Clean Break with Matt Gondek

Matt Gondek sits down with Set Free Richardson, a man known to some as a creative genius, and to others, the Cultural Conduit. Born in the Bronx and bred in Philadelphia, Set Free has turned urban culture into breakthrough ideas, taking the AND1 brand to international sensation status. As the mastermind behind Compound, where art, music, fashion, sports, and charity blend seamlessly, he's created an adult playground that fuels creativity and a cultural nerve center that taps into big-name figures daily. From his role as Director, Creator, and Philanthropist, to being featured in top national magazines like The New York Times and USA Today, Set Free's insights are sure to ignite your imagination. Listen to the full episode now.

Matt speaks with Ben Frost, renowned for his audacious and thought-provoking work often using pharmaceutical packaging. Frost opens up about his creative process, sharing insights on using imagery like children's books, mixing things up with different media, and his organic approach to art that bypasses digital mock-ups. The conversation also delves into sustaining a career over 20 years, the struggle between innovation and expectation, and the often-unspoken fear of stepping out of the comfort zone. If you've ever wondered what's behind those captivating paintings on packages or how an artist keeps the passion alive, don't miss this engaging chat! Listen to the full episode now.

Matt speaks with East Coast-based artist Jessica Brilli. Jessica shares her journey as a painter, detailing her transition from a graphic design career to wholeheartedly embracing her passion for art. She discusses her unique approach to drawing inspiration from vintage photographic film, sifting through countless images to find the perfect one. She also opens up about the grant she received, which paved the way for her to become a full-time artist, establish an external studio, and invest in her artistic pursuits. Despite the challenges, Jessica underscores the significance of perseverance and hard work in achieving success as an artist. Listen to the full episode now.

Matt talks with renowned artists Charlie Edmiston and Fidia about their creative journeys, influences, and challenges in the art world. They discuss breaking away from past labels and embracing authenticity in their artistic visions. From Fidia's graffiti background to Charlie's evolving color palettes, they share insights into their styles and experimentation. The conversation also touches on the role of galleries and the value of self-expression in the creative process. This candid discussion offers valuable insights for aspiring and established artists alike. Listen to the full episode now.

Matt talks with Texas-based artist Dan Lam - known for her "drippy" sculptures and use of vibrant color. With no guides or instructions available, Dan's work was organically discovered and refined through her own experimentation. We discuss how she went from teaching art appreciation to exhibiting in galleries, her creative process and the materials used in the work, sales, the benefits of working with a PR company, getting press, and a lot more. Listen to the full episode now.

We speak with artist Jan Kalab - an artist whose work has been described as nuclear, bombastic, and looking like a thermal wave. From cutting his teeth on the 90's graffiti scene in Czechoslovakia, Jan's work has transitioned from the streets to the fine art world. We discuss his first solo exhibitions, running his own gallery Trafačka, and the art market in his current home of Prague. We also dive into how he creates his work, which uses colorful squares and circles as an obsessive vocabulary for infinite variations around depth, time, and motion. Listen to the full episode now.

Clean Break's Matt Gondek speaks with artists Mr. B Baby and Dreyfus, recorded live at the Secret Walls compound in collaboration with POSCA. Mr. B Baby is best known for her Mexican Maria rag doll and "Chucho" characters, which come to life through fine art, murals, and toys. Dreyfus's work has a strong message of positive mental health through her "Alter-Egos" depicting people experiencing joy. Clean Break talks with both artists about their upbringing, navigating the art market, and various other topics. Secret Walls is the world's largest art battle platform, and they have teamed up with POSCA to produce a series of free workshops on drawing, DIY design, and character building. Listen to the full episode now.

Dulk is a Spanish born artist best known for his vibrant paintings that blend nature and fantasy.

In this episode of Clean Break, Matt Gondek, street artist Dulk, and Sara, his wife and manager, traverse Dulk's artistic journey. From Dulk's early days drawing as a child, a brief stint in economics, to studying illustration, they explore the pathway to his recognition as a successful artist. The trio unpacks the intricacies of the art business, discussing partnerships, collaborations, and the unique dynamics of working as a couple within the industry. Dulk's immersive installations, especially his work with the monumental "fire" sculpture for Valencia's Fallas Festival is spotlighted. This episode is a deep dive into the intersection of art, business, and personal passion. Listen to the full episode now.

We discuss the art of communicating with collectors. We emphasize the need for transparency when discussing prices, and encourage artists to stand firm on their pricing decisions while avoiding excessive haggling. The importance of respectful follow-ups, respecting collectors' privacy, and keeping thorough records of interactions for reference and organization is also underscored. We suggest transitioning conversations from social media to email for better control and organization of communication. To learn more insights and methods for communicating with collectors, listen to the full episode now.

In this episode of Clean Break, Matt and Patrick dive into the world of printmaking, discussing everything from traditional to modern practices. They share a wealth of knowledge on effectively selling and packaging prints, with a particular focus on the medium's importance and the strategic use of color. They navigate the intricacies of print-on-demand services, unearthing the benefits of low upfront costs and quality control, while addressing the challenge of not being able to sign prints. Listen in and hear their innovative approach which facilitates income with no upfront investment. Don't miss their insight on the ideal print size and the pitfalls of offering multiple sizes or materials. To dive into these exciting discussions and more, listen to the full episode now.