The 16oz. Canvas - The Art of Craft Beer

This week’s featured artist is truly one of a kind. The extremely talented sculptor is Noah Deledda by way of Tampa,FL. We came to learn of his work through a supporter of the project and his experience at Tampa Bay Beer Week 2019.

His work and its meaning are much more than the can that is shaped and repurposed for the art. It tells a story of life and appreciation for the simpler things and those pieces which connect us all. Through an everyday object that is often overlooked or just an after thought he gives it a new meaning and purpose that is powerful, beautiful and elaborate. This is truly a 16oz. Canvas.

This week's featured artist is Dune Haggar who joins us from Perth, Australia, another first for the project. We came to learn of Dune through his vivid and lucid images he creates which were brought to labels with Colonial Brewing Co. His work stands out for its creativity, adventure and Escher-like qualities. A humble guest who loves what he does and uses unique canvases to display his creativity and adventures. This shows the power of the project and community we are building together which allows us to connect with great people from all walks of life from various corners of the world. Art is powerful.

We dedicate this episode to the people of Christchurch, NZ who tragically were taken from us too soon.

This week's featured artist is Blake Stevenson by way of Canada. We came to learn of Blake through his work with Collective Arts Brewing & Elora Brewing Co. Take a trip down memory lane as we look back with pride on nostalgia, old game systems and the growth of tech in our lives. A laid back conversation that discusses his story, origin of Jet Packs and Roller Skates and we even discuss the A word. An easy listen with minimal rambling from the host too, which is always a fan favorite. Less is more.

This week’s featured artist is Michael Hacker. Michael is another great example of the power and reach of craft beer by being our first artist from Germany or Austria depending on the time of the year and his location. An incredible Illustrator who brings humor, life and energy to his works all while loving a good world play and pun. Our story connects us with him through his work with Dogfish Head and what a kick ass job he does for them in conjunction with the Off-Centered Artist series. What started as part of their Record Store Day involvement has grown to see him work on American Beauty, The Perfect Disguise, a reimagined 75 Minute IPA and much more including his most recent poster art for Beer Advocate 'Extreme Beer Fest', not to mention his many gig posters and his Pizza pun inspired book, Pizzeria Disgusto.

Learn about his story, process and what is next for him in his creative adventures. A great perspective with an impressive artist.

This week’s featured artist is Rob Warnick, a KY-native who now calls Cincinnati home. We came to learn for him through his work with LIC Beer Project, but were delighted to discover his fun and lively portfolio of designs and illustrations that we are sure you will love. Learn about his first memory of drawing, his love of music and baseball as well as process and perspective.

A true feel good story of a hard working artist who wears many hats doing what he loves. I look forward to catching up with Rob in the future and hopefully having the pleasure of collaborating together. This is a great episode in that it is genuine and we connected. What started off as two strangers warmed up like a good bourbon for laughs and perspective. One of the things that I am most proud of in doing these interviews are when artists and designers get the opportunity to look back at their journey and realize how special and great it is to get them to this point. I don’t mean it all lead up to being on the podcast, but that they are doing something they love and made the not so easy choice of design as a career. It’s special and brings me much joy.

Episode 101 is now live featuring David Sedgwick of Studio DBD. We came to learn of him through his work through with Manchester based brewery Track Brewery by way of a recommendation and appreciation of his work from Kasper of Toøl. Those are my favorite.

David's appreciation of life through hard work and dedication was apparent throughout our talk. He shares about his style and how it is used to bring his client's vision and ideas to life, what Studio DBD means and how early jobs working with his father shaped his perspective on life and work.

Interviews like this are easy. An instant connection and shared perspective on the bigger picture made for a fluid and relaxed vibe that I shoot for each week. Connecting with folks from around the world like David is one of the true joys of this project. It is truly a Fievel / American Tail type moment (obscure movie reference I know). Enjoy and have a great weekend. Thank you all for being a part of this adventure and community.

This milestone episode features Prairie Artisan Ales Co-Founder Coin Healey. Colin is one of the original artists atop our bucket list for guests here at the 16oz. Canvas and fitting to share with you as we break the century mark. Learn who showed him the ropes of art growing up, his love of music, how he creates each label to stand on its own and also how I thought he was the 'other' Colin Healey (also not of Colin Healy and the Jetskis). We keep it real and didn't edit out that embarrassment for all of you to enjoy as we break the century mark like a proper Lion.

Now a special edition like this would not be complete without another world class special guest. We connected with my good friend Dom 'Doochie' Cook of Beer Kulture about his upcoming book 'This Ain't the Beer You're Used To', Life and Perspective as well as Founders and being open to discourse and empathy for others. This Ain't the 16oz. Canvas You're Used To...

Happy Birthday to my baby sister Shannon. I would say today is the day I became a big brother, but don't want to take the focus away from her special day. Milestones galore today. Love you Shan.

Have a great weekend and thank all of you for being a part of this adventure. I was happy when we booked our first 12 pack and to be breaking the 100th episode today means a lot. We are often imitated, rarely included but continue to be one of the most original projects in Craft Beer. Our adjuncts our life, love, hard work and passion. We get better with age and continue to look to change the model. You don't want to miss what we have in store next...

Cheers to the weekend and the next 100.

This week’s featured artist is @rhisynsyster who is our first artist to grace the podcast stage by way of Australia. It’s really a great testament to the project and the community that we are building together. We came to learn of Rhiannon via her work with US-based @structurebrewing and her label for their Fuzz beer, but her work is much more vast. Her detailed line work and black and white style are incredible. As you know by now I have a soft spot for B&W pieces and her work really resonated with me.

This artrepeneur shares her story, passions and even is kind enough to explain crosshatch to me.

An episode of hard work, passion and fun. She loves her job and it was clear throughout the episode that she has answered her calling and we wish her nothing but success as she grows the business and portfolio.

This week’s featured artist is Philly-based Sam Heimer. We came to learn of him through his work with Abomination Brewing Company, but his portfolio and style are much more vast and diving in made for a great episode. Through hard work and being true to his vision and how he wanted to use his art and be his own boss. Making a career via art and design isn’t an easy path and so many don’t have the thick skin and fortitude to be their own boss and come out stronger on the other side, but that’s not Sam. True to himself and his story, this episode is encouraging and honest while also sharing valuable insight into what it takes to be that artrepeneur on your own terms.

Records, beer and whiskey labels, coffee and toys all with this work on them, makes for an impressive portfolio and a versatility of work despite the dark themes and colors. When it is time to get something for that Halloween super fan, Sam’s your guy. Tell him AJ sent ya.

Cheers and have a great weekend.

This week’s featured artist is Hugh McCormick. We came to learn of Hugh through the work that he has done with Austin Street Brewery in Portland, Maine but his designs and portfolio are vast including Lululemon, Bissell Brothers Three Rivers and so much more. A natural storyteller, Hugh shares his journey and process in bringing a brand to life with his work as well as the path that lead him to call Vacationland home.

Discussions on the importance and power of mental and physical health, yoga and even his love for Nickleback. As you can imagine, Hugh is honest to a fault and makes for a great guest. Stories of hard work and dedication to get to the next chapter of being able to run your own business are key themes that resonate so much with me and have been prominent throughout the project and this episode really supports that. Only way it would be better is if there was a way for me to write this in Comic Sans (/s).

As we approach the century mark, I continue to sit back and reflect on our time together. I am truly blessed to be able to share the stories, adventures and passions of our amazing artist and designer family each week. Humble people who work hard doing what they love. Each person will take something different away from the episodes which is beautiful and more than I could have ever expected two years ago. Thank you for listening and giving me and the artists a platform.