The Cultured Podcast

When others see letters and words, artist Rylsee sees a puzzle to play. From the structure of the letters and the hierarchy of the words, to the composition of his illustrative translation, Rylsee finds meaning in every nook and cranny of the world around him. But more than just meaning, he finds a sense of optimism and hope. Listen to this episode of The Cultured Podcast to get a peek into Rylsee’s process and learn how one unfortunate ink spill inspired the future vision for his art. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

The yarn on Victoria Villasana’s bold textile art isn’t the only thing flowing on this episode of The Cultured Podcast. From her creative process to her thoughts on success, Victoria allows flow to guide her path as an artist. And now she has flowed to the top of the art scene with her multidimensional work that is both uniquely playful and purposeful in its intention. Listen to this episode of The Cultured Podcast to learn how the story of one bad day turned into artwork that now hangs in galleries, in the homes of celebrities, and on the walls of city streets. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

Brian Clowdus made his debut appearance on the second episode of The Cultured Podcast and now, 58 episodes later, he’s returned with major professional updates and personal inspirations. After a year of wildfire success, Brian is now producing site-specific immersive theatre nationwide, transforming communities into living, breathing art experiences. Listen to this reboot episode of The Cultured Podcast to hear what Brian has been up to since his first appearance on Cultured and learn how one production of Mamma Mia changed his course forever. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

While Michael Murphy’s art may play tricks on your eyes, you will remain clear on one thing: his work creates a visual experience unlike any other. As a young boy in Ohio, Michael was obsessed with making his own toys. Now, a celebrated perceptual artist, Michael continues that dream. Listen to this episode of The Cultured Podcast, recorded in Michael’s studio in East Williamsburg, to hear how one of his installations was championed by two opposing political groups, and how this particular piece may have been viewed over 200 million times, yet was missing something crucial. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

Famed Atlanta hypercreative Barry Lee suggests that the beauty of art and self-expression is that the work of another queer artist with a disability will tell a completely different story than theirs. A painter, muralist, writer, illustrator, public speaker, and educator, Barry Lee creates art that is intentionally accessible to everyone. And they prove accessible doesn’t equate to simple, as their work takes on complex meanings that hint to his own personal struggles. Listen to this episode of The Cultured Podcast to learn the secret dark side of their bright and friendly public mural on the Atlanta Beltline. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

You can’t rain on Sophia Michahelles and Alex Kahn’s parade because, well, they are the parade. As the Co-Creative Directors of PAW (Processional Arts Workshop), Alex and Sophia have traveled the world studying processional arts and the profound effect parades and pageant puppetry have on local culture and community spirit. Now, they apply their depth of knowledge and artistic vision to large-scale and site-specific parades like the New York Village Halloween Parade. Listen to this episode of The Cultured Podcast to learn which U.S. president was spotted happily admiring one of their puppets at the White House. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

The experience of the modern woman, or a woman of any era for that matter, is anything but comfortable. Jillian Evelyn fits that warped experience onto canvas with her paintings of contorted female figures. By marrying the sensation of stretching oneself to society’s expectations with her own personal experiences, Jillian creates beautifully bold paintings that stir reflection through personal discomfort. Listen to this episode of The Cultured Podcast to learn how Jillian’s previous career in shoe design still finds its way into her work. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

When it comes to Jeremy Biggers’ work, expect no lip service. But do expect lips. Robust, realistic, and, sometimes, unsettling lips. These mouthy paintings have become iconic in Dallas, Texas. And as the city’s official "Hardest Working Multi-Hyphenate," Jeremy’s expression extends beyond paintbrushes and into every medium he can get his creative hands on. Through his brand Stem & Thorn, Jeremy explores themes of personal identity and race through his unique style of portraiture, as well as photography and cinematography. Listen to this episode of The Cultured Podcast to find out what medium Jeremy plans to tackle next as his artistic empire scales. Hint: We’re particularly excited. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

Jessica Mullis’ art has taught her the skill of going with the flow...the watercolor flow, that is. At one time, Jessica considered herself strictly a graphic designer. But after a few chats with spiritual healers and quality time with a watercolor set, she witnessed the layers of her own artistry emerge...in the form of otherworldly moonscapes. Listen to this episode of The Cultured Podcast to find out where Jessica’s art is headed next and how she recently used it to help heal her community of Dayton, Ohio, in a time of tragedy. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

Creativity runs strong in Adelaide’s gene pool. Raised by a family of musicians and artists, it comes as no surprise that Adelaide’s paintings often emerge alongside the creation of her music. In her newly released EP, Clementine Season, Adelaide (AKA "Lady Clementine") explores the many ways we experience love. Her innate musical ability paired with her longtime passion for poetry birthed this folksy, lyrical, and vulnerable first album. Listen to this episode of The Cultured Podcast to discover how Adelaide went from an International Affairs student to a singer, songwriter and visual artist. You might even get an exclusive sneak peek into Potato Season... Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.