In this second part of my conversation with artist Julie Bancroft, we dive deeper into the emotional and philosophical layers of her work. Julie shares how her online fine art textiles degree became a transformative journey, shaping not just her artistic voice but her confidence and perspective on life. We explore the power of self-expression, the beauty of imperfection, and the importance of just starting – without waiting for the ‘right time.’ Join us for an inspiring discussion on creativity, resilience, and artistic freedom.

In this episode of The Inquisitive Artist, I sit down with artist Julie Bancroft to explore her profoundly personal and multidisciplinary approach to art. From burying fabrics in the earth to using natural pigments and mark-making, Julie shares how her work is shaped by emotion, materiality, and a fascination with impermanence. Join us as we discuss her creative journey, the intersection of writing, photography and textiles, and the ways she finds meaning through her craft.

Julie Bancroft

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In this final part of my three-part conversation with Court Spencer, we turn the focus to her own artistic practice. Court shares her approach to site-specific work, including her Anastasis project at Left Bank and her personal journey back to Australia, where she gathered materials from her childhood landscapes. We discuss how art and curation intertwine, the importance of networks, and the role of intuition in the creative process. A fascinating insight into the mind of an artist, curator, and collaborator!

Court Spencer

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The Art Court

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Lindsey Tyson

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Part two of my conversation with Court Spencer delves into the importance of space in curating exhibitions—how the right setting enhances the experience of art. Court shares insights into her work with venues like The Eye Room and First White Cloth Hall, as well as her approach to discovering and collaborating with artists. We also discuss open calls, networking, and what makes a great artist-curator relationship. If you're curious about the behind-the-scenes of curation, this episode is packed with valuable insights!

Court Spencer

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The Art Court

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Lindsey Tyson

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This is part one of my three-part conversation with Court Spencer. We explore her journey from Australia to Yorkshire, her early creative influences, and how she transitioned from design and marketing into curation. Court shares insights into founding The Art Court, working with artists, and the value of collaboration in the art world. Tune in for an engaging look at the experiences that shaped her career.

Court Spencer

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The Art Court

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Lindsey Tyson

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In part two of my chat with Hester Berry, we dive deeper into her artistic process, her experiences on both Sky Arts Portrait and Landscape Artist of the Year – as a new mother, with a five-week old! – and how she navigates the balance between creativity and commercial success. Hester shares her thoughts on working from life versus photographs, the challenges of commissions, and the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision. We also discuss competitions, gallery representation, and the role of exhibitions in building an artist’s career. Whether you're an aspiring artist or simply fascinated by the art world, this episode offers valuable insights into the dedication and passion behind Hester’s work.

Join me for an inspiring discussion with award-winning artist Hester Berry as she delves into her creative process, exploring the interplay of light, movement, and atmosphere in her evocative landscape paintings. From her early influences in the rugged beauty of Wales to her transition from a structured, technique-driven education to a more conceptual approach, Hester shares how she balances tradition with innovation. She reflects on the importance of observation, her preference for oils, and how she strives for economy in her brushwork – allowing her paintings to retain both expressive energy and a strong connection to the natural world.

Throughout the conversation, Hester also discusses the challenges and rewards of a career in art, the impact of teaching on her practice, and the ways she integrates sustainability into her work. She offers a candid look at the solitude of painting, the importance of sketching in the field, and how she continuously challenges her understanding of representation. Whether you're an artist yourself or simply fascinated by the creative process, this episode provides a compelling glimpse into the mind of a painter dedicated to both craft and experimentation.

Hester holds regular in-person and online workshops. See her website for more information.

She is also the author of Tate: Sketch Club: Life Drawing (ISBN-13: 978-1781576540), a practical and inspiring guide to life drawing, published in collaboration with Tate. The book explores techniques, exercises, and insights to help artists of all levels refine their skills.

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This is a special bonus episode for artists! If you're listening as the podcast is released, the Old Parcels Office Open Exhibition 2025 is still on – so why not check it out and experience the artwork for yourself? 15th February-9th March, 2025.

In this episode of The Inquisitive Artist, I share my experience as one of three selectors for the Old Parcels Office (OPO) Open Exhibition in Scarborough. Joined by Jacqui Barrowcliffe and Paul Bonomini, we offer a behind-the-scenes look at the challenging selection process, discussing what makes artwork stand out, common mistakes artists make when applying, and how decisions are made. Whether you're an artist submitting to open exhibitions or just curious about the curation process, this episode provides valuable insights into the world of art selection.

The OPOWeb

Jacquie Barrowcliffe - Artist and OPO TrusteeWebInstagram

Paul Bonomini - Sculptor and President of the London GroupWebInstagramThe London Group

Lindsey Tyson - ArtistWebInstagram

Sally Gorham - Chair of the OPOInstagram

Rob Moore - Artist, Curator and OPO Trustee FacebookInstagramWatermark Gallery

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In this episode of The Inquisitive Artist, Dan Cook continues the story of how his abstract works have evolved over the years. With a keen focus on the meticulous finish of his paintings, Cook describes how he experiments with various textures and layers, such as beeswax varnishing, to achieve the perfect surface that plays with light and adds depth to his art. He also touches on the challenges of working with commissions, revealing how his choice of size and composition is influenced by both his creative vision and the practical needs of his clients.

Cook also opens up about the nature of his work, explaining how his paintings are often born from fleeting moments and memories, evoked through simple shapes and shadows. These fragments of past experiences, whether joyous or otherwise, become translated into his art – creating pieces that invite viewers to connect with their own emotions. He shares how his use of colour, typically sparing but vibrant, adds emotional weight to his compositions, and reflects the urgency he feels in capturing the essence of his thoughts before they fade away.

This thoughtful and insightful conversation offers a deeper understanding of the dedication and thoughtfulness behind Cook's creative process and the passion he pours into every piece of his art.

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In this episode of The Inquisitive Artist, I’m joined by abstract artist Dan Cook to talk about his path from working in illustration to becoming a full-time painter. He shares how his background in drafting shaped his style, why he took the leap into painting, and how he makes it all work as a career.

Dan dives into his process – layering oils, resins, and pastels on wood panels – and how his art has evolved over time. He chats about the balance between planning and experimentation, how childhood memories influence his work, and why he’s always pushing himself to try new things.

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