In this episode, we connect with interdisciplinary artist Donna Cooper, speaking from her home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia—part of the ancient Appalachian range, a land she's returned to and now calls home. “I live in what we call a Holler (pronounced Halla)” Donna says—a small valley set in between hills. This beautiful visual opens our talk on her powerful art series, Fire Talks.

Blending photography, mixed media, drawing, painting, and installation, Fire Talks is rooted in memory, history, and identity in the body. Donna’s work embraces the primal and sacred, engaging fire not simply as a medium, but as a teacher and collaborator. Her images are steeped in nature—earth, water, air, fire—each element playing a vital role in both process and symbolism. This is a ritual-based practice, born from intuition and a deep connection to the land.

Donna shares how her father cared for fallen trees after floods, tending the land with burn piles that inspired her own dialogue with fire. Unlike him, she uses fire not to clear, but to converse. “These gestures were about care, renewal, and making space,” she says. Donna honors the fire as a misunderstood force, much like her earlier work with snakes. Now, fire is part of her healing—of land, ancestry, and self.

Throughout the episode, we explore Donna’s process: intuitive assemblages that may take days to build and capture. Her generational farm—land her ancestors settled in the 1700s—carries trauma, as all land does. Her art witnesses and heals. Some images include her ghosted form, not as absence, but as transition—a dance with fire, body, and spirit, all observed by the trees and river.

Donna’s performance is solitary yet deeply witnessed by the natural world. She describes her preparation, offerings, and awareness of fire regulations. We talk about the power of gathering—selecting sticks, creating assemblages, listening to the land for what’s ready to burn. Her image “Facing McVey’s Ford” holds space for history, place, and the unseen, using fog and smoke instead of flame—an intuitive investigation.

We also move into her works on paper: marks made with charcoal from previous burns, fire-dipped paper, and drawn flames. Fire becomes language. Her drawings hold symbolic weight—snakes shapes for transformation, circles for calm and continuity, demarcations that speak of structure and history. Even the old wood she works with carries meaning, objects turned relics, reminders of existence.

And finally, Donna leaves us with this:

“Don’t be tamed – don’t let the powers that be try to tame the wildness within you.”

Let yourself be in tune with nature. Keep that young, playful self-alive. Fire is not only destruction—it is also renewal, a source of transformation.

This is a deeply contemplative conversation on art, nature, and the sacred. One not to miss.

In this episode, we hear directly from Steven Dayvid McKellar about his solo exhibition, on display from January 25 – March 15, 2025 at El Nido located in Los Angeles, featuring seven mixed-media paintings on canvas, created during eight days of isolation during Fall, 2021 at an abandoned firehouse in Henderson, Kentucky. This compelling body of work is unapologetically honest, diving into themes of free will, vulnerability, and the ego.

The firehouse, where this series took shape, becomes a poignant metaphor for renewal. It was in this space that McKellar reclaimed not only his artistic vision but also a deeper understanding of himself. His paintings radiate honesty and sincerity, offering glimpses into the heart of an artist who deeply cares about life, strives for growth, and shares his stories with a generosity of spirit.

Co-curators Victoria Chapman and Stevie Kincheloe join Steven to discuss the genesis of this bold experiment. The artist provides a step-by-step account of his creative process and the emotional journey behind the series. He recalls the isolation as a necessary dismantling—a leap into the unknown. Steven opens up about exploring mixed media techniques, cutting himself off from the outside world, and the transformative artwork that emerged from the experience.

This episode delves into Steven's exploration of light and darkness, sharing the profound insights and "beautiful miracles" that arose along the way. A pivotal part of his journey involved consulting a tarot deck, where the recurring appearance of The Tower card guided his understanding of change and surrender to a higher power.

This is Part 1 of a two-part series.

https://www.elnidostudio.art/you-and-me-and-ego

Music by Stevie Kincheloe and Steven Dayvid McKellar

In this episode, we sit down with co-curators Victoria Chapman and Stevie Kincheloe to explore the inspiration behind Now and Now and Now, a captivating group exhibition at El Nido Art Space during winter 2024. Renowned as a sanctuary for honoring the human condition, El Nido offers a reflective setting for engaging in both personal introspection and universal conversations about existence, all centered on the immediacy of the present moment.

The exhibition showcases a diverse array of artists, including Ipshita Maitra from Mumbai; L. Mikelle Standbridge, Francesco Tori, Linda Zambolin, and Silvia Gaffurni from Milan; Tamara Reynolds from Nashville; Stevie Kincheloe, Greg Smith, and Alexandra Terlesky, Victoria Chapman from Los Angeles; and Melody Joy Overstreet from Santa Cruz. Together, they bring unique perspectives and depth to the dialogue.

Victoria and Stevie share their curatorial journey, discussing the thoughtful selection of artists and artworks, the intricate process of installation, and the experience of presenting the exhibition to the public. Featuring photography, poetry, and objects, Now and Now and Now delves into the essence of living in the "now," inviting viewers to connect with the present moment. The creative process behind each piece and the symbolic references embedded within reveal the unique significance of this group exhibition.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation as Victoria and Stevie candidly reflect on their collaborative approach to curating an exhibition that resonates on both personal and collective levels.

Music by Stevie Kincheloe and Steven David McKellar

In today's episode, I sit down with Los Angeles-based artist Shane Guffogg, whose post-postmodernist paintings have captured attention over the past 25 years. We delve into Shane's synesthesia, a unique perception that has profoundly shaped his artistic journey, influencing not only his painting process but also how he envisions his work in terms of sound.

Shane shares a fascinating glimpse into his personal history, blending reflective monologues with insights on artificial intelligence. We also explore his musical inspirations and how his art could be described through sound. Additionally, Shane discusses recent collaborations, including his work with AI programmer Jonah Lynch and pianist Anthony Cardella. He also touches on an early conversation with AI expert Radhika Dirk, who proposed creating a harmonic scale inspired by his synesthetic experiences.

Join us as we uncover the creative intersections of color, sound, and technology with this extraordinary artist.

Shane Guffogg is an American artist who examines humanity through the lens of past and present civilizations, viewing time as a thread that connects all people. His work creates a visual language informed by the spiritualism of abstraction and the realism of the old masters. While these two concepts are often seen as separate, Guffogg seamlessly fuses them into works that transcend time, offering insights into our identity in the 21st century. His work is included in the collections of prestigious institutions such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, Fundación/Colección Jumex in Mexico City, The Imperial Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg, The Gallery of the Museum Center in Baku, Laguna Art Museum, Long Beach Museum of Art, St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, Van Pelt-Dietrich Library at the University of Pennsylvania, and the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation in Los Angeles, among others. https://www.shaneguffogg.com

Music by Stevie Kincheloe and Steven Dayvid McKellar

Learn more visit: https://www.vcprojects.art/podcast-conversations-about-art

In this episode, we dive into a conversation with Ipshita Maitra, a lens artist based in India, renowned for her work in mixed media and collage. Our focus is on her series “Where Voices Call,” captured through color photography. The discussion starts with Ipshita’s morning rituals, which lead into the deeper psychic and spiritual themes of her series. Ipshita explores the secrets of the forest and her project’s origins, which began as a dream.

Ipshita shares captivating stories about her creative process, personal discoveries, and the challenges she encountered. She offers profound insights into her artistic journey, revealing how she navigates both internal and external exploration. Her account of healing and discovering “the forest of her dreams” is a testament to the transformative nature of her work. This conversation is a true treat, as Ipshita vividly describes her experiences in a sacred, living forest, leaving both the interviewer and listener in awe of her perspective.

Music by Stevie Kincheloe and Steven Dayvid McKellar

Learn more visit: https://www.vcprojects.art/podcast-conversations-about-art

Renowned artist Shane Guffogg and art historian and curator Thierry Tessier go head-to-head completing the Proust Questionnaire.

French novelist, critic, and essayist Marcel Proust created the “Proust Questionnaire” to better understand an individual. The questionnaire is still used by interviewers today.

In this episode, Tessier interviews Guffogg. The questions are direct, and Guffogg’s answers are quite surprising. This method, also used by Proust, is often considered a form of confessional. Just as the listener is surprised by the answers, so is Guffogg. This is the nature of this fascinating questionnaire, from "What is your most treasured possession" and "Who are your heroes in real life" to the probing question: "How would you prefer to die?" This makes for a very entertaining episode.

Other individuals who have answered the 'confessional questioinaire' are Oscar Wilde, Karl Marx, Arthur Conan Doyle, Stéphane Mallarmé, and Paul Cézanne, to name a few. (Wikipedia)

Shane Guffogg is an American artist who examines humanity through the lens of past and present civilizations, viewing time as a thread that connects all people. His work creates a visual language informed by the spiritualism of abstraction and the realism of the old masters. While these two concepts are often seen as separate, Guffogg seamlessly fuses them into works that transcend time, offering insights into our identity in the 21st century. His work is included in the collections of prestigious institutions such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, Fundación/Colección Jumex in Mexico City, The Imperial Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg, The Gallery of the Museum Center in Baku, Laguna Art Museum, Long Beach Museum of Art, St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, Van Pelt-Dietrich Library at the University of Pennsylvania, and the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation in Los Angeles, among others. https://www.shaneguffogg.com

Thierry Tessier is an art historian, curator, lecturer, writer, and fashion expert. After studying at Christie's Education Paris in collaboration with Cambridge University, he worked for two years with fashion designer Paul Smith as a buyer for his private art collection. Upon returning to France, Tessier founded his own expertise company. In 2017, he co-founded Vanities Gallery, a Franco-Chinese art gallery focusing on artists from France and China. In addition to teaching art and fashion history, Tessier organizes various cultural events, including fashion shows, exhibitions, and lectures. https://www.vanitiesgallery.net

Music by Stevie Kincheloe and Steven Dayvid McKellar

Learn more visit: https://www.vcprojects.art/podcast-conversations-about-art

Renowned artist Shane Guffogg and art historian and curator Thierry Tessier share an insightful talk about Impressionism and its influence. Guffogg begins by discussing his own sources of influence and inspiration. Tessier adds depth to the conversation by sharing historical facts, touching on key points about the artists involved and the socio-cultural context of the time.

This engaging conversation showcases the passionate perspectives of both speakers. Guffogg emphasizes the strength in numbers within the Impressionist movement. The discussion broadens to the importance of artistic movements. The two also delve into the challenges and realities of an artist's life and survival. Tessier mentions Vincent Van Gogh, prompting Guffogg to share his insights.

There is a great deal of historical content shared that goes beyond Impressionism. Tessier asks very personal questions of Guffogg about his process of moving past Impressionism. The artist is very kind to share his deepest thoughts about his process and survival. This is a very generous talk where two individuals explore an intimate view of the artistic realm from the past to the present.

Shane Guffogg is an American artist who examines humanity through the lens of past and present civilizations, viewing time as a thread that connects all people. His work creates a visual language informed by the spiritualism of abstraction and the realism of the old masters. While these two concepts are often seen as separate, Guffogg seamlessly fuses them into works that transcend time, offering insights into our identity in the 21st century. His work is included in the collections of prestigious institutions such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, Fundación/Colección Jumex in Mexico City, The Imperial Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg, The Gallery of the Museum Center in Baku, Laguna Art Museum, Long Beach Museum of Art, St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, Van Pelt-Dietrich Library at the University of Pennsylvania, and the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation in Los Angeles, among others. https://www.shaneguffogg.com

Thierry Tessier is an art historian, curator, lecturer, writer, and fashion expert. After studying at Christie's Education Paris in collaboration with Cambridge University, he worked for two years with fashion designer Paul Smith as a buyer for his private art collection. Upon returning to France, Tessier founded his own expertise company. In 2017, he co-founded Vanities Gallery, a Franco-Chinese art gallery focusing on artists from France and China. In addition to teaching art and fashion history, Tessier organizes various cultural events, including fashion shows, exhibitions, and lectures. https://www.vanitiesgallery.net

Music by Stevie Kincheloe and Steven Dayvid McKellar

Learn more visit: https://www.vcprojects.art/podcast-conversations-about-art

Conversations About Art: Guffogg/Tessier (Talk 1)

Exploring Artistic Visions and Cultural Narratives

Welcome to this special series of talks featuring artist Shane Guffogg and curator Thierry Tessier. Tessier, an art historian and curator, engages in a detailed conversation with world-renowned artist Guffogg. They discuss art history, studio processes, and compare European and contemporary art, focusing on its history of appropriation. The dialogue also explores Guffogg’s perspective on his self-portraiture and includes questions about the future of art through AI. The conversation becomes personal as Guffogg delves into the subject of truth and art-making with a capital "A" and his 2003 Art Manifesto: Pharmaka. Join us as the American post-postmodernist painter explores the meaning of art with this French art professional, based in Paris.

Thierry Tessier is an art historian, curator, lecturer, writer, and fashion expert. After studying at Christie's Education Paris in collaboration with Cambridge University, he worked for two years with fashion designer Paul Smith as a buyer for his private art collection. Upon returning to France, Tessier founded his own expertise company. In 2017, he co-founded Vanities Gallery, a Franco-Chinese art gallery focusing on artists between France and China. In addition to teaching art, and fashion history, Tessier organizes various cultural events, including fashion shows, exhibitions, and lectures. https://www.vanitiesgallery.net

Shane Guffogg is an American artist who examines humanity through the lens of past and present civilizations, viewing time as a thread that connects all people. His work creates a visual language informed by the spiritualism of abstraction and the realism of the old masters. While these two concepts are often seen as separate, Guffogg seamlessly fuses them into works that transcend time, offering insights into our identity in the 21st century. His work is included in the collections of prestigious institutions such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, Fundación/Colección Jumex in Mexico City, The Imperial Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg, The Gallery of the Museum Center in Baku, Laguna Art Museum, Long Beach Museum of Art, St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, Van Pelt-Dietrich Library at the University of Pennsylvania, and the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation in Los Angeles, among others. https://www.shaneguffogg.com

Music by Stevie Kincheloe, and Steven David McKellar

Learn more visit: https://www.vcprojects.art/podcast-conversations-about-art

In this episode, I sit down with Stevie Kincheloe amidst the immersive ambiance of her art installation, "My Self Being My Self" at El Nido art space in Los Angeles. We delve deeply into the genesis of this captivating creative venture, tracing its inception, evolution, and the pivotal stages of the installation's development. Our conversation unfolds with precision, capturing the intricate narrative woven into the fabric of vulnerability and transparency inherent in the fleeting nature of selfhood.

Exploring the installation's core components, we dissect the significance of written elements, receipts, photographs, video footage, and soundtracks, each contributing to the allure and triumph of the artwork. Join us in this engrossing discussion as Stevie and I navigate the complexities of human existence, immersing ourselves in the ebb and flow of creativity while embracing the authenticity of leaving things untouched, ultimately realizing the transformative power of truth.

Visit Stevie Kincheloe's art installation page here: https://www.vcprojects.art/my-self-being-my-self

About Stevie Kincheloe:

There is no divide between life and art for interdisciplinary artist and actor, Stevie Kincheloe. Her approach to creativity is more of a philosophy, a way of moving and being in the world. Stevie’s work in music, film, movement, writing, photography, and performance, are each an outpouring of a life lived in the pursuit of uncovering truth. “Each medium that draws me to itself, reveals more of that mysterious truth in the process. Expression is the teacher and I am the ever-growing student.” 

With projects and collaborations as a visual and performance artist, as a Meisner-trained actor, as a singer-songwriter, as a writer, and as a composer, Stevie certainly embodies the essence of “life is art and art is life.”

Born on the east coast and raised in middle America, Stevie is currently based in Los Angeles. Though, not making a habit of staying in one place for long, you will find her exploring the world the same way she explores new mediums, splitting her time between LA, Nashville, Paris, and South Africa, while collecting inspiration and collaborating in whatever land she finds herself.

In this episode, we delve into an engaging art discussion recorded at the opening reception of "Lines and Dots - Thoughts Before Language" exhibition held on January 27th, 2024, in the Blue Room at El Nido, Los Angeles. Shane Guffogg and I engage in a heartfelt dialogue, meticulously exploring a curated selection of paintings spanning from 1991 to 2018. The exhibition serves as a comprehensive survey of his career.

Guffogg provides intricate insights into approximately half of the showcased works, responding thoughtfully to my inquiries regarding their genesis and contemporary significance. The conversation unveils the profound complexity of the artist's career and his artistic creations. Guffogg shares enlightening narratives about the evolution of his early works, which precede the iconic ribbon influences. He characterizes them as reflections predating language, with lines and dots serving as symbolic references. Throughout the discussion, Guffogg adeptly weaves through each artwork, offering captivating anecdotes.

Among the notable pieces discussed is one from Guffogg's pattern series, inspired by the drought and aptly titled "Aquas Prayer." The painting elicits a profound experience when viewed, adding another layer of depth to the exhibition's narrative.

Check out the exhibition page here: https://www.vcprojects.art/lines-dots-thoughts-before-language

Shane Guffogg is an American artist, that looks through the lens of humanity at civilizations, both past and present, and views time as threads that connect all people. Guffogg's visual language is informed by the spiritualism of abstraction and the realism of the old masters. Usually, these two ideas are usually seen as separate but for Guffogg, they fuse into transcendent works that become testaments to thoughts that inform us of who we are in the 21st century.  

Visit the artist's website here: https://www.shaneguffogg.com