Show Notes:

Welcome to Season 7, Episode 1. In this episode of Art Is, host Isotta Page sits down with fellow marble sculptor Alex Rane to talk about what it means to be working in marble today. Alex & Isotta talk about going up to the quarries in Carrara, selecting blocks, and what it actually feels like to carve stone.

They discuss Alex’s path as an artist and the role of community, with Alex based in Carrara and Isotta in New York, and how each place is shaping their practice right now. The conversation delves into the historical legacy of marble, including the role of the figure in sculpture, and what it means to be working in such an ancient material today. Along the way, they discuss what they each need to see and feel in a sculpture, the themes in Alex’s work, especially his idea of “monsters” as a reflection of the present moment, and marble’s relationship to geologic time as part of Isotta’s research practice. They also get into the tension between tradition and new technologies like robotics, and how that is shaping the marble world.

**This episode includes behind the scenes photos of Alex’s incredible studio in Carrara, the marble quarries, and works in progress so be sure to watch the video version.

Learn more:

Alex Rane: Website | Instagram

Isotta Page: Website | Instagram

Welcome to Art Is... Season 6, Episode 8

Episode Overview:

From her roots in Ojai, California, artist Leslie Clark (Nomad Gal) shares her transformative 30-year journey that immersed her in the nomadic communities of Niger. Through candid conversation, Leslie reveals how her artistic path took her from the South of France through South America and Ethiopia, ultimately leading to Niger, where she spent 15 years living and painting with nomadic communities.

Key Topics Covered:

- Early artistic journey at art school and travels through France, Central & South America, and Ethiopia

- Life-changing encounter with Niger's nomadic communities in 1993

- Evolution of artistic practice through cultural immersion

- Historical context of regions and communities, Niger/Libya after fall of Gaddafi

- Founding and mission of the Nomad Foundation, beginning with the purchase of a single cow for $200 and evolving into an organization that has positively impacted tens of thousands of people 

- Building sustainable opportunities while preserving traditions, especially for midwives and traditional healthcare providers 

- Her personal transformation and experiences as a privileged minority 

- Navigating colonial legacy and cultural appropriation in art

- Approach to respectful cultural exchange and representation

- Building authentic relationships versus 'othering’ communities

- Her upcoming book

Conclusion:

Leslie's story embodies the transformative power of art and cultural exchange. Her adventurous spirit and deep connection to nomadic communities offer a refreshing perspective in our digitally saturated world. Through her forthcoming book and the Nomad Foundation's work, she continues to bridge worlds and create meaningful change. As she notes: "I am an artist/painter who has always traveled. When I first met the nomads in Niger in 1993, my life changed - it changed the way I painted and the way I looked at the world. Since then I have built a home in this adopted country where I spend part of every year and founded a non-profit called the Nomad Foundation which tries to bring opportunity to nomadic people while respecting their traditions." Her advice to young artists resonates with timeless wisdom: don't be afraid, and progress through small, incremental steps.

Connect with Leslie

Welcome to Season 6, Episode 7 of Art Is… a podcast for artists

Episode Overview:

In this episode, Lauryn and Isotta are joined by Dr. Elodie Freymann, an artist and scientist who shares her unique journey of merging her passions and working across creative and scientific disciplines. Elodie recounts how her childhood fascination with primates led her to pursue a PhD at Oxford in cognitive and evolutionary anthropology, which eventually took her to Uganda's Budongo Forest for nine months to explore how chimpanzees self-medicate with plants. A natural storyteller, Elodie’s unique art form includes intricate paper-cutting silhouettes crafted into stunning handmade books, and scientific illustrations that helped her memorize the various species of animals and plants she studied, offering a fascinating glimpse into the true overlap of art and science. She candidly discusses the vulnerability she faces with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, providing helpful tips to overcome creative blocks. The episode also delves into her current work in documentary filmmaking and how her interdisciplinary spirit continues to drive her projects. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that celebrates the fusion of art and science in Elodie's extraordinary life and career.

Topics Covered:

1. Journey into Anthropology and Filmmaking:

• Elodie discusses her background as an artist and her initial foray into documentary filmmaking, driven by her love of storytelling.
• Her decision to pursue a Master's and subsequently PhD at Oxford in cognitive and evolutionary anthropology, specifically for her interest in primates.

2. Merging Art and Science:

• The struggle and eventual triumph of integrating her dual loves of art and science.
• Using scientific illustration and art to overcome academic challenges and imposter syndrome.
• Her extensive illustration practice drawing primate species and plant anatomy as a tool for learning and memory during University and throughout her field work in Uganda's Budongo Forest

3.  Inspirations and Influences:

• Lauryn explores how Elodie’s early interests shaped her decision to study chimpanzees.
• Elodie shares her admiration for trailblazing icon Jane Goodall, who inspired her path in primatology 
• Elodie’s internship with paper cutting artist Beatrice Coron 

4.Overcoming Self-Doubt:

• The parallels between artists and scientists, such as isolation and rejection.
• The lifestyle overlap between artistic and scientific practcies, grant writing, submitting to open calls, dealing with rejection and constant critique 
• Elodie’s experiences making work and her Dad’s wise approach to understanding output days and input days.
• Strategies for dealing with critique and using vulnerability to strengthen resilience.

5. Creative Problem-Solving and Storytelling:

• Elodie’s dedication to storytelling and understanding the natural world.
• Her personal art projects, inspired by prompts and conversations with her father about balancing input and output time.

6. Exploring Different Art Forms:

• Elodie’s interest in bookmaking and paper cutting silhouettes, including her book "The Evolution of Life Through Geologic Time."
• The role of documentary film in her practice as a medium to bring art to life.

7. Academic Challenges and Field Research:

• The issues of academic gatekeeping and transparency in scientific journals and her desire to use storytelling via documentary filmmaking to bring these topics to life. 
• Brief overview of Elodie’s PhD research in Uganda’s Budongo Forest, studying how chimpanzees self-medicate with plants, showcasing the forest as a pharmacy for these primates.

Conclusion:

Join Lauryn, Isotta and Elodie as they delve into the intricate balance of art and science, exploring the challenges and triumphs of an evolving interdisciplinary career. This episode is a testament to the power of storytelling, resilience, and the unique intersections that drive creative and scientific inquiry.

Stay updated with future episodes by subscribing to Art Is… on your favorite podcast platform, and follow us on social media for more behind-the-scenes content and updates. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that celebrates the creative journey.

Dr. Elodie Freymann’s Website: https://www.drelodiefreymann.com/

Follow Elodie: https://www.instagram.com/elodiefreymann?igsh=YjRnbTlpZ3hpY2py 

Elodie’s handmade book The Evolution of Life Across Geologic Time: https://www.drelodiefreymann.com/books 

Elodie’s art work:https://www.drelodiefreymann.com/paperart 

Elodie’s Illustration work: https://www.drelodiefreymann.com/illustrations 

Elodie’s upcoming film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iDnyaUJQx0&ab_channel=ElodieFreymann 

Primate Conversations with Elodie Freymann https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPKKCF1R1Ao&ab_channel=PrimateModelsforBehaviouralEvolutionLab 

Elodie Freymann PhD Research: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0305219 

Paper Cutting Artist Beatrice Coron https://www.beatricecoron.com/ 

Watch this episode on Youtube or on Spotify

Learn more about Isotta at @isottapage and see her work 

Sign up for Isotta’s Sculpture Newsletter

Learn more about Lauryn @curatedsplash and her coaching work 

Curated Splash Resources 

Learn more and read podcast transcripts

Follow the podcast at @artispodcast

Original music by Black Wonder Twins

Follow them @blackwondertwins

Welcome to Season 6, Episode 6 of Art Is… a podcast for artists

Episode Overview:

In this solo episode, Isotta and Lauryn share personal updates on balancing their life, work, and personal responsibilities. They dive deep into their individual art practices, with Isotta discussing how writing a studio newsletter has kept her accountable on developing the research side of her practice. Lauryn also shares about her practice and delves into a recent source of inspiration, the TASCHEN book The 12 Steps and the synchronicity she feels between her personal recovery journey and her art practice. 

Topics Covered:

1. Life and Work Balance:

   - Isotta and Lauryn discuss their current challenges and successes in juggling multiple responsibilities.

   - Insights on how they manage their time

   - Insights on managing finances as artists, the reality of an artist’s career as seen in the Beyond the Studio Podcast Episode.

2. Personal Art Practices:

   - Isotta delves into her latest newsletter and research topics.

   - Lauryn opens up about the inspiration behind her art and the books that are currently influencing her work.

3. Authenticity and Emotional Balance:

   - A conversation on the importance of showing up authentically in both personal and professional spaces.

   - How consumer culture impacts emotional well-being and the magic that can happen when inner and outer worlds intermingle.

4. The Power of Critique:

- An exploration and reflection on how critique can significantly affect artists, both positively and negatively, along with an invitation to be mindful about who you ask for feedback and when you seek it.

- An opportunity to reframe and contextualize critique, understanding the vulnerable human side of sharing and asking for feedback.

4. Processing Vulnerability

- Isotta shares how a painful memory was recently triggered by a project with an artist friend and discusses the lingering impact of harsh feedback received years ago on her current self-confidence.

- Lauryn contextualizes Isotta's experience with coaching, offering insights on how to use this as an invitation to step through and overcome similar challenges.

- Lauryn shares strategies for overcoming self-confidence issues and acknowledges the physical toll emotional triggers can have on our bodies.

Conclusion:

Join Isotta and Lauryn as they navigate the complexities of balancing artistic practices  and personal lives, offering a candid look at the challenges and triumphs they face. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of authenticity, emotional resilience, and the transformative power of showing up with both strength and vulnerability in our work and life.

Stay updated with future episodes by subscribing to Art Is… on your favorite podcast platform, and follow us on social media for more behind-the-scenes content and updates. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that celebrates the creative journey.

Watch this episode on Youtube or on Spotify

Learn more about Isotta at @isottapage and see her work 

Sign up for Isotta’s Sculpture Newsletter

Learn more about Lauryn @curatedsplash and her coaching work 

Curated Splash Resources 

Learn more and read podcast transcripts

Follow the podcast at @artispodcast

Original music by Black Wonder Twins

Follow them @blackwondertwins

Welcome to Season 6, Episode 5 of Art Is… a podcast for artists

Episode Overview:

In this episode, we welcome Michelle Wolodarsky, who discusses her dedication to a diverse art practice that includes painting, film, and performance. Lauryn, Isotta, and Michelle talk about balancing passion with the hard work required in an artist's journey. Michelle shares her strategies for advancing her art career, the challenges of achieving financial sustainability as an artist, and the importance of building a supportive community around one's practice.

Topics Covered:

1. The Artist’s Journey and Financial Considerations:

  - Balancing passion and labor.

  - Courage needed for the artist's journey.

  - The necessity of a day job to reduce financial pressure on art practice.

  - Lauryn’s experience in gallery and publishing, and her skills in sales and business.

2. Art School Mentality vs. Art Market Reality:

  - The anti-commercial mentality of art school versus the commercial reality of the art market.

  - The skewed timeline from emerging to mid-career artist.

  - Entrenched gatekeeping and elite trickle-down in the art world.

3. Michelle’s Approach to Art:

  - How her conceptual, intuitive abilities shape her practice.

  - Redefining conceptual art through writing, painting, performance, and film.

  - Using painting to world-build through performance and film.

  - Developing a scriptwriting and creative writing practice for poetry.

  - Receiving feedback from respected peers.

4. Patience, Timing, and Personal Growth:

  - The importance of patience in the artistic journey.

  - The value of timing in research and learning.

  - Maturing as an artist and understanding you’re not different from anyone else.

  - The role of ego and staying present.

5. Building Genuine Connections and Lauryn’s Insights:

  - Better relating to each other and forging authentic connections.

  - Avoiding art speak and showing up as an authentic human being.

  - Benefits of an introductory consultation session with Lauryn from Curated Splash.

  - Pitfalls of comparing yourself to others.

  - Financial transparency and the reality of an artist’s career as seen in the Beyond the Studio Podcast Episode.

Stay updated with future episodes by subscribing to Art Is… on your favorite podcast platform, and follow us on social media for more behind-the-scenes content and updates. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that celebrates the creative journey.

Check out Michelle Wolodarsky’s work 

Watch this episode on Youtube or on Spotify

Learn more about Isotta at @isottapage and see her work 

Sign up for Isotta’s Sculpture Newsletter

Learn more about Lauryn @curatedsplash and her coaching work 

Curated Splash Resources 

Learn more and read podcast transcripts

Follow the podcast at @artispodcast

Original music by Black Wonder Twins

Follow them @blackwondertwins

Welcome to Season 6, Episode 4 of Art Is… a podcast for artists

Episode Overview: 

In this episode, Lauryn and Isotta share their creative dreams and discuss their art practices, focusing on overcoming internal blocks. They also highlight the work of sculptor Edoardo Tresoldi and discuss the role of art at Coachella.

Topics Covered:

1. Studio Processes and Inspirations:

- Lauryn talks about giving herself permission to enjoy beauty and the creative process behind her detailed cake paintings, inspired by childhood cake decorating and Lana Del Rey.

- Isotta discusses her marble carving practice, emphasizing mark-making and intentionality, likening it to drawing in 3D.

- Lauryn explains her color choices and her "Virgo process" of using Procreate, photography, and transfer paper to configure her canvases, akin to color-by-numbers.

2. Manifesting and Emotional Balance:

- Lauryn and Isotta explore the concept of manifesting, discussing how happy and sad emotions can be two sides of the same coin.

- Lauryn shares her experiences of showing up authentically, which has led to new clients.

- They delve into the idea of manifesting work, focusing on appreciation, awe, and gratitude rather than on what one doesn’t want.

- Lauryn talks about using frustration to gain clarity and introduces manifesting as a vibration, understanding desires on an intuitive level.

- She emphasizes allowing the universe to bring unexpected, wonderful surprises and the importance of feeling gratitude and beauty in moments of goal setting.

Key Takeaways 

- Embrace and enjoy the beauty in your creative process.

- Understand and navigate your studio practice with intentionality and openness to course corrections.

- Apply the principles of manifesting to attract positivity and clarity in both professional and personal spheres.

Stay updated with future episodes by subscribing to Art Is… on your favorite podcast platform, and follow us on social media for more behind-the-scenes content and updates.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that celebrates the creative journey. Stay updated with future episodes by subscribing to Art Is… on your favorite podcast platform, and follow us on social media for more behind-the-scenes content and updates.

Watch this episode on Youtube or on Spotify

Learn more about Isotta at @isottapage and see her work 

Sign up for Isotta’s Sculpture Newsletter

Learn more about Lauryn @curatedsplash and her coaching work 

Curated Splash Resources 

Learn more and read podcast transcripts

Follow the podcast at @artispodcast

Original music by Black Wonder Twins

Follow them @blackwondertwins

Welcome to Season 6, Episode 3 of Art Is… a podcast for artists. In today's episode, we're joined by Asia Stewart, a groundbreaking performance artist based in Brooklyn, NY, and the founding artistic director of PerformVu.

Join us as we explore Asia's creative origins and discover how her academic background at Harvard and Cambridge, studying government and sociology, along with her experience in theater, musical theater, and opera, uniquely informs her practice of performance art. Her work seeks to physicalize abstract concepts related to race, gender, and sexuality. Asia creates evening-length performances and duration works lasting hours or days, exploring the afterlife of colonial and patriarchal violence.

In an open dialogue, Asia, Lauryn, and Isotta discuss the development of Asia's performance work and her early innovative use of digital participation from the audience. Asia opens up about the importance of authenticity and the mindset required in her art, as well as how she has coped with rejection throughout her evolving career. She emphasizes celebrating small wins and advocating for one's work.

Asia introduces us to PerformVu, “the netflix for performance art” and discusses how the platform addresses the often overlooked challenges performance artists face in sharing their work online, including issues of discoverability and compensation.

PerformVu is revolutionizing the future of art by connecting audiences to meaningful videos and films that highlight global cultural dynamics. It provides a sustainable financial solution for performance artists, addressing a significant gap in the market. Current media platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and traditional streaming services such as Amazon Prime and Netflix fall short in offering the culturally relevant and impactful content that 66% of Gen Z and Millennials are actively seeking.

PerformVu fills this void by showcasing a diverse range of performances and artistic expressions that resonate with a culturally conscious audience. (We encourage you to explore PerformVu. For just $4.99 a month, you can access the full collection of videos and films, including the powerful work of Asia Stewart!)

As the conversation draws to a close, Asia asks Lauryn and Isotta how performance enters their lives. They discuss how performance plays into daily life as a person, as an artist, or even as an employee. Isotta shares some thoughts on how she sees marble sculpting as a performance, and Lauryn describes how performance enters her work leading workshops in rehabs and youth homeless shelters, as well as her journey being seen as a business, artist, advocate, and poet.

Asia's innovative approach to performance art and her vision for a more supportive environment for artists provide invaluable insights and inspiration. Her passion is truly energizing, making this episode essential listening for any artist looking to refine their practice and engage with performance.

Check out Asia Stewart's work and follow her at @asiastewart 

Check out Perform Vu https://www.performvu.com/ 

Watch this episode on Youtube or on Spotify

Learn more about Isotta at @isottapage and see her work 

Sign up for Isotta’s Sculpture Newsletter

Learn more about Lauryn @curatedsplash and her coaching work 

Curated Splash Resources 

Learn more and read podcast transcripts

Follow the podcast at @artispodcast

Original music by Black Wonder Twins

Follow them @blackwondertwins

Welcome to Season 6, Episode 2 of "Art Is...," a podcast for artists. In today's episode, we're joined by Gus Harper, a remarkable muralist and painter based in Santa Monica/Venice Beach. His journey is as vibrant as his artwork.

Join us as we delve into Gus's artistic origins and trace how his travels propelled him into the realm of street art. Discover how a serendipitous journey through Kathmandu ignited his passion for murals, setting him on a global odyssey. Follow his colorful trail as he leaves his mark in India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and most recently, Chiang Mai, Thailand, along with his hometown of Los Angeles.

In an open dialogue, Gus, Lauryn, and Isotta share insights into their creative processes. Explore Gus's balancing act between studio introspection and the vibrant energy of public mural creation. Gus shares practical strategies for overcoming creative hurdles and emphasizes the importance of action over endless contemplation. Delve into discussions on productivity and accountability, drawing from Lauryn's firsthand experiences in her coaching practice.

While luck may have its role, Gus advocates for proactive positioning to capitalize on opportunities. Gain a peek into the business side of art, from selling tactics to pricing considerations, as Gus engages in a lively exchange with Isotta about her adventures in marble carving.

Gus's adventurous spirit and kindness are truly invigorating, infusing his stories with both entertainment and invaluable insights, making them essential listening for any emerging artist refining their professional practice.

Check out Gus Harper's work and follow him at @gusharperart

Watch this episode on Youtube or on Spotify

Learn more about Isotta at @isottapage and see her work 

Sign up for Isotta’s Sculpture Newsletter

Learn more about Lauryn @curatedsplash and her coaching work 

Curated Splash Resources 

Learn more and read podcast transcripts

Follow the podcast at @artispodcast

Original music by Black Wonder Twins

Follow them @blackwondertwins

Description: 

To start off this new season, hosts Isotta and Lauryn appear in both video and audio formats, sharing their personal journeys and the latest developments in their professional practices.

Isotta discusses her experiences working with marble, highlighting the beauty and challenges of sculpting. She explores the research that informs her sculptures and explains how writing has become essential for documenting her journey and connecting with the wider art world.

Lauryn talks about her communication strategy and the evolution of her coaching practice in recent months. She offers advice on selling art and fostering a positive mindset in your professional practice, drawing from the profound and energetic impact art has on our lives.

Watch this episode on Youtube or on Spotify

Learn more about Isotta at @isottapage and see her work 

Sign up for Isotta’s Sculpture Newsletter

Learn more about Lauryn @curatedsplash and her coaching work 

Curated Splash Resources 

Learn more and read podcast transcripts

Follow the podcast at @artispodcast

Original music by Black Wonder Twins

Follow them @blackwondertwins

Welcome to Season 6 of Art Is... a podcast for artists. Join hosts Isotta Page and Lauryn Hill as this season, we're delving into topics that matter most to emerging artists, combining both video and audio formats. Expect engaging conversations, thought-provoking interviews, and much more on Art Is... Season 6! And be sure to explore our extensive backlog of over 70 episodes, available on all podcast platforms.

Watch this episode on Youtube or on Spotify

Learn more about Isotta at @isottapage and see her work 

Sign up for Isotta’s Sculpture Newsletter

Learn more about Lauryn @curatedsplash and her coaching work 

Curated Splash Resources 

Learn more and read podcast transcripts

Follow the podcast at @artispodcast

Original music by Black Wonder Twins

Follow them @blackwondertwins

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