Art Supply Insiders Podcast

Prepare to navigate the transformative tide of technology in the arts with Alison Nearpass from Arteza, who guides us through the labyrinth of ethical and creative challenges posed by AI's foray into visual artistry. This episode promises a rich exploration of the "real art" campaign's crusade to uphold the sanctity of human creativity against the surge of digital art-making. We're dissecting the community's response to AI-generated art in competitions, the importance of protecting artists' rights, and how the tactile tradition of art-making is grappling with the pixel and code invasion.

Arteza is not just a beacon in the debate over what constitutes "real" art, they are warriors in the fight to preserve the human essence at the heart of creative expression. Arteza's commitment, through task forces and strategic industry alliances, illuminates the path for artists in this new epoch marked by algorithms and innovation. Join us as we reflect on the historical echoes of past innovations in artistry and chart a course for the future where technology amplifies rather than obscures the artist's touch. This episode is a testament to Arteza's dedication to nurturing the irreplaceable value of human creativity in an AI-driven world.
Click here to go to the Arteza website.

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Picture yourself diving into the vibrant world of crafting, armed with the highest quality cutting  tools, and surrounded by a sea of yellow - a color that has become synonymous with creativity and inspiration. In our latest episode, we welcome Yvonne Busdeker, the brand channel manager for OLFA, a trailblazer in the realm of cutting tools, and we venture into the vast universe of crafting. Yvonne shares profound insights about OLFA's quality products with a special focus on their Pro Section, as well as the story behind the distinctive yellow branding that has become a hallmark of their identity.

We journey beyond the usual, exploring unconventional and imaginative uses of OLFA's tools. Imagine making wavy microwave bacon with OLFA's rotary blades or using them for cosplay! And did you know that their stainless steel blades are food-safe? With OLFA's cutting tools, your creativity knows no bounds. From quilting to crafting, Yvonne inspires you to take on your next project with confidence and enthusiasm.

And what's crafting without a splash of color? Yellow, a color that ignites creativity and symbolizes the joy of crafting, is a vital part of this exciting world. We discuss its significance and how it's become an identifiable color on craft tables. We celebrate the diversity of craft activities and the endless potential that lies within everyone to create. As we wrap up this episode, we hope to ignite your passion for crafting and motivate you to keep exploring until you find your niche. Remember, at OLFA, there's a tool for every craft and a craft for every creator.

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Ever wondered how a renowned artist's journey unfolds? This episode has you covered as we invite the versatile and highly talented Drew Steinbrecher, a collage, printmaking and fiber artist, with an unshakeable connection to the influence of the historic German Bauhaus design school. In an immersive conversation, Drew shares his artistic voyage, from his first tryst with design in high school to his degree in graphic design, onto his evolution as a distinct artist in the world of collages. Get a glimpse of Drew's creative transition from modern quilts to collages, as he elucidates on his unique style of using jelly plates for creating grungy, texture-rich prints.

We also navigate through Drew's digital presence evolution and his innovative offering of online art classes. Tune in to understand the importance he gives to creating art for himself and the pure joy he extracts from the process. His classes offer a plethora of techniques ranging from traditional sketchbooks to grid journals, from stencil making to using acrylic paint markers. Hear about his recent collage maker summit and the continued engagement it's creating within its associated Facebook group. And, you certainly don't want to miss exploring Drew's vivacious and joyous artwork on his website - a true testament to his growth and innovation as an artist. Ready to get enlightened by Drew Steinbrecher's artistic mastery?

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Just imagine a journey through time, revealing the captivating story of a renowned company in the art supply industry, Speedball. We have the pleasure of hosting David Valliere, VP of Marketing and Business Development at Speedball, whose insights are sure to pique your interest. David recounts Speedball's evolution from its quaint origin in 1899 as the Hunt Penn Company to its impressive expansion under Walt Glazer’s ownership, focusing on US manufacturing. 

Ever wondered how a company can successfully branch out into various product lines while maintaining its core competence? Speedball has done just that. Growing exponentially over the past 15 years, the company's offerings now cater to an array of consumers, from budding artists to seasoned professionals. David gives you a close look at how their products, coupled with resources such as catalogs and a user-friendly website, are designed to be easily understood and discovered. 

Art and craft lovers, prepare to be delighted by the secret behind Speedball's unique demo artist program. This ingenious initiative not only supports art communities and retailers but also facilitates better consumer engagement. Find out how you can contribute by showing your support for the art and craft supplies industry. Explore the exciting ways you can connect with Speedball, from locating their store to experiencing their factory tours. Join us on this fascinating journey and discover something new and exciting at every turn.

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Prepare to be entranced as we navigate the intricate world of Natural Pigments, unraveling the captivating tale behind the creation of historically accurate art supplies. Founded by George and Tatiana in a humble garage, this innovative company has passionately committed to crafting art supplies that mirror their historical counterparts. With a range of unique products that include dry powder pigments and pigments pre-dispersed in water, they source natural pigments from every corner of the globe. 

This episode is not just about narrating the journey of Natural Pigments; it's about expanding your knowledge on art supplies and the raw materials that shape them. We unpack the essential services offered by Natural Pigments, from their comprehensive tutorials to their monthly online Artist Materials Advisor program. By the end of our chat, you'll have a broader understanding of the history of painting materials, and how today's manufacturing techniques have revolutionized artists' creative process.

As we venture further, George and Tatiana offer a peek into their sourcing and development process, detailing how they craft their distinctive colors and authentic art supplies. We explore the need for artists to comprehend the raw materials used in art supplies, which is an underlying theme throughout our conversation. This insightful episode is an invitation to immerse yourself in the unique and groundbreaking world of Natural Pigments. So, are you ready to unravel art's historical threads with us?

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Prepare to immerse yourself into the textural world of washi, as we reveal secrets about its traditional hand-making process right through to its commercial production. We are joined by the charming Victor Vélez, founder and CEO of Hobby Art International Supply, a man with a deep passion for washi paper and tapes. Victor enlightens us on how adhesive washi sheets are revolutionizing card making and why they're a notch above the regular washi tape. He takes us through the intricate details of this versatile material that is turning heads in the creative world.

Ever wondered how to get your designs on washi tape or what it takes to have a custom design? Victor shares the ins and outs of requesting a custom design for washi tape. He also spills the beans on the fantastic benefits of being part of the quarterly washi tape pool, such as irresistible discounts and low minimum orders. As Victor recounts his own journey into the washi world, he also shares tips on how to stay in the loop for the next pool opening. Join us for this captivating exploration and let Victor's passion for washi inspire your next creative project or business venture. Discover the myriad ways that the wonderful world of washi can elevate your artistry or diversify your product range.

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Brace yourselves as we embark on an artistic journey with Joe Souder, the creative pulse behind the Art Store in Syracuse, New York. Join us as he peels back the canvas on the ever-evolving trends in the art world, especially in these tumultuous times. The pandemic has spun the color wheel and pushed people toward traditional media and art forms. Joe, with the heart of a true artist, encourages everyone to embrace the change and fearlessly experiment with new materials.

This episode isn't just about the art; it's about the energy and the community behind it. We explore the physical presence of the Art Store and how it has transformed into a vibrant hub for artists. You'll get a sense of the exhilarating feel of choosing art supplies by touch and quality, attending free workshops, and connecting with other artists. It's the nucleus of artistry in Syracuse and Central New York, a place where creativity thrives and ideas flow as freely as watercolours on a canvas.

It's not all paintbrushes and easels though. Joe talks about the Art Store's digital footprint and how social media, particularly TikTok, has become a gallery for artists to showcase their work and engage with a wider audience. The Art Store has become more than a local hub; it's a beacon for artists far and wide. How can you support and be a part of this artistic revolution? Tune in, and let's paint this picture together.

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Get ready to unlock your creativity with the queen of card crafting herself, Justine Hovey! In a delightful conversation, Justine walks us through her journey as a self-taught artist who found her niche in card making. She shares the secrets behind her transition from scrapbooking enthusiast to YouTube's most-loved card maker, and her passion for teaching this understated art form. And if you think you need fine art skills to express yourself creatively, Justine's wonderful insights will surely change your mind. Tune in for a candid discussion about how she discovered an inclusive and supportive online crafting community, and her 20-year long ride in the art industry.

Our chat doesn't stop at card making. Justine also gives us a sneak peek into the Eat Sleep Crafty Retreat, an innovative virtual getaway for craft lovers to unite for a weekend of artistic fun. We delve into how Justine, along with Crafts Dash, designed a unique product line inspired by her love for card making. Plus, she shares tips on how to stay updated with future craft retreats and events. To wrap up, Justine opens up about her unexpected rise to popularity and her parents' reaction to her thriving career in the arts. With over 800 instructional videos to her credit, Justine's expertise and enthusiasm are bound to inspire all listeners, seasoned artists or those simply eager to tap into their creative potential.

Click here to go to Justine's website.

Art Supply Insiders
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Imagine painting a masterpiece from discarded material. Listen in as we engage with Steve Ross, the brainchild behind Encore Artistic Solutions. He's turning the art industry upside down, transforming waste into a source of creative inspiration, acrylic paint. Steve takes us through his innovative journey of product design, where he turned a neglected waste stream of architectural paint (house paint) into a captivating product line named 'Tomorrow's Artist'. With the aid of 15 artists from diverse backgrounds, he's not only serving the art community but also addressing waste treatment. Stay tuned, as they plan on rolling out their distribution channels next year.

Intrigued? Well, there's more to discover. Steve shares his intriguing experience of how Encore Artistic Solutions was put to the test by a renowned artist and its evolution to meet the demands of the art community. He gives us a sneak peek into the enchanting world of Laguna Beach's Festival of the Arts, and the benefits that came with partnering with a major brand to create a product line using discarded materials. So, join us as Steve offers us a glimpse into the future of art. And who knows, you might end up visualizing waste in an entirely different light!

Click here go to Encore Artistic Solutions website

Art Supply Insiders
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Get ready to spin the roulette wheel with Stephen Gunn & Mary Gunn FUNN, the brilliant minds behind the YouTube sensation Craft Roulette. Picture a show where artistry meets chance and creativity is put to the test live on air! Every week, a guest crafter hops on board and lets the wheel decide the course of their project. This cheeky, unpredictable show has taken the internet by storm, growing from a humble audience of 10 to thousands of dedicated viewers spanning the globe in a span of just three years.

But Craft Roulette isn't just a crafting show - it's a creative revolution. It's about discovering new horizons in art, pushing boundaries, and defying the odds. The show's unique format sparks a plethora of interpretations and ideas, proving that the same parameters can birth a multitude of extraordinary crafts. Talking about variety, Mary has had the pleasure of hosting 72 different crafters, each bringing their unique flair to the table. Plus, the fun doesn't stop with watching - viewers can submit their crafts and win enticing prizes! So, whether you're a seasoned crafter or a curious onlooker, join us for this wild ride with Stephen Gunn and Craft Roulette. You'll be amazed at where the wheel lands!

Click here to check out the Craft Roulette website.


Art Supply Insiders
Click here to subscribe & follow (and be notified of every new podcast): Subscribe & Follow
Please leave a comment (we love feedback!): Comments

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