Art Unknown Podcast

“For me, art is an experience. There is no right definition for it.” - Rupali Kumbhani

The Art of Becoming Through Experience

Jim Wills sits down with multidisciplinary artist Rupali Kumbhani to trace a life in motion. One shaped not by a single medium but by persistent curiosity and the courage to follow wherever creativity leads. From her early days in Mumbai to a practice spanning painting, photography, and beyond, Kumbhani shows how her work grows through lived experience, careful observation, and a constant willingness to explore.

At the center of the conversation is a question; what does it mean to create without clinging to outcome or label? Choosing independence over convention, Kumbhani focuses on process over perfection, letting intuition, travel, and even the design and care of over a hundred plants guide her work. Part creative philosophy, part meditation on discipline, presence, and freedom, this episode reminds us that art is not something we capture or control; it is something we grow into, step by step, through a life of experiences.

images: ©rupali kumbhani

rupali kumbhani website

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“Life is the fuel of art and art is basically what grows out of it.” - Regina Linke

The Boy, the Ox, and Questions That Shape Life

In this thoughtful and luminous conversation, Jim Wills sits down with Taiwanese American author and illustrator Regina Linke to explore the unlikely journey that led her from nonprofit technology work to creating a philosophical children’s book series rooted in ancient wisdom. What began as a personal art practice in Taiwan soon blossomed into The Oxherd Boy; a contemplative illustrated world inspired by Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, and sparked by the profound curiosity of her young son.

At the heart of the conversation lies a deeper question; how do we help children navigate fear, compassion, responsibility, and belonging without handing them easy answers? Through the gentle adventures of a boy, an ox, and eventually a rabbit, Linke’s stories invite young readers to wrestle with life’s biggest ideas in the spirit of ancient philosophy; patience, humility, and the quiet power of small actions. Part creative origin story and part meditation on culture, parenting, and artistic devotion, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the most profound wisdom arrives in the simplest form: a child’s question, a brushstroke, and the courage to follow curiosity wherever it leads.

images: ©regina linke

regina linke website

oxherd boy instagram

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“Art is here for all of us and it's for everyone. If you want to go and make art for the rest of your life, go and make art for the rest of your life.” - Alec Harrison

The Sound Behind the Screen:

Guest Alec Harrison pulls back the curtain on the invisible art that makes films breathe. From a life-changing encounter with armless drummer and speaker Alvin Law to a lifelong career scoring documentaries, global sports broadcasts, and cinematic experiences, Harrison reveals how music becomes the emotional engine behind the films and TV that we love.

He walks through the workflow of a modern composer; studying rough cuts like a detective, decoding temp tracks, collaborating with directors, and shaping sound to story long before audiences ever notice it. The conversation moves from scrappy early gigs to recording orchestras overseas, the secrecy of high-profile projects, the shift to digital studios, and why human storytelling still matters in an AI-saturated world. His story is a journey into how music quietly tells us what to feel, and why the right notes can turn moving images into unforgettable moments

images: ©alec harrison

alec harrison website

alec harrison instagram

6 music & sound

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“Keep being creative... continue to pursue whatever your passion is.” - Lee Isaacs

A Song of Life:

Sit down with Nashville-based singer-songwriter Lee Isaacs for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about creativity, storytelling, and building a life in music on his own terms. From his roots as a writer to discovering songwriting as a way to compress entire emotional narratives into just a few minutes, Lee reflects on the artists, moments, and quiet observations; sunsets, stillness, and everyday life, that continue to shape his sound.

Jim and Lee dive into the realities of being an independent artist today: blending genres without chasing trends, using video and social platforms as creative tools, protecting your work through ownership and publishing, and finding success by simply refusing to give up. This episode is a grounded, inspiring look at what it really takes to stay curious, stay honest, and keep creating in a noisy world.

images/video: ©lee isaacs – used with permission

lee isaacs website

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“I think that the operatic theatre is something that you can connect to, and in this moment when you are in the theatre you forget your worries.” - Evgenia Selina

From Pop to Puccini:

Engage in an enlightening conversation with the award winning, Russian-born opera singers Evgenia Selina and Ilya Lapich, a dynamic husband-and-wife duo now thriving in Germany. The episode delves into their distinct journeys toward opera: Evgenia's path, deeply rooted in a musical family where classical music was a constant companion, and Ilya's unique transition from pop, rock, and choral singing into the world of classical opera.

Listeners are invited to explore the transformative power of opera, as Evgenia and Ilya discuss the psychological depth and emotional vulnerability required to embody characters on stage. They share personal insights into their creative inspirations, professional challenges, and the reasons why Europe offers a uniquely supportive environment for opera singers, in contrast to larger nations like the United States or Russia.

The conversation extends beyond the stage to touch on themes of language, culture, and family life, including the experience of raising multilingual children and living between diverse worlds; balancing Russian heritage with European careers and global artistic traditions. At its heart, this episode is a profound reflection on opera as a vibrant, living art form that seamlessly blends music, theater, visual design, and storytelling, crafting an experience that transcends language, geography, and time.

images: ©evgenia selina & ilya lapich – used with permission

evgenia selina instagram

ilya lapich instagram

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“What is art? On its basest level I think it's the communication of emotion.” - Chris Orcutt

Memory Mining & 80s Magic

In this episode of the Art Unknown Podcast, Jim Wills chats with Chris Orcutt, a writer and educator, in a reflective dialogue on art, memory, and creativity. They connect over their shared experiences growing up in the 1980s, using this as a backdrop to explore how art preserves culture and identity.

Chris shares insights into his creative process for his nine-book series, Bodaciously True and Totally Awesome, set in the mid-1980s. He describes his unique approach of disconnecting from the internet, immersing himself in 80s artifacts, and drafting on typewriters to capture the era's essence. His "memory mining" technique focuses on emotions to organically reveal past details.

The discussion covers Chris’s inspirations, the impact of 9/11 on his work, and his shift from genre fiction to more personal narratives. The conversation then explores generational differences, discussing themes of freedom, self-reliance, and the effects of technology on creativity.

The episode delves into patience and artistic discipline, drawing wisdom from Nelson Mandela and John Steinbeck, and concludes with a discourse on AI, technology, and the preservation of human memory.

Ultimately, this episode is a meditation on art as a vessel for emotional truth, emphasizing progress over perfection in enduring creative endeavors.

chris orcutt website

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“There's no secret recipe to how you find success. It's simply not giving up.” - Don Rodriguez

Creativity Unleashed:

Dive into an illuminating conversation with Don Rodriguez, where we explore the essence of creativity as a holistic way of life. Don shares his journey of embracing creativity across multiple fields; construction, real estate music and film, and how this has profoundly influenced his personal and professional evolution. Our dialogue emphasizes creativity's universal role as a problem-solving tool and how recognizing this can enhance self-awareness, connection, and purpose. Don reveals his bold decision to transition from a successful career in real estate and construction, driven by a desire for personal growth and alignment with his true self. Inspired by a moment of introspection prompted by his children, he chose to prioritize inner fulfillment over financial gain. This pivotal choice led him back to his original passion, music, and the founding of i&i Music, a company dedicated to supporting independent artists with integrity and transparency.

The discussion also sheds light on the intricacies of the modern music industry, addressing issues such as artist exploitation, ownership rights, and the challenges of gaining visibility in the digital age. Don's expertise in contracts and entrepreneurship empowers him to advocate for artists by offering fair agreements that uphold their ownership while providing substantial support. This episode is an inspiring testament to the power of integrity, reinvention, and leveraging creativity to uplift others, affirming that true success aligns with authenticity and soul.

i&i music website

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“[Art] is how we express ourselves...It’s how we connect with people; and how we understand ourselves better.” - Franky Corcoran

Crafting Stories and Community from the Great White North:

In this captivating episode, host Jim Wills engages in an inspiring conversation with Franky Corcoran, a dynamic theatre artist from Miramichi, New Brunswick., Canada. Franky’s multifaceted career encompasses acting, writing, directing, producing, and podcasting, all driven by a passion for storytelling that took root during his high school years.

The episode delves into how the COVID-19 pandemic became a catalyst for Franky, inspiring him to write original plays, start his own theatre company, and launch The Corcoran Entertainment Show podcast. These creative endeavors served as lifelines during a time when traditional stages were inaccessible, allowing Franky to continue his artistic journey.

Throughout the discussion, Franky shares the joys of community theatre, the excitement of bringing written words to life, and the fulfillment of creating art for its own sake. The conversation also touches on profound themes such as the distinction between success and recognition and the transformative power of theatre in helping us understand ourselves.

Filled with humor, humility, and insightful reflections, this episode underscores the idea that meaningful art doesn't require a metropolitan backdrop or widespread acclaim; just curiosity, courage, and a commitment to the craft.

franky corcoran instagram

corcoran entertainment show on spotify

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"But to me art is a way of life, and it's the way of the curious, it's the way of the search." - Maba Ba

Curiosity Is the Compass:

Jim sits down with Senegalese-born filmmaker, writer, and entrepreneur Maba Ba for a rich conversation on curiosity as a guiding force in life and art. Maba reflects on his journey from Senegal to New York, from philosophy and film to winemaking, revealing how every creative path he follows is rooted in storytelling and human connection. Together they explore identity, community, and the dangers of confirmation bias, while unpacking why art; and wine; exist to bring people together. Along the way, Maba shares deeply personal insights on self-perception, creative courage, and the importance of choosing the right mirrors. A soulful, thought-provoking episode on living curiously and creating with intention.

flying whale wine

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"Art is here after we're gone, but art also documents culture...and art is our culture." - Wednesdae Reim Ifrach

Transformative Artful Healing:

Prepare to be inspired by Wednesdae Reim Ifrach, a visionary licensed art therapist and clinical counselor who is reshaping the landscape of mental health care. With a passion that transcends traditional therapy, Wednesdae is a beacon of hope and healing for the LGBTQ+ community, specializing in gender-affirming care, body positivity, and trauma-informed therapy.

At the heart of their work lies Rainbow Recovery, a sanctuary for those seeking empowerment and self-discovery. Here, Wednesdae co-creates a nurturing environment where expressive art therapy and somatic therapy intertwine, offering a unique tapestry of creative, body-oriented, and trauma-aware healing. They also use art in their own personal therapy as an expression of beauty and healing. Our discussion dives into what it means to be accepted as well as accepting others in their right to exist as they are.

Through their teaching, writing, and activism, Wednesdae Reim Ifrach is not just a therapist but a trailblazer, illuminating the path to a more inclusive and compassionate world. Join us as we delve into their remarkable journey and discover the art of healing.

rainbow recovery website

wednesdae reim Ifrach instagram

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