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AART - the podcast

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AART - the podcast

AART gets to know women from around the world of visual arts.

04/24/2024

🎨 ART OF THE DAY 🎨

🎨 Dive into the inspiring story of Diana Bittar, a portraiture mixed media artist whose journey from London to LA, through the heart of conflict and peace, shaped her bold and fearless art. Discover her passion on our latest podcast episode.

🧑🏻‍🎨 Diana's journey was not without its challenges. Amidst the backdrop of conflict in the Middle East, her family found refuge in the arts and education. Diana's choice to pursue a degree in visual communications and graphic design at the Fine Art University in Damascus was a testament to her dedication to her craft. However, life took her on a different path when she met her future husband, and together they moved to California.

🧑🏻‍🎨 For years, Diana put her art on hold to raise her three sons. But the call of the canvas was too strong to ignore, and when she returned to her easel, her focus shifted. No longer were landscapes her muse; now, it was the human face, abstract realism, and the bold, uninhibited figures that conveyed her newfound confidence and expression.

🗣️ "It's because of my athletic background also. I'm so much into movement, so I do use my whole body. I use large brushes. Sometimes it's even more than ten inches."
- Diana Bittar

🎼 Music: Diana’s playlist

04/23/2024

🎨 NEW EPISODE 🎨

DIANA BITTAR: From Canvas to Confidence, a Portrait of Resilience

🎧 S2E17 on a podcast app near you 🎧

🧑🏻‍🎨 When art and life intertwine, the result is often a masterpiece of experiences and expressions. This is precisely the case with Diana Bittar, a portraiture mixed media artist whose life journey has taken her from the bustling streets of London to the serene suburbs of Los Angeles. Her story is one of resilience, talent, and an unwavering passion for the visual arts, which she shares with us in the latest episode of our podcast.

🧑🏻‍🎨 Born to a Syrian father and a Czech mother, Diana's early years were marked by movement and change. But one constant in her life was her natural talent for art. From the tender age of two, her mother handed her crayons, and Diana began to sketch with a precision that belied her years. As she grew, so did her skills, and by 17, she was already taking commissions, her art reflecting a maturity and depth that resonated with those around her.

🗣️ "I remember that I almost had like a little superpower when I was little. I was just doing everything so detailed and so clear and so realistic."
- Diana Bittar

🎼 Music: Diana’s playlist

04/22/2024

🗿 MONDAY MOOD 🗿

🧑🏻‍🎨 Eleanor Cardozo shares her graceful journey from horseback gymnastics to Olympic sculpting.

🎧 S2E12 is on any podcast apps. 🎧

🧑🏻‍🎨 Eleanor’s story is one of evolution, of how a girl who once raced across fields became the woman whose hands could coax the essence of Olympians into bronze. Her sculptures, inspired by the rhythmic gymnasts she observed in America, are a testament to her dedication and skill. Eleanor's artistry is so profound that it caught the eye of the International Federation of Gymnastics and adorned the windows of the world-renowned Harrods department store during the Olympics.

🗣️ "I actually went to America where the rhythmic gymnasts were training a lot harder than in England."
- Eleanor Cardozo

🎼 Music: Eleanor’s playlist.

04/21/2024

🎙️COMING UP 🎙️
🎨 Portraiture Artist Diana Bittar 🎨

🎨 In the next episode, Diana Bittar opens up about the struggles and triumphs that shaped her as an artist. She speaks candidly about the war in Syria, the loss of her childhood home, and the impact of her family's history on her work. Her art is not just a reflection of her personal journey but also a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit.

🎨 Diana's story is a reminder that art can be a sanctuary, a place of healing, and a platform for telling the stories that shape our world. It's a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever faced adversity and found solace in their passion.

🎨 So, if you're looking for inspiration, or simply a tale that touches the heart and stirs the soul, listen to Diana Bittar's episode. Let her journey remind you that no matter where life takes you, your true calling can always bring you home to yourself.

🎙️Don't miss this episode. Download and tune in on Tuesday, get inspired, and perhaps you'll find a piece of yourself in Diana's striking canvases.

🗣️ "I am,” she says, “constantly fascinated by faces and how the personalities and thoughts of each individual inspire me to form delicate relationships with each canvas."
- Diana Bittar

🎼 Music: Diana’s playlist

04/20/2024

🐘 WEEKEND VIBES 🐘

🎥 Kire Godal’s dedication to African wildlife and culture converge in her upcoming film: Tolstoy, The Tomato Thief.

🐘 This painting is inspired by Kire's film and dedicated to Tolstoy.

Oil on canvas. Palette knife painting. 24x20" / 61x51cm

🗣️ ”Tolstoy is a super tusker elephant in Kenya, and super tuskers are very rare in today's world. So he's very special and unique in that way. The story is about a super tusker elephant and a little boy of twelve years old who hates him.It takes place in Kenya, at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, where some of the world's last super tusker elephants live."
- Kire Godal

04/19/2024

🎥 FRIDAY FOCUS 🎥

🎥 Erin Hayes’ reflections on the lack of diversity on set, the challenges of being a minority in the industry, and her personal mission to make a difference are both inspiring and thought-provoking. Erin's voice is one of hope, a beacon for those who dare to dream in a world that often tries to limit where and how high one can soar.

🎥 But what truly makes Erin's narrative captivating is not just her vision for a more inclusive industry, but also her multifaceted approach to storytelling. From fashion modeling to film production, she embodies the essence of a modern-day renaissance woman, unafraid to explore the various dimensions of her craft.

🗣️ "I think being a camera operator, you feel so woven into a story because you are right there with the actors, you are right in the middle of it."
- Erin Haynes

🎼 Music: Erin’s playlist

Photo credit: Michael Glantzis

04/18/2024

🎨 THURSDAY THROWBACK 🎨
Susie Baker, professional oil painter and plein-air teacher.

🎧 S1E17 is on any podcast apps. 🎧

🧑🏻‍🎨 Art has the power to evoke emotions, tell stories, and capture the beauty of the world around us. In this episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Susie Baker, a professional oil painter and plein-air teacher whose work and dedication to art is nothing short of inspiring.

🎨 Susie's journey into the world of art began in childhood, with a crayon-shaved owl that sparked her lifelong passion. Despite starting her career in advertising, it was her move to the Middle East with her husband that allowed her to pursue painting full-time. She says: "I hope I will be painting until I'm an old woman." Susie's story is a testament to the idea that it's never too late to follow your dreams.

🎨 One of the most compelling aspects of Susie's narrative is her connection to her family's artistic roots. Despite being adopted, she discovered her biological family shared her creative inclinations, a revelation that underscores the mysterious ways talent and passion can traverse through generations.

🗣️ "I think in this life, you can only be truly good at one thing, or maybe a handful of thing."
- Suzie Baker

🎼 Music: Suzie’s playlist

04/17/2024

🎥 SHOT OF THE DAY 🎥

🎥 Join us in conversation with Erin Haynes, an American cinematographer on a mission to bring diversity to the film industry.

🎥 From fashion modeling to mastering the steadicam and drone operation, Erin's multifaceted career is a testament to her versatility and commitment to storytelling. As a second assistant camera and prep technician, she's on the front lines, ensuring diverse voices are heard and seen on set. With role models like Greta Gerwig and peers like Chris Wairegi and Gretchen Warthen, Erin is not just witnessing change; she's propelling it.

🎥 Join us as we delve into Erin's ambitions, her mission to amplify diversity in the film industry, and her personal evolution from introspection to inspiration. Discover her passion for psychological thrillers, her aspirations in screenwriting, and her unwavering belief that every barrier can be broken.

🎥 's playlist and favorite female artists from the world of visual arts can be found in the show notes on your podcast app. Tune in to this empowering episode and be part of a conversation that's reshaping the landscape of cinema.

🗣️ "I always was just flexing my creative muscle, not because I felt like I had to, but I couldn't really see myself doing anything else."
- Erin Haynes

🎼 Music: Erin’s playlist

04/16/2024

🎥 NEW EPISODE 🎥 S2E16 🎥

🎥 Erin Haynes: Cinematography, Diversity, and Defining Her Lens

🎥 In the bustling world of visual arts, a new voice emerges with the power to change the narrative. Erin Haynes, an American cinematographer, is not just behind the camera—she's at the forefront of a movement for diversity and inclusion in the film industry.

🎥 Born into the rich cultural tapestry of New Orleans, Erin's early life was infused with the vibrant hues of creativity. From the halls of Cabrini High School to the classrooms of Loyola University, she honed her skills in English literature, art, and film, all while nurturing a talent for sketch artistry. But it wasn't just her artistic prowess that set her apart; it was her unyielding determination to see change in an industry she loved.

🎥 On this week's podcast episode, Erin takes us on a journey from her shy, nerdy childhood to the bustling streets of New York City, where she currently chases her dreams. Her story is a testament to the power of ambition and the importance of representation. As a certified drone operator and an aspiring steadicam operator, Erin is not only breaking barriers but also redefining what it means to be a woman of color in film.

🗣️ "I think being a camera operator, you feel so woven into a story because you are right there with the actors, you are right in the middle of it."
- Erin Haynes

🎼 Music: Erin’s playlist

Photos credit: Ruben Frischeisen

04/15/2024

🎨 MONDAY MOOD 🎨

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Weatherly Stroh, an artist whose oil paintings bring the grace of horses to life. In our latest episode, Weatherly shares her personal journey from competitive rider to acclaimed equestrian artist. Explore the influences that shaped her unique palette, the transformative power of travel, and her dedication to capturing the everyday magic around us. Listen now to AART on any podcast app and be inspired by Weatherly's story of passion, resilience, and creativity.

🎼Music: Weatherly’s playlist

04/14/2024

🎥 Coming Up 🎥

🎥 Are you ready to be inspired by a story of creativity, ambition, and the pursuit of diversity? This week's podcast episode features Erin Haynes, a dynamic cinematographer with a passion for changing the narrative in the film industry. From her roots in New Orleans to her current endeavors in New York City, Erin's journey is a powerful reminder that the lens through which we view art can—and should—be as diverse as the world around us.

🎥 Erin shares her experiences as a young black woman in a field that has a long way to go in terms of inclusivity. She discusses her beginnings as a sketch artist, her transition to modeling, and her ultimate leap into the world of cinematography. With a certified drone operator's license in hand and a steadicam in her sights, Erin is not just breaking down barriers; she's flying over them.

🎥 Tune in on Tuesday to hear how Erin's dedication to her craft and her commitment to diversity are making waves in the visual arts. Her story is not just a narrative of personal growth but a call to action for an industry in need of transformation.

🎥 Don't miss out on this compelling conversation that's sure to leave you motivated and moved. Listen now and join us in celebrating the power of storytelling and the importance of representation in film.

🗣️"I want more diversity on sets, not just, you know, black people, all kinds of people, because I believe that everyone deserves the right to tell a story."
- Erin Haynes

🎼 Music: Erin’s playlist

04/13/2024

🎥 Weekend Vibes 🎥

🎥 Kira's story begins with a childhood filled with exploration and a deep-rooted love for animals. Her dreams of becoming an explorer were almost sidetracked by a chance encounter with the glamorous world of modeling. Yet, it was this detour that eventually steered her back to her true calling: storytelling through film. Behind the camera, Kira found her voice and her vision, leading her to the wild expanses of Africa where her destiny awaited.

🎥 As you listen to Kira recount her adventures, you can't help but be drawn into the vibrant tapestry of African culture and wildlife she so vividly describes. From the majestic super tusker elephant named Tolstoy to the sacred Maasai warrior ceremonies, Kira's work is a testament to the power of visual arts to evoke emotion, provoke thought, and inspire action.

🎥 Kira’s new film: Tolstoy, The Tomato Thief portrays a compelling story of the fight for survival of the Maasai Mara people and the elephants who have become the poachers for food.

🗣️ “The story is about a Super Tusker elephant and a little boy of twelve years old who hates him. It takes place in Kenya, at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, where some of the world's last Super Tusker elephants live. And a new generation of Maasai children are growing up as a first generation of farmers.”
- Kira Godal

🎼 Music: Kira’s playlist

04/12/2024

🎨 FRIDAY FOCUS 🎨

S2E15 - Equestrian & Landscape Artist Weatherly Stroh

🎨 Listening to Weatherly's journey, one can't help but be inspired by her resilience and dedication to her craft. Whether discussing her rescue dog Baxter, her German brewing heritage, or her vision for future art retreats, her enthusiasm is infectious.

🧑🏻‍🎨 So, if you're looking for a dose of inspiration, or simply want to immerse yourself in the world of an artist whose passion for horses and art is as deep as it is genuine, tune into this podcast episode. Weatherly Stroh is not just an artist; she's a storyteller, and her canvas is where her tales come to life.

🗣️ "I feel like they're such amazing creatures and they're so helpful with grounding and keeping you present and have lots of lessons to teach you that can help you with life."
- Weatherly Stroh

🎼 Music: Weatherly’s playlist

04/11/2024

🎨 THURSDAY THROWBACK 🎨

🎧 S1E16 is on any podcast apps.

🧑🏻‍🎨 The movie poster illustrator and designer Akiko Stehrenberger, began studying illustration and design at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California in 1997. New York beckoned and she moved from Southern California to learn the trade of becoming a designer and illustrator. When Akiko moved back to LA, it was also coincidentally at the time when magazines were moving online that she fell into the movie poster industry, which changed the course of her life. In 2004, she officially began her career as a movie poster artist. It would be the film Funny Games, for which her poster was chosen, that put creative directors and the film industry on notice that here was an artist making her mark. Akiko is now a 28-time CLIO Award winner who was deemed the “Poster Girl” by Interview Magazine. Vanity Fair included her Funny Games and Kiss of the Damned posters in their “Best Movie Posters of All Time” list. Her "Da 5 Bloods" is on view at the Academy Motion Pictures Museum. Akiko’s portfolio includes Portrait of a Lady on Fire, TÁR, Dune, Beef and Everything, Everywhere All at Once to name just a few. Akiko combines traditional illustration techniques and modern graphic design to create textural elements with fearless experimentation showcasing her crafty intuition and versatility by capturing the essence of a film in a single image.

📕 Akiko’s second book: Akikomatic: The Work of Akiko Stehrenberger (Second Edition) is available now and includes several new works. Follow for link in her profile to order the book.

🗣️ “A lot of my ideas for optical illusion, they would not be possible if I had to paint them realistically. So in addition to coming up with that core concept, I also have to come up with a way that best compliments the concept.”
- Akiko Stehrenberger

🎼 Music: Akiko’s playlist

04/10/2024

🎨 ART OF THE DAY 🎨

🎨 In a candid conversation with podcast host Chris Stafford, Weatherly opens up about the influences that have shaped her as an artist. From her mother's pencil drawings that adorned their farmhouse walls to the legacy of her great-great-uncle, American Impressionist painter Gari Melchers, art has always been an intrinsic part of her life.

🧑🏻‍🎨 But Weatherly's story isn't just about her past; it's about her present and future. Now based in Wellington, Florida, she has built a name for herself as a professional artist, retreat host, and lover of life. Her studio, where she paints and hosts events, is a space where her creativity and her mother's sculptures coexist in harmony.

🗣️ "I think I have more confidence now... I trust myself more and I think I'm not afraid to ask for something that I might have been a little timid about before.”
- Weatherly Stroh

🎼 Music: Weatherly’s playlist

04/09/2024

🎨 NEW EPISODE 🎨
S2E15

🎨 Meet Weatherly Stroh, an artist whose love for horses is as profound as her paintings. Dive into her world in our latest podcast episode and get inspired by her creative spirit.

🐴 In the world of visual arts, few subjects capture the imagination quite like the majestic horse. Weatherly is an artist who has dedicated her life to doing just that—capturing the essence and beauty of horses on canvas.

🧑🏻‍🎨 Weatherly's journey into the world of equestrian art is as fascinating as her work. Born into a family with a deep-rooted love for horses, it was almost destiny that she would combine her artistic talents with her passion for riding. But Weatherly's path was not a straight line. From her formative years in Metamora, Michigan, to her explorative college days at the University of Colorado, and a year abroad in Florence, she has gathered a wealth of experiences that inform her art today.

🐴 Despite her competitive spirit—honed through years of horseback riding and even racing mountain bikes—Weatherly's approach to art is one of mindfulness and appreciation for the "everyday magic" that surrounds us. This philosophy shines through in her work, as she invites us to slow down and see the world through her eyes.

🗣️”My paintings reflect the inspiration I find in the world around me with a deep appreciation for slowing down to capture and appreciate the everyday magic that surrounds us."
- Weatherly Stroh

🎼 Music: Weatherly’s playlist

04/08/2024

🎥. MONDAY MOOD 🎥

Imagine a life where every frame you capture tells a story of survival, beauty, and the raw essence of nature. This is the life of Kira Godall, a filmmaker whose passion for the African wilderness has led her to create some of the most compelling documentaries of our time. In our latest podcast episode, Kira takes us on an extraordinary journey from the picturesque mountains of Aspen to the heart of Kenya, where her lens has become a powerful tool for conservation and education.

🐘 Kira is currently working on two films, one of which is Tolstoy, The Tomato Thief. Tolstoy is a super tusker elephant in Kenya, and super tuskers are very rare in today's world. So he's very special and unique in that way. The story is about a super tusker elephant and a little boy of twelve years old who hates him. It takes place in Kenya, at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, where some of the world's last super tusker elephants live. Super tusker is a male or female, but mostly male, that has ivory that's 100 pounds per side. And in the case of a super, that's a tusker. Super tusker is when the ivory actually touches the ground. There are only a handful of them left in the world. No-one knows exactly how many, because there a few coming through and growing up, but at least two dozen and that's not much.

🐘 The episode is more than just an interview; it's a call to awaken our collective consciousness to the pressing environmental and cultural issues facing our planet. Kira Godall's life work serves as a reminder that we are all interconnected, and it is through the lens of passionate individuals like her that we can hope to preserve the world's beauty and diversity for future generations.

🎼Music: Kire’s playlist

04/07/2024

🎨 Coming Up 🎨
Next Episode
Live Tuesday
April 9…
on podcast apps everywhere…

🎨🐴 From competitive riding to stunning oil paintings, discover how Weatherly Stroh brings the magic of horses to life. Don't miss the next podcast episode.

🧑🏻‍🎨 We step into the studio with Weatherly, an artist whose soulful paintings of horses capture the essence of these majestic creatures. In this episode, Weatherly recounts her evolution from a young rider in Michigan to a celebrated artist in Florida's equestrian community. She opens up about the influence of her family's artistic legacy, her diverse experiences from teaching to mountain bike racing, and the transformative power of travel. Listen as she discusses her commitment to capturing life's magic on canvas and how she balances her passions for art, riding, and organizing creative retreats. This is a story of resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of happiness through art.

🎼 Music: Weatherly’s playlist

04/06/2024

🎨 Weekend Vibes 🎨

🎨 Landscape oil painter Erin Spencer finds poetry in the landscape. Erin portrays her work as she connects with nature. Erin spent 18 months in The Netherlands as a church missionary, where she took photographs, which provided her with the inspiration for her early paintings. After returning to the US, Erin married her husband, Peter, and in 2008 the couple moved to Rhode Island where they have raised three children. Faith and family are the most important aspects of Erin’s life — she reads her scriptures daily and spends time each day at the easel. Her inspiration for her landscapes comes from California to New England via Europe and she captures her scenes in plein air or in the studio. Erin also spends time studying art and teaching workshops. Her paintings are included in private collections across the United States and around the world including Canada, Europe, Israel, Australia, and Japan. She says: “My personal process begins with observation and study of the natural world in all its splendid variation. Whether working from life or from sketches back in my studio, my paintings become translations of what I perceive. The beauty of this is that I will always have work to do, poems to create from my personal impressions of the world.”

🗣️ “I think what’s so exciting about the art, what I produce but also art that I get to see from others, not just paintings but anything that people create, it’s an exciting thing to see.”
-Erin

🎼 Music: Erin’s playlist

Erin’s favorite female artists:
🧑🏻‍🎨Maria Josenhans
🧑🏻‍🎨Mary Tonkin
🧑🏻‍🎨Laura Rios
🧑🏻‍🎨Bethann Moran-Handzlik
🧑🏻‍🎨Sarah Manolescue
🧑🏻‍🎨Jennifer Moses

🎼 Finding poetry in the landscape is how Erin Spencer portrays her work as she connects with nature.“My playlist while I'm working:
It varies. Sometimes it's a podcast (often an art podcast or This American Life). I often listen to music. Currently I'm playing Johnny Flynn, Gregory Alan Isakov, Kishi Bashi, and Dar Williams. It changes, but music is a huge part of my practice.” Erin

04/05/2024

🎥. ART OF THE DAY 🎥

🎥 Discover the remarkable journey of filmmaker Kira Godal on our latest podcast episode. From her early days in Aspen to her groundbreaking work in Africa, Kira's passion for storytelling and conservation shines through. Listen now to be inspired by her dedication to capturing the essence of Africa's wildlife and culture.

🐘 Dive into the vibrant world of Kira’s mission to immortalize the stories of Africa's people and wildlife. In this enthralling episode, Kira shares her journey from the slopes of Aspen to the heart of Kenya, capturing the essence of a continent under threat. Discover how her passion for exploration and dedication to conservation led to breathtaking productions for National Geographic and beyond. Tune in and be inspired by Kira's quest to document the pulse of an ancient world.

🎼Music: Kire’s playlist

04/04/2024

🎨 THURSDAY THROWBACK 🎨

🎧 S1E20 is on a podcast app near you.

🧑🏻‍🎨 Throwback Thursday revisits S1E20 which features the life of American Vinnie Bagwell, a sculptor and representational-figurative artist who has become a pioneer for African American women in her field. Her works of public art have become her raison d’etre as she strives to give a voice to underrepresented and enslaved Africans.

🎭 Vinnie’s first public artwork, “The First Lady of Jazz Ella Fitzgerald,” located at the Yonkers Metro-North/Amtrak train station was commissioned in 1996. She has since won numerous public-art commissions and awards around the United States.

🎭 Connecticut commissioned a seven-foot bronze of Hartford educator Walter “Doc” Hurley, which is the first public artwork of a contemporary African American in the state. In 2012, Vinnie created a 24” bronze, “Liberté,” for the inaugural exhibition at the Freedom Rides Museum in Montgomery, Alabama.

🎧Head over to your favorite podcast app and enjoy this wonderfully entertaining life story of one of America’s finest female African American sculptors.

🎼 Music: Vinnie's playlist

04/03/2024

🎥. SHOT OF THE DAY 🎥

🐘 Get ready to be amazed by Kira Godal, a filmmaker capturing Africa's heart and soul. 🐘 From wildlife wonders to cultural ceremonies, her stories are unforgettable. 🐘 Check out our podcast to hear her journey and see why her work is essential.

🎥 Kira’s work is a love letter to Africa and in this episode, Kira recounts her transformation from a Colorado native to an African storyteller, weaving tales of human-wildlife conflict and cultural rites through her camera's eye. Her films are not just visual feasts—they're a call to preserve the beauty and heritage of a continent at the crossroads of change. Step into Kira's world and witness the creation of documentaries that challenge, educate, and enchant.

🗣️ "It struck me so deeply, and I thought, this is it. I'm home. This is where I need to be, and this is where I'm going to come back."
- Kire Godal on first visiting Kenya.

🎼Music: Kire’s playlist

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S2E17 Diana Bittar, Portraiture & Mixed-media Artist Listen on any podcast app now. #art #artist #women #visualarts #portraiture #mixed-media #podcast #interview #chrisstafford #aart