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258 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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The Non-Binary Multiverse: Libby Heaney on Quantum, Magic, and Slime
9 oktober 2023 · 1 uur 14 min
Ceri interviews quantum artist Libby Heaney, an award-winning British visual artist with a PhD in quantum physics. Libby shares her inspirational journey navigating classism and sexism as a working-class woman in elite academic institutions. She finds solace in art, eventually pursuing it full-time after earning enough money in science. Libby discusses entangling quantum computing with digital art, creating magical, sensual experiences that question reality. A courageous and candid conversation on processing grief after her sister's suicide through vulnerable artworks. Libby reminds us that connection and hope can transcend life's challenges.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Libby was bullied and felt like an outsider as a working-class "gobby clever one" in an elite physics program, finding refuge in art studios after a turbulent home life.
She persevered in physics to fund her art school dreams but still felt patronised as the only woman in Oxford labs with unprofessional male academics.
Libby pioneered art interrogating biases in AI systems, including classism, through projects like Lady Chatterley's Tinderbot.
She creates multi-sensory quantum artworks using code she writes to entangle ideas of fluid identity and the magical realities beneath surface perceptions.
Processing her grief over her sister's suicide through paintings and VR, Libby vulnerably explores transcendence and hope within devastation.
Sharing quantum physics concepts with the public, Libby wants to spread the queer, non-binary nature of the microscopic world.
Despite obstacles, Libby encourages persistence in finding your passion and community, taking care of your whole self.
BEST MOMENTS
"I'd say, like, keep going, then it will be all right, like, but I think I knew that deep in me as well. I knew what I wanted to do."
"I'm really interested in embodiment and affect and sensation. Cause I think the technical details of quantum are quite hard."
"If you know what you want to do, just keep going”
"I had so many de… Lees meer -
Creating Space: Ekow Eshun's Impact on the Cultural Landscape
2 oktober 2023 · 1 uur 2 min
Ceri sat down with Ekow Eshun, a creative director, writer, curator, and broadcaster, to discuss his personal journey and creative purpose. Ekow's story of growing up in Ghana and returning to a racially charged Britain in the 1970s is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. He talks the importance of studying politics and history, and shares the publication that had a profound impact on his life. Ekow's candid discussion of the emotional ability and confidence required to speak and question his own thoughts is truly inspiring. He also talks about his current work as a curator, including an upcoming exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery. Ekow reflects on the satisfaction and joy he finds in following his curiosity and providing spaces for black artists to be seen and heard.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Ekow's creative purpose stems from his early experiences of living in Ghana and returning to 1970s Britain, where he witnessed the marginalization and dismissal of people of colour. Lees meerEkow's choice to study politics and history at the London School of Economics was a strategic move to stay in London and be part of the exciting cultural scene of the late 1980s.
Ekow's confidence and ability to have a public opinion and speak on various platforms comes from his extensive research and reading, which allows him to have a well-informed perspective on different topics.
Ekow's curatorial work, such as the upcoming exhibition "The Time is Always Now, Artists Reframe the Black Figure," focuses on black figuration and aims to shift the perspective from objectification to subjectivity, inviting viewers to see through the eyes of the artists and their subjects.
Ekow finds joy and fulfilment in his creative career by following his curiosity, connecting different aspects of his interests, and using his work as a way to navigate and challenge societal norms and expectations.
BEST MOMENTS
"I felt very strongly from an early age that unless I found a way to make my own … -
Transforming Mental Health: Tim A. Shaw's Creative Vision for Change
2 oktober 2023 · 1 uur
Ceri interviews artist Tim A. Shaw, co-founder of the Hospital Rooms charity that focuses on arts and mental health. During the interview, Tim talks about his journey as an artist and how his work has transformed inpatient mental health units. He shares the challenges and rewards of collaborating with artists in these settings, emphasising the importance of selecting those who can see the potential in these spaces. Tim also reflects on the emotional and psychological impacts of working in such contexts and the support provided to artists. He shares insights into the motivation behind starting Hospital Rooms and the process of convincing hospitals to collaborate. Tim's passion for art and mental health shines through as he discusses the power of creativity to bring hope and change to individuals in these challenging environments.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Hospital Rooms is an arts and mental health charity that commissions artists to transform inpatient mental health units. They also run workshops and a digital art school.
The selection of artists for projects is based on their ability to create stimulating and thought-provoking work, as well as their willingness to problem-solve and adapt to the unique challenges of working in mental health settings.
Working in mental health settings can be emotionally and psychologically challenging for artists. Hospital Rooms provides support and creates a safe environment for artists to navigate these challenges.
The organisation uses creative methods for gathering feedback and evaluation, such as visual matrix workshops and non-traditional feedback forms, to ensure a more engaging and meaningful process.
Tim A. Shaw, the artist and co-founder of Hospital Rooms, has transitioned from creating large-scale installations to smaller, more intimate paintings. His work often explores themes of mental health and parenthood Lees meerBEST MOMENTS
"We commission extraordinary artists to transform inpatient mental health units around the country."
"We're very… -
Horror, Hedonism, and Queer World-Building: Jenkin van Zyl's Creative Journey
2 oktober 2023 · 56 min
In this episode of the Extraordinary Creatives Podcast, Ceri Hand speaks with visionary artist Jenkin van Zyl about his journey from suburban life to the vibrant club and squat party culture of London. Jenkin is a multi-talented artist who creates immersive worlds that challenge binary oppositions and celebrate otherness. He shares the challenges he has faced in funding and managing large-scale projects, and offers valuable advice to emerging artists. He also talks about his experience exhibiting at the prestigious Hayward Gallery and how artists can embrace their unique worldview to live differently. Jenkin's new project explores the intersection of fantasy, horror, and contemporary politics. This inspiring conversation is not to be missed!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Jenkin van Zyl describes his style as a fusion of artistry and intensity, drawing inspiration from theatrical ballet and horror elements. Lees meerJenkin's creative journey started in London squat parties and queer club culture, where he explored and expressed complex ideas about masculinity and identity through unique costuming.
Jenkin emphasizes the importance of discovering your authentic voice and surrounding yourself with honest, supportive confidants who can provide straightforward guidance.
Jenkin's work is characterized by its expansive creativity, incorporating filmmaking, sculptural works, drawings, performance, and writing, often presented in installation and world-building contexts.
Jenkin faces challenges in funding and developing the scale of his projects, as well as balancing the multifaceted demands of being an artist, including project management, marketing, and navigating the art industry's underfunding and limited resources.
BEST MOMENTS
"I describe myself as a filmmaker, but that kind of inevitably spills out into kind of sculptural works, drawings, performance, writing.""I think there is a sense of otherness that is applied onto queer bodies and the otherness of monsters that has been emphasised…
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The Power of Permission: Beth Bate's Impactful Leadership in the Arts
2 oktober 2023 · 1 uur 12 min
Ceri welcomes Beth Bate, Director of the Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre in Scotland. Beth shares her inspiring story of overcoming childhood bullying to find her place in the arts world. Beth shares the importance of finding your tribe, or surrounding yourself with people who appreciate your uniqueness. Beth's leadership in championing diversity and inclusion is admirable, and she is helping other creatives thrive. Reminder to embrace your creativity and chart your own path. If you're looking for some inspiration, Beth has it all!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Overcoming challenges: Beth's journey from childhood bullying and health challenges to thriving in the arts is a testament to endurance and resilience. Lees meerFinding your champions: Beth emphasizes the importance of finding a community of people who support and champion your creative endeavors, whether it's through youth theater or professional networks.
Embracing your inner spark: Beth encourages embracing your unique identity and expressing yourself authentically, even if it means standing out from the mainstream.
Learning from impactful mentors: Beth highlights the influence of mentors like Mark Ball and Sylvia King, who taught her about leadership, community engagement, and the power of creating meaningful connections.
Saying no and setting boundaries: Beth mentions the importance of recognizing your strengths and weaknesses and surrounding yourself with a team that complements your skills. She also emphasizes the need to make tough decisions, even if they are unpopular, in order to create a positive and effective work environment.
BEST MOMENTS
"There was something in being able to recognize your community and recognize who your supporters are.""I think being involved in arts and culture in whatever form, there's so many ways to do that, your theatre is just but one."
"I think there is something about being attracted and drawn to things which were perhaps slightly outside of the mainstream."
"I learned an enormous am…
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Curating Chaos: The Artistic Collaborations of John Marchant
2 oktober 2023 · 1 uur 16 min
If you're looking for some creative inspiration, today's guest John Marchant shares his unique journey as a curator, gallerist, and artist collaborator. He's worked with some big names in the industry, such as Body Map and Jamie Reid, and he discusses how he balances the artist's vision with the expectations of galleries and audiences. John also talks about his current project, a large-scale installation in a field that combines art, spirituality, and a political message. His story is all about curiosity, resilience, and the transformative power of art.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Embrace opportunities: John's pivotal moment came when he saw a spread of photographs in a magazine that inspired him to pursue a different path. He encourages others to seize opportunities, even if they seem unconventional or risky. Lees meerCuriosity and openness: John's curiosity led him to work with a diverse range of artists and explore different creative scenes. He was drawn to politically active artists and those who pushed boundaries, allowing him to learn and grow in his role as a curator.
Navigating different perspectives: As a curator, John had to navigate the space between the artist's vision and the expectations of funders and galleries. He learned to wear different hats and see from multiple perspectives to create cohesive and meaningful exhibitions.
Demand the impossible: Jamie Reid's iconic artwork often carried political messages and challenged the status quo. John learned the power of demanding the impossible and pushing boundaries through art, which resonated with audiences and sparked conversations.
Resilience and adaptability: John's experiences, from working in construction to curating exhibitions, taught him resilience and adaptability. He learned to navigate challenging situations, work with limited resources, and find creative solutions to bring artists' visions to life.
BEST MOMENTS
"I opened a very, very early copy of ID magazine…this massive thing was clanging in my head saying,… -
From Acid Trips to Artistic Obsessions: Sue Webster's Journey to Creative Freedom
2 oktober 2023 · 1 uur 23 min
Ceri Hand interviews Sue about her creative journey, from her humble beginnings in a non-artistic family to her fascination with LSD and Americana. Sue's unwavering passion and unique approach to art have led her to remarkable success despite facing rejection. She also shares the hilarious story of how Charles Saatchi purchased her work. Sue's authenticity and determination to follow her own path serve as an inspiration for anyone seeking a meaningful creative life.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Sue Webster's creative journey was not initially encouraged or supported by her family. Despite this, she pursued her passion for art and found her own unique path. Lees meerLSD played a significant role in expanding Sue's creativity and opening her mind to new possibilities. It instilled in her the confidence to explore different mediums and techniques in her artwork.
Sue's collaboration with Tim Noble, her future husband, was born out of their shared interest in pushing the boundaries of art. They experimented with assemblages made from found objects and developed their own DIY aesthetic.
Sue's obsession with Americana and customization influenced her artwork, particularly in her use of chrome, flashing lights, and references to 1950s design. She drew inspiration from car shows and the visual impact of hot rods.
Moving to Bradford and later Halifax provided Sue with affordable studio spaces and opportunities to exhibit her work. These experiences in the art community helped shape her confidence and determination to push the boundaries of her creativity.
BEST MOMENTS
"I guess I always considered it to be a burden, having this sort of creative part of you that you have to exercise a demon I guess you have to get some stuff out your system and it was never encouraged when I grew up.""I was very much drawn together on that. And then once we graduated, there was somebody came along, you know, and said, oh, I've got a studio complex up in Bradford in Yorkshire, which I'm opening up and I'm looki…
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Unleashing Creative Potential: Ceri's Extraordinary Journey
2 oktober 2023 · 11 min
How do we know when our life calls for profound change? Ceri Hand’s journey of resilience and transformation began in the aftermath of a life-altering brush with death. In this episode, Ceri shares her empowering story of overcoming a relentless storm of challenges and rediscovering herself, highlighting the transformative power of self-care along the way. Hear how Ceri made the difficult decision to leave behind a job she loved in search of a more balanced life, embarking on a journey of deep reflection, courage, and self-discovery.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Prioritising self-care and setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining a healthy and fulfilling creative life. Ceri's wake-up call incident served as a reminder to take care of ourselves and make necessary changes.
Mentoring and coaching can be powerful tools for overcoming fears and challenges, making progress in creative endeavours, and achieving personal and professional goals. Ceri's experience as a Creative Coach showed the positive impact it had on their clients' lives.
Addressing negative and limiting beliefs is essential for unlocking creative potential. By managing thoughts and developing a positive mindset, creatives can experience more freedom and opportunities.
Being in service to others and building a supportive creative community can lead to personal growth and empowerment.
Creativity is a key factor in achieving success and making a meaningful impact in the world. The podcast aims to inspire listeners to embrace their creativity, be adventurous, create brilliant work, and connect with others. Lees meerBEST MOMENTS
"I was lucky. Another 30 seconds and the train might have sped off, ending my life."
"It wasn't just about changing jobs or cities. It was about changing myself."
"Feeling like we're alone, we're an outsider, like we don't belong, don't deserve success, don't understand the rules and don't know who our tribe is, are common thoughts for creatives."
"I learned how to develop a positive mindset that would …