This is an interview with New Zealand oil painter Ewan McDougall, who lives in Ōtepoti (Dunedin) with his writer wife, Sarah. McDougall recounts his unconventional journey to becoming an artist, which involved a brief and disliked stint in law school after being a top student. He then pursued political studies during the Vietnam War era and was involved in rock and roll bands, embracing a party lifestyle that led him to travel the world. Despite this, he always maintained a love for art, visiting major galleries. A significant turning point occurred after a fight with some motorcyclists resulted in a serious neck injury. This led to therapy and a psychiatrist encouraging him to paint a mural, which solidified his path as an artist in 1989.

McDougall discusses his artistic evolution from a soft realism taught by Colin Wheeler to a more distinctive style influenced by artists like Salvador Dali and New Zealand painters Tony Fomison and Philip Clairmont, as well as word paintings. He describes his intuitive painting process, often starting with a wash and directly applying oil paint with a knife, allowing the painting to develop organically. He also touches on his pre-show ritual of running through the gallery.

While generally not overtly political in his art, McDougall acknowledges his left-leaning views and recounts a few deliberately political pieces. He reflects on the freedom of being an artist outside traditional hierarchical structures and shares an anecdote about refusing to give a discount to a billionaire. He also discusses his early struggles to sustain himself as an artist, relying on accident compensation and Sarah's support. He offers advice to aspiring artists to persevere if they love it. Finally, he mentions his website, Instagram, and various galleries representing his work in Dunedin, Christchurch, and Auckland, as well as upcoming exhibitions.

This week, Rich takes a break from formal interviews for a candid, free-flowing chat, offering a glimpse into life on the land in a bus under the oak trees. With autumn rains setting in, they discuss the challenges of off-grid living, from rainwater collection to managing solar power and preparing for the upcoming winter.

Alongside the practicalities of bus life, Rich delves into their own artistic endeavours, exploring the liminal spaces between painting, sculpture, and digital media. They touch on their ongoing sculptural projects, inspired by the "Heart Songs from Summerland" paintings, and their commentary on the current housing crisis.

The conversation then shifts to the powerful intersection of art and politics, highlighting the work of Hans Belmer, a surrealist whose anti-Nazi stance and resistance efforts resonate deeply. The host reflects on their own politically charged artwork and their upcoming project of creating pointed, edgy t-shirts to raise awareness and funds for charities.

Listeners are invited to share their thoughts and feedback and are encouraged to support the podcast through "buy me a coffee" or by subscribing and liking. Rich also previews upcoming interviews, including Ewan McDougall and Aly Brown, and promises to continue alternating between interviews and these more personal, rambling episodes.

Join us for an in-depth and profoundly moving conversation with the extraordinary artist, Ari Edgecombe. After a year and a half of planning, we finally explored Ari's captivating creative practice. Delving into their rainbow social histories inspired filmmaking, their tactile and immersive installation work, and their powerful portraiture, we uncover the heart of Ari's art: self-expression, self-determination, and the vital importance of visibility.

Ari shares their lifelong journey with art, from a childhood filled with sketching to their transformative time at the University of Canberra, and their current work with the vibrant Zappekin Collective. We discuss the challenges of balancing a full-time job with artistic passion, the unpredictable beauty of using fire in their creative process, and the crucial role of failure and perseverance.

In a particularly poignant segment, Ari opens up about the vulnerability of being visible as a trans artist and the importance of creating spaces for understanding and challenging societal norms. We also get a sneak peek into Ari's upcoming exhibition, a series of cloaks that represent pivotal moments in their life, and a powerful message of hope for young people.

This episode is a testament to the power of art to heal, connect, and inspire. Ari’s honesty and vulnerability will leave you deeply touched. Tune in to hear their advice for aspiring artists, and discover where you can find their captivating work.