Not Real Art

Birds of a feather flock together… right? As human beings, we are naturally drawn to people who look and think like us, but limiting our friendships to a homogenized group of people reduces our ability to see the world in all of its richness and complexity. Our own lives become smaller and less rewarding as a result. 

“If we're only talking to the people that we like and that agree with us, that's going to be a problem for a healthy functioning democracy,” says host and NOT REAL ART publisher Scott “Sourdough” Power. In today’s podcast episode, Scott discusses the 10 friends we should surround ourselves with for richer, fuller, and more enlightened lives. “We all need friends who help us see the world differently. We all need friends who help us see the world more fully, more richly, more colorfully, more accurately, more realistically.”

From Democrats and polymaths to techno-geeks and Jesus freaks, Scott shares his thoughts on the 10 friends who will broaden your horizons: “Everybody needs at least one friend who's an artist because artists see the world in a very different way. They are empathetic seers that are able to see things we can't see.” 

He continues: “It’s a mosaic out there. It’s a beautiful spectrum of realities and truths out there. If we only talk to our tribe and we Balkanize and segregate into our echo chambers of biased opinions and prejudices, if we only are friends with people who see the world like us, we're destined to not be able to empathize or have compassion or respect for other people. We end up making the 'other’ the enemy. We end up reducing our ability to see the world in its fullness and its richness. Your life is going to be less than if you limit your friends to a very narrow homogenized group or sample of people, but if you can work towards having a diverse, eclectic group of friends, your life will be richer and more fulfilling.”

Tune into today’s episode to find out why your circle of friends should reflect the diversity of our world.

Key Points From This Episode:

• The importance of having a diverse group of friends.
• How our mobile phones have isolated us from those around us.
• Reasons that we should respect one another, despite our differences.
• Benefits of having friends that support different political parties.
• Ways that scientists can help us view the world differently.
• Why we need both engineers and artists in our lives.
• Friends who can help us take better care of our bodies and spirits.
• Potentially selfish motivations for having at least one tech-savvy friend!
• Why our friendship groups should reflect the beautiful, diverse world we live in.

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/ten-friends

“Making artwork probably saved my life,” says mixed-media artist Amanda Maccagnan. “[It] helped me figure out who I am, where I was going, and what I was doing—and it continues to do.”

Navigating the boundary between traditional techniques and contemporary influences, Amanda is rapidly making a name for herself as a rising star in the art world. Working primarily with stained glass, Amanda combines multiple mediums to create unexpected, radical pieces that satirize cultural expectations through exaggeration. Her bold, tongue-in-cheek works frame the artist as a rebel who’s comfortable with making her own rules whenever necessary. 

On today’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Amanda to discuss the glass artist’s belief in the spiritual nature of her practice. 

“My spiritual practice is one of open acceptance,” she says. “As a human, I just want to be receptive to whatever the universe has for me at this point. I believe in vibrational resonance and the powers of symbols and belief, as well as practical and intuitive magic. I feel like that's where my spirituality comes in with my work—it feels like it's more about an energetic realization that creating artwork and being able to manifest thoughts into something tangible and real is alchemy.”  

Amanda shares her thoughts on using art as therapy, incorporating magic mushrooms into her creative process, and preserving archaic art forms, like glasswork, through apprenticeship. As you’ll discover, Amanda’s success story hinges on the artist’s resilience, reinvention, flexibility, and creative audacity: “There is no such thing as talent,” she quips. “Just try hard and believe in yourself. It's just putting yourself into what you do. That's the talent.” Tune into today’s podcast episode with Amanda Maccagnan for plenty of charm and just the right amount of attitude.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Amanda’s creative upbringing and what drew her to stained glass.
• Art as therapy: how making art helped her figure out who she is.
• Amanda’s love for John Waters and her inclusion in the Pope of Trash exhibition.
• The important role of apprenticeship in preserving traditional mediums like stained glass.
• Why Amanda says she took to glasswork like she’d been doing it her whole life.
• The alchemy of art: how artists can manifest their thoughts into something tangible.
• The role of psychedelics and spirituality in Amanda’s practice.
• Insight into her process and some of the exciting projects that she is working on currently.
• What John Waters had to say about the stained glass portraits Amanda created of him.
• Her journey into the novel world of augmented reality (AR) painting.
• The mental toll that the current state of the world takes for many young people today.
• Final thoughts on the nature of talent (and why Amanda believes there’s no such thing).

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/amanda-maccagnan

You might already know this, but here at Crewest Studio, we produce several different podcasts. One of these podcasts is Artsville, which celebrates American contemporary art and craft from Asheville, North Carolina, and beyond. If you’re looking to discover world-class artisans, artists, craftspeople, and makers, Artsville has it all: from painting and pottery to weaving, woodworking, glass blowing, and more! Today, you’ll hear from contemporary mixed-media abstract artist, Kenn Kotara, as we share an interview from the Artsville archives. Based in Asheville, Kenn’s practice is shaped by his lifelong fascination with architecture, philosophy, and literature, and he masterfully expresses himself across canvas, paper, mylar, polaroids, site-specific installations, and even Braille. In this episode, we explore Kenn’s transition from representational to abstract work and the impact that Asheville has had on him as an artist. Tuning in, you’ll find out what working with Braille taught Kenn about being present and mindful, why he believes in the power of art to bridge divides in a world where so many seek to widen them, and how he has devoted his career to looking at the world differently by embracing a myriad of inspirations. We also touch on the paramount importance of education, how artists can practice the art of listening, and so much more. For a fascinating conversation with a side of inspiration and a fresh perspective on life (and art), don’t miss this episode of Artsville with Kenn Kotara!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Kenn’s upbringing, his French Cajun heritage and the Polish origins of his name, Kotara.
• The story of what brought Kenn to Asheville more than 25 years ago.
• What he loves about living and working in the nurturing environment of Asheville.
• The evolution of his work and the impact Asheville had on his practice as a painter.
• Understanding the influence of architecture, graphic design, and technology on his work.
• How Kenn cultivates discipline as an artist and navigates what he calls the chaos of creation.
• Kenn’s work with Braille and the perspective it gave him on empathy and perfection.
• The relationships he has built within the visually impaired community as a result.
• What wearing a blindfold to emulate blindness taught him about being present in the moment.
• Insight into the process of writing Braille and the tools and methodologies that he uses.
• One of the major literary influences on Kenn’s work: Henry David Thoreau’s Walden.
• Reflecting on the significance of his Braille work for those who aren’t visually impaired.
• The power of art to bridge gaps rather than create them, like so many politicians seek to do.
• How Kenn’s site-specific installations encourage conversation and facilitate education.
• Listening as an art form: how Kenn came to be so articulate about his artwork.
• Why Kenn is so devoted to his work in education, even as he formally retires from teaching.

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/kenn-kotara

As part of our mission to reinvigorate the NOT REAL ART Podcast schedule in 2024, we’re not only introducing you to new artists every month but we’re also revisiting the archives to bring you creative conversations that you might have missed! In this episode, you’ll have the opportunity to reconnect with Teddy Margas, a charismatic actor, writer, comedian, and performer who shared an uplifting message about embracing the power of creativity back in Episode 170. As we say in Hollyweird, Teddy is a “working actor” who has his fingers in many pies and continues to grow and branch out, always taking on new challenges and art forms to stay inspired. Tune in as we discuss Teddy's upbringing, moments from his childhood that left an impression on him, how he welcomes his trauma into his comedy performances, and why connecting with an audience is such a powerful thing. We also touch on some of his incredible character work, particularly his fascination with the ‘Karen' stereotype, and his insightful advice for approaching auditions. As you’ll discover, Teddy is a shining example of creative talent and dedication, who believes that allowing space for the magic of play and creativity can bring so much joy and fulfillment into our lives. If you missed this conversation the first time around, here’s your chance to soak up the wit and wisdom of the one and only Teddy Margas!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Insight into Teddy's upbringing, birth in North Carolina, and formative years in Philadelphia.  
• Benefits of growing up in a cultural melting pot like Philly.
• His two-part move to LA and what it was like to leave a small pond for a big city.
• Free your mind and the rest will follow: how he learned to marry all of his creative talents.
• Teddy's belief in the importance of nurturing the artistic impulses of young children. 
• The bravery it takes to get up on stage and why he thinks everyone should try it!
• Thoughts on the connection between comedy and trauma.
• When Teddy found his voice and learned to truly connect with an audience.
• How Teddy describes his work and skillsets depending on the context.
• What goes into the development of Teddy's characters and his fascination with Karens.
• From studying acting in Philly to scene study in LA: important lessons from Teddy's journey.
• The art of auditioning: key elements of successful auditioning techniques. 
• How Teddy has used silence in his routine to great effect. 
• Surprising roles and places that Teddy has found himself in thanks to his love for creating.
• Why he encourages everyone listening to do something creative today.
• Hurdles he faces at this point in his career (and why we should all face challenges head-on).

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/teddy-margas

If our hosts were going to exploit anyone, they’d choose Sean Grant. During this episode, you’ll find out why. Sean might be unsure about whether or not he’s an artist, but he certainly doesn’t kick off his set with nearly as much violence as the comic he once saw using the term ‘pussy boy’ in his opening line. He knows a thing or two about how hard the Mexican community can party and he’s here to remind listeners that Will Smith is not the inventor of slapping comedians on stage. He also shares his perspective on what a mother’s love can and can’t cure, fertility and family planning, the secret to a long-lasting marriage, and breaking the stereotype that Black men take surveys. Tune in today to hear all this and more!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Sean Grant

Sean Grant on YouTube

Sean Grant on Instagram

Laugh Gallery

Laugh Gallery on Instagram

Scott "Sourdough" Power

Katie Love

Happy holidays, listeners! Welcome to our penultimate podcast episode of 2023. In our year-end round-up, NOT REAL ART Publisher Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Editor in Chief Morgan Laurens to reflect on the past year and offer an exclusive sneak peek into our exciting 2024 programming.

From launching First Friday Exhibitions to hosting REMOTE, Badir McCleary’s video series on public art, available exclusively through NOT REAL ART, 2023 was jam-packed with fresh, innovative ways to support working artists. “[REMOTE] is part travel show,” says Scott, commenting on the series’ broad appeal. “[Badir takes] you to these fantastic works of public art and explores the city in the process.” The first five episodes of REMOTE, covering cities as diverse as Philadelphia and San Antonio, are available to watch here. 

Tuning in, listeners will hear about our favorite Q+Art interviews from the past year, the most memorable exhibitions from our First Friday series, and our ongoing collaboration with sister brand Artsville, which celebrates contemporary American arts and crafts. Scott and Morgan also discuss the expanded programming for 2024, including a fresh take on our podcast, the 2024 grant cycle, and novel ways to engage with and nurture our community of artists. “We’ve done a good job of amassing and coalescing and organizing thousands of artists who are now in our ecosystem and community,” says Scott, reflecting on NOT REAL ART’s new membership program (join here!). “We’re going to spend a lot of time in 2024 intentionally nurturing and engaging our community in a way we haven’t in the past.”

Above all, we want to thank our friends, partners, collaborators, and guests for another year of incredible artwork, interviews, exhibitions, kind notes, and all-around badassery. Your generosity, creativity, and boundless curiosity inspire us to the stars and back. Wishing you a happy holiday season and a sublime new year from your friends at NOT REAL ART. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• First Friday exhibitions from 2023 that stand out in Morgan’s memory.
• How Morgan works closely with artists to hone in on the story behind their work.
• Ways that she has fine-tuned her art writing process over the years.
• Some of Morgan’s favorite artist interviews from the Q + Art series.
• The ‘Remote’ video series with Badir McCleary, which explores the world of public art.
• Exciting ways that we will refresh the NOT REAL ART podcast schedule in 2024.
• Perks and benefits that will accompany our new membership portal.
• Acknowledgment and appreciation for all of our incredible pals and partners!
• A preview of what might be the world’s first hip-hop holiday song, ‘Christmas in L.A.’

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/holiday-special

While much of the country prepares for a frosty festive season, the holidays look a little different in Los Angeles. Imagine palm trees decked out with baubles and twinkling lights, sunny skies, and 70 degree temperatures. 

With Christmas just around the corner, our parent company, Crewest Studio, wanted to spread the holiday cheer, put some positive vibes into the world, and celebrate the City of Angels’ legendary hip-hop roots. Produced as a “special gift” to the City of Los Angeles, “Christmas in L.A.” is a free, downloadable song that taps into the city’s hip-hop culture with special guest performances. Featuring L.A.-based emcees Aceyalone, 2Mex, Medusa, and Myka 9 alongside Raul Pacheco and Asdru Sierra of Grammy award-winning Latin rock band Ozomatli, “Christmas in L.A.” pays homage to the City of Angels' magical—and unique—holiday season.

On today’s podcast episode, host Scott “Sourdough” Power and Crewest Studio co-founder Man One sit down with the song’s producer, multi-instrumentalist Dan Ubick, to discuss how “Christmas in L.A.” came together in just a few short weeks. “I was so honored to get to work with some new people and try and rise to the challenge of creating a Christmas song that wasn’t corny, [that was] fresh and fun,” says Dan. “[We wanted] to show off the multicultural-ness of growing up in L.A.”

Listeners will also hear from some of the brilliant musical minds behind “Christmas in L.A.,” including Aceyalone, 2Mex, Myka 9, Medusa, Raul Pacheco from Ozomatli, Mixmaster Wolf, and Monalisa. Join us as they share their memories of celebrating warm Christmases in California and reflect on the unforgettable legacy of hip-hop in L.A. “From the minute we thought of doing the [“Christmas in L.A.”] project, we knew we wanted it to be 100 percent pure L.A.,” says Scott. “It had to be real; it had to be authentic. To be able to get this line-up, this roster of L.A. emcees, is such a huge honor. It elevates this project in such a special way. Everybody brings their unique flavor to what is really a Christmas story.”

“Christmas in L.A.” is available to download on Crewest Studio or for streaming on Spotify or Apple Music. An exclusive artist autograph signing takes place at DesignerCon in Anaheim, CA, on Dec. 15, 2023. Limited edition prints and other merchandise featuring artwork from L.A. graffiti artist Man One will also be available.

Listen or download the track here.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Dan Ubick’s perspective on producing this bumper holiday tune in just a few weeks.
• Insight into the dope artwork that Man One created for the track.
• What Aceyalone’s Christmas traditions look like and why he’s so proud of this song.
• 2Mex’s growing appreciation for Christmas and his gratitude for the legacy of Project Blowed.
• Reminiscing on what it was like to work with all the musicians on this project
• Why Myka9 believes that it’s important to celebrate joy and creativity right now.
• A look at what Christmas means to Raul Pacheco, having grown up in LA.
• Raul’s take on the unique underground hip-hop flavors of ‘Christmas in L.A.’
• Surfing on Christmas Day, Ray Charles records, and other holiday memories from Dan Ubick.
• What a big traditional Latinx family Christmas looked like in Man One’s house!
• Some of the most memorable gifts that Dan, Man One, and Sourdough ever received.
• Medusa on the privilege of being invited to commemorate Christmas in Los Angeles.
• How she will be celebrating the festive season with her family this year.
• The importance of giving back to your community this Christmas.
• Why Mixmaster Wolf believes this song is so relatable to so many people.
• Monalisa’s family-centric experience of the festive season and the “gift of being alive.”
• Where Man One got his inspiration for the ‘Christmas in L.A.’ artwork and merch.
• Stay tuned to hear our labor of love and our Christmas gift to the City of Angels!

For more information, please visit:

http://notrealart.com/christmas-in-la-the-song

http://xmasinla.com

https://creweststudio.com/christmas-in-la/

What sets professional artists apart from amateurs? 10,000 hours of practice is the common rule of thumb, popularized by author Malcolm Gladwell in his bestseller Outliers: The Story of Success. Today’s guest, multidisciplinary artist Tm Gratkowski, believes that 10,000 hours is the minimum when it comes to achieving creative mastery.

On today’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Tm to discuss the Chicago artist’s commitment to mastering multiple creative skill sets within his artistic practice. “I always say that 10,000 hours is for amateurs,” he tells Scott early in the interview. “It’s just the beginning. You've got to multiply that by 10 if you're ever going to get to a level that it’s in your interest to aspire to.”

Working as an architect and art framer, Tm, like many successful contemporary artists, supports himself with a diverse range of services. In his studio practice, he uses paper to create large and small-scale sculptures, collages, and even installations. Tm’s work is chaotic, colorful, and detail-oriented, suggesting a preference for tactile, easily manipulated materials.  “I break [an idea] down, make it bend my way,” he says, “and then use that to create.” 

In this episode, Tm shares his philosophy on developing a diverse set of skills, embracing discomfort as part of the process, and why he chooses to identify as a creative thinker rather than a multidisciplinary artist. We also discuss the many facets of an artist's DNA, the pressure many artists feel to find a “practical” angle for their creative practice, and how Tm finds time for work-life balance, given his thoughts on the 10,000-hour rule. 

Above all, Tm wants artists to recognize the hard work they put in to get where they are. “Snoop Dogg received a big award recently,” he tells Scott. “In his speech, he said, ‘I'd like to thank myself for all the years of struggle and hard work. I did it all myself to get here.’ That is me. Whether or not that's working hard or smart, it takes a lot to do it. You’re wearing many hats.” 

Key Points From This Episode:

• How Tm’s approach to work-life balance has evolved as his practice has grown.
• Why he says that discipline, work ethic, and creativity are part of his DNA.
• The path less traveled that Tm took to “find his voice” and develop his visual language.
• Being a contemporary artist and creative thinker rather than a multidisciplinary artist.
• How studying architecture has informed and influenced Tm’s art practice.
• Insight into the various layers, elements, and ideas that make up one of Tm’s artworks.
• What kind of support he had from his family on his journey as an artist.
• Unpacking the pressure that artists often feel to have a “practical” profession.
• The interplay between hard work and cultural heritage that Tm benefited from in the Midwest.
• A pragmatic look at the diversity and flexibility Tm has incorporated into his business.
• Some of the many hats that artists and business owners have to wear today.
• Tm’s take on AI and its role in the current “creative renaissance.”
• What Tm is working on right now and where you can see his upcoming exhibitions.

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/tm-gratkowski

Creativity doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Even solo artists draw inspiration from the people, places, and artworks that most affect them. In a performance-oriented industry like music, comedy, or theater, embracing the power of collaboration can yield unexpected artistic highs for everyone involved. 

Our guest today, comedian Zach Zucker, is a living example of the incredible things creative collaboration can bring. As the creator of Stamptown, an award-winning production company that creates and tours with original comedy and musical acts, Zach collaborates with countless artists and facilitates performances all over the world. “I want to learn from the best at all times,” he says. “And just constantly get my mind blown and see how much more there is out there and how much I can aspire to achieve.”

On today’s podcast episode, host Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Zach to discuss the comedian’s background in athletics and how the virtues he learned—discipline, teamwork, and humility—helped him navigate his transition to show business. Zach shares the many challenges that arise from running his own business and why it’s uniquely difficult to be a good performer while simultaneously dealing with the pressing concerns of a producer. “One of the maybe the hardest parts I run into is advocating for myself in a way that doesn't have consequences because I have to wear the producer's hat and the performer's hat.”

Zach also sheds some light on the delicate balancing act required for fruitful collaboration. “We are, as a group, unstoppable when we are all playing in the [best] way that we can, when we're all listening to each other, and we trust each other, and we respect each other,” he says. I want everyone to go out there and steal the show. I want everybody to be the funniest part of the show. I want them to do it in the most selfless, respectful way possible.”

Key Points From This Episode:

• Zach’s background in athletics and the origins of his interest in comedy.
• The pivotal show that inspired him to become a performer.
• Key skills Zach learned as an athlete and how it has supported him in show business.
• Insights into what motivates him to be such a prolific creator and collaborator.
• Stamptown as a production company and how they support other exceptional performers.
• Unpacking the underlying principles of clowning and having a playbook mentality onstage.
• Contrasting method acting with other schools of thought.
• Zach’s approach to comedy line-ups and how he prioritizes the ensemble elements.
• Putting together a variety show for Stamptown’s inclusive, avante-garde, anarchic style.
• Millennial and Gen Z comedy taste and how it’s reflected in Zach’s shows.
• Why comedy is all about rhythm and how hip hop influenced his approach.
• Zach’s SNL audition tape and how they built a skit around it.
• The challenges of being an artist and business owner and what Zach has learned from it.
• Negotiating with venues, the costs involved, and how performers are often exploited.
• Some of the exciting things that Zach, and Not Real Art, have coming up!

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/zach-zucker

On today’s podcast episode, we attempt to answer a deceptively simple but critical question: Why do we make art? The answer, it turns out, is different for everyone.

“The way I see it, there are three basic reasons why anyone makes art,” says NOT REAL ART founder and podcast host Scott “Sourdough” Power. “Number one, some people make art just for fun. Other reasons people make art, money, they want to make money. The last reason I think artists make art is that many artists want to make history.”

By outlining three basic approaches to art-making, this episode encourages listeners to define their motivations in concrete terms. Do you want to go down in history as an influential artist? Do you simply have mouths to feed and bills to pay? Or are your creative pursuits purely for joy and personal fulfillment? Maybe it’s a little bit from all three categories. “The answer to those questions really dictates the kinds of decisions you make for your career and for your business moving forward,” Scott says. “It will really clarify where you want to go in your life, the decisions you want to make, the kinds of investments you want to make in time and treasure.”

With a clearer understanding of your motivations, you can make decisions that align with long-term goals and overarching values. On today’s episode, Scott discusses the different paths an artist might take depending on their objective and shares some practical tips to help them get there. “I don't think any artist should hesitate to make a T-shirt, or a hat, or a sticker, or a tote bag, or key chain with their art, because that's a revenue stream, and museums have gift shops for a reason.

“Think deeply,” he continues. “Do some soul searching and some introspection and define very clearly in your own mind and heart and ask yourself—why do you make art?” Join us for today’s episode as we unpack the critical process of understanding and living by your motivations. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• This episode’s topic: an auditorial centering on the question of why you make art. 
• Three basic reasons people make art: for fun, for money, or to make history.
• The path you will need to follow if your goal is to find critical acclaim. 
• What you’ll need to do if your goal is to generate an income through art.
• How your approach will differ if you are looking only to feed your soul through art. 
• The way your reason for making art influences your relationship with it.
• What will change if you ask yourself what motivates you to make art.

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/why-do-we-make-art