How can artists use their art to tell stories and process their own experiences? How does it feel to create deeply personal work and then see it exhibited in public spaces? How can you foster a strong relationship with an agent whilst taking on independent projects? What is it like balancing motherhood with a full-time artist career? Why it is important that art is accessible? What are the challenges of working with products with less impact on the environment?

I loved chatting to Laxmi Hussain in her Wembley studio, just a stones throw from one of her most ambitious public art projects. Just as her work is intensely personal - both in terms of subject matter and her use of the colour blue - Laxmi was very open about her life as an artist and mother.

Painting the female form in her distinctive blue, Laxmi’s work is celebrated across the art and design world. She is represented by Partnership Editions and her client list include the Royal Academy of the Arts, Lick, Vans, Derwent Art and many more.

We discuss her experience of working with an agent and online gallery - how she fosters this relationship whilst maintaining her own independent projects and thriving social media presence - how she balances motherhood with a full-time artist career; and her approach to large-scale public art commissions.

thislakshmi.com

@thislakshmi

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Hosted and produced by Sophie Loxton Lucas, The Visible Artist podcast features individual artists and their paths to success within the creative world. Alongside conversations with an array of practicing artists, Sophie chats to key art world protagonists about their experiences of working with artists. The Visible Artist podcast is a must-listen for any artists looking to make their mark in today’s art world. 

Follow the show @thevisibleartistpodcast

Follow Sophie @sophieloxtonlucas

www.thevisibleartistpodcast.com

Podcast cover by AmyIsla Mccombie

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is it like running a thriving print studio-gallery space whilst maintaining a personal creative practice? What are the advantages of working with other artists? Why is it important to be selective when choosing which artworks to ‘put out there’? How does the industrialised print world compare to the DIY print scene (and everything in-between)? How can artists find their voice now that there is an overwhelming amount of content online?

I headed to All Star Press, a ‘three-in-one’ art gallery, design company and print studio in Logan Square, Chicago, to chat to Founder Zissou Tasseff-Elenkoff.

Originally hailing from England, Zissou graduated from the School of School of the Art Institute of Chicago and began his journey of creating and selling prints across the world. Over the past fifteen years, he has built his screen-print business, curated exhibitions, and brought together illustrators, artists, street art, sports fans, and designers to create a unique all-inclusive atmosphere like no other in the city.

All Star Press provides opportunities for hundreds of talented artists - local and international - both through the gallery’s own exhibition programming and high-profile brand commissions. I was really intrigued to hear more about Zissou’s approach to working with artists: how he discovers new talent, what he looks for in an artist for different collaborations, and how he created his own unique market position in the contemporary art world.

allstarpresschicago.com

@allstarpresschicago

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Hosted and produced by Sophie Loxton Lucas, The Visible Artist podcast features individual artists and their paths to success within the creative world. Alongside conversations with an array of practicing artists, Sophie chats to key art world protagonists about their experiences of working with artists. The Visible Artist podcast is a must-listen for any artists looking to make their mark in today’s art world. 

Follow the show @thevisibleartistpodcast

Follow Sophie @sophieloxtonlucas

www.thevisibleartistpodcast.com

Podcast cover by AmyIsla Mccombie

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can artists use an auction platform to sell work directly from their studio? Is there a particular type of work that appeals to those buying at auction? What is the importance of reserve prices? How do estimates help maintain the value of the artwork? How can artists build a network of buyers via an auction platform? What does the term ‘emerging artist’ mean? Can artists sell successfully to global audiences online?

I spoke to Tom Best, founder of The Auction Collective, about the many exciting opportunities for artists to sell work directly from their studio via auction. Tom is a former Christie's auctioneer and Contemporary Art Specialist - a self-professed “huge auction nerd”. Following a Masters degree in Art History from St Andrew's University, Tom spent six years at Christie's London as an auctioneer, and two years in humanitarian aid before combining these twin passions for art and social good in The Auction Collective.

The organisation describes itself as ‘the auction platform for artists, arts organisations and charities’. As Tom explains in our conversation, it is uniquely positioned to serve practicing artists - particularly through its Studio Sale and 50 x 50 auctions. I know many artists who have sold work through the platform - so it was fascinating to hear more about the organisation’s story, ethos and plans for the future from Tom himself.

The Auction Collective is constantly evolving and adapting to be the best possible platform for artists. For more advice and information on running an auction contact Tom directly at [email protected] or follow The Auction Collective on Instagram (@theauctioncollective) and LinkedIn.

theauctioncollective.com

Follow @theauctioncollective

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Hosted and produced by Sophie Loxton Lucas, The Visible Artist podcast features individual artists and their paths to success within the creative world. Alongside conversations with an array of practicing artists, Sophie chats to key art world protagonists about their experiences of working with artists. The Visible Artist podcast is a must-listen for any artists looking to make their mark in today’s art world. 

Follow the show @thevisibleartistpodcast

Follow Sophie @sophieloxtonlucas

www.thevisibleartistpodcast.com

Podcast cover by AmyIsla Mccombie

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can you challenge yourself as a painter? Why is it important to avoid adapting your style specifically to appeal to buyers? Do artists need to have a ‘target audience’ in mind? What is it like selling your work in person? Why are open studio events valuable for artists? Are there any rules in painting that should be followed - or ignored? What is it like painting live on television? What are the tips and tricks when transporting your artworks overseas? How are the audiences different in London, Brooklyn and LA? What is it like to have your work in the Soho House collection?

Dawn Beckles is not afraid to be bold in her paintings. She transforms the traditional still life form by placing it in contemporary settings and using bright, sometimes neon, colours. In this conversation, we discuss her confident approach to her work: how she is not afraid to break rules when it comes to colour and why she believes it is important not to create work specifically to appeal to buyers.

Dawn has had plenty of experience successfully selling her work in person as she has participated in London, Brooklyn and LA editions of The Other Art Fair. She talks candidly about transporting her work overseas and the reaction from these international audiences to her work.

We also discuss her participation in the Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year television series and why by taking a risk on the show proved to be such a valuable exercise for her painting practice.

Dawn’s work has been long-listed for the BP Portrait Award, featured in the Soho House collection and exhibited in the recent Hospital Rooms annual auction at Hauser & Wirth, London.

Follow @dawnbeckles

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Hosted and produced by Sophie Loxton Lucas, The Visible Artist podcast features individual artists and their paths to success within the creative world. Alongside conversations with an array of practicing artists, Sophie chats to key art world protagonists about their experiences of working with artists. The Visible Artist podcast is a must-listen for any artists looking to make their mark in today’s art world. 

Follow the show @thevisibleartistpodcast

Follow Sophie @sophieloxtonlucas

www.thevisibleartistpodcast.com

Podcast cover by AmyIsla Mccombie

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do artists need to define themselves in a particular way? What opportunities are available for textile artists? What is it like to work across craft and fine art? What makes a successful residency programme? How can leading interactive workshops be a useful tool for textile artists? Why are competitions so valuable for artists wishing to experiment and evolve? What does a positive gallery relationship look like?

I first came across the work of Cecilia Charlton at Collect Art Fair and loved her ambitious textile works. Her instagram account is a wonderful door into the world of textiles - Cecilia shares process videos, images of historical weaving drafts and details of different techniques.

Cecilia describes her work as ‘fibre-based investigations into abstraction, form and colour with a grounding in personal experience’. I had so many questions about her journey as a textile artist - and absolutely loved spending a morning in her home studio in Brockley. 

Cecilia has carved an impressive path in the world of craft, fine art and design. She has exhibited in the UK and internationally; her recent exhibitions include: Mammoth Loop, SPACE Ilford, 2021 (solo); Aurora, Candida Stevens Gallery, 2020 (solo); Parade, curated by Kris Day, Broadway Gallery, UK, 2019; SURGE: The Eastwing Biennial, Courtauld Institute, London, 2018; Rogue Objects, curated by spaceship, University College London, London, 2018. Some awards include the Jerwood Makers Open Award in 2021; Fulbright UK Scholarship in 2015 (shortlisted), and the Ellen Battel Stockel Fellowship as part of the Yale University Norfolk Residency in 2014. 

ceciliacharlton.com

@ceciliacharlton

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Hosted and produced by Sophie Loxton Lucas, The Visible Artist podcast features individual artists and their paths to success within the creative world. Alongside conversations with an array of practicing artists, Sophie chats to key art world protagonists about their experiences of working with artists. The Visible Artist podcast is a must-listen for any artists looking to make their mark in today’s art world.

Follow the show @thevisibleartistpodcast

Follow Sophie @sophieloxtonlucas

www.thevisibleartistpodcast.com

Podcast cover by AmyIsla Mccombie

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can you create a thriving volunteer artist-led exhibition space? Why is collaboration with other artists so important? How can artists approach emerging curators? What is it like to break into a contemporary art scene in a new city? What is ‘other’ art and should this label be used?

Vincent Uribe describes himself as an artist and creative community builder. He is the Founding Director of LVL3, an artist-run exhibition space and online publication, and the Director of Exhibitions and External Relations at non-profit Arts of Life. Through these roles, Vincent works with hundreds of artists, sourcing new talent for the gallery and creating innovative showcasing opportunities for artists with disabilities.

Alongside hard work and a strong vision for each of his projects, Vincent’s success is due to his open, collaborative approach - an approach that is unusual in the art world - and this has served him well over the past ten years. We discuss his journey since graduating from the School of the Arts Institute of Chicago, his experience of launching and maintaining the volunteer-run gallery for over a decade, and how he sees his own artistic practice in relation to his curatorial work.

For any artist considering opening their own space or wishing to collaborate with others, this is the episode for you. I hope you enjoy it.

lvl3official.com

artsoflife.org

@vcentu

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Hosted and produced by Sophie Loxton Lucas, The Visible Artist podcast features individual artists and their paths to success within the creative world. Alongside conversations with an array of practicing artists, Sophie chats to key art world protagonists about their experiences of working with artists. The Visible Artist podcast is a must-listen for any artists looking to make their mark in today’s art world.

Follow the show @thevisibleartistpodcast

Follow Sophie @sophieloxtonlucas

www.thevisibleartistpodcast.com

Podcast cover by AmyIsla Mccombie

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is experimentation and risk important in developing an artist’s practice? How can artists find inspiration beyond their studio? What is it like sharing a studio with another artist? How can you balance your painting practice with commercial commissions? What are the challenges of curating a group show with over twenty artists? How does embarking on a Masters in Fine Art lead to new creative directions?

I have known Zanny for many years and have followed her artistic progression with great interest. Her work is constantly evolving and responding to her environment; whether she is working on an intimate scale at the kitchen table during lockdown or donning her hiking boots to photograph the vast Patagonian landscapes, Zanny soaks up her surroundings and then reflects them back in her work. With a portfolio spanning abstract painting, photography, collage and installation, Zanny varies her approach to creating work - sometimes using energetic gestural movements, sometimes enjoying a slower process of building up layers.

Just as she enjoys experimentation in her practice, Zanny is adventurous when it comes to creating opportunities. We discuss the launch of her showcasing collaboration, The Breath Project; her journey from an Illustration degree to commercial work and then back to a Masters in Fine Art; and explore her involvement with the platform Glassette and how she feels about placing her work in the world of interiors.

Follow @zannymellor

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Hosted and produced by Sophie Loxton Lucas, The Visible Artist podcast features individual artists and their paths to success within the creative world. Alongside conversations with an array of practicing artists, Sophie chats to key art world protagonists about their experiences of working with artists. The Visible Artist podcast is a must-listen for any artists looking to make their mark in today’s art world.

Follow the show @thevisibleartistpodcast

Follow Sophie @sophieloxtonlucas

www.thevisibleartistpodcast.com

Podcast cover by AmyIsla Mccombie

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the street art world like? How did a graffiti artist become a celebrated street artist? Do you have to have a particular moniker or character to be authentic? What is it like to put your personal work on the walls on your city? Why work with galleries? Can you hold onto your original roots whilst collaborating with brands?

I loved visiting the beautiful studio in Pilsen, Chicago, of inspiring self-taught street artist Sentrock. The space is split into two: at the back of the building is his creative studio, packed with sketches taped to walls, shelves lined with spray cans and print screens stacked up; and at the front facing the street is a light-filled white-walled room with large artworks, art books and his distinctive bird-mark figurines on display. It is rare to come across a celebrated street artist with such an accessible presence in his community in this way - passers-by can look in through the windows and enjoy seeing the work on the walls.

Sentrock uses his own distinctive moniker of a human figure wearing a bird mask to explore and celebrate his personal history. Inspired by the bird as a symbol of escape and imagination, Sentrock has painted different versions of his character on over fifteen murals across the city; commissions include City of Chicago, Chicago Fire and National Geographic. Most recently, Sentrock brought his world to life in 2D and 3D form with his first solo museum exhibition titled ‘The Boy Who Wanted To Fly’ at Elmhurst Art Museum.

We discuss why his open approach to his community is so important to him and how it feels to put such emotive artworks onto public walls. We also explore his journey from painting graffiti to exhibiting with galleries and museums, and how he maintains his authentic voice when working on commissions.

“Sentrock Captures the Sights of Chicago’s Pilsen Neighborhood in a New Series About Mental Health”, Colossal Magazine

Follow @sentrock

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Hosted and produced by Sophie Loxton Lucas, The Visible Artist podcast features individual artists and their paths to success within the creative world. Alongside conversations with an array of practicing artists, Sophie chats to key art world protagonists about their experiences of working with artists. The Visible Artist podcast is a must-listen for any artists looking to make their mark in today’s art world. 

Follow the show @thevisibleartistpodcast

Follow Sophie @sophieloxtonlucas

www.thevisibleartistpodcast.com

Podcast cover by AmyIsla Mccombie

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted and produced by Sophie Loxton Lucas, The Visible Artist podcast features individual artists and their paths to success within the creative world. Alongside conversations with an array of practicing artists, Sophie chats to key art world protagonists about their experiences of working with artists. The Visible Artist podcast is a must-listen for any artists looking to make their mark in today’s art world. 

Follow the show @thevisibleartistpodcast

Follow Sophie @sophieloxtonlucas

www.thevisibleartistpodcast.com

Featured interviews in the trailer: Zanny Mellor, Sentrock, Vincent Uribe (LVL3; Arts of Life), Laxmi Hussain, Zissou Tasseff-Elenkoff (All Star Press), Tom Best (The Auction Collective), Cecilia Charlton and Dawn Beckles.

Podcast cover by AmyIsla Mccombie

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can you thrive as a freelance fine art photographer? What it is like photographing incredible artists such as Phyllida Barlow surrounded by their artworks? How can photographers balance their artistic practice with other revenue-driving avenues? What are the alternative ways to present your work in printed form? How are residential residencies structured? What can you learn from undertaking a Masters in Fine Art Photography?

This week I was delighted to chat to photographer Louise Long in her home in Hackney. After graduating with a Fine Art Photography Masters from the Royal College of Art, Louise has spent the last five years balancing her own practice with editorial projects. 

Collaboration plays a key role in Louise’s work; she has spent time with like-minded artists on residency programmes in upstate New York, Paris and Bromolla Sweden - and enjoys working with other artists on art books to showcase her work in printed form. She has recently founded the Linseed Journal, due to launch soon, this will feature work by photographers, illustrators and poets.

For her editorial work, Louise combines her photography with writing - her client list includes British Vogue, House & Garden and Wallpaper - and she has interviewed incredible artists such as Phyllida Barlow and Paula Rego. 

I was fascinated to hear about her journey so far. We discussed alternative ways to exhibit your work as a photographer; how to balance personal and commercial work; and much more.

Follow @louiseelong

Follow @linseed_journal

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Hosted and produced by Sophie Loxton Lucas, The Visible Artist podcast features individual artists and their paths to success within the creative world. Alongside conversations with an array of practicing artists, Sophie chats to key art world protagonists about their experiences of working with artists. The Visible Artist podcast is a must-listen for any artists looking to make their mark in today’s art world. 

Follow the show @thevisibleartistpodcast

Follow Sophie @sophieloxtonlucas

www.thevisibleartistpodcast.com

Podcast cover by AmyIsla Mccombie

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.