In this episode of the Have You Seen? series, Carrie chats with Annabel Merrett, a British artist who is fascinated by the brain's workings. Annabel explores how our unconscious mind motivates our behaviour, often compelling us to return, repeat, and do the very thing we wish to avoid and fear.

From Carrie:

"Annabel Merrett has come to art making later in her life and all of the work is centered around health and I'm trying to resist the word to say mental health because while that is central to her practice, it is health that matters here. Annabel has been embraced by the science community because of that core but I think her practice is so important well beyond the confines of mental health and science and the medical world. This is a woman who feels it's urgent that we readdress the way we think and we talk about all sorts of things."

Explore Annabel's work: https://www.annabelmerrett.com/

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Seen podcast. Liked what you heard? Get early access to these episodes and a ton of other great art content, by becoming a member of Seen at https://seen.art.

Connect with us between episodes on Instagram, @watchseenart - https://www.instagram.com/watchseenart

About the Have You Seen? series:

The ⁠Have You Seen? Series⁠ is all about talking to emerging and mid-career artists about their journey to now.

Curious about how an artist got to where they are or indeed why they chose art in the first place? Then this series is for you. Join us as we speak to emerging and mid-career artists across the globe. Don’t worry, there’s no hiding behind art speak here, or pretending that being an artist is a bowl of cherries. We’re here to hear it all, straight from the source.

In this week's episode, Carrie Scott steps into the tranquil countryside retreat of architectural master John Pawson for an intimate conversation that goes beyond the "minimalist" label. Join us as Pawson reveals his design philosophy centered on light, proportion, and materials, while sharing entertaining stories of collaborations with Karl Lagerfeld and other creative luminaries. From his approach to criticism to his thoughts on creating spaces with meaningful atmosphere, Pawson offers rare insights into his creative mind. Over the course of the interview, we discover a warm, humorous side to the composed designer whose precise vision has shaped some of the world's most elegant spaces. Whether you're a design enthusiast or simply curious about the mind behind these contemplative environments, this episode offers a thoughtful glimpse into architectural thinking at its finest.

John Pawson is a British architectural designer renowned for his minimalist aesthetic that emphasizes simplicity, proportion, light, and material. Though not formally qualified as an architect, Pawson has created iconic spaces worldwide, from Calvin Klein's flagship store in New York to monasteries and museums, including London's Design Museum.

Beyond architecture, Pawson is an accomplished photographer whose eye for composition and light is showcased in several books, including "Spectrum" and "Minimum," reflecting the same disciplined aesthetic that defines his architectural work. A former textile businessman who briefly attempted monastic life in Japan before finding his calling, Pawson was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2019 for his contributions to design and architecture.

From Carrie: "I know John Pawson. I've interviewed him, launched exhibitions with him. I've even convinced him to let me sell his photography. So sitting down for another interview wasn't all that easy because I wanted to reveal the side of him that I know. His softer, funny side and his love for the creative collaborative process. But John is a pro, always composed and unwavering. He's a giant in the design world and he knows exactly what he's doing. But what struck me during our conversation at his country house with his wonderful wife, Catherine, is that John Possen might not actually be a minimalist. Bear with me. Minimalism as an artistic movement is all about simplicity, stripping away excess and focusing on essential elements. John's work embodies this with the monochrome tones and the absence of art on his walls. Yet in his house, every corner, detail, stone, and thread demands attention. It's a maximalist's dream in terms of engagement, though without the clutter.

And maybe I don't fully grasp minimalism, but I left that interview thinking John's work deserves a whole new term. He challenges our relationship with material and material possessions and aesthetic beauty, embodying minimalist goals while creating spaces that captivate and us the mind. John isn't just a minimalist or he shouldn't be put into a box like that. He's something more. He makes us see more by showing less. And maybe that is the whole point of minimalism, but this interview was mind-opening, bending."

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Seen podcast. Liked what you heard? Get early access to these episodes and a ton of other great art content by becoming a member of Seen at seen.art (https://seen.art) . If you want to connect with us between episodes, follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watchseenart  ) .

Join our free newsletter and become an art insider: https://bit.ly/Seen-Newsletter-Signup

About the Seeing Series

The Seeing Series gets to the heart of what makes an artist tick. By always searching for the motivating truth behind an artist’s practice, we give viewers insider access to some of the most exciting artists in the world, all in a down-to-earth, honest way.

In the second episode of Behind the Seen, Carrie chats with Paddy Johnson,  the founder of Netvvrk, a membership that helps artists get the shows, grants, and residencies of their dreams by broadening their professional networks. Over the last two years, members have received over a million dollars in grants. Netvvrk has been featured in The New York Times, Hyperallergic, and Artnet News.

From Carrie:

"The first time I spoke to Paddy Johnson, she interviewed me for her podcast, Art Problems. And this time, we reversed the rules because I wanted to find out all about Netvvrk, her platform which is a membership-based network, to help artists get ahead. Now, it's part professional development, part mentorship, part Andy Warhol's factory for the digital age. And I mean that seriously, because I think what Paddy has done with Netvvrk is create a space where artists can help support one another, where they can grow, where they can talk about their successes, their failures. And so it literally is what Warhol might have been trying to do with the factory, a place where artists can be vulnerable, can be open, and can support one another. Patty Johnson is doing a great thing. And this interview will make that plain as day."

Sign up for Paddy's live Masterclass: https://makeartanyway.net

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Seen podcast.

Liked what you heard? Get early access to these episodes and a ton of other great art content by becoming a member of Seen at seen.art.

If you want to connect with us between episodes, follow us on Instagram, @watchseenart.

About Behind The Seen

TheBehind The Seen Series brings on art world professionals of all sorts to give you insight into what the art world is really like. Curious what it’s like being a gallerist, an art critic or a curator? Then this series is for you.

In this episode of the Have You Seen? series, Carrie chats with Nancy Cadogan, a British American artist, celebrated for her figurative paintings with their profound engagement with literature, time, and the still moments of life.

Cadogan’s works were described as “heaven on a canvas” by the Evening Standard, and has had solo exhibitions internationally, including at Saatchi Gallery, London in 2019 and Keats-Shelley House, Rome in 2020. In 2022, she was invited as Artist in Residence at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Paris.

Her latest project, ‘The Lost Trees’, explores our relationship with trees, time, and the natural world.

From Carrie:

"Nancy’s paintings are like a peaceful escape. During our chat, she explained how she uses a soft palette and delicate brushwork to create serene scenes. Her piece “Quiet Morning” captures a cozy interior with soft light, filled with books and plants. Her art provides a calming visual retreat, perfect for moments when you need a little peace."

Explore Nancy's work: https://nancycadogan.com/

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Seen podcast. Liked what you heard? Get early access to these episodes and a ton of other great art content, by becoming a member of Seen at https://seen.art.

Connect with us between episodes on Instagram, @watchseenart - https://www.instagram.com/watchseenart

About the Have You Seen? series:

The ⁠Have You Seen? Series⁠ is all about talking to emerging and mid-career artists about their journey to now.

Curious about how an artist got to where they are or indeed why they chose art in the first place? Then this series is for you. Join us as we speak to emerging and mid-career artists across the globe. Don’t worry, there’s no hiding behind art speak here, or pretending that being an artist is a bowl of cherries. We’re here to hear it all, straight from the source.

In this episode of the Seeing series, Carrie chats with Casey Moore, a British / NZ photographer based in London and Melbourne. Casey is renowned for his evocative large-scale images that explore the natural world, patterns, and interconnectedness. Moore’s work is characterized by meticulous compositions that capture the sublime beauty of nature, drawing inspiration from diverse landscapes such as New Zealand’s wilderness, the Austrian Alps, and the UK’s rolling hills. His approach echoes the spirit of 19th-century painters and pioneering photographers like Carleton Watkins and Ansel Adams, aiming to evoke a sense of wonder and connection to the natural world.From Carrie: "Casey Moore is a photographer I didn't really want to work with. Terrible, I know, but the truth. And then during lockdown he and I had a conversation on Zoom when I was more open to being able to listen and to look and I saw something extraordinary in this work and it's something that just kept me and sustained me for the last four years because Casey captures beauty in a forensic way. And I mean that literally, he uses these really beautiful techniques to grab nature from the world around him and make as look at it.Now, some people I think like me at the start dismiss this beauty and dismiss his work, but that's a mistake because he is offering us so much depth and his work is singular in that way. It's unparalleled. And yes, it looks beautiful on your walls,but there's a bigger message at play. Take the time to take my horse's mouth as it were. Listen to Casey describe his work and I think you'll see exactly what I'm saying. And then take the time to look closely at his images. There's so much tothem."

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Seen podcast. Liked what you heard? Get early access to these episodes and a ton of other great art content by becoming a member of Seen at seen.art (⁠https://seen.art⁠) . If you want to connect with us between episodes, follow us on Instagram, @watchseenart (⁠  / watchseenart  ⁠) .About the Seeing SeriesThe Seeing Series gets to the heart of what makes an artist tick. By always searching for the motivating truth behind an artist’s practice, we give viewers insider access to some of the most exciting artists in the world, all in a down-to-earth, honest way. From established artists like Rashid Johnson to emerging stars like Simonette Quamina, we speak to the good and the great of the artworld, ultimately creating an accurate portrait of how creatives survive, flourish and function today.

In this episode of the Have You Seen? series, Carrie chats with Tom Pike, a British Artist working and living in London. Tom creates abstract canvases with a combination of print, collage, graphic, mark making and self branding.

His practice explores themes of chance and certainty, chaos and order and creative ownership as he investigate's his own creative identity as both an artist and designer.

From Carrie:

"Tom's work is really intricate. It's really bold. It's very male at first and yet none of that bravado, none of that kind of hard masculinity is part of his story or part of fundamentally his aesthetic. So I was totally taken aback to learn more about his practice and dig a little deeper into what he's trying to do coming from this very commercial background. And here's the thing, this was a tough one. The tech didn't work, it wasn't on our side from beginning to end, and so the conversation gets cut off halfway through. But we want to play it way because we think Tom's amazing and it's kind of exciting to peek behind the plinth and into the studio."

Explore Tom's work: https://pikeprojects.art/

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Seen podcast. Liked what you heard? Get early access to these episodes and a ton of other great art content, by becoming a member of Seen at https://seen.art.

Connect with us between episodes on Instagram, @watchseenart - https://www.instagram.com/watchseenart

About the Have You Seen? series:

The ⁠Have You Seen? Series⁠ is all about talking to emerging and mid-career artists about their journey to now.

Curious about how an artist got to where they are or indeed why they chose art in the first place? Then this series is for you. Join us as we speak to emerging and mid-career artists across the globe. Don’t worry, there’s no hiding behind art speak here, or pretending that being an artist is a bowl of cherries. We’re here to hear it all, straight from the source.

In the second episode of Behind the Seen, Carrie chats with Tim Blake,  a bespoke framer with + 25 years of experience offering tailored framing direction, art presentation, and advisory services for art collectors, artists, and galleries worldwide. Specialising in custom framing, Tim works closely with clients to create unique, seamless presentations that enhance the visual impact of each piece while ensuring its protection and longevity.

From Carrie:

"Tim is actually so much more than just a framer and he's been part of this world for 25 years. first at John Jones, and then at Darbyshire, and now he's going out on his own. So I'm kind of hoping he's going to sit down with us and give us all the tea, all the stuff, because he's not affiliated with thosegiants anymore. But most importantly, I'm kind of interested in talking to him about like what it is to be a framer, because his job is so much bigger than most people can possibly appreciate."

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Seen podcast.

Liked what you heard? Get early access to these episodes and a ton of other great art content by becoming a member of Seen at seen.art.

If you want to connect with us between episodes, follow us on Instagram, @watchseenart.

About Behind The Seen

TheBehind The SeenSeries brings on art world professionals of all sorts to give you insight into what the art world is really like. Curious what it’s like being a gallerist, an art critic or a curator? Then this series is for you.

In this episode, Turner Prize-winning artist Lubaina Himid chats with Carrie Scott for a conversation that peels back the layers of her remarkable artistic journey. From her innovative representations of women to her thoughtful reflections on cultural identity, Himid offers rare insights into both her creative process and philosophical approach to art-making. She shares her perspective on the often-overlooked role of "aunties" in community structures, reveals why numbers and repetition feature prominently in her work, and explains why she believes art's greatest power lies in showing us that "anything is possible." Listeners will gain a deeper appreciation for how Himid's personal experiences and cultural observations transform into powerful visual statements that continue to challenge and inspire audiences worldwide.

Himid's work explores themes of race, identity, colonial history, and the contributions of Black individuals often erased from history. She frequently uses painting, installation, and mixed media to challenge dominant narratives, drawing attention to overlooked stories and figures. Himid won the Turner Prize in 2017, becoming the first Black woman to receive the award. Her art is both politically charged and visually striking, often incorporating vibrant colors and theatrical compositions to engage with historical and contemporary social issues.From Carrie: "It doesn't matter how much you research or think about these conversations, they kind of go wherever they're meant to go. But the thing that is like finally kicking in for me, having now done a few of these, is that I'm in such a ridiculously privileged position to talk to these artists because actually hearing it from the horse's mouth changes the work and my understanding of what she does completely changed over the course of an hour. I went in a fan, I left a bigger fan and I now get why I'm a fan. For me, Lubaina Himid's kind of displaced culture and this sort of in -between space she navigates being a British woman who makes work, but also a Zanzibari woman who makes work, it speaks to me as a person who left the UK as a kid and came back here and hell we all know I can't pick a accent for crying out loud. So I think it's that, right? I think it's that I want you all to listen to these conversations and make up your own mind about the work and the art and what the art does for you. And I gotta say this one was was pretty extraordinary for me personally. I'd kind of like to know if it is for you."

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Seen podcast. Liked what you heard? Get early access to these episodes and a ton of other great art content by becoming a member of Seen at seen.art (https://seen.art) . If you want to connect with us between episodes, follow us on Instagram, @watchseenart (  / watchseenart  ) .About the Seeing SeriesThe Seeing Series gets to the heart of what makes an artist tick. By always searching for the motivating truth behind an artist’s practice, we give viewers insider access to some of the most exciting artists in the world, all in a down-to-earth, honest way. From established artists like Rashid Johnson to emerging stars like Simonette Quamina, we speak to the good and the great of the artworld, ultimately creating an accurate portrait of how creatives survive, flourish and function today.

In this episode of the Have You Seen? series, Carrie chats with Bindi Vora, British-Indian interdisciplinary photographic artist and curator who is interested in how ideas of resistance and resilience are influenced by our everyday surroundings. Her practice often combines collage, linguistics, analogue processes, and an archive of found photography procured over the last decade.

From Carrie:

"Bindi’s photos are like quiet, beautiful poems. In our conversation, she told me how she transforms everyday moments into something extraordinary. Her series “Ephemeral Moments” captures fleeting memories with blurred lines and soft colors. Each photo feels nostalgic and timeless, exploring the delicate balance between what’s temporary and eternal."

Explore Bindi's work: https://www.bindivora.co.uk/

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Seen podcast. Liked what you heard? Get early access to these episodes and a ton of other great art content, by becoming a member of Seen at https://seen.art.

Connect with us between episodes on Instagram, @watchseenart - https://www.instagram.com/watchseenart

About the Have You Seen? series:

The ⁠Have You Seen? Series⁠ is all about talking to emerging and mid-career artists about their journey to now.

Curious about how an artist got to where they are or indeed why they chose art in the first place? Then this series is for you. Join us as we speak to emerging and mid-career artists across the globe. Don’t worry, there’s no hiding behind art speak here, or pretending that being an artist is a bowl of cherries. We’re here to hear it all, straight from the source.

In this episode of the Seeing series, Carrie chats with Hank Willis Thomas, Brooklyn, NY based conceptual artist working primarily with themes related to perspective, identity, commodity, media, and popular culture (and that's putting it mildly). 

From Carrie: "I tried not to fangirl in our interview with Hank, but not sure I completely succeeded. This is a man who is referencing so much and then laying it bare for us if we're willing to engage with the work, if we're willing to really look. On first view, you can't see everything, but with a light and some time and planting your feet firmly in the ground in front of the work, you can see things that you might not otherwise have seen. And I think that that is the point of his work, right? He's trying to get us to look. And we barely scratched the surface. I have 20 other questions that I could have asked him, but I think we got to the heart of what makes Hank think. It made me realize how avant-garde his work really is, how ahead of the curve he really is. Because this is a conversation that we desperately need to have right now. It's relevant. It's on point. It is so timely. And it really is so now."

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Seen podcast. Liked what you heard? Get early access to these episodes and a ton of other great art content by becoming a member of Seen at seen.art. If you want to connect with us between episodes, follow us on Instagram, @watchseenart.

About the Seeing Series

The Seeing Series gets to the heart of what makes an artist tick. By always searching for the motivating truth behind an artist’s practice, we give viewers insider access to some of the most exciting artists in the world, all in a down-to-earth, honest way. From established artists like Rashid Johnson to emerging stars like Simonette Quamina, we speak to the good and the great of the artworld, ultimately creating an accurate portrait of how creatives survive, flourish and function today.