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Bench Talk
Bench Talk episodes
- BENCH TALK Podcast #214 | BYRON BOWMAN KEHOE
In this insightful interview, Byron Bowman Kehoe, a seasoned gallerist, shares his journey through the art world, from early exposure to art in his family gallery to working in Japan and New York. Discover his perspectives on art collection, studio practices, street art, and how galleries like Backwoods shape Melbourne's vibrant art scene.
------KEY TAKEAWAYS:- Early exposure to art through family gallery- Japanese art influence on contemporary taste- The role of collectors in the art world- Studio practices and artist assistants- The evolution of street art into gallery spaces- Strategies for artists to approach galleries- The importance of storytelling in art- The future of Melbourne as an art hub------HOST: Tom Gerrard✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard✦ Subscribe to Channel | www.youtube.com/@ArtCareerAcademy✦ Website | artcareeracademy.comGUEST (Byron Bowman Kehoe)✦ Instagram @backwoods.gallery✦ Find out more at: https://www.backwoods.gallery/Loved this episode? Hit subscribe and give us a 5 star review. This means so much, thank you!-------WANT MORE?👉Download free cheatsheet to boost your creative cashflow:https://www.artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide👉 Join our free 7 days of Drawing a Day in May challenge:https://www.artcareeracademy.com/drawing-challenge--------SUPPORT THE SHOW:👉 Subscribe by hitting the bell 🔔 icon above👉 Make a One-Time or Recurring Donation on PayPal:https://paypal.me/artcareeracademy___________________© 2025 Art Career Academy. All rights reserved. Content from Art Career Academy & BenchTalk Podcast is protected under copyright law.Legal Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Art Career Academy & BenchTalk are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Tom Gerrard, Claire Bradshaw or the Art Career Academy.This channel and podcast is for educational purposes only. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein.1 hr 10 min - BENCH TALK Podcast #213 | ART CAREER ACADEMY - Q&A: Commissions
A listener question inspired this episode — and it highlights something many artists and collectors experience:
How do you create a commissioned artwork that truly feels right for everyone involved?In this episode of Bench Talk, we explore how commissions can become rewarding creative collaborations when expectations are clear and communication is open.Because when alignment is there, the process feels energising — and the artwork becomes something truly special.In this episode:• Why commissions are an opportunity for meaningful collaboration• How collectors can communicate what they love with clarity• How artists can guide the process with confidence and professionalism• Why alignment matters more than perfection• How great commissions strengthen artist–collector relationships👉 Join the Going Pro LIVE cohort 2026 waitlist — our signature program for visual artists.https://www.artcareeracademy.com/waitlist👉 Get our free Visibility Guide to learn how artists are getting seen by gallerists and collectors right now! https://www.artcareeracademy.com/visibility-guide👉 Want to learn how Tom and our art students make a great income from their art? Get a copy of our free cheatsheet here;https://www.artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide28 min - BENCH TALK Podcast #212 | JASMINE MANSBRIDGE - Creating Art From Dreams, Geometry & Stillness
👉 Join the FREE 3-day Going Pro Bootcamp and discover how to build a thriving art career with clarity, confidence, and authentic visibility—no hustle required.
https://www.artcareeracademy.com/3-day-bootcampWhat is art really for?In this deeply reflective episode of Bench Talk, I sit down with contemporary artist Jasmine Mansbridge for an expansive conversation about dreams, geometry, stillness, and art as a healing force.Jasmine shares how her distinctive visual language, built through geometric forms, portals, and sculptural installations—emerged from years of personal transformation, loss, and deep inner work. Rather than reacting to chaos, her practice seeks to create calm, grounding and presence ~ both for herself and for those who encounter her work.Together, Jasmine and I explore:⚡️ Creating art from dreams and the subconscious⚡️ Geometry as metaphor for human experience⚡️ Art as a way to regulate the nervous system⚡️ Stillness, meditation, and embodied creative practice⚡️ The responsibility of caring for a long-term body of work⚡️ Moving from painting into sculpture and immersive installations⚡️ Redefining success, sustainability, and wellbeing as an artist⚡️ Why discipline, structure, and patience matter in a creative lifeThis episode is for emerging and established artists who want to understand where the art world is heading and how to position yourself for long-term success without chasing trends or losing your creative soul.🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts📺 Watch the full episode on YouTubeLoved this episode? Hit subscribe and give us a 5 star review. This means so much, thank you!------HOST: Tom Gerrard✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com and tom-gerrard.comGUEST: Jasmine Mansbridge✦ Instagram | @jasminemansbridge✦ Website | https://www.jasminemansbridge.com/-------WANT MORE?👉 Get our free Visibility Guide to learn how artists are getting seen by gallerists and collectors right now! https://www.artcareeracademy.com/visibility-guide👉 Want to learn how Tom and our art students make a great income from their art? Get a copy of our free cheatsheet here;https://www.artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide👉 Join the Going Pro waitlist for March 2026 — our signature live program for visual artists.https://www.artcareeracademy.com/waitlist1 hr 10 min - BENCH TALK Podcast #211 | ART CAREER ACADEMY - Reflecting on 2025 & Planning Your Sustainable Art Career in 2026
👉 Join the FREE 3-day Going Pro Bootcamp and discover how to build a thriving art career with clarity, confidence, and authentic visibility—no hustle required.
https://www.artcareeracademy.com/3-day-bootcampIn this episode of Bench Talk, Tom Gerrard sits down with Claire Bradshaw from the Art Career Academy to reflect honestly on 2025 and map out a grounded, sustainable approach to 2026 as an artist.Rather than rushing into goal setting, this conversation focuses on the power of reflection ~ looking at what actually worked, what shifted unexpectedly and how momentum is built over time in an art career.KEY TAKEAWAYS:⚡️ Why making great art is only part of building a career⚡️ How reflection creates clarity, confidence, and better decisions⚡️ The lessons learned from exhibitions, murals, relationships, and slowing down⚡️ What to consciously stop, continue, and start in 2026⚡️ How artists can plan for growth without burning out⚡️ The importance of patience, consistency, and long-term thinkingThis episode is ideal for artists who want to move forward with intention, not pressure ~ and who are ready to build a career that supports both their creativity and their life.🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts📺 Watch the full episode on YouTubeLoved this episode? Hit subscribe and give us a 5 star review. This means so much, thank you!------HOST: Tom Gerrard✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com and tom-gerrard.comGUEST: Claire Bradshaw (Art Career Academy)✦ Instagram | @artcareeracademy @_clairebradshaw_✦ Website | https://artcareeracademy.com-------WANT MORE?👉 Get our free Visibility Guide to learn how artists are getting seen by gallerists and collectors right now! https://www.artcareeracademy.com/visibility-guide👉 Want to learn how Tom and our art students make a great income from their art? Get a copy of our free cheatsheet here;https://www.artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide👉 Join the Going Pro waitlist for March 2026 — our signature live program for visual artists.https://www.artcareeracademy.com/waitlist🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts🎥 Watch the full conversation on YouTube39 min - BENCH TALK Podcast #210 | ART CAREER ACADEMY - What’s Really Shaping the Art World in 2026 (Artists, AI & Opportunity)
👉 Join the FREE 3-day Going Pro Bootcamp and discover how to build a thriving art career with clarity, confidence, and authentic visibility—no hustle required.
https://www.artcareeracademy.com/3-day-bootcampWhat does the future of the art world really look like for working artists?In this episode of Bench Talk, Tom Gerrard and Claire Bradshaw break down the five biggest art market trends from 2025 and share our top five predictions for 2026 - grounded in real experience as working artists and mentors supporting hundreds of creatives building sustainable careers.From the rise of younger collectors and returning market confidence, to AI's growing influence, immersive gallery experiences, and the increasing power of community, this conversation offers a clear-eyed look at what artists actually need to understand right now.KEY TAKEAWAYS:⚡️ Why making great work is only part of the equation⚡️ How AI is reshaping art-making (and what that means for you)⚡️ Why human-centred, imperfect work is rising in value⚡️ The shift toward multi-income artist careers⚡️ How galleries, collectors and artists are evolving⚡️Why community is becoming more important than visibility aloneThis episode is for emerging and established artists who want to understand where the art world is heading and how to position yourself for long-term success without chasing trends or losing your creative soul.🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts📺 Watch the full episode on YouTubeLoved this episode? Hit subscribe and give us a 5 star review. This means so much, thank you!------HOST: Tom Gerrard✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com and tom-gerrard.comGUEST: Claire Bradshaw (Art Career Academy)✦ Instagram | @artcareeracademy @_clairebradshaw_✦ Website | https://artcareeracademy.com-------WANT MORE?👉 Get our free Visibility Guide to learn how artists are getting seen by gallerists and collectors right now! https://www.artcareeracademy.com/visibility-guide👉 Want to learn how Tom and our art students make a great income from their art? Get a copy of our free cheatsheet here;https://www.artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide👉 Join the Going Pro waitlist for March 2026 — our signature live program for visual artists.https://www.artcareeracademy.com/waitlist🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts🎥 Watch the full conversation on YouTube47 min - BENCH TALK Podcast #209 | ART CAREER ACADEMY - How to Run a Stress-Free, Career-Building Art Exhibition
In this episode, Tom Gerrard sits down again with Claire Bradshaw from the Art Career Academy to unpack everything that goes into preparing for an exhibition — from concept and timing to marketing, mindset, and presentation.
Fresh off his solo show 20 Shot Sequence at Lennox Street Gallery, Tom shares his own process, lessons learned, and mistakes to avoid. Claire breaks it down into clear, actionable steps so you can approach your next show with confidence and professionalism.What you’ll learn:- How to plan your exhibition timeline (and why a full year helps)- The mindset needed to stay calm and focused- How to market your show before, during, and after opening night- Why professional documentation is a must- How to build long-term relationships with collectors and galleries------------HOST: Tom Gerrard✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom_gerrard_✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy✦ Website | tom-gerrard.com & artcareeracademy.comGUEST: Claire Bradshaw✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com✦ Instagram | @artcareeracademyLoved this episode? Hit subscribe and give us a 5 star review. This means so much, thank you!-------WANT MORE?
👉 Get our free Visibility Guide to learn how artists are getting seen by gallerists and collectors right now! https://www.artcareeracademy.com/visibility-guide👉 Join the Going Pro waitlist — our signature program for visual artists.https://www.artcareeracademy.com/waitlist🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts🎥 Watch the full conversation on YouTube29 min - BENCH TALK Podcast #208 | SARAH HOOK - How Artists Can Work with Collectors, Designers & Dealers
In this episode of Bench Talk, I sit down with private art dealer Sarah Hook (Fletcher Arts) to dive deep into the world of art dealing, collecting, and what it really takes for artists to thrive in today’s art market.
------KEY TAKEAWAYS:⚡️ How private art dealers work with artists, architects, and interior designers⚡️ The story behind Sarah’s “3 Days, 30 Artists” home exhibition model⚡️ Smart pricing strategies for artists and why you should never discount your work⚡️ How to build real, lasting relationships with collectors and dealers⚡️Why your most authentic art connects most deeply with buyers⚡️ The mindset every artist needs to go professionalSarah also shares advice on finding representation, staying consistent with pricing, and the number one daily habit every professional artist should have.------HOST: Tom Gerrard✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com and tom-gerrard.comGUEST: Sarah Hook (Fletcher Arts)✦ Instagram | @fletcher_64✦ Website | https://fletcherarts.com/Loved this episode? Hit subscribe and give us a 5 star review. This means so much, thank you!-------WANT MORE?👉 Get our free Visibility Guide to learn how artists are getting seen by gallerists and collectors right now! https://www.artcareeracademy.com/visibility-guide👉 Join the Going Pro waitlist — our signature program for visual artists.https://www.artcareeracademy.com/waitlist🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts🎥 Watch the full conversation on YouTube36 min - BENCH TALK Podcast #207 | ART CAREER ACADEMY -The 3 Pillars of Artist Visibility: How to Get Seen
👉 FREE Resource: Download the Artist Visibility Guide mentioned in this episode — learn how artists are getting seen by gallerists and collectors right now! https://www.artcareeracademy.com/visibility-guide
In this episode of Bench Talk, Claire Bradshaw from the Art Career Academy and I dive deep into the three pillars of artist visibility — online presence, relationships, and opportunities.We unpack what it really takes to build visibility as an artist beyond just making great work and share personal insights from my career about the power of visibility, credibility, and consistency.------KEY TAKEAWAYS:⚡️ Why creating great art is only 30% of the equation of a professional art career today⚡️ How to build an online presence that goes beyond social media⚡️ How to approach relationships with collectors, curators & galleries⚡️ Why waiting to be “discovered” keeps artists stuck⚡️ How to create your own opportunities (and momentum)Whether you’re just starting out or ready to elevate your visibility, this conversation will help you see your art career from a strategic, empowered perspective.------HOST: Tom Gerrard✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com and tom-gerrard.comGUEST: Claire Bradshaw✦ Instagram | @_clairebradshaw_ & @artcareeracademy✦ Website | artcareeracademy.comLoved this episode? Hit subscribe and give us a 5 star review. This means so much, thank you!-------WANT MORE?👉 Join the Going Pro waitlist — our signature program for visual artists.https://www.artcareeracademy.com/waitlist👉 Get our free Visibility Guide to attract collectors and gallery interest https://www.artcareeracademy.com/visibility-guide🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts🎥 Watch the full conversation on YouTube27 min - BENCH TALK Podcast #206 | LORIBELLE SPIROVSKI - Sydney Contemporary 2025: Highlights
In this episode of BenchTalk, I'm joined by artist Loribelle Spirovski for a deep dive into Sydney Contemporary 2025.
As first-time exhibitors, Loribelle and I share our impressions of Australia’s biggest art fair - from booth placement strategies to the works that stopped us in our tracks.We talk about the role of art fairs in shaping art careers, the difference between seeing art online vs in the flesh, and what it’s like navigating critique in the art world.------KEY TAKEAWAYS:- The atmosphere and layout of Sydney Contemporary 2025- Standout works from Vincent Namatjira, William McKinnon, Cybele Cox, Zach Langdon-Poll and more- Reactions to Damien Hirst’s $1.2m butterfly piece- The challenges of art fairs - overwhelm, criticism, and family feedback- Why artists keep coming back to exhibit------HOST: Tom Gerrard✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com and tom-gerrard.comGUEST: Loribelle Spirovski✦ Instagram | @loribellespirovskiLoved this episode? Hit subscribe and give us a 5 star review. This means so much, thank you!-------WANT MORE?👉 Join the Going Pro waitlist — our signature program for visual artists.https://www.artcareeracademy.com/waitlist👉 Get our free Visibility Guide to attract collectors and gallery interest https://www.artcareeracademy.com/visibility-guide43 min - BENCH TALK Podcast #205 | CTO - From Psychedelic Highs to Mural Heights
Street artist CTO (Peter Seaton) joins us for an unfiltered conversation about street art, graffiti politics, and painting walls across Melbourne and beyond.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:- His shift from psychedelics and self-discovery into murals- Learning rope access to paint massive walls safely (and why swing stages scare him)- Balancing illegal vs legal murals — and why most people don’t know which is which- How art can be activism, alchemy, and a way to shift collective consciousness- The Melbourne street art scene and graffiti beef- The future: sculptures, installations, and big walls in AmericaThis episode is part philosophy, part technical deep dive, and part raw honesty about what it takes to live and breathe street art today.------HOST: Tom Gerrard✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com and tom-gerrard.comGUEST: Peter Seaton (CTO)✦ Instagram | @ctoartLoved this episode? Hit subscribe and give us a 5 star review. This means so much, thank you!-------WANT MORE?👉 Join the Going Pro waitlist — our signature program for visual artists. Be first to hear when doors open for the 2026 intake and unlock early access, exclusive bonuses & the best price.https://www.artcareeracademy.com/waitlist👉Download our free cheatsheet to boost your creative cashflow:https://www.artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide1 hr 6 min
About Bench Talk
From the publisher's feed
Welcome to Bench Talk — the podcast where I dive into real, honest conversations with inspiring artists, to reveal what it really takes to build a thriving creative career.
I’m your host, Tom…
I’m your host, Tom…
Gerrard — an international artist from Australia and Co-Founder of The Art Career Academy, an online school dedicated to helping visual artists rise up and go pro. I kicked off this podcast back in 2016, when I was dreaming of going full-time with my art. And through these chats, I found the path and walked it.
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