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Meet the women behind the art. AART brings you intimate, unscripted conversations with women artists from around the world, exploring the lives, experiences and influences that shape their work. Host...
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Meet the women behind the art. AART brings you intimate, unscripted conversations with women artists from around the world, exploring the lives, experiences and influences that shape their work.
Host Chris Stafford goes beyond the professional biography to get to know the person: childhood discoveries, unexpected turns, setbacks, ambitions and the moments that changed everything. With warmth, curiosity and a journalist’s instinct, Chris creates space for candid stories about building a creative life. From painters, sculptors and photographers to filmmakers, actors, writers, camera operators and artists working across disciplines, each guest offers a different perspective on making art and finding her voice.
Whether you’re an artist yourself or simply curious about the people who create, there’s a life here to discover—and a story that may stay with you.
Follow AART for thoughtful conversations about art, life and being yourself.
New episode released every other Tuesday at 5:30AM Eastern USA.
AART is part of the Women Unscripted Podcast Network.
Produced by Hollowell Studios.
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com
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Host Chris Stafford goes beyond the professional biography to get to know the person: childhood discoveries, unexpected turns, setbacks, ambitions and the moments that changed everything. With warmth, curiosity and a journalist’s instinct, Chris creates space for candid stories about building a creative life. From painters, sculptors and photographers to filmmakers, actors, writers, camera operators and artists working across disciplines, each guest offers a different perspective on making art and finding her voice.
Whether you’re an artist yourself or simply curious about the people who create, there’s a life here to discover—and a story that may stay with you.
Follow AART for thoughtful conversations about art, life and being yourself.
New episode released every other Tuesday at 5:30AM Eastern USA.
AART is part of the Women Unscripted Podcast Network.
Produced by Hollowell Studios.
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com
Support the Podcast
Episodes & Posts
Episodes
Posts
Transcribed
27 OCT 2026 · American flower portraitist Elizabeth Barlow joins host Chris Stafford on the AART podcast for an in-depth biographical conversation about the woman behind the paintings. Known for her luminous Flora Portraits, Barlow brings individuality and presence to her floral subjects. In this personal interview, Chris gets up close with the artist whose work invites us to pause, look carefully, and reconsider the flowers around us. Barlow grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, surrounded by art and gardens.
Her father, artist Philip Barlow, became an enduring influence, although her own path initially took her into the performing arts before she returned to painting. Her artistic development eventually led her to San Francisco, where she created Portraits in Absentia: still-life paintings that conveyed people’s identities through their meaningful possessions.
A move to California’s Monterey Peninsula in 2016 opened a new chapter. Surrounded by coastal landscapes and abundant flowers, Barlow began developing the floral portraits that now define her practice. Working in oil on linen, she builds luminous surfaces through successive glazed layers, giving each composition depth and a carefully observed sense of character.
At the heart of this AART episode is a life story: the experiences, influences, and personal perspective behind an artist’s distinctive vision. Chris Stafford brings her intimate, unscripted interviewing style to a conversation that offers listeners an opportunity to get to know Elizabeth beyond the finished canvas.
What draws an artist to a particular subject? How does a creative identity develop over time? And what can a flower portrait invite us to notice about our own lives? Barlow’s work provides a compelling starting point for considering beauty, attention, and our relationship with the natural world.
Whether you are discovering Elizabeth Barlow for the first time, developing your own painting practice, or simply enjoy hearing women tell their stories in their own words, this episode offers a personal introduction to an American artist and her creative life.
Dinner party guests: Georgia O’Keeffe Mozart Cynthia Bougeault Stephen Sondheim Ann Patchett George Balanchine
Favorite Female Artists: Georgia O’Keeffe Ann Truitt Rachel Ruysch Martha Alf Agnes Martin
Explore Elizabeth’s paintings at https://www.elizabethbarlowart.com/.
Follow on Instagram @elizabethbarlowartist
Follow AART on your preferred podcast platform for more in-depth conversations with women artists. Share this episode with an art lover, and leave a rating or review to help others discover the show.
AART is part of the Women Unscripted Podcast Network, produced by Hollowell Studios.
Elizabeth Barlow, Elizabeth Barlow artist, Elizabeth Barlow interview, American flower portraitist, flower portraits, Flora Portraits, floral oil paintings, contemporary floral art, still-life painting, oil painting on linen, contemporary realism, women artists, American women painters, California artist, Carmel-by-the-Sea artist, artist biography, artist life story, creative journey, nature-inspired art, art and mindfulness, Chris Stafford, AART podcast, artist interviews, women in art, Women Unscripted Podcast Network, Hollowell Studios Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.
Hollowell Studios Production
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com/podcasts
Instagram: @theaartpodcast
Email: https://gmail.com
© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell Studios
All Rights Reserved
Transcribed
13 OCT 2026 · American wild horse and sports photographer Maureen Armstrong joins host Chris Stafford on the AART podcast. From the intensity of competitive sports to the open landscapes of the American West, Armstrong’s photography captures movement, emotion and the fleeting moments that give an image its story. Discover a photographer whose work brings audiences closer to America’s wild horses and the extraordinary connections within their family bands.
Armstrong’s background photographing Division I football and professional sports sharpened her ability to anticipate action and respond quickly. Those instincts carry into her wild horse photography, where a running herd, an encounter between stallions or a quiet moment between a mare and foal can unfold in seconds. Her images reveal both the physical power of these animals and the tenderness of their relationships.
Her pursuit of wild mustangs has taken her across Wyoming, Montana, Utah and Arizona, through landscapes ranging from sweeping plains and desert canyons to snow-covered ridges. These settings form an essential part of her visual storytelling, placing the horses within the expansive terrain they inhabit. Through her lens, the American West becomes a place of individual lives, enduring bonds and moments worth preserving. At the heart of Armstrong’s work is a commitment to documenting wild horses and advocating for their protection. Her photographs invite viewers to look closely at the animals behind a familiar symbol of freedom: their personalities, their interactions and the family connections that hold their bands together. Maureen is passionate about preserving the American Wild Horses and her work contributes this effort by increasing awareness.
Explore Maureen Armstrong’s photography and fine art prints at https://staywildwallart.com/. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maureenarmstrongphotography/
Follow AART on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app, and subscribe to Women Unscripted on YouTube for more conversations with women in the arts. Share this episode with someone who loves photography, horses or the landscapes of the American West.
AART is part of the Women Unscripted Podcast Network, produced by Hollowell Studios.
Hosted by Chris Stafford.
Maureen Armstrong, Maureen Armstrong photographer, Maureen Armstrong photography, AART podcast, Chris Stafford, Women Unscripted Podcast Network, Hollowell Studios, American wild horse photographer, wild horse photography, wild mustang photography, America’s wild horses, equine photography, horse photography, sports photography, women photographers, American West photography, fine art photography, visual storytelling, wild horse advocacy, wild horse family bands, Stay Wild Wall Art, photography podcast, artist interviews. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.
Hollowell Studios Production
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com/podcasts
Instagram: @theaartpodcast
Email: https://gmail.com
© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell Studios
All Rights Reserved
Transcribed
29 SEP 2026 · In this episode of AART, Chris welcomes multi-award-winning American film editor, producer and writer Nancy Novack, ACE, for a biographical conversation about the life, experiences and creative choices behind her distinguished career in film.
For more than 25 years, Nancy has helped shape documentary and feature films for HBO, PBS, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu and Starz. Her work has appeared at leading international film festivals, including Sundance, Venice, Tribeca, Hot Docs and Telluride, and has contributed to productions honored with Emmy, Peabody, duPont and George Polk awards.
Nancy traces her journey from her early interest in film to becoming one of the industry’s most respected documentary editors. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in communications and a concentration in film theory, she entered the profession as an apprentice picture editor on Penny Marshall’s Awakenings, starring Robert De Niro and Robin Williams.
Those formative experiences marked the beginning of a career devoted to telling meaningful stories about people, history, culture and social change. Working her way through the film industry, Nancy developed a creative voice that would eventually bring her into collaboration with some of documentary filmmaking’s most accomplished directors and producers.
Nancy won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Picture Editing for Nonfiction Programming for Spike Lee’s acclaimed HBO documentary When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts. Her extensive credits also include All In: The Fight for Democracy, Battleground, All Static & Noise, Grass Is Greener, My Lai, The Vote, Broadway: The American Musical, Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies, Soundbreaking: Stories from the Cutting Edge of Recorded Music and N. Scott Momaday: Words from a Bear.
This episode of AART is an intimate look at the woman behind an extraordinary body of work: her beginnings, influences, achievements and enduring belief in film as an art form capable of connecting people and illuminating the world around us.
Nancy’s links:
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0636794/
Website: https://www.odessafilms.com/nancy-novack.html Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bklyn_novack/ Instagram: @bkln_novack
Nancy’s dinner party guests:
John Lennon
Paul McCartney
Taylor Swift
Lucille Ball
Rosie O’Donnell
Ilham Tohti
Nancy’s favorite female artists:
Yoko Ono
Martha Graham
Greta Gerwig
Beth Kamenstein
Thelma Shoonmaker
Keiko Degichi
Swoon
Dear Anushka
Joni Mitchell
Taylor Swift
AART is part of the Women Unscripted Podcast Network and is produced by Hollowell Studios.
Keywords:
Nancy Novack ACE, Nancy Novack interview, Nancy Novack biography, Nancy Novack life and career, American film editor, Emmy-winning film editor, award-winning film editor, female film editor, women in film, women in television, women in documentary film, film industry careers, documentary filmmaker, documentary producer, documentary writer, Call Time podcast, Chris Stafford, Chris Stafford interview, Women Unscripted Podcast Network, Hollowell Studios, filmmaking podcast, film career podcast, Hollywood career stories, Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.
Hollowell Studios Production
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com/podcasts
Instagram: @theaartpodcast
Email: https://gmail.com
© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell Studios
All Rights Reserved
Transcribed
14 SEP 2026 · Can photographs of the natural world help create spaces of hope, comfort and healing?
In this episode of the AART Podcast, host Chris Stafford speaks with Sacramento-based American wildlife photographer and architect Beth Young, whose luminous images bring the restorative beauty of nature into healthcare and residential environments throughout California.
Beth’s photography can be found in hospitals, cancer centers, psychiatric facilities and elder care communities, where her images offer patients, families, residents and caregivers a meaningful connection to the natural world. Using bright colors, warm light and uplifting compositions, she creates photographs designed to evoke hope, healing, renewal and a sense of calm.
During the conversation, Beth shares how her background in architecture influences the way she sees and photographs the landscape. Her understanding of space, light, design and the emotional experience of the built environment gives her a distinctive perspective on where art belongs—and how carefully chosen images can transform the atmosphere of a room.
Beth discusses her approach to wildlife and nature photography, from observing the rhythms of the landscape to waiting for the light, color and composition that bring an image to life. Rather than simply documenting a place or animal, she seeks to capture the feeling of being immersed in nature: a moment of wonder, stillness or possibility that viewers can return to when they need it most.
Chris and Beth also explore the growing recognition of art and nature as important elements of healing environments. For someone undergoing cancer treatment, receiving psychiatric care, living in an elder care community or supporting a loved one through illness, access to the outdoors may be limited. Beth’s photographs can provide a visual pathway into nature, inviting viewers to pause, breathe and experience a sense of connection beyond the walls around them.
The episode considers the meeting point between art, architecture, healthcare and human wellbeing. Beth explains how an image intended for a hospital or therapeutic setting requires sensitivity to its audience and surroundings. Color, subject, scale and mood all matter when the goal is not only to decorate a space but also to support the people who spend time there.
This thoughtful conversation reveals how wildlife photography can become more than a record of the natural world. In Beth Young’s hands, it becomes an expression of optimism and a source of emotional refuge—bringing the warmth of sunlight, the vitality of color and the resilience of nature into places where they can have a profound impact.
Listen to discover how Beth developed her artistic vision, how architecture continues to shape her photography and why she believes the beauty of the natural world can help us reconnect with hope.
Some of Beth’s favorite female artists:
Julia Morgan (d) (architect)
Vivian Maier (d) (photographer)
Karen Waller (contemporary photographer)
Dinner party guests:
Julia Morgan V
ivian Maier
Karen Waller
Steven King
Annika Ailles
Louis Kahn
Beth’s links:
https://www.optimalfocusphotography.com/
https://substack.com/@optimalfocus
https://www.instagram.com/optimal_focus/
AART is part of the Women Unscripted Podcast Network, produced by Hollowell Studios. Hosted by journalist and broadcaster Chris Stafford, the podcast features intimate conversations with women artists about their lives, careers, creative practices, challenges and achievements.
Beth Young photographer, Beth Young wildlife photography, American wildlife photographer, Sacramento wildlife photographer, California nature photographer, women photographers, female wildlife photographers, nature photography, therapeutic photography, healing art, art in hospitals, hospital art, healthcare art, cancer center artwork, psychiatric facility art, elder care art, senior living artwork, evidence-based design, healing environments, nature and wellbeing, biophilic design, architecture and photography, wildlife art, landscape photography, restorative nature, therapeutic power of nature, art and mental health, art and healing, women in photography, women in architecture, Sacramento artists, California photographers, uplifting nature photography, AART Podcast, Chris Stafford, Women Unscripted Podcast Network, Hollowell Studios Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.
Hollowell Studios Production
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com/podcasts
Instagram: @theaartpodcast
Email: https://gmail.com
© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell Studios
All Rights Reserved
Transcribed
1 SEP 2026 · Multi-award-winning British Production Designer and Set Decorator Alison Harvey joins Chris to share the story of her life and an extraordinary career spent creating some of the most memorable worlds in British film and television.
Over more than two decades, Alison has built a remarkable career across the art departments of television series and major motion pictures, progressing through a profession in which experience, instinct, imagination and an extraordinary eye for detail all play their part. Her credits span everything from British television to some of the biggest international film productions, but her journey is also the story of how a creative career develops — one job, one opportunity and one relationship at a time.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Alison takes Chris back to the beginning, reflecting on her early life, the influences that shaped her creative instincts and how she first found her way into film and television. From those formative experiences came a career that would see her work her way through the art department, learning the craft from the inside and collaborating with some of the industry's leading designers and filmmakers.
Her early credits included work as a design assistant on EastEnders, followed by roles as an art director, production buyer, set decorator and eventually production designer. Along the way came an extraordinary collection of films and television productions including Atonement, Sherlock Holmes, Hanna, Anna Karenina, Gravity, Edge of Tomorrow, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Hellboy, Benediction and Tetris.
But it is Alison's work on the acclaimed Netflix series The Crown that has brought some of the greatest recognition of her career. As Set Decorator across all six seasons, Alison helped create the extraordinarily detailed visual world surrounding the British Royal Family, spanning decades of changing history, personalities, homes, fashions and political landscapes. The work brought Alison international recognition and multiple major industry honors. She won Primetime Emmy Awards for The Crown in 2020 for the episode Aberfan and again in 2024 for the series finale Sleep, Dearie Sleep, alongside further Emmy nominations in 2018 and 2021. Her work has also received recognition from BAFTA, the Art Directors Guild, the Royal Television Society and the British Film Designers Guild.
Alison talks about recreating a world that audiences already feel they know. Her career has also brought opportunities to work alongside some of the most respected names in production design and set decoration, including Martin Childs, Celia Bobak, Sarah Greenwood, Katie Spencer, Dante Ferretti, Francesca Lo Schiavo, Paul Kirby and Valentina Mladenova.
Now Alison has reached another significant chapter in that journey, stepping into the role of Production Designer on Goodbye June, the feature film directed by Kate Winslet. The project marks an important point in a career that has evolved continuously — from assisting and buying to art direction, set decoration and production design.
Throughout this episode of AART, Chris and Alison explore much more than a list of film credits. They talk about the experiences behind them: the choices and opportunities that shaped Alison's path, the people she learned from, the pressures and pleasures of working in film and television, collaboration, leadership, creativity and what she has discovered about herself during a career spent largely behind the camera.
It's the story of a woman who has spent much of her professional life creating the worlds in which other people's stories unfold — and the life and career behind those worlds. Alison Harvey: A Life Designing for Film & Television is a conversation about creativity, perseverance, collaboration and the unpredictable journey of building a life in the film industry.
Join Chris Stafford for this episode of AART, where the conversation goes beyond the work to discover the life, experiences and stories of the woman behind it.
Alison’s website: https://alisonharvey.co.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvey_alison/
Some of Alison’s favorite female artists:
Cornelia Parker
Eileen Agar
Barbara Hepworth
Lucie Rie
Susan Halls
Alison’s Dinner Party Guests:
Barbara Kruger
Barbara Kingsolver
Barbara Hepworth
Barbara Castle
Barbara Hulanicki
Barbara Streisand
Keywords: Alison Harvey, Alison Harvey Production Designer, Alison Harvey The Crown, Alison Harvey interview, Alison Harvey podcast, British Production Designer, British Set Decorator, The Crown Set Decorator, The Crown Production Design, The Crown Behind the Scenes, Emmy Winning Production Design, Emmy Winning Set Decorator, Women in Film, Women in Television, Female Production Designer, Production Designer Interview, Set Decorator Interview, Film Art Department, British Film Industry, British Television, Film Careers, Production Design Career, Set Decoration, Atonement, Sherlock Holmes, Anna Karenina, Gravity, Edge of Tomorrow, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Hellboy, Tetris, Benediction, Goodbye June, Kate Winslet, Netflix The Crown, Martin Childs, Film and Television Podcast, Behind the Scenes Film, Art Department, Creative Careers, Chris Stafford, AART Podcast, Women Unscripted, Hollowell Studios Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.
Hollowell Studios Production
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com/podcasts
Instagram: @theaartpodcast
Email: https://gmail.com
© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell Studios
All Rights Reserved
Transcribed
18 AUG 2026 · Every career has a beginning, and every creative journey is shaped by moments of curiosity, courage, and unexpected opportunity.
In this episode of AART host Chris Stafford sits down with American cinematographer Sharra Romany for a thoughtful conversation about the experiences that led her behind the camera and the people, places, and moments that have influenced her career. Rather than focusing on the technical side of filmmaking, Chris explores the personal story behind the artist. Sharra reflects on her early interests, the decisions that shaped her professional path, the challenges she has faced, and the experiences that have strengthened her confidence and creative voice. It's an honest conversation about perseverance, finding your place in a competitive industry, and continuing to grow as both an artist and a person.
Together, Chris and Sharra discuss the importance of relationships and collaboration, the lessons learned from working with others, and how every project contributes to a larger journey. Along the way, Sharra shares stories from her career, reflects on what inspires her today, and offers encouragement for anyone pursuing a creative life.
One of the hallmarks of Chris Stafford's interviews is creating space for guests to tell the stories that rarely make it into traditional industry conversations. This episode is no exception. Instead of simply celebrating accomplishments, it explores the experiences, setbacks, and defining moments that have shaped Sharra Romany into the cinematographer and storyteller she is today.
Whether you're passionate about film, inspired by creative careers, or simply enjoy hearing authentic conversations with remarkable women, this episode offers an engaging and personal look at one artist's path through the world of cinema.
In this episode, you'll hear about:
• Sharra Romany's early life and creative influences
• The journey that led her into cinematography
• Building a career in the film industry
• The people and experiences that shaped her along the way
• Finding confidence through challenges and change
• Why storytelling continues to inspire her work
Sharra’s links:
http://www.sharraromany.com/
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1638834/?ref_=fn_t_1
https://www.instagram.com/sharraromany/
Sharra’s dinner party guests are her family. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.
Hollowell Studios Production
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com/podcasts
Instagram: @theaartpodcast
Email: https://gmail.com
© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell Studios
All Rights Reserved
Transcribed
4 AUG 2026 · On this episode of AART, Chris welcomes Australian-born classical realist painter Hannah Sutton, whose artistic journey has taken her from her family's farm near Melbourne to the heart of Florence, Italy—the birthplace of the Renaissance. Working in one of the world's most influential artistic cities, Hannah has immersed herself in the centuries-old traditions of drawing and painting, embracing the discipline, craftsmanship, and technical excellence that define Classical Realism. In this engaging conversation, Hannah shares why she chose to dedicate her career to mastering traditional painting techniques in an age dominated by contemporary art.
Chris and Hannah explore what it means to become a contemporary realist painter while honoring artistic traditions that have shaped Western art for centuries. Hannah reflects on the creative challenges of relocating internationally, building a career in Florence, and finding her own artistic voice while learning from the masterpieces that surround her every day.
Whether you're an artist, art student, collector, educator, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful painting, this episode offers a fascinating look into the dedication behind representational art and the enduring relevance of classical techniques in today's creative world. Throughout the interview, Hannah also discusses her passion for preserving traditional skills while creating deeply personal contemporary work provides inspiration for emerging artists and art lovers alike.
AART celebrates the stories of women whose creativity shapes the visual arts. Through thoughtful conversations, Chris Stafford brings listeners behind the canvas to discover the journeys, inspirations, and experiences that define today's artists.
If you enjoy conversations about painting, fine art, creativity, contemporary realism, and the traditions of the Renaissance, be sure to subscribe for more interviews with artists from around the world.
Hannah's website: https://hannahsutton.art/
Social media links:
https://www.instagram.com/hannahsutton/
https://www.facebook.com/hannahsuttonart/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-sutton-74944348/
Some of Hannah's favorite female artists:
Daniela Astone (one of my teachers)
Clara Southern (Australian Impressionist, 19th century)
Mary Tonkin (Australian Landscape Artist - contemporary)
Hannah's dinner party guests:
Alan Watts
Sister Wendy
Salvadore Dali
Claude Monet
Ernest Shackelton
Clarissa Pinkola Estés
Keywords: Hannah Sutton, Hannah Sutton artist, Hannah Sutton painter, Australian artist, Australian painter, Florence artist, Florence painter, Classical Realism, Classical Realist painter, realist painting, realism art, contemporary realism, traditional painting, oil painting, fine art, Renaissance art, Old Masters, atelier training, Florence Academy, representational art, figurative painting, portrait painting, still life painting, painting techniques, women artists, women painters, art podcast, artist interview, creative process, Chris Stafford, AART podcast, Women Unscripted Podcast Network, Hollowell Studios, visual arts podcast, painting education, drawing from life, artistic journey, Renaissance techniques, Florence Italy artist, contemporary painter.
Hashtags: #HannahSutton #ClassicalRealism #FineArt #OilPainting #Florence #AustralianArtist #ArtistInterview #Painting #Realism #ContemporaryArt #WomenArtists #AARTPodcast #ChrisStafford #WomenUnscripted #VisualArts #RenaissanceArt #CreativeJourney #ArtistLife #RepresentationalArt #PodcastInterview Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.
Hollowell Studios Production
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com/podcasts
Instagram: @theaartpodcast
Email: https://gmail.com
© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell Studios
All Rights Reserved
Transcribed
21 JUL 2026 · On this episode, Chris welcomes acclaimed American abstract artist Galen Cheney for an insightful conversation about creativity, artistic exploration, and the evolving language of contemporary abstract painting. Known for her vibrant, expressive works and fearless approach to experimentation, Galen Cheney has built a distinguished career creating paintings that balance intuition, movement, color, and emotion. Her work invites viewers into a visual dialogue where meaning emerges through process, gesture, and personal interpretation rather than representation alone.
In this engaging discussion, Galen shares her artistic journey, the experiences that shaped her creative voice, and how abstraction allows her to explore ideas that cannot always be expressed through words. She discusses the role of curiosity in her studio practice, the challenges and rewards of maintaining a long-term creative career, and how embracing uncertainty often leads to artistic breakthroughs.
Whether you're an artist, collector, student, or simply fascinated by the creative process, this episode offers a compelling look inside the mind of one of today's accomplished abstract painters. Galen Cheney's thoughtful reflections on creativity, artistic growth, and the pursuit of authentic expression provide inspiration for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of contemporary art.
AART is the podcast where host Chris Stafford engages in meaningful conversations with artists, creators, and cultural voices from around the world, exploring the stories, challenges, and inspirations behind their work.
Subscribe to AART for more conversations with leading artists, painters, photographers, sculptors, filmmakers, and creative innovators shaping today's artistic landscape.
Galen’s website: https://www.galencheney.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galenwcheney/
Some of Galen’s favorite female artists:
Joan Snyder
Pat Steir
Julie Mehretu
Amy Sillman
Charlene von Heyl
Cecily Brown
Marie Thiebault
Terry Ekasala
Kim Manfredi
Deborah Dancy
Mie Yim
Astrid Dick
Galen’s dinner party guests:
Joan Mitchell
Grace Hartigan
Helen Frankenthaler
Lee Krasner
Elaine De Koonig
Artemisia Gentileschi
SEO Keywords:
Galen Cheney, Galen Cheney artist, abstract artist, American abstract artist, contemporary abstract art, abstract painting, contemporary painter, modern art, fine art podcast, artist interview, creative process, abstract expressionism, contemporary painting, women artists, visual arts, painting techniques, studio practice, color theory, intuitive painting, expressive painting, contemporary artist interview, art podcast, AART podcast, Chris Stafford, Women Unscripted Podcast Network, abstract art inspiration, professional artist, fine art collector, modern painter, creative journey, artistic process, contemporary art conversation, American painter, visual artist, creativity and art, contemporary art world. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.
Hollowell Studios Production
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com/podcasts
Instagram: @theaartpodcast
Email: https://gmail.com
© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell Studios
All Rights Reserved
Transcribed
6 JUL 2026 · In this episode of AART, host Chris Stafford sits down with National Geographic Explorer photographer Mackenzie Calle to discuss the powerful intersection of art and storytelling. Through her lens, Mackenzie captures extraordinary images that not only reveal the beauty of the natural world but also help raise awareness about critical conservation challenges facing our ecosystems.
Mackenzie shares her journey into photography, the experiences that shaped her career, and how visual storytelling can influence public understanding of our world.
Throughout the conversation, Chris and Mackenzie explore the responsibility of photographers working in fragile environments, the importance of authentic storytelling, and the role artists play in connecting audiences to subjects they may never encounter firsthand. They also discuss the evolving world of photography, the challenges of fieldwork, and the moments behind some of Mackenzie's most memorable images.
The discussion also explores Mackenzie's creation and plans for The Gay Space Agency, a project that imagines a diverse, inclusive American space program to confront the historical exclusion of openly LGBTQI+ individuals from NASA. Through this groundbreaking initiative, artists, scientists, activists, and thinkers collaborate to challenge traditional narratives about exploration, identity, and who gets to envision humanity's future beyond Earth.
Chris and Mackenzie discuss how creativity, art, and imagination can help shape conversations about belonging, representation, and possibility. Together they explore the surprising connections between conservation, exploration, storytelling, and the human desire to discover new worlds—whether here on Earth or among the stars.
This episode is an inspiring exploration of how artists can bridge disciplines, challenge assumptions, and create work that expands both our understanding of the present and our vision of the future.
Subscribe to AART and Women Unscripted Podcast Network for more conversations with remarkable creatives, storytellers, and innovators.
Some of Mackenzie’s favorite women artists:
Lee Miller
Keisha Scarville
Amie Siegel
Sara Cwynars
Kay Sage
Penelope Umbrico
Esmay Wagemans
Mackenzie’s dinner party guests:
Sally Ride
Lee Miller
David Attenborough
Felix Gonzalez-Torres
DB Cooper
Phil Lisman
http://mackenziecalle.com/
http://instagram.com/mackenzie.calle
Coffee with an Explorer Thursday, July 16, 2026 10-11am National Geographic Museum of Exploration 1600 M Street NW Washington, D.C. 20036
https://moe.nationalgeographic.org/en/whats-on/coffee-with-an-explorer-mackenzie-calle
Talks with an Explorer Friday, July 17, 2026 12:30-1:30pm National Geographic Museum of Exploration 1600 M Street NW Washington, D.C. 20036
https://moe.nationalgeographic.org/en/whats-on/pop-up-talks-with-an-explorer-mackenzie-calle
Keywords National Geographic Explorer, Mackenzie Calle, Mackenzie Calle photographer, National Geographic photography, wildlife photography, conservation photography, environmental photography, visual storytelling, documentary photography, nature photographer, conservationist, wildlife conservation, photography podcast, photography interview, Chris Stafford, AART podcast, Women Unscripted Podcast Network, environmental storytelling, National Geographic Explorer interview, creative storytelling, adventure photography, wildlife photographer, conservation awareness, photography career, documentary storyteller, photography and conservation, environmental advocacy, artistic storytelling, photography education
Meta Description (Google Search) National Geographic Explorer and photographer Mackenzie Calle joins Chris Stafford on AART to discuss wildlife photography, conservation, visual storytelling, environmental advocacy, and the power of images to inspire change. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.
Hollowell Studios Production
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com/podcasts
Instagram: @theaartpodcast
Email: https://gmail.com
© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell Studios
All Rights Reserved
Transcribed
23 JUN 2026 · June Stratton is an American representational figurative painter known for her work capturing the human form with clarity, discipline, and emotional depth. In this episode of the AART Podcast, Chris speaks with June Stratton about her career in figurative painting, her studio practice, and how she approaches realism in contemporary art.
This conversation covers:
- How June Stratton became a figurative artist
- Her approach to painting the human figure and working from observation
- The role of light, composition, and gesture in representational art
- Balancing technical precision with intuition in painting
- What it takes to sustain a career as a contemporary realist painter
Chris’ signature unscripted, intimate interview style allows Stratton to go beyond technique and talk about the mindset behind her work—how she sees, thinks, and builds a painting over time.
If you’re interested in figurative painting, representational art, portrait painting, or the creative process of contemporary artists, this episode offers a clear and practical insight into how one artist approaches her craft.
June’s links:
Website: http://junestratton.com/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/june_stratton/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/JuneStrattonStudio/
June’s Female artists: Nadine Robbins Marilyn Minter April Gornik Vija Celmins Julie Heffernan Mae Read Mia Bergeron Pamela Wilson Katherine Sandoz Annie Lebowitz Dorielle Caimi Rebecca Leveille Guay Megan Lange
Dinner Party Guests: Benjamin Franklin Dolly Parton Mary Munter Hedy Lamar Jack White Paitti Smith John Muir
Keywords
June Stratton, figurative painting, representational art, realism painting, contemporary realist artist, portrait painting, human figure drawing, painting process, studio practice artist, American painter interview, AART podcast, Chris Stafford, Women Unscripted podcast network, art podcast, how to paint people, observational painting, fine art interview, contemporary figurative art, artist career insights Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.
Hollowell Studios Production
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com/podcasts
Instagram: @theaartpodcast
Email: https://gmail.com
© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell Studios
All Rights Reserved
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Meet the women behind the art. AART brings you intimate, unscripted conversations with women artists from around the world, exploring the lives, experiences and influences that shape their work. Host...
show more
Meet the women behind the art. AART brings you intimate, unscripted conversations with women artists from around the world, exploring the lives, experiences and influences that shape their work.
Host Chris Stafford goes beyond the professional biography to get to know the person: childhood discoveries, unexpected turns, setbacks, ambitions and the moments that changed everything. With warmth, curiosity and a journalist’s instinct, Chris creates space for candid stories about building a creative life. From painters, sculptors and photographers to filmmakers, actors, writers, camera operators and artists working across disciplines, each guest offers a different perspective on making art and finding her voice.
Whether you’re an artist yourself or simply curious about the people who create, there’s a life here to discover—and a story that may stay with you.
Follow AART for thoughtful conversations about art, life and being yourself.
New episode released every other Tuesday at 5:30AM Eastern USA.
AART is part of the Women Unscripted Podcast Network.
Produced by Hollowell Studios.
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com
show less
Host Chris Stafford goes beyond the professional biography to get to know the person: childhood discoveries, unexpected turns, setbacks, ambitions and the moments that changed everything. With warmth, curiosity and a journalist’s instinct, Chris creates space for candid stories about building a creative life. From painters, sculptors and photographers to filmmakers, actors, writers, camera operators and artists working across disciplines, each guest offers a different perspective on making art and finding her voice.
Whether you’re an artist yourself or simply curious about the people who create, there’s a life here to discover—and a story that may stay with you.
Follow AART for thoughtful conversations about art, life and being yourself.
New episode released every other Tuesday at 5:30AM Eastern USA.
AART is part of the Women Unscripted Podcast Network.
Produced by Hollowell Studios.
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com
Information
| Author | Women Unscripted Podcast Netwo |
| Organization | Women Unscripted |
| Categories | Visual Arts , Arts , Performing Arts |
| Website | - |
| theaartpodcast@gmail.com |
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