AART

In this inspiring biographical interview, we sit down with Hannah Epstein — award-winning Director of Photography (DP) and cinematographer — to explore the creative path that led her behind the lens of some of today’s most compelling visual stories. Known for her meticulous eye, intuitive storytelling, and ability to translate emotion into striking imagery, Hannah shares how she discovered her passion for film, built a successful cinematography career, and developed a signature visual style that resonates deeply with audiences. Hannah takes us through her earliest creative influences, her hands-on training across a variety of camera systems, and the professional milestones that shaped her journey. From documentary and narrative work to commercial filmmaking, she discusses the challenges and triumphs of working in fast-paced production environments and the importance of creative collaboration with directors and producers. Listeners will hear about Hannah’s process on set — from shot conception and lighting design to lens selection and color palettes — and gain valuable insight into the artistic and technical mindset of a modern cinematographer. She also speaks about navigating a competitive industry, the importance of mentorship, and how she remains grounded while continuing to grow her body of work. Whether you’re an aspiring DP, filmmaker, film student, or simply someone who loves captivating visual storytelling, this episode offers an authentic look at the craft, discipline, and passion behind remarkable cinematography.

✅ Primary Keywords (SEO) director of photography interview, cinematographer interview, Hannah Epstein, filmmaker podcast, behind the lens, visual storytelling, film production, cinematography career, women in film, camera department, DP workflow, lighting design, commercial filmmaking, narrative filmmaking, filmmaking education, film industry stories, creative career path

BIO
Director of Photography and Cinematographer Hannah Epstein has been with National Football League (NFL) since 2012 and is the first female camera operator on the staff. Hannah was born in Pennington, NJ in 1990 to Terri, a writer and artist, and Jonathan, a lawyer. She has a brother Harrison who works in finance. In her youth, Hannah was a keen sportswoman and played on lacrosse and basketball teams. She became fascinated with cameras at any early age, vigorously studying the fine art of still photography, which provided the foundation for film. She attended Middlebury College in Vermont, which had a film and media culture and where she also enjoyed cinema studies. Hannah also spent a semester in Ireland where she produced music videos. In 2005, Hannah volunteered for the Israel Lacrosse organization, coaching kids and filming the program’s U19 women’s team. Back in the US, Hannah interned in the camera department of the NFL, which led to her current position as Staff Cinematographer. She was DP for HBO’s “Hard Knocks Training Camp, and DP on the TV series Earnin’ It and Abby’s Places, and camera operator on 30 for 30. When she is not on the road with NFL Films, Hannah is working with her parent’s dog Winnie in agility training or taking still photos for fun. She lives in Haddon Heights, NJ. 

Hannah on Instagram @hannah.k.epstein
Hannah’s IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13357021/

Playlist:
Wavelength - Vance
Joy Sunrise - Norah Jones
Ivy - Taylor Swift
Crash Into Me - Dave Matthews Band
Broken Halos - Chris Stapleton
Keep It Loose, Keep it Tight - Amos Lee
Leon Bridges - Brown Skin Girl
If I Ain't Got You - Alicia Keys
Beatles "Rubber Soul" Album

Women visual artists I admire:
Lynsey Addario (photojournalist, conflict photographer)
Sophie Darlington (wildlife cinematographer)
Dorothea Lange (documentary photographer)
Krystle Wright (Nat Geo / Adventure photographer)
Rachel Morrison (cinematographer/director of Photography)

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

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

Hollowell Studios Production
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com/podcasts
Instagram: @theaartpodcast 
Email: [email protected]
© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell Studios
All Rights Reserved

In this inspiring biographical episode, we sit down with American sculptor Leah Jeffery—a rising voice in contemporary sculpture known for her intuitive connection with form, texture, and emotional storytelling. Leah shares her creative journey, from early artistic influences to her evolution as a sculptor working across mediums including clay, bronze, stone, and mixed material installations. Listeners will discover how Leah’s artistic practice blends traditional craftsmanship with modern conceptual ideas to explore themes of identity, memory, and the natural world. She discusses her process of shaping organic forms, the physical and emotional labor behind large-scale sculpture, and how she continues to push the boundaries of material and technique. Leah also opens up about studio life, what it means to create authentically, and how she connects her work to community through public art and exhibition. With honesty and candor, Leah reflects on her challenges, major milestones, and the artistic mentors who shaped her career. Whether you are an emerging artist, sculptor, collector, or simply curious about the creative process, this conversation offers deep insight into the mind and hands of an artist dedicated to bringing raw material to life. Tune in to explore:

• How Leah discovered the transformative power of sculpture
• The meaning behind her signature forms and natural motifs
• Her approach to scale, texture, and working with stone and metal
• Lessons learned from gallery exhibitions and public installations
• The emotional and physical discipline of studio practice
• Advice for young artists building a personal voice

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about sculpture, contemporary art, creative expression, or the journey of becoming an artist.

✅ Suggested Keywords (SEO) American sculptor, Leah Jeffery, contemporary sculpture, modern sculptors, art interview, biographical art podcast, creative process, fine art, sculpting techniques, stone sculpture, bronze sculpture, contemporary art podcast, artist story, studio practice, public art, art exhibitions, mixed media sculpture, women sculptors, emerging artists, creative inspiration, art education, artistic journey.

BIO
American sculptor Leah Jeffery transforms scrap metal into beautiful pieces of art depicting birds and animals. Leah was born in 2000 in Tampa, Florida one of eight children to Suzanne, a home-maker and home-schooler, and Craig, a business consultant. At the age of six months her family moved to Peachtree City, Georgia where she grew up. Her metalworking shop is in Hogansville, GA where she also works part-time in metal fabrication. As a child Leah struggled with school as dyslexia challenged her and she realized that college was not for her. While at school, she learned to weld and was fascinated by the process of being creative with metal so she decided to go to welding school. It was here that she explored techniques to create art beyond functional welding and realized she had a talent for multi-dimensional forms. Leah’s business has grown so much that she is planning to go full-time in the New Year. She says her commissions have taken off this year but her goal is to find a balance between exploring and creating new art forms combining her love of nature. In her spare time, Leah is building her own Cob house. She lives in Peachtree City, GA. 

Leah’s website and Instagram:
https://www.bruisedreedstudio.com/
@bruised_reed_studio

Leah’s Playlist:
June - Briston Maroney
White Blank Page - Mumford and Sons
Surfing in Iceland - Goth Babe
Pyrotechnics - Jean Dawson
Fallingwater - Maggie Rogers
Be Around - Ocie Elliott

Leah’s favorite female artists:
Barbie the Welder
Kutovakika
Jen Phillips

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

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

Hollowell Studios Production
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com/podcasts
Instagram: @theaartpodcast 
Email: [email protected]
© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell Studios
All Rights Reserved

In this inspiring biographical episode, we sit down with Swedish camera operator Sandra Wording, whose evolving career behind the lens has taken her from Scandinavia to film and television sets around the world. Known for her precision, adaptability, and intuitive storytelling sensibility, Wording shares how she developed her craft and built a career in one of the most demanding roles on set. With openness and humor, Sandra reflects on her early creative influences growing up in Sweden, her entry into the film industry, and the mentors and experiences that shaped her visual approach. She breaks down the artistry and technique of camera operation—from framing and movement to collaborating with directors, cinematographers, and on-set teams. Listeners will gain insight into the workflows of film and television production, the challenges of life on set, and the emotional drive behind cinematic storytelling. Sandra also discusses the importance of representation, navigating a competitive industry, and her love of creating images that resonate with audiences. Whether you’re a filmmaker, student, film lover, or simply fascinated by what happens behind the scenes, this interview offers a rich look at the dedication, skill, and creativity required to bring images to life. Tune in for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation with camera operator Sandra Wording, and discover how she continues to frame stories that matter.

Keywords:
Sandra Wording, Sandra Wording interview, Swedish camera operator, camera operator, women in film, women behind the camera, filmmaking, cinematography, film production, TV production, film crew, on-set stories, visual storytelling, Scandinavian filmmakers, creative careers, camera movement, framing, film industry insights, behind the scenes, film and television, camera department, movie making, film workflow, European filmmakers, film craft, storytelling through camera, professional film crew, biographical podcast interview, podcast filmmaking, camera operator spotlight, international filmmakers, film education, film techniques

BIO
Sweden’s Sandra Wörding has established herself as a leading Director of Photography in the male dominated world of sports photography. In 2021 she was named the Sports Photographer of the Year and is regarded as the top female sports camera operator in the world. Sandra was born in 1981 in Dalarna, Sweden to Elisabet and Mauritz Lindström. She has an older brother Marcus and younger brother Martin. Sandra played a variety of sports as a child although not ice hockey but she began filming the sport at the young age of 16. She quickly adapted to the nuances of anticipating a fast paced sport and regularly found work either on the ice or on the ski slopes. From 2017 -2022, Sandra attended Bergklint Education to become a Personal Trainer and Lifestyle Coach. She then studied Photojournalism at Mittuniversitetet in Sundsvall graduating in 2005. Sandra covers a wide variety of sports and in the winter this involves enduring long hours on the ski slopes, filming Nordic sports such as biathlon and of course ice hockey. She lives in Timrå with her two daughters Isabell and Amanda. 

Sandra on Instagram: @sandra.wording_camera.operator

Sandra’s Playlist:
Moov with Golden Temples E-Type with This Is The Way
Zara Larsson with End Of Time
Tomaso Albinoni with Adagio in G Minor
Miss Li with “Starkare"
Alessandra with Queen of Kings.

Women whose work Sandra admires:
Carolina Gynning - Swedish Free Spirit Artist
Veronika Eriksson - Swedish owner / Founder of Veronicc Arts
Malin Jansson - Swedish who uses her body to create amazing artistisk calisthenics in a male dominant genre.
Anna Caroline - Swedish painter

“I admire all the women who stood up for themself and other women that started #Metoo. And all the women and men who keep working for better work conditions for the women in the media industry."
- Sandra Wörding.

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

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

Hollowell Studios Production
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com/podcasts
Instagram: @theaartpodcast 
Email: [email protected]
© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell Studios
All Rights Reserved

Step into the evolving world of contemporary representational art with acclaimed Colorado-based painter Zoey Frank. In this deeply engaging biographical interview, Zoey shares the artistic journey that led her to become one of the most compelling voices in modern painting today. Known for her dynamic approach to figurative and still-life painting, Zoey explores how observation, curiosity, and iteration shape the emotional depth and subtle abstraction found in her work. From her early fascination with painting to her rigorous artistic training and rapidly growing body of collector-favored pieces, Zoey reveals how she develops images over time — layering visual information, altering compositions, and pushing the boundaries between representation and abstraction. She speaks to the rhythms of her creative practice, the importance of environment and experimentation, and the influences that continue to guide her artistic evolution. Listeners will hear about:

• How Zoey builds paintings through accumulation, revision, and playful visual problem-solving
• Her development as a representational painter navigating contemporary art spaces
• The relationship between observation, narrative, and ambiguity in her compositions
• The shifting balance between precision and looseness
• The role of education, mentorship, and critique in an artist’s growth
• What keeps her inspired and curious in the studio

Whether you are a painter, collector, art student, or enthusiast drawn to thoughtful visual storytelling, Zoey offers invaluable insights into her artistic philosophy, studio process, and the ongoing pursuit of meaningful work. This conversation invites you to look more closely, think more deeply, and appreciate how art is built — not just made. If you love hearing directly from the artists shaping today’s creative landscape, you won’t want to miss this inspiring episode.

Keywords:
Zoey Frank, painter, Colorado artist, representational art, contemporary painting, figurative painting, still life painting, fine art podcast, artist interview, art studio practice, art biography, artwork process, oil painting, modern figurative art, art storytelling, creative journey, emerging artists, art collectors, art education, visual art, contemporary artist interview

BIO
Zoey Frank is a Colorado-based painter who works one large multiple figure compositions and still lifes in oil. And a new mother. She received her MFA in painting from Laguna College of Art and Design, California after studying for four years with Juliette Aristides at Gage Academy of Art in Seattle, Washington. Zoey has received three Elizabeth Greenshields grants, her work has been featured in publications such as Fine Art Connoisseur and High Fructose, and she has exhibited in galleries across the United States, England, and the Netherlands. Zoey was born in Boulder, CO in 1987, the only child of Ina Robbins, a psychotherapist and Douglas Frank, an acupuncturist. As a child, Zoey was drawn to arts and crafts. In school, she also enjoyed sports and briefly aspired to become a basketball player. But from the age of 13, she knew that art would be her life-calling and she found her way to art programs that would give her the foundation for her career. While she was studying she worked as a figure model for art courses. Whilst in her MFA program she was already selling her paintings so she was encouraged that once she graduated she could make a living with her art. For a while, Zoey struggled with health issues, which eventually served to confirm her life’s purpose. As her success has grown, so too have her canvases and she is currently working on an 18 feet high by 20 feet wide piece that she began two years ago. Zoey also offers online courses on a variety of subjects. She and her husband Peter and daughter Ida Joan live in Fort Collins, Colorado. 

Zoey's website: https://zoeyfrank.com/
Instagram: @zoeyfrank

Zoe’s Podcast Playlist:
Slate Culture Gabfest
Scriptnotes
Harry Potter and the Sacred Text

Some favorite artists:
Cecily Brown
Njideka Crosby
Lois Dodd
Susan Jane Walp
Susan Litchman
Catherine Kehoe
Jennifer Pochinski
Stephanie Pierce
Celeste Rapone

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

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

Hollowell Studios Production
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com/podcasts
Instagram: @theaartpodcast 
Email: [email protected]
© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell Studios
All Rights Reserved

Step into the cinematic world of Ana Amortegui, an accomplished cinematographer and visual storyteller whose evocative imagery, emotional sensitivity, and innovative approach continue to shape film and television. In this in-depth biographical interview, Ana reflects on her artistic evolution, cultural influences, and the eye-opening journey that led her from early fascination with cameras to becoming a sought-after cinematographer. Listeners gain a behind-the-scenes look at the creative decisions that guide her lighting, composition, and narrative choices—along with the unique challenges and rewards of collaborating with directors, producers, and talent across diverse visual genres. Ana discusses the importance of authenticity in filmmaking, how she builds cinematic language for each story, and her thoughtful approach to representation both in front of and behind the lens. From early inspirations to career-defining projects, this episode explores Ana’s creative process, technical mastery, and artistic discipline—revealing how she balances intuition, emotional storytelling, and craft. She speaks candidly about navigating the film industry, building a network, and making bold creative decisions that have helped her forge a dynamic and enduring visual voice. Whether you're a filmmaker, film student, DP, visual artist, storyteller, or lover of the moving image, you’ll find inspiration and practical insights in Ana’s journey. This conversation is a powerful look at building a career in cinematography and the passion that keeps artists evolving.

✅ Key Topics

• Early creative influences and visual language
• Developing a personal cinematographic style
• Collaboration and communication on set
• Approaches to lighting and composition
• Narrative storytelling through camera movement
• Career milestones and personal breakthroughs
• Representation and identity in cinema
• Navigating film industry opportunities
• Advice for aspiring cinematographers and filmmakers

✅ Keywords (SEO) Ana Amortegui, cinematographer, director of photography, DP interview, filmmaking podcast, visual storytelling, film career, behind the scenes, camera movement, lighting design, composition, film education, movie industry, creative storytelling, women in film, film and television production, cinematography interview, filmmaking journey, artist biography, podcast for filmmakers

BIO
Ana Amortegui, ADFC DP, is a Colombian Director of Photography with a string of credits, including Resident Alien, Black Lightning, Into the Dark, Twenties S2, Gentrified, the web series, Heal and Quantum Leap S1 and S2 which is currently in production. Ana defines passion, determination and focus in her ambitions never letting anything or anyone stand in the way of her goals. And her journey from being a dancer in Colombia has taken her to the heart of Hollywood where women have to fight extra hard to break into the tough world of running camera. But Ana set herself a goal which she never lost sight of and worked her way up from Camera Assistant to DP. Born in Medellin, Colombia in 1979, Ana lost her mother Miriam when she was just seven years old so she was raised with her father Santiago and two brothers Jose and Javier. She proved herself a natural sportswoman, even playing softball for her country, but it was dancing that became an early passion and one that grew into her first career. Undeterred by her father’s opposition to her dancing ambitions she appeased him with being a diligent student and studying electrical engineer. Her talent soon drew the attention of casting directors and producers and she was hired on Protagonists de Novela as their dance teacher. Whilst on set Ana began to develop an interest in camera work and would take every opportunity to learn new skills. Following Electrical Engineering School, Ana graduated from video production and filmmaking at the Art Institute of California in 2010. While she was in school she would work a variety of jobs to make a living until she established herself in the industry. Her determination and passion on set led her from one job to another and she recalls that the turning point coincided with getting pregnant with her daughter Mila. Her friend and fellow Cinematographer Gretchen Warthen says: “Within four years, she achieved everything she told me she was going to do. Ana’s will and positive attitude is amazing. She inspires me always and I am so very proud of all she has accomplished.” During the actors strike Ana made use of the time studying a model of responsible parenting, as well as photography skills and face painting. Ana lives in Los Angeles with her husband actor Danny Pardo and their five year old daughter Mila.

Ana’s Playlist:
Salsa,
Tango,
Regueton
Marc Anthony
Carlos Vives

Some favorite female artists:
Kira Kelly, ASC, DP
Mariscela Mendez, DP
Alicia Robbins, DP
Kendra Jarnagin
Catalina Gomez Beuth, Colombian Painter

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

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

Hollowell Studios Production
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com/podcasts
Instagram: @theaartpodcast 
Email: [email protected]
© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell Studios
All Rights Reserved

In this inspiring biographical interview, Canadian seascape and maritime painter Poppy Balser opens up about her lifelong connection to the ocean and how it shapes her award-winning watercolor and oil paintings. Recognized for her luminous depictions of coastal life, Balser shares her artistic journey—from growing up near the Bay of Fundy to becoming an acclaimed plein-air artist whose work reflects both awe and advocacy for the ocean environment. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how Poppy captures movement, atmosphere, and the changing seasons through her expressive brushwork, and how painting on location challenges her to respond to wind, waves, light, and the unpredictable conditions of nature. She discusses the emotional and technical complexities of maritime art, her plein-air philosophy, and the way her work expresses a profound respect for the sea and the people who depend on it. This episode dives into Poppy’s early influences, creative process, studio and outdoor practices, and her experiences participating in major exhibitions and international plein-air competitions. She reflects on the rewards and risks of painting on the water, how living near the dramatic tides of Nova Scotia informs her perspective, and what she hopes viewers feel when they encounter her artwork. Whether you are a painter, art student, coastal enthusiast, or creative soul seeking inspiration, this conversation offers rare insight into a life shaped by saltwater, weather, and paint. Discover how one artist transforms the rhythms of the ocean into timeless works of art.

✅ Keywords/SEO:
Poppy Balser, maritime artist, seascape painter, watercolor artist, oil painter, plein-air painting, coastal art, Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia artist, maritime painter interview, art podcast, artist biography, creative process, contemporary Canadian artists, marine art, coastal landscapes, ocean paintings, painting outdoors, artist storytelling, art inspiration, painting techniques, visual arts podcast, painter interview, watercolor seascapes, ocean conservation art, maritime culture, plein air watercolor, plein air oil painting.

BIO
Poppy Balser is a Canadian painter of maritime life and seascapes centered around the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia. Poppy was born in St Stephen, New Brunswick growing up in its environs before crossing the bay to settle in Nova Scotia. She has spent a lifetime close to the sea developing a natural connection to its shoreline, which has given her a unique perspective and appreciation for it resources. Poppy is the oldest of three children—she has a brother Owen and sister Rosie—to parents Udo Buerkle, a German immigrant and scientist, and mother Beth, a potter and homemaker. With a number of artists on both sides of her family, Poppy was encouraged as a child to take an interest in arts with access to a variety of crafts but it would be later in life that she revisited her passion. Growing up in rural New Brunswick, Poppy attended Vincent Massey Elementary and Sir James Dunn Academy. She enjoyed the outdoors, especially the fishing village life and surroundings that would later make it a natural choice of subject for her paintings. In school, she enjoyed science and physics so it was no surprise that she chose pharmacy school at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia as the foundation for a career as a pharmacist. It was then that she met her future husband Robert who also became a pharmacist. The couple later moved to Digby, NS and, while raising two children - Nick and Alice, Poppy resumed her painting. She has taken several workshops with several artists that would become her mentors and inspiration. Poppy is an award winning artist participating in plein air festivals and competitions across North America. She is currently Vice President of the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour (CSPWC). Poppy is represented by galleries, including Teichert Gallery in Halifax, Amicus Gallery in Chester, the Flight of Fancy in Bear River, Harvest Gallery in Wolfville as well as Camden Falls Gallery in Camden, Maine. 

Poppy’s website: https://www.poppybalser.com/
Instagram: @poppybalser

Poppy’s Playlist:
Podcasts, news, current affairs
RadioLab
Pop music

Poppy’s favorite women artists:
Watercolorists:
Shari Blaukopf of Montreal- fabulous sketcher and instructor Uma Kelkar of San Jose- urban sketcher, paints with abandon, is balancing two careers: engineer and painter, not afraid to experiment to make her art grow Linda Kemp, Ontario- beautiful painter, popular instructor Jean Pederson, Calgary, AB- fabulous painter, another one who welcomes experimentation in her art
Oil painters:
Nancy Tankersley, Easton, MD, gorgeous paintings, very skilled instructor. Nancy is one of the few (only?) woman instructor I have taken a workshop from Kathleen Hudson, Colorado Springs - balancing motherhood and painting Karen Blackwood, amazing seascapes, they take my breath away Barbara Jaenicke- paints snow like no one else, so stunning Olena Babak of Maine- beautiful light filled plein air paintings. I met Olena years ago at one of my first plein air events.

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

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

Hollowell Studios Production
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com/podcasts
Instagram: @theaartpodcast 
Email: [email protected]
© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell Studios
All Rights Reserved

Step behind the camera and into the creative world of acclaimed Director of Photography, Ashley Barron, whose evocative cinematography blends artistic intuition with technical mastery. In this biographical interview, Ashley shares her journey from early creative influences to establishing a distinctive visual style across film, television, and commercial productions. Through insightful conversation, she opens up about navigating a competitive industry, collaborating with directors, shaping emotional narrative through lighting, color, and movement, and developing a sustainable creative career. Listeners will hear candid stories from set, how she approaches pre-production and visual research, and her philosophy on the evolving role of the cinematographer in a rapidly changing industry. Ashley also discusses her experiences as a woman in cinematography, mentorship, and what drives her to continuously experiment and innovate. Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker, an aspiring DP, or someone who simply loves visual storytelling, this episode is rich with real-world wisdom, artistic inspiration, and practical pathways for anyone pursuing work behind the lens. '

Tune in for an inspiring exploration of personal artistry, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of creative excellence.

Keywords:
Ashley Barron, Director of Photography, cinematographer, filmmaking podcast, women in film, female DP, visual storytelling, film production, behind the scenes, camera department, cinematic lighting, film and TV production, creative process, film industry insights, camera techniques, movie making, film career, artist journey, on-set experience, film collaboration, storytelling through camera, motion picture photography, filmmaker inspiration, DP interview.

BIO
Ashley Barron ACS is an international, award-winning Director of Photography with a string of credits across commercials, music videos, short films, TV and feature films. She is known for her work on Starz/Lionsgate's production Dangerous Liaisons, as well as the Australian Academy Award-winning series The Tailings, All Creatures Great & Small S2 for Channel 5 and PBS, and ITV’s The Tower S2. Born in Moscow in 1987 to her Russian mother Olga and Armenian father Sergey, Ashley draws on her international heritage, education and training, which gives her a unique perspective and approach to her art. At the age of seven, her family moved from Moscow to Limerick, Ireland where she adapted from Russian to English as she blended into Irish life with her older brother Nick. As a teenager, she and her mother moved to Perth, Western Australia after her parents separated and Ashley had to once again adjust to a new culture while deciding on her career path. She attended Curtin University in Perth where she gained her BA in Film & TV. From there her mother encouraged her to spend an Exchange Semester at the Ryerson University in Toronto, and then Hollywood where she earned her MFA in Cinematography at the American Film Institute Conservatory (AFI). In 2018, Ashley became one of 15 women to receive Accreditation from the Australian Cinematographer’s Society. Her work has earned a number of awards, including a coveted Gold Award from the Australian Cinematographer's Society (ACS), an AACTA Award (Aussie Oscar), a Nomination at the prestigious Camerimage Cinematography Film Festival, an invitation for membership of the Illuminatrix Collective, and one of the earliest memberships of the International Collective of Female Cinematographers (ICFC).

Ashley’s website: https://www.ashley-barron.com/ Ashley’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2551925/?ref_=nmbio_ov
Instagram: @ashleybarrondop

Some women whose work Ashley admires: Ari Wegner ACS Aga Szeliga ACO (Operator + founder of Women Behind the Camera) Catherine Goldschmidt BSC (+ Ness Whyte) (founders of Illuminatrix DOPs) Erika Addis (President of the ACS) Kim Snyder (President of Panavision)

Ashley’s Playlist: Foo Fighters "Everlong" The Pixies "Where is my Mind" Where is My Mind rendition Mumford & Sons "Hopeless Wanderer" Trent Reznor from The Social Network Smashing Pumpkins "Zero" Thomas Newman American Beauty Bicep "Atlas" Bicep "Cazenove" Nirvana "Aneurysm" Red Hot Chili Peppers "Dani California" The Dead Weather "Treat Me Like Your Mother" The White Stripes "Seven Nation Army" Foo Fighters "The Pretender" Nirvana "Heart Shaped Box" Mumford & Sons "Where Are You Now" Mumford & Sons "Hot Gates" Trent Reznor "In Motion" Of Monsters & Men "Dirty Paws" Requiem for a Dream Heroes by Bowie Where Is My Mind Everlong
I'm a Nu-Metal & Techno kid, otherwise I'm a big System of a Down, Manson, Slipknot, Korn, Mudvayne, Pendulum, Shapeshifter fan.

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

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

Hollowell Studios Production
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com/podcasts
Instagram: @theaartpodcast 
Email: [email protected]
© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell Studios
All Rights Reserved

Step into the world of Amy Dury, an acclaimed English contemporary artist whose figurative paintings capture the essence of memory, emotion, and identity. In this intimate biographical podcast interview, Amy shares her artistic journey—from her early influences in the British art scene to her celebrated exhibitions and work inspired by archival photography and human experience. Listeners will gain insight into Amy’s creative process, her fascination with nostalgia and social history, and how she uses painting as a way to explore collective memory and personal narrative. This conversation dives deep into her artistic philosophy, techniques, and the role of women artists in today’s contemporary art landscape. Whether you’re an art lover, painter, or creative thinker, this episode offers inspiration and reflection on what it means to make meaningful art in the modern world. Perfect for audiences passionate about contemporary art, figurative painting, British artists, and the creative process, this episode showcases Amy Dury’s compelling perspective and enduring contribution to visual storytelling.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and YouTube.

🔑 Keyword:
 Amy Dury, English artist, British painter, contemporary art, figurative painting, female artist, art podcast, painter interview, creative process, British art scene, modern painting, fine art, memory in art, women in art, art and emotion, Amy Dury interview

BIO
English artist Amy Dury paints people by extracting figures from photographs from the pre-digital age found in family photographs or home movies. She is most often drawn to peoples’ roles in society, the hierarchies and dynamics of power. Amy says: “Our history instructs, seduces and tethers us, and I look to use paint to examine these emotive memories, which reflect current themes and tensions in contemporary life.” Amy was born in London, England in 1971, one of four children, she has two brothers and a sister. Her mother Susan was a teacher and creative in textile art. Her father John worked in the City. Amy studied for her BA in Printmaking at Glasgow School of Art graduating in 1997 before earning an MA in Fine Art at the University of Brighton. Prior to moving to Scotland where she met her husband, Amy studied in Belfast during The Troubles - the Northern Ireland Conflict - which was an uneasy time with the constant threat of bombing. When the couple moved to Brighton, Amy pursued her love of art by teaching before focusing on her painting. Of her art, she says: “I like looking at historical, vintage imagery. I feel very connected but I didn’t even live in those times and I don’t know who they are. I feel very tender, very emotional… moved by their lives, especially when you watch them on home movies and you see them walking and talking and laughing. It’s very moving and you feel reconnected and you feel part of the change of people, of society, of culture. When I make the paintings I feel like I’m connecting with that and I’m reaching something about my own experience now or the current experience through looking back into the past.” Amy divides her time as Head of Art at a Sixth Form College in Brighton and painting in her home studio. She is married to Peter, an artist and architect, whose father was a Scottish landscape artist. The couple have two children and live in Brighton. 

Amy’s website: https://www.amydury.com/
Instagram: @amy_dury

Favorite female artists:
Kaye Donachie
Jennifer Packer
Jenifer Pochinski
Lydia Petitt
Lynette Yiadem Boyake

Amy’s playlist:
Kate Bush
T-Rex, REM
The Smiths

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

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Hollowell Studios Production
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com/podcasts
Instagram: @theaartpodcast 
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© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell Studios
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In this inspiring biographical interview, we sit down with acclaimed cinematographer Gretchen Warthen, whose distinct visual storytelling and dedication to craft have made her a respected voice behind the camera. From early creative influences to her celebrated cinematography career, Gretchen offers an intimate look into her evolution, her artistic philosophy, and the experiences that have shaped her as an image-maker. Gretchen discusses her pathway into cinematography, how she found her visual voice, and the mentors and collaborators who guided her journey. She explores her approach to lighting, composition, and narrative intention—revealing how she crafts emotionally resonant imagery for film, television, and commercial productions. Listeners will hear behind-the-scenes stories, advice for filmmakers and artists, and reflections on creativity, persistence, and professional growth. Whether shaping imagery on remote location shoots or designing cinematic language in studio environments, Gretchen shares how she balances preparation with intuition to deliver authentic visual storytelling. This episode is a must-listen for emerging cinematographers, filmmakers, students, and anyone passionate about the art of the moving image. Discover how Gretchen continues to innovate, collaborate, and champion storytelling through the power of photography and film.

✅ Keyword Block Gretchen Warthen, Gretchen Warthen interview, cinematographer, filmmaking podcast, cinematography podcast, creative biography, film production, visual storytelling, DP interview, director of photography, film lighting, behind the scenes, film industry interview, camera department, filmmaking career, motion picture photography, creative process, artist interview, documentary cinematography, narrative cinematography, film school, filmmaking inspiration, women in film, podcast interview

BIO
Gretchen Warthen is an American cinematographer whose work has taken her from Hollywood sound stages to shooting from the back of a camel in India, an elephant in Thailand, the bow of a boat off Venezuela, hovering over Alaskan glaciers and the deserts of the Sahara in a helicopter. Gretchen was born in Idaho, the only child of parents Kathryn Warthen, a retired horticulturist, and Brian Warthen who, after a lifetime of struggle, found his true success in graphic arts. As a child, Gretchen was a tough girl in school with a rebellious nature. After High School, she headed to Boise State University where she gained a Bachelors in Communications before moving to Washington State where she went back to school at the Evergreen State College for a Bachelors in Liberal Arts. It was at Boise State that she began taking an interesting in film-making and undertook projects that showed her natural talent for the art which led her to pursue a career in the industry. By now Gretchen had a plan to be a camera operator and she steered her course starting in wardrobe through set design and props until she was on set where she wanted to be. Her youthful defiance and determination paid off and led her to success across genres. Gretchen has worked as the Director of Photography for the Emmy-nominated Netflix documentary feature "Circus of Books," the epic international OWN documentary series "Operation Change," the Emmy Award-winning NBC series “Starting Over,” the Showtime documentary series “The Real L Word” and the award winning documentary feature “East LA Interchange." She has also DP’d two award-winning narrative feature films; Sharon Gless’s “Hannah Free” and “Jamie and Jessie are Not Together.”  Gretchen has been a camera operator on popular Emmy Award-winning prime time reality programming, including “Project Runway,” “The Apprentice” and “America’s Next Top Model”. Her narrative credits also include FX’s “Mayans MC”, FOX’s “Call Me Kat” and FOX’s “Welcome to Flatch.” Gretchen has also been a camera operator on popular Live Comedy Specials including Netflix’s "Dave Chappell - Age of Spin” and “Hannah Gadsby - Douglas”.  When she is not working, Gretchen’s passion is collecting Vespa scooters and driving fast cars. She lives in LA with her wife Documentary Director, Unscripted Reality Co-Executive Producer, Natalee Watts.
 
Gretchen’s links: Website: https://www.ladycameraguy.com/
IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1008443/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladycameraguy/  @ladycameraguy
 
Women whose work Gretchen admires:
Shana Hagan - I admire her mentorship, high standards and gentle guidance. Shana has the documentary career I have always dreamed of having. 
Mandy Walker - I admire her creativity and ability to do it the way she wants to do it without being too heavily influenced by others. (Plus, works with Baz Luhrmann…)
Ana Amortegui - I admire her passion for life and having it all. Her gratitude for life’s struggles along the journey.
Chris Wairegi - I admire her motivation to make a difference in other people’s lives. 

Gretchen’s playlist:
Superchick/One Girl Revolution
Ladytron
Metric
Wax Tailor
Silver Sun Pickups
Old Madonna/Ray of Light
Doris Day/Fun
Sydney Bechet
Bessie Smith
Big Maybell
Nina Simone 

First published on the AART podcast, October 21, 2023,

Host: Chris Stafford A Hollowell Studios Production
Follow @thecalltimepodcast on Instagram
Email: [email protected]
Hollowell Studios Productions: 1000+ episodes; AART, Call Time, WiSP Podcast Network, WiSP Sports


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Hollowell Studios Production
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com/podcasts
Instagram: @theaartpodcast 
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© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell Studios
All Rights Reserved

In this episode of AART the Podcast, we sit down with Nazafarin Lotfi, an Iranian-born, Chicago-based multi-disciplinary artist whose practice spans sculpture, drawing, photography, and performance. Known for her meditative exploration of space, embodiment, and materiality, Lotfi’s work invites viewers to slow down and experience the quiet intersections between the personal and the political, the visible and the hidden. Through an intimate and insightful conversation, Nazafarin discusses her artistic evolution from Iran to the U.S., the influence of architecture, light, and landscape on her creative process, and how memory, displacement, and identity inform her work. She reflects on navigating multiple cultural contexts, finding freedom through abstraction, and building community within the contemporary art world. Listeners will gain a deep understanding of Lotfi’s conceptual approach, her studio practice, and the subtle ways she challenges perception through form and presence. Whether you’re an art lover, student, or creative professional, this episode offers a compelling look into the life and vision of one of today’s most thought-provoking artists. 🎙️ About the Artist Nazafarin Lotfi is an Iranian-American multi-disciplinary artist whose work examines the tension between interior and exterior worlds through a poetic material language. Her art has been exhibited in leading galleries and museums across the U.S. and internationally, with pieces that bridge minimalism, embodiment, and philosophical inquiry.

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Nazafarin Lotfi, Iranian artist, multidisciplinary artist, conceptual art, contemporary Iranian art, sculpture, drawing, performance art, Chicago artist, AART podcast, artist interview, biographical podcast, contemporary art podcast, art and identity, Iranian American artists, women in contemporary art, materiality in art, visual art podcast, artist storytelling, art biography podcast

BIO
Nazafarin Lotfi is an Iranian multi-disciplinary artist who studies how the self and notions of identity are understood in relationship to architecture, landscape, space, and place. She explores humanness in relation to non-human bodies and places that are defined by practices of map-making and gardening. Nazafarin was born in Mashhad, Iran in 1984 during the Iran-Iraq war. She is one of four girls, her mother was a teacher who introduced her daughters to arts and literature. And her father owned a small business. Her exposure to the arts was limited as a child before she attended the University of Tehran where she earned her BA in Industrial Design. With ambitions to further her education in the West, Nazafarin headed to the US and gained an MFA in Painting and Drawing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. After graduating she took to teaching, always seeking a life that would reflect her art. She would soon find a place for her work in exhibitions and shows, nationally and internationally at venues such as the University Galleries at Illinois State University, Tucson Museum of Art, Artpace, Phoenix Art Museum, and Elmhurst Museum of Art. Nazafarin is the recipient of 2023 Eliza Moore Fellowship for Artistic Excellence. She says of her art: “I think placing myself between two very different aesthetics and ideologies allows me to create a more complicated personal language. And that does more justice to the complexities that I experience as an Iranian female artist living in the U.S. I grew up with social realist propaganda and had developed a mistrust of it. I come from a traditional society for which history weighs so much, and that can be limiting.’ Nazafarin is represented by Regards in Chicago. She lives in Tucson, Arizona with her husband Austin, a Professor of Persian Poetry, and two cats.

Nazafarin's website: http://www.nazafarinlotfi.com/
Instagram: @nazafarinlotfi

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

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

Hollowell Studios Production
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com/podcasts
Instagram: @theaartpodcast 
Email: [email protected]
© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell Studios
All Rights Reserved