Not Real Art

Was the iconic Roy Lichtenstein a great artist, a thief, or both? This is the question posed by Whaam! Blam! Roy Lichtenstein and the Art of Appropriation, a documentary film directed and produced by today’s podcast guest, James L Hussey.

“When I set out to make [the film], I viewed it as a very straightforward, intellectual, technical film about appropriation,” says James, who released the film in November 2022. “When is it OK? When is it not OK? What surprised me and surprised audiences is that [it turned] into a human-interest story.” On today’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with James to discuss Whaam! Blam!, Lichtenstein’s legacy, and the thin line between appropriation and plagiarism.

A key figure in the Pop Art movement of the 1960s, Lichtenstein borrowed directly from comic books, advertisements, and historical art sources to create bold, graphic paintings. His recognizable works are housed in the world’s finest galleries and can fetch upwards of $150 million a piece—but some see him as nothing more than a plagiarist. “[Whaam! Blam! raises] this question about appropriation and whether what Lichtenstein did was right or wrong,” James tells Scott. “Like so many things, it’s not always black and white. There’s a lot of gray.” 

Today, James shares stories from the last living comic artists Lichtenstein copied from, and why they’re unhappy about it: “[The art world] very casually refers to the original comic art as ‘low art,’ while almost an exact copy of it, blown up and hanging in the Tate Modern, is [considered] ‘high art,’” James says, explaining that some of these comics toiled in obscurity, below the poverty line. Tune in for our thought-provoking conversation with James L Hussey  on plagiarism, appropriation, and giving artists credit where credit is due.

Watch the trailer for Whaam! Blam! Roy Lichtenstein and the Art of Appropriation here or rent the documentary via Amazon.

In Today’s Episode

James L Hussey discusses…

• His personal (and eclectic) comic book and art collection
• What led him from politics to documentary filmmaking
• The evolution of Whaam! Blam! from intellectual documentary to human interest story
• Why he sees working on Whaam! Blam! as “a great privilege”
• How appropriation differs from plagiarism, and the often fine line between the two
• Whether or not Lichtenstein was a product of the ‘60s, when attribution wasn’t common
• The relationship between the commercialism of art and its legitimacy
• How the art world distinguishes between low and high art
• What most people don’t understand about intellectual property rights
• The documentary project he wants to tackle next

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/james-hussey

“My art has become my way to play,” says photographer Y Hope Osborn, who “never had any art education” but grew up with a camera in her hand. 

In today’s podcast episode, the 2022 NOT REAL ART grant winner sits down with our host, Scott “Sourdough” Power, to talk about the healing power of art, writing, and play. “As a child, I was so stifled by abuse that I didn’t know how to play,” Hope says. “I didn’t know how to be a child. You’d put these toys in front of me and I’m like, ‘They’re just things, I’m supposed to do what with them?’ And it didn’t make any sense or mean anything in my world.”

Hope, an Arkansas-based writer and self-taught photographer, describes her art as a form of play, an outpouring of expression, and a tool to transcend the trauma she experienced as a child: “Now I have this freedom,” she says, “even in bad health and in still dealing with trauma and everything, I have this freedom to be creative and play in my art. Whether it's in my digital, abstract art or in finding a creative perspective of an old building.”

Taking us back to her childhood, Hope chats about her interest in photography as a timeless medium—“moments slip by so fast and memory slips by so fast but photographs can last for centuries”—and expands on her fascination with old buildings and barns. "I can't tell you how many times I passed barns without a second or even first glance,” Hope says of Roundup, a digital photographic series that impressed NOT REAL ART grant panel judges during the 2022 cycle. “Now I notice these ordinary structures for the extraordinary variety of architecture from unnamed architects, and for being stalwarts of the rural. When all else falls, these rural stalwarts stand.”

To Hope, art is freedom and safety all at once, a tool for both deep catharsis and lighthearted experimentation. Tune in to this week’s episode with photographer Y Hope Osborn to hear an inspiring story about courage, creativity, and resilience.

In Today’s Podcast Episode

Y Hope Osborn discusses…

• Why she was drawn to photography at a young age
• How art and writing helped the artist reclaim her childhood 
• The subject matter that inspires both her photography and writing
• The healing role the natural world plays in her life
• How writing supports creative and critical thinking, and why it’s a valuable skill
• Why focusing too heavily on STEM subjects is a disservice to society
• Why artists should speak about and promote their work publicly

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/y-hope-osborn

It’s no revelation that success is the sum of preparation and opportunity, yet it’s always inspiring to witness the philosophy in action. On today’s podcast episode, San Diego-based painter Ezra Brown joins host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power to chat about the power of perseverance in an oversaturated industry. 

“I’m a late bloomer,” says Ezra, who dropped his day job during the pandemic to focus on a career in fine art. “I’ve been [painting] for such a long time, and I had been waiting for my opportunity to hit,” he tells Scott, adding, “In this day and age, you’ve got to do what makes you happy.”

Ironically, Ezra’s signature character, a vintage-style cartoon called Happy the Clown, is anything but. Starring as the protagonist in Ezra’s recent show at LA’s ThinkSpace Projects, Trying to Keep It Together, Happy drinks, smokes, and cries as his house burns, his soul leaves his body, and his girlfriend leaves him. Like many artists before him, Ezra encourages viewers to access and cope with their own emotions as he puts Happy through the wringer. “I’m tired of the norm ... just watching art on a wall, walking away from it, having a drink, and forgetting about it,” Ezra says. “I’m creating an experience that somebody’s going to remember and talk about for the rest of their life.” 

In the episode, Scott and Ezra chat about humanizing classic iconography to access raw emotions. They also cover the pitfalls of parenthood, the dangers of social media, and Ezra’s recent collaboration with collectible toy company Tenacious Toys. Tune in to the episode below to hear about Ezra’s creative success, and the dedication it took to get there. “You have to make those sacrifices,” he says, “and put in the extra work.”

In Today’s Podcast Episode

Ezra Brown discusses…

• How the pandemic bolstered his fine art career
• Why people connect with his raw, emotional, often funny works
• His instinct to challenge the status quo and create memorable experiences
• How his father, also an artist, inspired his creative career
• The exaggerated narratives portrayed on social media and national news
• The challenge of being a parent in the age of social media
• The surprising overlap between the fine art and the collectible toy markets
• The recent explosion of experiential and immersive art
• The many benefits of perseverance, fortitude, and determination

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/ezra-brown

For 48 years, the quick-witted comedians, writers, and actors of Saturday Night Live (SNL) have inspired both belly laughs and giddy tears. Whether broadcasting John Belushi’s cartwheels, Will Ferrell’s cowbell routine, or Tina Fey’s biting commentary on Weekend Update, the long-running show has guided multiple generations through cultural changes with humor and professionalism. 

In today’s auditorial episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power recounts a recent, once-in-a-lifetime experience: attending a taping of SNL at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Scott shares his observations on the big night, reflecting on the collaborative spirit between cast and crew that contributes to the show’s lasting impact. “I was so moved by the level of precision, commitment, and practice that was essential and necessary to create the best-in-class cultural, creative institution,” Scott says in the episode.

An important part of SNL’s unrivaled execution, according to Scott, is the artful leadership of producer Lorne Michaels. “One of the things I observed is [...] Lorne on the floor, quietly making his presence known, showing support, nudging and prodding where needed, but calm, cool, [and] collected,” Scott notes. He also touches on focus, discipline, passion, mutual respect, and gratitude, virtues that have sustained SNL’s creative momentum through the decades: “You’ve got to be passionate in what you’re doing because you can’t be focused, disciplined, or have integrity without it.”

Find out how you can apply the same virtues to your life and craft by tuning in to the episode on the player below. Though Scott praises the cast and crew at SNL, he also offers his listeners some practical tips based on his experience at Studio 8H:  “If you want to compete at the highest levels in whatever art form or whatever business or organization you’re in, you absolutely need to be disciplined.” Step up your creative game with Scott’s thoughts on timing, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

In Today’s Podcast Episode

Scott “Sourdough” Power discusses…

• SNL’s lasting legacy as a creative institution
• Former and current SNL cast members
• The overall level of professionalism permeating everything at Studio 8H
• The seamless transitions between scenes, despite little preparation time
• The incredible behind-the-scenes teamwork at SNL
• The mutually respectful environment and gratitude he observed
• Lorne Michaels’ undeniable leadership
• Why great risk is required for great reward
• How to perform at a higher level of excellence
• Why it’s important to celebrate accomplishments

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/saturday-night-live

This year at NOT REAL ART, we’re introducing a brand new exhibition series designed to inspire you with the artwork and artists we love. For this week’s special podcast episode, host Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with NOT REAL ART Editor-in-Chief Morgan Laurens, who sheds some light on our 2023 First Friday Exhibitions program. 

Opening on the first Friday of every month, the series explores contemporary ideas and issues with innovative works from leading lights in the creative industry. Kicking off the series in February, our 2022 Grant Winner Exhibition celebrates the accomplishments of last year’s six NOT REAL ART grant winners. March brought Women in Love, an exhibition exploring the power and complexity of love on the cusp of an increasingly unsettled future. This month’s exhibition, Art and the Environment, features nature-centric work that explores the devastating effects of climate change on the world around us. Up next, Sugar Rush looks at the communal aspects of food and eating in May. “It’s going to be a feast for the eyes,” says Morgan. 

“[These exhibitions are] an awesome way of fulfilling our mission and our purpose to help artists tell their stories and promote their work, amplify the amazing artists and artworks that are out there, but do it in the NOT REAL ART way—do it online, do it in a very accessible way,” Scott says. “We are not in the white cube space exclusive to only a few. We are online, we are ready for the world.” 

Tune in to this week’s episode to get the lowdown on our past and present exhibitions. Morgan also offers an exclusive sneak peek into our schedule for the rest of the year, which includes artists who push the boundaries of new media and tech. “This is something that we’re trying to step into more this year,” says Morgan. “Trying to look at more new media, artificial intelligence, web-based art, and see what artists are exploring there.” Listen to the episode below, then head over to our exhibitions announcement for the full roster of shows. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Insight into the past and present First Fridays Exhibition program.
• Standouts from our first online exhibition, which featured Not Real Art Grant winners.
• A curatorial overview of Women in Love, our second exhibition of the year.
• What you can expect from Art and the Environment in April.
• Hilary Baker and other artists that Morgan has worked with on this program thus far.
• A sneak peek of Sugar Rush, a “feast for the eyes” coming in May!
• Sourdough and Morgan reflect on their favorite Midwestern treats.
• Highlights from the exhibition program for the rest of the year.
• How the December exhibition will celebrate our very favorite art from 2023.

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/morgan-laurens

Food and the environment are inextricably linked—everything we eat has a footprint. Since the 1950s, industrialized food production and modern-day overconsumption have contributed to climate change, environmental degradation, and economic depression. Still, many innovators are working to find sustainable ways to feed the world's population. 

Food as a means to create positive change has long inspired Taiji Terasaki, a Japanese American artist and activist based in Hawaii. Raised in a family of scientists and creatives, Taiji combines the best of both worlds to create work across a wide variety of mediums. From large-scale installations to pioneering “mist” photography, Taiji’s cutting-edge presentations emphasize the urgency and importance of environmental conservation. 

On today’s podcast, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power chats with Taiji about the artist’s mission to improve life on Earth for all its inhabitants. “Believe me, I never dreamed I would be an activist,” Taiji tells NOT REAL ART. “I never dreamed that I would be [sharing] my opinion on a podcast, but what I’m learning is [how artists] can find a voice.” Taiji also discusses his latest project, Recipes to Nourish Communities, an interactive mural on display at the Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles’ recently renovated headquarters. The mural invites viewers to consider food as nourishment for the body, a direct exchange between themselves and their environment. “I really believe that the visual arts should make a difference in our world and what our future will become,” Taiji says. 

Join us today as Taiji and Scott discuss the most pressing issues of our time: food insecurity, the organizations that seek to tackle it, and the ultimate resilience of the natural world. “When you see what nature is capable of, how it can rebound, it is amazing,” Taiji tells Scott. Don’t miss this crucial conversation on the health and wellbeing of planet Earth. 

In Today’s Podcast Episode

Taiji Terasaki discusses…

• What artists and scientists have in common
• How an unconventional childhood impacted his innovative art practice
• Why raising his own children forced him to consider the world they’ll inherit
• His advice for building a studio team and taking criticism from gallerists
• How Recipes to Nourish Communities tackles food insecurity in LA
• The four organizations that benefit from Recipes to Nourish Communities
• The concept of rewilding and the importance of biodiversity in food production
• Why he ultimately feel positive about climate change and our ability to stem its rising tide

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/taiji-terasaki

While not all artists feel like entrepreneurs, many creatives would jump at the chance to earn a paycheck from their passion. Despite the benefits of a bigger payday, few artists invest in a basic business skill set. While budding entrepreneurs have a seemingly endless array of tools and resources at their fingertips, very few support systems are designed for the specific challenges that artists face today. 

Enter nonprofit Fractured Atlas. On today’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Fractured Atlas CEO Theresa Hubbard to discuss the organization’s mission and purpose in the arts sector. Founded in 1998 as a performing arts production company, Fractured Atlas has since evolved into a service-based organization that provides artists with the tools, skills, and guidance they need to thrive in their chosen field. Serving both individual artists and arts organizations at every level of the cultural ecosystem, Fractured Atlas also provides funds, educational resources, and personalized support.

“There is generally a dearth of resources for artists out there, for promotional purposes, for fundraising purposes,” Theresa tells Scott. “There are a lot of tools that are created that can be used by artists, but there are very few [that are] designed specifically for artists.” Tuning in you’ll also learn about the benefits of fiscal sponsorship, how the contemporary labor movement affects artists, and why artists should view each other as resources rather than competition. “One of the things that I think is the most toxic in the art world, in general, is this sense of competition when, really, we are a community,” Theresa says. “We are a community who can work together, who can learn from one another.”

Fractured Atlas makes the journey “from inspiration to living practice” an accessible goal for artists, allowing them to turn their passion for art into a viable career. They’re all about empowering artists, which is a mission NOT REAL ART wholeheartedly supports. Listen to our conversation with Fractured Atlas CEO Theresa Hubbard below. 

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/fractured-atlas

“When you take weird risks and opportunities, weird shit presents itself,” says Shawn Kolodny, whose large-scale installations are strange in all the right ways. Using polished steel as his primary medium, the Miami artist is known for his “balls,” reflective sculptures that exist somewhere between the realms of art, science, and magic. 

On this week’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Shawn to discuss the artist’s winding journey from business to industrial design to fine art. With an MBA under his belt, Shawn approaches his fine art career with an entrepreneur’s mindset, explaining that he sees himself as the CEO of his own small venture. “I always look at the artist as an entrepreneur,” he tells Scott. “You’re basically a small business where [you’re] in charge of marketing, [you’re] in charge of social outreach, [you’re] in charge of inventory, [you’re] in charge of general finances. Oh, by the way, [you’re] also creating the stuff.”

Realizing that many creatives lack basic business skills, Shawn created Ballsy, a podcast that investigates the habits and growth hacks of profitable artists. As the host, Shawn interviews financially successful artists to find out how they “got the balls” to sell their work and make art their career. “I look at every artist as a small business,” he says. “Whether that means [they’re in the] Gagosian or whether that means they’re on Etsy, every artist is a small business.” 

Tuning in, you’ll learn more about Shawn’s thought-provoking work and his nonlinear path into the art world. Shawn and Scott talk about the inherent value of constraints, the difference between a job, a career, and a calling, and how artists can get out of their own way by “falling forward.” Find out how you can grow the balls to sell your work by hitting the play button on our episode with Shawn Kolodny below. 

In Today’s Podcast Episode

Shawn Kolodny discusses…

• How he became known for his “balls”
• The essential role of the sphere in his installation work
• A technical overview of his creative process and materials
• The evolving iterations of his art practice over the years
• His unique journey into the arts and how he learned to “problem-solve with purpose”
• Tips for structuring your workflow and scheduling your responsibilities
• The power of reinventing yourself while still making money from what you’re known for
• Why branding and audience are inherent parts of an artist’s business
• The myth of “overnight success” and promoting the value of the hard slog

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/shawn-kolodny

If you’re an avid listener of the NOT REAL ART podcast, you already know art has the ability to connect people across cultures and express ideas that words can’t. Art, in all its forms, has immense power to shape our beliefs. Authentic representation can break down social barriers, open minds, and even become a source of inspiration.

On today’s episode, host Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with figurative painter and NOT REAL ART grant winner Joan Cox to discuss the power of representation and visibility in the arts. Working large-scale, Joan creates richly detailed visual narratives that portray queer relationships as complex, beautiful, and necessary. “I look to [artists of color] who are doing beautiful things with figurative work to be inspired by them and do the same with queer work,” she tells Scott. “Trying to put that painting out there, that image, that narrative, that [lesbians] are just the same as every other couple.”

Historically speaking, Joan tells us, images of lesbian couples have either been repressed or justified as erotic material for the male gaze. “You walk into a museum and you see thousands of years of history of Western art where—if you see two or three women together—they’re just to be viewed by men,” she says “They’re dancing naked in a circle [or] they’re sitting naked on a lawn or they’re pretending to be some [mythical creatures], rather than their authentic selves.” Inspired by the couples in her community, Joan shifts our perspective by demystifying queer relationships—including her own. In her paintings she often appears alongside her partner of 21 years as they reenact mundane yet intimate moments from their lives. By celebrating the female gaze, Joan’s work opens up dialogue through a complex investigation of cultural norms, sexual identities, and body politics.

Tune into this week’s episode to hear all about Joan’s journey into the world of queer art. You’ll hear why she believes nuanced representation of the human experience can create understanding and help facilitate difficult conversations. We also touch on the importance of creative expression, why culture is like a constantly moving river, and what it means to be either a switch blade or Swiss Army knife. Make sure you don’t miss our compelling conversation with NOT REAL ART grant winner Joan Cox.

In Today’s Podcast Episode

Joan Cox discusses…

• When she began to call herself an artist and when she came out as queer
• A look at how creative talent runs in Joan’s family
• How she selects her subjects, some of whom are total strangers
• Being awarded the 2022 NOT REAL ART grant
• What 2023 holds for her as a fine artist and a commercial graphic designer
• Why she believes there’s no handbook for making a living as an artist
• How her practice has changed since COVID and becoming a mother
• Why there’s nothing wrong with putting your artwork on a mousepad!
• What art school taught her about always being an artist, no matter what she’s doing

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/joan-cox

Artists have always sought unconventional ways to express their creative principles, which means they’re often at the forefront of innovation. On the business side of the art world, however, artists have long been confined to stale institutions like museums, auction houses, and white cube galleries. While we've seen some transformation when it comes to digital commerce for artists, options for career development are limited; artists are in desperate need of new platforms to learn, share, and grow.

Enter Inversion Art, an international accelerator program that offers community, connection, and capital for artists. Driven by innovation, cofounders Joey Flores and Jonathan Neil are creating new models for artists to grow and elevate their businesses. In today’s podcast episode, host Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Joey and Jonathan to discuss Inversion Art’s mission to reinvigorate the art world. “What we’re trying to do is take artists who are already starting to achieve success and help them take control [of their career] at that moment and ensure long-term success,” Joey tells Scott. As Joey and Jonathan explain in today’s episode, Inversion Art’s investment in artists includes a three-month career development program, ongoing career advocacy, access to an incredible peer community, and more.

“Inversion’s model of providing operational support is designed to create space so that the artist can pursue excellence but maintain their independence from the other players in the marketplace, so that they don’t feel like they’re beholden to their galleries,” Jonathan says, explaining that many artists have already moved away from the gallery system. “There are lots of different paths to lots of different types of success in the art world,” Joey agrees. “Just because one of those paths is blocked by some gatekeeper doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t be successful in whatever way is important to you.” 

Tune into today’s episode to learn more about how you can apply to and benefit from Inversion Art’s robust programming. Join us for a fascinating conversation on innovation and entrepreneurship with Joey Flores and Jonathan Neil of Inversion Art. 

In Today’s Podcast Episode 

Scott, Joey, and Jonathan discuss…

• How entrepreneurship, innovation, and art brought the cofounders together
• The problem that Inversion Art is working to solve
• Who can apply for and benefit most from the programs Inversion Art offers
• Artists as natural-born innovators who need help scaling their businesses
• Facilitating new opportunities that the institutional art world hasn’t caught up with yet
• Taking the best of capitalism and entrepreneurship to create a new patronage model
• The value of having access to an ambitious, like-minded community
• How to capitalize on your breakthroughs and take your creative practice to the next level
• Creating alternatives for artists who can’t afford or aren’t interested in formal education
• Why it’s important to know what you value and what kind of career you want

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/inversion-art