Blake McFarland is an artist who specializes in mixed media sculptures using wood, steel, epoxy, foam, fiberglass, crayons, even ramen noodles. Since 2019 he’s been filming these creations and showing the process on his YouTube channel, BM Sculptures.    His highly detailed sculptures can take up to eight weeks to create for clients such as Hyundai, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Golden State Warriors and many more. His multiple collaborations with Goodyear has led him to create multiple sports team mascot sculptures out of recycled tires, a medium he seems especially skilled with.    Before becoming a full time artist, Blake was a professional baseball player, who spent 8 years pitching for the Toronto Blue Jays. Recently Blake was a contestant on the TV show Making It, and even more recently he became a dad for the second time.  BM Sculptures on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BMSculptures  Steve Ramsey: https://www.youtube.com/c/stevinmarin   

Blake McFarland on sculpting and reality TV (Ep 28)

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Welcome back to Creative Culture! In this episode, I had a fun conversation with Elliot Fullam, a multi-talented artist who began his career at the age of nine. From interviewing rock legends to acting in horror films and crafting his own music, Elliot's journey is as diverse as it is fascinating. We explore the unique blend of horror and metal, discuss the evolution of media production, and share personal stories of meeting icons like James Hetfield. Whether you're a horror fan, a metal enthusiast, or a creative soul, you need to listen to this episode! 

The artistic and social intersection of metal and horror, with Elliott Fullam (Ep. 87)

In this episode of Creative Culture, I talked to mixologist and professional bartender Leandro Di Monriva  @TheEducatedBarfly  about the art of mixing cocktails and what it takes to be a bartender. We chatted about everything from things that annoy bartenders to the tools of the trade. And if you've been thinking about setting up your own home bar, Leandro shares his tips, including the spirts you'll want to have on hand, the tools you'll need, and the types of glassware. And yes, we learn if James Bond was correct in ordering a martini "shaken, not stirred" or if that's nonsense! The Educated Barfly on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/  Support Creative Culture on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/creativeculturepod 

The art of cocktails. Was James Bond right? With Leandro DiMonriva (EP 86)

Has social media fundamentally changed the way we perceive art? Can art me quantified by the number of eyeballs that view it? In this episode of Creative Culture, I talked with CJ the X, @cjthex a creator and philosopher whose work explores the intersection of art and our cultural engagement with social media. CJ's content, ranging from thought-provoking videos to critical essays, offers a fresh perspective on art's subjectivity and the influence of digital platforms on creative expression. We navigated through various topics, including the challenges and triumphs of the creative process, the impact of social media on art, and the essence of making art that resonates both personally and publicly. Key takeaways from our conversation:  The "Mr. Beastification" of art  CJ's approach to content creation emphasizes depth and thoughtfulness, urging creators to prioritize substance over viral appeal.   The importance of "aesthetic sincerity" in art, where the value of creative work stems from genuine expression rather than strategic analytics.   The challenge of balancing creative integrity with the pressures of social media metrics and audience expectations.   The concept of "doing" as the core of artistic identity, underscoring the need for creators to engage actively with their craft.   Insights into navigating the digital landscape as an artist, including the pitfalls of content commodification and the pursuit of meaningful engagement.   The potential of social media as a tool for artistic expression, despite its inherent tensions with traditional notions of artistry.   Reflections on the evolving definition of art in the digital age and the role of creators in shaping cultural conversations.   Watch CJ's videos: https://www.youtube.com/@cjthex  Read CJ's essays: https://cjthex.com/  Support Creative Culture on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/creativeculturepod 

Can art be objectively bad? With CJ the X (Episode 85)

This episode of Creative Culture is a look into the enchanting world of historical fashion with the talented Vasi Birchwood who not only dons but also meticulously crafts her own historical attire that she wears daily. We explored Vasi's journey into hand sewing and her passion for bringing the clothing of the working-class Victorian era and her Volga Tatar heritage to life. Our conversation touched on the practicality and comfort of historical garments, debunking common misconceptions about corsetry, and the deeper connection these clothes offer to our ancestors and past cultures. Vasi's approach to living intentionally, through sustainable fashion and a deep respect for craftsmanship, offered a refreshing perspective on the significance of what we wear and how it connects us to history and identity.   Key highlights of the episode include:    Vasi Birchwood's expertise in creating authentic historical fashion by hand, focusing on working-class Victorian and Volga Tatar garments. The practical benefits and comfort of wearing historical clothing, challenging modern perceptions of discomfort associated with it. The significance of historical attire in connecting with one's heritage and the broader cultural implications of fashion throughout history. The importance of sustainable fashion practices and the critique of fast fashion's impact on society and the environment. Vasi's personal journey into sewing and the therapeutic aspects of handcrafting garments. The role of clothing in living intentionally and fostering a deeper connection to the materials and processes involved in garment creation.  Visit Vasi's YouTube channel  Consider supporting the podcast on Patreon!

Is Fast-Fashion Destroying Culture? With V.Birchwood (Episode 84)

In this episode of Creative Culture,  I talked with Electric Linda, a master tattoo artist hailing from Norway about tattoo art. With over two decades of experience, Linda brings a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and artistic wisdom to the table. Known for her dynamic and colorful photorealistic tattoos, as well as being a specialist in coverups, Linda has won over 50 international tattoo awards. Beyond her tattoo mastery, she's also a passionate entrepreneur, running both a successful tattoo studio and an online store inspired by tattoo art. This conversation explores the depths of tattoo culture, artistic expression, and the personal journeys intertwined with every inked piece. Main takeaways from the show include:  The evolution of tattoo placements and societal perceptions over the past two decades. Insights into the personal and emotional significance tattoos hold for individuals. The intricacies of tattoo artistry, from photorealism to coverups, and the technical skills required. The importance of artist-client relationships in the tattoo process and how it shapes the final artwork. The impact of social media and television on the tattoo industry and individual artists' careers.  Help support the show! https://www.patreon.com/creativeculturepod  Watch Creative Culture on YouTube! Electric Linda on YouTube

Blake McFarland on sculpting and reality TV (Ep 28)

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