Hi I’m Chris Stafford host of the AART podcast about women in the visual arts and I wanted to let you know  lyou that I will be back in the New Year with a new season and we have a wonderful line up to kick off Season 3 starting in January with Jeanne Tyson the Los Angeles-based cinematographer and filmmaker. Her work includes narrative and documentary features, shorts, and series, and has been featured in film festivals worldwide. Jeanne has been the Director of Photography for ABC’s Gray Anatomy for the past two seasons and will shortly begin shooting Season 22.
 
Also in January the Toronto based Romanian Hyperrealist Artist Sinziana Lordache who specializes in Detailed Graphite Drawings of luxury Watches. Sinziana’s produces photorealistic and hyperrealistic drawings with each meticulously placed stroke, every shade and tone, carefully chosen, her artwork reflects not just timepieces, but the epitome of horological elegance. 

If you’ve been a listener to the show you will know we have 90 episodes across seasons 1 and 2.  And season 3 will offer another great selection of talented creative women from across the spectrum of visual arts.
 
I’m thrilled that this podcast has been so well received and given me the opportunity to introduce you to so many brilliant women artists and I look forward to another season. Keep in mind that Season 3 will be bi-weekly. The reason for that is so I have more time in post production.  So I hope you’ll stay with me, follow @theaartpodcast on Instagram and on YouTube Just look for The AART Podcast. We also have a new email address and that’s [email protected].
Please share this podcast with anyone you think will enjoy the show and tell them they can listen won any podcast app.
 
I hope you will join me for season 3 in 2025.

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On the season finale of Season 2 our guest is the Chinese Sculptor Lirong Luo.  Lirong says: "Most important for me is to create my artwork freely and show people what I am ready to show and what is interesting for me to show the world.”  Lirong’s sculptural work is influenced by Renaissance and Baroque techniques, an interest she developed while studying art in Beijing under the tutelage of Sun Jia Bo. This influence is evident in the life-like quality and grace of her figures, often women, captured in motion. Their poses are elegant, elongating their bodies, and Lirong’s attention to detail in skin folds and garment drapery imbues them with a sense of vitality. The dresses and garments of her sculptures often appear windswept, creating a compelling dichotomy between realism and a fantastical element. But her early life was not easy. Growing up in a small village in China, Lirong's path was filled with hard work and a determination to prove without anyone to show her the way that a Chinese woman could become a successful international artist. In this episode, she shares her story of resilience, her vision and artistic process, and how she created her own path in the art world. Lirong was born in the Hunan Province in 1980. Her parents, Huaifu Luo and Aiyu Guo are both farmers. She has a brother, Liping Luo. In 1998, Lirong entered the Changsha Academy of Arts in Changsha, Hunan, and from 2000-2005 she studied sculpture at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing graduating with honors. Lirong met her future husband the Belgian sculptor Arnaud Laroche while they were students together and once Lirong graduated the couple decided to move to Europe. They first lived in Paris where Lirong worked in a chocolate factory before moving to Belgium. It was here that she established a studio and in 2014 held her first exhibition. By 2017 Lirong had hit the big time and now her work can be seen in galleries in France and Belgium. Lirong lives in Beersel, Belgium with her husband Arnaud Laroche and their daughters Olivia and Maya.
 
Lirong’s links:
Instagram: @luo_li_rong_art 
https://www.instagram.com/luo_li_rong_art/?hl=en
Facebook:  LUO Li Rong
https://www.facebook.com/p/LUO-LI-RONG-100044201991035/

Lirong’s favorite female artists:
Camille Claudel
Kiki Smith
Beth Cavener 

Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
Follow @theaartpodcast on Instagram
Email: [email protected]

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This week the Russian-born Illusion Body Artist Vika Bren. Vika says: “At the heart of my work is the fascinating interplay between reality and illusion. Each piece I create is a visual journey, where things aren't always as they first appear. My illustrations and paintings often feature subjects that seem to shift, transform, or disappear depending on the viewer's perspective.”  Vika’s talent has attracted millions of followers on social media making her something of a rock star in the world of body art illusion. But her versatility as an artist is no surprise given her lifelong flair for creativity.  Vika was born on New Year’s Day, 1989 in Moscow. She is the oldest of five children whose parents Marina and Dimitri were both architects and also talented artists. When Vika was still a toddler the family moved to Israel and from the age of seven to eleven she had a private art teacher. After that she said she has been completely self taught. Once she left school she tried her hand at graphic designing but soon realized that this would not fulfill her artistically. During the Covid pandemic, Vika saw the opportunity to develop her art work online and even through two wars she has managed to establish herself with a global reputation. Through the daily threat of rockets and background of sirens, Vika works in a converted garage, which has become her studio. She will be a visiting artist at Art Basel Miami Beach on December 6, 2024. Vika lives in Shavei Zion, Israel with her partner, the musician Assaf, and daughters Yahel and Lia.
 
Vika’s links:
Website: https://vikabrenart.com/ 
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@VikaBren
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/vikabrenart?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=d7b8a77d-9ef6-467a-ba90-fcbec1ee71de
 
Vika’s favorite artist: Dain Yoon
 
AART Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
Follow @theaartpodcast on Instagram
AART on Facebook
Email: [email protected]

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.

This week the American ceramic artist Heather Knight.  Heather says: "With my work I hope to bridge modern design and the natural world by paring down the essence of things to repetitive textures and basic form.” Heather’s all-hand built creations become unique pieces of art of the finest heirloom quality. Heather was born in Houston, TX in 1977; the second youngest of ten siblings in a blended family, which she describes as chaotic. She attended numerous schools as a child and after discovering ceramics in high school she eventually blazed her own trail by choosing colleges with arts programs. However, in 1999, Heather left the College of Charleston to pursue cooking, then later in 2006 she graduated from the University of North Carolina, Asheville with a BFA in Ceramics. After spending time as a chef, Heather returned to art and decided to turn it into a business. She opened Element Clay Studios in Asheville, NC in 2007 and established her style, which is widely recognized for its striking combination of modern textures, patterns and shapes by nature. Heather now lives in Savannah, GA with her two sons Caleb and Oliver.
 
Heather’s link:
https://www.elementclaystudio.com/#/
@elementclaystudio 
https://www.instagram.com/elementclaystudio
 
Heather’s favorite female artists:
Giselle Hicks
Pamela Sunday
Valeria Nascimiento
Ariele Alasko 

Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
Follow @theaartpodcast on Instagram
AART on Facebook
Email: [email protected]

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.

The American cinematographer Christina Dobre was drawn to cinematography through her combined interests in storytelling, photography and psychology.  She say: she strives to create emotionally-driven imagery that helps us to feel, to connect and to heal. Her first professional production as a crew member was the 2013 drama CREEDMORIA about a teenage girl growing up in a dysfunctional family. It was a story she says that resonated with her. Christina was born in New Jersey in 1995, the middle of three children; she has an older sister and younger brother. Her father Dumitru was an immigrant from the Communist state of Romania - he emigrated to the US as a teenager and eventually became a Public Service Electrician. Her mother Donna is a nurse and instilled in Christina diverse values which have shaped her personality. an early interest in photography that she picked up from her father began the foundation to her career and by the time she attended Pennsbury High School in Fairless Hill, PA, Christina knew that story telling through film was her calling. In 2019 she graduated Fordham University in New York with a BA in Communications with a focus on Film Studies. Her determination to break into the industry was soon rewarded with a variety of productions from commercials to music, including THE KING for Sarah Kingsley, and narrative shorts, like AT NIGHT that was screened at an Academy Qualifying Festival.  Christina also advocates for women in camera through online education and by sharing her experiences as a woman in camera with her filmmaking community on social media. Christina was accepted in the ASC Vision Mentorship Program for 2024-25. She lives with her partner Johann Beute in New York.
 
Christina’s links: https://christinadobre.com/ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5992321/
Instagram: @christinadobre
https://www.instagram.com/christinadobre
 
Some of Christina’s favorite women artists:
Polly Morgan
Rina Yang
Kira Kelly
Kate Arizmendi
Alicia Slimmer
Barbie Leung
Kat Castro
Charlie Gillette 

Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
Follow @theaartpodcast on Instagram
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Email: [email protected]

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This week the French underwater filmmaker Nathalie Lasselin. Nathalie has produced and directed 12 critically acclaimed underwater documentaries that have received numerous awards at international festivals and been distributed globally. She has also contributed to more than 200 feature films, documentaries and productions as a director of photography, underwater cameraman and divemaster.  She is known for her 2013 Sustainability at Sea, the 2015 TV Mini Series Ascension and the 2021 Secret of the Whales. Nathalie is also in demand as a speaker and expedition leader.  She says: “The more I travel around the world, the more I realize the multitude of small actions we can take to change the health of our immediate environment.”  Nathalie was born in the north of France in 1970.  Her natural curiosity for the planet and the environment has guided her since childhood to become an explorer and to produce images that have an impact on educating and informing a wider public. Nathalie graduated from the University of Montreal in 1992 in Movie Studies, by which time she had already decided that she wanted to leave her native France and settle in Canada.  Nathalie’s mission is to push the limits, to go deep within yourself and share the riches and fragilities of our earth through 360° exploration. Nathalie has been inducted into the Women Diver Hall of Fame and The Explorers Club. She lives in Montreal with her partner.
 
Nathalie’s links: https://nathalielasselin.com/en/
Instagram: @quapixnat 
https://www.instagram.com/aquapixnat/
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0489811/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
 
Nathalie’s favorite female artists:
Maroesjka Lavign
Gayle Kabloona
MissMe 

Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
Follow @theaartpodcast on Instagram
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Email: [email protected]

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This week we meet the Russian-Australian contemporary realism artist Anna Speirs. Anna says: ‘My work is inspired by the beauty of Australian nature, focusing on tone, shape, and contrast. I often use objects from my local surroundings in my compositions.’  Anna was born in Kalyazin, in the Tver region of Russia in 1981. She has an older sister Marina. Her mother Natalia is an accountant and her father Mikhail, a carpenter. Anna’s interest in art began at an early age and she was mostly preoccupied with drawing and painting at home. Her parents recognized her talent and supported her educational choices; she attended the Kalyazin Art School from 1995-2001 followed by the Tver Art College from 2001-2005 where she graduated with a Degree in Design and Monumental Decorative Art, and the State Academy of Arts and Industry S.G. Stroganov in Moscow from 2013-2014. It was whilst she was at the State Academy that she took a vacation to Bali and met the man who would become her husband. Their romance took precedence over finishing school and Anna decided to move to Australia where her new life enabled her to become a professional artist. Anna has been a finalist for numerous awards and her work can be seen in various countries as well as being shown extensively across Western Australia and South Australia. Anna is married to Ben and the couple live in Perth, WA with their three children; Mitchell, Jackson and Ashlee.
 
Anna’s website: https://www.annaspeirsart.com/
Anna on Instagram: @annaspeirsart 
https://www.instagram.com/annaspeirsart/

Anna’s favorite female artists:
Robin Cole
Bernadett Timko
Kristen Valle Yann
Charlotte Sorapure
Samantha Dennison
Zoe Young
Ruth Fitton
Kayla Martell 

Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
Follow @theaartpodcast on Instagram
AART on Facebook
Email: [email protected]


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The New Zealand-Australian photo realistic artist Bella McGoldrick says her intention is first to present the subjects to which she's had a connection and secondly to bring a connection between those subjects and the viewer, to take them back to a place, to a time, to a taste or even a smell. Bella was born in Wellington, New Zealand in 1993, the youngest of three girls to parents, Mel McGoldrick and Mark O’Sullivan. When Bella was seven years old, the family moved to Melbourne in search of a new life. Bella developed an interest in art from an early age and her talent soon became apparent when she started taking commissions for portrait drawings as a teenager. But it was her interest in fashion design that guided her career and she graduated from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Fashion Design degree. As a student Bella spent time in Paris surviving on a minimal budget until she sold her first artwork and then took off for a tour of Europe before returning to school in Melbourne. Her lust for travel became her focal point and with her heart set on New York she made her way to the Big Apple finding work as an intern in the fashion industry. Meanwhile Bella continued to take commissions for her art and with a new boyfriend—who later became her husband—they spent time in London before moving to Colorado. It was from there that Bella was deported from the US and with her now fiancée travelled around until finally returning to Australia.  Now as an established and sought-after artist Bella is settled in Byron Bay with her husband Tyler and twin boys Rome and Ruby.
 
Bella’s website: https://bella.gold/
Instagram @bellamcgoldrick
 https://www.instagram.com/bellamcgoldrick
 
Bella’s favorite female artists:
Chloe Wise
Caroline Pinney
Peggy Guggenheim
Stevie Dance
Sophia Coppola 

Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
Follow @theaartpodcast on Instagram
AART on Facebook
Email: [email protected]


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.

This week is the Australian landscape and still life oil painter Natasha Ruschka. Natasha says: “Taking seemingly simple scenes and transforming them into a beautiful and interesting vignette with only oil paints feels like my very own form of  magic.”  Natasha was born in Subiaco, Western Australia in 1974 and has two step sisters. Her mother Linda is also a prolific artist, as is her biological father John. Natasha was raised by her step-father David, who was an army officer, which meant the family frequently relocated in the South Pacific region.  At the age of four, Natasha moved to Papua New Guinea for two years and again later as a teenager. She attended St Hilda’s School in Southport on the Gold Coast before moving back to Canberra to her family to finish school. After graduating high school Natasha decided to study business computing as a way to find employment.  At the age of 18 she found herself working in the Hyatt hotel where she met her future husband. The couple moved to Brisbane for his work and later to Colorado. It was there that Natasha discovered an interest in art at the Park Hill Art school and she never looked back. The couple returned to Canberra in 2019, by which time Natasha had established herself as an artist. She say’s she doesn’t believe in talent but has a good eye. She loves the excitement of a blank canvas and the promise at the beginning. Natasha lives in Canberra with her husband Greg. They have three children, Nadya, Vienne and Zach.

Natasha’s website: https://www.natasharuschka.com/
Instagram: @natasharuschka 
https://www.instagram.com/natasharuschka_art
 
Natasha’s favorite female artists
Carol Marine
Lori Putnam
Haidee Jo Summers
Clarice Beckett (d)

Margaret Ollie (d)
Hilda Rix Nicholas (d) 

Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
Follow @theaartpodcast on Instagram
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Email: [email protected]

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.

This week we hear from the British seascape artist Victoria Obolensky whose work has been sold worldwide to high profile collectors, including Prince Albert II of Monaco, Ralph Lauren and Joely Richardson. Victoria was born in 1972 in Hammersmith, London, the only child of Linda White, an artist and journalist. Her father Gavin Cowper left the family when Victoria was just six months old and she was raised by her mother and stepfather Alex White who owned Gresham Publishing. The family moved to Malta in the Mediterranean when Victoria was two years old returning to London when she was seven. She attended the Sacred Heart School in Malta followed by the Glendower Girls Primary School in South Kensington. When the family moved to Hampshire, Victoria attended the Rookwood School in Andover. An interest in photography attracted her to the Chelsea School of Art and later the Camberwell School of Art in London and she soon made her mark as a talented photographer exhibiting in the Andipa Gallery in London. Her first career was in journalism following in her mother's footsteps by working for glossy magazines such as Homes & Gardens, Elle, Vanity Fair and Tatler. In 2019, her focus moved to painting and during the Covid lockdown period she established herself as an artist. In the past two years Victoria has sold 480 paintings through her website, social media and galleries.  Victoria lives in Dartmouth, Devon with her son Max and Persian cat Toby.
 
https://victoriaobolensky.com/
Instagram: @victoriaobolensky.art 
https://www.instagram.com/victoriaobolensky.art 
 
Victoria’s favorite female artists:
Katherine Burns
Judy Chicago
Irina Cumberland 

Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
Follow @theaartpodcast on Instagram
AART on Facebook
Email: [email protected]


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.