Welcome back to ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists.

This week, we’re joined by Julie Harrison, a New York-based artist whose decades-long career has spanned drawing, photography, video, painting, and performance.

In this episode we discuss Julie’s transition from grayscale to color and back again, her interest in scientific imagery, archiving and selecting reference materials, drawing techniques, early artistic influences and her career path. We also discuss her transition to painting in the 1980s, graduate school, the importance of mentorship and the intersection of challenge, doubt and curiousity at play behind her practice.

Julie’s work has been exhibited at MoMA, the Museum of Arts & Design and the Neuberger Museum, with reviews in The New York Times, Hyperallergic, and The Village Voice. Harrison is a recipient of NEA and NYFA grants, she has published with Granary Books and held residencies at the Nordic Arts Center and Cold Spring Harbor Lab. Harrison also founded the Art & Technology B.A. program at Stevens Institute of Technology, where she taught for 18 years.

Enjoy this conversation with the artist Julie Harrison.

You can now support this podcast by clicking HERE where you can donate using PATREON or PayPal!

If you're enjoying the podcast so far, please rate, review, subscribe and SHARE ON INSTAGRAM!
 
If you have an any questions you want answered, write in to [email protected]

host: Isaac Mann
www.isaacmann.com
insta: @isaac.mann

guest: Julie Harrison
www.julie-harrison.com
insta: @julie_harrison_nyc

Thank you as always to ARRN, the Detroit-based artist and instrumentalist, for the music. 

Welcome back to ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists.

On this week’s episode we are once again joined by the iconic painter Eric Fischl.

Eric Fischl is an internationally acclaimed American artist known for his profound influence on figurative art. Born in 1948 in New York City, Fischl’s work captures the uneasy undercurrents of American life. His journey through art education took him from Phoenix to California, where he earned his B.F.A., and later to Chicago and Nova Scotia for teaching and early exhibitions. Fischl's art, which explores the dichotomy between appearance and reality, has graced over a thousand publications and is housed in prestigious collections worldwide, from The Metropolitan Museum of Art to the Musée Beaubourg. Beyond painting, Fischl has ventured into sculpture, drawing, and printmaking and collaborated with literary luminaries like E.L. Doctorow and Jamaica Kincaid. He also founded "America: Now and Here," a multidisciplinary project fostering dialogue about American identity. A Fellow of both the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Fischl resides in Sag Harbor, NY, with his wife, painter April Gornik.

In last week’s episode Eric and I discussed ideas of success and failure, Eric’s practice bridging painting and photography, the current state of the art market and his support for a return to regionalism.

Today we discuss the role of the artist, the universal vs the specific, artists from the past including Bonnard, Beckmann, Rodin and Lucien Freud, Eric discusses challenges in the studio and creative blocks, and his new series of work that utilizes VR technology.  

Enjoy the show.

You can now support this podcast by clicking HERE where you can donate using PATREON or PayPal!

If you're enjoying the podcast so far, please rate, review, subscribe and SHARE ON INSTAGRAM!
 
 If you have an any questions you want answered, write in to [email protected]

host: Isaac Mann
www.isaacmann.com
 insta: @isaac.mann

guest: Eric Fischl
www.ericfischl.com
insta: @fischlstudio 
 

Thank you as always to ARRN, the Detroit-based artist and instrumentalist, for the music. 

Welcome back to ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists.

Happy New Year! I’m thrilled to kick off 2025 with a milestone celebration of our 50th episode. I am also extremely excited to say this special episode features a great conversation with the iconic artist Eric Fischl.

Eric Fischl is an internationally acclaimed American artist known for his profound influence on figurative art. Born in 1948 in New York City, Fischl’s work captures the uneasy undercurrents of American life. His journey through art education took him from Phoenix to California, where he earned his B.F.A., and later to Chicago and Nova Scotia for teaching and early exhibitions. Fischl's art, which explores the dichotomy between appearance and reality, has graced over a thousand publications and is housed in prestigious collections worldwide, from The Metropolitan Museum of Art to the Musée Beaubourg. Beyond painting, Fischl has ventured into sculpture, drawing, and printmaking and collaborated with literary luminaries like E.L. Doctorow and Jamaica Kincaid. He also founded "America: Now and Here," a multidisciplinary project fostering dialogue about American identity. A Fellow of both the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Fischl resides in Sag Harbor, NY, with his wife, painter April Gornik.

In the first part of my two-part series with this legendary artist, we explore a fascinating range of topics. From Fischl's studio soundtrack—moving from youthful anthems to reflections on mortality—to the intricate dance between photography and painting, he shares how fleeting moments captured in photographs evolve into compelling works on canvas. The discussion touches on the challenges of maintaining creativity, the impact of early success, and the role of failure in art-making. We also delve into the shifting art market, from regionalism to global recognition, and Eric’s advocacy for a return to regional significance, where artists can find universal meaning through local context.

You can now support this podcast by clicking HERE where you can donate using PATREON or PayPal!

If you're enjoying the podcast so far, please rate, review, subscribe and SHARE ON INSTAGRAM!
 
If you have an any questions you want answered, write in to [email protected]

host: Isaac Mann
www.isaacmann.com
insta: @isaac.mann

guest: Eric Fischl
www.ericfischl.com
insta: @fischlstudio 

Thank you as always to ARRN, the Detroit-based artist and instrumentalist, for the music. 

🎉 Special Bonus Episode! 🎉

Welcome to episode 49.5 of ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists—a special teaser leading up to our milestone 50th episode!

We’ve got an incredible guest lined up for Episode 50, someone whose impact on contemporary art is legendary. I can’t wait for you to hear our conversation. Stick around until the end for a sneak peek—you might recognize the voice!

Episode Highlights:

• A sneak preview of Episode 50’s guest (any guesses?)
• Big news about new, limited-edition ARTMATTERS merch 🎁
• How you can - and should! - join our growing Patreon community for exclusive perks!

Thanks for being part of the ARTMATTERS family—your support means everything. Episode 50 drops January 2nd. Mark your calendars, and happy holidays!

👉 Support the Podcast: Join on Patreon
👉 Shop Merch: Click Here 


Thank you as always to ARRN, the Detroit-based artist and instrumentalist, for the music. 

Welcome back to ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists:

Today we conclude our 3-part conversation with the artist Jeff Way. Jeff has lived and worked in New York’s Tribeca neighborhood since 1969. Featured in the 1973 Whitney Biennial and a subsequent solo exhibition, Way’s work has been shown at institutions like the New Museum, the Contemporary Arts Museum in Houston, and the ICA Philadelphia. His innovative Chalk Line Paintings, begun in the late 1960s, explore the grid through layered lines of raw pigment, a technique he revisits in his most recent Eccentric Squares series. Jeff’s solo exhibition, Then and Now: 1970 to 2024 opened earlier this year with Storage Gallery in New York and was featured in The New York Times and the Brooklyn Rail.

In this week’s episode, I talk with the Jeff about his journey through expectations and his artistic growth, favorite exhibitions and the importance of continuity, and the ways in which teaching often intersected with his practice. We also discuss  his advice for young artists and what makes a good critique.

Enjoy this conversation with the artist Jeff Way.

You can now support this podcast by clicking HERE where you can donate using PATREON or PayPal!

If you're enjoying the podcast so far, please rate, review, subscribe and SHARE ON INSTAGRAM!
 
If you have an any questions you want answered, write in to [email protected]

host: Isaac Mann
www.isaacmann.com
insta: @isaac.mann

guest: Jeff Way
www.jeffwayart.com
insta: @jeffwayart

Thank you as always to ARRN, the Detroit-based artist and instrumentalist, for the music. 

Today on the podcast we continue our conversation with Jeff Way, an artist who has lived and worked in New York’s Tribeca neighborhood since 1969. Featured in the 1973 Whitney Biennial and a subsequent solo exhibition there, Way’s work has been shown at institutions like the New Museum, the Contemporary Arts Museum in Houston, and the ICA Philadelphia. His innovative Chalk Line Paintings, begun in the late 1960s, explore the grid through layered lines of raw pigment, a technique he revisits in his recent Eccentric Squares series. With works in major museum collections, including the Whitney and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Way continues to push the boundaries of color, form, and dimensionality.

In part two of my conversation with Jeff Way, we delve deeper into the influences and processes that have shaped his artistic career. Jeff reflects on the importance of community and collaboration, sharing how these connections have impacted his work over the years. We discuss his early successes, the confidence they inspired, and how he’s navigated both praise and criticism throughout his career. With thoughtful reflections on his legacy, Jeff offers a candid look at the highs and lows of a lifetime dedicated to art. 

You can now support this podcast by clicking HERE where you can donate using PATREON or PayPal!

If you're enjoying the podcast so far, please rate, review, subscribe and SHARE ON INSTAGRAM!
 
If you have an any questions you want answered, write in to [email protected]

host: Isaac Mann
www.isaacmann.com
insta: @isaac.mann

guest: Jeff Way
www.jeffwayart.com
insta: @jeffwayart

Thank you as always to ARRN, the Detroit-based artist and instrumentalist, for the music. 

Happy Thanksgiving and welcome back to another episode of ARTMATTERS!

Today on the podcast we start our conversation with Jeff Way, an artist who has lived and worked in New York’s Tribeca neighborhood since 1969. Featured in the 1973 Whitney Biennial and a subsequent solo exhibition there, Way’s work has been shown at institutions like the New Museum, the Contemporary Arts Museum in Houston, and the ICA Philadelphia. His innovative Chalk Line Paintings, begun in the late 1960s, explore the grid through layered lines of raw pigment, a technique he revisits in his recent Eccentric Squares series. With works in major museum collections, including the Whitney and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Way continues to push the boundaries of color, form, and dimensionality.

On this episode we discuss Jeff's return to his early ideas and techniques, tracing how his style has evolved through changing mediums and approaches. Jeff shares insights into the balance between precision and mistakes in his process, the role of collage and masking tape in his work, and the transparency and layering of color that define his signature aesthetic. We also discuss how he embraces both mess and finesse in his art. From his early artistic influences to his current exploration of grids and eccentric forms, this conversation offers a compelling look into the life and work of a masterful painter and thinker.

You can now support this podcast by clicking HERE where you can donate using PATREON or PayPal!

If you're enjoying the podcast so far, please rate, review, subscribe and SHARE ON INSTAGRAM!
 
If you have an any questions you want answered, write in to [email protected]

host: Isaac Mann
www.isaacmann.com
insta: @isaac.mann

guest: Jeff Way
www.jeffwayart.com
insta: @jeffwayart

Thank you as always to ARRN, the Detroit-based artist and instrumentalist, for the music. 

Welcome back to ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists. 

On today’s episode we talk with artist Mark Joshua Epstein, whose work has been widely exhibited in the U.S. and internationally. A graduate of the Slade School of Fine Arts, Epstein has held residencies at prestigious institutions like the British School at Rome. His work has appeared in publications such as the New York Times and Hyperallergic, and he is currently an artist-in-residence at the Sharpe Walentas Studio Program in Brooklyn, NY.

Today we dive into more of Marks artistic practice starting with flexible tape and it’s role in creating borders that carry cultural and compositional weight. We discussed the intimidation of starting a new work, the rhythm and tempo of an artist process and the transformative impact of critiques. This conversation also touches on the books that inspire studio practice, advice for acrylic painters and some thoughtful guidance for younger artists navigating their creative journeys.

You can now support this podcast by clicking HERE where you can donate using PATREON or PayPal!

If you're enjoying the podcast so far, please rate, review, subscribe and SHARE ON INSTAGRAM!

If you have an any questions you want answered, write in to [email protected]

ABOUT ARTMATTERS:

Host: Isaac Mann
www.isaacmann.com
insta: @isaac.mann

Guest: Mark Joshua Epstein
www.markjoshaepstein.com
insta: @markjoshuaepstein 

Thank you as always to ARRN, the Detroit-based artist and instrumentalist, for the music. 

Welcome back to ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists. 

On today’s episode I speak with artist Mark Joshua Epstein, whose work has been widely exhibited in the U.S. and internationally. A graduate of the Slade School of Fine Arts, Epstein has held residencies at prestigious institutions like the British School at Rome. His work has appeared in publications such as the New York Times and Hyperallergic, and he is currently an artist-in-residence at the Sharpe Walentas Studio Program in Brooklyn, NY.

Today’s conversation delves into Mark’s artistic development, beginning with his transition from working on paper to using foam and epoxy clay. He describes his process of creating frames using foam, epoxy, and a proprietary gesso mix, and his eventual shift to Aqua resin and fiberglass for larger works. Epstein emphasizes the importance of maintaining a playful, improvisational approach while balancing durability and vulnerability in his work. He also discusses the challenges and joys of his "fabrication season," where he creates panels without even initially envisioning the final paintings.

You can now support this podcast by clicking HERE where you can donate using PATREON or PayPal!

If you're enjoying the podcast so far, please rate, review, subscribe and SHARE ON INSTAGRAM!
 
 If you have an any questions you want answered, write in to [email protected]

host: Isaac Mann
www.isaacmann.com
 insta: @isaac.mann

guest: Mark Joshua Epstein
www.markjoshaepstein.com
insta: @markjoshuaepstein 

Thank you as always to ARRN, the Detroit-based artist and instrumentalist, for the music. 

Welcome back to ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists. 

My guest back again today is Helen Frederick, an artist whose career has spanned decades of innovation in printmaking, paper-making, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Helen earned both her BFA and MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design, and went on to found Pyramid Atlantic, a hub for contemporary printmaking, hand paper-making, and book arts. 

Her work is held in over 45 international collections and has been exhibited in prestigious institutions like the Phillips Collection, MoMA Kyoto, the Whitney Museum, and many more. She has also served on numerous arts boards and panels and is a Professor Emeritus at George Mason University.

In today’s episode, Helen and I discuss working from leftovers, strengthening your position for creation, will power, perfection and survival. Helen also explains how she finds answers in chaos, why she believes artists are warriors and together we explore a collaborative series of works she is currently in the middle of.

This conversation is continued from last week’s episode. Enjoy!

You can now support this podcast by clicking HERE where you can donate using PATREON or PayPal!

If you're enjoying the podcast so far, please rate, review, subscribe and SHARE ON INSTAGRAM!
 
 If you have an any questions you want answered, write in to [email protected]

host: Isaac Mann
www.isaacmann.com
insta: @isaac.mann

guest: Helen Frederick
readingroadstudio.com
helenfrederick.com
insta: @helenfrederick

Thank you as always to ARRN, the Detroit-based artist and instrumentalist, for the music.