Ceri speaks with polymath Louise Gray, whose creative career spans textiles, fashion, costume, sound, and writing. Louise shares her experiences in fashion, textile design, and education, discussing her bold aesthetic choices, fearless approach to creativity, and commitment to authenticity. Her journey from establishing her own fashion label to teaching at Central Saint Martins, and currently venturing into new creative areas, provides insightful guidance for anyone on their own artistic journey. This discussion explores sustainability, the significance of creative freedom, and the necessity of staying authentic to your own values.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Having grown up in rural Scotland, Louise learned to see extreme colours in nature, which later influenced her distinctive colour palette in fashion, combining contrasting hues that both clash and complement
• She deliberately kept her fashion label small and focused on high-quality, handcrafted pieces rather than bending to industry pressure to make more commercial products or use digital printing
• Louise views collaboration as essential for creative growth, seeking out artists and creators who challenge her while still maintaining her unique vision and voice
• Rather than trying to please everyone, Louise focused on creating work that excited her personally, knowing that authenticity would attract the right audience who truly connected with her aesthetic
• When teaching at Central Saint Martins, Louise rewrote the MA Fashion curriculum to emphasise sustainability and encouraged students to deeply question their identity and values as designers
• After closing her fashion label, Louise took delivery jobs to fund her creative work, choosing financial freedom over prestige to make art on her own terms
• She approaches textiles as a feminist practice, seeing it as a way to amplify historically overlooked women's work while pushing boundaries of what textile art can be
• Louise has learned to separate her sense of self-worth from her creative work, leading to more artistic freedom and joy in the making process

BEST MOMENTS

"I'm not trying to be you, I'm trying to be me. I'm interested in creating something that I know will talk to other people, because it's interesting."

"I've had to really detach my sense of value from my work because I thought that they were the same thing, and since I've detached them, there's so much more lightness to the work that I do."

"Joy is about connecting with other people, like true joy is always about other people.”

"I'm so grateful that I have chosen a creative path. It is not easy. I didn't need it to be easy. I haven't learned from easy."

"I liked making things which had multiple technique fabrics. I wasn't trying to make it accessible to people, I was trying to make the most beautiful things that I could dream of."

"Sometimes just saying this is who I am and this is how I want to do it is good."

"If you can make work that makes somebody feel something, you've won."

EPISODE RESOURCES

www.iamlouisegray.com
@louisegray__

PODCAST HOST BIO

With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals.

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Ceri Hand Artist Mastermind Circle
The Artist Mastermind Circle is a focused group coaching programme for mid-career contemporary artists ready to take their practice and career to the next level. You’ve built a solid foundation, and now it’s time to refine your strategies, increase your income, and tackle new challenges with confidence. This exclusive, application-only programme provides expert guidance from Ceri Hand and the support of a trusted community to help you achieve greater recognition and expand your opportunities.
Apply Now

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Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today! 

https://cerihand.com/membership/ 

****

Build Relationships The Easy Way
Our self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today.

https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/

****

Book a Discovery Call Today 
To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at [email protected]

****

Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity 
Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

 

Ceri speaks with Lady Skollie, a bold South African artist who fearlessly challenges artistic conventions. From her early days at a specialist art school to becoming an internationally acclaimed painter, Lady Skollie shares her journey as a modern day cave painter and gives her experiences of gallery relationships, motherhood, and maintaining artistic integrity. Her original perspectives on the art world, cultural identity, and creative authenticity make this the perfect episode for anyone interested in the intersection of art, culture, and personal truth.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Lady Skollie maintains creative freedom by creating physical distance from city centres and setting clear boundaries with galleries, emphasising the importance of separation between artists and collectors.
• Her work is deeply rooted in her identity as a descendant of the indigenous people of South Africa, reimagining traditional cave paintings on a larger scale.
• Success in the art world for her, came through strategic support, including a partner who gave her two years to focus solely on art, leading to international gallery representation.
• Lady Skollie has found that physical fitness and consistent creative practice have been crucial elements for maintaining artistic productivity and mental well being.
• She challenges the modern trend of artist accessibility, advocating for maintaining mystery and separation between artists and collectors.
• Her perspective on showing work internationally reveals how art is received differently across cultures, particularly regarding themes of sexuality and cultural identity.
• She approaches commercial work by comparing potential earnings to what she could make painting, ensuring her time is valued appropriately.
• Lady Skollie also emphasises the importance of having freedom from financial pressure to maintain artistic integrity and make authentic work.

BEST MOMENTS

 "I've always wanted to be an artist."

"If you're going to go for white money, you should go for very old white money."

"I'm not someone who draws all the time, but I consistently create... I constantly think about art."

"I'm of the opinion if you're not based in a place like South Africa, it's really hard to understand what drives people here."

"Sometimes pressure makes diamonds. But I think for me, it just makes lunacy. I need freedom."

"Back in the day, I used to be known as the pawpaw and penis girl because I would just paint pawpaws and penises."

"I consider myself a modern day cave painter."

"If you don't like something, then just look away from it, but you cannot control how other people experience something."

 

EPISODE RESOURCES

Guest Links: 

Instagram: 

@LadySkollie

PODCAST HOST BIO

With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals.

****

Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today! 

https://cerihand.com/membership/ 

****

Build Relationships The Easy Way
Our self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today.

https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/

****

Book a Discovery Call Today 
To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at [email protected]

****

Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity 
Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

In this episode, Ceri speaks with Jennifer Higgie, whose evolution from painting lemons to shaping Frieze magazine spans more than two decades. She opens up about the realities of the art world, the necessity of creative discipline, and her mission to respect artists' work with authenticity. Through her shift from art critic to author uncovering hidden women artists in art history, Jennifer demonstrates what it takes to build and sustain a creative life. Her thoughts and experience of writing's emotional toll and the exposure of sharing creative work resonate deeply, while her practical experience serves as both a roadmap and reminder for other creatives. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Jennifer developed her disciplined approach to writing through 23 years at Frieze, treating it like a ‘normal’ job with strict deadlines and word counts while learning the importance of stopping at the right time to maintain quality
• She deliberately positioned herself as an "enthusiast" rather than a critic, choosing to write primarily about work she felt passionate about rather than producing negative criticism
• To sustain her writing career, she worked as a waitress for 15 years, preferring this to desk jobs as it didn't interfere with her creative headspace
• She built and maintained vital creative networks across London, Berlin and Australia that have supported her throughout her career transitions
• After experiencing burnout and anxiety, she sought CBT support, which helped her learn to distinguish between real and hypothetical anxieties
• Her research into overlooked women artists led her to discover how much messier and more inclusive art history is than she was taught
• As reviews editor at Frieze, she developed a systematic approach to balance coverage between established institutions, emerging artists and everything in between.
• Her experience taught her that writing requires accepting that most work goes into a void of silence, with rare but meaningful moments of connection with readers

BEST MOMENTS

"Writing is very much like dropping a pebble into a very deep pool or well, and very occasionally you hear a faint splash, and that's about it"

"The idea of super bohemian artists going wild and drinking or taking lots of drugs... you can't last very long if you do that"

"Paintings are like portals, you look in, you look into them, and you go into them, and then you travel around a bit, and you come out again"

"Everyone has a story...and it's your responsibility to find out what that story is"

"Art history was for too long taught as if it was carved in stone"

"I'm infuriated by the idea that history was written as if it was all about white male achievement"

EPISODE RESOURCES

Guest Links:

https://www.jenniferhiggie.com/

Instagram @jennifer_higgie

Book Link:

https://www.weidenfeldandnicolson.co.uk/titles/jennifer-higgie/the-other-side/9781474623322/

PODCAST HOST BIO

With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals.

****

Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today! 

https://cerihand.com/membership/ 

****

Build Relationships The Easy Way
Our self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today.

https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/

****

Book a Discovery Call Today 
To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at [email protected]

****

Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity 
Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Ceri brings together three artists who transformed the Green Man Festival into a magical artistic playground. Lexi Zelda Stevens, Megan Broadmeadow, and Angela Davies share their experiences of creating ambitious installations in challenging outdoor environments. From holographic fans in the woods to midnight performances on rafts, they reveal the intricate dance of artistic vision, technical expertise, and weather management. The trio and Ceri give practical advice and inspiration about producing large scale public art and talk about the importance of building strong support teams.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Lexi believes the key to successful festival art programming is having meticulous contingency plans while giving artists complete creative freedom to lead their vision
• Megan discovered that having triple the expected technical support proved crucial when personal emergencies arose during installation of her holographic installation
• Transforming her gallery work for an outdoor festival context opened up new possibilities for Angela's performance and audience engagement.
• Producing festival art requires creating a calm, supportive environment amid chaos, focusing on safety while letting artists maintain creative control.
• Festival audiences interact with art differently than gallery visitors - some prefer to simply observe, while others want to understand the technical details.
• Angela realised that staging work next to water created unexpected opportunities for reflection, both literally and metaphorically, in her practice.
• Lexi's experience showed her that the best commissioned work comes from trusting artists who haven't worked outdoors before rather than playing it safe.
• Through her midnight performance, Angela discovered that festivals can create intimate, quiet moments of connection even within a busy event environment.

BEST MOMENTS

"Being a producer is kind of like saying sorry and thank you a lot. And maybe I hear you as well in there."

"Don't work alone. You're going to need some friends. You're going to need support. Use people's expertise."

"I was laying on this body of water where the film was projecting kind of beyond me... it was quite magical."

"Creating imagery that transcends the festival... and forgetting that you're even at a festival, that was really powerful."

"Just dream big"

"Don't try and make the art. My role is very clear in that I'm leading on safety and passing over audience experience."

"The opportunity to make something potentially super large scale that sat next to this body of water, this pond, on the estate... it was really incredible."

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.greenman.net

Guest links: 

Angela Davies

https://www.angeladaviesartist.co.uk/

@angeladaviesartist

Lexi Zelda Stevens: 

https://www.lexizeldastevens.com/

@helpingartistsmakework (producing) 

@LexiZeldastevens (own practice) 

Megan Broadmeadow

https://meganbroadmeadow.com/

https://www.instagram.com/meganbroadmeadow_artist/

PODCAST HOST BIO

With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals.

****

Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today! 

https://cerihand.com/membership/ 

****

Build Relationships The Easy Way
Our self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today.

https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/

****

Book a Discovery Call Today 
To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at [email protected]

****

Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity 
Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Ceri speaks with Dhikshana Turakhia Pering, who has over 18 years of experience in museums, galleries and the wider cultural and creative world. As Head of Creative Programmes at London Museum, Dhikshana talks to Ceri about her journey from Science Museum explainer to cultural leader and reveals how her neurodiversity shaped her approach to leadership. She discusses the importance of joy and hope in creative programming, authentic leadership and making culture accessible to all. Throughout the episode, it is clear that Dhikshana’s mission is closely aligned with her own experiences and upbringing, giving her authentic passion in everything she does.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Dhikshana manages her neurodiversity through good preparation, practising presentations three times, detailed scripting, and developing organisational systems that help her lead effectively while maintaining high standards
• Throughout her career, Dhikshana has developed programming based on starting from a place of empathy and respect, actively listening to communities, and ensuring representation becomes embedded in institutional structures
• Her leadership style evolved from recognising that being authentic means maintaining consistency across all interactions while learning to set boundaries between her professional and personal life
• She created the "triangle model" framework at London Museum, focusing on intellectual depth, lived experience, and universal themes to build strong creative programmes that resonate with diverse audiences
• Her involvement with Museum Detox has shown her the vital importance of professional networks in providing support, solidarity, and advocacy for diversity in cultural institutions
• Dhikshana's career transitions were guided by listening to her gut instinct while building support systems that allowed her to make bold moves when necessary
• At London Museum, she combines programming that sparks joy and hope while addressing serious social issues and civic action, drawing from her personal experiences growing up in Camden
• Her approach to team leadership focuses on creating psychological safety while maintaining clear structures, drawing from both positive and challenging experiences throughout her career journey

BEST MOMENTS

"If you can hold the attention of 14 year old boys while you're on stage delivering a show about digestion, where you're talking about poo, like you can pretty much hold the attention of anyone."

"I'm glad we're in a world now where 12 year old me right now somewhere would find out they were dyslexic and be like, cool. Like, what do I need? How do I do it?"

"I was told I would never be a leader because I smile too much...The smile is a big thing. It makes people feel welcome and comfortable with me. And then they tell me lots of stuff that's really helpful."

"Being your authentic self means being genuine to everyone around you...They know, they meet you, they hear you, they hear what you're interested in and how you're going to do this."

"The way I am, my empathy, the way I love chatting to people, the way that I can listen to someone and then retain loads of information is really important."

 

EPISODE RESOURCES

Guest Resources:

https://www.londonmuseum.org.uk/

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dtpering

PODCAST HOST BIO

With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals.

****

Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today! 

https://cerihand.com/membership/ 

****

Build Relationships The Easy Way
Our self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today.

https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/

****

Book a Discovery Call Today 
To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at [email protected]

****

Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity 
Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Ceri interviews Gavin Wade, the visionary artist curator behind Eastside Projects and Senior Research Fellow at Birmingham City University. From his early love of comics to founding one of the UK's most innovative art spaces, Gavin talks to Ceri about transforming the art world through collaborative practices. His story of creating a new kind of gallery space, winning a £120 million market redevelopment project, and maintaining artistic integrity while pushing boundaries is both inspiring and practical for anyone interested in making their creative mark.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Gavin's approach to artist collaboration shows how repeated engagements over time create deeper, more meaningful projects - rather than rushing one off exhibitions, he builds lasting relationships that allow ideas to naturally evolve into innovative work.
• Through establishing Eastside Projects, Gavin demonstrated how to create a new kind of art space by selectively adopting elements from commercial galleries, museums and artist run spaces while rejecting conventional limitations.
• His early immersion in comics and DIY culture shaped his understanding of self publishing and community building, providing foundational principles that continue to influence his approach to art making and curation.
• Gavin's success with Eastside Projects stems from his ability to balance ambitious international programming with local artist development, he recognised that both elements are essential for meaningful impact.
• His revolutionary perspective on gallery spaces rejects the notion of neutral containers, instead treating them as living artworks that continuously evolve through each exhibition and intervention.
• Gavin built his confidence in the art world through consistent action. Each successfully organised show and new connection strengthened his position and opened up fresh opportunities.
• His involvement in the Smithfield Market project demonstrates how artists can meaningfully influence city development when they're involved in early planning stages rather than being brought in as an afterthought.
• Gavin maintains creative sustainability through clear boundaries - implementing regular working hours, extending installation periods, and prioritising family time, proving that balance enhances rather than diminishes artistic output.

BEST MOMENTS

"As soon as I was on my degree, I just thought, well, I'm an artist, I might not be as good yet, but I'm trying."

"There is no such thing as an individual artwork. There is always a relationship between the artwork and its environment and other artworks and other things that have appeared in that space in the past or will appear in the future."

"I didn't even know what a sculptor was particularly at that point. There was a little bit of modelling, like clay modelling and stuff, which felt a little bit boring, like I could do it, but it wasn't that exciting."

"The art world is about supporting artists and careers and trying to come up with ideas, but to do it, it needs to reinforce societal status quos that are very aristocratic."

EPISODE RESOURCES

Artist Links:

Eastside Projects, Birmingham

https://eastsideprojects.org/

Instagram: @eprjcts

Gavin Wade 

Instagram: @gavin_wade_

PODCAST HOST BIO

With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals.

****

Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today! 

https://cerihand.com/membership/ 

****

Build Relationships The Easy Way
Our self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today.

https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/

****

Book a Discovery Call Today 
To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at [email protected]

****

Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity 
Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Ceri speaks with Nick Ryan, an Emmy and BAFTA award-winning sound artist who has revolutionised how we experience sound. From his early days experimenting in his garden shed to creating interactive radio dramas and transforming public spaces with sound installations, Nick's journey is all about creative evolution. Nick talks to Ceri about confidence, collaboration, and the importance of asking for help. The conversation reveals how his personal experiences, including early loss and bullying, shaped his innovative approach to sound art and his understanding of human connection through audio experiences.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

·       Early experiences with materiality and experimentation, encouraged by his grandmother and science teacher, laid the foundation for Nick's creative approach to sound design

·       The transition from visual art to sound happened organically through fashion show soundtracks, leading to Nick’s pioneering work in interactive audio

·       Public realm sound art can transform spaces and experiences in ways that traditional urban planning doesn't consider

·       Confidence issues are universal among creatives - even those who appear most confident often struggle the most

·       The importance of asking for help and being vulnerable can lead to unexpected opportunities and support for all creatives.

·       Nick’s technical innovation in sound has created new ways of storytelling and audience engagement

·       Sound art is unique in that it's always a collaboration between the artist and the listener's internal experience

·       The value of working with supportive people and learning to recognise when a collaboration isn't the right fit!

BEST MOMENTS

"Everyone's got confidence issues and the people that don't seem to have confidence issues, with a few exceptions, are generally the people that have the most issue with confidence."

"No one ever says no if you ask for advice."

"If you're trying to make something for other people that's a recipe for disaster. It's just about being true to yourself."

"The atmosphere outside the listener is only one half and the other half is the atmosphere inside the listener."

"Don't work with people you don't like. Something else will come along.”

"As a sound artist, you can never author more than 50 percent of the experience."

EPISODE RESOURCES

Guest Links:

https://www.nickryanmusic.com/

https://www.instagram.com/nickryanmusic/

PODCAST HOST BIO

With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals.

****

Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today! 

https://cerihand.com/membership/ 

****

Build Relationships The Easy Way
Our self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today.

https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/

****

Book a Discovery Call Today 
To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at [email protected]

****

Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity 
Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Technology meets art as Ceri is joined by Mexican-Canadian media artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, whose works are in collections worldwide such as MoMA, Guggenheim, TATE, Reina Sofía, and Hirshhorn. He shares his journey from nightclub owner's son to internationally acclaimed artist and how it shaped his unique approach to creating participatory experiences. From transforming the US-Mexico border to making climate change audible through 481 speakers, Rafael gives his thoughts about managing ADHD, building a successful studio, and the delicate balance of working with major brands while maintaining artistic integrity.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Early exposure to nightclub culture and theatrical environments influenced Rafael's approach to creating participatory art installations that come alive only when people engage with them.
• The democratisation of technology has transformed media art from being institution dependent to being more accessible, leading to an explosion of digital creation worldwide.
• Managing ADHD has been both a challenge and an asset for Rafael; he credits his condition for helping him work under pressure and maintain the necessary denial to tackle seemingly impossible projects.
• The artist's studio operates like a theatrical production, with Rafael as director rather than a solitary creator, involving specialists from 10 different countries.
• Environmental consciousness has become central to his practice, including scientific collaboration to minimise the impact on migratory birds and transition to more sustainable technologies.
• Rafael uses three key filters for project selection: intellectual/philosophical interest, time investment required, and economics, maintaining about 20% of work as non-profit.
• The relationship between art and corporate sponsorship requires careful navigation to maintain artistic legitimacy while ensuring financial sustainability.
• Art institutions face a tension between meaningful engagement with digital art and the temptation to use technology merely for spectacle and attendance numbers.

BEST MOMENTS

 "My talent is more in getting teams together. And there is a name for this, it's like a theatrical director... there's still a vision, it's the director's vision, that is followed."

"Ultimately what I'm interested in art is in creating a good party, it is only when people come in that the party really begins, it really is dependent on participation."

"I got off of Ritalin so that I could continue a life of denial because it's the only way to lie to yourself that these things can actually be accomplished."

"I am not interested in growth. I want de-growth...I don't want to become a massive company, but what I do want is not to grow in personnel or space. I want to grow in time."

"The genius artist who did something and then out of this one idea created a career doesn't exist. It's the perseverance."

"You'll never be satisfied. You'll always think that the next artwork is better than anything you've done in the past."

EPISODE RESOURCES

@lozanohemmer

https://www.lozano-hemmer.com/

PODCAST HOST BIO

With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals.

****

Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today! 

https://cerihand.com/membership/ 

****

Build Relationships The Easy Way
Our self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today.

https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/

****

Book a Discovery Call Today 
To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at [email protected]

****

Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity 
Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Ceri is joined by Marine Tanguy, the pioneering founder of MTArt Agency. From managing a gallery at 21 to founding the art world's first talent agency at 25, Marine shares her journey of revolutionising how artists are represented and supported. Ceri and Marine talk about building resilience, visual literacy, and creating new opportunities for artists. Marine also opens up about overcoming personal challenges, including a public hate campaign while pregnant, and shares her innovative approach to artist representation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Marine built MTArt Agency on a philosophical foundation first, establishing clear manifestos about the future relationship with the arts and the alignment of medium and concept before focusing on business applications
• At 25, Marine created a new business model in the art world by shifting focus from gallery spaces to a service based agency, enabling broader opportunities for artists beyond traditional art sales
• Marine's experience of managing a hate campaign while pregnant led her to find strength in ballet, demonstrating how physical practice can help manage the mental challenges of leadership
• Coming from a teaching family background, Marine approached her financial education systematically, surrounding herself with knowledgeable investors who could contribute expertise beyond just funding
• Marine's approach to talent spotting comes from genuine enthusiasm - she describes herself as someone who rushes back to the office excited to champion new artists she's discovered and thinks that much of the art world today is lacking this type of enthusiasm.
• As one of the first B Corp certified companies in the art world, Marine used this framework to create measurable accountability in an industry that traditionally lacks formal regulation.
• Despite managing 50 artists and over 300 projects, Marine maintains a "log in, log out" approach to social media.
• Marine's company has grown to a £35 million valuation by creating opportunities across multiple sectors from public art to brand partnerships, whilst many more traditional galleries are struggling in the current market.

BEST MOMENTS

"We are in the art world where being enthusiastic is something that's actually quite rare. It's seen as either quite young or naive or too keen to a degree. But I love my enthusiasm."

"The traditional way is really being challenged as we speak."

"I haven't studied finance, but I was aware it was something that therefore I was not knowledgeable in, so I made a point of becoming knowledgeable in it."

"I think realistically with talent, it's really a balance of hard work, ethics and research, but it's also a question of talent."

"You just know when an entrepreneur walk into a room versus someone that has put a deck together with a few clever facts versus someone that has really walked in and you know that they can deliver what they're saying."

"Making sure that they diversify, that they reach out as much to public art commissioners, to brands, to digital partners, like they really think outside the box."

"Ballet is also muting your brain for an hour and a half, which is really good for your anxiety."

EPISODE RESOURCES

Marine is represented by United Talent Agency for her writing and TV career.

Instagram: @marinetanguyart

PODCAST HOST BIO

With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals.

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Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today! 

https://cerihand.com/membership/ 

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Build Relationships The Easy Way
Our self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today.

https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/

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Book a Discovery Call Today 
To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at [email protected]

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Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity 
Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Ceri explores the world of digital art and creative leadership with Tom Higham, Creative Director and founder of Mediale. Tom shares his knowledge and experience, from film festivals to cutting-edge digital projects, and gives his thoughts on artist development, community engagement, and the challenges of running a creative organisation. Ceri and Tom also talk about personal health, leadership styles, and share their visions for the future of arts and technology.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Tom's career highlights the importance of networking and seizing opportunities in the arts, from volunteering to leadership roles.
• Effective creative leadership involves balancing artistic vision with practical considerations like funding, stakeholder management, and team dynamics.
• Community engagement in arts projects requires a genuine interest in people's stories and a collaborative approach between artists and local groups.
• The digital art sector is very international, presenting both opportunities and challenges for UK based organisations and artists.
• Successful arts organisations need to adapt their leadership and project approaches based on the specific context and scale of each initiative.
• Tom stresses the importance of clear communication and boundary setting in leadership, while maintaining flexibility and empathy to be successful.
• Personal health management, including addressing invisible disabilities is essential in sustainable creative leadership.
• The arts sector should critically examine the impact and sustainability of large scale cultural events versus ongoing, community focused initiatives and what they can alternatively offer.

BEST MOMENTS

 "I always found I would tend to let the work expand to fill the time I give it."

"Talking, communicating to different people outside of your inner sphere is quite a skill and there aren't that many people in the arts who do that well, I don't think."

"You have to build the trust to be able to take that risk, I think that's really important, but also to build that trust, you have to tell a compelling story."

"The hardest stuff about being an arts leader is probably, I'm imagining, similar to the hardest stuff about being a leader in the energy sector or in the retail sector. It's people."

"I think you've clearly done so well over your career is actually that trust and that deep love that you have for the artists and their idea, but then finding the language and the synergy, those kinds of moments of alignment with somebody else."

"Clarity is kindness, you know, and sometimes that means even if you're saying clearly, actually, no, that doesn't work for me, it actually helps people to understand and take action accordingly."

"I would suggest to artists that you have to figure out what you want to pursue and figure out how to talk about it."

EPISODE RESOURCES

Connect with Tom Higham:

• Instagram: @tomhigham14
• LinkedIn: Tom Higham
• Website: tomhigham.net

For more information about his work with Mediale, visit mediale.org.uk or follow @mediale_uk on Instagram.

PODCAST HOST BIO

With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals.

****

Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today! 

https://cerihand.com/membership/ 

****

Build Relationships The Easy Way
Our self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today.

https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/

****

Book a Discovery Call Today 
To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at [email protected]

****

Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity 
Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.