ‘piano jacket’. Why Andre attributes his success as an artist to his ability to adapt his energy to the different ecosystems and platforms of the art world. Understanding his involvement in the Viva LA Music Festival via his iconic Viva LA! Platform. Why he believes that the phrase, “Viva LA,” is behind the success of the brand. Information about Andre’s SharkTales Art Club NFTs, his partnership with the Beneath the Waves Foundation, and where you can find them. Where you can follow Andre on Twitter and Instagram.
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/andre-miripolsky
As much as we tend to separate ourselves from other species, human beings are animals too. Our natural ecosystems support all of us, not just the whales or the polar bears we want to save, and the only way we can sustain our lives and our health on this planet is if the planet is alive and healthy. Today’s episode centers around an incredible organization that is doing important work at the intersection of culture and environmentalism to further the conservation of our oceans. Led by Founder and Executive Director, Tré Packard, The PangeaSeed Foundation is an international nonprofit organization that seeks to raise awareness and create positive change using what they call ‘ARTivism’. Tré is a renowned public art curator and award-winning environmental photographer who marries art and activism to cultivate a new era in marine conservation and, in today’s episode, he shares some of the groundbreaking work that PangeaSeed has done with artists like Shepard Fairey and Nychos to raise awareness about the fragility of our oceans. We also gain some insight into what compelled Tré to look at conservation through a different lens and you’ll learn about their recently released book, Sea Change: A Decade of ARTivism for Oceans, which features a carefully curated selection of the purpose-driven artworks that PangeaSeed has collaborated on over the past 10 years. To find out how PangeaSeed is giving the oceans a voice through their unique blend of art and activism, make sure not to miss this insightful conversation with Tré Packard! Key Points From This Episode: What compelled Tré to look at conservation through a different lens: art. Insight into Tré’s lifelong connection with, and passion for, the oceans. The value of art as a communication tool to drive change. How the Sea Walls public art program empowers and educates communities about the importance of protecting our oceans. How they collaborate with global partners and stakeholders to create a legacy of ARTivism. The special selection of artwork featured in Sea Change: A Decade of ARTivism for Oceans. Ocean pollution, microplastics, and the power that consumers have to drive change. Tré reflects on how religion and politics can influence our relationship with the environment. Tré’s hope for the next generation and how he believes young people can mobilize for good. Sea Walls in Churchill, Manitoba, which is known as the “polar bear capital of the world.” A sneak peek into some of the murals and creative productions coming your way this summer. Breaking down the seven chapters of Sea Change and what you can expect from the book. How you can support PangeaSeed by purchasing limited edition artworks from their shop. How PangeaSeed supports artists through their Printed Oceans and Sea Walls programs. Where you can find and stay up to date with PangeaSeed and Sea Walls on social media. Some of the ways that Tré takes care of himself so he can continue fighting for the cause. Sourdough tells the story of how he ended up living in Churchill, Manitoba, for a year.
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/pangeaseed-foundation
If Teddy Margas could give the world one message, it would be to embrace the power of creativity. He is a shining example of creative talent and dedication, and we are very lucky to have an amazing conversation to share with all of our listeners today! Actor, writer, comedian, performer; however you want to describe him, Teddy has his fingers in many pies and continues to grow and branch out, embracing new challenges and forms in order to stay inspired. In our chat, we talk about Teddy's upbringing and family, the moments in his childhood that left a mark on him, bringing the power of personal trauma into performance, and why connecting with an audience can be so powerful. We also touch on some of Teddy's amazing character work, which you find on his social media channels, and the lessons he learned about how to approach auditions. For Teddy, being creative doesn't have to mean dropping everything to make it in Hollywood, he just believes that allowing space for the magic of play and creativity can bring so much joy and fulfillment into our lives, a message we at the Not Real Art Podcast fully endorse! Key Points From This Episode: Teddy's early years, birth in North Carolina, and formative years in Philadelphia. Reflections on the benefits of growing up in a cultural melting pot. Moving to LA and leaving the small pond for a big city. Teddy's belief in nurturing the artistic impulses of young children. The bravery it takes to get up on stage and why Teddy thinks everyone should try it! Thoughts on the connection between comedy and trauma. How Teddy properly found his voice and truly connected with an audience. Teddy's approach to describing his work and skillset in different situations. The work that goes into the development of Teddy's characters and his fascination with 'Karen'. A look back at the important periods of learning in Teddy's journey. Teddy explains some surprising elements of successful auditioning techniques. How Teddy uses silences and pauses in his routine. The surprising roles and places that Teddy has found himself in through his love of creating! Teddy's perspective on the hurdles he faces at this point in his career, and his attraction to challenges. Exciting information on upcoming projects and how to connect with Teddy online!
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/teddy-margas
In these tough times we have all been living through, hope can seem a little elusive. Many of us want to work for change and make a positive impact, but it is not always clear where we should put our energy and money. Two young women from LA are providing us with a great example of what is possible, and we are joined by Zoey Hudis and Lucy Lipofsky of Art for Peace today, as well as their proud mothers! Art for Peace is an initiative and event founded in order to support the crisis in Ukraine right now, and Zoey and Lucy have managed to connect with an amazing roster of artists, who have donated work that will be sold for the cause. This inspiring project can show us all how we can work within our scope, in ways that suit our skills and interests, for a better world. The Art for Peace event was held on the weekend of April 15 through the 18th, and we cannot wait to see what these young art activists do next! Key Points From This Episode: An introduction to the mission at Art for Peace! The process of creating the website and finding a gallery space. How Zoey and Lucy managed to involve such an impressive roster of artists! The role that everyone can play by coming together and sharing skills and effort. Why Zoey and Lucy's dedication and involvement have propelled the initiative. A little about the two organizations that Art for Peace has partnered with. Details about the gallery space, and where to find out more about the event and project. The inspiration behind the logo and the symbolism of the dove that Lucy used. Feelings of pride that Zoey and Lucy's moms are experiencing right now.
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/art-for-peace
Some people are extraordinarily unique and change the game completely. We here at NOT REAL ART are pleased to present last year’s https://notrealart.com/greg-escalante/ (episode) on Juxtapoz Magazine founder and lowbrow art enthusiast Greg Escalante. Escalante was a bona fide maverick and trailblazer, carving out a space where so many of us could feel at home. For this episode, originally aired April 9, 2021, some 30 artists and friends gathered to record personal audio messages in honor of Escalante’s birthday on April 17. To celebrate the episode’s one-year anniversary, we’re baking a cake, lighting the candles, and remembering Escalante’s impact for one more turn around the sun. Juxtapoz, the publication Escalante co-founded with cartoonist Robert Williams, is still a leading work in the alternative and underground art space. Escalante's legacy is about far more than the magazine—it’s about the community he built and the lives he touched. During the show, you’ll hear tributes from many of the artists who were impacted by Greg, including Robert Williams, Shag, Shepard Fairy, Elizabeth McGrath, and Chaz Bojórquez, just to name just a few. The episode is hosted by NOT REAL ART founder, Scott “Sourdough” Power, Heidi Johnson of Hijinx Artist Management & PR, and Wendy Sherman, who acted as Escalante’s personal assistant and gallery manager. Johnson and Sherman share their fondest memories of Greg, like his love of ice cream, their travels, and what a day spent with him would look like. Tune in to this week’s episode to hear the profound impact Escalante had, not just on the art world, but on the many weird and wonderful people in it. Key Points From This Greg Escalante Episode:The first time “Sourdough” heard about Escalante and Juxtapoz in 1995 Hans's experience of being in Southern California in the center of the community Escalante was building Heidi's experience of working with Escalante and how they helped one another's careers Hear artists like Robert Williams, Mark Ryden and Scott Hess share stories about their dear friend, Escalante Merry Karnowsky, Ben Goretsky, Shag, Shepard Fairy, and Shana Nys Dambrot honor Escalante How Escalante changed Elizabeth McGrath's life and career forever What a day spend with Escalante in Chinatown would look like Heidi shares a story of a dinner she and Escalante went to when he had a rare drink Reflecting on some of Escalante’s wild birthday celebrations How Escalante approached studio visits with his characteristic generosity and openness More artists, including Marnie Weber, Natalia Faber, Timothy Robert Smith share what Escalante meant to them Escalante had a unique way of making people feel truly seen The timeline of starting Juxtapoz; it all happened very quickly after he met Robert What Juxtapoz means to the art world and artists who ordinarily would have been ignored The story of how Robert and Escalante connected and met Chaz Bojórquez shares the story of his and Escalante's friendship Some other artists tell stories of their memories with Escalante Escalante's experience of seeing Robert's work on the cover of Thrasher Escalante's relationships with gallerists were as special and unique as his ones with artists Insights into Escalante's generosity with his art collection and his penchant for giving art away. Reflecting on the fun that Escalante brought to the often serious art world Escalante’s varied music taste and his love for all genres Hear about Escalante's spiritual life and what he might have thought about The Vatican The story of how Wendy met Escalante after being interested in lowbrow art for many years Doug Harvey, LC, and more pay tribute to Escalante Heidi's trip with Escalante to Mexico and his other travels over the years Escalante did not just change the art scene; he changed people's lives More friends and artists share their tributes to Escalante to end the show
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Today on Not Real Art, we are joined by the one and only Jimmy Smith from Amusement Park Entertainment (APE), an advertising legend who has been in the game since 1985. He got his start working on the Nike ‘Just Do It’ campaign and his career has included stints at Wieden & Kennedy, where he created ‘Book of Dimes’, an ad starring LeBron James and Bernie Mac for Nike; BBDO, where he served as Executive Creative Director for Motorola; and TBWA/Chiat/Day L.A., where he was Group Creative Director for Gatorade. In 2012, Fast Company named Jimmy one of the Top 100 Most Creative People and, in today’s episode, he shares with us the power of ideas and why it’s so important for creatives, especially creatives of color, to treat their ideas as precious resources. We also discuss the difference between making an ad and creating a piece of culture that lives on long after the campaign is over and Jimmy shares the incredible story of how he convinced Luke Aikens to jump out of a plane without a parachute for Stride Gum in 2016. For more awe-inspiring stories from a true creative force to be reckoned with, make sure not to miss this episode with Jimmy Smith! Key Points From This Episode: The importance of aligning yourself with the innovators and one-upping the ‘knuckleheads’. Why Jimmy believes the highest-paid people are oftentimes the givers. Some of the challenges that come with creating something completely new. Why you’re probably not innovating if you aren’t ruffling some feathers. The battles creatives have to go through sometimes to bring their visions to life. Why Sourdough encourages creatives to “take heart” when their ideas are stolen. Jimmy emphasizes the value of treating ideas as precious, especially as a Black creative. Insight into why APE co-owns ideas with the brands they work with. The difference between making an ad and creating a piece of culture that lives on. Hear the story of how Jimmy got Luke Aikens to agree to jump from a plane without a parachute for Stride Gum. The quote from Jo Muse that Jimmy lives by, which starts with “think the unthinkable." Jimmy cautions that, as crazy as your ideas are, they have to still serve the client. Some of the ideas he is working on right now, including an oil product that reduces smog. How he has seen the advertising game evolve and where he believes it is headed. Examples of how brands can leverage podcasting to their benefit. Jimmy closes with his belief that, if it isn’t going to be great, it’s time to go home!
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/jimmy-smith
Blending themes of morbid corporeality with a colorful, loony aesthetic descended from comics and cartoons, today’s guest has developed a unique style that has a profound effect on viewers, whether on the street or in the gallery. In Nychos’ world, Spongebob has a skeleton, people live inside rabbits, and there is always something wicked beneath the surface! Nychos is an Austrian illustrator, artist, and the Founder of Rabbit Eye Movement, an operating collective that serves as an exhibition space, shop, and international movement. He is known for his characteristic dissection, cross-section, x-ray, and translucent styles, often portraying animals and characters drawn from pop culture. We had the opportunity to sit down with Nychos to discuss his new show, The Awakening, which you can view at Mirus Gallery in Los Angeles until May 2022. The exhibition is dedicated to this intense creative phase in Nychos’ life and, as you’ll discover in today’s episode, it presents a body of work that speaks to the artist’s suffering, insight, and healing; his falling apart and reassembling. For a fascinating and deeply personal conversation with the super talented and thought-provoking artist, Nychos, be sure not to miss this episode! Key Points From This Episode: Nychos sets the scene for the exhibition, which comprises over 100 artworks. Insight into the exhibition title and how Nychos’ artistic expression has evolved. How injury, illness, and pain informed his stylistic transition from dissection to translucence. His move from San Fransisco to LA, where he found a studio and eventually put down roots. What led him to experiment with psychedelics when he couldn’t find the source of his illness. Nychos describes the experience he had on 5-MeO-DMT or ‘toad medicine’, which allowed him to understand energy, trauma, rebirth, and healing. The transformative power of meditation and tai chi and why Nychos says he felt like a “young puppy in a new world.” The language of his paintings and how they illustrate his personal spiritual awakening. Understanding that channeling his trauma through his work was the key to healing himself. The importance of accepting responsibility for your own health, happiness, and wellbeing. Insight into Nychos’ cultural and religious background and the role that hunting plays. What he has come to understand about awareness and how we are all connected.
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/nychos
With so much stress, anger, and frustration in the world, today’s guest tries to create meaningful artworks that he hopes will bring a smile to his viewers’ faces. Please join us in welcoming Daryl Slaton, an animator and an illustrator from Asheville, North Carolina. By utilizing technology like augmented reality (AR) and NFTs, Daryl hopes to spread joy and positivity through his animated characters by reaching as many viewers as he can. In today’s episode, he shares how he uses AR to animate his characters and tell short stories that sometimes speak to larger issues such as global warming but always evoke a sense of playfulness and gentle humor. We touch on some of Daryl’s earliest artistic influences and his trajectory in the art world before diving into his creative process and the immersive, interactive space he is hoping to build with Artsville in the River Arts District, plus so much more! To find out more about how Daryl is embracing new technology to spread positivity with his Tails of Whimsy, make sure to tune in today! Key Points From This Episode: Why Daryl hopes to spread joy and positivity through his artwork. Learn about the vibrant creative community in Asheville, where Daryl lives and works. Some of his earliest artistic influences and why he is drawn to what he calls ‘gentle humor’. What his childhood in North Carolina looked like as the youngest of four boys. Hear about the first drawing that Daryl remembers creating when he was in the first grade. Daryl shares an overview of his trajectory in the art world, which began in commercial art. How Gallagher, a playful anthropomorphic tiger cub, revealed his true character to Daryl. Find out how intertwined Daryl is with his characters (and vice versa)! Discover how Daryl’s practice was impacted by COVID. How he is embracing new technology like AR to tell stories through his animations. Insight into Daryl’s creative process, which starts with a pencil drawing. Why he says he doesn’t wait for inspiration to strike; he goes out and hunts for it! Why he was hesitant about NFTs at first but has now begun to embrace them. Hear about the immersive, interactive space he is hoping to build with Artsville. Learn more about the Artsville gallery space and the podcast that we’ve have created. How Daryl shows people things that they didn’t even know existed through AR. Some of the benefits of digital art, including the capacity for storage.
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/daryl-slaton
If you’re a creative entrepreneur or an artist, chances are that you probably don’t enjoy doing your taxes. Well, today’s guest is here to help! Hannah Cole is an artist, speaker, and tax professional empowering thousands of fellow creatives with clear financial education and tax preparation. As the Founder of Sunlight Tax, she specializes in working with artists and their businesses and, although she has worked at a few ‘buttoned-up’ tax firms in New York City, she loves bringing her skills to the aid of the creative world. In this episode, Hannah debunks the myth that artists are no good with numbers and shares some practical advice to help us impart our own ‘freaky flavor’ into our businesses while also taking money-making seriously. You’ll also gain some insight into her journey from punk-rock-loving anticapitalist to creative tax specialist and what she learned about the art world and her own practice along the way, plus so much more! By delivering engaging tax education that is art-world savvy, Hannah empowers creatives to become self-reliant so that you don’t have to pay someone like her to do the work for you, so make sure to tune in today for an un-intimidating look at your finances with tax expert, Hannah Cole! Key Points From This Episode: Gatekeeping in the art world and the tension between accessibility and enjoyment. Find out how Hannah ended up in Asheville after living in New York for many years. Hannah shares her journey from punk rock anticapitalist to art-savvy tax specialist. Some background on Sunlight Tax and what informed her decision to start it. The importance of clear financial education for professional artists. How the distinctions between commercial art and fine art have blurred over the years. What Hannah learned about business from working in a design agency. Empowering artists and debunking the myth that they are no good with numbers. The emotional labor inherent in Hannah’s work and how she helps artists take the ‘making money’ part of their business more seriously. How school systems prioritize writing and math over visual thinking and communication. Fostering democracy in the art world by seeing art as a fundamentally human pursuit. Why seeing artists thriving in the entrepreneurial space brings Hannah such joy. The inherent advantages that Hannah believes artists have as business owners, including their ability to see what others can’t. Revelations Hannah had about being an artist while she was learning about accounting. Sourdough challenges artists to view their output as intellectual property. Hannah explains why most artists don’t make money through gallery representation. Why she believes artists need thick skin to innovate on the business side of their art practice. The power of community building and resource sharing in the art world. Some of the free resources that Hannah offers for artists. Hannah reflects on the importance of delegating rather than DIY-ing sometimes.
For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/hannah-cole
Today’s episode is an incredibly poignant and powerful one, as we are joined by Olga Severina, an artist, curator, and graphic designer who was born and raised in the Ukraine. She grew up in a thriving creative community in Kharkov and moved to Los Angeles with her family in 2010, but she still has friends and relatives who are currently hiding in basements in Ukraine, hoping that they won’t be killed by advancing Russian Armed Forces. As you’ll learn from this episode, Olga is the founder and curator of PosterTerritory, a project that launches socially conscious poster exhibits. As artists, it’s sometimes difficult to know what to do in the face of injustice, which is why Olga started the PosterTerritory initiative, which provides artists with a platform to spread awareness. PosterTerritory was built on the belief that art and creativity have the power to save the world, and this concept forms the main theme of our conversation today. We discuss how posters are the ideal art form for social change and Olga shares her perspective on the horrific consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. She also shares the power of design to make a statement, her love for the creative community in her hometown, and where and how you can contribute and donate to PosterTerritory and other organizations that are supporting Ukrainians during these dark times. Tune in today to learn from Olga as she sheds light on what artists can do to spread awareness, show solidarity, and rise up against injustice! For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/olga-severina
In a world of turmoil, art matters more than ever. At least, that’s what today’s guest believes. As the Founder of Matter Studio Gallery, ceramic artist and master carpenter Karla Funderburk realized her longstanding vision for an exhibition space where artists from Southern California can share their work and their voices. As much an art gallery as a vital community hub that celebrates inclusiveness through artistic expression, Matter Studio Gallery fills an essential need in the ever-evolving city of Los Angeles. Joining us today, Karla shares the story behind the name of the gallery and how she hopes to make a difference, one visitor at a time. We discuss the sometimes unseen impact of art, finding a balance between making art and making a living, and the power that art has to shine a light on injustice and connect people rather than divide them. You’ll also learn about the Memorial Crane Project, a nonprofit organization that Karla created to commemorate the victims of COVID-19, and how it holds space for the memorials many people were unable to have, plus so much more. After listening to this episode, we hope that you will not only be inspired to pursue your own creative visions but also see art as a way to raise awareness, create empathy, and foster collective healing. Tune in today to find out why art matters! For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/karla-funderburk
Making a career as an artist is still a difficult pursuit and this says a lot about the world we live in. As the Founder and Chief Creative Enabler of Art Jamz, Michael Clements is trying to address this. He joins us today to tell us about his mission to make the world a more creative place. Michael talks about how, after years of creative experimentation, he decided to start Art Jamz, a business that helps artists find stable jobs while connecting people to their inner artists through art classes and ‘ArtBoxes’. But before we get to this part of his story, we discover everything that led up to it. We hear about Michael’s childhood growing up with no idea that art was more than a hobby. He talks about his different creative pursuits in writing, poetry, and drawing while he studied toward a master's degree that would help him get a ‘real job’. We learn of the leap of faith he took after a stint in Japan where he decided only to pick up work if it was creative. After a successful career in acting and publishing, Michael talks about returning to the US to once again begin the experimentation process, and how he finally ended up as an executive editor. Find out how inspired Michael was by the brilliant people his magazine profiled and why he decided to start something of his own (Art Jamz). For a conversation about leaps of faith and calculated risks, how to make a career as a creative by leveraging what you can offer, and the role of being mission-driven in resilience and adaptability, tune in today. For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/michael-clements
Today’s special guest is an artist who has painted in the catacombs beneath Paris, on the patio of a restaurant during a monsoon in Mumbai, on a rooftop in Madrid, and on the streets of Tokyo. Please join us in welcoming Max Neutra, who is probably best known for his ongoing bunny street art project. Conceived as whimsical characters at a live painting event in Barcelona, his bunnies have since evolved into a study of space and motion, a meditation on achieving balance, and a pursuit of the perfect curve. In this episode, we not only talk about the cool things that Max has done, we also dive into the amazing multidisciplinary work he is doing with the geniuses at Meow Wolf, where he has been a resident artist for over four years. During the course of our conversation, Max shares his continuous pursuit of a creative livelihood and the aha moment that made him realize that he needed to make being an artist his full-time job. We also touch on the importance of having faith in your vision, the role that storytelling plays in creating emotional connections, and the practical side of innovation, as well as how you can lead a creative life without becoming a “traditional artist,” plus so much more! Join us for this inspiring and uplifting conversation with the incredible Max Neutra. For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/meow-wolf-max-neutra
Today’s guest on the Not Real Art Podcast is Rick Saez, an author, speaker, and adventurer, as well as an incredible photographer whose work largely focuses on the natural world and his travels. He has led expeditions and photo trips across the world to places like Alaska, Nepal, and Mexico, and has taken his camera to 25 countries on six different continents. On his podcast, The Outdoor Biz Podcast, Rick collaborates with leaders from global organizations like JanSport, Dometic, and Fishpond to provide over 4,000 monthly listeners with fun, entertaining stories related to career development, adventure, and the great outdoors. In this episode, Rick shares his love for his own backyard in the Eastern Sierra and describes how he is profoundly moved and inspired by nature and the outdoors. We also touch on topics ranging from personal photography versus commercial photography and the strong community of creators in Inyo County to our shared passion for podcasting, the outdoor theme that weaves itself throughout Rick’s life, and more! If you want to learn more about travel, adventure, and landscape photography, create a podcast of your own, or even if you’re just looking for inspiration, this is the episode for you! Make sure not to miss this wholesome and down-to-earth discussion with powerhouse entrepreneur and artist, Rick Saez. For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/rick-saez
Today’s guest has been creating hand-painted, fluorescent artwork for 3D immersive installations for more than a decade, and she is as active in promoting art as she is at creating it! Debi Cable’s 3D blacklight experiences have been featured at music and art festivals around America, including the Lancaster Museum, Beverly Hills Art Show, Burning Man, Lightning in a Bottle, and Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas, as well as countless others. Debi also co-founded the Arts Squared public art gallery in Pershing Square, was the LA Regional Art Director for Burning Man, and acted as Vice President of the LA League of Artists. In today’s episode, Debi shares a glimpse into her journey as an artist and how her visually spectacular work developed. We find out how she came to represent other artists in DTLA through the LA Arts Council, what Burning Man taught her about creating immersive art installations at scale, and the spectrum of colors and wavelengths you can see in her work that you can’t see elsewhere. You’ll also learn more about Debi’s business model, how you can collaborate with her, and how immersive art experiences like hers educate people and democratize access to art, plus so much more! For a fun and informal conversation with a bonafide icon of the Downtown Los Angeles art scene, make sure not to miss this episode with Debi Cable! For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/debi-cable
When you work as a commercial artist in a high-stakes game like animation, you know the importance of tracking your hours and managing your business rigorously. Today’s guest has also realized the value of bringing those skills to her personal craft, because knowing exactly how many hours she has spent on one of her incredible handmade pieces not only helps her determine what to charge for them, but also save time on making them and even motivate her to make more. By day, Bonnie Robinson Stewart is a Production Manager at Titmouse Animation Studios in Hollywood. By night, she is an artist that makes meticulously hand-sewn plush toys of everything from koi fish to Godzilla under the moniker, Huggable Koi. In today’s episode, Bonnie shares her process-oriented approach with us and gives us a glimpse into her creative process from ideation to finished product. You’ll also find out more about her work, the traditional carp-shaped windsocks from Japan that inspired her to make her plush koi fish, and some of the amazing (and surprising) opportunities that her plushies have afforded her, plus so much more! Tune in today to gain some practical insights from Huggable Koi creator, Bonnie Robinson Stewart! For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/bonnie-robinson-stewart-huggable-koi
In today’s episode of the Not Real Art Podcast, return guest Louise Glickman shares the story behind her organization Sand Hill Artists Collective (SHAC), and it’s recent collaboration with Crewest Studio on a new podcast called Artsville, which celebrates American contemporary arts and crafts from Asheville, North Carolina, and beyond. Louise Glickman is a mostly self-taught artist who began her creative adventures by studying fashion design and retail marketing. Her love for her community in Asheville reflects her worldview and has compelled her to not only examine but embrace people and cultures, to bring them together through art, culture, and activism. In this episode, we find out how Sandhill Artists Collective (SHAC) supports artists from the greater Western North Carolina region, not just the city of Asheville, and the important role that storytelling and culture plays in arts communities. You’ll also learn about some of their recent exhibitions and exciting developments, including the brand new Artsville Collective gallery inside Marquee in the River Arts District, plus so much more! Tune in today. For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/louise-glickman
No artist wants to end up having a horror story of an experience with a gallery, so it is important that certain measures are taken to avoid this possibility. Today on the show we are back with another art world horror story, this time with New York-based stencil artist and muralist, Logan Hicks. Logan joins us to share not just one but two nightmares he recently endured. He also dishes out some sage advice about what artists can do to ensure that they don’t go through something similar. First, we hear about how Salt Bae breached a contract he had with Logan and ended up using the artist’s work for the marketing surrounding several of his restaurants. Next up, Logan talks about how the Station 16 gallery destroyed $35 000 worth of his paintings and is now refusing to compensate him. We hear about how Logan is fighting back against the Montreal-based gallery by using a combination of a lawsuit and a social media campaign, both of which are still underway. The main point Logan makes on today’s show is that if you want to be a professional artist, then certain business practices need to be understood and implemented in order for you to stand any chance of crossing the finish line intact. Logan is far from small fry, so if these things can happen to an artist as accomplished as him, they can happen to you too. Tune in to hear the value of contracts, copyrighting, and lawyering up, on today’s show. For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/logan-hicks
Welcome to the final installment of our interview series with the 2021 NRA grant winners! Albert Willis, AKA ‘Cleophus’, has actually been on the show before, but now he is a grant winner, so he is back again to share more about his creative process, thoughts on the art world, and approach to being a professional artist. Albert makes what he calls “shadow art”; beautifully intricate and complex pieces where 3D word sculptures become canvases overlaid with hyperrealistic portraiture. We talk about the dichotomy between high and so-called low art and why Albert sees himself as more of an artisan than a fine artist in the snobbish sense of the word. Albert speaks about his love of mathematics and geometry and shares the thought process behind the works he makes today. We get into the business of art and hear about how Albert’s background as a graphic designer and illustrator informs the way he charges for his work. Our conversation also touches on how cryptocurrency is forging a new art industry that could shift money away from institutions and back into the hands of artists. So for a conversation holding as much complexity as one of Alberts's great pieces, tune in today! Key Points From This Episode: Albert’s feelings about having won an NRA grant and the state of the art world currently. ‘High art' versus creative expression: Albert’s thoughts on the ‘Not Real Art’ title. Albert’s love of the craft of art and why he has never considered himself part of the art world. How big of an industry commercial art is while so many artists starve on the fringes. The genius of Black creative expression which has been capitalized on by white people. Valuable lessons from art school around materials, methods, and ‘seeing’. Albert’s love for geometry and maths and how it influences the art he makes. How Albert came up with his “Shadow Art” incorporating 3D word sculptures overlaid with imagery. Albert’s method for pricing his work using knowledge gained from his commercial experience. Why artists should incorporate the time they have spent training into their pricing structures. How NFTs and cryptocurrency are shifting up the way art is brought, displayed, transported, and traded. Albert’s thoughts about how he can keep pushing Shadow Art and the way he uses words. The art, knowledge, and inventiveness that have been erased from history books by colonizers. Why Albert came up with the Cleophus nickname when he went back to art school.
For more info, visit: https://notrealart.com/albert-willis-2
We are back again with the Not Real Art podcast and today’s show is a special one because Sourdough and ManOne finally got the chance to sit back and shoot the breeze together. The two OGs are back with another installment of Gringo and the Man! Have you guessed who the Gringo is yet? The vibe is always electric when these two get together and today’s show is no different. You’ll hear our hosts talk about everything from UFO sightings to the evils of Neoliberalism and everything in between. We kick the show off with some definitions (because you know we are all about the formalities here). ManOne lets us know exactly what a Gringo is and Sourdough tells us why he is happy to don the term with pride. We talk about why Humboldt University should have a blunt as a mascot, how badass Navy SEALS are, and what to expect from The Matrix Resurrections. ManOne also shares a bunch of hilarious travel stories involving nude beaches in Dubrovnik and bouncers putting drunken macho men to sleep in London. So for all this and more, join Gringo and The Man today! Key Points From This Episode: The roots of the word ‘Gringo’ and why Sourdough is proud to wear the label. ManOne talks about his trip to Northern California; Bigfoot culture and a lack of diversity. ·What the mascots at Humboldt University should look like considering how much weed people smoke there. Jokes about trying unsuccessfully to get quality cell phone footage of Bigfoot and aliens. Updates in the tech sphere; what is happening with Blackberry, Apple, and Samsung devices. How gimmicky some updates are and how sad it is that people lap them up. Whether it is wise to be an early adopter and how our hosts approach buying new phones. Spyware that is spreading in Apple devices and the need to update one’s technology. How the giant tech firms defy Capitalism in its true sense. The unfairness of a new bank account auditing rule that bypasses billionaires. Thoughts on corruption across the board and how broken the American system is. What the new Matrix film might be like and how good the trailer for The Rescue is. How extreme the cave rescue that The Rescue documents was ManOne’s experiences in Dubrovnik finding albino crabs in a cave he explored. Stories about Navy SEAL training and the killing machines the U.S. government is able to create. A time where ManOne was in London and saw a bouncer quell an aggressive drunk guy. Thoughts on why big guys always want to fight and prove who is tougher.
For more info, visit: https://notrealart.com/gringo-and-the-man-2
Today, guest host Erin Yoshi speaks with South African multidisciplinary artist, Faith XLVII. Faith’s journey into art began on the streets of South Africa in 1997 as a young graffiti writer. In 2006, she began on a nomadic journey that led her to create work in 42 countries. Her evolution from street artist to multidisciplinary artist has created a fluid yet solid bridge into the contemporary art world, and her explorative approach has led her to develop a broad range of artwork, ranging from immersive new media installations and hand-sewn wall tapestries to sculptural bronze works investigating hierarchies of power, as well as paintings and various explorations into printmaking. The thread of Faith's practice can be traced from abandoned structures and landmark 20-story buildings to museums, galleries, and intimate site-specific installations. In this episode, she reflects on the freedom that not going to art school afforded her and how she has gone on to create art unbound by formality. We also touch on the intersection between art and experience and how she drew inspiration from the internet, and Faith shares how she prioritizes her wellbeing by saying no, how she adopted a scrappy, DIY ethos in advancing her own career, and the universal language that she believes is present in her work. You’ll also learn more about the evolution of her career and practice, from graffiti to gallery shows, and the thought process behind some of her most famous murals. All this and so much more in today’s conversation with Faith XLVII! Key Points From This Episode: Faith walks us through her initial explorations in art-making, starting with graffiti. Some of her earliest memories of creating art and the positive influence of Steiner schooling. The freedom that not going to art school afforded Faith; creating art unbound by formality. How art and experience are connected in her practice. Early projects that were transformative for Faith, including ‘The Freedom Charter’ series. Ways in which her work responds to antisocial city planning in South Africa. Faith reflects on her shift from graffiti to global public art and how the internet inspired her. Reeducating the people that follow her work on the evolution of her practice as a commercial artist; how Faith has allowed for reinvention. Learn about some of her immersive new media installations and performance pieces. Intentionally choosing which projects to engage in by prioritizing her own wellbeing. The power and privilege of saying ‘no’ and claiming time to be still, incubate, and meditate. Faith shares some of her interests, including ceremony, dream interpretation, and Jungian psychology, as well as deep ecology. Hear about Faith’s DIY, self-motivated ethos in advancing her own career. What success looks like for Faith now and what she is aspiring toward. What it was like being a mother and a working artist and where Faith draws inspiration from. Some of her favorite artists, including Blu, Axel Void, and Sebastián Velasco. How Faith’s large-scale murals inform her paintings, installation work, and sculptures. The universal language of art that she uses to communicate her ideas and emotions. Discover the thought process behind ‘Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto’ on Skid Row, LA. Faith shares her very simple advice for young artists: read books! Coming up as a woman artist in a male-populated industry and how Faith seeks to reclaim female power and intuition through her work. The importance of seeking out mentors and taking on mentees as established artists.
For more info, visit: https://notrealart.com/faith-XLVII
In today’s episode of the Not Real Art Podcast, guest host Erin Yoshi is joined by Robert Liu-Trujillo, a fine artist, illustrator, muralist, children’s book creator, and lifelong Bay Area resident. Born in Oakland California, Rob is the child of student activists who watched lots of science fiction and took him to demonstrations. Always drawing, Rob grew up to be an artist, falling in love with graffiti, fine art, illustration, murals, and children’s books at a young age. Rob now illustrates and writes bilingual children’s books to share stories of diversity of joy, like Furqan’s First Flat Top, where readers meet Furqan Moreno, a 10-year-old Black Latino boy who always had “real curly hair” and decides it is time for a new haircut. Through storytelling, Rob scratches the surface of many untold stories, and he is also the Founder of Come Bien Books and a Cofounder of The Trust Your Struggle Collective. In this conversation, he offers some insight into the evolution of his artistic practice and shares some of the narratives in his books, which he created for kids like his son, who is mixed race and bilingual. He also walks us through the process of building stories and creating characters, using art to address social issues, and the power of encouraging young BIPOC artists, plus so much more, so make sure to tune in today to learn more! Key Points From This Episode: Robert shares some of his early memories of art, starting with his love for graffiti. How he learned about graffiti and design and ultimately went on to study fine art in college. His lifelong passion for art and how growing up in the Bay Area influenced his work. From working in libraries, antique shops, and art stores to teaching; Rob’s career trajectory. The evolution of his work from graffiti to illustration, inspired by animation and comic books. Finding his niche in children’s books and writing contemporary stories of diversity and joy. Hear more about Rob’s DIY route to becoming a published author and illustrator. Some of the storylines in Rob’s first books, which he created for kids like his own. What Rob’s disciplined art practice looks like and why he believes it’s like being an athlete. Rob on his process of ideating, iterating, and creating narratives and characters. Challenges he has encountered on his journey and what they taught him about picking his battles, consistency, and the power of saying ‘no’. Learn about the Trust Your Struggle Collective and what inspired the formation of the crew. Using art to address current and past social issues and to illustrate what could be. What Rob has learned from collaboration; why he believes that “steel sharpens steel.” Find out what artistic sovereignty and artistic sustainability mean to him. How Rob looks after himself by taking days off social media and doing consistent exercise. Staying relevant and ‘fresh’ by working on a wide variety of different projects. Some of the artists that Rob admires, including Olivia Fields and Abelle Hayford. How Rob overcomes artists’ block as a professional by practicing regularly. Balancing being a parent and a working artist and inspiration Rob gets from his children. What’s next for Rob, including his new picture book, Alejandria Fights Back! How he hopes his art book, Art of Rob, will encourage young BIPOC kids to be artists.
For more info, visit: https://notrealart.com/robert-liu-trujillo-and-erin-yoshi
Today, guest host and LA muralist Erin Yoshi is joined by performance artist, comedian, writer, and elected representative, Kristina Wong. Kristina has been featured in the New York Times’ Off Color series, highlighting artists of color who use humor to make smart social statements about the sometimes subtle, sometimes obvious ways that race plays out in America today. She has been presented internationally across North America, the UK, Hong Kong, and on the African continent, and has been a guest on late night shows on NBC, Comedy Central, and FX. Kristina’s work has been described as “brutal but hilarious" and, in this episode, she shares her unique perspective on the intersection between politics and art, martyrdom and mental health, and her Western privilege as an Asian American woman. We also touch on vagina costumes, yellow fever, and Kristina’s love-hate relationship with activism and obsession, plus so much more! To learn more about Kristina Wong and how she confronts defunct systems of power through her outrageously funny and highly relevant work, tune in today! Key Points From This Episode: Kristina shares her relationship with performance art and how her expression has evolved. Kristina’s experience of running for office, the intersection between politics and art, and making political comedy in a post-satire world. A glimpse into ‘Kristina Wong, Sweatshop Overlord’, her newest performance art piece. Crashing a beauty pageant in ‘Fannie Wong, Former Miss Chinatown 2nd Runner Up’. Recurring themes of martyrdom, mental health, and saving the world in Kristina’s projects. Confronting her Western privilege through hip hop in Uganda in ‘The Wong Street Journal’. The importance of listening to those most affected by the issues you advocate for or against. Performing stand up comedy in a vagina costume to confront racism and patriarchy. Kristina on her viral media appearance about dating white men with Asian fetishes. Confronting controversy through comedy; Kristina shares insight into her writing process. How she tackled the inefficiencies and desperation of the COVID-19 pandemic in ‘Sweatshop Overlord’ and ‘Auntie Sewing Squad’. How making fun of herself as an activist creates more ‘screenshot-able fodder’ for the right. How Kristina replenishes herself and the systems of care she has built into her projects. The importance of relearning and respecting the labor involved in our artwork. Targeting the root of the cause rather than simply being critical. Where Kristina gets inspiration from; her love-hate relationship with activism and obsession. Find out where you can watch ‘Kristina Wong, Sweatshop Overlord’ until 28 November.
For more info, visit: https://notrealart.com/kristina-wong
In today’s episode of the Not Real Art Podcast, guest host and prolific Los Angeles-based muralist Erin Yoshi speaks with Ashara Ekundayo about the power of joy-informed art for resistance and healing. Ashara is a Black feminist, an independent curator, an artist, and an interdisciplinary creative arts leader committed to an intersectional framework of social transformation that expands the influence and impact of arts and culture on racial and gender equity and environmental literacy, and more specifically one that necessitates a practice of recognizing joy in the midst of struggle. Tuning in, you’ll learn more about the work that Ashara does through her nonprofit, Artist as First Responder, which acknowledges that artists show up first in crisis and celebration to forge solutions, heal communities, and save lives through design, practice, invitation, and presentation. Ashara shares her mission to hold space for creative labor, to create beautiful narratives about joy and pleasure in a society so focused on the trauma-informed, and her belief in the power of art and education to create change by showing us opportunities for who we are and what we can be. You’ll also discover some of the other remarkable projects, platforms, and exhibitions that Ashara has created and contributed to over the years, as well as some of her favorite artists right now, so make sure to tune in today for this insightful and powerful conversation about the intersection between love, art, joy, and rage! Key Points From This Episode: Ashara reflects on her earliest memories as a ‘gatherer’ around the arts and crafts table. How her parents introduced her to art and were formative influences on her practice. Hear about Ashara’s career trajectory, formal education, and early desire to be a curator. Learn more about Artist as First Responder (AAFR) and how it facilitates joy as a tool of resistance and a mechanism for healing communities. Ashara explains the six-point philanthropic and interactive arts platform of AAFR. The importance of celebrating artist’s work and arts labor as first responder work. How Ashara navigates the traditional arts world as a queer, BIPOC arts leader and creative. Learn about the former Impact Hub Oakland, founded by seven artists, including Ashara. Ashara shares her belief that we are all born creative and her ongoing mission to hold and create space for creative labor. What she looks for in the artists she works with; honesty, curiosity, and enjoyment. What Ashara calls the artist ‘flake out factor’ and the importance of authentic commitment. How traveling has influenced her work and the perspective it has offered Ashara. Some of the priorities that have shifted in her personal life following the pandemic. Why she believes having grace and patience with ourselves and each other is the new norm. Discover the self-guided Black Joy StoryWindows exhibition in Downtown Oakland. Hear about BLATANT, a publication of AAFR, and Ashara’s ongoing conversation partnership with the Museum of the African Diaspora. Memorable conversations Ashara has had with Black women artists and cultural workers. Ashara on the power art has to create change; witnessing opportunities for what can be. How education goes hand-in-hand with creativity and the legacy of who we are. Artists to watch, including Tongo Eisen-Martin, Tiff Massey, and Zanele Muholi.
For more info, visit: https://notrealart.com/ashara-ekundayo-and-erin-yoshi
Unfortunately, the art world can be flypaper for dysfunctional people, and we all know someone who has borne the brunt of that instability! For today’s show, a few artists have written in to tell their Art World Horror Stories, including Ed Whitmore, who shares how he was treated by a mentally unstable gallery owner who approached him to present a solo exhibition as an emerging artist. Caitlin Burnett tells us how a fire in a laundry room laid claim to all the art she had ever created, while Ruchetta Banjerly reflects on how vanity galleries scam artists with soul-crushing schemes, Sarah Phillips recounts the horror of a gallery curator that discounted the value of her paintings, and Alexander Augustus shares his feelings about unpaid internships, which are all too common in the art world! Tune in today for Volume 4 of Art World Horror Stories! Key Points From This Episode: Ed Whitmore on how he lost money on an exhibition thanks to a dysfunctional gallery owner. Caitlin Burnett tells the horror story of how all the art she’d ever made was reduced to ash. Listen in as Ruchetta Banjerly recounts the terror of hidden artists’ representation fees. Ruchetta tells the story of her personal experience with a soul-crushing art scam in Delhi. Sarah Phillips from Brisbane describes her experience with a curator who told her the ‘story’ was more valuable than her paintings. Alexander Augustus shares his tale of exploitation at the hands of an unpaid internship. Ending on a positive note: the key lesson that artists have to advocate for themselves.
For more info, visit: https://notrealart.com/art-world-horror-stories-vol-4
Today’s Art World Horror Stories are a mixed bag of tragedies and disasters that serve as cautionary tales to empower artists to protect themselves and hope for the best while planning for the worst, because you never know what is going to happen! For example, David Alexander Willis shares the story of painter, Jason Shawn Alexander, who had a show at Booth Gallery in New York City where a forklift was driven through one of his paintings. Yikes! In this episode, we share more horror stories of assholes doing asshole-y things, stolen intellectual property, and even a real-life haunted art venue. The stories you’ll hear in today’s episode are not read by the artists involved, but by an AI avatar, introducing an added element of spookiness, so make sure to tune in and enjoy! Key Points From This Episode: Mikel Cirkus shares how Swatch Watches stole his intellectual property after a pitch. The lesson in Micheal’s story: do not give away your ideas, sign contracts, protect yourself! The horrifying comment that Diane Navarro received from a pretentious museum president. How his comment about “living artists” damaged Diane’s art career. Dan Monteavaro’s creepy tale of a haunted mural site in the old Howard Hughes Hangar. Ally Zeleter on the scams artists face, from contests with crazy submission fees to inadequate pay from curators.
For more info, visit: https://notrealart.com/art-world-horror-stories-vol-3
Welcome to Volume 2 of Art World Horror Stories, where we share the stories we have collected from our larger network of artists and creators. These are intended as cautionary tales about how things can go wrong in the art world and beyond, and will hopefully prevent you from falling victim to the same horrors! Today’s stories come from two artists who share their accounts of the disrespect that artists are oftentimes subjected to when someone damages our artwork or insults our artistic integrity. In this episode, you’ll hear from Tara Vantapour, a multidisciplinary artist based in Paris, and OG low brow artist, Anthony Ausgang, about the contempt and ridicule they have endured at the hands of gallery curators and wealthy art collectors. In one, the artist walks away with new ground rules and, in the other, with $100 in cash. Make sure to tune in today to find out how these horror stories end! Key Points From This Episode: Introducing today’s artists: Tara Vantapour and Anthony Ausgang. Tara shares an Art World Horror Story, which starts with a pre-pandemic exhibition in Paris. How the gallery disrespected Tara by ghosting her and refusing to return her artwork. How Tara believes her work has been ‘emotionally’ damaged by the art and fashion worlds. Another horror story about how a restaurant owner belittled Tara’s fashion design practice. Hear how these horror stories have inspired her to create ground rules to protect herself. Anthony’s Art World Horror Story that happened many years ago when he was an art installer. How a Warner Brothers’ executive ridiculed Anthony’s work by saying it wasn’t art. The contempt Anthony was subjected to when he was asked to install a Mark Kostabi shopping bag in the same executive’s home.
For more info, visit: https://notrealart.com/art-world-horror-stories-vol-2
Today we are starting a new segment, something terrifying, something horrifying; introducing Art World Horror Stories! Over the last couple of weeks, we have been collecting stories from our larger network of artists and creators, intended as cautionary tales, or reminders about how wrong things can go in the world of art and beyond. Some of the time all the hard work and love you put into projects pays off, but sometimes the best-laid plans come to nothing, and the ship sinks in front of your eyes. Today's episode is the first of these and Sourdough kicks things off by talking about the events of 2014 when Crew West Studios almost saw through an amazing vision to oversee the painting of jumbo jets for Virgin Atlantic. Right before the plan really kicked into motion, the tragedy of the VSS Enterprise occurred, something that shook the whole of Virgin to its foundations, and unfortunately resulted in many ideas and initiatives being shelved or forgotten. To hear all about this, and a clear reminder of the lack of guarantees in life, listen in with us today for this segment of Art World Horror Stories! Key Points From This Episode: The kinds of bad things that can happen to anyone: a lesson from 2020 and the pandemic. Dreams at Crew West Studio of painting a jumbo jet! Connecting with Pippa Lambert at ICM and pitching the idea to Virgin Atlantic. How the competition was going to work; voting for designs across different continents. The great reception that the idea initially received at Red Dog and Virgin. The scheduled meeting with the Virgin Atlantic CEO and the rising tide of excitement. How tragedy struck on October 31st, 2014 with the crash of the VSS Enterprise. The resultant shelving of the global art project that Crew West had envisaged. Accidents happen and circumstances change; best-laid plans can be devastated. A reminder about counting blessings too soon, and staying focused on what really matters.
For more info, visit: https://notrealart.com/art-world-horror-stories-virgin/
In this episode we welcome our original co-host, artist Man One, back to launch our new segment Gringo & The Man, where a middle-aged white dude (aka Scott “Sourdough” Power) and an O.G. Latino graffiti artist (aka Man One) talk about living in a world gone loco! This premiere of Gringo & The Man takes NOT REAL ART back to its roots, to a time when Sourdough & Man One just hung out, talking about whatever they want, and having a good time. Nothing is off-limits with Gringo & The Man! GenXers from Chicago and L.A. respectively, Gringo (aka Scott “Sourdough” Power ) & The Man (aka Man One) bring their devil-may-care attitude to discussing contemporary culture. Long time friends, Sourdough and Man One’s banter is what you'd expect from two dudes who grew up in The Eighties. (Warning: Gringo & The Man may not be appropriate for those easily triggered.) In this first episode, the dos amigos discuss the curious name of their segment and wonder if anyone will understand the cultural reference. Man One shares more about gringos in Mexico and tells some hilarious stories from Spring Break. Then, they dive into Man One’s quest for an assistant or intern, and he talks about some of the character traits he looks for in those who help him. The wide-ranging conversation also touches on raising kids, the drawbacks of technology, and more of Man One’s tales from Mexico. We are so excited about this new project, so tune in today to hear it all! Key Points From This Episode: Hear about Man One’s colorful family tree. What the typical gringo on vacation in Mexico looks like. Talking about how many people will understand the reference Gringo and the Man draws on. The importance of fucking shit up to shake things up. Brainstorming whether or not we should drink tequila during this segment. How older Mexican people view partnering with a gringo. Man One’s experience of going on Spring Break to Mexico with white people from his high school A terrifying story of Google Translate gone wrong. So many people across Europe are polyglots. What we will do when Sourdough’s gringo privilege rears its head. Find out whether Man One is a sentimental person. Hear about how Man One pays attention to detail. The criteria Man One looks for in an assistant or intern. The catch 22 of hiring someone to help you with your art practice. Hear about what a VA is and how this could help if you need to delegate tasks. Gaming is a whole world separate from the real world, and people are getting left behind. How Sourdough feels about technology and his children immersing themselves in it. Before, playing outside was cool, but now gaming is cool. The difficult decision parents have to make when allowing their children to have social media. Technology is no longer viewed as a tool; it’s seen as entertainment. At the end of the day, it is about raising a mentally healthy child. Man One shares more stories from Mexico. We can now tell our wives we are going to record these episodes.
For more info, visit: https://notrealart.com/gringo-and-the-man (https://notrealart.com/gringo-and-the-man)
Although we may see what’s happening on the U.S-Mexican border on the news, how many of us truly understand the plight of people who are stuck there or those who have made it across but live in constant fear? Daniel Garcia is a first-generation Mexican American artist and a 2021 NRA Grant Winner. Along with this, she is also an art educator and just an all-around incredible human being. In today’s episode, we hear about why Daniel is so passionate about the border and immigrant-related issues. Having grown up in California, a liberal state, she was not aware of just how dire things were at the border, and when she found out, she knew she could not stay quiet. We hear about her artistic process and what goes into her producing a piece of her moving work. Daniela also works as a teacher, and she talks about what this is like, particularly during Covid, and how she balances it with her artistic practice. Having a job while you are an artist takes the pressure off what you create, but it also does take time away from creating. Our wide-ranging conversation also touches on rituals, capitalism, and what Daniela is currently working on. Tune in to hear it all! For more info, visit the following: https://notrealart.com/daniela-garcia/ Key Points From This Episode: • Where Daniela was in Mexico recently and what the province she was in is like. • Insights into the farm Daniela’s family has in Mexico. • This was Daniela’s first grant that she applied for, and she won. • Where Daniela was when she found out that she won the grant. • Daniela’s artistic process and why she feels so passionate about shedding light on what is happening at the border. • There is so much money to be made off of what is happening with immigrants. • Why Daniela makes such non-confrontational work. • The symbolism that is present in Daniela’s work. • There are so many people who are hurt and traumatized and they are taking it out on others. • Hear about what gives Daniela the most hope. • If you buy into the capitalist idea, there is a winner takes all mentality. • The students Daniela is teaching and what her teaching philosophy is. • Difficulty Daniela had in the first year of teaching a balancing teaching and her art practice. • What Daniela’s art production process looks like. • How Daniela markets her work and how she uses social media. • Daniela’s thinking around how she prices her work. • What Daniela is currently working on; exploring rituals. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Daniela Garcia — https://www.danigarciaart.com/ Daniela Garcia Hamilton on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/dahnniii/ (https://www.instagram.com/dahnniii/) Man One — http://www.manone.com/ (http://www.manone.com/) Man One on Twitter — https://twitter.com/ManOneArt (https://twitter.com/ManOneArt) Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.instagram.com/sourdoughpower/ (https://www.instagram.com/sourdoughpower/) Not Real Art — https://notrealart.com/ (https://notrealart.com/) Not Real Art School — https://school.notrealart.com/ (https://school.notrealart.com/) Not Real Art on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/notrealartworld/ (https://www.instagram.com/notrealartworld/)
On today's show, Sourdough encourage listeners to call in and leave messages on the hotline: 833-668-7325
Have you ever wondered how certain people and companies achieve larger-than-life status? Well, today’s guest has some theories about what legends are made of, with empirical evidence to back them up! International brand consultant Gair Maxwell has worked with some of the world’s most dynamic organizations, including Apple, Caterpillar, NAPA, and Virginia Tech. He has also shared conference stages with some of the world’s biggest business icons, such as Richard Branson and Gene Simmons, delivering 80 to 90 presentations every year with global representation from speaker bureaus in Canada and Mexico. “If you want to create something truly legendary, especially with something as intangible as a brand, there are no guarantees, but you have got to be the one to basically [do what] we were talking about earlier, with Steven Pressfield and the legend of Bagger Vance. You are the golfer, metaphorically. You have got to step up to the tee, and you have got to put the ball in play.” — https://twitter.com/GairMaxwell (@GairMaxwell) [0:40:02]“As the business world gets more focused on metrics and logic and that which is linear and analytical, that’s not, big picture, how you win over the long haul. I think it’s art. In the end, it comes down to the art that you create and, in many respects, your business or your nonprofit or whatever it is, think of it as a canvas. I know it sounds very metaphorical, but I see it that way. It’s a canvas, and then you paint it in the image that you feel good about.” — https://twitter.com/GairMaxwell (@GairMaxwell) [1:06:55]A former broadcaster, Gair racked up over 10,000 interviews and more than 30,000 broadcasts in an award-winning radio and television career in his native country of Canada. Today, he is a global authority for helping organizations create iconic brands that attract legions of customers and top talent. In this episode, Gair and Sourdough bond over their mural love for Van Halen, and Gair shares some stories about the people, companies, and communities that he has encountered who were determined to change the rules and compete on their terms. You’ll learn how they are creating raving fans, attracting top talent, enjoying substantial growth, and establishing themselves as what Gair defines as a Category of One. Fundamentally, Gair believes that you can’t create a legend without a story. Deep down, you have to come to grips with your own story and truly live it! Tune in today for some poignant advice on how to do just that. For more info, visit here: https://notrealart.com/gair-maxwell/ Key Points From This Episode: • Gair emphasizes the power of virtual technology like Zoom, LinkedIn, and YouTube. • When Gair’s love for Van Halen started and why he calls them the “soundtrack of his life.” • The importance of communicating through feeling in a data-driven, KPI-obsessed society. • How to live up to your potential by understanding that everyone has a story to tell. • Gair reflects on his career journey and his lifelong fascination with all things ‘legendary’. • Why he believes that a story either happens to you or you have to make one happen. • The origin of legends and how to decode their enduring appeal to create great brands. • Find out how Gair got into TV and radio broadcasting in Canada in the first place. • His transition from broadcasting to business; creating a story grounded in emotional truth. • Why your story has to be about more than “making a buck” if you want to build a legacy. • Gair highlights the value of embracing the wisdom of uncertainty. • Scott explains to Gair where his pseudonym, Sourdough, comes from. • Setting yourself apart as an essential component of success; the enduring value of...
“Publishing and performing rights are constantly in flux, and I find myself constantly having to keep up with that stuff.” — https://twitter.com/Syberspace?ref_src=twsrc%255Egoogle%257Ctwcamp%255Eserp%257Ctwgr%255Eauthor (@Syberspace) [0:42:48]A true artistic chameleon, today’s guest, Sy Smith, is a renowned songwriter, session singer, and actor. She has provided backup vocals to legendary artists like Whitney Houston and Sheila E and has also released five of her own critically-acclaimed albums. You may have also seen her on Ally McBeal, where she had a recurring role on the hit show. From an early age, Sy was immersed in culture. From visiting museums to going to the theater to reading and writing, she understood the value of creativity in her life and the world. As travel has always been an integral part of her life, Sy has always been inspired by her surroundings and has been creatively fed by whichever environment she has been in. Whether it was go-go in Washington or hip hop in New York, Sy soaked it all up! In today’s episode, Sy offers us a look into her journey. We hear about her childhood, when she knew she wanted to be a performer, and how she got her start as a vocalist. Sy shares what her experience at Howard was like and talks about the opportunity that changed her life by bringing her out to L.A. Our conversation also touches on the ever-evolving topic of performing rights, how Sy has adapted to the pandemic, the importance of being flexible as an artist, and why you should create opportunities that showcase your value. Tune in to hear it all! Key Points From This Sy Smith Episode:• What growing up in DC was like and Sy’s experience of being raised by her village. • Different places Sy was exposed to music and her formal and informal musical education. • How traveling around the country showed Sy different regional hip hop. • The role that Sy’s mother and father played in exposing her to culture. • The incredible beginnings of Sy’s vocalist journey. • Some of the biggest challenges Sy faced when she started singing in choirs. • The special place that the Kennedy Center has in Sy’s heart. • When Sy started singing more contemporary music. • The moment that Sy knew she wanted to be a singer and performer. • Sy’s experience of going to Howard, an HBCU. • The opportunity Sy got that led her to move to Los Angeles. • What happened when Sy got signed by Hollywood Records, where there were not many other Black artists. • There are constantly developments when it comes to publishing and performing rights. • When Sy left Hollywood Records and what followed for her afterward. • How the pandemic forced Sy out of her comfort zone and the incredible results this led to. • The importance of being flexible as an artist. • Difficulties Sy has when she has to record and produce her own music. • The gratitude that Sy feels for having had time to slow down and do the work she wanted to do. • Voiceover and songwriting work Sy did for a video game, Saints Row. • How Sy prepares for auditions and her advice for other aspiring singers. • The importance of creating roles for yourself, according to Sy. • A look into Sy’s marriage and what it is like being married to another creative. “Traveling was always a part of my life.” — https://twitter.com/Syberspace?ref_src=twsrc%255Egoogle%257Ctwcamp%255Eserp%257Ctwgr%255Eauthor (@Syberspace) [0:03:65]“Singing is such an intimate thing.” — https://twitter.com/Syberspace?ref_src=twsrc%255Egoogle%257Ctwcamp%255Eserp%257Ctwgr%255Eauthor (@Syberspace) [0:24:43] Links Mentioned in Today’s...
“It's important to get your stuff heard by industry people but it's equally, if not more important, to find fans who have made it doing the stuff you're doing.” — Chris Manak [0:25:19]Founding a record label is no easy feat and making it not only survive but thrive for over 20 years is truly awe-inspiring. Stones Throw Records is one of the most prominent independent record labels, having helped develop artists like Madlib, J Dilla, MF Doom, and Anderson Paak, to name a few. Chris Manak, AKA Peanut Butter Wolf, is the Founder of this prolific label, and he joins us on the show today. Along with being at the helm of Stones Throw, Chris is also a DJ and producer. Having been exposed to a range of music early in his life, Chris has always had an appreciation for many genres. Many of his young memories have music woven into them, and it is clear these moments cemented Chris's passion. Along the way, he has also been lucky enough to have some positive influences who have been generous with sharing what they have, and Chris now approaches sharing in this same fashion. “Making beats and making tracks was what really got me out of [mourning Charizma's death]. It was my therapy more than anything.” — Chris Manak [0:33:08]In this episode, Chris talks about his musical journey and how he went from saving his lunch money to buy records to where he is today. We hear about his formative relationship with rapper Charizma, and the immense impact that his death had on Chris. After his passing, Chris left music behind for some time, only to return to work through the pain. We also talk about where the idea to start Stones Throw came from, how to stay enthusiastic about music when it is your job, and why streaming, in many cases, is helping rather than hindering labels. Key Points From This Peanut Butter Wolf Episode:What Chris's life was like growing up and his first musical influences and inspiration. Some of the first records and albums Chris remembers getting. How Chris started collecting 12 inches in fifth grade. An older person in Chris's life who introduced him to a lot of music. What Chris was doing before he started working with Charizma. How Chris met Charizma, and the relationship they had. The story of how Chris and Charizma started working together. The importance of having fans who have accomplished what you hope to achieve. How Chris and Charizma's manager helped them after they got signed. Hear how Charizma died and the impact that this had on Chris. The role that music played in helping Chris deal with Charizma's death. Some of the first gigs that Chris and Charizma played. Major lessons Chris learned from performing with Charizma. How Chris came to work with Kool Keith. Where Chris first got the idea to start a record label. Balancing musical tastes and trying to stay afloat as a label head. What it takes to run a label and some of the people on the Stones Throw Records team. How Stones Throw came to be a fully-kitted-out label. The biggest challenge that comes with running a record label. The decision to create the Stones Throw Records vinyl bar. Gratitude Chris feels for being around great music. What being a new father has been like for Chris. How Chris started using video in his performances. Chris's take on streaming services and why he supports these services. Why Chris feels like streaming helped save his label in some ways. Experiences where handshake deals have gone wrong in the past. Chris's top record label and producer picks.
“As a label, we split our profits 50/50 with the artists, and we're transparent with our accounting.” — Chris Manak [1:15:36]“I think streaming helped save our label in certain ways.” — Chris Manak [1:16:19]Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:https://www.stonesthrow.com/artist/pbwolf/ (Chris) https://www.stonesthrow.com/ (Stones Throw Records) https://www.instagram.com/anderson._paak/?hl=en (Anderson .Paak)...
“The sense of wonderment is what keeps me alive in this business.” — https://twitter.com/djnumark (@DJNUMARK) [0:12:25]DJ Nu-Mark has carved out an amazing niche for himself in the LA music scene and beyond, from his groundbreaking work with the world-famous group Jurassic 5, to his recent work in television and film, to creating popular sample packs, and his viral video series Zodiac Tracks, the journey has been surprising, fun-filled, and successful. This success stands as a great argument for what is possible with a solid work ethic, good ears, and people skills! In today's conversation, we get to hear about the life that DJ Nu-Mark has built for himself and his constant dedication to wonderment and excitement. He talks about how putting all his eggs in the music basket was the thing that worked for him, and spills the beans on how to keep an audience engaged and maintain relevancy. From the earliest days, DJing at house parties in the '80s, to hearing beats by an unknown Kanye West, Nu-Mark has seen a lot of things come and go. He talks about the drumming that laid a foundation for his musical sensibilities, and how he applied these to the new technologies afforded to DJs, cutting and scratching his way to record deals. Our guest has continued to have adventures and explore new horizons, and his open-hearted attitude is an inspiration to anyone wanting to express themselves! Key Points From This DJ Nu-mark Episode:• Nu-Mark's early memories of music growing up; Persian records, classic rock 'n roll, and discovering rap. • Starting a record collection and the most meaningful early purchases that Nu-Mark made. • Drum machines and turntables; the blueprint for a future that Nu-Mark carved out. • How Nu-Mark went about building his scratching skills on the turntables and mixer. • Bringing lessons from drumming and the school band into turntable performances. • Rocking house parties and how this naturally led to working with MCs and meeting Jurassic 5. • The beat-making process; drums machines, samplers, and the different combinations of gear that Nu-Mark used. • Memories of the Good Life Cafe, and the important relationships that were formed during that time. • The combination of amazing rhythms, humor, and dedication; the ingredients that made Jurassic 5. • Getting the music heard, starting an indie label, and finding distribution for the first EP. • Touring and moving into the UK market before gaining proper recognition back home. • The time it takes to find your inner voice and make the art that you really believe in. • Legal sides of the music business and how Nu-Mark and J5 found a great lawyer! • Collaborating and sharing writing credits while learning and building. • Nu-Mark's path to making music specifically for the film and TV industry. • How to go about getting music placed in film and video games. • The preparation and performance of Nu-Mark's Zodiac Track series. • Branding, merchandising, and social media; Nu-Mark's relaxed approach to this part of his work. • Nu-Mark's favorite producers through the ages, who inspires him, and who he still wants to work with. “I bought a drum machine before i bought turntables.” — https://twitter.com/djnumark (@DJNUMARK) [0:10:20] “My organization skills became paramount at a very early age.” — https://twitter.com/djnumark (@DJNUMARK) [0:23:58]“I learned about finesse, I learned about the psychology of DJing.” — https://twitter.com/djnumark (@DJNUMARK) [0:24:28] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: https://djnu-mark.com/ (DJ Nu-Mark) https://www.discogs.com/artist/17477-Jurassic-5 (Jurassic 5) https://www.cutchemist.com/ (Cut Chemist) Zodiac Tracks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioSids07hBI (Zodiac...
“If you are ahead of the curve, you can work through different ideas to find which one works the best.” — Bootie Brown [1:08:46]“You not getting everything that you want so fast at a young age makes you decipher what's right and what's wrong.” — Bootie Brown [1:27:56]Welcome to The Conduit, a podcast that brings together motivated artists to share their experiences and pull back the curtain for a firsthand look at life in the arts. Our first guest is renowned West Coast Rapper, Bootie Brown of Pharcyde, and Gorillaz fame. Having come up as a dancer under the tutelage of Toni Basil, Bootie then transitioned into the world of music soon after, a career path he never thought he would follow. Yet, once the bug bit, there was no going back for him. In today's episode, we hear more about Bootie's background and the different twists and turns in his journey. We find out how he met some of the most influential people in his career and the ebbs and flows that come with relationships in the music business. Our wide-ranging conversation also touches on things like signing a record deal, the value of having good role models, the experience of being on big tours, and why it is important to break the rules. For someone who made it big as early on in life as he did, Bootie is remarkably grounded and generous with his time and energy. As he has grown older, he has come to understand that inspiration lies in so many different places, and his desire to express the beauty of the human spirit will continue to inspire him to create for many years to come. Key Points From This Bootie Brown Episode: ● Get to know today's guest, Bootie Brown. ● What Bootie's life growing up was like and where his love for music stemmed from. ● A career in music was not Bootie's first choice. ● When Bootie started learning from Reggie Andrews.. ● How Bootie came to the world of dancing and some of the incredible dance opportunities he had. ● The role that the legendary Toni Basil played in Bootie's dance career. ● When Bootie started writing rhymes and how his foray into music happened. ● The beginnings of Pharcyde and how the group came together. ● How Bootie met Paul Stewart and their subsequent relationship. ● When Pharcyde landed their first record deal and who helped them navigate this big milestone. ● As you get older and you have more responsibilities, you are more dependent on your music to make a living. ● The value of learning about ownership, publishing, and copyright as a musician. ● Bootie's experience of landing a record deal at such a young age. ● What it was like for Pharcyde telling the label they wanted to work with J Dilla, who was unknown at the time. ● If you don't have a good role model to guide you, it can be easy to fall into chemical dependency in the music industry. ● Four Ps that are important to Bootie when it comes to making music: preparation, practice, professionalism, and patience. ● The importance of following the producer's idea as an artist. ● How Bootie came to work with Gorillaz and his experience working with Damon Albarn. ● Some of the prolific artists that Bootie met through working with Gorillaz. ● The difference between preparing for a big show or festival and a club. ● What it takes to prepare for a big concert tour. ● Bootie's experience of hearing
“I was never like all these acting kids, who take everything so seriously, if I came out the audition room I just stopped focussing on the audition, I was just on to the next fun thing of the day.” — https://twitter.com/MilesBrown (@MilesBrown) [0:41:45]We have a pair of extra special guests on today's show! First off, founding member of cult-favorite hip hop group Lootpack, rapper and father, Jack "Wildchild" Brown, who is joins us alongside his son, actor, dancer, rapper, and star of the hit TV show Black-ish, Miles Brown! We get to have a fascinating chat with these two amazing creators and performers, about their roots in Oxnard, growing up with music and art, and the winding journey of life. Miles and Jack take us through the exciting trajectory that Miles has been on, appearing on Ellen and landing a role on Black-ish in 2014, the amazing run the show has been up until this point with its eighth and final season, the music both of our guests have been recently working on, and so much more. With such warm, open personalities and so much talent and hard work, there is little wonder why the family has experienced this kind of progress and success. This conversation stands as a testament to ideas of creative excellence and the power of family, with the connections between Jack's work and the energy and enthusiasm that Miles now embodies being so apparent. Miles tells us all about what he is currently inspired by, some of the best moments of his young career, and why he continues to broaden his range of skills and interests. We also have a very important conversation about the greatest rappers of all time, towards the end of the episode, so make sure to stay tuned for that! Key Points From This Jack and Miles Brown Episode:• The earliest influences and inspirations that Jack remembers in his home growing up. • Miles' memories of music in his childhood and what sparked his interest at a young age. • The immediate connection that Miles felt to funk, through dance. • Comparing life in LA to home in Oxnard, and the familiarity that grew through Miles' acting work. • The decision to homeschool and the communal benefits that the family experienced. • Thoughts and concerns that Jack had with Miles going down the path of a life in entertainment. • Visiting Venice Beach after watching Breakin', meeting Mr. Animation, and taking part in his performance! • How Miles got booked to appear on The Ellen DeGeneres show while filming on the street. • Miles' experience and memories of performing on Ellen at such a young age. • How the dancing work that Miles was doing transitioned into more acting roles. • The amazing time that Miles has had working on Black-ish over eight seasons! • Getting recognized, building a creative reputation that people respect, while ignoring celebrity status. • The feedback that Miles and Jack have received about Black-ish and how its audience connects with it. • The technical side of life in show business; legal considerations, management, and more. • Preparation and practice that Miles has put in to up his dancing game. • Delving into Miles' character on Black-ish and the family connection to the name 'Jack Johnson'. • Miles' reflections on working on the film Boy Genius and how movie work compares to other projects. • The recent forays Miles has made into music and the inspiration behind recording his own album. • Things on the horizon that have Miles excited right now; the final season of Black-ish, music, and film production! • Jack's album that is coming out in November 2021, and the events that led up to creating it. • The highly disputed discussion over the top 5 MCs between Miles and Jack!...
As musicians, finding the balance between wanting to evolve and experiment, and making the music your fans know you for is difficult. Soul pop masterminds Fitz and the Tantrums have managed to produce incredibly diverse records while maintaining, and even growing, their dedicated fanbase. Today's guests, Joe Karnes and Jeremy Ruzumna are key members of the chart-topping group. While they are mostly known for being in Fitz and the Tantrums, both Joe and Jeremy have had long musical journeys. Joe found success with the glam rock band Imperial Drag, who opened for Alanis Morissette's Little Jagged Pill tour. Jeremy found success as a keyboard player and songwriter for the legendary Macy Gray and raked in many accolades for his co-writing work. In today's episode, we hear about Joe and Jeremy's musical journeys and what their lives were like before joining Fitz and the Tantrums. We talk about the challenges that come with trying to find your style and why it is more important to know who you are rather than trying to be everything. This is not easy because you want to create and make a living, but if you stick to your guns, you will find your niche. Our wide-ranging conversation also touches on the importance of having a good work ethic and being professional, what it takes to balance touring and family life, what to look out for when signing record deals or advances, and the value of being kind to fellow musicians. Not only are Joe and Jeremy gifted musicians, but they are incredible human beings, so be sure to tune in today! Key Points From This Fitz + The Tantrums Episode:• Hear about how Jeremy first became interested in music. • The role that Joe's family played in introducing him and getting him interested in music. • Some of the earliest bands Jeremy and Joe played in and what they learned in these formative years. • Joe's experience of being in Imperial Drag, his first band that was signed by a record label. • How Jeremy came to work with Macy Gray, how this relationship worked, and what Joe learned from this. • What Joe's life looked like after Imperial Drag broke up, before starting Fitz and the Tantrums. • Being in a band has its challenges and rewards. • Jeremy's life and career path after he stopped working with Macy Gray. • The importance of defining your own style rather than trying to be a jack of all trades. • How Jeremy met John Wicks, the drummer of Fitz and the Tantrums. • The chemistry that everyone had when Fitz and the Tantrums came together. • Why Fitz and the Tantrums do not necessarily think about how a piece will translate to a live performance when they are recording. • How the band has approached recording with their last three records. • As humans, we like to categorize things, so when bands change their style, it throws fans off. • Fitz and the Tantrums have managed to evolve while still keeping a devoted fanbase. • Who is currently in the band's crew and the roles everyone plays. • Joe and Jeremy's tips on how to navigate publishing deals and what musicians should be looking out for. • Why you should generally be cautious about advances in the music business. • What Joe and Jeremy have learned about how to treat opening acts. • The importance of making people feel as comfortable as possible. • Some important lessons that you learn from opening for many different bands. • Why Chris Seefried was chosen as Picking up the Pieces’ producer. • The experience of performing on late night T.V. • How and why Fitz and the Tantrums moved from Dangerbird to...
Today, we welcome another one of our six 2021 NOT REAL ART Grant for Artists winners, the one and only Carmen Mardónez, hailing from Chile. Carmen is a fiber artist living in Los Angeles, California, whose work explores an imagery of rebellion and freedom through natural landscapes saturated with lights and colors. She employs a characteristically wild freestyle embroidery method combined with other traditional knitting techniques to create sculptural works using materials ranging from canvas to discarded objects and surfaces, such as lemon bags, old t-shirts, and more recently, castoff bed sheets and pillows. In this episode, you’ll learn about the work that Carmen has done with incarcerated women in Chile and how she was impacted by those experiences. She also shares what she loves about her home country, what it was like growing up in an ‘artsy’ family in Santiago, and her decision to be a stay-at-home mom while also pursuing a career as a professional artist. We also touch on Carmen’s approach to self-care, why she has chosen to reject her Catholic roots, and what her plans are for the future. Tune in today to learn more about 2021 NOT REAL ART Grant winner, Carmen Mardónez! Key Points From This Episode: • Learn about the social justice work Carmen has done with incarcerated women in Chile. • How this work changed Carmen’s perspective on the political and socioeconomic conditions in her home country. • Why she feels grateful that she had the opportunity to have these eye-opening experiences. • What Carmen loves about Chile, including how it is changing for the better. • Hear about her upbringing in the urban center of Santiago with her eight siblings. • Find out why Carmen says that she comes from a very ‘artsy’ family. • How becoming a mother fueled Carmen’s rebellion against conservative laws regarding women’s reproductive health. • Her decision to be a stay-at-home mom while also pursuing a career as a professional artist. • The importance of prioritizing your mental health as an artist and a mother. • Carmen describes her practice, particularly how she seeks to address textile waste. • The tactility that comes with beginning to work in a more sculptural manner. • Carmen reflects on being a prolific artist, describing her embroidery technique in more detail. • Her approach to self-care; keep working, have lots of plants, and spend time on the beach. • Find out why Carmen has chosen to reject her Catholic roots. • Learn about the recent group show that Carmen was included in at Art Share L.A. • Carmen shares some of her plans for the future and how they have been affected by COVID. For more info, visit: https://notrealart.com/carmen-mardonez “My practice and my work is a way that I can feel freedom. I can be working without being worried about all the things that you are worried [about] when you are a parent. It’s really cathartic.” — Carmen Mardónez [0:39:19] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Carmen Mardónez — https://www.carmenmardonez.com/ (https://www.carmenmardonez.com/) Carmen Mardónez on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/desbordado/ (https://www.instagram.com/desbordado/) Carmen Mardónez on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/Carmenmardonezart (https://www.facebook.com/Carmenmardonezart) Defiance of Juncture — https://artsharela.org/event/defiance-of-juncture/ (https://artsharela.org/event/defiance-of-juncture/) NOT REAL ART Grant for Artists — https://notrealart.com/grant/ (https://notrealart.com/grant/) NOT REAL ART — https://www.notrealartconference.com/ (https://www.notrealart.com/) Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.notarealartist.com/ (https://www.notarealartist.com/)...
When we hear the term, “it runs in the family,” it usually means some negative behavior trait, a genetic disease, or a vice but, in the Pelayo family, the main trait that runs through this family is artistic talent. If you’ve ever heard the idiom, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” today’s guests are the perfect case study for that! We are blessed today to welcome father and son, Antonio and Isaac Pelayo to the show. Antonio has witnessed Isaac growing into a successful and dynamic artist that is following in his father’s footsteps, and that is part of the story that they share in today’s episode. Antonio is an established artist, illustrator, and event producer who focuses on the Latino community of Southern California. He is also one of the last true inkers at the Walt Disney Animation Studios Ink and Paint Department. Acquiring over 100k followers on social media in the last few years, Isaac is a rising star illuminating his own path as a fine artist, creative musician, fashion visionary, and well sought after tattoo artist. In today’s conversation, Antonio and Isaac talk about their artistic legacy and how Isaac’s father inspired him as an artist by exposing him to art from an early age. We also touch on the power of social media for self-promotion, the economics of art, and how younger artists can benefit from hearing the success stories of artists who have paved the way, as well as the value of being both artist and art dealer, taking agency and advocating for yourself as an artist, and the power of learning to say ‘no’. Tune in today! Key Points From This Episode:
What it’s like for Antonio to see his son earning notoriety as an artist at such a young age.
Isaac shares how his father inspired him as an artist by exposing him to art from an early age.
Why Isaac says that getting an early start fueled his hunger to become an artist.
How Antonio set an example for Isaac rather than putting pressure on him.
Find out how Antonio first got exposed to art and developed a love for drawing as a child.
During his time at Walt Disney Animation Studios, Antonio shares how he discovered fine art and started building his portfolio.
How social media has made it easier than ever for artists to promote their work.
Some of the lessons Isaac’s dad taught him about the economics of art and making money.
The pride Antonio feels about Isaac being a property owner at 24-years-old.
How younger artists can benefit from hearing Antonio and Isaac’s success stories.
While being conscious of your finances is hard, Isaac believes being an artist is harder.
Why artists need to learn about the value of prioritizing their finances.
What Rich Dad Poor Dad taught Isaac about mindset and working for himself.
Isaac shares his primary source of revenue and how he is both artist and his own art dealer.
What Antonio taught Isaac about not giving away his work for free; how it devalues the work.
The importance of taking agency and advocating for yourself as an artist.
Isaac highlights the power of learning to say ‘no’; respect your energy.
How Isaac tries to steer away from desperation and losing sight of his own value.
Work as a form of meditation, as well as the power of taking care of your body.
Isaac tells his father what he loves about his art: the extraordinary level of detail.
Antonio shares something he loves about Isaac’s art: the work that comes from the heart.
Isaac emphasizes the incredible relationship he has had with both his parents.
For more info, visit: https://notrealart.com/antonio-isaac-pelayo/ (https://notrealart.com/antonio-isaac-pelayo/)
Today’s guest on the Not Real Art Podcast is John Chang, one of our six 2021 Not Real Art Grant winners. John is a Chinese-American multidisciplinary artist from Shanghai who considers himself a spiritual escapist. His work is rich and deep, layering language and image to construct and reconstruct meaning, memory, and intention. In this episode, John shares his process of searching for new meanings in a new world, one where it has become increasingly important for artists to embrace digital mediums and utilize the power of art to facilitate empathy. In the wake of COVID-19 and waves of racially motivated violence against Black and Asian people of color in the US, John emphasizes the importance of communication and creating work that is open to interpretation, as well as how he reconstructs memory and meaning through collage using found materials such as newspapers. He also speaks candidly about the challenges he has faced since emigrating to the US, from cultural and physical homelessness to xenophobia, and he shares the core message he hopes viewers take away from his work: his story and how it relates to their own. To learn more about John Chang, how he makes and unmakes meaning, experience, and history, and his attempts to communicate the newfound perceptions he gains through his creative process, tune in today! Key Points From This Episode: An introduction to John Chang and his practice, including his commercial career. Why John believes that it is important for artists to embrace digital tools like Photoshop. Why formally trained or “traditional” artists are sometimes resistant to digital mediums. The learning curve that comes with embracing digital tools and committing to the craft. How much time John spends creating work on his computer versus in his studio. Find out how his practice has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hear about the work John created to address racially motivated violence in the US. John emphasizes the power of art for communication, expression, and understanding. The value of allowing viewers to create their own interpretations of your work. John shares his process of constructing and reconstructing meaning through collage. Learn about John’s background, how he discovered art as a child, and the difficulty he encountered when he emigrated to the US. What he means when he describes himself as “culturally homeless” or a “spiritual escapist.” How learning and memorizing Chinese characters has informed his work. John shares his experience of returning to China as a contemporary artist and the recent explosion of contemporary art galleries there. Sourdough and John discuss the current political situation in Hong Kong. Hear how John’s creative output has been impacted by the pandemic. His experience of xenophobia in the US, both during and after Trump’s time in office. One core message John hopes viewers take from his current body of work: his story. Learn more about his artistic process and how his artworks reveal themselves to him. How technology both positively and negatively impacts human connection.
For more information, visit: https://notrealart.com/john-chang
Today’s guest is the amazing Natalia Villanueva Linares, one of our 2021 NRA grant winners! Natalia hails from Peru and France and is now residing in Chicago. She is an installation and performance artist specializing in space understanding. Our conversation begins with Natalia describing a decade long-project she has been working on involving revamping a church in Illinois and making it a cultural center hosting community artworks and an international residency program. From there we hear more about Natalia’s work and what her concerns with space understanding mean, where she talks about how she tries to connect people, spaces, culture, and history through her multimedia artworks. We also hear about another of Natalia’s powerful and sublime works today, a traveling participatory performance piece called Soulutions, where she collaboratively creates healing potions with audiences around the world. In this conversation, we also get into Natalia’s self-care practices involving her love of colorful foods, the different energies her parents bring into her process, and her thoughts on the inclusivity and transparency of the NRA family. Be sure to catch this one! Key Points From This Episode: Natalia’s gratitude for winning the NRA grant and her experiences applying for past grants. The community art project Natalia curated centering around a church she bought in Chicago. Challenges of funding and sustaining the project leading to the church exchanging hands. Nadia talks about how her work deals with ‘space understanding’; connecting people and space. Perspectives on the unseen aspects of artworks being what makes them powerful. The meaning of the relationship between effort and simplicity in a work’s effect on people for Natalia. Natalia’s perspectives on mass production in art and the role of art more generally. Making potions to heal ‘the uncurable’: Natalia weighs in on her Soulutions project. Natalia’s extremely productive nature and how the pandemic has shifted her into a more focused mode. Natalia’s methods for taking care of herself and love for eating colorful, nutritious food. The early experiences Nadia had of her artistic voice and when she found it fully later in life. How Natalia’s parents met and the role each of them plays in her creative process. Sourdough’s experiences in Peru while he was traveling as a 25-year-old. Natalia’s experiences in the NRA selection process and Sourdough’s intentions for the project.
For more information, visit: https://notrealart.com/natalia-villanueva-linares
In today’s episode, we feature one of our six 2021 NRA grant-winners, Nadyia Duff! Nadyia is a Jamaican-American artist who hails from Miami Beach, Florida. Nadyia's portraiture work, like her personality, exudes passion, energy, love, joy, and style. In our conversation with Nadyia, we talk to her about her portraiture style depicting detailed subjects against simplified, cartoonish backgrounds and how it evolved. She gets into the bright colors she uses and the way they connect to her Jamaican heritage. Nadyia has also had her fair share of struggles and we hear about health scares she had as a child and how they influenced her course of studies. On top of being a brilliant artist, Nadyia is also an art educator, and we speak to her about the current state of art education and what she is witnessing while hanging out with the younger generations in a creative context. Wrapping up, Nadyia speaks to the experience of being an artist, sharing the things that she truly values about the process and the lessons she has learned that she would share with her younger self. Here’s to a world filled with more of Nadyia's incredible portraits! Key Points From This Episode: The focus of Nadyia’s podcast; creatively lamenting inventions like time and money. Slowing time down through meditation and how Nadyia meditates with tinnitus. Nadyia’s creative routine and how she balances art-making with being an art teacher. The subjects of Nadyia’s paintings and where she finds the models that she draws. How Nadyia got into painting and how her style has evolved into its current form. Nadyia’s path of education which began with medicine but transitioned into art education. How Nadyia’s Jamaican heritage plays into the art she makes through the colors she uses. The current state of art education; state support and conversations in the classroom. What makes Nadyia excited about the younger generations she is teaching. The issue of there being no pacing guides that regulate the teaching of art in stages. Obsessions with realism and how the artist in kids is being squeezed out of them. Advice from Nadyia about how to be an artist and what to value about the process. Why Nadyia is not a fan of commissions and prefers to make art for its own sake. The process of choosing NRA grant-winners and what is in store for Nadyia. Where to find Nadyia online and see more of her beautiful work.
For more information, visit: https://notrealart.com/nadyia-duff
In today’s episode of the Not Real Art Podcast, we discuss higher education in the creative arts, specifically when it comes to Sourdough’s alma mater, Columbia College Chicago, where he graduated in 1994 with a double major in graphic design and arts management. Joining us is Sarah Schroeder, Director of Alumni Relations for Columbia College here on the West Coast. We discuss our shared love for Columbia College and how the institution can benefit anyone who is serious about a career in the creative arts, whether they are looking to pursue work in visual art, graphic design, fashion design, performance art, dance, theatre, comedy, digital design, gaming, AR, VR, creative writing, storytelling, filmmaking, production, or radio; you name it! If you are a creative or aspiring to be one, Columbia College Chicago is a great place to learn and master your craft. Just ask any one of the internationally acclaimed people who have attended classes at Columbia College, including countless Emmy Award winners and nominees, SNL cast member, Aidy Bryant, and hip hop legends, Kanye West and Common, not to mention the accomplished professionals behind the scenes in production, editing, and design. We have no doubt you will learn, grow, and be inspired by today’s show, so make sure not to miss it! Key Points From This Episode: An introduction to Sarah, her qualification from Columbia College, and her career trajectory. How she ended up becoming the Director of Alumni Relations for Columbia College. What Sarah finds so meaningful and rewarding about her role; seeing how alumni grow. What Columbia imparts to graduates as they embark on careers in creative industries. The value of being taught by working professionals in the field. Why it is important to prepare students for real world challenges in the creative arts. Sarah weighs in on whether or not an MFA is worth the money, given the rising costs of tertiary education in the creative arts. The valuable networking opportunities that Columbia offers its students and alumni. Who, in Sarah’s opinion, are the most famous people to have attended Columbia College. Why you should choose Columbia over other colleges; the expansive creative curriculum. Some of the other benefits of choosing Columbia, including the city of Chicago itself. How the programming has evolved at Columbia since Sourdough graduated in the 90s. How Columbia has embraced technology and digital, including video games. The benefits of “jumping right into your major” and starting to create right away. Learn about some of the resources that Columbia offers its students, such as the student-led urban arts festival, Manifest. With Manifest going virtual thanks to COVID-19, visitors can enjoy it in their own time. Find out how Columbia adapted and managed to pivot quickly during COVID. Sarah reflects on how the creative output of students will be influenced by the pandemic. Sarah and Sourdough discuss the role that artists play in creating the culture of the future. Being a creative versus an artist; why the term ‘creative’ is more inclusive. The importance of training students to solve problems in creative ways, not just the technical aspects of being an artist in the traditional sense. Sourdough emphasizes the importance of nurturing and encouraging creativity. Sarah shares what she is working on, including a new alumni orientation for the classes of 2020 and 2021.
For more information, visit: https://notrealart.com/columbia-college-chicago
Today on the show we have the one and only Roy Miles, a true Swiss Army Knife of an artist with a seemingly never-ending set of skills. For those in the back who have not heard of Roy, he is a puppeteer, musician, filmmaker, designer, and the list goes on. Roy, AKA the Ghetto Gepetto, is the creator of the Biddies toys as well as the YouTube channel Hoodfoot, a central hub where his multitude of talents come together in one place through the medium of film. Roy joins us on the show today to shoot the breeze with Sourdough, touching on work, family, the pandemic, cryptocurrency, and everything in between. We hear about the attitude of constant learning Roy applies to his work and how he is constantly trying to expand the items in his toolkit. He talks about his filmmaking process, sketching out his method for assembling ideas into multimedia sketches combining stop motion, cartoons, performance, music, and more. Roy shares his ideas about NFTs, the plight of the artist, and what it means to be a good father, husband, and all-around human. We also get into the different artists he has worked with and how he likes to involve a crew of trusted friends in the many projects he works on. Tune in and join in with us as Roy blesses us with his intelligence and creativity. Key Points From This Episode: Roy’s recent health scares and how he is changing his lifestyle as a result. What life as a dad is like for Roy and how he spent Father’s Day. Projects going down in Roy’s studio and his approach to building his YouTube channel. The constant learning Roy is always applying and how it has expanded his toolkit. Roy's approach to making content for social media shorts. The magic that happened in Ray Harryhausen’s garage and how he has influenced Roy. The nuts and bolts of making stop motions out of a garage and how much is possible. Roy’s thoughts on NFTs and the ethics around this apparent revolution. The double-edged sword of being an independent artist; jobs offering little pay. Lessons learned about the importance of family through the pandemic. How COVID thwarted Roy’s plans and the new creative process he developed as he pivoted. The collaborative approach Roy uses and how he likes to draw on his contemporaries’ skills. Roy’s love for and involvement in music and how it factors into the work he does. Discussing a possible Hoodfoot podcast and a few NRA shows hosted by Roy. The story of how Roy married his high school sweetheart and the contours of their relationship. A bunch of stories about Roy and Sourdough’s experiences in liquor stores. Roy’s method of jotting ideas down and how software aids the creative process. Being helpful and why Roy’s life philosophy revolves around being nice.
For more information, visit: https://notrealart.com/roy-miles
Today’s show is all about why art is important. If you’re listening to this podcast, you probably believe, as we do, that art, creativity, and artists are essential to making this world a better and more interesting place. Because art is subjective, why art is important differs according to personal opinion. That is why today’s episode includes the voices of 18 different artists, who each share their thoughts on why we need art in our lives. Who are these 18 artists, you ask? Well, many of you know that we have an artist’s grant in partnership with Art Share L.A., the Not Real Art Grant. We have awarded $2,000 to six artists annually for the last three years and, in 2021, we saw a 485 percent increase in applications. That means 827 artists applied! This episode is dedicated to 18 of those applicants, who left audio messages about why they believe art matters. Tune in to hear their perspectives. Key Points From This Episode: Noa from Toronto believes that art is important because life would be boring otherwise. Sienna Castro from New Orleans believes art is akin to a vital need like food; it sustains us. Find out why Ana Rendich believes art helps us see the unlimited power of the human mind. Liesel believes that it’s impossible to differentiate life from art, because art is life is art. After seeing an amazing art installation, Alex Butler shares why she believes we need artists to make life less shitty. Why Fossa Luisuno from LA believes the quest to create is driven by higher consciousness.
Amy McCormick is fed by art in the same way she is fed by nature; she can’t live without it.
XXX, a printmaker from Salem, Oregon, uses art to reach out and touch the minds of others.
Courtney Lamb from LA sees art as a reminder that we are currently experiencing life. Jay Soreseen from South Florida explains how the things that make us human are easier to understand because of art. Debõrah Hughes from Atlanta views art as her therapy, her outlet, and her legacy. Kim Kine from LA believes art is a language that can communicate with all people.
For more information, visit: https://notrealart.com/why-art-is-important Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Not Real Art Grant — https://notrealart.com/grant/ (https://notrealart.com/grant/) Man One — http://www.manone.com/ Man One on Twitter — https://twitter.com/ManOneArt (https://twitter.com/ManOneArt) Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.instagram.com/sourdoughpower/ (https://www.instagram.com/sourdoughpower/) Not Real Art Conference — https://www.notrealartconference.com/ (https://www.notrealartconference.com/) Not Real Art on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/notrealartworld/
Today's episode is especially exciting because we are announcing our 2021 grant winners. We are so grateful to every artist that entered, and the quality of work we saw truly blew us away. Of course, we would have wanted to give money to all of you, but the sad reality is that it is just not possible. We shed light on what the selection process looked like this year, and we also give you insights into who some of our esteemed judges were. Before announcing the finalists and the winners, we thought it only fair to pay our respects to winners of years past. Tune in to hear it all! For more information: https://notrealart.com/2021-notrealart-grant Key Points From This Episode: There was so much interest in the NRA Grant this year. How the NRA Grant differs from most other art grants. Insights into this year’s rigorous selection process and the different rounds. There was such a wide range of talent that entered this year. Hear about who some of the judges for the grant were. The ten finalists and the six final grant winners. Shout out to the previous grant winners for paving the way.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Not Real Art on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/notrealartworld/ NRA Grant — https://notrealart.com/grant/ Not Real Art — https://notrealart.com/ Not Real Art School — https://school.notrealart.com/ Erin Yoshi — https://www.erinyoshi.com/ Man One — http://www.manone.com/ Man One on Twitter — https://twitter.com/ManOneArt Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.instagram.com/sourdoughpower/
Today's episode is especially exciting because we are announcing our 2021 grant winners. We are so grateful to every artist that entered, and the quality of work we saw truly blew us away. Of course, we would have wanted to give money to all of you, but the sad reality is that it is just not possible. We shed light on what the selection process looked like this year, and we also give you insights into who some of our esteemed judges were. Before announcing the finalists and the winners, we thought it only fair to pay our respects to winners of years past. Tune in to hear it all! Key Points From This Episode: There was so much interest in the NRA Grant this year. How the NRA Grant differs from most other art grants. Insights into this year’s rigorous selection process and the different rounds. There was such a wide range of talent that entered this year. Hear about who some of the judges for the grant were. The ten finalists and the six final grant winners. Shout out to the previous grant winners for paving the way.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/nra-2021-grant-winners
Standing out in the crowded L. A graffiti scene is no easy feat, but it is something today's guest, Vyal One, has managed to do. He is a muralist from East L.A with over 25 years of experience creating aerosol murals and is one of the graffiti movement's most skilled aerosol painters. His work has taken him across the globe, and his portfolio includes a range of corporate commissions. In this episode, we hear about Vyal's creative journey and how he became a muralist. He pays respect to his early influences and shares when he was introduced to graffiti as an art form. Not interested in mainstream art, he finally saw a place for himself, where he could be who he wanted creatively. We also hear about some of his favorite memories from being abroad, including his time in Barcelona and Berlin. Our conversation also touches on where Vyal gets his inspiration from, the importance of staying connected to the youth as an experienced muralist, and the many unspoken rules and conventions in the world of graffiti. Tune in to hear it all from one of L.A's finest. Key Points From This Episode:c Hear about Vyal's earliest art-making memories and the influence his brother had on him. How Vyal made the decision to pursue art as a career and become a muralist. What Vyal means when he says that graffiti saved his life. The story of how Vyal and Man One first met and the subsequent friendship that followed. What Vyal learned from Man One about the business of being an artist. How Erin and Vyal became friends, despite him thinking people in the Bay Area didn't like him. Some of Vyal's favorite memories from getting to travel all around the world. Reflecting on the incredible Sunday gatherings in Barcelona. Where Vyal draws inspiration for his different characters from. Vyal's approach to teaching and the freedom he believes in giving his students to explore. The story behind the eyes that Vyal has always had in his work. Why it is so important for Vyal to stay connected to young people and teach them about graffiti. There are so many incidents of artist's murals getting hit in L.A. Graffiti has so many unspoken rules that have to be passed on by more experienced artists. Where Vyal sees his practice going as time goes on.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/vyal-one
Art has always been about stretching people’s imaginations and creating spaces for expansive thinking. For Freedoms is an art-led civic organization that creates art and sparks conversations around what expanded civic participation looks like. Michelle Woo is the Director of For Freedoms and is also a creative producer and artist based in L.A. Her diverse range of work includes cultural strategy, creation, project management, and management of national campaigns. In today’s episode, Michelle sheds light on her artistic journey and how she got to where she is in her career. We talk about the skills that artists need, beyond their talents, to succeed creatively. Michelle then shares the impetus for founding For Freedoms and how it has grown from its humble origins. In an increasingly divisive and polarized political landscape, artists must give nuance to conversations to broaden perspectives and allow spaces for bridges to be built rather than burnt. We hear about some of the incredible projects For Freedoms has run, and Erin and Michelle also discuss the AAPI campaign they are working on as we wrap up the show. Tune in to hear it all! Key Points From This Episode: Hear about some of Michelle’s earliest art-making memories. How Michelle got into the art world and her decision to go to Pratt after high school. Michelle’s parent’s feelings around her pursuing art as a career and how these have shifted over time. Details about Michelle’s first job in the art world and what it taught her. Insights into some of the first events Michelle ran and the spirit of these gatherings. You have to know the rules first in order to know how to break them. Artists are small business owners, but art schools do not equip students with those skills. For Freedoms’ founding story, the impetus for starting the organization, and how Michelle met her team. The diverse range of projects that For Freedoms currently runs. Why it works for For Freedoms to have such a broad range of work. How Erin knows when a piece that she has created is finished. Where For Freedoms’ innovative programming strategy comes from. The impetus for the For Freedoms conference and why it happened when it did. Tips from Michelle on how to build connections and strengthen partnerships. An example of a project For Freedoms ran with a clear call to action. Some of the important facets of fundraising that are often overlooked. There is a balance between staying true to your creative process and securing resources. Details about the AAPI Solidarity Billboard Campaign that Erin and Michelle are working on. Why billboards are such a unique, inclusive medium to display art on. Where you can follow For Freedoms and Michelle online.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/michelle-woo
Art has always been about stretching people’s imaginations and creating spaces for expansive thinking. For Freedoms is an art-led civic organization that creates art and sparks conversations around what expanded civic participation looks like. Michelle Woo is the Director of For Freedoms and is also a creative producer and artist based in L.A. Her diverse range of work includes cultural strategy, creation, project management, and management of national campaigns. In today’s episode, Michelle sheds light on her artistic journey and how she got to where she is in her career. We talk about the skills that artists need, beyond their talents, to succeed creatively. Michelle then shares the impetus for founding For Freedoms and how it has grown from its humble origins. In an increasingly divisive and polarized political landscape, artists must give nuance to conversations to broaden perspectives and allow spaces for bridges to be built rather than burnt. We hear about some of the incredible projects For Freedoms has run, and Erin and Michelle also discuss the AAPI campaign they are working on as we wrap up the show. Tune in to hear it all! Key Points From This Episode: Hear about some of Michelle’s earliest art-making memories. How Michelle got into the art world and her decision to go to Pratt after high school. Michelle’s parent’s feelings around her pursuing art as a career and how these have shifted over time. Details about Michelle’s first job in the art world and what it taught her. Insights into some of the first events Michelle ran and the spirit of these gatherings. You have to know the rules first in order to know how to break them. Artists are small business owners, but art schools do not equip students with those skills. For Freedoms’ founding story, the impetus for starting the organization, and how Michelle met her team. The diverse range of projects that For Freedoms currently runs. Why it works for For Freedoms to have such a broad range of work. How Erin knows when a piece that she has created is finished. Where For Freedoms’ innovative programming strategy comes from. The impetus for the For Freedoms conference and why it happened when it did. Tips from Michelle on how to build connections and strengthen partnerships. An example of a project For Freedoms ran with a clear call to action. Some of the important facets of fundraising that are often overlooked. There is a balance between staying true to your creative process and securing resources. Details about the AAPI Solidarity Billboard Campaign that Erin and Michelle are working on. Why billboards are such a unique, inclusive medium to display art on. Where you can follow For Freedoms and Michelle online. For more information and photos, visit here:
Many people view art as transformative in and of itself. But what about the process of making art? Can that not also be a tool for transformation? Brett Cook is a multi-disciplinary artist who uses storytelling to distill complex ideas and creative practices to transform the inner and outer worlds of being. He has taught at all academic levels and has used his pedagogical knowledge to leverage the transformational power of the relational aspect of art-making. In today’s episode, Brett shares his artistic journey, from drawing in the church at the age of two to having a legendary open studio in New York. We talk about how his community practice has transformed over the years, and we hear about how he views it now. As someone who has established himself in both the fine art and grassroots art worlds, Brett is passionate about flattening the hierarchies that stand in the way of so many artists’ success. He sheds light on the work he is doing as an administrator to bridge these divides and strengthen relationships to contribute to a more whole, healed world. As with any conversation with Brett, you will walk away full of inspiration and hope that a different future is possible. Tune in today! Key Points From This Episode: Get to know Brett, his background, and his journey into the arts. The decision Brett made to move to the East Coast after a life out West. Details about Brett’s legendary Harlem studio, where so much happened. The type of art Brett was making when he moved to New York. What helped Brett understand the more progressive pedagogy he still uses today. Why Brett’s space was so unique in a city like New York. Hear more about Brett’s involved and evolved community process. Sometimes, the process of making art is transformative. The irony of having people who are disconnected from your message buying your work. How Brett was able to establish himself in both the fine art and popular art worlds. Insights into Brett’s self-portrait works and the impact they have had on his life. Brett's realization that he had to be committed to his beliefs. The internal tension artists face when they want to be commercially successful. Insights into the work Brett has done around healing and why it is important to him. How Brett came to work with Thich Nhat Hanh. Brett’s role in the art world, now that he is working in administration. The importance of aligning institutions with artists. Why Brett is so committed to flattening established, embedded hierarchies. Where you can find Brett online.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/brett-cook
The importance of the business aspect of being an artist cannot be underestimated. This side of the trade is an art in its own right and requires some training to master. Today on the show we are joined by Anthem Salgado where he shares his expertise on all the strategies that we as artists should be using to sell ourselves and connect to our audience. Anthem is the founder of Art of Hustle where he offers expert business coaching for marketing and communications. Anthem tells the story of his journey as a multidisciplinary artist into the field of marketing and communications and how he started offering consultation and training to artists and agencies who engaged in his services. We then hear some of Anthem's top tips for artists such as getting clear on your story before your delivery, how to build trust, how to think like a business owner and not an employee, and which part of your sales funnel to focus on first. Anthem also gets into some of the essential tools he uses in his training to help artists be more strategic such as the 90-day plan and the SMART objective frameworks. So for a masterclass in marketing from today’s brilliant guest, be sure to join us on the Not Real Art podcast. Key Points From This Episode: The story of how Anthem moved from multidisciplinary art to marketing and coaching. How Anthem approaches his coaching services and guides his students by playing the ‘outsider’. The range of offers Anthem provides and some common sticking points students experience. Anthem’s focus on helping his students find their message first, before their delivery. Why Anthem recorded his teachings into videos and how the courses are thematically divided. Other marketing tips: brand consistency and audience evangelism. Tips for sales: how to build trust and pitch without shooting yourself in the foot. Anthem’s leadership advice: personal development geared toward learning how to leverage time. The value of planning a way forward and then doing minor pivots as you go. Setting a production timeline using the ‘due date versus do date’ framework. What makes a good website: answering basic questions in three seconds. Understanding the client funnel: where to start with curating the journey of a lead Anthem weighs in on the 90-day plan framework for executing a business idea. How to take action on lessons learned in a 90-day plan using the SMART objective. A final tip from Anthem about the value of artists seeing themselves as micro-organizations. How to connect with Anthem online and learn more about his amazing services.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/anthem-salgado
When you think of some of the most culturally diverse and renowned cities on earth, they all have one thing in common: art. From local galleries to life-size murals, a community full of art is a community full of culture. That’s why supporting the arts in your local community is a crucial part of building a legacy, exposing artists to bigger platforms, and providing them with greater opportunities. Today’s guest inherently understands the importance of celebrating creativity and educating and inspiring others, as he himself has been active on the scene for nearly 30 years. In the house today, we have the one and only Toons One, international artist, style writer, custom painter, fineline pinstriper, and original graffiti artist since 1982, right here in Los Angeles. Naturally gifted with a broad observation of the cultural landscape of the world in which we live, Toons’ creations embody a rich imagination and a soulful interpretation of everyday life. In today’s episode, he shares his journey with us, recognizes those who inspired and uplifted him along the way, and highlights the importance of supporting arts and culture in his home of Southern California. Toons believes that one of the biggest conundrums Southern California’s finest artists face is not being recognized for their achievements and he calls on not only institutions and the local municipality to step up and support the diverse and vibrant culture in LA, but the private sector too. Tune in for a rich and insightful conversation with one of LA’s finest exports who believes that supporting one another and creating movements is not only important but crucial for the future of art! Key Points From This Episode: Toons highlights the oral tradition amongst artists that seek to inspire and educate others. Who lifted Toons up and mentored him over the years, including his mother and hip hop. The influence that West Coast artist, Crayone and author, James Prigoff had on his career. Hear the story of Toons’ first tag and throw up in East Side Torrance, California. Breaking into the fine art world with his participation in Top Illin at ICU Art in 1995. What Toons’ learned from being a part of Earth Crew, led by court interpreter, Helen Samuels. How he made it out to Mexico City in 1991 and, eventually, to Europe in 1993. How he came to do a mural for Maxine Waters and recognize the conundrum that Southern California’s finest artists face in not being well recognized. Why Toons believes that LA galleries don’t promote the best work from Southern California. The long shadow Hollywood casts on LA artists; Toons believes the culture needs to step up. It’s not just up to the municipality to support the arts, the private sector is equally responsible. How inadequate funding and appreciation is discouraging artists like Toons. The rise of graffiti art from subculture to culture to superculture. Why Toons started creating his own group shows: to give back to the scene, expose artists to a bigger platform, and provide them with opportunities. Find out how Toons came to live in Berlin after realizing he “lived to work.” Why he encourages all American artists to get out, travel, and see the world. The importance of understanding legacy and acknowledging and celebrating our history. How certain institutions exploit artists in order to create an archive of their work. How studying history helped Toons ask better questions, but the key is being observant. Hear about the benefits of taking on the role of teacher and student simultaneously. Taking the time to invest in yourself is not about the goal; it’s about the journey. Toons shares more about his upcoming book, which he hopes will inspire and educate others. The discipline and situational awareness that Toons says he learned from the streets. Building a legacy will open doors for you, so organize yourself and create a body of work! Why supporting one another and creating...
One of the most important purposes of art is to shed light on issues and people that may not always be in the spotlight. Artists spark conversations and are foundational pillars in many social justice movements. Showzart, the Art Jedi, is a muralist, community organizer, and resident of Skid Row. He works tirelessly to elevate the Skid Row unsheltered community. In this episode, we hear more about Showz’s journey and how he came to be a prominent artistic voice in this L.A neighborhood. He shares how he went from keeping his art dream at arm’s length to trusting his universal calling and following his dreams. Showz understands his purpose as an artist; it is not about money or fame, but rather to be a conduit for so many important causes. We talk about the power of love and energy, the magic that comes when you follow your calling, and the joy in being aligned with your purpose. We also discuss homelessness and the importance of shifting our perceptions around unsheltered and unhoused people. It is so important for us to move away from a place of judgment to one of compassion and love for all of our neighbors. Showz is not only an incredible artist, but a phenomenal human being, and we are so proud that he is part of the Not Real Art Family. Key Points From This Episode: Showz’s background and the work he currently does. Details about Showz’s new studio, which he has been wanting for years. Why it was so important for Showz to have a studio that was open to other artists. Showz’s connection to Skid Row and the niche he has carved in the community. How Showz’s idea of his art changed and led him to see his abilities differently. The sign Showz’s got that made him realize he needed to pursue his art dream. Why Showz does not see himself as a revolutionary artist. How Showz and Man One met and the doors that opened after this. A powerful story of how Showz realized the universe was using him for a greater purpose. We have to save ourselves and each other; we don’t necessarily need religion. Showz’s view of race and how he sees that aspect of himself and others. What Showz loves about this generation; the willingness to drop labels. What people need to know about homelessness and life on the street. It is so important to stop judging people who are homeless, it can happen to any of us. The lessons Showz is teaching his son about integrity and being a leader. Why we need to focus on purpose and stop getting distracted by false idols. What Showz is moved by; it’s not being recognized, but being aligned. How Showz continues to give back to his community. The growth that has happened during the pandemic and the strength so many of us have gained.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/showzart-the-art-jedi
The Asheville art scene is on fire, and the city is well-known for its support of artists and creators of all kinds. Joining us today from the heart of the Southeast art world are Bob Ware and Louise Glickman, of Sand Hill Artists Collective (SHAC), a group that looks to support the art community on the far West side of Asheville. In this episode, we hear about the history of the city, and what drew Bob and Louise to live there. Having both worked as artists, Bob and Louise understand what it is like to struggle to put yourself out there, and, as such, they hope to create supportive communities where everyone can share knowledge and experiences. We talk about gentrification in the city, how it is relatively unaffected by climate change, and its deep relationship with storytelling. Bob and Louise also share the incredible work SHAC has managed to do in just over a year and how marrying the digital and art worlds spans boundaries and creates infinite connections. We are so grateful that SHAC holds the same values as us, here at Not Real Art, and this is the first of many collaborations. Tune in to hear it all! Key Points From This Episode: Where Louise and Bob are originally from and how they ended up in Asheville. The influence that Moog has had on the city. A brief history of Asheville and the role it has played in broader U.S history. So many of the Asheville population are not native to the city. The impetus for starting SHAC and what the collective hopes to achieve. Why the reluctance to create digital art experiences should be worked past. How Asheville is dealing with gentrification given that more people are moving there. Climate change in Asheville: how the city will fare compared to the rest of the country. Details about the gallery tour SHAC hosted and what it was about. The understanding that Bob and Louise bring, being artists themselves. Similar values that SHAC and Not Real Art share. Why Louise was drawn to Asheville, having grown up in New Orleans. The rich history of storytelling in the mountainous area of Asheville. The power of art in fostering connection and bridging divides. How the pandemic has affected different people’s creative outputs. What moving to Asheville did for Bob and Louise’s creative practice. Why asking photographers about the gear they use isn’t a compliment, according to Bob. Hear more about ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement. The parallels between Bob and Louise’s work; their love for simplicity. Final words from Louise and Bob and where you can get hold of them.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/sand-hill-artist-collective
If you are looking to learn, grow, and be inspired, then today’s show is for you. MonaLisa Whitaker is our guest today, and her warmth, dedication, and brilliance are all infectious. MonaLisa is a photographer and mixed media artist with an enviable resume and decades of experience. In our conversation today, MonaLisa talks about her work in the Inglewood art community and the advocacy she has been involved within the rapidly gentrifying neighborhood. We hear about her start in photography, where she shares her passion for analog and the value she believes it offers all budding photographers. MonaLisa also talks about why she has chosen to explore the individual connection to the divine in her work. Through having her own children and learning about religions of all kinds, MonaLisa came to realize how similar many religious beliefs are and how they have been pitted up against one another despite their commonalities. We also chat about the magic that exists in the world, how artists can show us what we might not see and the value of connection. Tune in to hear it all! Key Points From This Episode: Hear the story of how MonaLisa met Man One, her and Sourdough’s mutual friend. The artist collective MonaLisa has been involved with for 20 years. Insights into the work MonaLisa did with Inglewood Cultural Arts. The work MonaLisa is most proud of; advocating for artists! Paying respect to the incredible Michael Massenburg. How MonaLisa got her unique name: her mom had a friend with the same name. The interesting story of how MonaLisa was introduced to photography. How old MonaLisa was when she got her first camera. What sandwiching a negative, a technique people no longer use, entails. The incredible learning opportunities that come with analog photography. Where MonaLisa’s passion for connecting with the divine comes from. What MonaLisa has learned about religion on her journey; everyone has the same desire to connect. Details about MonaLisa’s current work. The different moments MonaLisa thinks will be most remembered when she passes on. How MonaLisa met her husband and what he is currently up to. There is so much magic all around us, and we are much more connected than we realize. Artists can help people see the connections they can’t always see for themselves. Why MonaLisa’s surname, Whitaker, is spelled the way it is. We need connection and to be near one another; we are human beings. Looking toward this year’s NRA Artist Grant.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/monalisa-whitaker
Today’s guest is the inspirational photographer and documentarian, fifth generation Angelino, and all-round good guy, Steven Levey. Steven joins us on the show to talk about his views on art, his recent foray into cooking, how he happened into professional photography, and why he mainly just wants to be a good person. We kick the show off hearing about how Steven ‘discovered his kitchen’ after COVID struck and the fun he is having making delicious meals for himself. Sourdough calls Steven the true mayor of LA and we hear about the long connection his family has had with the city next. Steven talks about how he has documented his connection to LA and this springboards a discussion on his relationship with photography. He tells the story of how he ended up exhibiting his photographs in a fine art show after documenting a street art event. We then hear why he doesn’t consider himself an artist and why has chosen the iPhone as his camera of choice. Toward the end of our discussion, we talk about all the money Steven has raised for the LA Marathon, hearing the story behind why he started doing charitable work for the St Jude Children’s Hospital. Wrapping up, Sourdough commends Steven on his endless empathy and desire to simply help others as much as possible, and Steven shares his views on why he has chosen this life philosophy. For all this and more from today’s admirable guest, be sure to tune in. Key Points From This Episode: How Steven got interested in cooking and how he is incorporating his photography into it. Steven’s view that the meals he makes are about the food, not the Instagram food pics. Why Steven doesn’t eat meat but ate some for the first time in 25 years recently. The story behind how Steven recently cut his finger after buying a knife sharpener. Steven’s long-time family home and the story of him being a 5th generation Angelino. How Steven fell in love with photography and got into documenting LA. The journey Steven made into professional photography after photographing a street art event. Steven’s idea of art and how the conception he has of the work he does fits into it. A story about an experience Steven had at his solo show which influenced his view of himself as a photographer. Why Steven chooses to use his phone as his camera of choice. Steven’s philosophy about the value of empathy and why he tries to be a good person. The money Steven raised for the LA marathon and other charitable causes he is involved in. How Steven got involved with doing marathons and charitable work for St Jude’s. Steven’s thoughts on why he does marathons even though they destroy his body.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/stephen-levey
If you are old enough to remember cassettes, you will remember the Dolby noise reduction switch on them. This humble beginning was the foundation for an incredibly innovative company that has since branched off into creating immersive audio and visual entertainment experiences. Ellis Reid, a Senior Industry Marketing Manager at Dolby, helps people understand what the brand means in today's world. In this episode, Ellis walks us through Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos and how they take entertainment to a whole new level. He shares some examples of how this technology has been deployed, and how it has changed the game completely. We talk about movies, sport, music, gaming, and even podcasts. There is no entertainment stone left unturned. Ellis also discusses the importance of making this technology accessible to creatives because this is where it will truly shine. With the growth in digitization of art and music production, the next big creatives are probably producing from their bedrooms, so the sooner they have access to these incredible tools, the better. Be sure to tune in today to find out more about these jaw-dropping innovations! Key Points From This Episode: Why the pandemic has been such a great time for Dolby; everyone is working from home. Dolby does not only work in the sound space; they work with visuals too. Some of the incredible innovations Dolby has worked on in the visual space. Dolby wants to enhance the overall experience of entertainment. How Dolby Vision works to create an at-home cinematic experience. A look at Dolby Atmos and how it enhances the auditory experience. The platforms and devices that currently support Dolby Atmos music. The Dolby Vision and Atmos ideas were around for many years; it was figuring out how to make it happen that took time Why it was so important for Dolby to make their new technology compatible with headphones. An example of how Dolby has been used during English soccer games during the pandemic. Why an important part of Ellis's job is bringing creatives on board. An exciting project Ellis is working on with flutist, Nicole Mitchell. As the technology gets into the hands of more creatives, more innovation will occur. What the next frontier for Dolby is; the world of gaming. Dolby developments in the podcast space; it's growing quickly! Why Roma is an excellent cinematic example of how Dolby Atmos can be used. What Ellis's role at Dolby entails and his journey to this incredible position. As the technology becomes available to the ordinary person, it's going to blow up even more. Entertainment is more important than ever and a way for people to stay connected now.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/dolby-atmos
Some people are extraordinarily unique and change the game completely. Greg Escalante was a bona fide maverick and trailblazer, carving out a space where so many of us could feel at home. Juxtapoz Magazine, the publication Greg co-founded, is still a leading work in the alternative and underground art space. Greg's legacy is about far more than the magazine; it is about the community he built and the lives he touched. Not only did he provide unconditional support to so many artists early in their careers, but he quite literally changed so many people's lives. In this incredibly special episode, filmmaker, Hans Fjellestad, Greg's gallery director, Wendy Sherman, and PR powerhouse, Heidi Johnson join Sourdough to reflect on Greg's life. During the show, you will hear tributes from many of the artists who were impacted by Greg, including Robert Williams, Shag, Shepard Fairy, Elizabeth McGrath, and Chaz Bojórquez, to name just a few. Heidi and Wendy also share some of their fondest memories of Greg, like his love of ice cream, their travels, and what a day spent with him would look like. Tuning in, you will understand the profound impact that Greg Escalante had not only on the art world but on the many weird and wonderful people in it! Key Points From This Episode: The first time Sourdough heard about Greg and was introduced to Juxtapoz in 1995. Hans's experience of being in Southern California in the center of the community Greg was building. Heidi's experience of working with Greg and how they helped one another's careers. Hear artists like Robert Williams and Scott Hess share stories about their dear friend, Greg. Merry Karnowsky, Ben Goretsky, Shag, Shepard Fairy, and Shana Nys Dambrot honor Greg. How Greg changed Elizabeth McGrath's life and career forever. What a day spend with Greg in Chinatown would look like. Heidi shares a story of a dinner she and Greg went to when he had a rare drink. Reflecting on some of Greg's wild birthday celebrations. How Greg approached studio visits with his characteristic generosity and openness. More artists, including Marnie Weber, Natalia Faber, Timothy Robert Smith share what Greg meant to them. Greg had a unique way of making people feel truly seen. The timeline of starting Juxtapoz; it all happened very quickly after he met Robert. What Juxtapoz means to the art world and artists who ordinarily would have been ignored. The story of how Robert and Greg connected and met. Chaz Bojórquez shares the story of his and Greg's friendship. Some other artists tell stories of their memories with Greg. Greg's experience of seeing Robert's work on the cover of Thrasher. Greg's relationships with gallerists were as special and unique as his ones with artists. Insights into Greg's generosity with his art collection and his penchant for giving art away. Reflecting on the fun that Greg brought to the often serious art world. Greg's varied music taste and his love for all genres. Hear about Greg's spiritual life and what he might have thought about The Vatican. The story of how Wendy met Greg after being interested in lowbrow art for many years. Doug Harvey, LC, and more pay tribute to Greg. Heidi's trip with Greg to Mexico and his other travels over the years. Greg did not just change the art scene; he changed people's lives. More friends and artists share their tributes to Greg to end the show.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/greg-escalante
Three letters are dominating the art world right now, N-F-T. They stand for ‘non-fungible token’, which is represented as a unit of data, typically on the Ethereum blockchain. So how does this affect artists around the world? It returns the power to them. In today’s episode, we speak with intellectual property attorney Joshua Wattles, and former DeviantArt staff member, Tom Rowlandson. Together, they explain the ins and outs of NFTs, and why it’s such a hot topic right now. To kick things off, Tom shares his own experiences with NFTs, as he details his background in crypto as well as instances where he has bought and sold NFTs on the blockchain. Following this, Josh explains the NFT paradigm shift with artists and tells us what sets these digital tokens apart from standard IP. We then take a deep dive into what makes NFTs appealing to so many people, as we learn that factors like insurance and maintaining the item’s condition all play a role in the buyer’s decision making. With such a steep rise in interest and popularity, somebody has to be making a fortune, right? Tom and Josh then explain to listeners what gives NFTs their value, and touch on some of the fees you pay in marketplaces like Nifty Gateway. Toward the end of the episode, we discuss a few of the controversies that have come with NFTs. We talk energy consumption, authenticity, and why “buyers beware,” remains ever true. For more detail on how you can get involved in NFTs and why they’re set to shake things up for creatives, be sure to tune in today! Key Points From This Episode: Before we begin, we say thanks to International Women’s Month NRA host, Eric Yoshi. We introduce today’s topic: non-fungible tokens. Hear what NFTs could offer and what makes them so awesome. We welcome today’s guests, Josh Wattles and Tom Rowlandson, to talk about NFTs. Tom shares some of his experience creating and selling NFTs. Hear how Tom and Josh have shares experiences in the world of art. Tom tells listeners about his collaboration with Lora Zombie. Josh explains the NFT paradigm shift for artists. Why owning a token of an item, instead of the physical item itself, can be appealing. We talk about what types of artists are benefiting most from NFTs. NFTs and their inevitable versatility. Hear about how NBA Topshots are changing the way NFTs are perceived by the public. Find out who is getting rich off of this modern age gold rush. We touch on the various market places available to buy and sell NFTs. The environmental impact NFTs and running the blockchain. How NFTs are going to help with the authenticity of products. Why you shouldn’t be fooled by an NFT either. Hear how NFTs are being used as a method of issuing tickets for events.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/nfts-lora-zombie/
Making a break in the entertainment industry takes hard work, careful attention, and a strong vision. Today we speak with a woman who achieved great heights in film and television. Channing Dungey is a TV executive and the first black American president of a major broadcast television network. In this rich and inspiring episode, we talk with Channing about her journey to the top and beyond. We open the show by hearing about her earliest years, as she tells listeners about how she has always been enchanted by stories. After graduating from the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television, Channing pursued a career in the industry. In the years that followed, she became a path maker and mold-breaker as she steadily climbed the ranks. We ask Channing how she made her way into television, as she touches on the ebbs and flows of the film industry of the early 2000s, and why she connected with the TV medium. Diving into deeper detail, Channing shares some of the attributes that make a good television show, noting emotional connection and the longevity of a captivating story told over several seasons. On her various professional roles, Channing walks listeners through her career path so far, as she shares anecdotes about working for Steven Seagal, her stints running a production company, and what ultimately led her to take on the role of President of Entertainment at ABC. Channing continues by explaining the details of her role, and why, after 15 years of fulfilling work with ABC, it was time to move onto a new challenge: Netflix. Toward the end of the show, Channing opens up about the importance of hiring people of color and embracing women in entertainment. She lays out how new stories can be told, and why more diverse production teams, casts, and stories can and must be championed. To hear more on empowering women and people of color, as well as Channing’s triumphant journey in television and film, be sure to join us. Key Points From This Episode: We introduce today’s special guest, television executive, Channing Dungey. Channing tells us about her journey into film. Hear about Channing’s first gig in the industry as a script reader and story editor. Channing touches on the route she took to become the president of ABC. How the film landscape was pushing writers into TV roles. Channing shares details on her journey to become President of Entertainment at ABC. We hear how Channing’s role has led her to get involved with a variety of content. Some of the things Channing looks for in a good show. What led Channing to continue her career with Netflix. How to broadcast production differs from streaming. Channing touches on how to get more diversity in TV shows. Why, according to Channing, there is nothing more important than working with women. The work-life balance for working moms in the entertainment industry. Maintaining teamwork among partners who are working professionals. What Channing hopes to achieve with her latest chapter in life. What COVID means for the entertainment industry. Channing’s advice for those wanting to get into the film industry.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/channing-dungey
Muralism is empowering, uplifting, and can be a megaphone to celebrate ethnicity. Judy Baca has been creating public art for decades and has produced over 400 murals while employing thousands of local participants to be part of Los Angeles’ social and artistic evolution. Her efforts are embodied by the Social Public Art Resource Center or SPARC. In this episode, we talk to Judy about her life in public arts and how SPARC has been such a large part of her journey. We begin our conversation by talking about what it was like to be in Los Angeles, as the former public art capital of the world. Judy chats about city bureaucracy and that there was little control over who could paint what and where. Following this, Judy introduces listeners to the permitting process which has plagued public mural art progress since its introduction. Yet, by this stage, murals had already left a huge impact on society, as various minorities and ethnic groups residing in L.A were now being represented. Later in the show, we discuss SPARC’s origin story and discover how it helped to band different neighborhoods together. Judy goes on to detail some of the impressive large-scale projects she has been part of, like the Great Wall of Los Angeles. Toward the end of our conversation, we talk to Judy about what it was like to learn in the legacy of David Alfaro Siqueiros, as well as what it takes to run community-based projects. For more on Judy’s life in art, be sure to join us in this historically rich and inspiring episode. Key Points From This Episode: Introducing today’s guest, Judy Baca, Founder and Artistic Director at SPARC. Judy describes what it was like to be in Los Angeles, the former mural public art capital. How the park’s walls in L.A went from gang writings to artistic murals. How the contemporary permitting process has affected L.A’s relationship with public murals. Judy shares her experiences changing the face of L.A. Hear the genesis of SPARC and what its original intentions were. We ask Judy to share details about the Great Wall of L.A Judy tells listeners what it was like learning in David Alfaro Siqueiros’ workshop. Hear the steps involved in creating and running community-based projects. Why Judy became a professor. Judy shares some of the reasons why she never pursued a career in high art. How SPARC has become a modern marvel with an inspiring heritage. Judy gives listeners a taste of her latest project and what it’s all about.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/judy-baca
Welcome to episode 117 of the Not Real Art Podcast. In today’s show, host Erin Yoshi is joined by three more exceptional artists, Gloria Muriel, Amanda Lynn, and Mariella Ajras. These women are among the most influential and talented muralists around, and in today’s show, they share their stories, inspirations, and advice. We kick things off by hearing the origin story of each artist, as we find out Gloria’s shy beginnings, Amanda’s illustrative linework and decorative patterns, and Mariela’s focus on women and collective memory. Following this, our roundtable discussion touches on fundamental aspects of their careers in art. Amanda tells listeners about the genesis of her work, while Mariela explains how muralism led to opportunity after opportunity, with each being bigger than the last. Throughout the episode, each artist shares anecdotes about their experiences in murals. We hear about swing stages, gender inequality in the art world, and how feminism can take on different meanings. Toward the end of the show, Amanda, Gloria, and Mariela give advice to up-and-coming muralists wanting to break into the industry. They talk about the rules of the streets, how to find your style and how you should go about charging for your work. For more, be sure to tune into this rich and empowering episode. Key Points From This Episode: Introducing today’s round table guests, Gloria Muriel, A Lynn, and Mariella Arias. Hear how each artist got introduced to muralism. Each artist tells us how murals became fundamental aspects of their careers in art. What their experiences were like some of only females in their industry. Our round table shares their experiences working alongside male skeptics. Mariela tells us about swing stages and what it’s like using one. The round table gives advice to up-and-coming muralists wanting to break into the industry. How muralism has played such a strong role in the lives of our guests and host. Amanda tells us how she balanced a full-time job with being a freelance artist. Gloria talks about the pros and cons of working with galleries. Mariela tells us about her video project that reveals gender inequality in the art world. Mariela expands on topics of feminism and gender inequality. Amanda touches on her friendship with Lady Maggs. How Gloria’s motherhood has impacted her work. Hear about each artist’s latest work.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/gloria-muriel-amanda-lynn-mariella-aras
Welcome to another Not Real Art takeover hosted by Erin Yoshi for the month of March to celebrate National Woman’s Month. Today Yoshi sits down with two of her Trust Your Struggle crewmates, Nancy Hernandez and Cece Carpio. Trust Your Struggle is a crew of visual artists who partner with communities across the world to fight for social justice using murals and other forms of protest action. Nancy and Cece both have longstanding careers that occupy the intersection between art and activism, and we kick the show off by hearing about their individual backstories and the compelling projects they have been involved in. From there, Erin, Cece, and Nancy take a trip down memory lane and share their different experiences of working, painting, living, laughing, and fighting the powers that be together over the years. We hear about Nancy’s involvement in the painting of a two-block-long stretch of San Francisco's Montgomery Street in a protest that demanded banks stop funding the fossil fuel industry. Cece then talks about the work she did in collaboration with the Standing Rock project in reaction to the approved construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The theme of fighting for the preservation of our natural resources has been a big driver for many of the interventions done by the Trust Your Struggle collective, and Erin, Cece, and Nancy share some memories of working in the Philippines, Palestine, and other locations to align themselves with issues of water, mining, and more. To hear more about how Erin, Cece, Nancy, and the rest of TYS are fighting for what is right while weaving lifelong friendships at the same time, tune in today. Key Points From This Episode: A quick intro into Nancy and Cece and their careers in art and activism. The main aim behind the Trust Your Struggle collective of using art to fight for social justice. What drew Nancy and Cece to social justice projects that use creative strategies. Bonding experiences and memories of being on tour doing work as a collective. The place of art in social justice and Nancy’s perspectives on defunding the police. Nancy’s experiences protesting climate change on Montgomery Street. Cece’s and Nancy’s experiences being involved in the Standing Rock protests. Erin, Cece, and Nancy talk about painting across the world on the Water Writes project. Getting involved in the struggles against the extraction of resources in the Philippines. Nancy speaks about protesting Trump’s presidency by unfurling a banner off of a crane behind the White House. Upcoming projects for Nancy and Cece, and how to find them online.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/nancy-hernandez-cece-carpio
Welcome to another podcast takeover with Erin Yoshi. For International Women’s Month, we are going to talk to some of Erin’s favorite women in the creative field, each offering something brilliant, raw, and powerful. Today we talk with guests Heidi Johnson and Maria Jenson about marketing artists and art events. Heidi is an accomplished public relations strategist, artist manager, and self-made entrepreneur. Maria, our other accomplished guest, a leader in advancing innovative strategies to sustain creative communities in the midst of a rapidly changing urban environment. We open the show by asking Heidi and Maria about their journeys into the arts and what their responsibilities include. After hearing about the various galleries and artists they work with, Maria tells us more about one of her projects, ArtPad, explaining its evolution and aims. Following this, Heidi opens up her marketing strategy playbook and shares a handful of her most useful marketing tools. She touches on some of her favorite PR methods and tells us about how the experience should be at the center of your efforts as a PR manager. Toward the end of the episode, we find out how artists can prepare themselves to work with publicists along with the importance of networking. To conclude the show we find out from Maria and Heidi about their exciting upcoming projects. Key Points From This Episode: Introducing Erin Yoshi, our Not Real Art podcast host for the month of March. We welcome today’s guests, Maria Jenson and Heidi Johnson. How Maria and Heidi were drawn into the arts. Maria talks about the boutique experience she was offering with ArtPad. Heidi shares some powerful PR strategy tools. What Maria’s marketing events focus on. Maria and Heidi talk about how to create simplicity out of chaos. How Heidi has honed her skills in the PR space. How artists can prepare themselves to work with publicists. Why it is important for artists to learn to speak their narrative. Heidi shares her parting thoughts. Hear about Maria’s current projects.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/maria-jenson-heidi-johnson
For women, the time is now. Today Erin Yoshi begins her month-long takeover of the Not Real Art Podcast with a focus on uplifting women in the arts. We kick things off by finding out a little more about Erin, who is a creative strategist that paints stirring murals. As a curator, producer, former nonprofit executive, and now podcast host, Erin interviews two raw and powerful women for today’s episode: Favianna Rodriguez and Anne Martin. To start, listeners will learn about Favianna’s journey through art and how it has served as a way for her to express her experiences and the struggles of the oppressed. We then find out from Anne about her own history in art, the intricacies of printmaking, and the substantial value that comes with it. Following this, we tuck into the subtle and not-so-subtle undertones of Favinanna and Anne’s artwork before we unpack why prints can be so empowering. Both Favianna and Anne open up on the democratizing nature of prints and why tier value to society is misunderstood. After packing away print myths, Anne shares takeaways from her successful print clients. She expresses the importance of brand while Favianna doubles down on how artists can create fellowship. Toward the end of the episode, Favianna and Anne share their personal stories and touch on their respective vocational endeavors: The Center for Cultural Power and Sugar Press, respectively. To hear more on the power of print, women and marginalized empowerment, education, and wealth generation be sure to join us today! Key Points From This Episode: Our exciting changes for the month of March. Introducing your takeover host, Erin Yoshi! A little bit more about Erin. We welcome our guests Favianna Rodriguez and Anne Martin. Favianna on the social justice undertones in her work. Anne talks about her early art experiences. Favianna walks us through her printmaking process. Why printmaking does not devalue work and is still authentic. Printmaking and its power of accessibility. Anne’s takeaways from clients who are successful in prints. The relationship between art and fellowship. Anne talks about the ethics behind Sugar Press. Favianna shares details on The Center For Cultural Power. How Favianna has become a successful artist. Anne shares insight into how her artist clients have created their success. Favianna’s recipe for success.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/favianna-rodriguez-anne-martin
With International Women’s Month just around the corner, we decided to dedicate today’s show to previewing the exciting month we have ahead. As our guest and official occasional-co-host, Erin Yoshi joins us today to talk about what makes next month so special and how she is going to bring an edge to the Not Real Art podcast. We kick things off by finding out what Erin enjoys about hosting podcasts, as she tells us how each guest offers something unique in every episode. Following this, we talk to Erin about joining us at the Not podcast on a more regular basis and brainstorm how our future together might look. Returning to International Women’s Month, we then dive into the shows you can expect in March, as Erin gives us snippets about themes and guests you can expect to hear from. Adding to this, Erin talks about why it is so important for women to not only be given voice and opportunity during International Women’s Month but throughout the year as well. We draw the episode to a close by touching on how Erin’s latest project is going. Listeners will find delight in her intriguing medium of choice: billboards. To find out about the critical messages these billboards will carry, be sure to join us in the episode! Key Points From This Episode: What you have to look forward to on our podcast during March. How Erin Yoshi is going to celebrate and honor the power of women on our show. Erin talks about her enjoyment of hosting podcasts. We ask Erin if she will add podcasts to her collection of mediums. Erin’s take on becoming an occasional-co-host on the Not Real Art Podcast. Sourdough and Erin brainstorm Women’s Month and how they’re going to celebrate it. What Erin has learned from the women she has interviewed. Sourdough and Erin talk about the relationships they have with their partners. Erin previews some of the Women’s Month guests for the Not Real Art podcast. Some of the topics Erin covers with her Women’s Month guests. Why it’s important to give women opportunities. How video can add a whole new dimension to podcasts. Erin shares an update of her latest project. Why Erin chose to use billboards as a medium.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/erin-yoshi
We are doing things a little differently today’s episode of the Not Real Art Podcast. There’s no guest, just news. Good news. Random news. News you never knew you needed. While Man One is still away on assignment, Sourdough opens the show by discussing what this extra format is bringing to the table. We started off by asking: how do we bring value, how do we add more interesting stories, and do we need a different podcast? With these three questions in mind, we decided to trial this new show format. In this episode, Sourdough tests out our groovy new soundboard with rim shots, canned laughter, and live call-in capabilities. Just like the first pancake of the camp-out, this first episode is going to be something of an experiment. With this particular experiment, we are going to throw a range of topics into the mix, like the Not Real Art Artist grant, women in the art world, the importance of diversity, free speech in social media, and which glue works the best for modelers. If this sounds deliciously interesting to you be sure to join us! And remember, every camp-out pancake is better than the one before. Key Points From This Episode: Introducing today’s topic: experimenting with a new style of podcast! Sourdough shares how he intends to experiment in future episodes. Hear about some of the new equipment Sourdough has bought. Sourdough shares one of his favorite new songs with listeners, using his new soundboard. Enjoy some brand new sound effects that could make their way into future shows. The challenge of trying to cover daily events with late-to-air shows. How would a daily show sound? Interesting topics Sourdough would like to cover in episodes to come. Hear about the Not Real Art Artist grant. Sourdough tells us about the qualities grant-winners should have. Hear the names of artists who were given Not Real Art Artist grants. The brand new feature on the Not Real Art blog. We take a few moments to reflect on our recent interviews with esteemed guests. Sourdough’s take on cancel culture. Hear Soudough’s thoughts on LACMA. The best glue for model-making. Celebrating artists of color and women. Sourdough talks about a new streetwear brand. Instagram is now giving out harsher punishment for hate speech and direct messages. Sourdough ponders free speech in social media. The new artificial neural platform that converts text captions into art. Why the Clubhouse rabbit hole isn’t worth Sourdough’s time, for the moment at least. Answering the question: what would you do with a 27-hour day? The new global podcast conference.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/scott-power
In today’s episode, we sit down with Scott Bedbury, world-renowned brand consultant, author, and speaker who has played a central role in the success of massive names like Nike, Starbucks, and Airbnb. His bestselling book, A New Brand World, is a must-read for anyone working in business today. In this show, we talk about the erosion of trust in an internet age of powerful corporations, the need to return to a culture of empathy, and the radically human spirit behind the campaigns he worked on while helping build some of the biggest brands on the planet. We kick off the discussion hearing about the themes in Scott’s new book, where he describes the threats to values like authenticity, empathy, and trust posed by profit-hungry corporations leveraging the power of the internet. We then move onto hear the many incredible stories of the brands and people Scott worked with. He tells tales such as the one where he created the transcendent Just Do It campaign with his creative partners at Weiden+Kennedy which featured a young Michael Jordan and a young Spike Lee during his early days as Head of Advertising at Nike. The people and teams Scott worked with were special, driven by a different set of motives to the cold, profit-driven culture that fuels most big businesses today. Scott describes Petri dishes of authentic innovators who valued courageous creativity, openness to mistakes, gut instincts over data, and the notion that customers are first and foremost people. Scott’s central message is that with great power comes great responsibility, so be sure to tune in for this legendary discussion. Key Points From This Episode: Themes of the erosion of trust and authenticity in the internet age in Scott’s new book. The power of the internet for good and bad and the responsibility this puts on us. Conscious Capitalism and millennials: Movements toward a culture of ownership Scott’s perspective that the missing piece in corporate philosophy is empathy. The focus on ideals like inspiration more than the product itself. The repositioning behind the Just Do It campaign and how inspirational/disruptive it was. What led to Scott becoming the CMO for Starbucks and what he learned in this role. The theme of the need for humanity in Scott’s dream for how companies should treat people. Themes of finding core values and making the world better in the story of working on the Airbnb ‘Belong’ campaign. How important it is for companies to have a noble, driving purpose. Meeting Mark Zuckerberg; perspectives on Facebook and surveillance capitalism. Memories of Jeff Bezos sketching out the idea for recommendation algorithms. IQ without EQ; what visionary disruptors may have overlooked due to their foresight. Working with Phil Knight and the culture of innovation and openness to mistakes at Nike. The idea that creativity is nothing without courage. The gut-based approach to ‘marketing’ at Nike versus data-driven insights of today. Remembering the culture of willingness to make discoveries working with Weiden+Kennedy and Nike shooting a commercial with Michael Jordan and Spike Lee. The role of education in combating power plays like the spread of divisive information in elections. The need to expose kids to making art because of the added awareness it gives you. How companies need to start recognizing customers as people. A story about Michael Jordan showing empathy to his fans that we can learn a lesson from. Heartening facts about a new reality where Black leaders aren’t unusual. The need to instill a sense in our children that we are here to serve.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/scott-bedbury
Today’s guest is Juergen Berkessel, founder of Polymash, here to talk about podcasting as a content strategy and the false distinction between career paths that occupy creative versus so-called ‘commercial’ spheres. Polymash is a boutique digital marketing agency based in Florida, and Juergen has become a close friend of Sourdough’s because Polymash has been advising on the subject of content strategy for the Not Real Art podcast. Juergen is a true polymath with an inspiring career trajectory and personal journey. He is a professional photographer, computer programmer, app developer, digital marketing expert, and podcaster who immigrated from Germany to the United States. Our conversation begins with Juergen telling the story of this journey. We hear him talk about how he got into photography, how he lived off rice and beans in New York as a struggling photographer, and how he made a career pivot into the world of software development thereafter. Here we talk at length about how the creative discoveries Juergen made after he pivoted make the fine art community’s distaste at the idea of ‘selling out’ seem extremely petty and shortsighted. From there, we take a deep dive into the work Juergen is doing today with Polymash. He speaks about how to make your content more SEO compatible as an artist, weighing in specifically on how to fit podcasting into these strategies and build your network at the same time. He also shares a few pro tips for how to make your content benefit you rather than falling into ‘digital sharecropping’ by making your website the central hub of all of your content output. Tune in for today’s inspiring and educational conversation with Juergen Berkessel! Key Points From This Episode: An intro to Juergen Berkessel and his content strategy business, Polymash. How Juergen met Sourdough and they connected through a mutual love of art. A window into Juergen’s multifaceted career and involvement with art and business. Juergen’s thoughts on combining creativity and analytical skills in his career. How Juergen found photography and took it up after moving to America. Juergen’s memories of studying art and working as a commercial photographer thereafter. How Juergen got exposed to large format cameras working for a photography studio in New York. Being uninspired working as a freelance commercial photographer and how Juergen found his creative voice. The story of how Juergen made a career pivot and entered a career in programming. Perspectives on ‘selling out’ considering this being frowned upon in fine art communities. How the democratization of creative mediums is changing negative perceptions of commercialization. Critical thoughts about the so-called gap between high and low art. How podcasting fits into the democratization of art and Sourdough’s work with Juergen. Content strategy tips from Juergen; how he helps businesses through Polymash. The need for artists to have their own website to fight ‘digital sharecropping’. Prioritizing subscribers to your email list over people who downloaded your podcast. The usefulness podcasts provide for building a sense of intimacy with guests that turns into future business relationships. How podcasting becomes a content strategy by generating content that can be shaped for SEO. Juergen’s explanation of domain authority, how to build it, and how it makes your website more searchable. The significance of the idea that podcasts get new listeners primarily through Google searches. Thoughts on the educational power of podcasts and how to make them more accessible. Juergen’s wife Robyn’s expertise in positive thinking and how she applies it in her podcast. Final thoughts on juxtaposition and identity: ‘A thing is what it is only in relation to what it is not.’
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/juergen-berkessel
If we told you that the Mona Lisa was missing, you probably wouldn’t believe it. But this was the case in 1911 when, for two years, the world’s most famous painting was nowhere to be found! Our guests today, Joe Medeiros and Justine Mestichelli Medeiros are experts on this fascinating story and have produced a documentary called Mona Lisa is Missing, where they take viewers on their journey as they unearth the truth about this great heist. Surprisingly, the story is not that well-documented and, where it has been recorded, the truth is twisted. Joe and Justine came at it from a different angle, wanting to present their findings with accuracy and integrity. In this episode, we hear about this passion project and how reading one line in a book about Leonardo da Vinci and the painting’s theft ignited an insatiable curiosity in Joe to discover the truth. We also learn more about the connections that Joe and Justine made, including with Celestina Peruggia, the thief, Vincenzo Peruggia’s daughter. This film, while entertaining, is about a lot more than that. It is a historical document where this story lives on. Our conversation also touches on what it was like to produce a film independently, the power of connection and fate, and why the film is the gift that keeps on giving. To hear more about this incredible tale, tune in today! Key Points From This Episode: How Joe and Justine have been faring during the pandemic and sheltering in place. Hear how Joe managed to make the documentary while working as the head writer for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. The timeline of producing the documentary and what sparked Joe’s fascination with the story. Why technology was a large component of making the documentary possible. Joe and Justine’s lifelong love of art and music and the way it brought them together. Their experience of meeting Celestina Peruggia, Vincenzo Peruggia’s daughter. How Joe and Justine created a genuine connection with Celestina. Why it was so important for Joe and Justine to produce something based on evidence. The twofold reason Joe wanted to make the documentary: Entertainment and education. Joe and Justine’s experience with people in Italy and the open way they were received. What motivated Joe and Justine to finish the documentary, even when things got tough. Why the unpredictability of the story is what makes the documentary so engaging. Telling Celestina the truth about her father: Hear what this was like for Joe and Justine. The smoking gun: Finding the records that revealed the real story. Serendipitous encounters that proved Joe and Justine’s mission to them. Some of the unexpected good things that have come from making the documentary. The argument that the theft actually turned the Mona Lisa into the famous painting it is.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/joe-medeiros-justine-mestichelli-medeiros
Art is important for more reasons than will ever be possible to count. From aiding cognitive development and critical thinking skills to beautifying the world we live in, art matters to us all. Today’s guest, Mary Farmer, is an internationally-recognized encaustic painter based in Asheville, North Carolina, whose work creates a portal into a timeless, transcendent state of consciousness. Interestingly, Mary’s paintings serve as a counterbalance to her firebrand spirit. Tireless in her pursuit of liberty and equity, she has put herself in harm’s way time during her lifelong fight for social justice and women’s rights. In this episode, we hear about Mary’s life, what growing up in Alabama was like, and some of the admirable work she has done establishing abortion clinics in the South. Mary then shares details about her art practice, including insights into the encaustic technique, where wax – rather than oil or water – is used to carry pigment. We find out how she came to choose this method and the different relationship she has with her work as a result. Our conversation also touches on the business side of an art career, why artists should not shy away from this, and the power of language in reframing arguments to enable change. Be sure to tune in today! Key Points From This Episode: How Mary and her husband dealt with the shutdown and how it affected her art practice. The strength that Mary found when she was able to vocalize her sexual assault. Why Mary is such a strong advocate for school nurses and counselors. Mary’s experience of going to school in Alabama the year public schools were integrated. Why Mary had to leave Alabama as soon as she could. The contrast between Mary’s firebrand spirit and her soothing, calming art. Hear about some of the work Mary has done for women’s reproductive rights. Beautiful things that have happened in Mary’s community before and during the pandemic. What Mary’s studio practice looks like and how she structures her days and workflow. An explanation of the encaustic painting technique and how Mary discovered it. Why encaustic has taught Mary to not make assumptions and preconceived notions. The main thorn in Mary’s side as an artist – Why she hates writing artist statements. How the business side of Mary’s art practice has improved over the years. Mary’s strategies and tips for avoiding exploitation as an artist. Why having a clear business plan as an artist is so empowering. The incredible contribution that art makes to all of our lives. What Mary has gained from Asheville, a city with such a rich culture. This scarcity mindset that is so prevalent pits us all up against one another. Language matters; it is important to reframe arguments to get things done. Moving artworks is an art form in itself, so you have to find people who know what they’re doing.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/mary-farmer
While the pandemic has taken a lot away, it has also gifted many of us with extra time to pursue our passions. This is how today’s guest, Javie Lopez, views the forced downtime in 2020, and he has been grinding harder than ever before. As a consummate multi-hyphenate, Javie is an artist, producer, DJ, videographer, director, and Founder and Creative Director of Graffiti The City. Along with this, he is a great friend, a die-hard supporter of the arts, and all-round dope, positive guy. In this episode, we talk about how he has been making the most of a clearer than usual schedule and the importance of not making excuses and staying savvy. Things will eventually find their way back to normal, so you might as well stay ahead of the game. We also chat about his record label and his hesitation to strike out on his own. Being the standup man he is, Javie wanted to make sure he could do good by all the artists he signed. Although Javie is killing it in many ways right now, he admits that he has not always used his time effectively, and we talk about how artists can move past overthinking and feeling discouraged to use every hour in the day the best they can. He respects how the younger generation of artists puts stuff out there before it is properly polished, something he could never do when he was young. Our conversation also touches on the exciting work Graffiti The City has in the pipeline, why artists need to start working on their businesses more, and where the art world is headed. Don't miss out! Key Points From This Episode: How Javie kept busy in 2020 and the challenge he had helping his daughter with schoolwork. The importance of making the most out of this forced downtime we have been gifted. It can be hard to work in a self-directed way, but artists have to figure it out. Hear about the work Javie is doing with Dahlia Coronado, the first MC he signed to his record label. Some of the other musical ventures Graffiti The City is undertaking. The story of how Javie met Dahlia when he was working as an Uber driver. Why Javie was so careful about starting a record label. Javie’s approach to video production and his passion for doing it all. Artists need to get past analysis paralysis and put work out, rather than waiting for ‘perfection’. Finding the balance between hating on and praising the younger generation of artists. How technology has democratized artistic production and expression. The importance of not placing too much emphasis on social media follower numbers. Why having his daughter helped give Javie the push he needed to start Graffiti The City. Lessons Javie has learned over the years about negative energy and staying away from it. Products, projects, and collaborations Graffiti The City is working on at the moment. L.A. versus Miami: The difference between these two art worlds. Sourdough’s insights into the future of the L.A. art world: Artists need to take more responsibility. Being a professional artist requires both business and artistic acumen. How Javie has dealt with feeling discouraged and his advice to other artists. Where to find Javie and Graffiti The City online.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/javie-lopez
For the acclaimed writer, producer, and broadcaster Frances Anderton, telling engaging stories is about inspiring people and never leaving them feeling hopeless. Having just left her position of 22 years at KCRW, in this episode we speak with Frances about transition and her history reporting on how design and architecture impact community, politics, and culture. Early in the show, we explore how crises can lead to personal adventure. Reflecting the theme of transition, we discuss positives resulting from how Los Angeles has adapted to the pandemic. We dive into Frances’ work in design and architecture before she opens up about the experience of leaving KCRW. We talk about the challenges that Frances is facing, including the creative problem of whether she should focus on a new direction or continue the work that she’s so well-known for. In the latter part of the episode, we touch on how space can enhance our sense of community, how waste never truly goes away, Frances’ upcoming projects, and expected shifts in the design industry. Tune in to hear Frances’ incredible insights on life, change, and humanizing design and architecture. Key Points From This Episode: Exploring how crises can lead to periods of change. How Los Angeles outside spaces have been adapted due to the pandemic. Reflecting on Frances’ work humanizing design and architecture. Frances talks about the experience of leaving her 22-year post at KCRW. Tracking KCRW’s journey from a small to a large broadcaster. How your organization’s culture changes as it grows. We discuss what Frances has lost and gained from starting a new chapter in her life. The importance of recalibrating your life to find what product you want to create. Why deciding what to do in your life should be made with patience and self-love. Hear about the projects that Frances has planned. How living spaces enhance or detract from our sense of community. Details on Frances’ upcoming show, No Such Place as Away. Telling stories to inspire and not to depress. Frances chats about her favorite aspects of working for KCRW.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/frances-anderton
Brand identity is a big business. From consumer products to startups and even political parties, if people identify with your message, they will be on your side. Today's guest, Ron Vandenberg, is a multi-Clio Award-winning brand consultant and creative director and is recognized for his expertise in brand thinking, communication, design and experience. He is currently in the middle of launching a brand-smart business transformation company, Blulab, and we kick off the show by hearing details about his new venture. Ron shares why he wants to be able to offer both business and brand innovation services so that companies see long-term gains. We talk about innovation generally, where Ron shares the struggles he has seen when companies are not able to innovate. He also debunks some of the misconceptions around innovating, and why it's vital to trust the iterative process. Having started in the brand industry as an outsider, Ron understands the power of innovation firsthand, and he talks about how he launched his first agency from scratch. The conversation then turns to Indivisible 2020, in which Ron is a participating artist. We hear about what indivisibility means to him, his take on the current political climate, and why political parties could benefit from thinking about their branding more. We wrap the show up with a look into the future, and Ron leaves us with a final message of hope that if we look to understand rather than vilify one another, we can come together once again. Key Points From This Episode: The new agency Ron is launching – how they look to combine business and brand innovation. The impetus for starting Blulab and why Ron calls it a ‘business transformation company.’ Business innovation versus brand innovation: What they are and how they are different. Why it is so difficult for businesses to truly innovate on the brand or business front. The companies that come to mind when we think of innovation. Where businesses go wrong when they are trying to innovate. Innovation comes from many iterations; Ron uses the example of the automotive industry. How Ron has been able to innovate in the corporate brand industry. The story of how FutureBrand worked with Nelson Mandela to change the South African Airlines branding after Apartheid. Winning three Clio Awards on one campaign; Ron shares this success. What Ron embarked on once he moved back to the West Coast The important qualities that stand out to Ron when looking for employees and collaborators. Creatives don’t get to make the final decision when it comes to branding; business people do. How Ron’s marriage and business relationship with his wife have enabled his success. What indivisibility means to Ron, and why he, as an immigrant, was drawn to the U.S. The roles that brands can play in fostering political unity. It is possible to find common interests and still hang onto our political beliefs. How Ron is staying hopeful in this time: A belief that we can manifest our destiny. The importance of moving away from judgment and to a place of understanding. What we can learn from why Donald Trump was elected in the first place. Understanding politics from a marketing point of view; what we can take away.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/ron-vandenberg
Welcome to this special holiday episode of the Not Real Art Podcast! As Sourdough explains early on in the show, this episode is fast and loose, featuring a bunch of boys behaving badly due to excessive amounts of holiday cheer! ManOne is finally back in the studio after his year-long assignment and what makes today’s show even better is that James Shen and Teachr from Paint The Town podcast make an appearance too! After such a wild year of isolation, hustling, and adjustments, the warm energy throughout the conversation is palpable, with our hosts and guests feeling super excited to get a chance to catch up and shoot the breeze. The show kicks off with some stories about what it has been like trying to raise kids at this time in history, and then we move onto discuss the atmosphere of freedoms and restrictions in different parts of the U.S. at this late stage of the pandemic. From there, ManOne spills the beans about his assignment – a 78 x 14-foot mural that he has been making on panels in his studio! He also tells another story about doing a mural for Coca-Cola in Crips territory which ended in a police shootout! Other topics discussed on today’s show include Trump finally being voted out, James and Teachr’s plans for 2021 including the release of a new spray paint brand, and the appearance Sophie Dee will be making on the Paint The Town podcast next year. For all this and a whole lot more on topics of art, family, politics, porn, and the pandemic, be sure to tune in! Key Points From This Episode: The recent battle Teachr’s son had with suicidal thoughts due to being cooped up at home. The evolving discourse around adoption and Sourdough’s experience of raising his adopted kids. James discusses fame and being an influencer in relation to his and Teachr’s careers. The situation in different places in America with COVID restrictions and freedoms. Perspectives on safely eating at restaurants using different kinds of masks. How James and Teachr have framed a recent podcast they did with a difficult guest. ManOne’s process making a huge mural for RTI Cables and how it saved him this year. What everybody thinks about the vaccine and when they expect to take it. James’ experiences partying with Sophie Dee who will be a guest on Paint The Town soon. A story where ManOne painted a Coca-Cola mural in a Crips neighborhood and things got out of hand. An announcement about the new spray paint label James and Teachr are releasing. How helpful podcasts have been for keeping people sane in this time of isolation. What people can expect from the Paint The Town podcast in 2021. ManOne’s story about how street art is invisible until you start noticing it. Gratitude about Trump being voted out and thoughts about what he is planning next. Thoughts on what webcam sex websites mean from an anthropological perspective.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/paint-the-town-podcast
As the lines we have drawn to separate ourselves from others seem to be hardening, will we ever get to a place where we all get along? There may not be a silver bullet to reach a place of inclusion and equity, but this does not mean it is not possible. Today's guest, Scott Hoesman, Founder of inQuest Consulting, is doing the work to help teams create a more empathetic and inclusive culture. With feelings of anger, exclusion, and fear at an all-time high, Scott helps companies understand difference and find common humanity. In this episode, we talk about what inclusivity means and why we need to move past the idea that when we bring people in, we will lose something. Not only is this not true, but viewing people who are different from us through a fear-based lens only entrenches divisions further. We discuss why topics of inclusion and equity are so difficult for people to talk about, where Scott encourages everyone – yes, even the most liberal among us – to interrogate how they live the value of inclusivity. Rather than villainizing one group, we have to turn inward, open our hearts and minds, and interrogate our own biases. Even though we are in a difficult period of history, Scott remains optimistic that we will be able to get back to civil discourse and a society of openness and learning. Key Points From This Episode: Not getting along is part of the human experience, but it is something we need to lean into. Our scarcity mindset – that does in some ways protect us – pits us up against one another. Inclusion does not mean there will be fewer resources for you. Why Scott is both proud and not satisfied with the work inQuest has done. Some of the common themes that Scott has noticed from his work. Understanding that there will be backlash when talking about difficult topics openly. The power of naming your discomfort when trying to talk to people about topics where your knowledge is limited You cannot put the burden of your education on other people – It is your responsibility. How geographical and social context influences Scott’s work around inclusion. The power of proximity: Why being exposed to different people breaks down barriers. Nature versus nurture: Scott’s take on whether empathy is innate or learned. Why Scott believes the topic of inclusivity is particularly difficult for people to grapple with. How Scott’s 40th birthday party made him reflect on how he lived his professional values in his personal life. Hear how Scott helps people to see how diverse their social and professional circles are. We have made it socially acceptable to discriminate based on visible and invisible difference. Social media can further polarize or unite us depending on how we use it. Hear Scott’s take on cancel culture and why the argument is so nuanced. Why – even though we are facing such a hard time – Scott is still so optimistic. The worry Scott has about us becoming complacent with these issues. The history of inclusive consulting as a profession and how it has evolved over time. What the role of government is in creating and enabling inclusive and equitable practices. It is not only conservative people who need to open their minds; liberals do as well. We need to get back to a place of civil discourse where we can disagree without villainization.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/scott-hoesman
Artists who are willing to put themselves in harm’s way are a rare bread, and those who use their work to help others are perhaps even rarer. Photographer, Brian McCarty, is one of these unique artists, and since 2011, he has been collaborating with the United Nations and other NGOs to help traumatized children in war zones. Through his project, War Toys, Brian uses the power of children’s toys, free play, and his camera to help these children process their pain. Brian has worked in places like Iraq, Syria, and the West Bank, and he joins us today to share insights into his work. We begin by hearing about his experience of working in a war zone and the complex emotions these spaces cause him to feel. On the one hand, he is exposed to the darkest side of humanity, while on the other, he sees people trying to help in the most selfless ways. Brian talks about the absurd and trite nature of his work and how this exact absurdity ultimately hooks people and draws them in. This endeavor has not been easy for a variety of reasons, and Brian shares more about the 15-year journey he has been on which culminated in forming a non-profit last year. Naturally, we discuss the pandemic, where Brian explains why he – like many who have worked in war zones – is particularly on edge about the election and the conflict that may come with the transfer of power. Our conversation also touches on projects Brian has in the pipeline, the immense power of art therapy in high-conflict areas and war zones, and the potential of a documentary about his work being made. Tune in today to hear more. Key Points From This Episode: Hear how Brian was drawn to photographing toys, a passion that started at a young age. What it’s like to be working in an active war zone; it’s an addicting experience. The long road Brian walked to finally get to work in a war zone – It took 15 years to get there. What Brian believes the hook of his work – which at first glance seems trite – ultimately is. Brian’s relationship with toy manufacturers and the support they provide him. Forming the War Toys non-profit; why Brian finally decided to launch it last year and their pilot project. The interesting connection Brian has seen between toy guns and active war zones. War zones reveal both the primal and deeply hopeful nature of human beings. How religion affects the work Brian does and what he has learned along the way. The difficulty that comes with trying to find children again in high conflict areas and war zones. Find out how the lessons Brian has learned from his work have helped him in the pandemic. How Brian is using this newfound time seeing as he is unable to travel. Donating to War Toys; what the money will be used for. Some important photographers like Chris Hondros and Dickey Chapelle Brian hopes to honor. Why Brian doesn’t think that the media will be protected in war zones again. Insights into DesignerCon and why Brian is so excited about what is happening in the space. What Brian’s day-to-day looks like and how he stays disciplined. Brian’s fundraising goal for 2021 and the work he hopes to do going forward. Children in war zones need to be taught emotional literacy because they are often detached from their feelings. Capturing the work; how filming has formed a part of Brian’s project. Where to find Brian and War Toys online.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/brian-mcCarty
This year has understandably been tough for artists. With increasing levels of stress and anxiety, it is not easy to be freely creative. Yet, art, in all its forms, is more important than ever for getting people through these difficult times. Parlor Social is at the top of their game, and Ric’key Pageot and Dessy Di Lauro, the husband-and-wife duo behind the band, join us today to share what the pandemic has been like for them. We start by talking about some of the ways they have adapted to not being able to perform live and go on tour. Despite their initial reluctance to live streaming, they have found more connection than they ever thought possible with their virtual audience. Ric’key and Dessy talk about why they decided to give free access to their content, where they acknowledge their privilege of not being stressed about finances. We also hear about some of the other blessings that have come from this time for the pair like increased creativity and getting better at their craft. Naturally, the conversation goes to Black Lives Matter, where we talk about the issues of race and police brutality and what needs to be done to dismantle these imbalanced structures. Correcting racial injustices needs to happen at so many levels, including the arts, where Black and PoC artists have always been marginalized. Ric’key, with roots in classical music, talks about the underrepresentation of Black people in this musical genre and the work he is doing to give back. Although these times are dark in many ways, Ric’key and Dessy are doing so much to spread hope and be positive forces in people’s lives. They are the embodiment of selfless artists who want to spread light and joy through all that they create. Key Points From This Episode: Hear some of the creative ways Ric’key and Dessy have adapted to these trying times. The time that we all have now is a blessing if we can use it well. Ric’key and Dessy’s skepticism around the vaccine and why they would still take it. How Ric’key and Dessy’s respective families are doing during the pandemic. Why Ric’key and Dessy decided to create Soulful Jazz Brunch and the reception to the event. The decision to not charge a fee for Soulful Jazz Brunch; wanting to make content accessible. The importance of engaging with your virtual audience to create connection. An idea Ric’key has to release an album of all the songs they recorded during the pandemic. When Ric’key and Dessy finally found their stride with live streaming. The major improvements Ric’key and Dessy have seen getting to perform every week. Some of the technical difficulties Ric’key and Dessy have faced going virtual. Work Ric’key is doing to get back to his classical music roots and some incredible discoveries he’s made. Hear about the progress Ric’key has made with his upcoming movie project. Why Ric’key wants to give back at this stage in his career and ways he plans on doing so. Ric’key’s experience at McGill University, where there were very few Black students. Why Dessy feels even though conversations around race and police brutality are important, they are not enough. How Ric’key and Dessy believe you can spread hope in these difficult times. The hope that Sourdough has for his kids, who are growing up in a world different to his. The problems the U.S. is currently grappling with are not unique to the country; they are global issues. Where to find Parlor Social online and what they have in the pipeline. Dessy’s words of comfort to her fellow artists: Be kind to yourself in this hard time. Find out about the line of skincare products Dessy has created.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/ric’key-pageot-dessy-di-lauro
Today’s guest is pioneering conservation photographer, Robert Glenn Ketchum. Robert's imagery and books have helped to define contemporary color photography while at the same time addressing critical national environmental issues, having made him one of the most successful artists and activists in American history. In today’s episode, Robert talks about the development of his career, the many adventures his work has taken him on, and the social change these projects have kickstarted. We dive straight in hearing Robert talk about the Pebble Mine campaign he is involved in currently where he is fighting against the construction of the largest gold and cyanide leech mine in the history of the world in Southwest Alaska. From there, Robert rewinds to his days as a student at UCLA in the 60s, where he started his photography career taking snaps of the famous bands that played in his neighborhood. On the way back from the Monterey Pop Festival, Robert camped out at Limekiln Creek to break the trip up, and in a moment of contemplation next to a quiet stream he got the idea to pivot into conservation photography. Robert’s career blew up after that event, and he tells one epic tale after another about the different campaigns he fell into, the huge names he rubbed shoulders with, and the incredible ripple effects his photographs had. We also get to hear Robert's thoughts on some of the most vital sides of being an artist, how to secure money, and how to increase the clout of one’s projects. Wrapping up our conversation, Robert tells a few more awe-inspiring stories about how he started translating his prints into textiles after discovering the quality Chinese embroidery. Tune in for tales of adventure, discovery, and serendipity, all powered by a passion for creativity and our natural environment with Robert today. Key Points From This Episode: The campaign Robert is working on to protest the Pebble Mine in South West Alaska. Robert’s book, Southwest Alaska, which talks about overfishing in Crystal Bay. Saving San Ignacio Lagoon with Joel Reynolds from the NRDC and recruiting him for the Southwest Alaska work. The multi-tiered nature of the campaigns Robert works on; drawing on multiple channels. The funds necessary to launch these big campaigns which groups smaller than the NRDC wouldn’t manage. The power of branding to spread public awareness about bad practices. Differences in quality between wild and farmed salmon and Robert’s adventures with Alaskan locals. Robert’s experiences shooting famous bands in LA in the 1960s. How Robert got the idea to transition into environmental photography on the way back from Monterey Pop. Moving to the East Coast to work on a project in the Hudson River Valley. Photographing destructive practices in the Hudson River Valley and getting published by Aperture. Passing the largest timber reform bill in the U.S’s history during the Tongass Rainforest Project. Getting invited onto the board of the American Land Conservancy and helping save Limekiln Creek. Robert’s ‘method’ involving simply taking pictures and falling into one project after another. Using contrasting images of natural beauty and destruction in campaigns. How Robert realized the power of photography after photos of his caused real changes. Founding the International League of Conservation Photographers. The need for artists with great ideas to secure funding and how Robert did this. Events related to the publicity and funding of the Tongass Rainforest Project. Some of the books that Robert has published and collections he has curated. Getting invited by Robert Redford to be an artist in residence at his Sundance Institute. An expedition on William E. Simon’s private yacht through the Northwest Passage. How Robert convinced Bill Simon that the Tongass logging was not ethical. The story of finding out about Suzhou embroidery prowess and getting photos translated into textiles. How...
Human beings have done a good job of ripping this planet apart; we have to figure out how to put it back together, and today’s guest is at the forefront of this initiative. Erin Yoshi joins us today to talk about her new project, The Land of WE. In this project, Erin is using art to drive conversations that imagine a different world, one in which we live within our means, and we rethink our exploitative systems that deplete our limited resources. Our conversation with Erin starts by tracing her journey as an artist, zooming in on how she got interested in murals, where her activistic approach found its expression, and how she developed such a strong skill in the business side of the pursuit. From there, we switch gears and focus on our current moment in history, a time defined by the exploits of capitalism which have driven movements to destroy the environment, divide people, and spread feelings of hopelessness. Erin talks about her belief in, and the possibility of, building a post-capitalist world. In this dream society, we keep the benefits of modernity but achieve them in more sustainable ways by ‘remembering forward’ – taking solutions from the past and turning them into our new default systems. This segues into a focus on The Land of WE, and listeners get to hear Erin talk about how she is researching these kinds of older, sustainable cultures and systems, and spreading the word about them through murals, billboards, and educational social media initiatives. Key Points From This Episode: Introducing muralist Erin Yoshi and her new project fighting climate change, The Land of WE. Erin’s love of podcasts, the types she listens to, and some of her experiences as a guest. Discipline, being a mom, and how Erin has been dealing with the logistics of being an artist. How Erin got her work ethic and skills in the business and creative sides of art. The story of how Erin’s mural career evolved, starting from an erasable board her dad bought her. Being scrappy and how a career in art is a slow journey with no overnight success. The need for artists to enjoy the craziness of the struggle that comes with being an artist. Tough love as a parent and lessons Erin learned from her dad that made her a better artist Themes of the fight for justice and against prejudice; the story of Erin’s family history. Erin’s consideration of herself as an activist and some of her work in this area. How Erin became ED of the Estria Foundation and the environmental activism work they did. The extent that religion impacts humankind’s ability to manage its natural resources. The myth of the political right versus the left: A way of distracting the masses from their similarity. Pros and cons of capitalism and Erin’s belief that a post-capitalist world is coming. ‘Remembering forward’: How Erin applies this principle to advocate for more sustainability. The idea that more sustainable solutions already exist, we just need to incorporate them. The need for governments to support sustainable initiatives so they aren’t so expensive. Localized solutions and the need for systems that allow local leaders. Warnings to be found in bizarre natural disasters that sound like sci-fi but are real. The role of the artist in these times of crisis as storytellers and history keepers. What The Land of WE is doing to use art to celebrate and spread stories about more sustainable practices. How bad modernity is for mental health. The power of art to pierce the soul, making it such a powerful too right now. What the rollout of the first phase of The Land of WE will look like; murals, billboards, and more. Where to find Erin and her project online to learn more and get involved. Erin’s skill for grant writing and her love of sharing this knowledge.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/erin-yoshi
Continuing our conversation with Indivisible 2020 participating artists, today’s guests Mary Sherwood Brock and Joshua Wattle engage in a stimulating discussion filled with passion for the country. Show curator Karen Fiorito joins the two artists, who both have roots in Washington and have been on the frontlines for their whole lives — Mary as an activist, and Joshua as a lawyer and lobbyist for the anti-war movement. We get into what indivisibility means to our guests, where they both express the aspirational notion of it. While it is easy to dismiss aspirations, it is what keeps hope alive and gives us something worth fighting for. We hear about the work that Mary and Joshua submitted to the Indivisible exhibition and the rationale behind their creations. Participating in the exhibition aligns with much of the work that both Mary and Joshua have done in and outside of the arts, and we gain insights into their respective activism. We also talk about having hope, where Joshua references history and how America has overcome a lot worse, and why he feels confident the country will come out of this moment stronger. Mary expresses a less than optimistic outlook but still remains hopeful despite it all. The conversation also touches on the erosion of the idea of the collective, the importance of getting back to a place of civil discourse, and the sort-sightedness of American exceptionalism. This was an exciting, rich dialogue filled with many insights, so tune in today to hear more! Key Points From This Episode: The notion of indivisibility and what it means to Mary and Joshua. Joshua’s interest in his American identity and America, having grown up abroad. The pride Joshua felt when Obama was president and the strides made toward indivisibility. Mary’s experience with protesting, having been raised in a politically active home. Why Mary is so passionate about creating change locally. Mary’s motivation for participating in Indivisible 2020 and other political work she has done. Hear more about the work that Mary submitted to Indivisible. The photograph that Josh has in the show and the meaning behind it. Why Joshua feels we should have hope even though America is in a state of decline. Mary’s apprehension and feeling of nervousness around the protection of the court system. Joshua’s faith in the court system and why he feels this way. The worry Mary feels about the fact that there is not a common source of legitimate news. The deep sense of aspiration synonymous with America that Josh felt during his activist work. Viewing the current moment with an understanding of historical context. Mary’s take on the two-party system and how it makes people disillusioned with democracy. What Mary thinks needs to happen in the Democratic Party for meaningful change to occur. How capitalism has made the idea of the common good so politicized. Mary’s experience of political conservatism in other countries compared to America. Karen’s experience of having a Republican supporting father and stepmother. Why Joshua–as a lawyer–is so concerned about what the Trump legal team is doing. The duty we have to call people who work for or with Trump out as racist sympathizers. America’s limited conception of reproductive rights and supporting women more comprehensively. The US no longer holds collective activity up as an ideal. How American exceptionalism has hurt the country in many ways. Final words from Mary about hope and continuing to fight battles.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/mary-sherwood-brock-joshua-wattles
We continue our discussion with artists participating in Indivisible 2020 today with Anna Stump, Erin Yoshi, Ted Meyer, and Kalynn Campbell. In this jam-packed show, the guests address various pertinent social and political issues. We begin by hearing what indivisibility means to everyone, where Anna and Ted, who live in a rural, red part of the country share why they have chosen not to publicly express their political views. Both Erin and Kalynn feel that while indivisibility is possible and has been achieved at times, the current moment is deeply divided. We then talk about the rise of political discourse in popular culture and how the art reflective of this, such as Black Lives Matter murals and poster art, inspires our guests. We could not have a discussion about indivisibility without touching on the election, and we hear everyone’s take on Joe Biden as the candidate, why this election is more about voting against Trump than anything else, and how we might see the positives in the voter suppression tactics. Increasingly, people – particularly Gen Z, as Anna highlights – are becoming aware of the role they play in shaping society and are taking actionable steps to shift the narrative. We also touch on climate change, where the guests share their respective stark realizations they have had about this issue. As the show wraps up, we get a glimpse into the rationale behind the work everyone has submitted to Indivisible 2020. This insightful, powerful conversation left us with a sense of hope that artists have a big role to play in uniting our divided country. Tune in today to hear more! Key Points From This Episode: What indivisible means to Anna and the difficulty she has living in a very red state. Why Anna and Ted feel unsafe to express their liberal political views where they live. The meaning of indivisibility to Erin and the work she feels needs to be done in this area. Moving away from the ‘oppression Olympics’ and seeing the humanity in everyone. Kalynn’s understanding of indivisibility and how he thinks we can work towards it. The inspiration Kalynn has drawn from the murals that have come from Black Lives Matter. Ted’s understanding of the ‘Other’ and its origins as a social construct. Why Erin is most inspired by poster art and murals over the recent years. Finding hope in troubled times – How Anna and Kalynn are digging deep in the current moment. How people who would have preferred Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren as the presidential candidate are choosing to vote. Erin’s empathy for people who feel frustrated with the Democratic Party. Hear Erin’s take on the Democratic Party’s strategy for choosing a center-right candidate like Biden. All the gerrymandering and voter suppression tactics are a sign that things are changing. Why Erin feels that hopelessness is a good sign and how it in turn makes her feel hopeful. Ted’s feeling at the Republican Party’s hypocrisy undoing the separation of church and state. The intersectionality of the social issues we face today. Erin’s experience of the orange sky in San Francisco during the wildfires. Anna, Ted, Kalynn, and Sourdough’s personal experience of climate change. The hypocrisy of the ruling party given the fact that the military is preparing for climate change. Lessons in consuming less that we can take from the pandemic. Why Ted doesn’t have much faith in enduring long-term positive change post-pandemic. The urgency of climate change and why we all need to make changes now. Hear more about Ted, Erin, Anna, and Kalynn’s work they submitted to Indivisible 2020. Where to find everyone online and projects the guests have in the pipeline.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/anna-stump-erin-yoshi-ted-meyer-kalynn-campbell
We are continuing our discussions with artists participating in the Indivisible 2020 exhibition that Not Real Art is a media partner of, and today’s guest is none other than Linda Vallejo. Linda is a multimedia artist who consolidates a range of influences from a lifetime of travel and study to create work that explores contemporary social, cultural, and political issues. Man One joins Linda in conversation, and these two powerful artists in our community discuss their Latinx identities and the way this has informed their work. They first unpack what indivisibility means to them and share how they both came to realize that they had been brainwashed into the belief that all Americans are united. As people of color, they have lived experience of the palpable division rampant in our society. We discuss the importance of questioning institutions, and Man One shares why he left the Catholic Church, which is difficult in the highly religious Mexican community. After discussing this tension, Linda talks about what being a socio-political artist means to her and why she does not subscribe to the conventional understanding of this type of artistry. Giving us insights into her process, we see that Linda’s work is highly considered and thoughtful. Our conversation also touches on each artist’s respective work, colorism both within the Latinx community and society at large, and what true diversity entails. To hear more from these creative giants, be sure to tune in today! Key Points From This Episode: What attracted Linda to participate in Indivisible 2020. The changing recognition of socio-political imagery in the mainstream art world. Man One’s desire to be a participating artist in Indivisible 2020 and what indivisibility means to him. Unpacking the myth of indivisibility that Americans have been indoctrinated into believing. The underrepresentation of the Latinx community in LA, despite their being almost half the city’s population. Unskilled versus essential workers: An example of how language can shift meaning greatly. Questioning the need to make oaths which Americans do from a young age. Man One’s disillusionment with the Catholic church and institutions generally. The tension within the Latinx community between religion and political views. How religion has been a part of Man One’s family’s life and how it’s shifted during the pandemic. Linda’s experience of traveling as a woman of color and what she learned. Hear Linda’s expanded understanding of what it means to be a socio-political artist. Linda’s Big Boy ‘Muchachote’ work and how it took Man One back to his childhood. Learn more about Linda’s work repurposing objects and representing them as Latinx. The colorism within the Latinx community and reactions to Linda’s work. Unpacking whiteness and fair skin as aspirational and how this can be overcome. Man One’s experience of being a dark-skinned Mexican and the perceptions people have of him. Why Linda believes that everyone needs to go to college and get a graduate degree, if possible. Being Latinx with a college education and the weight that this holds. Hierarchies that are built into every structure from families to the workplace. Man One’s rationale for using lots of color in his work and how people react to this. The link between beauty and wealth and how it has evolved over time. Linda’s take on humanity’s thirst for violence and war. Diversity is not about getting everyone to think the same; it’s about living together while being different. The beauty of embracing differences and learning from people who think differently from you. Man One and Linda’s upcoming work. Addressing the Sasquatch in Linda’s studio. Final words from Linda and Man One.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/linda-vallejo-man-one
In our increasingly polarized society and as the indivisibility we have been promised becomes further from our reality, what role do artists play in interrogating where we are now? The Indivisible 2020 exhibition explores what it means to be indivisible and divided in today’s United States, and Not Real Art is proud to be a media partner. The next few shows will be interviews with participating artists, and today’s guest, Leroy Johnson is a true political artist in every sense of the word. In this episode, Karen Fiorito, artist and curator of Indivisible 2020 joins Sourdough to talk with Leroy. We get to know Leroy, where he shares his understanding of being indivisible and how we have drifted from it. He does not simply believe that unity is about humans, but all earthlings and the exploitative, extractive nature of capitalism has completely shattered our respect for living beings. We also discuss the importance of artists giving their voices to causes rather than creating for entertainment’s sake. As a former Black Panther and Civil Rights activist, Leroy has seen how art can aid social movements, and he shares the disappointment at the lack of civic foundation of a lot of today's art. Despite highlighting some of these shortcomings, Leroy’s message is still one of hope and empowerment as he believes art is the ultimate medium to communicate the truth that capitalism and the powers that be seek to hide. Be sure to tune in today! Key Points From This Episode: The motivation for curating Indivisible 2020, a political art exhibition. Some of the artists participating in the show and upcoming guests on the podcast. Leroy’s understanding of indivisibility and how he feels artists have been deceived. Our human-centric view that is fueled by capitalism. Leroy’s disappointment in some artists who hold back from speaking out. The permanence of art and how we have lost the cultural value of creative work. The choice that artists have to make to truly speak out against the system. How Karen and Leroy met, over 20 years ago. What excited Karen, as the curator, about including Leroy in the Indivisible show. Leroy’s supportive family and growing up in an extremely diverse neighborhood. The superficiality of art currently and the lack of historical memory. Why artists are not entertainers and should not create only to entertain. Why, no matter how bad things get in America, Leroy would never leave. Leroy’s take on artist activism in the 60s compared to now. The loss of community among artists and the prevalence of individualistic thinking. Artists are exploited at every level, from buying materials to the end product. Leroy’s take on meditation and the role it plays in his life. Why the notion of the common good is becoming increasingly difficult to get behind.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/leroy-johnson
Today we welcome multidisciplinary artist David Schwartz, AKA DVS to talk about his most recent foray into physical art, his memories of working with Prince, and the fruits of never giving up on a creative vision. David is a singer, songwriter, graphic designer, art director, and visual artist, and while he was sleeping in his car after he got out of college he also started hanging out with Prince and ended up collaborating on Daisy Chain. Since his youth days, David has been pursuing a career in graphic design and art direction, with a resume that includes websites for Zoolander 2 and The Office, and album artwork for 2 Chainz, Paris Hilton and a slew of Gucci Mane covers. After a long list of challenges, David recently realized his latest artistic ambition, a 1200 pound sculpture called Rhyme Capsule consisting of a marble hooded figure holding up a cut crystal boombox encapsulating 180 authentic Hip Hop tapes released between 1980-2000. Davis tells us how he got the idea for such an ambitious piece, how the project evolved from an initial concept involving a plinth and lucite embedment, and some of the many struggles he underwent while creating it. David also takes us back to his memories of hanging out with Kip Blackshire and developing a working relationship with Prince, and the lessons about bravery and commitment he learned along the way. Tune in for a fantastic episode. Key Points From This Episode: The hustle of making art and how David lived in his car partially after finishing art school. Balancing commercial work and his personal art: An ongoing theme in David’s life. David’s love of old school hip hop album covers and how that got him into design. How David drew inspiration from LA Art Week, hip hop tapes, and a lucite embedment for his art project, Rhyme Capsule. The evolution of Rhyme Capsule and how the planned materials changed while working out how to accomplish it. Arriving at embedding hip hop tapes into crystal after many different iterations. Calling different people who embed objects into crystal and finally finding somebody in NYC. Meticulously designing the sculpture digitally before sending the designs to be cut. Trouble around contractors taking creative liberty on the implementation of David’s design. The boombox aspect of the sculpture and how David added its coolest features as an afterthought. Timelines for cutting the crystal and how David flew to NYC to do the finishing touches. How David got the idea to mount the sculpture on a Greek-style marble statue. The challenges involved in outsourcing the cutting of the statue and transporting it. David’s thinking behind the embedded tapes in the sculpture and how he got the rare ones. How Prince might react to David’s sculpture and how he made Dave a better artist. How David met Prince and ended up working with him after jamming at a rehearsal. Commercializing Rhyme Capsule: Opportunities, pricing, and when to cut friends deals. How people have responded to Rhyme Capsule and David’s plans to show it. David’s plans to make more versions of Rhyme Capsule and lessons he’ll apply. Lessons David learned about the hidden successes in failure through this process. The challenges of COVID and the fires, and some hidden blessing in between. What is going on with David’s music pursuits and some recent gigs he has played for Prince.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/david-schwartz
Today we speak to Tijera Williams, a painter whose work incorporates collage, self-portraiture, and re-workings of art iconography to form images that are rich and raw while carrying a powerful political message. Tijera is a recipient of the 2020 NRA art grant and it was a pleasure having her on the show to talk about her journey with art, the white supremacist political landscape in America, and how art can play a role in making the playing field more equal. Tijera talks about her experiences in school as a Black woman, self-funding her college education, battling homelessness and unemployment, but hustling in multiple jobs to make ends meet while still finding time to paint. We explore the idea of making political art, Tijera’s frustrations with the political climate in America, how art can engage people and shift mentalities, and how she began to make the transition to making more political work. She talks about balancing her art practice with her job and her health and what the process of making a painting involves. We get into the thinking behind Tijera’s most recent work and she also gives some insight into how her hybrid style developed during a painting assignment in college. Tijera shares about her experiences in a tertiary institution that celebrated a white history of painting, how she discovered Black artists she admired, and what it means to be a Black artist at this point in the history of art. For all this and a whole lot more about the need for change in America and how art can help, be sure to tune in. Key Points From This Episode: Struggles Tijera faced growing up, how she found the NRA grant, and her elation at receiving it. Tijera’s tendency to speak her mind and how it plays out in her relationships. Perspectives on the current political climate and who to vote for. How Tijera transitioned into making aesthetic work that was also political. The need to be politicized as artists and the justice that can come from this type of art. The way that perception of artists changes when they make the transition to making politicized art. Critical thinking, seeing blind spots, and other superpowers around perception artists have. Balancing work with art and Tijera’s experiences getting a job at EDD and working there. Protests around the killing of Ahmaud Arbery and how this put a spotlight on Black artists like Tijera. Getting inspiration from odd jobs and Tijera’s experiences working different ones. How Tijera has explored her lineage and this fuels her passion for learning languages. Learning a language as a way of accessing empathy for a culture, and feeling authorized to make art about it. Tijera’s incorporation of photography and visual conversations with her artist icons into her work. What the process of creating a work looks like for Tijera and what her newest work involves. Forgetting to eat while making art due to focus and the beauty of time stopping in this way. What self-care looks like to Tijera and how art, while being demanding, can also be a form of therapy. Tijera’s faith, experiences with religion, and the idea that no religion is superior. Perspectives around wanting peace but being willing to fight to stop injustice. Protecting yourself by investing your money and education rather than carrying a gun. A class project where Tijera made a hybrid painting and how this collage style has evolved in her work. Perspectives on the idea that the sudden interest in ‘Black’ art is opportunistic. Tijera’s experiences at college in a syllabus and institution that didn’t celebrate Black art. How white people can use institutional racism against itself to help protect Black people. The danger that Black people are in every day in America and the need for equality.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/tijera-williams
Miki Yokoyama makes ethereal illustrations on 2D and 3D surfaces that explore the profundity of life and allude to the interconnectedness of all beings. She is an NRA 2020 grant recipient and today she joins us on the show to speak about her work and the process that inspires it. For Miki, the idea of all lives beginning, intertwining, and ending in an infinite universe is deeply profound. It is a notion that is beyond words, a force that can only be expressed visually, thus becoming the subject matter behind her art. Miki tells us the story of how this feeling grew inside her until one day she had to let it out, and how her creative process began to evolve after that, beginning with a Sharpie and incorporating color, objects, and life drawing into it as time moved on. We hear about what goes through Miki’s mind when she makes art, and she talks about ‘becoming nothing’, letting her mind roam free, and where the images and symbols that flow through her onto the canvas in that state could come from. We talk about the idea that art is much more than just painting, what music Miki likes to listen to as she works, and other integral parts of her process such as dance. For a profound conversation about using art to channel the life force, be sure to tune in today. Key Points From This Episode: The roots of Miki’s ethereal art and how she channels essences by working from her heart. Miki’s process involving drawing and how old she was when she started making art. The profound, metaphysical ideas about life and the world that made Miki want to start making art. Perceived reality as a reflection of your inner state which is shaped by your environment. How art and music can help us clear the feelings we have inside ourselves. Miki’s discomfort after incorporating color into her work and how she overcame it. The creative tendencies of Miki’s parents and her thoughts on taking after them. Art as something bigger than painting and how this idea influences Miki’s process. Miki’s subconscious thought process as she paints and how her birthplace influences it. How Miki wanted to study art and music and why her parents were reluctant to allow this. Miki’s experiences studying English at university, meeting her husband, and why she came to America. The language of the heart and how it allows us to communicate beyond language. Current projects Miki is involved with; an online art show and a storybook. How Miki deals with the commercial side of her art business. Miki’s incorporation of fabric and life drawing into her art and how this fits into her view of art. Which music inspires Miki the most and what she likes listening to while working. The process of Miki moving from making 2D to 3D objects. How Miki heard about the NRA grant and how she felt when she got awarded it.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/miki-yokoyama
We know how important art can be in subverting dominant narratives and creating spaces for marginalized communities to speak from. Today's guest, Kiara Machado, is a first-generation Central American-American painter whose work explores the complexity of her identity. As a 2020 NRA Grant winner, Kiara’s work stood out to us as being sophisticated, bold, and captivating. In this episode, which celebrates Kiara, we hear about her creative process and how the anger of always having to defend her identity informs her work. Having grown up in America, she has faced these issues from an early age and channels her frustrations into her work. Through paying homage to Central American women, Kiara celebrates who she is. We also talk about the lack of nuance that's common when people think about Latinx culture. We unpack some of the contributing factors to this homogenization including schooling and algorithms and how they feed into the erasure of groups of people. Along with this, we discuss why art schools need to bring in business education into their curriculums, how Kiara’s family has supported and grown with her through her art career, and why she was drawn to NRA’s mission. Kiara’s unwavering commitment to her practice and to celebrating her identity is truly inspiring, so to hear more, tune in today! Key Points From This Episode: Hear how you can apply for the 2021 NRA Grant – It’s free! Kiara’s productivity during this time, and how having a home studio has helped her stay focused. The importance of using this time to reflect and ensure we’re contributing to history positively. How powerful social media is in mobilizing people and contributing to change. Kiara’s identity as Central American and how this influences the work she makes. The role of spirituality in Kiara’s life, and the spiritual nature of the botanicals in her work. Why Kiara is drawn to painting women and representing a range of women in her work. Factors that contribute to the homogenous representation and understanding of Latinx culture. The supportive role that Kiara’s family has played in her career as an artist. The pressure Kiara put in herself for not pursuing a ‘conventional career.’ Showing up every day and not waiting for inspiration to strike. Why Kiara believes that the business side of art should be taught at art schools. Kiara’s process of applying for grants and the challenges she has faced with this. How Kiara finds community and the importance of safe spaces for her. NRA Grant’s role in bringing artists together and how Kiara felt receiving it. What Kiara is working on at the moment, and where she’ll be showing work. What the phrase, ‘Not Real Art’ means to Kiara.
See Kiara's artwork, learn more and hear the entire episode here: https://notrealart.com/kiara-machado
Paloma Montoya’s work draws visual inspiration from classic cartoons, using her character Lola to play with teen internet culture in a way that is dark but funny too. She was a recipient of the 2020 NRA grant and joins us on the show today to talk about what her work is all about and how she handles the different sides of being an artist. We kick things off with Lola talking about some of her recent projects, making art during the lockdown, and how she copes with the challenges of networking at real-life art events. From there we get to hear more about where the fierce and satirical imagery Paloma makes comes from. Paloma shares about how she came up with Lola from the word ‘LOL’, and draws different grotesquely funny versions of her along with other language abbreviations from online culture. Along with all this, we speak to Paloma about staying true to her childhood dream amongst the pressures of corporate America, the challenges posed by the business side of being an artist, and how best to approach being disciplined about art-making to keep inspiration and sincerity levels as high as possible. Wrapping up for the day, we get into ideas around self-care in a capitalist world that values constant production, and what being a part of the Not Real Art team means for Paloma’s practice and for sticking the middle finger up to all the high art snobs out there! Key Points From This Episode: A reminder to vote; voting for Biden even if you do not like him as a vote against Trump. What Paloma was doing when she found out she was a recipient of the NRA grant. How Paloma’s work has been affected by the lockdowns; productivity, commissions, and events. The last corporate job Paloma did for Converse to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Paloma’s feelings toward Instagram as a social media platform and marketing tool. Anxiety around IRL art networking and whether Paloma is that affected by this. Paloma’s perspectives on her art and how it contains a tension between darkness and satire. What inspired Paloma’s character Lola and her different iterations and messages. Paloma’s journey trying to stay committed to art amongst pressures to get a real job. Art as a transcendental and therapeutic experience for Paloma. Challenges presented by the business side of art and how Paloma copes with them. Keeping inspiration up; how Paloma keeps up with managing routines of creating work. The value of self-care which challenges the capitalist idea of constant production. Believing in gods versus in the power of oneself; Paloma’s thoughts on spirituality. Where Paloma heard about the NRA grant and her thoughts on its name. The snobbishness of ‘high art’ and how the ‘Not Real Art’ name critiques it. Where to find Paloma’s work online to learn more about what she does. What Paloma is busy with right now and some new projects on the horizon for her.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com//paloma-montoya
Art can be an incredibly powerful tool in giving overlooked and marginalized communities spaces to speak and share their stories. Today's guest, Jacqueline Valenzuela, is a painter whose work is centered around her experience in the Chicano world of lowriding. She conveys the stories of women in the space who own their own cars, and who, despite facing tremendous odds, are rising up in the male-dominated lowriding world. As a 2020, NRA Grant Recipient, Jacqueline’s work stood out to us for being fresh, and a voice worth listening to. In this episode, Jacqueline talks about the lowrider car culture that informs so much of what she creates. She shares how she got her start in the space, details about her car, La Playgirl, and how she grew to appreciate it as an art form. Jacqueline points out that there have always been women lowriders, but they do not get the recognition they deserve. This is why she wants to tell these women’s stories, and we hear more about her creative process, which extends far beyond simply putting her brush to canvas. She interviews her subjects and does extensive research so that people see themselves reflected in her work. Along with this, we also discuss the supportive role her parents have played in her life, which drew her to NRA, and the importance of putting time into the business side of your art hustle. To hear more from this positive, passionate artist, be sure to tune in today! Key Points From This Episode: Don't waste time, and register to vote for this historic election. The lowrider podcast that Jacqueline is a fan of. Hear more about Jacqueline’s passion for lowriding culture and what she’s learned from it. What Jacqueline enjoys most about working on her car. There have been and are more women in the lowrider scene than most people realize. Some of the lowrider women that Jacqueline pays homage to in her art. Hear a bit of the origin story of the lowriding culture. The role that storytelling plays in Jacqueline’s art and how she gets people to connect with her work. How Jacqueline’s immigrant parents have supported her art career. Hear more about Jacqueline’s parents’ background and where they’re from in Mexico. How Jacqueline and her family are dealing with the pandemic and how her productivity is holding up. Details about Jacqueline’s solo show and the biggest painting she recently sold. Jacqueline’s approach to her work and where she got her strong work ethic from. How Jacqueline found out about the NRA Grant. Jacqueline’s take on politics and what’s happening in the space now. Not Real Art’s dedication to celebrating artists that are often overlooked.
For more information and photos, visit here:
We are back from our summer hiatus, excited about what the fall has in store. So much has happened this year, and our shows are going to reflect this because artists have an important role in getting messages out there. We do not want to be tone-deaf, so we will not be shying away from issues like politics and Black Lives Matter. We share what we have been working on during our break, including our artist education program and our membership offering. While Man One is out on assignment, Sourdough is holding down the fort and welcomes 2020 NRA Grant Recipient, photographer, Gershon Kreimer, today. With an educational background in film, Gershon transitioned to photography, where his sculptural, layered photographs have gained recognition and acclaim. We discuss the nature of his work, and why he is driven by making his photographs as universal as possible. He shares some of the breakthrough moments that have enabled him to find his voice. Growing up in Lima, Peru shaped who Gershon is, and we hear more about his appreciation of democracy and justice. The pandemic has affected everyone considerably, and Gershon talks about how he's taken the time to revisit old work. Along with this, we explore the struggles of the art business and some of the difficult lessons Gershon has learned, his mental health challenges, and ways he stays grounded, and his schooling in Peru. We round off the conversation with both Gershon and Sourdough making a call for everyone to participate in this election and vote out the powers that be. As likely the most important election of most of our lifetimes, we cannot afford to idly sit by. So, educate yourself, make sure you register and get those votes in! Key Points From This Episode: Hear more about some of the latest offerings from Not Real Art. This is the most consequential election in our history, so register in time to vote! The story of how Gershon’s family ended up in Peru and his experience growing up in Lima. Why Gershon has aimed to make his work as neutral and transcendental as possible. Gershon’s journey of finding universality in his work and his breakthrough moment. How Gershon approaches directing his models and how he gets the desired reaction. What Gershon means when he says he ‘tries to avoid photography.’ How the pandemic has affected Gershon’s creative process. Gershon’s experience with one of his teachers, Boris Frumin. Some of the hard lessons Gershon has learned about the business side of art. How Gershon tackles the business-related tasks of being an artist. Gershon’s model recruitment process and how he uses Instagram to find people. Hear more about Gershon’s struggles with depression and anxiety and his self-care rituals. Gershon’s schooling experience and why he hated his school. How to find Gershon online, and why he’s become so politically outspoken on his Instagram.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/gershon-kreimer
Museums are a fundamental part of the creative landscape and society as a whole. Not only do they display great examples of creativity, but they also act as portals for us to enter worlds we may never see otherwise. Our guest today, Lacey Flint, is the archivist and curator of research collections at The Explorers Club, and she is passionate about making the artifacts at the space as accessible as possible. In this episode, we learn about the interesting path Lacey took to work in curation. Being naturally drawn to history and education, she worked as a teacher. Through that, she realized that it was important to make history more tangible for it to be a meaningful learning experience. She threw herself into the deep end and pursued a Masters degree in England and worked in various roles before the Explorers Club. We also learn more about the fascinating history of the club and the mission it was founded on. It is easy to think that with technology now, we have seen all there is to see. This could not be further from the truth. There are so many corners of the Earth we have not yet been, and part of Lacey’s role is to create a dialogue with the community about exploration. Museums are not static places. Instead, they have to evolve and adapt to their audiences and be places of engagement. While this is a challenge, especially when balancing member’s interests, it is something that excites Lacey most about her job. We also discuss the role of art and photography in expeditions and the incredible obstacles artists had to overcome to capture what they saw, how Lacey navigates displaying all the artifacts, and the importance of telling the other side of historical narratives. Lacey’s passion is contagious, and we took so much away from our conversation. Be sure to tune in today! Key Points From This Episode: Learn about Lacey’s background and how she ended up becoming an archivist and curator Find out the educational requirements necessary to work as a curator and Lacey’s studies. Lacey’s favorite area of study during her Master’s degree. Why it is important to rethink the role that museums play in society. The history of the Explorers Club and the people Lacey interacts with and works with. Some of the Old Guard, New Guard tensions Lacey faces at her job, such as taxidermy. What the Map Room in the Explorers Club is and the story behind it. There is so much of the world that’s still left to explore, so cartography is not dead! The art that’s exhibited at the Explorers Club and being an artist on an expedition. The evolution of photography and the role it has played in exploration throughout history. Find out more about storage at the Explorers Club and creative ways to display artifacts. Why Lacey is passionate about accessibility and what she’s doing to advance it in her work. How often Lacey finds bugs in the archived books.
For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/explorers-club-lacey-flint
With the world in its current state, it’s hard to remain positive. But to survive, we have to continue to find the beauty however we can and be inspired by the good. Our guest today, Dan Ubick, is not only an extraordinarily talented musician, but he is also a shining light in these dark times. As a producer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist, Dan grew up with music. His father was a jazz bassist, and his mom listened to the Beatles and classical music while designing jewelry. Dan’s sister introduced him to hip hop, and the rest is history. With an impressive discography, Dan has worked with everyone from De La Soul to Big Daddy Kane to Method Man. In this episode, we talk about Dan’s incredible musical journey. As someone who values friendships and connections, they have always opened up great opportunities for him. We also do a deep dive into the world of hip hop, and Dan and host Sourdough share their experiences of discovering the genre and the impact that it had on them. Listening to hip hop was a formative experience for both of them. They learned about new worlds and issues they'd not been exposed to before. They also discuss how the foundation of hip hop is being diluted, which they attribute to the kind of capitalist society we live in. It has become about growing wealth at whatever cost, rather than remaining true to a message. Dan and Sourdough extend this discussion by touching on politics and the harsh capitalist message being spread today. The world is growing increasingly unkind to many, while a select few benefit disproportionately. Along with this, we also talk about the importance of acknowledging those who came before you, why creating with integrity is more important than being famous, and the many activities that Dan is up to. We loved having Dan on the show, and we already can’t wait to have him back. Be sure to tune in today! Key Points From This Episode: How Man One and Sourdough are holding up during coronavirus. Find out what Dan’s typical week looks like as a multi-talented musician. Dan’s upbringing and his early formative musical influences from his dad and sister. The power of connection: How Dan got his musical start through friendships. Where Dan draws his inspiration from and why he gravitates to the music he does. How the music industry has changed and the difficulties musicians face making a living. Learn how often Dan looks for records and some of the DJ gigs he plays around LA. What Sourdough and Dan listen to on Apple Music and what they’re most excited about. Insights into Sourdough’s musical journey and how he discovered hip hop. Some of Dan’s earliest hip hop influences and how it opened up his musical world. The tension between influence and inspiration and outright stealing. Early hip hop’s influence on culture has been unprecedented. Why Dan feels like the message and purpose of hip hop is continually being diluted. It's so important to learn from those who came before you and understand history. Dan’s vision for 2020 and how he always remains as positive as he is. What Dan and Sourdough feel about Trump and the message that he’s propagating. The engine of capitalism is corrupting society at large as well as art. Even if you’re not feeling inspired, create anyway and something will still come of it. Why Dan likes to collaborate with others when creating music.
Are you living your best quarantine life, learning new skills, reading books, and binge-watching Netflix? If like Sourdough you are a parent of young kids, you know this is not happening, particularly if you are making any effort to home school them. Regardless of your circumstances, these times are stressful for everybody, and that’s why getting licensed psychotherapist Bret Hofstein on the podcast couldn’t have come at a better time. In this episode, he talks to the Hollywood art community in particular—actors, writers, directors, painters—about managing the common problems that this population comes up against, the most prominent of which the frustration of having to play the game. Idealistic as they are, most have a hard time dealing with the tough competition out there, often finding it difficult to do what needs to be done to give themselves the best shot while also nursing unrealistic expectations about their abilities and their work. Add to that a host of uncontrollable factors such as the idiosyncratic tastes of casting directors and sheer bad luck, and you sit with a ton of people who need help in the area of mental health. But not everyone can afford therapy, so Bret shares practical tips as well as sound philosophical advice that will help anyone who struggles with depression, anxiety, and uncertainty when it comes to their artistic careers and general wellbeing. Sourdough and Bret also discuss issues such as identity and purpose, self-medicating with weed and other substances, getting the most out of your therapy sessions, parenthood, and they weigh up the pros and cons of giving everyone a trophy and what that means for today’s workplace culture. Key Points From This Episode: Thoughts on living your best quarantine life and getting fired from homeschooling your kids. Hear about Bret’s childhood that acted as a catalyst for his becoming a psychotherapist. Are we living in the most stressful time in history? And how artists are currently dealing with it. Get an idea of what therapists in the competitive Los Angeles area are charging right now. The most common frustration that artists experience: having to compete and play the game. How getting your art seen, read, or heard is the most challenging part of being an artist. Find out how Bret’s experience in the art world set him up to help his clients in unique ways. The relationship between discovering your purpose and becoming settled in your identity. Practical advice for taking care of your mental health, even if you can’t afford therapy. The irony of human beings being more disconnected than ever in the age of social media. Why it is so difficult for us to take responsibility for the part we play in difficult situations. Taking control of what you can and accepting the things that you can’t. Strategies for protecting yourself from the stress of working with challenging clients. Why it is perfectly normal for human beings to have “crutches” to help us navigate life. Bret’s thoughts on using marijuana to self-medicate: healthy versus problematic behavior. Guidelines for getting the most out of your therapy sessions: dress code, timing, and more. Core drivers of stress: having unrealistic expectations about your work and happiness. The importance of reminding yourself about the reason you do something and for who. Finding the balance between loving the process and suffering through the difficult parts. Chasing money versus pursuing a meaningful career and where luck fits into it all. Should everybody get a trophy? And other thoughts on rewarding performance. Having realistic expectations for your craft and understanding the amount of effort it takes. Why people who are passionate and love their work are more susceptible to exploitation.
For more information, photos and links, visit our website: https://notrealart.com/how-to-manage-stress-with-therapist-bret-hoftstein
Today we’re joined by a multitalented artist, Linc Thelen, who not only paints beautiful works of art but also designs and builds contemporary high-end homes for which he has been critically acclaimed. Sourdough caught up with Linc at the 2019 Art Basel to talk about his impression of the show, exhibiting his work, and the art that has captured his attention. Having a formal education in both art and architecture, Linc is in a unique position to bring his clients something from both worlds, an aspect that has gained him a large public following. He shares how his journey as an artist has taught him to see differently, how he was unexpectedly influenced by minimalism and his hope of creating art that brings positive energy to people’s homes. When you look at his paintings and house designs, there is a recognizable narrative running through all of them, and this he ascribes to being intentional and consistent in the atmosphere he wants his work to exude. Despite these noticeable traits, he does believe in experimenting with different things and seeing how the audience responds to new approaches. For him, that is part of the artist’s journey and the constant quest to find out which innovations resonate with people. On a more practical note, Linc talks about time management, selling on social media, contracts and agreements with galleries, and why there is no getting away from hard work if you want to be a successful artist. Key Points From This Episode: Thoughts on Art Basel 2019, the different venues, and the smaller satellite shows. Showing at different galleries globally, his sales, and developing a unique technique. Linc’s formal education in both art and architecture, and being influenced by minimalism. Learning to see the world differently and how it ties into his motivation for creating art. Applying the principles of positive energy and minimalism also to his architectural designs. Being hired as an architect with an art background to bring his unique aesthetic. Remaining consistent in the through-line and narrative in his work. The importance of having a relationship with his clients. Balancing all facets of life by learning to use time efficiently and finding an effective workflow. Receiving awards and widespread publicity for renovating a church into a home. How his artistic career has benefited from his ability to be pragmatic and rational. The elusive art world, the constant search for answers, and understanding what people want. Partnerships with galleries, the value they bring, and how they fit into his future growth. How contracts and agreements work in the context of selling through his own studio. Thoughts on consignment sales and carrying risk from the galleries’ perspective. Selling work on social media, posting intervals, and the type of content on his feed. The study on circles, experimenting with new ideas and testing people’s responses. Managing stress by having checklists of tasks that address the source of the stress. Using time efficiently while realizing that there is no substitute for hard work and dedication. The pivotal point when the economy crashed and he went broke as a single parent. Ideas around how the art world can go about attracting new art buyers.
For more information, see photos or read the whole interview, visit our website: https://notrealart.com/linc-thelen-shares-his-artistic-journey
Today’s episode is the audio of a video shoot that Sourdough and Man One recently did at Art Share L.A. Despite knowing each other for 17 years, there are still new stories that come out every time the pair sit down to talk. Man One shares more about his Hollywood encounters, from being cast in stereotypical graffiti artist roles to having his work featured in some major motion pictures, he’s been through it all. He also discusses how rife artist exploitation is and both he and Sourdough share their stories of how people have tried to undercut them throughout the years. It can be so easy when you’re starting out to want to do work for free, but artists should stand their ground both for themselves and for the artistic community at large. By giving your time and work away for free, you devalue yourself and other artists by extension. Stand up for yourself, be firm, and trust in your work. As artists who have seen it all, Man One and Sourdough’s advice is certainly worth tuning in for. Join us today! For more info and links from this episode, just go here: https://notrealart.com/the-one-where-burt-reynolds-hires-a-graffiti-artist Key Points From This Episode: The story behind Man One’s art feature in The Rookie and other Hollywood appearances. How Man One got his break in the film industry and some of his false starts. Learn how Man One was cast in a Burt Reynolds’ film and why the character had to change. Hollywood has not made enough effort to understand graffiti culture. Man One nearly painted a portrait of Burt Reynolds and his grandson. The downside of Hollywood and how they treat artists. Have integrity and do not sell yourself short! The nature of social media leads people to believe art is free. Never lose your power to walk away. See your art from a brand’s point of view and figure out the price from there. Don’t dwell on gigs you haven’t secured. It's a numbers game, so keep going. Charge a nominal spec fee. Don't do anything for free.
In this episode, Sourdough and Cheyenne Sauter, Executive Director of Art Share L.A, talk to 2019 art grant winners Marguerite Kalhor, Monica Leal Cueva, Juliana Bustillo, and Jessie Noguchi. These amazing young artists discuss how winning the NOT REAL ART Grant differs from many others in that it demands nothing back but rather frees them to spend the money on whatever they need. Unfortunately, many grants come with strings attached and organizations are determined to get a return on their investment, which is often counterproductive from the artist’s perspective. They talk about finding your voice as an artist, dealing with the business side of the work, and the importance of figuring out what you expect your art to do for you. Some do it for pleasure, some for their own sanity, and yet others want to make a living from their art – it’s all about being clear about what this looks like for you. With the 2019 Not Real Art Exhibition in view, our guests discuss their process of choosing which pieces to show, the story and intent within their selection, and how diversity and culture are reflected in their work. They talk about finding your voice as an artist, dealing with the business side of the work, and the importance of figuring out what you expect your art to do for you. Some do it for pleasure, some for their own sanity, and yet others want to make a living from their art – it’s all about being clear about what this looks like for you. With the 2019 Not Real Art Exhibition in view, our guests discuss their process of choosing which pieces to show, the story and intent within their selection, and how diversity and culture are reflected in their work. To read the whole story, get more info and links, go to: https://notrealart.com/not-real-art-talks-to-artists-marguerite-kalhor-monica-leal-cueva-juliana-bustillo-and-jessie-noguchi
We’re grateful to welcome Eben Elridge onto the show today. Not only is he a talented guy with a great heart, but he is also a recipient of last year’s Not Real Art grant, where we gave $1,000 to 12 artists. In our fascinating chat, which is the audio version of a video we recently recorded, Eben shares some of his incredible journey with us. We talk about how receiving the grant has impacted him and why he has chosen to put himself first. Eben does not believe in being a starving artist. Rather, he feels that artists should take care of themselves first to be in the best health possible. We also learn more about muses and the different relationships you can have with them. For some people, the connection can be so intense that it takes them a while to recalibrate, while for others, readjusting is easier. Eben talks about why he thinks so many people are afraid to create, the importance of belonging to different communities, and why the creative journey rather than the product is the gift. We could not be prouder to have given such a great artist the NRA 2019 grant and we know exciting things are on the horizon for him. For this and much more visit: https://notrealart.com/not-real-art-talks-to-artist-eben-eldridge-2019-art-grant-recipient
In this episode, we celebrate the culture of creativity by bringing something new to the show. A couple of months ago, we did a video production project at Art Share L.A. in which we interviewed our grant winners in talk-show format. Today, in this podcast, we’re releasing the audio of the first production shoot which included Cheyenne Sauter, the executive director of Art Share L.A., who joined Sourdough in conversation with four of our twelve grant winners. Tuning in to this episode, you will hear from artists Rachel O’Donnell, Beth Abaravich, Edmund Arevalo, and Thony Loui who discuss their experience of applying for and winning the grant, where they go to learn about available grants, and fighting the paralyzing fear that often prevents artists from putting themselves out there. They also talk about the challenges they face as full-time small business owners, dealing with the financial and administrative tasks, connecting with the art community, and making time to be inspired by the work of others. Each of our guests also discusses their artistic journey, the development of their style, and the social-political messages they wish to send into the world. For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/not-real-art-celebrates-2019-artist-grant-winners-rachel-odonnell-beth-abaravich-edmund-arevalo-thony-loui/ Key Points From This Episode: Background info on the NRA video production project filmed at the Art Share L.A. Cheyenne on launching the grant and their longstanding commitment to supporting artists. The number and type of grants our four guests typically apply for annually. How they experienced the application process and finding out that they had won. The crippling fear and tendency to overthink that prevent many artists from applying. Where they go to find grants, including the California Arts Council. The joy of being able to spend the grant money in whichever way they choose. The challenge of monetizing art, getting paid, and learning the business side of things. Juggling the various responsibilities involved in operating a full-time small business. Thony on his involvement in the community in Haiti and his work with Conan O’Brien. Beth on choosing between Bob Mackie and Rampage after graduating from Otis College. Transitioning from fashion to art, getting her MFA, and how she combines the two fields. Common pain points for artists: from copyright dilemmas to writing about your own art. An explanation of Rachel’s figurative work deconstructing the feminine. How Edmund’s work reflects the “push and pull” of his Filipino-American culture. An explanation about the absence of people in Thony’s work.
We are elated by the number of five-star reviews we’ve been getting on iTunes – all we needed to get us psyched up for the new year and ready to bring you some more awesome content. We’ve got an episode full of banter, which includes Sourdough and Man One sharing their expectations and goals for the year. They’re looking forward to the annual Not Real Art conference, traveling, and the kinds of chaos the new year will bring. But they advise listeners to assume a position of cautious optimism rather than buying into the blind optimism we often see from the talking heads on TV, and they share how gaining a bird’s eye view on situations helps to mitigate anxiety. The two play a game where Sourdough has to guess what piece of fitness equipment Man One bought for the studio, and after a few incorrect guesses, Sourdough finally gets it. This is, they believe, the first step to getting back into shape, or at least to get Man One down from morbidly obese to obese. These are some of our 2020 goals – tune in to hear more! For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/not-real-art-fights-morbid-obesity-more-good-news Key Points From This Episode: Our gratitude for the many positive reviews we’ve been getting on iTunes. Talking “art”, bantering, and why we like recording the podcast in the evening. Expectations for 2020: a jam-packed year, frequent traveling, and lots of chaos in the mix. The “cult” of optimism we often observe in the talking heads and media. Assuming a position of cautious optimism rather than being blindly optimistic. The advantage of getting a bird’s eye view on a situation that might otherwise cause anxiety. Finding peace in the knowledge that we are part of nature and only here for a minute. How you begin to think differently about the world once you become a parent. Man One on giving up his passion to spend more time with and coach his kids in sports. Why it was so hard to stop playing soccer and recommitting to becoming more active. Sourdough’s swings at guessing what fitness-related object Man One got for the studio. How long a “morbidly obese” individual can expect to last during an elliptical workout. Man One got a yoga mat, and after the fourth guess, Sourdough got it! When you’re in a tough spot, ask yourself: What would Sourdough and Man One do? Advice for those starting on the yoga mat – build your endurance for laying down. Launching the 2020 Not Real Art Conference and a reminder about our grant. The list of conference speakers you can look forward to and a new idea for an event.
DesignerCon is one of the undisputed highlights of the art calendar, and the event is growing from strength to strength. Not Real Art Gallery and Man One were both repping in booths at the trade show. Mark Brickey, a dear friend of ours and host of Adventures in Design Podcast, was there on our behalf to interview some of the biggest and brightest stars of the art world. He interviews our very own Man One, who, as we know is one of the realest OGs out there. He has been making art for more than 20 years, and his commitment to the craft has not waned in the slightest. He shares what has given him the motivation and why he loves DCon so much. Mark also talks with other artists including Never Made, who shares some of his personal story, Dan Janssen, who talks about the industry shift from anonymous designers to being design-famous, and Aaron Draplin, who spits the truth as usual. For so many artists, when they started out, a platform like DCon didn’t even exist. Now it’s here, giving a voice to so many, and we couldn’t be prouder to be a part of it. Be sure to tune in today! For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/designercon-mark-brickey-from-adventures-in-design/. Key Points From This Episode: Learn what’s behind Man One’s incredible glow. DesignerCon: What went down, highlights, and main takeaways from the event. How people received the Not Real Art Gallery at DCon. What kept Man One going, keeping the creative juices flowing and t-shirts vs walls. Find out how Man One felt when he painted his first legal wall. What drives Never Made to make art and what it’s like working for Shepard Fairey. Where Never Made got his unbelievable work ethic from and his family’s influence on him. How Dan Janssen feels being a role model, what DCon means, and driving a branded RV. What motivated Dan to finally come down to DCon and the benefits of going to tradeshows. Why Jared Schorr creates his own work, questions he’s asked and how he deals with being a fanboy. How Rocom toys use Kickstarter, the importance of meeting audiences, and his experience of DCon. The importance of DCon for DKNG Studios and how their work fits into the fine art space. DKNG products that catch people’s eye, who buys the goods and what sets them apart. Learn more about Alex Pardee’s decision to turn his merch booth into an art gallery. How DCon stands out to Alex and how he uses Kickstarter to engage with fans. Learn about Dre's studio, his relationship with Never Made, and LA’s role in their work. How DCon is different than other shows for Dre. Jason Edmiston: First show, the importance of city-specific first eyes and Joker eye sales. Find out how many eyes Jason Edmiston has painted in total. Draplin’s take on achieving true creative freedom and what being at DCon means to him.
Welcome back to your favorite art podcast! It's a new year and we are taking this opportunity to look back on what a great year 2019 was and look to the future of Not Real Art and the creative community. Man One remembers some of his inspiring trips from last year and just how amazing Tokyo and Hong Kong were before we get deep on Art Basel and its highs and lows. From the unbelievable opening of the Museum of Graffiti to bananas taped to walls, we cover it all and there are no real surprises as to what we liked and did not. 2019 was a year of great progress for the Not Real Art brand and our associates and events and we are so grateful for the opportunity to continue this in 2020! We finish off the episode meditating on the importance of family and health, things we can all do well to remember. For this and more, stay tuned. For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/2019-looking-backwards-and-forwards/. Key Points From This Episode: Looking back on 2019, awards, travel and the achievements for Not Real Art! Man One's best trips of last year and the inspiration he is carrying forward. The amazing Art Basel event; special exhibits and the Museum of Graffiti! The spirit of the Bronx and how Martha Cooper captured its intensity. Sourdough's experiences at a rave in Little Haiti next to a Burning Man car. The Taped Banana at Art Basel and how many people take the bate on this kind of art. The year in review; a very productive period on so many levels for both of us! Getting the kids out of the house — a blessing and a curse. The miracle and mystery of oat milk and how it is saving Man One's life. Man One's daughter's obsession with tattoos and body piercings.
It's an honor to have the one and only Kevin Zinger on the show today! Kevin is an entrepreneur who has been driving the skate, surf, and punk rock cultures in San Diego for years. He manufactures clothing, manages bands, produces films, curates art exhibitions, and even has a syndicated radio show! Kevin grew up in Southern California dreaming to be a pro surfer, and while he made cash from his sponsorships each month he was smart enough to realize early on that it wasn't going to be viable as a career choice. His surfing did introduce him to bands like The Offspring, Pennywise, and Sublime, in their fledgling phases though. He began to bring bands like these to his hometown to play at packed venues he was too young to get into for 5 dollars a ticket! Keven shares how this early love for organizing gigs became the center of multiple passion projects that linked art, music, and fashion — while earning him a living too! He has some great stuff to share with us today about how doing what you love may not always make you a millionaire but why that shouldn't stop you. We also get into Kevin’s love for surfing and boxing, hearing the central place they occupy in his life, and he doesn’t leave out some of the gnarly bangs and scrapes he has experienced along the way. Kevin also shares some of the wicked new films he is producing as well as artists he is working with, so hit that play button and get ready for the ride! For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/kevin-zinger/. Key Points From This Episode: The special thing about art and how Kevin and Scott can’t get enough of it. How Kevin fell in love with art while immersed in the different subcultures in California. The central place of art and passion in Kevin’s self-made multifaceted career. How Kevin got into organizing gigs working with bands like Pennywise and The Offspring. What defines the word ‘artist’ and how it’s broader than making conventional art. Why being able to occupy different worlds is central to Kevin’s career. Honesty and hard work are key factors to Kevin’s success. More than making millions, Kevin is trying to help artists not have to get a day job. A discussion of the actual profit that Kevin would make by organizing a seemingly big event. Typical artist profits and exploitations, and the reality that all that glitters isn’t gold. The central role that surfing and boxing have in Kevin’s mental health and productivity. Being a surfer was key to the connections Kevin made in the early days of his career. How Kevin nearly lost his ear in a horrific surfing accident crashing into a novice longboarder. What Kevin’s dad taught him and did to become his biggest life inspiration. How Scott and Kevin’s natures saved them from partying hard but not ruining their lives. The details of a binge drinking session with Scott’s friends and Man One in Chicago. A discussion about Kevin’s two new graffiti documentaries. Kevin’s perspectives about profit and relevance in his new documentaries. What stopped Scott making an art film about Kevin Feldman’s Boeing 747 at Burning Man. Scott’s take on Burning Man’s ephemerality, surreality, and communal spirit. Why Kevin hasn’t been to Burning Man yet but might go still. A blow-by-blow account of a crazy art experience Scott had involving drones at Burning Man. What makes Amigo The Devil the best songwriter Kevin has found in decades.
We asked art journalist Mark Brickey, host of Adventures in Design podcast, to tell us what he thought about Adobe Max 2019.
In this episode of Not Real Art, we welcome Karen Fiorito! Karen is a political artist and activist, focussing on issues around the environment, animal welfare and the government. We are so excited to share this conversation, as Karen unpacks a lot of inspiring and useful information around her activism and artistic practice and how the two are so closely linked. She was a recent recipient of the Not Real Art grant and she talks about her reflections on this as well as her tips for applying for grants more broadly. We discuss some of her history, spending time in LA and now living in San Diego, away from the big city. This geographic change has had a big impact on Karen's work and she shares exactly how it has brought her activism into more stark contrast! We also talk about her highly viral and controversial billboard depicting Trump and the apocalypse and how she has experienced her fair share disappointments and setbacks, being called 'not a real artist'. This is why Karen is such a favorite around here, she is the perfect example of someone who breaks the mold of the art establishment and is making impactful work on a big scale. For this great chat, be sure to tune in with us today! For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/karen-fiorito-visual-artist/. Key Points From This Episode: How Karen won the Not Real Art grant at the conference recently! Moving to LA and then San Diego after that and comparing the experiences. The influence of a more natural environment in San Diego on Karen's work. The 'Trumpocalypse' Billboard that Karen did in 2017 and its aftermath. Karen's creative process and her practices around deadlines and goals. Tips for applying for grants and Karen's success rates in this regard. Karen's lifelong experiences of being dubbed 'not real art'. Working with Shepard Fairey and other amazing prominent street artists. Some information on Karen's latest, female-focussed work. The journey towards activism and the important steps in this process. Karen's relationship with her parents and their feelings around her art career. Edward Bernays' work and the model for propaganda and public relations. The artistic need for support, community and infrastructure.
Welcome back to the show creators and creatives! Today our guest is interior designer, Nina Hiken of Nina Hiken Designs! Nina has a passion for bringing beauty into spaces through the use of color and texture and we chat about client relationships, current projects and the previous career Nina had in education. For Nina, every job is an opportunity to solve problems and unify themes for a client and she is fully focussed on bringing their dreams and personality alive through interior design. We discuss this approach in contrast to signature design styles and why she feels that, for now, she is very happy to work in strict adherence to client needs. She also believes that matching well with clients is imperative to good results, something she has grown to sense early on. Nina unpacks her adoration of color and the tactile, sensory feel of different materials, she also opens up about some of her dream projects for the future! We discuss Feng Shui, societal norms around cleaning up and the effect that our environments have on our headspace. For this and a whole lot more from a wonderful guest, be sure to listen in! For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/nina-hiken-design/. Key Points From This Episode: Nina's experience firing a client after early problems that were unsolvable. One of the most exciting projects that Nina has been working on recently. The work that Nina did on Scott's own home and the fun she had on the project. Distinguishing between interior design and interior architecture. Bringing both spheres of the brain into play with interior design. Nina's design language and how she currently focusses on the client first. A sense of matching with clients and being selective of clients and jobs. The importance of play and bringing emotion into whatever is being created. Color and surface materials; how Nina works from these two fundamental points. The influence of public art and beauty on societal mindsets. Nina's career as a teacher and her experiences in the classroom. Feng Shui and the rules of good energy in any space. Japanese practices around school kids and tidying and cleaning spaces. Homogeneity and style coherence in neighborhoods. The advice Nina would give a younger version of herself! Listening to inner intuition and our internal dialogue's clear messages. Spec-work in Nina's field; walkthroughs and communication early on. Nina's use of apps and new technologies in her design work and portfolio.
Welcome back to the Not Real Art Podcast! Today we have a great friend, creative powerhouse and generally lovely citizen of the world on the show, none other than Anne Martin of Sugar Press Art! Anne is here to share her own creative journey, how she found her niche helping other artists get their work out there and why she is living the dream, doing exactly what she should be doing! Since art school, when she started realizing that she was always highly involved in her friends' and peers' artworks, Anne was destined to find her place in the publishing world, championing the work she loved and believed in. In our conversation, we talk about Sugar Press, how the agency started and its founding principles, before Anne breaks down some of her concerns for emerging artists, exposure deals and some tips for copyrighting and cataloging one's work. She shares about some of the artists she is excited to be working with at Sugar Press and the recent KAABOO event they hosted! For this and a whole lot more, join us for this great show! For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/anne-martin-sugar-press-art/. Key Points From This Episode: A little bit about Sugar Press Art, what they do and their three-year history! Some of Anne's early work in the publishing and art world. The holistic and collaborative approach that Sugar Press has adopted. Artists' responsibility to work on the marketing side of their career. Legal concerns and the frequency of uncredited use of artworks by big brands. Exposure bucks and how brands exploit artists to work for free. The price of copyrighting and cataloging pieces correctly. Some of the artists that Sugar Press is currently working with. The rise of legal psychedelics and how this impacts art openings. Sugar Press' event called KAABOO and some of the highlights from the exhibition. The constant instability of art prices and investing in expensive pieces. Big conglomerates that are buying up small independent galleries in New York. The project that Anne and Sourdough worked on together recently. Anne's concerns about showing art out of commission-based spaces.
Today we have a very special episode in store! We are so lucky to welcome the one and only Milton Esterow to the show, for his first podcast appearance ever! His work at ARTnews set the standard of investigative journalism in the art world, being one of the foremost writers and critics in his field. Growing up in Brooklyn and starting out in 1945 at the New York Times, Milton has seen more than most and his perspective on art and creativity is invaluable to a younger generation. Having found his niche in cultural news, Milton bought ARTNews in 1972 and ran it as publisher and editor-in-chief for 42 years, building it into the world’s largest circulated arts magazine. Milton has won numerous awards and accolades, is a prolific author and renowned voice in the art world. In our conversation, we cover a huge amount of knowledge, with Milton sprouting multitudes of anecdotes and stories from his amazing career. For this great chat with a beautiful human being, be sure to listen in today! For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/milton-esterow/. Key Points From This Episode: Milton's lifelong mission with the artworks that were stolen by the Nazi's in World War II. How Milton learned to play a shofar for a very special occasion! Milton's early interest in writing and art from his school days. Perspectives on objectivity and the requirement to serve readers. Questions of authenticity and a crazy story about a Picasso knock-off! Demystifying art and creativity and leveling art for world everyone's benefit. The trends that come and go in the art world; today's gold might turn to dust. Critics do not make or break careers; time reveals all greatness. An unusual art collector who paired Van Gogh with Frank Sinatra. Art as a means to gaining a fuller enjoyment of life than would be otherwise possible. Milton's thoughts and reflection on the art world at present. A few special dinner stories from over the years from Milton! Milton's memories of Alfred Hitchcock on the set of The Wrong Man. The beginnings of Milton's work at ARTnews and the legacy he has created. Milton's own collection and his passion for great photography. Secrets to a long and healthy life from a 91 year old! Advice to young artists around the struggle and difficulty of finding success.
Our guest today for the show is the one and only Ben Goretsky! Ben is the brains behind 3D Retro and DesignerCon, and today we will talking all about DesignerCon 2019! Ben gives us some insight into just how sleep-deprived and excited he is and we talk about the somewhat controversial but ultimately wonderful move to Anaheim from Pasadena. We talk about what's new, VIP tickets and why this year's event is going to be an all-round kick-ass time! Ben explains some of the great initiatives that are coming to light in 2019 and bringing back some galleries and exhibitions from exile and near-death! He offers some great advice to new vendors and hopefuls for next year, pretty much oozing excitement around the amount of good stuff that is going to be on show very soon. Warning! Listening to this episode will result in you definitely wanting to attend! Listen in to hear all this and more! For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/designercon2019/. Key Points From This Episode: The history behind the Sourdough alias! Work in the trenches of preparing for the upcoming DesignerCon. Moving the event from Pasadena to the new venue in Anaheim. The things that Ben is most excited about this time around. VIP tickets, big toy companies and the bigger and better DesignerCon. Bringing back vital and almost forgotten galleries from L.A.'s history. The number of things to see at the show and taking it all in, over time. Ben's recommendation to first time vendors and artists. The wonderful opportunity to meet artists in the flesh. Some of the success stories of motivation and inspiration that come out of the event. A big thanks to the amazing sponsors of this year's DesignerCon. The extra special art show that is happening exclusively at the event. Looking forward to Ben's appearance at the Not Real Art Conference next year! The effect of parenthood on art collection and appreciation.
Today on the show we’re joined by the highly talented Karen Frost who is a television producer, fellow podcaster and spiritual advisor. Karen is a creative executive at JuVee Productions, Viola Davis and Julius Tennon’s production company that is focused on developing the content of marginalized and emerging writers. In this episode, you will hear all about the podcast Drunken Church Ladies, which she co-hosts with her wife and her personal struggles with breaking out of religious traditions to find her own spiritual path. Karen is passionate about redefining God and what it means to be spiritual, fully committed to creating a society that is wholly inclusive and one that can reconstruct ancient ways that no longer serve the greater good of all. She shares about the obstacles she has had to overcome as a queer person of color, the mental shift she had to make to finally get into the entertainment industry and what the spiritual center, Bodhi, meant to her in the process. Some of the other topics we cover include dry counties, filtering through scripts, the massive advancement of the LGBTQ community, the importance of faith and the conflicting voices around climate change. There is a ton of wisdom to get out of this episode, so be sure to join in on the conversation! For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/karen-frost-advocating-for-love/ Key Points From This Episode: Thoughts on drinking wine while podcasting and Karen's show, Drunken Church Ladies. Settling into the podcasting process and Karen's unique segmented structure. Breaking out of religious traditions and the lack of spaces to explore spirituality. Karen’s mission to redefine God and to reconstruct religious narratives. How JuVee Productions helped Karen to find her own voice as a queer person of color. Working with Viola Davis and her role at JuVee Productions. Learning faith in LA's worst economic period! Being introduced to a new way of faith at Bodhi and the essence of what they believe. Realizing that she needed to get rid of internal biases to get into the entertainment industry. Creating stories that are like both mirrors and windows. More about Karen's producer role and how they help artists to develop and refine their ideas. Being sent hundreds of scripts and the criteria for them to warrant a second look. Recording all new ideas, her creative process and why Karen believes in rigorous outlining. Mormons, memberships and, moonshine in dry counties. Diversity and unexpected friendships as some of the best things about spiritual centers. Thanksgiving at Viola’s house and the incredible authenticity she demonstrated. Steering clear of works that perpetuate stereotypes and the kind of narratives to avoid. The massive progress there has been made in terms of LGBTQ rights. Views on the creation of an inclusive country and letting go of what no longer serves us. The importance of patience in the re-birth of the US and why we need antagonists. Climate change, capitalism and the impact that a single person can have. The diverse mentalities and philosophies in the US and the need for new paradigms.
Welcome back to the show everybody, today is an extra special episode as we take this chance to talk about the upcoming Sneakertopia event! Man One is taking part in the exhibition and he explains his involvement and what he knows about what will be happening. The pop-up sneaker museum will be celebrating everything related to the culture, its history and the current landscape of the art form. This leads into a conversation in which we talk about our own experiences of sneaker culture and collecting, the industry at large, the intersection of music, design and sport and some cultural landmarks to do with sneakers! We talk RUN DMC, documentaries, famous collections, and sneaker hoarding. For all this and more, join us today for this great episode! For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/sneakertopia-los-angeles-pop-up-museum/. Key Points From This Episode: Pop-up museums and the exciting prospect of the new Sneakertopia initiative. Man One's work for the event and what he will be taking part in. The brief that they gave Man One and the new territory he will be covering. The size of the sneaker industry and how much it has grown in the last decades. Excessive collecting, hoarding and the right amount of sneakers to purchase. How Man One got into hip hop culture through breakdancing. Fashion first, utility and pragmatism second! The fusion of form and function. The focus at the Sneakertopia exhibit and the experience they are trying to create. Some recent documentaries that focus on hip hop fashion and sneakers. The monumental event that was RUN DMC's My Adidas! The sneaker cleaning and maintenance industry; stores, products, and services. The low-down on tickets, dates and running times for the Sneakertopia event!
Today on the Not Real Art Podcast we are joined by a true Renaissance man! Painter, actor, writer, husband, father and a whole lot more, none other than Michael Ornstein! Michael has managed to build an amazing creative life and career through his natural passion and curiosity for expression. He tells us about how he tries to keep himself out of his painting, the lessons he learned in his first acting classes and the big role his parents had on his ideas around art and creativity. We also discuss moving around the country, raising a family and why he prefers to visit LA for work and focus on one thing at a time. For Michael, his array of talents and interests means that there is a rotating quality to where he puts his energy at any given time. Sometimes his painting is leading him, other times he is giving acting most of his energy and he would not have it any other way. For a great chat with a truly inspiring person in command of a bunch of different crafts, tune in today! For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/michael-ornstein-actor-artist/ Key Points From This Episode: Moving around and getting down to some good work out of the big cities. Appreciating road trips and some of the beautiful highways around the country. The art scene in Cleveland and its connection to other surrounding areas. Dangers around the intelligentsia telling young artists what they should be doing. Michael's early experiences of open studio art in New York City. A little bit about Michael's parents and his family history. Starting acting class and getting out on stage at 12 years old. Why Michael considers himself a painter before all else. The central role of movement in performance and acting roles. Serious schools and building from the basics and foundational skills. Simplicity, tools, artistic freedom and why Michael is so prolific! The human element, history and representing real life and emotion through art. Michael's hopes for teaching and educating in the future! Combatting the problems we face with creativity and inventiveness. The array of jobs that any artist needs to have in order to survive. The meaningful work and experience that Michael is having on the set of Mayans M.C. Allowing the different mediums of expression to lead at the appropriate times.
On the podcast today we are joined by three wonderful up and coming artists! They actually all met and connected at this year's Not Real Art Conference and the collaboration that sprouted from that encounter is our topic of conversation for today. They have just finished a mural, which they planned and executed together, a massive set of walls housed in L.A.'s Print Renegades premises and they tell us all about this experience from beginning to end! From the painting, preparation, and reflection we delve into their thoughts and experiences as young artists and how much they learned in this last week of hard work. They all emphasize the impact that pushing to make this mural happen has had on them individually and how they want to carry this momentum forward in their careers. Each of our guests unpacks a little about their paths and how they found themselves at a conference and then on a podcast! We hear from Aelias about the interesting route he took through his education, from &SÜPA about his tennis career and from Devona about finding herself through painting and branding! For all this and more from a bunch of inspiring artists making their way in the world, tune in! For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/young-artists-collab/ Key Points From This Episode: The week that our guests just spent together prepping, painting and collaborating. How the project came together, the trip that Aelias made and starting the mural. Creating momentum and energy moving forward with work right now. Improvising, freestyling and working off each other's vibes. Materials and paints that the artists used for this project. Prepping, recon missions and the work that precedes the actual painting. Aelias' education and the route he took during and after school. &SÜPA's concurrent tennis career and how he earns off teaching on the side. Devona's branding work and making a career out of her art. Working smart and combining a strong ethic with clever tactic A positive attitude towards adversity and running with the chips as they fall. Problem-solving and the constant challenges that face creatives. The limiting beliefs that pervade contemporary society around creativity. Fair rates and steering away from undercharging and undervaluing your work. Next year's Not Real Art Conference, new subject matter and looking forward. Showing up and doing the work necessary to network and promote yourself. Health and wellness practices for artists; exercise, support, and mentality. What fine artists can learn from the commercial arts side of the world. And much more!
Today on the show we welcome writer and comic Katie Love! Katie has been living and working in LA for over 20 years and made it her life's work to share her love of laughter and stories with the world. From performing on stage to helping startups communicate their message, honesty and humor go hand in hand for Katie and she continues to strive for her best in all of her different pursuits. For show notes and any links to Katie Love's work and upcoming performances, visit: https://notrealart.com/ In our conversation, we cover some of the recent projects she has been involved in, her family history and early experiences in comedy. We also talk about what it means to be on stage and share your inner world with the public, how humor can heal and the value of pushing sensitive buttons. Katie has an optimistic and appreciative attitude towards the difficulties that arise in the life of a creative, something that is truly inspiring. We also get into the dogma and selectiveness of the church, family divides and Katie's belief in arts education. For all this and a whole bunch more, tune in with us today! For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/comic-katie-love-loses-her-religion/. Key Points From This Episode: The work Katie recently did with TMI Hollywood. Katie's own creative journey starting from her part in a cult. The bravery of sharing your soul and creativity with the world. Katie's first joke and pulling fruit out of her bra on stage. The healing of humor and the difficult background of many comedians. The culture of over-sensitivity and pushing the buttons of strangers. Katie's strategy for dealing with hecklers and why she does not have many. Difficulty around family connection and changing religious values. The doctrines of the Bible and giving up wot what we do not know. The work that Katie has been doing with the Not Real Art grant winners! Why our world needs a focus on creative arts from a young age. How Katie has managed to amalgamate the different parts of her work. And much more!
On today's show, we are joined by our guitar hero, Michael Fish Herring! From touting with Prince and Christina Aguilera to in-studio work and developing younger artists, Fish has pretty much done it all. With years in the game and a strong dedication to his craft and the art-form, our guest has so much to share about his experiences and ideas around creativity. For show notes and any links to Michael Fish Herring's work, visit: https://notrealart.com/michael-fish-herring We chat about some exciting projects he has been working on recently, early experiences with music growing up and, of course, some interesting insider stories from life on the road. Fish tells us about his creative process, his home studio and how rewarding it is to see his son showing a passion for the arts. We also discuss the technical side of his music, pedal rigs and all the work that goes on behind the scenes. We finish off the discussion considering the more philosophical and social sides of different art-forms and the important part it plays in a functioning society. For this great chat with our friend, be sure to join us on the Not Real Art Podcast. For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/michael-fish-herring/. Key Points From This Episode: Fish's most recent tours and his work with big-name artists. The Nickelodeon musical show that Fish has been working on. Music in family and finding a job as a musician at an early age. Fish's first band called Psychedelic Mushroom! Raising children in Los Angeles; the good and the bad parts. The art of guitar tech! Some of the great wizards who fulfill this role. Pedalboards, complicated rigs and the dangers of complex wiring. Fish's creative process, coming up with ideas and jotting them down as memos. A really exciting new artist that Fish has been working with recently. The music business as it is now; Soundcloud, royalties and access. The Berlin street art scene, anonymity and getting paid in the creative game. The responsibility fo the individual and their duty to the larger community. Art's role in feeding the soul and transforming the world around us. And much more!
Welcome to another episode of Not Real Art! Joining us today is conceptual artist and fellow podcaster Katherine Cooksey, aka Miss Art World. With a new show coming out in a few days, she is excited to share a bit about what the audience can expect from the show, what performance art entails, her approach to each performance and why it is the purest of all art forms. For show notes and any links to Miss Art World's work, visit: https://notrealart.com/miss-art-world From an early age, Katherine was drawn to all things feminine and got into the world of pageants, and together with her miming training, discovered the possibilities of artistic expression using her own body. But Katherine is also a feminist who communicates strong pro-feminist messages through her work, and her Miss Art World brand is the coming together of her love of art, girly things and carrying out the message of female empowerment. We talk about the important role of art education, the responsibility that teachers have in molding and encouraging kids in their artistic endeavors and why it is a problem that many artists lack basic business skills. Katherine is a phenomenal woman and a role model to aspiring artists — another brilliant episode not to be missed! For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/miss-art-world/ Key Points From This Episode: Katherine’s experience of podcasting and switching from painting to performance art. How miming and pageants at a young age prepared her for using her body in creating art. The definition of performance art and why, for her, it is the purest form of art. What the audience can expect from her upcoming show Sentenced to Death. How she got into the world of pageants and being both feminine and a feminist. Being diagnosed with an eye disease at age eleven and dealing with her own limitations. Learning that adults can be wrong, and the responsibility involved in teaching art. The lacking funding for art programs in schools and the organizations fighting for the cause. Misconceptions around pursuing art as a career and how kids are discouraged. The need for art programs to include teaching basic business principles. The importance for artists to believe in and be able to talk about their work. Areas that she would like to work on in her own performances. Why she challenges herself to consistently show up as Miss Art World at events. And much more!
On this episode, we have a conversation about the role that a partner plays in the life of an artist, and Sourdough and Man One both share stories about their experiences with their wives as people who have encouraged them in their artistic pursuits and how this has fundamentally enabled them to do what they love. In light of their upcoming 25th anniversary, Man One talks about how his wife Laura had supported him from before they got married and cheered him on as a new artist trying to make ends meet for his family. Getting married to her came very naturally to him and he admits to being incredibly lucky to have found the right person early in his life. We also talk about contemplating fatherhood, raising kids, religion and how certain values of religion are more important than adhering to a set of restrictive rules. Join us for this behind the scenes look at the people and issues that shape our art! Key Points from This Episode: Introducing Man One’s awesome new website called Portraits by Man One. He and his wife Laura’s upcoming 25th anniversary and a bit about their love story. Being purposeful about providing for his family with his art from the beginning. How his wife has always supported his art and stuck by him through harder tim Why he would not want to be married to another artist and how they complement each other. Having clarity in his decision making and not living with regrets and what-ifs. The importance of accepting your spouse for who they are and not trying to change them. Where Sourdough was born and growing up in a racially segregated area. More about Sourdough’s dating history and how a long-distance relationship served him well. Getting to a place where he felt comfortable being a dad. How being a parent could change a couple’s perspective on things like religion. Why having a similar religious background helped Man One and Laura. How religion can be restrictive and exclusive and learning to only take the best of it.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Portraits by Man One — https://www.portraitsbymanone.com/ Man One — http://www.manone.com/ Man One on Twitter — https://twitter.com/ManOneArt Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.instagram.com/sourdoughpower/ Not Real Art Conference — https://www.notrealartconference.com/ Not Real Art on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/notrealartofficial/
Today we are so happy to be welcome back Man One! He has been gallivanting all over the world and in particular had an amazing research trip to Asia, spending time in Hong Kong and Tokyo for an upcoming job he is working on with RTI. The trip was so special and inspiring in many ways and we reflect on the highlights and talking points from the experience. The conversation covers cultural exchange and embracing difference, a ton of interesting observations that Man One made around norms and practices, and the art scene in both the major cities he visited. We also get into why the Japanese offer pay per view golf in their hotels, an amazing venue in Tokyo where Man One spent time, and trash trucks that play music on their garbage routes! Man One also reminisces about his time in Osaka in 1999 and painting with design students in the mountains, contrasting that experience with this trip, twenty years later. For all this and then some, be sure to join us on the Not Real Art Podcast, today! For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/man-one/ Key Points From This Episode: Man One's recent trip to Hong Kong and Japan and what he got up to. The importance of relationships in business and career development. How Man One visited Japan in 1999 to teach graffiti to design students. Pay per view golf in Japanese hotels and the strange reason it even exists. Trash trucks, respect for the blind and how different cultures approach death. The bar that Man One visited in Tokyo and the surprising guest who was there. The Japanese art scene, bombing and the maintenance of the city. Street art in Hong Kong and the local approach and intention behind it. Mile long escalators, Tesla Ubers and a driver with ten phones. No matter where you go in the world outside the US, people know that you are American. The life-size Gundam site that Man One had always want to visit. And much more!
Welcome back to the Not Real Art Podcast! Joining me is Michael Moore, a creative-to-the-core who fabricates amazing pieces of art as a side hustle. He works a full time job, but he is a true creative polymath who plays music while also making industrial and military-style gadgets with random materials he puts together in imaginative ways. Michael chats about splitting his time between working in the steel mines and creating objects from the inspiration he draws from various places. Being a multidisciplinary artist, he talks about his love for playing the guitar and being part of the band Digital Hair and reveals a few of his favorite musicians. Like a true artist, Michael explains why his art is not about making money and why he is more interested in getting greater exposure and sharing his work with other parts of the world. We talk about the difference between coming up with something truly original and simply replicating what others are doing and conclude that there is probably a place for both. We get into the difficult topic of pricing and making a living as an artist and look at it from all different angles. Be sure to join this conversation where we once again celebrate the rise of the creative class! For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/dreaming-up-gadgets-with-michael-moore/ Key Points from This Episode: The whimsical nature of his artworks and how they inspire curiosity and playfulness. Examples of his eclectic pieces, naming them and getting attached to each. The Indiana economy and working in the ovens of the steel mill. Michael’s many hobbies, including hunting, riding his motorcycle, writing and recording. Feeding the soul and the need for artists to develop and maintain a creative outlet. Being part of Digital Hair and what performances meant to him emotionally. Finding his inspiration in junk yards, old buildings and in weird beat up objects. The validation of having one of his artworks praised by Jeff Tweedy. The continuum between artists and entertainers and their relationship to originality. Why there needs to be greater community in the independent art community. Not Real Art as a platform for artists to get their story told. Demystifying the money issue, pricing and why artists should not undercharge. Advice for people who are starting out on an art form. And much more!
Today is a rare episode because we have the cofounder of Big Imagination, Ken Feldman, joining us. The Big Imagination Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that aims to incubate bold, visionary projects that inspire the world to dream big. As their 747 Project for Burning Man proves, their artistic pursuits are literally and figuratively larger-than-life and out of the box and to accomplish these groundbreaking projects, they rely on radical collaboration and community support while also providing opportunities for education and participation. On today’s show, Ken answers all the questions we have about this magnificent creation, including how he came up with the idea, how hundreds of people collaborated to make it happen, what the experience is like for Burning Man visitors and why it entails so much more than self-expression on a grand scale. We also talk more generally about the misconceptions about Burning Man and why this event is really about community and celebrating the diversity of art. We get into the details of how and where they managed to acquire the plane, how they went about taking it apart and reassembling it and what the future has in store for him personally and for The 747 Project. This is undoubtedly a spectacular episode, so be sure to join us! For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/kenfeldman/. Key Points from This Episode: Ken’s first Burning Man project and how it led to him and Jon becoming friends and partners. How Ken came up with the concept of turning a 747 into a giant art car. Building the Charlie the Unicorn car with very little resources and why it was so successful. How their 747 project was a team effort for with over 1000 volunteers. Burning Man as a great art experiment that engages with the question of what art is. The significance of the size of the 747 and why it appealed to the imaginations of people. What getting into the plane looks like and the emotional experience visitors go through. A true story of how building a pink unicorn saved a guy’s life. A few interesting analogies for describing Burning Man to someone who hasn’t been. Some of the criticisms against Burning Man; lack of racial diversity and the high cost. How Black Rock City started as a joke that got massively out of control. Acquiring the plane from a bone yard and how Boeing responded to the project. How Ken’s background in airspace and his love for building things culminated in this project. The new plans in store for The 747 Project and how it is going to reach millions of people. The complicated process of taking apart and reassembling the 747 and moving it 500 miles. A hopeful projection of Ken’s next couple of months following the 747 Project. When Ken would consider being part of another project of this scope. A vision for honoring The 747 Project by making a film documentary about it. And much more!
Today on the show we have Joshua Wattles, artist, photographer and lawyer for the creative arts! Formerly Advisor-in-Chief to DeviantArt, we chat with Joshua about his career in film, music and his creative pursuits alongside all of these. We discuss current issues of privacy and the advent of GDPR, how these new laws translate across the world in different ways and what this means for the global creative community. The conversation covers the rise of DeviantArt and how it preceded many of the communities and social networks that dominate today's landscape, setting the standard for a lot of the norms of the modern internet world. Joshua comments on the importance of community, artistic freedom and the role of luck in life of the mammoth platform he helped build. We also hear about the landmark moments in film that Joshua was a part of in his work at Paramount and how he transitioned out of a big film studio into the relatively outsider realm of DeviantArt. For this fascinating conversation be sure to join us today! For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/joshwattles/ Key Points From This Episode: What is street photography? Privacy, GDPR and the effect on street photography in Germany. The links between privacy concerns in Europe and World War II. Joshua's hat collection and his favorite bomber jacket. DesignerCon, Secret Walls, dad caps and mom jeans. Joshua's work at Paramount. How Josh got his job at DeviantArt. The invention of the modern movie soundtrack. Joshua's long and winding road to being a full time art lawyer. Why DeviantArt was and is so successful and influential. The different worlds of art, exclusivity and cultural exchange How DeviantArt expertly navigated copyright infringement The sale of the DeviantArt and Joshua's hopes for its future And much more!
Today on the show we are lucky to have award winning screenwriter, world traveler, melomaniac, gourmand, political junkie, social justice activist and all around great human, Michael Oates Palmer! Michael has worked as a writer on countless TV shows and films, building an unpredictable and varied career over the last twenty years. With many interests and a voracious curiosity for the world around him, Michael has managed to stay astride of his inspiration and keep moving on, even through failure and difficult periods. We chat about journalling practices, the creative process, travel and why the research that goes into new work is one of his favorite parts of the job. Michael also shares some of his deeper philosophies on being at home in the world, round table conversations and the connection between curiosity and empathy. With a huge heart and big mind dedicated to creativity and positive impact, our guest really shows how it is possible to follow your abilities and passions while at the same time thinking about something larger than oneself. This conversation covers everything from film and TV, to music, politics and the geography of the US. For a truly wonderful chat, be sure to tune in to the Not Real Art Podcast today! Key Points From This Episode: The TV show Michael is currently working on. The current abundance of great TV shows. Why Michael loves research and learning about new things. Travel, wandering and broadening experiences for ones craft. Popularity, quality and how these can exist simultaneously. The importance of differing opinions and meaningful disagreements. Why Anthony Bourdain and Leonard Cohen were such compelling characters. Michael's own creative process and the long winding journey of craft. Is it a better time to be a film and television writer than before? The love of the journey, working on passion projects and staying excited. New Orleans parade lines, dancing and abandoning the ego. Letting it all in, curiosity and a connectedness to the world. Impactful art and protest in a baffling world. The Trojan's horse theory and the benefit of nourishing entertainment. And much more!
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Michael Oates Palmer — https://www.instagram.com/oatespalmer/ Emmy Awards — https://www.emmys.com Robert Redford — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000602/ Three Days of the Condor — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/three_days_of_the_condor Condor — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/condor/s01 Lord of the Flies — https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7624.Lord_of_the_Flies Mr Mercedez — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/mr_mercedes Silicon Valley — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/silicon_valley Breaking Bad — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/breaking_bad Wes Anderson — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0027572/ Aaron Sorkin — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0815070/ The West Wing — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the-west-wing Picasso — https://www.pablopicasso.org/ Guernica — https://www.pablopicasso.org/guernica.jsp Allen Toussaint — http://allentoussaint.com/ Betty Harris — https://thevinylfactory.com/news/betty-harris-lost-soul-queen-of-new-orleans-compilation/ Michael's Grandmother's Art — Anthony Bourdain — https://www.mashed.com/94441/untold-truth-anthony-bourdain/ Kitchen Confidential — https://www.amazon.com/Kitchen-Confidential-Updated-Adventures-Underbelly/dp/0060899220 Leonard Cohen — https://www.leonardcohen.com/ Old Filth Trilogy — https://www.europaeditions.com/book/9781609452285/old-filth-trilogy-boxed-set Jennifer Egan —http://jenniferegan.com/ A Visit From The Goon Squad — https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7331435-a-visit-from-the-goon-squad John Steinbeck — https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/literature/1962/steinbeck/biographical/ Travels with Charley — https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5306.Travels_with_Charley Writers' Guild — https://www.wga.org/ Stripes —...
Our guest today is Albert Cleophus Willis, artist, designer, music producer and resident of the fourth dimension! Working as a multidisciplinary artist over the last four decades has provided Cleophus with an obvious wealth of experiences and lessons, way too much to fit into one podcast. His continuing journey through new ideas, traversing inspiring and unchartered territories and a commitment to practicality and making ends meet are just some of the ways in which our guest has kept himself busy over his life time. We chat about his three dimensional work, daily routines, art school and portraiture. We also ruminate on the digital age and the computer as a creative tool, its pros and cons. Cleophus opens up about the artist as a rebel and someone who breaks the status quo while the world around them is trying to categorize everything and he shares openly about the wealth of creativity that is present in his family and amongst his siblings. There is also a surprising moment in the conversation where Cleophus admits to working under an alias that we all might know! For all this great stuff and a whole lot more, tune in with us today, on the Not Real Art Podcast! For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/cleophus/. Key Points From This Episode: The array of work Cleophus has done over four decades. Creation of three dimensional artworks and legacy portraits. Influences, early years and finding a path to a career in art How he became an award winning producer at Motown Records! The digital age, undoing mistakes and using digital tools Artists as rebels and non-conformists; going against the grain and breaking the rules. A creative family, his upbringing and growing up with dyslexia. Parenting and allowing space and structure for kids to grow into their passion. How Cleophus came to design the cover for a Ray Charles album. Art by design and why Cleophus primarily considers himself a designer. Working under an alias; selling art online that did not interfere with his career. The Art Master company and how Cleophus ended up parting ways with them. Print on demand, Instagram filters and the rise of amateur art. Cleophus' hopes for the future, keeping on with the artist mentality he believes in. And much more!
On today's show we are very happy to host Dessy Di Lauro and Ric'key Pageot from Parlor Social! The band has been slowly building a reputation and following that is not be messed with and their solo ventures and session and touring work for big names such as Madonna and Cirque Du Soleil have enabled both of our guests to carve out full time creative careers in their area of passion. We discuss the benefits of sticking your neck out, The Secret and the power of visualization. We also talk about about constantly preparing and practicing for steps in the path towards success. As world creators, who use music and the power of song in many different settings, Dessy and Ric'key are great examples of taking particular artistic gifts and finding ways to live the life of your dreams. The conversation covers the serendipitous and magical connections they have made with huge names in the business, from Herbie Hancock and Benjamin Wright to Stevie Wonder and Madonna. We also talk about meditation, influence from their parents and investing in yourself and future. For this inspiring and beautifully truthful story, be sure not to miss this one! For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/putting-the-pieces-together-with-dessy-di-lauro-rickey-pageot-of-parlor-social/ Key Points From This Episode: What the band has been up to and the different venues they have been frequenting. How Herbie Hancock came to a show of Ric'key's. Linking up with Benjamin Wright and Stevie Wonder The power of visualization in realizing your dreams How Ric'key started working with Madonna. A very exciting announcement from our guests about this fall! Following your own sound and ideas Why Dessy decided not to get a day job A dream that changed everything The helpful role of meditation in managing stress Ric'key's journey meeting Dessy The song that Dessy wrote for her mother Musical legacy and the parental influences How Dessy started working with Cirque Du Soleil. Investing in yourself and getting ready for success. Our guests' experience at the recent Not Real Art Conference! Dessy's upcoming night in Montreal And much more!
Today on the podcast we welcome Devona Stimpson, artist, creative, entrepreneur and all-round inspiring human! Devona is truly a twenty-first century artist, who understands what it take to survive in the world as a creative force and leverage her and others' talents for success. In our conversation we talk about the strong links that exist between art and entrepreneurship, the importance of community and building a team, how to connect with the right people and work with inspiring collaborators and improving your communication and conversation around your own work. We also discuss some of the artists that Devona is currently inspired by, being of service, Devona's creative agency gangSTAR and more! For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/devonastimpson/. Key Points From This Episode: Today's artist as a combination of entrepreneurship and creativity. Devona's thoughts on our recent Not Real Art Conference. Water cooler moments for artists and entrepreneurs and the importance of community. The collaboration that blossomed out of Devona's time at the conference. Devona's schedule and how she fits everything in! The ideas of creating fate and being of service to people you want to work with. Social skills, hygiene and the art of articulating your work. gangSTAR Creative, their mission and what motivates Devona to help other artists. Artists that Devona admires and follows on social media. Some of Devona's favorite podcasts currently! Devona's own art and what inspires her colorful work. And much more!
In this episode Sourdough and Kelly Vaught from BeCore join in conversation about everything from parenting and core values to experiential marketing and politics. Starting off, Kelly shares with us what he is most grateful for and his personal philosophy for a happy, meaningful life. His family is incredibly important to him and he dishes out some of his tried and tested parenting advice and reflects on his own childhood experiences and how they have shaped him. We discuss the role of liberal arts in teaching critical thinking, what the world actually needs from politicians, forging meaningful connections with people and the need for advertising folk to grasp and engage with contemporary culture. We reimagine a society where the measure of success is holistic and where people’s contribution to all spheres of life is a more interesting consideration than just what they do as a job and the money they get from doing it. Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation with people who speak your language. For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/kelly-vaught/. Key Points From This Episode: A reflective overview of Kelly’s parents and growing up in a very religious household. Dealing with his mother’s mental illness, dropping out of school and moving out at age 16. Being excommunicated from his religious network and the tough lessons he learned. How Kelly’s childhood experiences informed his perspective on raising his own kids. The importance of building confidence and adaptability into his children. The critical role of arts in teaching critical thinking and problem solving. Combing liberal arts and science to find solutions for the existential problems of humankind. The need for politicians to adopt a human-centered approach to government. Recognizing who ‘your people’ are and not wasting time investing in those who are not. What the dissolution of the ego entails and how harmony is the foundation of success. Unequal distribution of resources and population growth as two major concerns in our collective unconscious. Doing work that matters, experiential marketing and engaging the younger generations. Red Bull as an example of a company that supports and engages with arts and culture. Artists’ role in stimulating conversations around social issues and challenging the status quo. The interesting space where art and AI meet and the future of artistic presentation. And much more!
On today’s show, Sourdough has a conversation with David Ryan Scott who is a true creative polymath and renaissance man. He has written books, poetry, music and is just a multitalented artist, always busy creating and producing. Recently he has been expanding his skills in woodwork and leather craft, making beautiful hand-made objects such as briefcases, wallets and knives. Like many other creatives, David has a ‘real job’ but lives out his love for art through the many projects he takes on part-time. Together with his dad, he started crafting from a young age, initially to save money, but later realized that certain items were just hard to come by, which was all the motivation he needed to continue making things himself. On the show today David lets us in on some of the details about his work, including the tools he uses, the joy of hand stitching and what this artistic pursuit has meant for him on a personal level. To learn more about his unique craftsmanship, join us for this episode of Not Real Art! For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/david-ryan-scott/ Key Points From This Episode: Using Instagram as a platform for documenting his artistic journey and showcasing his craft. Why David decided to get into leatherwork and how it all started with a bushcraft knife. David’s process when wanting to learn a new skill and the resources he employs. How he grew up with curiosity and craft as values that his father modeled and instilled. The joy of using hand tools, hand stitching and slowing down the making of each item. How to recognize the difference between a hand stitched and machine stitched product. More about the specific items he makes and why wallets are especially tricky. The challenge of working with leather and keeping it unscathed and clean throughout. Transitioning from intense concentration to a meditative state and losing track of time. Sourcing and selecting materials and experimenting with different exotic woods. How he incurred his first injury while cutting leather! Why he would be reluctant to make a business out of his craft. And much more!
Joining us on the show today is writer and meditation advocate David Gerken. He is a multidimensional human being who has gone from working as a legislative assistant and lobbyist to becoming a writer for The West Wing in LA. After going through an intensely stressful period in his life, he discovered the empowering practice of meditation and has since been fervent in communicating his knowledge with others. Being a pragmatist, David believes that meditation is not applicable only to hippies and certain elite groups, but instead claims that people of all backgrounds can reap from its many benefits. Meditating is not difficult, he says, and it does not have to take more than five to fifteen minutes a day, and therefore a busy schedule should not thwart you from getting into this life-changing habit. In fact, David argues that meditation gives back exponentially more than the little it takes: it gets you focused and living in the present moment, improving the quality of every single aspect of your life. Be sure to tune in for this awesome conversation with someone who can help you turn down that inner noise. For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/david-gerken/ Key Points From This Episode: Going from working in law in Washington to writing in LA and how the two fields came together with The West Wing. His thought processes around creating conflict and tragedy for the characters in the series. The role that tennis played in his career and getting connected with key people. How he got into the practice of meditation and into the world of mindfulness. The importance of meditating on a regular basis and how it transforms all facets of your life. Why meditation is so important for artists who often struggle with negative internal dialogue. Accessing the conscious self and being present as the foundation of focus. How our values changed with capitalism and the development of the economy. Focusing on doing your best in the moment and learning to trust in life. The importance of becoming still in order to hear the voice of your intuition. The stigma that exists around meditation and why it is for everyone, regardless of religious orientation. Why every solution is inside of you and learning to stop blaming external circumstances. The different factors that drive human behavior and the role of our environment. More about his book and David’s everyday approach to meditation and moderation. The role of religion, morality and values and why you have to listen to yourself. And much more!
Our guest today is Eric Coly, founder and CEO of AYANA Therapy, an app designed to provide accessible and appropriate mental health care services to marginalized groups. Traditional therapy has mostly catered to the needs of Western societies, and therefore people of color and other minorities have not had access to therapy that is relevant and comfortable for them. Eric describes their service as a combination between Uber and online dating where users are matched with a therapist of their choice. We discuss the obstacles of cost, stigma and the lack of cultural competency among providers and he explains how his business is addressing and overcoming these issues. Without a background in psychology and counselling, Eric explains why he started looking into the availability of mental health services and how his own experience and those of his friends shaped his vision for finding an alternative solution. Taking care of our mental health is of course super relevant for us artists, so don’t miss out on this episode of Not Real Art! For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/eric-coly/ Key Points From This Episode: Encouraging his friends to seek therapy and researching the availability of these services. The difficulty that marginalized groups have in finding compatible therapists. How Eric’s business addresses this widespread problem and the concept behind the name. The demographic they serve and the importance of intersectionality. How cost, stigma and lack of cultural competency in the field of mental health lead to inaccessibility. The importance of educating religious communities and people about therapy. YAVIS and the biases that make it hard for someone of color to access counselling. Giving people a diverse choice of therapists and why these providers need to be relatable. The process of their product, from logging on to communicating with a therapist. Criticism against online therapy and the importance of maintaining the integrity of the experience. Suffering from depression and seeking healing for himself and others. Being aware of how privacy and pride can hinder a person from seeking mental health care. And much more!
Welcome back to the Not Real Art Podcast where we get to wax lyrical about all things art and all things not. Today we are making east coasters super jealous about LA weather and reminding everyone just how unpredictable and adaptable Mother Earth is despite our best, or worst, efforts. Our cynical hosts pitch some ideas for TV shows and books set in a not too distant dystopia and come to the conclusion that humans are generally just greedy animals that don't care about much else. We ruminate on stand-up comedy and what it takes to be funny in public before discussing drinking with the Irish and the professional sport of slapping. From there the conversation turns to Man One's vivid memory of his dad drunk and what it is like being drunk in front of your family. We also discuss fake IDs and the new laws that are being implemented in terms of licenses and 'real ID's and the after effects of 9/11 on this and gun laws. For all this and a bunch more good stuff, be sure to tune in! Key Points From This Episode: Comparing the climate of LA to the east coast. Mother nature is unpredictable, the universe is big and scary. Some ideas for new sci-fi books and tv shows. Stand-up comedy before you die. The league of slappers and rules to the world's greatest sport. How to laugh more in this world. The one time Man One's dad got drunk. Fake IDs and getting drunk in front of your family. The new 'real ID's' that are coming into use soon. When America got sucker-punched in 2001. Guns, guns and more guns. And much more! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Dave Chappelle — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0152638/ Will Smith — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000226/ Vice — https://www.vice.com Jorge Gutierrez Episode — https://notrealart.com/new-blog/2019/3/10/emmy-award-winning-artist-jorge-gutierrez Robin Williams — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000245/ Man One — http://www.manone.com/ Man One on Twitter — https://twitter.com/ManOneArt Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.instagram.com/sourdoughpower/ Not Real Art Conference — https://www.notrealartconference.com/ Not Real Art on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/notrealartofficial/
On today's episode of the Not Real Art Podcast, Sourdough is joined by Kristin Juel, who runs Juel Concepts, an artist management company for musicians with an exciting small roster of youngish indie musical artists including Hamish Anderson andRuby Velle & the Soulphonics. Kristin and Sourdough actually worked together for quite a few years a while back at Kaiser Permanente and have been friends for more than 15 years! They chat about their history together, life in brand management and the commitment it takes to make it in the creative world today. They discuss the tools of the trade, her team at Juel Concepts and just how exciting it is getting to work with people with as much talent as her current artist roster. Kristin has strived to build a family environment with her company and close knit team, and she unpacks the challenges and rewards she has faced in this pursuit. The conversation also covers networking, promotion and why it is so important to be able to articulate yourself when talking about your own art. For all this and a whole lot more, be sure to tune in! For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/kristinjuel/ Key Points From This Episode: Where the Sourdough moniker comes from. The work Kristin and Scott did together from 2004 to 2013. Brand strategizing with musicians and Kristin's eclectic career. The long and hard path to a successful creative life. Working with Hamish Anderson. Finding the right people to partner with Kristin's amazing, global team. Is it the best time in history to be an artist? The intangibility of most of today's music world. Transparency, honest communication and real time feedback. Kristin's work process and the flow of her company. Musical prodigies, hard work and the balance between practice and talent. Networking, self-promotion and explaining your craft. Building a strong peer-group and support structure. And much more!
Welcome back to the Not Real Art Podcast where we get to wax lyrical about all things art and all things not. Today we are making east coasters super jealous about LA weather and reminding everyone just how unpredictable and adaptable Mother Earth is despite our best, or worst, efforts. Our cynical hosts pitch some ideas for TV shows and books set in a not too distant dystopia and come to the conclusion that humans are generally just greedy animals that don't care about much else. We ruminate on stand-up comedy and what it takes to be funny in public before discussing drinking with the Irish and the professional sport of slapping. From there the conversation turns to Man One's vivid memory of his dad drunk and what it is like being drunk in front of your family. We also discuss fake IDs and the new laws that are being implemented in terms of licenses and 'real ID's and the after effects of 9/11 on this and gun laws. For all this and a bunch more good stuff, be sure to tune in! Key Points From This Episode: Comparing the climate of LA to the east coast. Mother nature is unpredictable, the universe is big and scary. Some ideas for new sci-fi books and tv shows. Stand-up comedy before you die. The league of slappers and rules to the world's greatest sport. How to laugh more in this world. The one time Man One's dad got drunk. Fake IDs and getting drunk in front of your family. The new 'real ID's' that are coming into use soon. When America got sucker-punched in 2001. Guns, guns and more guns. And much more!
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Dave Chappelle — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0152638/ Will Smith — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000226/ Vice — https://www.vice.com Jorge Gutierrez Episode — https://notrealart.com/new-blog/2019/3/10/emmy-award-winning-artist-jorge-gutierrez Robin Williams — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000245/ Man One — http://www.manone.com/ Man One on Twitter — https://twitter.com/ManOneArt Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.instagram.com/sourdoughpower/ Not Real Art Conference — https://www.notrealartconference.com/ Not Real Art on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/notrealartofficial/
We are taking this episode to catch all our listeners up on what we have been up to recently and chat about a few things on the top of our minds. We run through the new movie about Mötley Crüe and Sourdough's experience meeting Jeff Tremaine, the man behind the Jackass franchise. From there, the conversation turns to photography, cameras and early experiences of taking analog photos. We look back at a history of racking film and cologne and the profitable way you could make these work for you as a young graffiti artist with some industry. We also discuss what sex positions our parents might have been in when we were conceived. After which, we turn to hip hop, music, and cultural development in the last 30 years. We discuss the art of sampling and how this opened up a universe of music for hip hop heads and lament the current state of hip hop and why it's impossible to stay up to date with everything these days. For this and a whole lot more, join us today on the Not Real Art Podcast! Key Points From This Episode: New mics in the studio! Jeff Tremaine of Jackass, Mötley Crüe and The Dirt. First cameras and photography practices these days. Racking film and developing photos of illegal activities. Making a living from stealing cologne. Favorite sex positions and imagining your own conception. The overlap between metal and hip-hop fashion. Music tastes growing up and coverage on TV. Discovering artists through hip hop samples. The art form of sampling and mainstream appreciation. Families that twerk together stay together! Staying relevant, in-the-know and the newest music on Soundcloud. Hip-hop we loved and hated over the years. Art's relationship to the time and zeitgeist. The resurgence of vinyl, personal soundtracks and living in a bubble. And much more!
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Michael Jackson — https://www.michaeljackson.com Joe Rogan — https://www.joerogan.com Howard Stern — https://www.howardstern.com KCRW — https://www.kcrw.com Patreon — https://www.patreon.com Jeff Tremaine — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0871860/ Johnny Knoxville — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0424216/ Jackass — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0264263/ Mötley Crüe — https://www.motley.com The Dirt — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0800325/ Van Halen — http://www.van-halen.com James Brown — http://www.jamesbrown.com George Clinton — https://georgeclinton.com De La Soul — http://www.wearedelasoul.com The Turtles — http://theturtles.com Prince — https://www.princeestate.com Billie Eilish — https://www.billieeilish.com KXLU — https://kxlu.com (https://kxlu.com) Public Enemy — https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/public-enemy Man One — http://www.manone.com/ Man One on Twitter — https://twitter.com/ManOneArt Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.instagram.com/sourdoughpower/ Not Real Art Conference — https://www.notrealartconference.com/ Not Real Art on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/notrealartofficial/
Today on the show we are joined by Jeff Tremaine. Jeff is most famously known for the Jackass Series. He has also directed several music videos and commercials, including “Epic Night,” a 2014 Super Bowl commercial for Bud Light, which was one of the most talked about spots of the entire year and won numerous awards. In April 2014, Jeff launched his own production company, Gorilla Flicks, which houses all of his feature film and television projects. He has a new movie coming out on March 22nd, The Dirt, on Netflix. In this episode Jeff shares more about his inspiration behind choosing his latest project, how he went about seeking out support from the band, and what the pitch was like to Netflix. We also dive into some of the most challenging and most interesting projects that Jeff has done, and what his personal hobbies are that help him unwind. Jeff is an all around awesome dude, so stay tuned and don’t miss out on our incredible conversation! For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/jeff-tremaine-talks-motley-crue-big-brother-jackass/ Key Points From This Episode: What Jeff listens to when he’s stuck on the freeway. The one album or band that takes Jeff down memory lane. Of all the concerts, the one that stands out the most for Jeff. The premier of Jeff’s new film, The Dirt. How having a creative job satisfies the artist inside of you. Importance of always learning and adding tools to your toolbox. Jeff’s inspiration behind wanting to do The Dirt The story of how Jeff and his wife first met. Support that Jeff received from Mötly Crüe to do the movie. What was most important when pitching The Dirt to Netflix. How Jeff built a team surrounded by people that he trusts. Why the first pitch of Jackass the series was a complete failure. The hardest production campaign Jeff has done. Fun fact: Jeff directed the safety video for American Airlines. Jeff’s favorite way to unwind and shut off from work.
The Making of Regionrat, With Javier Reyna and Richard Laskowski On this episode we chat with Art Director Javier Reyna and writer Richard Laskowski who recently released their film, Regionrat. We talk about where they are from, where they went to school and then get into how the two of them got connected. Richard shares about the circumstances surrounding writing the book, how his writing process never presupposes a specific end result and about mimicking the voices of others before settling into his own. Their film is set in Gary, Indiana, and making the film for them was about depicting the lives of teenagers in the region whose parents are often absent and unaware of the implications of not providing guidance in these crucial adolescent years. What also emerges from our conversation is that movie making is not always glamourous. They faced immense challenges in producing a film on a tight budget and had obstacles with funding and people who never came through on their promises. They share about their prior hopes of making the book into a series, their pilot episode and the many years it took for them to finally get the film out. They appeal strongly to others for their support, admitting their absolute dependence on people to buy the film. Join us today for much more from these two talented artists! For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/the-making-of-regionrat-with-filmmakers-javier-reyna-rich-laskowski/ Key Points From This Episode: How Javier and Richard started working together. The reasons why Javier was drawn to Richard’s book. Richard’s writing process and mimicking others’ Why not being as educated can be a major advantage in writing. How Javier got into filmmaking and the films that inspired him in his younger days. Navigating and breaking through the negative connotations attached to being an artist. Richard on writing for fun and never having a specific end goal or purpose in mind. The long process of trying to get Regionrat Why making the movie was such an intense experience. The various challenges they faced in making the movie on a limited budget. More about the casting process and how well the actors performed. The prejudice that used to exist around people from North-West Indiana. What Javier and Richard want people to know about their project. The lack of parent involvement and guidance in teenagers’ lives as a theme in the film. Their plans of making the book into a series rather than into a feature film. Why they are absolutely dependent on people to buy the movie. Connor Williams’s great work ethic and commitment.
Today’s episode is really special because we have Emmy Award winner Jorge Gutierrez with us. Jorge is a Mexican animator, painter, writer and director who, along with his wife Sandra Equihua, created the multiple Annie and Emmy Award winning animated television series, El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera, for Nickelodeon. Born in Mexico City and raised in Tijuana, Jorge has completed various films, cartoons, illustrations and paintings exploring his love affair with Mexican pop and folk culture. With an unmistakable can-do attitude, Jorge shares how he views feedback as an opportunity to improve and how he has learned to put his ego aside during the alchemical process of working through and incorporating the suggestions of others. He explains what he finds challenging about working for someone else and why he is willing to play any part in the film production process to serve the greater vision. We also dive into the invaluable lessons he’s learned at art school, how his challenges as a Latino immigrant made him stronger and how fear has been a positive driving force in his life. Finally, Jorge reminds us about the importance of falling in love with the process instead of always focusing on the end result. So be sure to join us today for expert insight and a good laugh! For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/emmy-award-winning-artist-jorge-gutierrez/ Key Points From This Episode: What to expect from the upcoming Not Real Art Conference. Where Sourdough’s name comes from. The importance of putting your ego aside in your creative work. Synthesizing and distilling colleagues’ commentary on his writing. Why there’s no cheat sheet to writing. How he broke out of the boxes in the industry. The problem with art schools not always offering integrated classes. Why specializing is not necessarily the best option. The problem with many artists. Competing by outworking. The fall of 2D and the rise of CG animation. How schooling is no guarantee for work. The challenges of being a Latino immigrant. More about his father’s influence in his life. The role of family. Why Generation X is very pragmatic. Learning form failure and hard work. Focusing on the process, not the result. Jorge’s first solo art show. And much more!
Using Language As an Abstract Tool for Communication Through Art, With JonMarc Edwards and Ando Love. JonMarc studied art at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design where he was drawn to the study of symbols and what they mean. Today he is the owner of MARKET Studio, an exhibition and performance space that focuses on immersive installations, performances, and literary events. Our second guest, Ando Pndlian, is the founder of the Search + ResQ Gallery, which is a multi-disciplinary design studio based in Los Angeles. They implement process driven design with a clear understanding of goals to support creative solutions for meaningful design. Inside this episode we dive into the experience of FLUTTER, an immersive installation that empowers participants to interact and make sense of the linguistic fabric that is all-around us. We also unpack how language and letters can be broken down in an abstract manner, and how to use art as a form of communication across languages and cultural barriers. For an inspiring conversation about our mutual love and passion for art and creativity, be sure to listen in! For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/exclusive-story-flutter-by-artists-jonmarc-edward-ando-pndlian/ Key Points From This Episode: Highlights and goals for the new year. How JonMarc and Ando first met. Experiencing the abstract meaning of letters. The journey of putting together the Flutter project. What’s next for Flutter: taking it out of the gallery context. The Five principles of looking at letters abstractly. Finding your expression of art through different forms. How language and diversity impacts the art community. Why your smile can open doors across language barriers. Concept that increased opportunity means increased competition. Understanding why architecture is an old man’s profession. Giving a voice to the unheard: bringing awareness into social issues.
Digital Marketing in the World of Film, With Scott Zimbler. Today on Not Real Art we are joined by our friend, Scott Zimbler, founder of the Home Brew Agency here in LA. Scott works with some of the most creative people in the film industry and has designed digital advertising content for blockbusters such as The Lego Movie and Fantastic Beasts. We have a conversation about his employment history, including his time at Electronic Arts and Paramount Pictures, and we discuss how the design landscape has changed over the last few years. Scott tells us about being one of the early advocates of the Internet in the 90s, navigating the power struggle between game designers and marketers and why he believes marketing is in his DNA. In talking about his company, Scott reveals a profound commitment to art and authenticity and establishing a healthy home-work balance for his employees. He shares about the importance of trust, instituting sabbatical programs and building into the career development of his staff members. Tune in today to find out more about Scott and his industry-leading business! For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/home-brew-digital-agency-founder-scott-zimbler-co-hosts-nra-podcast/ Key Points From This Episode: Why Scott decided to start his own company His frustrations with working for advertising agencies What makes Home Brew Digital Agency unique How he introduced digital marketing to some of the big names His big break with Titanic! What he did for Electronic Arts The necessity of social media marketing How CPG companies teach you the value of a strategic approach Why marketing is harder than ever The importance of having a strong account team A few of their runaway success campaigns Being an employee-friendly company How Scott views his role in the company Who their biggest competitors are How design has evolved over the last few years The importance of investing in employee career development
Today on the show we are joined by our friend, Ilya Kushnirsky, who is an intellectual property attorney. His firm, KG Law in New York City, services artists and creatives almost exclusively, having helped many grateful individuals with issues of IP theft and infringement over the years! Ilya is a speaker at our upcoming Not Real Art Conference and this little discussion serves as an introduction to some of his forthcoming presentation. We chat about copyrights, trademarks and all things art law. Ilya shares his ideas on staying affordable for people who are not traditionally rolling in money, how to protection yourself against the epidemic of infringement and ways to move the legal needle in your direction. Remember to get you tickets for the conference and join us for this very important conversation today! For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/art-lawyer-nra-conference-speaker-ilya-kushnirsky-drops-knowledge/ Key Points From This Episode: Some background on KG Law and why they chose their particular path. Controversial cases and setting precedents in art legalities. Working with small time artists and legal affordability. Protection against impropriety or preparing to handle a difficult situation. Comparing the numbers of registered work or unregistered work. Batch registration, saving time and downsides to this impulse. Differentiating between copyrighting and trademarking. Monetizing intellectual property and the essential steps towards success. Enhancing yours and others’ value through pro-action. Investing and spending on your personal development and future. And much more!
Welcome to Not Real Art, Siri’s favorite creative culture podcast! Today’s episode is another holiday edition special, where we dive into everything from family traditions, favorite Christmas time memories, how Sourdough first got his nickname, and more stories about our time at Art Basal. The conversation touches on our different feelings and experiences at Wynwood, Untitled, and SCOPE, and the disconnect that is so apparent between the art fair versus Wynwood crowds. We also share our favorite and most outstanding pieces that we’ve seen throughout all the art events, and some of the incredible galleries taking risks and really killing it on the art scene. Finally, we dig into the concept of corporatization of the art and what it will mean for the future of artists and the art industry as a whole. For all this and an incredible conversation, stay tuned to today’s episode! For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/2018-art-basel-miami-recap-pt-2/ Key Points From This Episode: The Man One Family holiday traditions. Understanding how art has become a mainstream trend. Recap of the shows we attended at Art Basel Miami. Overviewing the art that was within the Art Basal Fair. The contrasting feelings between Art Basel, Scope, etc Why Wynwood Walls makes us feel generally angry. Understanding the concept of “new money art”. Pieces that stood out; unique and refreshing. Why the ultimate failure of an artist is to stop growing. The disconnect between Wynwood and the art fair scene. Recognizing all the artist stories that aren’t being told. The corporatization of art and what it means for the industry. And much more!
Welcome back to the Not Real Art Podcast for this special holiday episode! Today on the show we start off with a little recap of what we’ve been up to lately, our recent projects, and new endeavors that we’ve taken on. We then jump into discussing Man One’s new breakthroughs in the Latino Artist space, the crazy culture of the non-stop life in Miami, missed flights, and the experience of staying in Little Havana. The conversation takes us through our time at Art Basel in Miami exploring the culture, attending some interesting events, and learning what it takes to be relevant in this day and age. We end it off by analyzing the impact social media has truly had on the authenticity of mainstream events, and how product marketing has shifted with the change in technology. Finally, we share some wild ride stories that will give you a good laugh and an overview of what our Miami experience was all about. For all this and more, stay tuned to today’s episode. For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/art-basel-miami-recap-pt-1/ Key Points From This Episode: An update of our recent and new projects. Criteria for doing pro bono work as an artist. How Man One landed an interview on Telemundo. The fast-paced life at Art Basel in Miami How Sourdough ended up missing his flight. Little Havana adventures, smoking cigars, breaking phones The evidently "thick" culture of Miami. Staying relevant; is it worth it? Seeing a mother twerking on her child. How social media has influenced sacred cultural moments. Stories about using Uber in Miami.
This episode is a bit different, because our usual partner in crime and regular cohost, Man One, can’t be here today. Instead, we’ve asked a couple of friends from the entertainment business to come in and co-host the show. So, in this episode we are joined by Eric Winter and Jon Steinberg. Eric is a successful actor, producer, and children’s book author who’s currently playing Officer Bradford on ABC’s The Rookie. Jon is a former actor turned entrepreneur and is the creator and executive producer of The Rookie. Inside this episode we dive into what brings us together as artists, no matter what medium you work in and how we all face similar challenges. We also dive into real life stories of a carjacking, an intense police car ride-along through a gang Christmas party, and new story ideas for The Rookie that encompasses the world of graffiti artists. We end it off by discussing Eric and Jon’s new projects and what it means to live a lifestyle that celebrates the arts and supports creativity. For an incredible conversation, stay tuned to today’s episode! For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/abcs-the-rookie-co-lead-eric-winter-co-hosts-the-not-real-art-podcast/ Key Points From This Episode: A little background on Eric and Jon’s careers Importance of being creatively passionate about what you do. Why we need to remember to see art as a business and marketplace. Recognizing that as artists we need to always be prepared work our asses off! Jon’s journey, experience, and process towards getting his big break. Understanding why it is important to actually sell your art. The elevator pitch and quick overview of The Rookie. Story of when Sourdough got car-jacked. A police ride-along during the evening of a gang Christmas party. Learning to separate the shit from the gold in our art. Sourdough’s story idea for The Rookie. Eric’s journey as a children’s book author. What’s next for Jon and Eric in their careers. Dynamics and complexities of being a multi-disciplinary artist. And much more!
On the show today we are welcoming Heidi Johnson of Hijinx PR in Los Angeles. Man One is unfortunately missing in action today but never fear, we still have a great, free-wheeling show for all of you dedicated listeners out there! First off we chat about the upcoming DesignerCon, which we are super excited about and hear from Heidi about how she is involved and what to expect. From there we look at some of the other conventions Heidi helps organize and she also gives us some great stories from a recent trip to Chicago for an event remembering the history of the Black Panthers. The episode then takes a decidedly political turn and we dig into the recent mass shooting in Thousand Oaks, the LA fires and the spectrum of political views as they are spread across the country. We finish thinking about ways in which the US might be able to overcome the huge divides that we currently see between the left and right, Trump supporters and critics and ultimately find a way towards a more functioning and empathetic society. Heavy stuff! Stay tuned for all of that and more! Key Points From This Episode: The upcoming DesignerCon for 2018 in Anaheim, CA Some of the events, panels and screenings that will be at the conference this year. The intersection of virtual reality and fine art. Some of the other events and areas in which Heidi is involved. The LA Art Show and what Heidi is organizing this year. The Black Panther event that Heidi was involved in in Chicago. Racism and the reality of what the elections showed us. Media bubbles and the difference between coastal and middle America. Thinking back on memories of Chicago and LA before climate change. The latest mass shooting in Thousand Oaks. USA’s current political climate, the media and the conservative backlash. Political art and depictions of Trump. Liberal and democratic apathy and being shocked into action. And much more! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Man One — http://www.manone.com/ Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.notarealartist.com Hijinx — https://www.hijinxarts.com/ Hijinx @ Twitter — https://twitter.com/hijinxpr?lang=en Heidi Johnson on Linkedin — https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-johnson-3a38679 Designer Con — https://www.designercon.com/ Comic-Con — https://www.comic-con.org/ Titmouse — https://titmouse.net/ Nancy Baker Cahill — https://nancybakercahill.com/ Nancy Baker Cahill TedTalk — https://nancybakercahill.com/ted-x-talk-september-22-2018 Pro 176 — https://www.artsy.net/artist/pro-176 The LA Art Show — https://www.laartshow.com/ Art Basel — https://www.artbasel.com/ The Price of Everything — http://www.thepriceofeverything.com/ Scooter Braun — http://scooterbraun.com/ Election Night SNL Skit — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHG0ezLiVGc Brett Kavanaugh — https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/brett-kavanaugh
On the show today we are welcoming Heidi Johnson of Hijinx PR in Los Angeles. Man One is unfortunately missing in action today but never fear, we still have a great, free-wheeling show for all of you dedicated listeners out there! First off we chat about the upcoming DesignerCon, which we are super excited about and hear from Heidi about how she is involved and what to expect. From there we look at some of the other conventions Heidi helps organize and she also gives us some great stories from a recent trip to Chicago for an event remembering the history of the Black Panthers. The episode then takes a decidedly political turn and we dig into the recent mass shooting in Thousand Oaks, the LA fires and the spectrum of political views as they are spread across the country. We finish thinking about ways in which the US might be able to overcome the huge divides that we currently see between the left and right, Trump supporters and critics and ultimately find a way towards a more functioning and empathetic society. Heavy stuff! Stay tuned for all of that and more! Key Points From This Episode: The upcoming DesignerCon for 2018 in Anaheim, CA Some of the events, panels and screenings that will be at the conference this year. The intersection of virtual reality and fine art. Some of the other events and areas in which Heidi is involved. The LA Art Show and what Heidi is organizing this year. The Black Panther event that Heidi was involved in in Chicago. Racism and the reality of what the elections showed us. Media bubbles and the difference between coastal and middle America. Thinking back on memories of Chicago and LA before climate change. The latest mass shooting in Thousand Oaks. USA’s current political climate, the media and the conservative backlash. Political art and depictions of Trump. Liberal and democratic apathy and being shocked into action. And much more!
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Man One — http://www.manone.com/ Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.notarealartist.com Hijinx — https://www.hijinxarts.com/ Hijinx @ Twitter — https://twitter.com/hijinxpr?lang=en Heidi Johnson on Linkedin — https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-johnson-3a38679 Designer Con — https://www.designercon.com/ Comic-Con — https://www.comic-con.org/ Titmouse — https://titmouse.net/ Nancy Baker Cahill — https://nancybakercahill.com/ Nancy Baker Cahill TedTalk — https://nancybakercahill.com/ted-x-talk-september-22-2018 Pro 176 — https://www.artsy.net/artist/pro-176 The LA Art Show — https://www.laartshow.com/ Art Basel — https://www.artbasel.com/ The Price of Everything — http://www.thepriceofeverything.com/ Scooter Braun — http://scooterbraun.com/ Election Night SNL Skit — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHG0ezLiVGc Brett Kavanaugh — https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/brett-kavanaugh
In this episode, Man One and Sourdough discuss the launch of it's new monthly event series, NOT REAL ART Club in L.A. (Tickets Available at www.NotRealArt.com) ______ ABOUT NOT REAL ART NOT REAL ART isn’t your prototypical art program produced by art snobs in an ivory tower. NOT REAL ART is an artist-centric talk show for a new generation. NOT REAL ART serves its creative culture fresh, raw and unfiltered straight from the front-lines as it celebrates artists and calls B.S. on the art world! Long-time friends, collaborators and artists, Man One and Scott "Sourdough" Power bring their unique, devil-may-care approach to discussing their mutual love — and hate — for art and culture. Sourdough and Man One’s unique dynamic creates the kind of entertaining back-and-forth only two great friends can share as they discuss the news, stories, people and events of the interesting, curious, provocative and entertaining world of Creative Culture. NOT REAL ART is produced and distributed by Crewest Studio in Los Angeles. About the Hosts Scott “Sourdough” Power, the creator and founder of NOT REAL ART, was born in Michael Jackson’s hometown of Gary, Indiana and grew up in America’s Rust Belt outside Chicago. He was raised by hard-working, God-fearing parents who hoped Sourdough would grow up to do something respectable and good like go to seminary. Instead, he left home to travel the globe in a hedonistic pursuit of life's carnal pleasures — and sourdough. (It's a long sordid tale.) Man One, a renowned artist born and raised in Los Angeles, is a first generation American whose parents immigrated to Los Angeles from Mexico seeking the American Dream. Always an artist but a great athlete too, Man One shunned playing pro soccer to become an artist. Growing up doing graffiti, getting-up all over L.A., Man One's art work today is shown and collected around the world.
In this episode 33 , your hosts Man One and Sourdough discuss the secret to making art history. ______ ABOUT NOT REAL ART NOT REAL ART isn’t your prototypical art program produced by art snobs in an ivory tower. NOT REAL ART is an artist-centric talk show for a new generation. NOT REAL ART serves its creative culture fresh, raw and unfiltered straight from the front-lines as it celebrates artists and calls B.S. on the art world! Long-time friends, collaborators and artists, Man One and Scott "Sourdough" Power bring their unique, devil-may-care approach to discussing their mutual love — and hate — for art and culture. Sourdough and Man One’s unique dynamic creates the kind of entertaining back-and-forth only two great friends can share as they discuss the news, stories, people and events of the interesting, curious, provocative and entertaining world of Creative Culture. NOT REAL ART is produced and distributed by Crewest Studio in Los Angeles. About the Hosts Scott “Sourdough” Power, the creator and founder of NOT REAL ART, was born in Michael Jackson’s hometown of Gary, Indiana and grew up in America’s Rust Belt outside Chicago. He was raised by hard-working, God-fearing parents who hoped Sourdough would grow up to do something respectable and good like go to seminary. Instead, he left home to travel the globe in a hedonistic pursuit of life's carnal pleasures — and sourdough. (It's a long sordid tale.) Man One, a renowned artist born and raised in Los Angeles, is a first generation American whose parents immigrated to Los Angeles from Mexico seeking the American Dream. Always an artist but a great athlete too, Man One shunned playing pro soccer to become an artist. Growing up doing graffiti, getting-up all over L.A., Man One's art work today is shown and collected around the world.
In episode 32, Sourdough wants to tell all about his first trip to Burning Man but Man One doesn't seem to care. Thankfully Sourdough tells all anyway! ______ ABOUT NOT REAL ART NOT REAL ART isn’t your prototypical art program produced by art snobs in an ivory tower. NOT REAL ART is an artist-centric talk show for a new generation. NOT REAL ART serves its creative culture fresh, raw and unfiltered straight from the front-lines as it celebrates artists and calls B.S. on the art world! Long-time friends, collaborators and artists, Man One and Scott "Sourdough" Power bring their unique, devil-may-care approach to discussing their mutual love — and hate — for art and culture. Sourdough and Man One’s unique dynamic creates the kind of entertaining back-and-forth only two great friends can share as they discuss the news, stories, people and events of the interesting, curious, provocative and entertaining world of Creative Culture. NOT REAL ART is produced and distributed by Crewest Studio in Los Angeles. About the Hosts Scott “Sourdough” Power, the creator and founder of NOT REAL ART, was born in Michael Jackson’s hometown of Gary, Indiana and grew up in America’s Rust Belt outside Chicago. He was raised by hard-working, God-fearing parents who hoped Sourdough would grow up to do something respectable and good like go to seminary. Instead, he left home to travel the globe in a hedonistic pursuit of life's carnal pleasures — and sourdough. (It's a long sordid tale.) Man One, a renowned artist born and raised in Los Angeles, is a first generation American whose parents immigrated to Los Angeles from Mexico seeking the American Dream. Always an artist but a great athlete too, Man One shunned playing pro soccer to become an artist. Growing up doing graffiti, getting-up all over L.A., Man One's art work today is shown and collected around the world.
In this episode, hosts Man One and Sourdough rant and rave about a myriad of topics ranging from the new Quincy Jones documentary to Mexican Culture, unprofessional artists to bad customer service, from banking to monopolies, Nordstroms to Verizon, from automation to porn, and on and on and on and on. ______ ABOUT NOT REAL ART NOT REAL ART isn’t your prototypical art program produced by art snobs in an ivory tower. NOT REAL ART is an artist-centric talk show for a new generation. NOT REAL ART serves its creative culture fresh, raw and unfiltered straight from the front-lines as it celebrates artists and calls B.S. on the art world! Long-time friends, collaborators and artists, Man One and Scott "Sourdough" Power bring their unique, devil-may-care approach to discussing their mutual love — and hate — for art and culture. Sourdough and Man One’s unique dynamic creates the kind of entertaining back-and-forth only two great friends can share as they discuss the news, stories, people and events of the interesting, curious, provocative and entertaining world of Creative Culture. NOT REAL ART is produced and distributed by Crewest Studio in Los Angeles. About the Hosts Scott “Sourdough” Power, the creator and founder of NOT REAL ART, was born in Michael Jackson’s hometown of Gary, Indiana and grew up in America’s Rust Belt outside Chicago. He was raised by hard-working, God-fearing parents who hoped Sourdough would grow up to do something respectable and good like go to seminary. Instead, he left home to travel the globe in a hedonistic pursuit of life's carnal pleasures — and sourdough. (It's a long sordid tale.) Man One, a renowned artist born and raised in Los Angeles, is a first generation American whose parents immigrated to Los Angeles from Mexico seeking the American Dream. Always an artist but a great athlete too, Man One shunned playing pro soccer to become an artist. Growing up doing graffiti, getting-up all over L.A., Man One's art work today is shown and collected around the world. For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/heidi-johnson-of-hijinx-pr-co-hosts-not-real-art-podcast/.
In this episode, Man One and Sourdough discuss how travel and environment inspire artists and influence their art. ______ ABOUT THE SHOW Not Real Art is for everyone. But, like art itself, it’s appeal will most definitely vary. Long-time collaborators, creators and hosts, Man One and Scott “Sourdough” Power are proud of Not Real Art’s unique, devil-may-care approach to discussing the current state of contemporary art and culture. If you’re looking for an over intellectualized high brow podcast about contemporary art produced in an ivory tower, Not Real Art isn’t for you. But, if you prefer your cultural fare raw and unfiltered from the front-lines, Not Real Art will definitely suffice. Not Real Art is pro-artist and anti-art snob. Not Real Art aims to celebrate and elevate contemporary artists while calling out hypocrisy and corruption in the art world. Of course, we'll have lots of laughs along the way! The Not Real Art podcast is produced and distributed by Crewest Studio in Los Angeles.
In this episode, Sourdough confesses something big and Man One doesn't like it. ______ ABOUT THE SHOW Not Real Art is for everyone. But, like art itself, it’s appeal will most definitely vary. Long-time collaborators, creators and hosts, Man One and Scott “Sourdough” Power are proud of Not Real Art’s unique, devil-may-care approach to discussing the current state of contemporary art and culture. If you’re looking for an over intellectualized high brow podcast about contemporary art produced in an ivory tower, Not Real Art isn’t for you. But, if you prefer your cultural fare raw and unfiltered from the front-lines, Not Real Art will definitely suffice. Not Real Art is pro-artist and anti-art snob. Not Real Art aims to celebrate and elevate contemporary artists while calling out hypocrisy and corruption in the art world. Of course, we'll have lots of laughs along the way! The Not Real Art podcast is produced and distributed by Crewest Studio in Los Angeles.
In this episode, hosts Man One and Sourdough go deep on the perils of artists working with brands and agencies. They explore the dysfunctional relationship agencies have clients and freelancers and what it can mean for artists who try to work with them. Man One and Sourdough discuss how to manage professional disappointment and the emotional fallout when clients screw you -- and they will. ______ ABOUT THE SHOW Not Real Art is for everyone. But, like art itself, it’s appeal will most definitely vary. Long-time collaborators, creators and hosts, Man One and Scott “Sourdough” Power are proud of Not Real Art’s unique, devil-may-care approach to discussing the current state of contemporary art and culture. If you’re looking for an over intellectualized high brow podcast about contemporary art produced in an ivory tower, Not Real Art isn’t for you. But, if you prefer your cultural fare raw and unfiltered from the front-lines, Not Real Art will definitely suffice. Not Real Art is pro-artist and anti-art snob. Not Real Art aims to celebrate and elevate contemporary artists while calling out hypocrisy and corruption in the art world. Of course, we'll have lots of laughs along the way! The Not Real Art podcast is produced and distributed by Crewest Studio in Los Angeles.
In this episode 26, your hosts Man One and Sourdough discuss the books How To Collect Illegal Debts and Graphic Guide to Infectious Disease. Also, they reminisce about their favorite game shows of the 1970s and Man One's dad appearance on The Gong Show and winning! ______ ABOUT THE SHOW Not Real Art is for everyone. But, like art itself, it’s appeal will most definitely vary. Long-time collaborators, creators and hosts, Man One and Scott “Sourdough” Power are proud of Not Real Art’s unique, devil-may-care approach to discussing the current state of contemporary art and culture. If you’re looking for an over intellectualized high brow podcast about contemporary art produced in an ivory tower, Not Real Art isn’t for you. But, if you prefer your cultural fare raw and unfiltered from the front-lines, Not Real Art will definitely suffice. Not Real Art is pro-artist and anti-art snob. Not Real Art aims to celebrate and elevate contemporary artists while calling out hypocrisy and corruption in the art world. Of course, we'll have lots of laughs along the way! The Not Real Art podcast is produced and distributed by Crewest Studio in Los Angeles.
In this episode, your hosts Man One and Sourdough discuss the perils of parenting. ______ ABOUT THE SHOW Not Real Art is for everyone. But, like art itself, it’s appeal will most definitely vary. Long-time collaborators, creators and hosts, Man One and Scott “Sourdough” Power are proud of Not Real Art’s unique, devil-may-care approach to discussing the current state of contemporary art and culture. If you’re looking for an over intellectualized high brow podcast about contemporary art produced in an ivory tower, Not Real Art isn’t for you. But, if you prefer your cultural fare raw and unfiltered from the front-lines, Not Real Art will definitely suffice. Not Real Art is pro-artist and anti-art snob. Not Real Art aims to celebrate and elevate contemporary artists while calling out hypocrisy and corruption in the art world. Of course, we'll have lots of laughs along the way! The Not Real Art podcast is produced and distributed by Crewest Studio in Los Angeles.
In this episode 24, Sourdough ponders donating his body to art. Also, Sourdough's 5 year old daughter Eden crashes the recording session to become the second guest to be on the podcast. _____ ABOUT THE SHOW Not Real Art is for everyone. But, like art itself, it’s appeal will most definitely vary. Long-time collaborators, creators and hosts, Man One and Scott “Sourdough” Power are proud of Not Real Art’s unique, devil-may-care approach to discussing the current state of contemporary art and culture. If you’re looking for an over intellectualized high brow podcast about contemporary art produced in an ivory tower, Not Real Art isn’t for you. But, if you prefer your cultural fare raw and unfiltered from the front-lines, Not Real Art will definitely suffice. Not Real Art is pro-artist and anti-art snob. Not Real Art aims to celebrate and elevate contemporary artists while calling out hypocrisy and corruption in the art world. Of course, we'll have lots of laughs along the way! The Not Real Art podcast is produced and distributed by Crewest Studio in Los Angeles.
In episode 23, Man One and Sourdough host their first VIP guest, photographer extraordinaire Bryan "Birdman" Mier. Hear how the one L.A. artists call "Birdman" became the go-to photographer in L.A. Learn how Birdman went from teaching himself how to use a camera to shooting celebrities for TMZ, the hottest graffiti artists, street artists, gallery openings and art scene parties in Los Angeles and around the world. ______ ABOUT NOT REAL ART Not Real Art is for everyone. But, like art itself, it’s appeal will most definitely vary. Long-time collaborators, creators and hosts, Man One and Scott “Sourdough” Power are proud of Not Real Art’s unique, devil-may-care approach to discussing the current state of contemporary art and culture. If you’re looking for an over intellectualized high brow podcast about contemporary art produced in an ivory tower, Not Real Art isn’t for you. But, if you prefer your cultural fare raw and unfiltered from the front-lines, Not Real Art will definitely suffice. Not Real Art is pro-artist and anti-art snob. Not Real Art aims to celebrate and elevate contemporary artists while calling out hypocrisy and corruption in the art world. Of course, we'll have lots of laughs along the way! The Not Real Art podcast is produced and distributed by Crewest Studio in Los Angeles.
In episode 22, your hosts Man One and Sourdough discusses Man One's trip to New Orleans to attend American Library Association Annual Conference and accept this Siebert Award Honor for his work illustrating the children's book, Roy Choi and The Street Food Re-Mix ______ ABOUT THE SHOW Not Real Art is for everyone. But, like art itself, it’s appeal will most definitely vary. Long-time collaborators, creators and hosts, Man One and Scott “Sourdough” Power are proud of Not Real Art’s unique, devil-may-care approach to discussing the current state of contemporary art and culture. If you’re looking for an over intellectualized high brow podcast about contemporary art produced in an ivory tower, Not Real Art isn’t for you. But, if you prefer your cultural fare raw and unfiltered from the front-lines, Not Real Art will definitely suffice. Not Real Art is pro-artist and anti-art world. Not Real Art aims to celebrate and elevate contemporary artists while calling out hypocrisy and corruption in the art world. Of course, we'll have lots of laughs along the way! The Not Real Art podcast is produced and distributed by Crewest Studio in Los Angeles.
In this episode, your host Man One learns why 'Mr. X", his co-host and creator of Not Real Art, is adopting the pseudonym "Sourdough" for the show. Plus, they talk shit about airsoft guns and grown men playing war games. ______ ABOUT THE SHOW Not Real Art is for everyone. But, like art itself, it’s appeal will vary. Long-time collaborators, creators and hosts, Man One and Scott “Sourdough” Power are proud of Not Real Art’s unique, devil-may-care approach to discussing the current state of contemporary art and culture. If you’re looking for an over intellectualized high brow podcast about contemporary art produced in an ivory tower, Not Real Art isn’t for you. But, if you prefer your cultural fare raw and unfiltered from the front-lines, Not Real Art will definitely suffice. Not Real Art is pro-artist and anti-art world. Not Real Art aims to celebrate and elevate contemporary artists while calling out hypocrisy and corruption in the art world. Of course, we'll have lots of laughs along the way! Each episode is approx. 15-30 minutes long, because Sourdough and Man One understand your time is super valuable. They also upload several episodes at once so you can binge listen, if you want. The Not Real Art podcast is produced and distributed by Crewest Studio in Los Angeles.
Episode 20 of Not Real Art covers a lot ground. From Socrates to Trump, fortune cookies to prostate exams and Mexicans to Gay Doctors, hosts "Mr. X" and Man One end up on Mars with this one. ______ ABOUT THE SHOW Not Real Art is for everyone. But like art itself, it’s appeal will vary. Long-time collaborators, creators and hosts, Man One and Scott “Sourdough” Power are proud of Not Real Art’s unique, devil-may-care approach to discussing the current state of contemporary art and culture. If you’re looking for an over intellectualized high brow podcast about contemporary art produced in an ivory tower, Not Real Art isn’t for you. But, if you prefer your cultural fare raw and unfiltered from the front-lines, Not Real Art will definitely suffice. Not Real Art is pro-artist and anti-art world. Not Real Art aims to celebrate and elevate contemporary artists while calling out hypocrisy and corruption in the art world. Of course, we'll have lots of laughs along the way! Each episode is approx. 15-30 minutes long, because Sourdough and Man One understand your time is super valuable. They also upload several episodes at once so you can binge listen, if you want. The Not Real Art podcast is produced and distributed by Crewest Studio in Los Angeles.
In episode 19 of Not Real Art, Sourdough calls out Man One on the messy state of his studio as they discuss the genius of Donald Glover (aka Childish Gambino), sweatshops, Mexican Mother's Day and the magical talent and cardistry of "Not A Real Artist" Anna DeGuzman. Shout outs to: Anna DeGuzman, Graffiti The City, Mark Brickey, Donald Glover
In episode 18 of Not Real Art, your hosts call out corruption in the art world, discuss some of the ways artists get ripped off and why artists must know their bottom line. ______ ABOUT THE SHOW Not Real Art is for everyone. But, like art itself, it’s appeal will most definitely vary. Long-time collaborators, creators and hosts, Man One and Scott “Sourdough” Power are proud of Not Real Art’s unique, devil-may-care approach to discussing the current state of contemporary art and culture. If you’re looking for an over intellectualized high brow podcast about contemporary art produced in an ivory tower, Not Real Art isn’t for you. But, if you prefer your cultural fare raw and unfiltered from the front-lines, Not Real Art will definitely suffice. Not Real Art is pro-artist and anti-art world. Not Real Art aims to celebrate and elevate contemporary artists while calling out hypocrisy and corruption in the art world. Of course, we'll have lots of laughs along the way! Each episode is approx. 15-30 minutes long, because Sourdough and Man One understand your time is super valuable. They also upload several episodes at once so you can binge listen, if you want. The Not Real Art podcast is produced and distributed by Crewest Studio in Los Angeles.
In episode 17, NRA Man One and Sourdough hosts discuss the importance of good teachers and the art of teaching while they reminisce about school day memories. Shout outs to: Mr. Preston, Mr. Livingston and Double Dose Twins ______ ABOUT THE SHOW Not Real Art is for everyone. But, like art itself, it’s appeal will most definitely vary. Long-time collaborators, creators and hosts, Man One and Scott “Sourdough” Power are proud of Not Real Art’s unique, devil-may-care approach to discussing the current state of contemporary art and culture. If you’re looking for an over intellectualized high brow podcast about contemporary art produced in an ivory tower, Not Real Art isn’t for you. But, if you prefer your cultural fare raw and unfiltered from the front-lines, Not Real Art will definitely suffice. Not Real Art is pro-artist and anti-art world. Not Real Art aims to celebrate and elevate contemporary artists while calling out hypocrisy and corruption in the art world. Of course, we'll have lots of laughs along the way! Each episode is approx. 15-30 minutes long, because Sourdough and Man One understand your time is super valuable. They also upload several episodes at once so you can binge listen, if you want. The Not Real Art podcast is produced and distributed by Crewest Studio in Los Angeles.
In this episode #16, Man One and "Mr.X" clarify and document the origin story of ground-breaking art gallery Crewest which Man One founded in Los Angeles, curating over 100 exhibitions during its ten year history, 2002-2012
In this episode, Man One and "Mr. X" call out corporate culture vulture Windex and discuss how artists innovate for the sake of their artistic vision and drive innovation in technology. Shout outs to: @Marka_27 and @Klopsito
In this episode of NOT REAL ART, your hosts discuss the phenomena of "artist" Karina Garcia and they too can get paid being slimy.
In episode 13, your hosts Man One and "Mr.X" critique the graffiti art show Beyond the Streets curated by Roger Gastman.
In this episode, your hosts breakdown art fairs and the role they play in the lives of artists and galleries.
In episode 10, your hosts discuss their #1 fan Siri, the dark web, Danny Trejo, doughnuts, the movie Heat, Salma Hayek, Johnnie Walker, real art and starving artists ____ ABOUT THE SHOW Not Real Art is for everyone. But, like art itself, it’s appeal will most definitely vary. Long-time collaborators, creators and hosts, Man One and Scott “Sourdough” Power are proud of Not Real Art’s unique, devil-may-care approach to discussing the current state of contemporary art and culture. If you’re looking for an over intellectualized high brow podcast about contemporary art produced in an ivory tower, Not Real Art isn’t for you. But, if you prefer your cultural fare raw and unfiltered from the front-lines, Not Real Art will definitely suffice. Not Real Art is pro-artist and anti-art world. Not Real Art aims to celebrate and elevate contemporary artists while calling out hypocrisy and corruption in the art world. Of course, we'll have lots of laughs along the way! Each episode is approx. 15-30 minutes long, because Sourdough and Man One understand your time is super valuable. They also upload several episodes at once so you can binge listen, if you want. The Not Real Art podcast is produced and distributed by Crewest Studio in Los Angeles.
In episode 9, your hosts discuss Prince, Public Enemy, Chuck D, Coolio, movies, IG, Microsoft, Marka27, Gajin Fujita, Codak Smith, Kook and Revok. ______ ABOUT THE SHOW Not Real Art is for everyone. But, like art itself, it’s appeal will most definitely vary. Long-time collaborators, creators and hosts, Man One and Scott “Sourdough” Power are proud of Not Real Art’s unique, devil-may-care approach to discussing the current state of contemporary art and culture. If you’re looking for an over intellectualized high brow podcast about contemporary art produced in an ivory tower, Not Real Art isn’t for you. But, if you prefer your cultural fare raw and unfiltered from the front-lines, Not Real Art will definitely suffice. Not Real Art is pro-artist and anti-art world. Not Real Art aims to celebrate and elevate contemporary artists while calling out hypocrisy and corruption in the art world. Of course, we'll have lots of laughs along the way! Each episode is approx. 15-30 minutes long, because Sourdough and Man One understand your time is super valuable. They also upload several episodes at once so you can binge listen, if you want. The Not Real Art podcast is produced and distributed by Crewest Studio in Los Angeles.
In this episode, your hosts discuss graffiti culture, street art, labels, cultural appropriation and art schools. ______ ABOUT THE SHOW Not Real Art is for everyone. But, like art itself, it’s appeal will most definitely vary. Long-time collaborators, creators and hosts, Man One and Scott “Sourdough” Power are proud of Not Real Art’s unique, devil-may-care approach to discussing the current state of contemporary art and culture. If you’re looking for an over intellectualized high brow podcast about contemporary art produced in an ivory tower, Not Real Art isn’t for you. But, if you prefer your cultural fare raw and unfiltered from the front-lines, Not Real Art will definitely suffice. Not Real Art is pro-artist and anti-art world. Not Real Art aims to celebrate and elevate contemporary artists while calling out hypocrisy and corruption in the art world. Of course, we'll have lots of laughs along the way! Each episode is approx. 15-30 minutes long, because Sourdough and Man One understand your time is super valuable. They also upload several episodes at once so you can binge listen, if you want. The Not Real Art podcast is produced and distributed by Crewest Studio in Los Angeles.
In episode 7, your hosts Man One and Sourdough discuss marriage, divorce, Melania Trump, globalism, racism, civil rights, global warming, humanism, hope, street art and graffiti. ______ ABOUT THE SHOW Not Real Art is for everyone. But, like art itself, it’s appeal will most definitely vary. Long-time collaborators, creators and hosts, Man One and Scott “Sourdough” Power are proud of Not Real Art’s unique, devil-may-care approach to discussing the current state of contemporary art and culture. If you’re looking for an over intellectualized high brow podcast about contemporary art produced in an ivory tower, Not Real Art isn’t for you. But, if you prefer your cultural fare raw and unfiltered from the front-lines, Not Real Art will definitely suffice. Not Real Art is pro-artist and anti-art world. Not Real Art aims to celebrate and elevate contemporary artists while calling out hypocrisy and corruption in the art world. Of course, we'll have lots of laughs along the way! Each episode is approx. 15-30 minutes long, because Sourdough and Man One understand your time is super valuable. They also upload several episodes at once so you can binge listen, if you want. The Not Real Art podcast is produced and distributed by Crewest Studio in Los Angeles.
In episode 6 of Not Real Art, your hosts Man One and Sourdough discuss Siri, Coca-Cola, The Business of Art, clients, selling out, the failure of art schools, ghetto birds, artist exploitation, business tips for artists and legendary artist Overton Loyd. ______ ABOUT THE SHOW Not Real Art is for everyone. But, like art itself, it’s appeal will most definitely vary. Long-time collaborators, creators and hosts, Man One and Scott “Sourdough” Power are proud of Not Real Art’s unique, devil-may-care approach to discussing the current state of contemporary art and culture. If you’re looking for an over intellectualized high brow podcast about contemporary art produced in an ivory tower, Not Real Art isn’t for you. But, if you prefer your cultural fare raw and unfiltered from the front-lines, Not Real Art will definitely suffice. Not Real Art is pro-artist and anti-art world. Not Real Art aims to celebrate and elevate contemporary artists while calling out hypocrisy and corruption in the art world. Of course, we'll have lots of laughs along the way! Each episode is approx. 15-30 minutes long, because Sourdough and Man One understand your time is super valuable. They also upload several episodes at once so you can binge listen, if you want. The Not Real Art podcast is produced and distributed by Crewest Studio in Los Angeles.
In episode 5 of Not Real Art, your hosts Man One and Scott "Sourdough" Power discuss felonies and misdemeanors, anonymity, rock stars and artists, DJ Kaled, The Business of Art, commercial art vs. fine art, Los Diablos, Hip Hop Culture, The POC Struggle, Racial Profiling, Paul Stanley and KISS. ______ ABOUT NOT REAL ART Not Real Art is for everyone. But, like art itself, it’s appeal will most definitely vary. Long-time collaborators, creators and hosts, Man One and Scott "Sourdough" Power are proud of Not Real Art’s unique, devil-may-care approach to discussing the current state of contemporary art and culture. If you’re looking for an over intellectualized high brow podcast about contemporary art produced in an ivory tower, Not Real Art isn’t for you. But, if you prefer your cultural fare raw and unfiltered from the front-lines, Not Real Art will definitely suffice. Not Real Art is pro-artist and anti-art world. Not Real Art aims to celebrate and elevate contemporary artists while calling out hypocrisy and corruption in the art world. Of course, we'll have lots of laughs along the way! Each episode is approx. 15-30 minutes long, because Sourdough and Man One understand your time is super valuable. They also upload several episodes at once so you can binge listen, if you want. The Not Real Art podcast is produced and distributed by Crewest Studio in Los Angeles.
In this episode, your hosts Man One and Scott "Sourdough" Power discuss Real Art vs. Not Real Art, Socrate's Gadfly, The Myth of Being an Artist, Their Daughters, Soccer, Scholarships, Appeasing The Gods, Born Again Pagans, Evangelicals, Bible Belts and Holy Smokes, and much more. ______ ABOUT NOT REAL ART Not Real Art is for everyone. But, like art itself, it’s appeal will most definitely vary. Long-time collaborators, creators and hosts, Man One and Scott "Sourdough" Power are proud of Not Real Art’s unique, devil-may-care approach to discussing the current state of contemporary art and culture. If you’re looking for an over intellectualized high brow podcast about contemporary art produced in an ivory tower, Not Real Art isn’t for you. But, if you prefer your cultural fare raw and unfiltered from the front-lines, Not Real Art will definitely suffice. Not Real Art is pro-artist and anti-art world. Not Real Art aims to celebrate and elevate contemporary artists while calling out hypocrisy and corruption in the art world. Of course, we'll have lots of laughs along the way! Each episode is approx. 15-30 minutes long, because Scott "Sourdough" Power and Man One understand your time is super valuable. They also upload several episodes at once so you can binge listen, if you want. The Not Real Art podcast is produced and distributed by Crewest Studio in Los Angeles.
In this episode, your hosts Man One and Scott "Sourdough" Power discuss Kanye West, Donald Trump, OJ, Bill Cosby, racism, white privilege, gender profiling, smoke buddies and the difference between being Chicano vs. Latino vs Hispanic. ______ ABOUT NOT REAL ART Not Real Art is for everyone. But, like art itself, it’s appeal will most definitely vary. Long-time collaborators, creators and hosts, Man One and Scott "Sourdough" Power are proud of Not Real Art’s unique, devil-may-care approach to discussing the current state of contemporary art and culture. If you’re looking for an over intellectualized high brow podcast about contemporary art produced in an ivory tower, Not Real Art isn’t for you. But, if you prefer your cultural fare raw and unfiltered from the front-lines, Not Real Art will definitely suffice. Not Real Art is pro-artist and anti-art world. Not Real Art aims to celebrate and elevate contemporary artists while calling out hypocrisy and corruption in the art world. Of course, we'll have lots of laughs along the way! Each episode is approx. 15-30 minutes long, because Scott "Sourdough" Power and Man One understand your time is super valuable. They also upload several episodes at once so you can binge listen, if you want. The Not Real Art podcast is produced and distributed by Crewest Studio in Los Angeles.
In this episode of Not Real Art, your hosts Man One and Scott "Sourdough" Power discuss Fame vs. Fortune, L.A. artist/chef Roy Choi, graffiti art in children's books, Readers-To-Eaters Publishing Co, Red Pills vs. Blue Pills and much more. ______ ABOUT NOT REAL ART Not Real Art is for everyone. But, like art itself, it’s appeal will most definitely vary. Long-time collaborators, creators and hosts, Man One and Mr. X are proud of Not Real Art’s unique, devil-may-care approach to discussing the current state of contemporary art and culture. If you’re looking for an over intellectualized high brow podcast about contemporary art produced in an ivory tower, Not Real Art isn’t for you. But, if you prefer your cultural fare raw and unfiltered from the front-lines, Not Real Art will definitely suffice. Not Real Art is pro-artist and anti-art world. Not Real Art aims to celebrate and elevate contemporary artists while calling out hypocrisy and corruption in the art world. Of course, we'll have lots of laughs along the way! Each episode is approx. 15-30 minutes long, because Mr. X and Man One understand your time is super valuable. They also upload several episodes at once so you can binge listen, if you want. The Not Real Art podcast is produced and distributed by Crewest Studio in Los Angeles.
In this premier episode, your hosts Man One and Scott "Sourdough" Power introduce their new podcast, discuss their motivations and vision for Not Real Art while also discussing life in L.A., flying cars, Elon Musk, mortality and meteorites. ______ ABOUT NOT REAL ART Not Real Art is for everyone. But, like art itself, it’s appeal will most definitely vary. Long-time collaborators, creators and hosts, Man One and Scott "Sourdough" Power are proud of Not Real Art’s unique, devil-may-care approach to discussing the current state of contemporary art and culture. If you’re looking for an over intellectualized high brow podcast about contemporary art produced in an ivory tower, Not Real Art isn’t for you. But, if you prefer your cultural fare raw and unfiltered from the front-lines, Not Real Art will definitely suffice. Not Real Art is pro-artist and anti-art world. Not Real Art aims to celebrate and elevate contemporary artists while calling out hypocrisy and corruption in the art world. Of course, we'll have lots of laughs along the way! Each episode is approx. 15-30 minutes long, because Scott "Sourdough" Power and Man One understand your time is super valuable. They also upload several episodes at once so you can binge listen, if you want. The Not Real Art podcast is produced and distributed by Crewest Studio in Los Angeles. For more information about artists, links and resources from this episode, please visit https://notrealart.com/announcing-not-real-art-podcast/.
Thanks for the promo Siri! ______ ABOUT NOT REAL ART Not Real Art is for everyone. But, like art itself, it’s appeal will most definitely vary. Long-time collaborators, creators and hosts, Man One and Mr. X are proud of Not Real Art’s unique, devil-may-care approach to discussing the current state of contemporary art and culture. If you’re looking for an over intellectualized high brow podcast about contemporary art produced in an ivory tower, Not Real Art isn’t for you. But, if you prefer your cultural fare raw and unfiltered from the front-lines, Not Real Art will definitely suffice. Not Real Art is pro-artist and anti-art world. Not Real Art aims to celebrate and elevate contemporary artists while calling out hypocrisy and corruption in the art world. Of course, we'll have lots of laughs along the way! Each episode is approx. 15-30 minutes long, because Mr. X and Man One understand your time is super valuable. They also upload several episodes at once so you can binge listen, if you want. The Not Real Art podcast is produced and distributed by Crewest Studio in Los Angeles.