Art Seeker Stories

Today on Art Seeker Stories podcast, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Paul of The Finsbury Park Deltics,  a multi media artist, whose work references popular culture using written, drawn and photographic symbols, a world where light-heartedness reigns supreme (some of the time) and where rules are undermined, is then created. 

 And, lurking somewhere in the chaos, you will find signposts; signposts to a community now only ever seen through a blurred lens, enmeshed in hyperbole and ultraviolence; signposts to a country that maybe never existed. 

 In this episode we chat about fake news, the shifts between perspectives, ideas and thoughts constantly evolving and changing in time. From terrorism, social media and Covid and today with Russia at war in Ukraine. We talk about how a single image can be more powerful than words and how art has the power to change our future, creating community and essential for mental health and well being.

 This is The Finsbury Park Deltics. Art. But not as you know it.

 Paul's book recommendation:
The Bulletproof Coffin Series by David Hine
Crecy by Warren Ellis
What Do Men Want by Nina Power

You can find out more about Paul below.
Website : www.thefinsburyparkdeltics.com
Instagram : @thefinsburyparkdeltics

Today on Art Seeker Stories podcast, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Joanna Gilbert a London based abstract artist creating expressive vibrant artworks that represent inner strength, courage and freedom. 

 Of her works she says:
There is no RIGHT THING for ALL.
There is the right thing for YOU…..
Courageously stand strong in your own wilderness
Have humility
Have connection.

 In this episode we chat about being the best version of ourselves, of stepping up and being the artist and person we were born to be. We talk about our thoughts and affirmations, how our art and the words express our truth, sharing belief, hope and joy. 

 Joanna tells me of her own faith, in herself and the universe. It is precisely in listening to her own voice, that she has became the artist she is today. 

She tells me about her recent project, The Hidden Voice, A project that celebrates the voices of mum’s worldwide. To Be heard Be Empowered and Be You. 

Joanna's book recommendations:
A Radical Awakening by Dr Shefali
Braving the Wilderness by Brene Brown

You can see more about Joanna here.
Website: www.joannagilbert.com
Instagram: @joanna_gilbert_artist
Twitter: @jogilbertNFT
To buy a positive affirmation notebook follow this link. 

Today on Art Seeker Stories podcast, I have Part 2 of our chat, an  Art 2 HeArt with Éadaoin Glynn, a self-taught abstract artist from Cork, Southern Ireland. Éadaoin’s creative journey began with literature and acting. At the age of 17 she tossed a coin to go to Uni or Art college and Uni won. 

Ah after an epic 3 hour chat I decided to split it in two for a double whammy episode, so here we have part 2. 

In this episode we chat about the cycle of nature and our art making, working in series and exploring new territories and how our art echoes our life. 

Éadaoin tells me of the early Irish women through history living in a matriarchal society as powerful warrior women, their essence remains in the landscape reflected in the curves of the landscape, within the mountains and coastline. 

We talk about being shameless in believing in our art and how time and experience allows us to stretch towards the image of pictures that are just out of reach, in the space we can’t quite see, in the blind spot, in the corner of our eye, waiting timely show and tell.

Éadaoin's book recommendation:
The Artist Way by Julia Cameron 

Meanwhile  you can find out more about Éadaoin here:
Instagram: @eadaoinglynn
Website www.eadaoinglynn.com

To Buy the 'Navigator' print with all proceeds going to help Ukraine, buy here.
As this episode is released Éadaoin has raised over a terrific 23,000 Euro for the Ukraine with all profits of her Navigator print  donated to the Red Cross and UNICEF to support Ukrainian families.

Today on Art Seeker Stories podcast, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Éadaoin Glynn, a self-taught abstract artist from Cork, Southern Ireland. Éadaoin’s creative journey began with literature and acting. At the age of 17 she tossed a coin, would she go to Univercity, or Art college -Uni won. 

Ah after an epic 3 hour chat I decided to split it in two for a double whammy episode, so here we have part 1. In this episode we chat about the artist journey as a rollercoaster of highs and lows making the art and putting it out. We talk about mindset and manifestation and the act of giving. We also compare notes on our experiences of TV.

Éadaoin also tells us about her fundraising.
As this episode is released Éadaoin has raised over a terrific 23,000 Euro for the Ukraine with all profits of her Navigator print  donated to the Red Cross and UNICEF to support Ukrainian families.

Éadaoin's book recommendation:
The Artist Way by Julia Cameron 

Part 2 of this conversation continues on Friday, a couple of day’s time so do tune in to catch the rest of our conversation.

Meanwhile  you can find out more about Éadaoin here:
Instagram: @eadaoinglynn
Website www.eadaoinglynn.com
To Buy the 'Navigator' print with all proceeds going to help Ukraine, buy here.

Today on the Art Seeker Stories Podcast, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Sarah Bird, a contemporary artist and teacher, working in collage , digital and photography, exploring a space between the virtual and real. 

In this episode we chat about the idea of home and how rooms and belongings hold a residue, keeping memories, stories, and traces of human action over time: the layers of paint and wallpaper, or the marks on a bedsheet or folds of a curtain. Sarah’s pictures dance in abstraction and the painterly, in light and dark.

 Of her work Sarah says:

'Windows, doorways, and curtains are common motifs that mark the tension between inside and outside, sanctuary and territory. My work depicts maze-like compositions of liminal spaces, portals and thresholds: the points of boundary and change.  The weave of a curtain dissolves into pixels while the view through a window reveals nothing. I use veils of vivid colour, distilled from the distorted pixels themselves, to blend the real with the imagined.' 

 Sarah’s book recommendations are:
The Goldfinch by Donna Tart 
Studio Voices by Michael Bird

We also mention
Succeeding as an Artist by Deborah Henry Pollard @fireworksdhp
& The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp

 Artists mentioned:
Sain Fan, artist residency at the V&A
Travel Bureau at the White Chapel
Jock McFadyen at the RA
Barbara Kasten at the Tate

You can find out more about Sarah here :
Instagram:  @sj8ird
Website www,sarahbirdart.co.uk

Today on the Art Seeker Stories 22nd episode, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Holly Collier an art marketer from London who specialises in all things social media. Essentially Holly runs Instagram workshops, works with artists 1 to 1 and helps artists with their art marketing 

In this episode we chat about Instagram and newsletters, Holly’s journey from studying languages to learning about their history and culture that took her to finding her passion in art. We also talk about our passion for creating community, Holly in co-creating the Artist walk in Lockdown and myself in creating this podcast.

Holly also shares a few valuable tips for artists

Holly’s book recommendation is 

Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder

You can find out more about Holly and find fab artist tips:
Instagram: @_holly_collier_
Newsletter sign up: Get 'Creative Connection'
Project : The Artist Walk 

Today on the Art Seeker Stories 21st episode, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Rian Hotton, a Jersey born, London based contemporary artist whose paintings are bright and bold, nostalgically alluring. In fusing life with art he creates new narratives. In particular Rian’s recent focus has been on bridging the gap between art and science where he investigates new lines of inquiry for unanswered questions.

 In this episode we chat about the creative narrative and idea process, how thoughts become ideas working in a known reality and our perception of it and yet in digging deeper our ideas continue to come, multiplying and expanding. How do we make sense of it all? & What new ideas can we find, beyond reality? Rian’s art explores these possibilities visually illustrating his journey of inquiry. 

Rian’s book recommendation is:
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas 1844

You can find out more about Rian's work:
Instagram: @rianhotton
Website: www.rianhotton.com

Today on the Art Seeker Stories 20th episode, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Skye Holland, a London based contemporary artist with an entrepreneurial spirit, creatively cultivating a bridge between art and business. Above all else, as in the art she creates, Skye is passionate for wildlife conservation

 In this episode our chat meanders between art and life. Of Passion and expression, learning and educating, ultimately making a difference, for wild animals close to extinction.

Skye also shares her stories about growing up as the only member of her family who could hear and her decade in South Africa.

 
Artists mentioned are:

Marlene Dumas
William Kentridge at The Tate

& KAWS NEW FICTION At the Serpentine North Gallery

 Skye’s book recommendation is:
Women who Run with Wolves by  Clarissa Pinkola Estés

Here, you can find out more about Skye and here work.
Website: www. skyeholland.com
Insta : @skyeholland
Skye has also been interviewed on The Curator's Salon Podcast
listen here

Today on the Art Seeker Stories 19th Episode, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Catherine Sweet, a London based multimedia artist and curator, who has recently founded BobCat Gallery, offering Affordable Art For All. 

 In this episode we chat about the challenges of starting up a new gallery, the new opportunities it has brought in. The importance and constant juggle of keeping a balance in business, supporting others, and looking after your own creativity and art.

Catherine believes in the strength of community and promotes making art accessible to all,  in education, knowledge, access and price point. She is also a committee member for both,  @artcanorg and @artsrichmonduk

Catherine's recommended books:
Manx Mouse by Paul Gallico
Only Forward by Michael Marshall Smith

You can find out more about Catherine, her work and BobCat Gallery
Insta : @insta_cat13 And  @bobcatgallery
Website: www.bobcatgallery.co.uk

Hello and Welcome! 
Today on the Art Seeker Stories podcast I’m coming to you with a bonus, mini, solo episode.

Truth be told I’m at a cross-roads, my art is shifting and feeling different. I have the idea and the vision, but I can’t grasp it – see it for real. I’m excited but equally, or maybe more so, I’m in fear and I’m scared.

  In this episode I’m processing and documenting my ideas. I share with you my bigger picture and how I aim to get there. I’m jump starting the exploration by doing the  #100dayproject , to break down my barriers, to put the work in and trust in turn,the rest will come. 

 My bigger project where everything else works towards is a book and artwork that explores

ART SEEKING SOUL – 

 For now, my 100 days will start with sketching. 

However since recording, I’m thinking I’ll also have one large canvas and make a mark, for 100 days – that can’t be too difficult. 

 My recommended reading list seeking art, self & soul.
My inspiration December – Feburary:

 Munch in his Own Words : Paul Erik 

The Private Journals of Edvard Munch

Edvard Munch Behind the Scream: Sue Prideaux

The Loneliness of the Soul: Tracy Emin & Edvard Munch / RA

Strangeland : Tracy Emin

 Creating the Impossible: Michael Neil

Greenlights: Matthew McConaughy

The War of Art: Steven Pressfield

The Artist Journey: Steven Pressfield 

The Creative Habit: Twyla Tharp

You Are An Artist : Bob & Roberta Smith

The exhibition I mention is KAWS NEW FICTION at the Serpentine North Gallery and is on show until 27thFeb.

 To see other artists who are taking part in the 100 Day Project, share your work and and have a search on #100dayproject and find more info on insta: @dothe100dayproject and website www.the100dayproject.org

& Lastly, with many thanks, for support, a shout out to Gary Mansfield of The Ministry of Art’s podcast. Go on, go and have a listen, it’s fab - Possibly the most inclusive arts podcast. On insta: @mizogart & @ministryofartsorg