In this episode Maggs is joined by Paul Ogunlesi, a painter from Lagos, Nigeria to talk about his unique form of visual storytelling and how his paintings specifically explore universal human experiences and identity through the lens of Yoruba adages. Paul discusses his early experiences with art; how he uses both fashion and facelessness as tools to weave a story in his works; and whether he believes an interpretation of the symbolism in any given piece can be "right" or "wrong". Paul also talks about the experience of creating artwork that begins to form its own personality separate from what he set out to create as it comes into being through his hands.

Show notes:

Paul's Instagram

Paul's Facebook

Paul's Twitter

Paul's Art on Saatchi

TOTALLY F#@!ING NORMAL Instagram

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Maggs' Instagram

In this episode Maggs is joined by Bruce Rivera, artist and founder of Salvage Arts from Edmonds, WA to talk about the official launch of the non-profit organization centered around creating art from recycled materials. Bruce discusses how Salvage Arts came to be; the All Decks On Hand show happening this weekend (April 20th-22nd) at Graphite Art Center in Edmonds; and how to get involved in future community art projects like this one. Bruce also talks about the dangers of comparison, and how important it is to never give up on being a learning artist.

Show notes:

Salvage Arts Instagram

Bruce's Instagram

Graphite Art Center Instagram

Salvage Arts Website

Graphite Art Center Website

TOTALLY F#@!ING NORMAL Instagram

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Maggs' Instagram

In this episode Maggs is joined by actor and fine art model Adera Gandy of Seattle, WA to talk about the art of simply being alive as a contemporary creative. Adera discusses how the artist must realize that they are ALSO the masterpiece; how important it is to have a good relationship with your body as a creative; and how her relationship with creativity coincides with her relationship with the divine. Adera also suggests that there is a shift happening in the long standing archetype of the tortured artist.

Show notes:

Adera's Instagram

Adera's Body Art Instagram

Adera's Website

TOTALLY F#@!ING NORMAL Instagram

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Maggs' Instagram

In this episode Maggs is joined by multi-talented actor Tasha Kay Newell of Seattle, Washington to talk about the art life and the struggles of pursuing a path that the mainstream has deemed "impossible." Tasha discusses battling imposter syndrome; taking opportunities that feel risky or uncomfortable; her disinterest in fame; and what it's like to be a member of the "unseen artist club". Tasha also answers the tough question of whether or not she views herself as an artist.

Show notes:

Tasha's Instagram

Tasha's TikTok

TOTALLY F#@!ING NORMAL Instagram

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Maggs' Instagram

In this episode Maggs is joined by Josh Stebbins of Enid, Oklahoma to talk about making art in the digital age. Josh discusses playing the "social media game"; the issue with ai art; the importance of literature and the written word for the preservation of our humanity in an increasingly digital future; how inaccessible it is for a good many artists to even be in a position to create; and being inspired by the creations of other writers, musicians, performers, etc. including Twin Peaks and all things David Lynch. Josh also shares his opinion on the age-old question of whether or not an artist must suffer for their art.

Show notes:

Josh's Instagram

Josh's Facebook

Josh's work @ La Luz de Jesus Gallery

Josh's "No Stars: A Twin Peaks Tribute Exhibition" @ Stephen Romano Gallery

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In light of the major earthquake that rocked Turkey and Syria this week, Maggs dives into art inspired by natural disasters in this special bonus episode. We first examine eyewitness accounts from survivors of natural disasters, look at why depictions of natural disasters are of continued interest to the scientific community, examine three specific paintings portraying natural disasters for their relevance in art history, and give a couple examples of masterpieces created in the wake of disaster that you may not have been aware of. Maggs also considers what art means to an artist and to humanity, being that nothing is permanent in this world where we live in a constant state of near-apocalypse. 

Show notes:

The Guardian Article: Turkey and Syria Earthquake: Where to Donate in the US to Help Victims

Spokane Review Article: In the Eye of Mount St. Helens: Spokane couple was flying above volcano's eruption on May 18, 1980

Art UK Article: Having A Blast: The Science Behind Paintings of Volcanoes

Hamburger Junsthalle Exhibition: Nature Unleashed: The Image of Catastrophe Since 1600

Smithsonian Article: How Paintings of Sunsets Immortalize Past Volcanic Eruption

"Pele" by D. Howard Hitchcock, 1927

"Eruption of Vesuvius" by Sebastian Pether, 1825

"Vesuvius From Portici" by Joseph Wright of Derby, ca. 1775

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Maggs is joined by Athabascan Maker + Entrepreneur Shayla Jolley from Alaska to talk about her business babies. Shayla discusses how the focus on music & art in Alaska's vibrant communities contributed to the opening and evolution of The Happy Hippie, how she got her start in business, reconnecting with her ancestors through the creation of beaded jewelry, and what inspires her in business and beyond. Shayla also touches on the notion of whether creativity is something you're born with or something that can be learned. 

Show notes:

The Happy Hippie Website

The Happy Hippie Instagram

Design Your Life With Sandi Website

Design Your Life With Sandi Instagram

Design Your Life With Sandi Podcast

AK Wild Juice Bar Instagram

Anchorage Daily News Article: "Old Art of Athabascan Quillwork Rediscovered"

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Maggs is joined by Shane Izykowski of Los Angeles, California to talk about the many sacrifices that creatives make for the sake of their art. Shane talks about taking a leap of faith by moving across the country from PA to CA in pursuit of developing his art career, how he was shaped in his early life as a creative by criticism, and how this resulted in cultivating a plethora of skills that now all play a role in his creative process. Shane also shares his hot take on a controversial opinion in the art world that creatives that work "day jobs" aren't as dedicated to their art practice as creatives who are full-time creators. 

Show notes:

Shane's Website

Shane's Instagram

Drawing From Experience Podcast Website

Drawing From Experience Podcast Instagram

Shane's TikTok

Shane's Patreon

HuffPost Article: "11 Things Highly Creative People Sacrifice For Their Art"

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Maggs is joined by LauraAmy Patterson of LAMP Photography Studio from San Jose, California to talk about a massive documentary series she has undertaken which she refers to lovingly as her "Artists with Mental Illness Series." LauraAmy discusses what set this project in motion for her, the profound honor and responsibility that come with creating a safe space for voices from this marginalized group of "outsider" artists, how she's funding such a huge and costly project, and what she plans to do with these sacred stories once they've all been collected and catalogued. LauraAmy also shares what it's been like for her to view images for the first time from cameras sent to every corner of the United States for artists to capture their own images of what their mental illness feels like to them. 

Show notes:

LauraAmy's Website

LauraAmy's Instagram

AWMI Series Instagram

AWMI Series GoFundMe

LauraAmy's IG post w/ Maggs' photos for the AWMI Series

Maggs' IG post w/ photos by LAMP Photography Studio for the AWMI Series

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Maggs is joined by Krysti Jomei and Jonny DeStefano, co-founders of Denver, Colorado's premier indie publication, Birdy Magazine, to discuss the ins and outs of print; Birdy's humble beginnings, the role of print in society, how Birdy Magazine brings new life to a "dying" art form, and how to make it through the highs and the lows (especially the lows) as an artist. Krysti & Jonny also share their best advice on how to dream big with limited resources. 

Show notes:

Birdy Magazine's Website

Submit to Birdy

Birdy's Instagram

Krysti's Instagram

Jonny's Instagram

TOTALLY F#@!ING NORMAL Instagram

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Maggs' Instagram