Willy (Wilamina) Russo

LIFE | My name is Willy Russo and chances are, you’re tuned in here for art content. As much as I love art and talking with creatives, over the summer I’ve worked on a couple of side episodes that I thought I would bring to you as a little holiday listening. 

These are not specifically art related. They are life related.

I am going to start to label the podcast with ART or LIFE straight up so you know if it’s an episode you want to tune in to. 

This first one is a celebration of a project I launched 10 years ago. I recently had three separate enquiries about it which made me think, maybe I need to revisit it. 

It’s a pretty personal project and most of you would know if you follow me here or on my socials, I don’t really talk about me. So it feels a little strange bringing this out.

Ten years ago I wrote a nonfiction book, a collection of stories about women who never gave birth to children of their own. The book’s called Couldn’t Wouldn’t Didn’t, insights into the lives of women who never gave birth. It's under my maiden name, Falkenhagen.

In this summer episode of the podcast, I thought I would read you the introduction. I am the 11th chapter in the book. Which can I tell you, re-reading it recently made me nauseous! And I wonder if for you, when you see some of your early creative projects you’re like, what was I thinking?!

You can grab the book now, it’s available on Amazon, that’s the cheapest place to find it. 

Podcast production and hosting by Willy Russo.

@wilamina_russo

Mid year holiday episode!

Sophie Vander is the Director and Founder of Curatorial + Co.

Curatorial + Co have built a solid reputation placing contemporary artwork within residential and commercial architecture and the public domain. They also have a thriving Art Consultancy business, working with a strong network of interior designers and architects.

Willy and Sophie talk about:

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One-on-one mentoring, tailored to your artistic practice opens up again in January 2024, for further information head to www.wilaminarusso.com and sign up the monthly newsletter helping artists take the right next step - The Next Step

Interview With An Artist is hosted by Willy (Wilamina) Russo and produced by Cameron Furlong. 

Artist Susie Choi connected with her artistic love in a round about way. There was a kids party. There were decorations. And then before she knew it, she was enrolling at National Art School and ripping up the carpet in the nursery to turn it into a studio. Susie joins Willy Russo for the final episode of season one of Two Red Chairs.

Two Red Chairs is created and hosted by artist mentor and content creator Willy Russo with filming and production by Sean Hatzinikolaou.

Sophie Victoria is the Breaking Bad of the art world. Backyard chemistry with her uncle has led to a love affair with her art practice with stunning results. Sophie joins Willy Russo for Two Red Chairs talking about her relationship to her practice and how to keep the passion alive in the studio.

Two Red Chairs is created and hosted by artist mentor and content creator Willy Russo with filming and production by Sean Hatzinikolaou.

Kim Leutwyler wants to take their art to Mexico for a cute date on the beach and we want to go with them! Kim and Willy chat about the benefits of having a day job, the experience of going full time into art, and how Kim deals with their tendency to go all-in and forget about the outside world. And as with each guest, Kim give's their top tip for keeping the passion alive in the studio.

Two Red Chairs is hosted by artist mentor and content creator Willy (Wilamina) Russo with filming and production by Sean Hatzinikolaou.

The power of journalling. An art store clairvoyant, of sorts. Ash Holmes, artist and Founder of HAKE House, joins Willy in the chairs talking about her relationship to her art and how she keeps the passion alive in the studio.

Two Red Chairs is created and hosted by artist mentor and content creator Wilamina (Willy) Russo, with filming and production by Sean Hatzinikolaou.

Is this a toxic relationship? Ethical non-monogamy. Four pieces of advice that hold the pillars of a house up that keep a practice going - Jamie Preisz joins Willy Russo on Two Red Chairs to talk all things keeping the passion alive in the studio.

Two Red Chairs is created and hosted by Willy (Wilamina) Russo, with filming and production by Sean Hatzinikolaou.

Put on a good tune and shimmy your way back into the good books. That's just one piece of advice Sarah McDonald shares this week on her long lasting relationship with her art practice and how to keep the passion alive in the studio.

Two Red Chairs is created and hosted by artist mentor and content creator Wilamina Russo, with filming and production by Sean Hatzinikolaou.

The piano might be his side love, but painting and drawing will always hold top spot. Michael Simms joins Willy Russo to talk through the love he has for his practice and how he keep the passion alive in the studio.

Two Red Chairs is created and hosted by artist mentor and content creator Wilamina (Willy) Russo with filming and production by Sean Hatzinikolaou.

Dee Smart⁠ and creativity have an eternal love affair. It may have morphed over the years but it continues to burn bright. Dee walks Willy Russo through the relationship evolution and gives her top tip for keeping the passion alive in the studio.

Two Red Chairs is created and hosted by artist mentor and content creator ⁠Wilamina (Willy) Russo⁠ with filming and production by ⁠Sean Hatznikolaou⁠.

Midori Goto's sculptures would be right at home in one of Heston Blumenthal's gastronomical ventures. The bizarre, the experimental, the dream like. Midori joins Willy Russo for this week's artist chat on keeping the passion alive in the studio for Two Red Chairs.

Two Red Chairs is created and hosted by artist mentor and broadcaster Wilamina Russo with filming and production by Sean Hatzinikolaou.

Season Five of Interview With An Artist is Gallery Directors from around Australia.

Katie Hopkinson-Pointer opened Project Gallery 90 in 2018, but her love affair with art started a long time before that. As an artist herself, Katie has been creating and showing for decades. The jump to open the gallery was made when Katie’s Sydney gallery closed. 

In today's episode we talk about 

How she deals with representing and selling her own work

What she’s looking for when she discovers new artists

What nurturing an artist’s career entails

Why group shows play such a big role in the gallery’s schedule

How the spirit of collaboration over competition lead her to be showing the works of artist from three regional galleries

Interview With An Artist is hosted and created by arts broadcaster and mentor www.wilaminarusso.com

You can sign up the monthly newsletter helping artists take the right next step - The Next Step

This podcast is produced by Cameron Furlong. 

Sydney based painter Philjames is all in. He's totally committed to his practice. But it seems his practice is playing hard to get. Tune in to find out how Phil keeps the passion alive in the studio when the love affair is at times one sided.

Two Red Chairs is created and hosted by artist mentor and broadcaster Wilamina Russo, with filming and production by Sean Hatzinikolaou

Season Five of Interview With An Artist is Gallery Directors from around Australia.

Second generation art dealer and gallerist Kathryn Stafford knows what it takes to run a gallery. With over 30 years in the industry, Kathryn is now the Director of Gallows Gallery in Perth, on the land of the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation.

In today's episode we talk about: 

The early days of her career and her involvement with the Cossack art awards

Her take on the current Western Australian art market

The biggest challenge facing artists now compared to 20 years ago

The conversation she has with emerging artists who she feels there may not be a market for their work

How she is managing the gallery amidst the current wider economic climate

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For one-on-one mentoring, tailored to your artistic practice book in at www.wilaminarusso.com and sign up the monthly newsletter helping artists take the right next step - The Next Step

Interview With An Artist is hosted by Willy (Wilamina) Russo and produced by Cameron Furlong. 

Mason Kimber creates textural 3D works that dance across the boundary of wall hung paintings and sculpture. For keeping the passion alive in the studio Mason has two great suggestions.

Two Red Chairs is the creation of artist mentor and broadcaster Wilamina (Willy) Russo with filming and production by Sean Hatzinikolaou.

When an artist commits to their practice, it's like they're committing to a long term relationship. And just like any long term relationship, keeping the passion alive can be a challenge.

Join Australian arts broadcaster and mentor Willy Russo as she chats with artists about their relationship with their practice and how the keep the passion alive.

Two Red Chairs is the new artist interview series from Willy Russo.

When an artist commits to their practice, it's like they're committing to a long term relationship. And just like any relationship, they go through phases like dating, committing fully, the honeymoon phase and the day in day out of everyday.

Join Willy as she talks to artists about their relationship to their practice and how they keep the passion alive in the studio.

Western Australian based Photographer Bo Wong joins Willy for episode 1.

Season Five of Interview With An Artist is Gallery Directors from around Australia.

Don't give up.

Make art because you want to.

If you believe in something, keep pursuing it. 

These are just a few of the takeaways from the powerhouse that is Alexie Glass-Kantor. Among many things, Alexie is the Executive Director of Artspace in Sydney. Her accolades include spending time as Director–Senior Curator for Gertrude Contemporary, working in curatorial at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. Not to mention, curating the bone shattering performance of Marco Fusinato for the Australian Pavilion at the 2022 Venice Biennale.

In today's episode we talk about 

Artspace and what opportunities it provides for Australian artists

The exciting next chapter of Artspace with it's redeveloped premises and funded studio spaces

And some fascinating stories on the background to the 2022 Venice Biennale show 

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For one-on-one mentoring, tailored to your artistic practice book in at www.wilaminarusso.com and sign up the monthly newsletter helping artists take the right next step - The Next Step

Interview With An Artist is hosted by Willy (Wilamina) Russo and produced by Cameron Furlong. 

Season Five of Interview With An Artist is Gallery Directors from around Australia.

Andy Dinan founded MARS Gallery in Melbourne 18 years ago. Andy pushes hard to give her artists international opportunities, such as Photo London this year, and in 2022 Photo Basel in Switzerland.

In today’s episode we talk about:

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For one-on-one mentoring, tailored to your artistic practice book in at www.wilaminarusso.com and sign up the monthly newsletter helping artists take the right next step - The Next Step

Interview With An Artist is hosted by Willy (Wilamina) Russo and produced by Cameron Furlong. 

Season Five of Interview With An Artist is Gallery Directors from around Australia.

Side Gallery is small but mighty. 

Based in Brisbane on the land Yuggera and Turrubul people, Leesa Hickey and Laura Brinin are taking their gallery in the suburbs from strength to strength. 

Leesa started with Designfront, a branding visual communication consultancy specialising in branding, literature and design for the web. In 2015 Side Gallery came to life, running alongside Designfront. Today the sister companies form a one stop shop providing their artists with a range of support other galleries have to outsource. 

In today’s episode we talk about:

When Laura joined the gallery how Laura and Leesa are the perfect work wives for running a gallery

The Brisbane art scene and it’s trajectory

The power of being small and agile and the direction of the gallery for 2023

The different offering Side Gallery and Design front offer their artists

The relationship between the old guard galleries and newcomers like Side Gallery

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For one-on-one mentoring, tailored to your artistic practice book in at www.wilaminarusso.com and sign up the monthly newsletter helping artists take the right next step - The Next Step

Interview With An Artist is hosted by Willy (Wilamina) Russo and produced by Cameron Furlong and brought to you from the land of the Gadigal and Birrbirragal people. We acknowledge them as the traditional owners of the land and are forever grateful for their love and care for this beautiful country. 

Season Five of Interview With An Artist is Gallery Directors from around Australia.

Two women started a conversation about art 7 years ago, and they’ve been talking ever since. 

Megan Dicks and Hannah Abbott of Otomys on the land of  the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation have a deep, deep love for their work. 

The conversation began as part of Hannah’s final assessment for her university study. Megan saw the potential in Hannah and very quickly brought her into the Otomys fold.

In today’s episode we talk about:

how it was some notable advice from her father that set Hannah on her art world path

the story behind the name Otomys and how Megan, Hannah and the artists, all work for this much loved third entity

how they approach each artists entry and pathway in the gallery differently

how an early experience with an artist’s work lead to one of their longest standing partnerships

the ethos Megan lives by when it comes to collecting art

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For one-on-one mentoring, tailored to your artistic practice book in at www.wilaminarusso.com and sign up the monthly newsletter helping artists take the right next step - The Next Step

Interview With An Artist is hosted by Willy (Wilamina) Russo and produced by Cameron Furlong. 

Season Five of Interview With An Artist is Gallery Directors from around Australia.

Sarah Birtles is the founder of Sarah Birtles Art + Advice

After a winding career through various arts positions, three years ago Sarah founded her business. I liken Sarah Birtles Art and Advice to a gallery without a set location. But not an online gallery. The level of involvement she goes into with both her artists and collectors is far beyond a straightforward online gallery. 

As you will hear, Sarah works very closely with her artists to ensure the opportunities she has for them are furthering their career and also, suit their wishes. As for her collectors, Sarah speaks passionately about helping them uncover their taste. 

In today’s episode we talk about:

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For one-on-one mentoring, tailored to your artistic practice book in at www.wilaminarusso.com and sign up the monthly newsletter helping artists take the right next step - The Next Step

For tickets to the Sydney show of Audience With An Artist live on May the 4, 2023 follow this link.

Interview With An Artist is hosted by Willy (Wilamina) Russo and produced by Cameron Furlong. 

Season Five of Interview With An Artist is Gallery Directors from around Australia.

Rachel Parsons is the Director of NERAM - that’s the New England Regional Art Museum in Armidale, on the land of the the ANAIWAN people. 

Rachel began her time at NERAM as a curator in 2016. When Rachael interviewed for the job over Zoom, she was based in Brisbane and had never been to regional NSW. She had to google where it was. And what initially was a plan to spend 2 - 3 years, is coming up to six years. 

In today’s episode we talk about:

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For one-on-one mentoring, tailored to your artistic practice book in at www.wilaminarusso.com and sign up the monthly newsletter helping artists take the right next step - The Next Step

Interview With An Artist is hosted by Willy (Wilamina) Russo and produced by Cameron Furlong. 

Season Five of Interview With An Artist is Gallery Directors and Managers from around Australia.

We’re heading west again. Far north west, Western Australia. To Port Headland on Kariyarra Country and the land of the Karriyarra, Ngarla and Nymal people.

The Junction Co’s Courthouse Gallery + Studio is a small but mighty group running a gallery and creative hub in one of Australia’s most isolated towns. 

I spoke with Val Scoponi in January 2023 about life in the mining hub and the role she was working in as the Gallery and Studio Manager. 

We covered off:

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For one-on-one mentoring, tailored to your artistic practice book in at www.wilaminarusso.com and sign up the monthly newsletter helping artists take the right next step - The Next Step

Interview With An Artist is hosted by Willy (Wilamina) Russo and produced by Cameron Furlong. 

Season Five of Interview With An Artist is Gallery Directors from around Australia.

William Mansfield, the Gallery Manager of Arthouse Gallery on the land originally known as Kogerah by the Gadigal people or Rushcutters Bay, joins us this week. 

Will first joined the gallery in a part time capacity after graduating with first class honours from COFA. Over the last 13 years working in the gallery, Will’s focus gradually shifted away from his own art practice to being focused full time in the gallery. 

In today’s episode we talk about:

Will was so gracious with his answers and provides valuable insights for any artist who has ever aspired to Arthouse Gallery.

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For one-on-one mentoring, tailored to your artistic practice book in at www.wilaminarusso.com and sign up the monthly newsletter helping artists take the right next step - The Next Step

Interview With An Artist is hosted by Willy (Wilamina) Russo and produced by Cameron Furlong. 

Season Five of Interview With An Artist is Gallery Directors from around Australia.

Sandy Tippett from The Studio Gallery and Bistro in Yallingup on the land of the Wardandi people in Western Australia, has been at the gallery for eight years. 

Sandy is the classic, graphic designer working in advertising who then moved into painting for her own practice and now is running a gallery.

In today’s episode we talk about:

Sandy has a deep love for her artists and collectors and its evident in the way she speaks.

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Interview With An Artist is hosted by Willy (Wilamina) Russo and produced by Cameron Furlong. 

For one-on-one mentoring, to sign up to The Next Step Newsletter, or to work with Willy in some other way, head on over to www.wilaminarusso.com

Season 5 of Interview With An Artist is Gallery Directors from around Australia.

Ralph Hobbs is one of the founders behind Nanda Hobbs Gallery in Sydney. 

The first part of Ralph's career was spent teaching high school students about art and developing his own practice. Eventually his desire to talk to adults about art pushed him into the gallery realm.

Fast forward to today, and Ralph has been in the gallery scene for close to 18 years.

Nanda Hobbs was one of the first galleries to embrace the online space. Long before COVID, the gallery was building a digital presence and offering that others believed would never take off.

In today’s episode we talk about:

Ralph has a wealth and depth of knowledge that he generously shares.

Interview With An Artist is hosted by Wilamina Russo and produced by Cameron Furlong. 

For mentoring, to sign up to The Next Step artist newsletter or to work with Willy on Exposure or group workshops, head to www.wilaminarusso.com

Season 5 of Interview With An Artist is Gallery Directors from around Australia. 

Amber Creswell Bell is the Director of Emerging Art at Michael Reid.

Amber’s career into art began with writing, and then curating her own shows with artists she hand picked, to eventually being approached by Michael to join their team. In the five years since joining the group, her role has evolved from an online focus to a much larger remit.

In today’s episode we talk about:

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For more information on mentoring, Exposure, Group Workshops or The Next Step newsletter, head to www.wilaminarusso.com

@jasmine_mansbridge

www.jasminemansbridge.com

For the final episode of 2022 Jasmine Mansbridge joins us.

Jasmine first joined the show back in 2020. Her murals, paintings and sculptures caught Willy's eye. Jasmine paints geometrical works that seem like portals or windows to another world. There is some incredible line work in her paintings - straight lines - and Jasmine doesn't use painters tape! 

Fast forward to the end of 2022 and Jasmine has included NFT's, film work, and poetry to her creative disciplines.

To say 2022 has been a big year for Jasmine and Willy, is an understatement. You can hear their voices are husky. They're reflective and fatigued.  And they meander into a deeper conversation about life and how they handle it.

In today's episode of Interview With An Artist we talk about a raft of things including:

Now note - when we start talking about the residency in Tunisia and a philosophy for life, the philosopher Jasmine is searching for is the greek philosopher Epicurus and the Epicurean way of life.

How Jasmine navigates the world and continues to push her practice forward is incredibly inspirational. It was great to reconnect with her again and round out the year with some deeper conversation.

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Mentoring in January 2023 is already booked out so if you are wanting to start the year off on the right foot and a bit of a plan, there are still some sessions available in February - head on over to www.wilaminarusso.com to book in.

Have a wonderful holiday break and see you in 2023 with season five which is going to be a little different! 

@e_milydaystudio @katequinnart @bloom_art_experiences

Have you ever considered running creative workshops? Today's guest are the artists behind Bloom Art Experiences. 

Brisbane based Emily Day and Kate Quinn started Bloom in early 2021.

Far from the paint by numbers, or paint and sip type experience, every workshop is in a beautiful location, where each participant paints something unique. They make running a workshop sound fun and easy. Fun I am sure it is, easy I am sure it isn't.

In today's episode of Interview With An Artist we talk about many things including:

Emily and Kate are the perfect example of the power of just giving something a go. Kate even talks about this at the end of the interview the power of asking, the power of trying, the power of putting yourself out there and seeing what happens.

Check out their upcoming workshops at Bloom Art Experiences.

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Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by Willy (Wilamina) Russo.

Along with Championing the arts through this podcast and her radio work at 2ser107.3FM, Willy is also an artist mentor.

She works with artists from a variety of stages and backgrounds, helping them figure out the right next step in their artistic practice.

There is a monthly newsletter you can sign up to and also one-on-one mentoring available.

If you're looking for some advice navigating your artistic practice, book a session today via her website, wilaminarusso.com

@r_o_n_e

www.rone.art

Rone is arguably Australia's preeminent street artist. The softly spoken, humble creative grew up in Geelong Victoria.  It was in his early 20s riding his skateboard around Melbourne that he really connected with street art. It was a discovery which steered his life in a completely different direction.

Murals and installation work has taken him around the world, with his smaller scale pieces being shown in galleries in London, Berlin and New York. Domestically, he is one of the few street artists to permeate the barrier of public institutions when the National Gallery of Australia acquired one of his works.

Rone's latest project, TIME at Flinders St Station in Melbourne, is an immersive experience blurring the lines between art exhibition and stage production. I was lucky enough to visit it and showcase it on day 15 of the 30 exhibitions in 30 days challenge.

In today's episode of Interview with an artist we talk about many things including:

If you are able to get to TIME at Flinders St Station, I strongly recommend it. Even if not for the art but for the incredible detail in overall execution of the experience. it is a ticketed event so you will have to plan ahead.

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Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by Willy (Wilamina) Russo.

Along with Championing the arts through this podcast and her radio work at 2ser107.3FM, Willy is also an artist mentor.

She works with artists from a variety of stages and backgrounds, helping them figure out the right next step in their artistic practice.

There is  a monthly newsletter you can sign up to and also one-on-one mentoring can be booked.

If you're looking for some advice navigating your artistic practice, book a session today via her website, wilaminarusso.com

@arch_pierre_mukeba

The light and life in Pierre Mukeba is undeniable. The self taught artist won the Churchie art prize in 2017, the RamsayArt Prize People's Choice in 2019, and has exhibited in the Adelaide Biennial and the NGV Triennial and has had two solo shows with Roslyn Oxley.

Pierre's story is one of navigating culture and finding what you want to say as an artist; of self belief and persistence; and of shooting for the stars.

In today's episode of Interview With An Artist we talk about many things including:

I'm just warning we laugh a lot. And towards the end Pierre's friend comes and joins us in the studio. It was such a treat talking with Pierre and I hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did recording it.

Also, here is the link to the talk he mentions. 

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Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by Willy (Wilamina) Russo.

Along with Championing the arts through this podcast and her radio work at 2ser107.3FM, Willy is also an artist mentor.

She works with artists from a variety of stages and backgrounds, helping them figure out the right next step in their artistic practice.

There is a monthly newsletter you can sign up to and also one-on-one mentoring can be booked.

If you're looking for some advice navigating your artistic practice, book a session today via her website, wilaminarusso.com

@julienicholsonartist

www.julienicholsonartist.com

Julie Nicholson needs little introduction. The Batman to Fiona Verity's Robin, the Art W**k duo have forged a pathway in the Australian art world with their much loved podcast.

But we're not here to talk about that. We're here to talk about Julie's art. Julie has been creating ever since she can remember. Loving the process of bringing something to life out of just her mind, hands and whatever she had around her.

Working now with pencils and paints, Julie has found her groove in abstract landscapes.

In today's episode of Interview with an artist we talk about many things including:

It was such a treat having Julie on the show and I am sure you'll enjoy this episode as much as I did.

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Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by Willy (Wilamina) Russo.

Along with Championing the arts through this podcast and her radio work at 2ser107.3FM, Willy is also an artist mentor.

She works with artists from a variety of stages and backgrounds, helping them figure out the right next step in their artistic practice.

There is a monthly newsletter you can sign up to and she also provides one-on-one mentoring.

If you're looking for some advice navigating your artistic practice, book a session today via her website, wilaminarusso.com

@carolinezilinsky

www.zilinsky.com

Interview With An Artist is the show where Willy Russo speaks with a range of art world players.

Caroline Zilinsky is a Sydney based artist working in the portraiture and figurative genre. She is represented by Nanda Hobbs and this year was a finalist in the Archibald Prize with her portrait of Australian celebrities and 2021 Block winners, Mitch and Mark. This prize listing adds to her extensive list of achievements which includes winning the Portia Geach and the Evelyn Chapman awards.

In today's episode of Interview With An Artist Caroline and Willy spoke about:

Please enjoy meeting the fascinating Caroline Zilinksy.

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Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by Willy (Wilamina) Russo.

Along with championing the arts through this podcast and her radio work at 2ser107.3FM, Willy is also an artist mentor. Willy works with artists from a variety of stages and backgrounds, helping them figure out the right next step in their artistic practice.

Sign up for her monthly newsletter or book a session today via her website, www.wilaminarusso.com

@gemmarasdall @chateau_orquevaux

www.chateauorquevaux.com

International residencies are something I get asked a lot about.

And previous guest and friend of the pod Sydney artist Gemma Rasdall has just returned from one in France.

So you know what, I thought I would ask her all the questions you ask me.

From how do you apply, to what art supplies do you take, to do you get your own room, to what were the people like and everything in between.

Gemma was in Chateau Orquevaux in August this year and by what she has to say, it is everything we think and more.

Let's take a listen.

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Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by Willy (Wilamina) Russo.

Along with Championing the arts through this podcast and her radio work at 2ser107.3FM, Willy is also an artist mentor. She works with artists from a variety of stages and backgrounds, helping them figure out the right next step in their artistic practice.

Willy has a monthly newsletter you can sign up to and also provides one-on-one mentoring . If you're looking for some advice navigating your artistic practice, book a session today via her website, wilaminarusso.com

Sydney Contemporary is back and in full swing for 2022!

This bonus episode is a live recording and very much thanks to the generous offer of Michael Reid OAM to walk me, Willy Russo, around the fair. He then connected me with Tim Klingender, who connected me with Kalli Rolfe. You have to listen to find out why and how that all happened!

Special guests we bump into along the way:

Barry Keldoulis - Sydney Contemporary Director

Chris Hodges - Utopia Art Sydney

Bill Nutall - Niagara Galleries Melbourne

Tamara Dean is the Michael Reid feature artist.

Guest two: Tim Klingender from Tim Klingender Fine Art

Artists Tim speaks of: Roger Swainston, Alair Pambegan, Doreen Reid Nakamarra, Uta Uta Tjangala, Artist unknown Tobacco crop guardian figure, Norman Kingsley and Nancy McDinny.

Guest three: Kalli Rolfe of Kalli Rolfe Contemporary

Kalli speaks of Chilean artist Juan Davila.

With still two days of the fair to go, I hope this inspires you to get along, or at least makes you feel like you were there if you couldn't be. 

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Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by Willy (Wilamina) Russo.

Along with Championing the arts through this podcast and her radio work at 2ser107.3FM, Willy is also an artist mentor. She works with artists from a variety of stages and backgrounds, helping them figure out the right next step in their artistic practice. There is a monthly newsletter you can sign up to and also one-on-one mentoring. 

If you're looking for some advice navigating your artistic practice in a professional sense, book a session today via her website, wilaminarusso.com

@georgiadrawsahouse

www.georgiadrawsahouse.com

A late night spray paint expedition and an unplanned PR sensation saw Georgia Draws A House blast into existence.

It all began with a drawing of her childhood home for her mum. And then one for her mum's friend. And then one for her mum's friends' friend. And then her mum's friends' friends' friend. And you get the picture.

Georgia Norton Lodge is an artist, a book illustrator, a designer and a business woman. She is also a woman without a five year plan. Or even a 12 month plan. One thing she absolutely knows is she wants to bring joy and love to people by drawing their homes.

Homes with happy stories, homes with sad stories, homes people grew up in and homes people said good bye in.

And when I say Georgia doesn't have a plan, don't confuse that with a lack of achievement. She has a busy design business, a monthly sell out commission list, employs three people, has run drawing workshops with Google, and is helping the Inner West of Sydney come to life with beautiful public art.

We talked about so much in today's episode of Interview With An Artist.

The intriguing way she learns about her commission clients, the different avenues of her practice which make up her business, her love for collaborating with amazing street artists, how listening and not having set in concrete plans helped her pave the way, and how a horrible boss, a can of spray paint and the side of her parents house helped put Georgia Draws a house on the map.

If you aren't lucky enough to land one of Georgia's hotly contested original commissions, she has a colouring in book of Sydney's Inner West that is perfect for big and small kids.

There is so much in this episode I feel you will find helpful and inspiring.

It was an absolute pleasure speaking with Georgia and I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

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Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by Willy (Wilamina) Russo.

Along with championing the arts through this podcast and her radio work at 2ser107.3FM, Willy is also an artist mentor. She works with artists from a variety of stages and backgrounds, helping them figure out the right next step in their artistic practice. If you're looking for some advice navigating your artistic practice, book a session today via her website, wilaminarusso.com 

You can also sign up for the monthly newsletter, Mentor Musings with tips and advice and plenty of client celebrations. 

@nk_nk_

www.nicolerenaekelly.com

How many of us run towards something we don't know how to do?

I would say for the most part, we run in the opposite direction! But for NSW South Coast based artist Nicole Kelly, it's a major driver in her painting. Her desire to paint subject matter she is quite sure how to tackle, is what keeps her interested.

It also means she has that elusive career that is built across different genres.

On today's episode of Interview With An Artist, we talk about:

Nicole states that painting is life for her. And when you hear about her dedication and approach to her practice, you really see it is. Nicole also runs workshops and retreats so if you like the sound of learning under her, head to her website and sign up to her mailing list.

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Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by Willy (Wilamina) Russo.

Along with Championing the arts through this podcast and her radio work at 2ser107.3FM, Willy is also an artist mentor. She works with artists from a variety of stages and backgrounds, helping them figure out the right next step in their artistic practice.

Head over to  wilaminarusso.com to book a one-on-one mentoring session and sign up to the monthly newsletter, Mentor Musings, artists are talking about. 

@artandculturejournal

Alan Cruickshank the third was born to ideally take over the family publishing business in Adelaide from his father, Alan Cruickshank the second. Alan the third had other plans - he found the art world.

Throughout Alan's career in the art world, he has spent time as an artist, a curator, he also held a leadership role for 15 years as the Director of The Contemporary Art Centre for South Australia and most interestingly, he was a key player in building a bridge between Australia and the South East Asia and Middle East art communities.

Today, Alan is the Editor of the globally respected art journal di'van. Returning somewhat to his families publishing roots! 

On today's episode of Interview With An Artist, Alan and I talk about:

Alan has a sense of adventure combined with getting a bit of a kick out of stirring the pot. Throughout his career he has looked to challenge his audience or colleagues or peers, and invite conversation for a richer outcome.

I loved hearing more about his work and I'm sure you will too.

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Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by Willy (Wilamina) Russo.

Along with Championing the arts through this podcast and her radio work at 2ser107.3FM, Willy is also an artist mentor. She works with artists from a variety of stages and backgrounds, helping them figure out the right next step in their artistic practice.

If you're looking for some advice navigating your artistic practice, book a session today via her website, wilaminarusso.com

@messengerartadvisory

www.messengerart.org

Jane Messenger is the founder and director of Messenger Art Advisory.

Jane works with clients ranging from large corporations, high net worth individuals and more recently emerging collectors, helping to bring rigour to their art buying experience.

You see Jane spent over a decade working at the Art Gallery of South Australia. Some of her projects involved heading to the Tate in London, overhauling the hanging of the gallery collection and working closely with world renowned Australian artist Patricia Piccinini.

It's Jane's institutional knowledge and expertise combined with her qualifications as a professional valuer, that make her such a trusted advisor.

On today's episode of Interview With An Artist, among many things we talk about:

Jane is knowledgeable, experienced and just so warm. 

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Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by Willy (Wilamina) Russo.

Along with Championing the arts through this podcast and her radio work at 2ser107.3FM, Willy is also an artist mentor. She works with artists from a variety of stages and backgrounds, helping them figure out the right next step in their artistic practice.

If you're looking for some advice navigating your artistic practice, book a session today via her website, wilaminarusso.com

@fionaverity

www.fionaverityartist.com

You may know my guest this week for a variety of reasons.

You may know her distinctive drawings of interiors and objects captured with vigour and life; she may have taught you in one of her much loved art classes on Sydney's Northern Beaches; or maybe you've tuned in to the wildly entertaining and engaging ArtW**k podcasts.

My guest this week is the Sydney based, UK born artist Fiona Verity.

Fiona was drawing long before she and Julie Nicholson were chatting with Australia's great artists.

Sketching for Fiona is like breathing for the rest of us. Essential. Life affirming. With a sketch book in one hand and a pencil in the other, Fiona can be on a walk, waiting at the shops, sitting in her car, anywhere really, sketching the world around her.

On today's episode of Interview With An Artist, among many things we talk about:

Fiona is everything you expect and more! Funny, generous and high energy. We often hear Fiona's voice but it's rarely talking about her work and life, so I am really excited to bring you this episode.

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Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by Willy (Wilamina) Russo.

Along with Championing the arts through this podcast and her radio work at 2ser107.3FM, Willy is also an artist mentor. She works with artists from a variety of stages and backgrounds, helping them figure out the right next step in their artistic practice.

If you're looking for some advice navigating your artistic practice, book a session today via her website, wilaminarusso.com

@matthewquick

www.matthewquick.com.au

Buckle in. This week's episode is a wide ranging conversation about travel adventures, creativity, and among other things, how the Playboy bunny got its name.

I'm serious! My guest this week is Melbourne based painter Matthew Quick.

What you are going to realise about Matthew is that he loves a good story. Throughout his life of traveling in his earlier years, Matthew has been under gunpoint by local authorities, gone underground mining in South America with explosives tied to him, and found himself in London in a recession.

The multi award winning and finalist listing artist has lived a life and then some.

Matthew's paintings look to comment on the absurdity and complexity of times. His 2022 show at Nanda Hobbs titled the Mirror Electric was a fabulous example. Life like statues painting on to reflective aluminium adorned with some kind of filter you mind find on a smartphone. On first glance you might just think it tongue in cheek. And it is, but there is so much more depth to it.

On today's episode of Interview With An Artist, we talk about:

how's Matthew's father's financial position growing up impacted his career direction

how a lecturer Matthew had in his 20s had a life long impact on him,

some of the amazing travel stories Matthew has,

and how he comes up with the many ideas he has for his art.

Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced Willy Russo.

Along with Championing the arts through this podcast and her radio work at 2ser107.3FM, Willy is also an artist mentor. She works with artists ranging from their first year of practice through to award wining 20 plus year career artists, helping them figure out the right next step.

If you're looking for help navigating the next step of your artistic practice, book a session via wilaminarusso.com

@lwengemboart

www.lwengembo.com

I want you to imagine this.

You're in your early 20s, you've grown up in a big close family. You're a budding artist and have been accepted to speak at a symposium in Paris. You've never flown overseas before and your mum's not that keen on you going, but she knows its important to you, so she lets you go.

Your trip has a layover and in that layover, you find out your visa paperwork hasn't been approved and you actually can't fly on to Paris.

This is exactly the situation Papua New Guinean artist Lesley Wengembo found himself. Stranded in Sydney, not really knowing anyone other than a few facebook friends. Unsure of what to do next.

Lesley ended up staying in Sydney, studying at the National Art School and becoming one of the rising stars of the hyper-realist movement.

In today’s episode of Interview With An Artist, we talk about:

Lesley is an absolute delight and joy to speak with and I am sure you will enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by Willy Russo. Along with Championing the arts through this podcast and her radio work at2ser107.3FM, Willy is also an artist mentor. She works with artists ranging from their first year of practice through to award wining 20 plus year career artists, helping them to figure out the right next step for their artistic practice. If you're looking for some advice navigating your artistic practice, book a session today via her website,wilaminarusso.com

@graingergallery

www.graingergallery.com

This week's show starts with a love story. A love story built on food, art, wine, and now a gallery.

Joining us on the show is Canberra based artist and gallery owner, Kacy Grainger. Kacy and her husband Richard met at art school in the 90s. She was studying art, he was studying art history and curation, and together after graduation they flew off to explore Europe.

Fast forward a decade or two, and there's been a wedding, a couple kids, seperate creative careers, and now a gallery.

Grainger Gallery opened in Canberra on the east coast of Australia in early 2020, just as the pandemic was settling in. Despite the timing, the gallery has gone from strength to strength, showing one of the most exciting and eclectic suites of artists. 

In today's episode of Interview With An Artist, Kacy and I talk about:

Listening to Kacy speak about how art is a family affair and the passion they all have for it, it's no wonder the gallery has been such a success.

Enjoy meeting the amazing Kacy Grainger.

Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by arts broadcaster and artist mentor Willy (Wilamina) Russo. If you're looking for help figuring out the right next step in your artistic practice, book a session with Willy today atwww.wilaminarusso.com

@andreahuelinartist www.andreahuelin.com

Cairns based artist Andrea Huelin owes a failed job application for becoming a full time painter. 

Andrea works on the ethos of pushing yourself and putting yourself out there. An attitude that saw her exhibiting in the Cairns Regional Gallery, which is where James Dorahy who was working with the Michael Reid group at the time saw her work. James was so impressed he posted it to Instagram,  where Michael Reid saw Andrea's work and commented. Which is when Andrea put herself out there again and messaged back to Michael. 

On today's episode of Interview With An Artist Andrea and I talk about a range things including:

Enjoy meeting the delightful Andrea Huelin.

Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by radio host, arts broadcaster and artist mentor Willy (Wilamina) Russo. If you're looking for help figuring out the right next step in your artistic practice, book a session with Willy today atwww.wilaminarusso.com

@ger.wyn www.gerwyndavies.com

From his early days of stealing a housemates sewing machine and watching Good Morning Australia, to now collaborating with global luxury brand Hermes, Gerwyn Davies has come a long way.

His photographic works are layered in skill and creativity. Not only does Gerwyn take the picture. He is the model, the costume designer, the fabricator and also the set maker. A Spotlight frequent flyer, Gerwyn uses everything from sequins, to plastic plates, to upholstery foam to craft his costumes.

And such is the construction of his costumes, that it’s not uncommon for Gerwyn to find himself contemplating whether or not he can breathe.

In today’s episode of Interview With An Artist, we talk about the different skills involved in his work and how they layer together in the overall creative process; how over the years he has continued to focus on consistently showing up and doing the work and success has followed; some of his more interesting material choices and what it was like shooting in situ in Japan.

Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by radio host, arts broadcaster and artist mentor Willy (Wilamina) Russo.

If you need help figuring out the right next step in your artistic practice, book a session with Willy today.

@lil.montefiore

www.lilimontefiore.com

My guest this week is artist Lili Montefiore. I first came across Lili at the 2020 National Art School Grad show.

Lili had these eye-catching works. Her paintings were these everyday settings but in vibrant pinks and greens and oranges. And the hooped skirt that had slogans embroidered and embossed all over it. Phrases like, give us a smile and you’re too pretty to be running at night, and whore. Cat calls that most women have heard at some point.

I wasn’t the only one who took note of her work. M Contemporary Gallery in Rushcutters loved it too. They invited Lili to join a group show, which then resulted in Lili being offered her own solo show in March 2022.

In today’s episode of interview with an artist, we talk about

LIli’s magical wholesome childhood growing up on a peninsula in Lake Macquarie; the shocking transition for Lili going from a tiny school based on Steiner principles, to a large state based high school with 100’s of kids; how art was her saviour and solace as a shy person; how the enthusiasm and passion of her cohort, rubbed off on each other and lifted each other up; and how she is getting her head around the business side of being a professional artist.

Lili is one who’s career you will want to watch grow.

I also have this thing for names that roll off the tongue so we kick the interview off with me asking Lili about her last name.

Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by radio host, arts broadcaster and artist mentor Willy (Wilamina) Russo.

Do you need help figuring out the right next step in your artistic practice?Book a one-on-one session with Willy today. 

@gretalaundyart

www.gretalaundyart.com

Greta paints and draws stunning colour filled abstract works. Working intuitively, Greta gets her pieces started and then hands the reigns over to them to finish, likening the process to being carried away on the energy of the colours. Don’t be fooled though. It’s not all about what colours sit best beside each other.

Greta’s work begins from a deeper place of inspiration. Psychology and sociology and feminist theory. They all play a role in bringing Greta’s artwork to life.

In today’s episode of Interview With An Artist, we chat about a range of things including how Grace Tame and Brittany Higgins played a role in sparking her latest series titled Insignia, about finishing her Bachelor of Fine Arts and the touchstones it gave her, and we also we do a bit of a deep dive on criticism - how to give it, how to receive it and the role it plays in the life of an artist.

Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by radio host, arts broadcaster and artist mentor Willy (Wilamina) Russo. Do you need help figuring out the right next step in your artistic practice?Book a mentoringsession with Willy today.

@adamnorton64 www.adamnorton.net

UK born, Australian based artist Adam Norton creates work in a mix of forms such as installations, painting and film.

His creative practice revolves around how technology impacts the human experience. The perfect question to marry his love of science and art.

In today’s episode of Interview With An Artist, we chat about Adam’s childhood in Africa and how it influences his work today, what it was like studying art at Oxford, and the cumulative process of Adam’s work and how it can start as a small object made in the studio and then evolve into him being in a space suit.

A couple of other highlights from our conversation was Adam’s social media /pub conversation analogy, and why his broom is the one thing in his studio he couldn’t go without.

Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by radio host, arts broadcaster and artist mentor Willy (Wilamina) Russo.

Do you need help figuring out the right next step in your artistic practice? Book a mentoring session with Willy. 

@christinalowryartist www.christinalowryartist.com

Christina Lowry is a Queensland based artist working in fine art photography. And yes, she has a license to collect dead things. “Don’t look in the bottom draw of the freezer!" is a common warning in her household. Christina also has a bug collection and has studied the practice of preserving and pinning bugs.

You see, Christina takes inspiration for her fine art photography from the 17th century Dutch masters. And in order to create her works of art, she goes to extreme lengths to ensure the authenticity of each composition. Such as getting replica glassware handmade in Prague and then shipped to Australia for one of her shoots.

And this extreme attention to detail is paying off. In 2021 Christina was a finalist in the Whitehall, the Gosford and the Ravenswood art prizes.

In today’s episode of Interview With An Artist, we talk about how as a 17 year old doing her fine arts degree, Christina marvelled at the mature aged students, we talk about how each of her roles a a jeweller and commercial photographer helped towards her fine art career, and we also find out just exactly how far Christina will go to get the right pieces for her composition.

Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by radio host, arts broadcaster and artist mentor Willy (Wilamina) Russo.

If you need help taking the right next step in your artistic practice, book a one-on-one mentoring session with Willy at www.wilaminarusso.com

@kowneart www.kateowenartwork.com.au

When Julia Green of Greenhouse Interiors slides into your DM's saying "Hey, I like your work, let's chat," it's a BIG moment. 

Kate Owen cracked the champagne that evening and has been painting her heart out ever since. Creating everyday, showing up on socials, and generally doing her best to make the most of the fantastic opportunity that is being represented by Greenhouse Interiors. 

It didn't start there though, it rarely does. Kate is the epitome of someone who sees an opportunity and runs with it. And throughout her life in regional New South Wales, it has served her well. She has satisfied her creativity working in fashion, homewares, special occasion cake making and now painting. 

Tune in to find out how Marie Kondo helped Kate prepare for life as an artist, the advice Catherine Cassidy offered that Kate still reflects on today, and what it is like to be represented by and work with, Greenhouse Interiors. Oh and yes Kate's studio, if you don't know and lust after it already, you soon will. 

Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by radio host, arts broadcaster and artist mentor Willy (Wilamina) Russo. 

If you need help figuring out the right next step in your artistic practice, book a one-on-one mentoring session with Willy. 

Book mentoring - www.wilaminarusso.com

Sign up for Mentor Musings - the newsletter helping artists take the right next step. 

Instagram: @wilamina_russo

2022 was another big year in the art scene. Gallery openings got canceled, digital viewings had to continue to suffice, and NFT's exploded on to the market.

It was really Beeple’s collage work, Everydays: The First 5000 Days, sold via Christie’s for $69 US million that got everyone stirred up. That was March. Since then, the NFT/crypto market has been a rollercoaster ride.

And I'll be honest, it still seems like something pretty foreign to me and probably a lot of artists I know and have spoken to.

However, Saatchi Art are looking to change that.

My last guest of the season is Monty Preston. Monty is a manager of Art Advisory and Curation at Saatchi Art. Monty is part of a team working with artists and collectors to help them make the leap into the NFT space. 

You can find Monty and all the information we talk about on saatchiart.com/nft

Enjoy meeting Saatchi Art's Monty Preston.

Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by radio host, arts broadcaster and artist mentor Willy (Wilamina) Russo.

Do you want helping figuring out the right next step in your artistic practice? Book a mentoring session with Willy on www.wilaminarusso.com

Adelaide based artist Tom Keukenmeester learnt the ropes working as an apprentice of sorts for artist Lucy Bonnin.  A move to Sydney, a hung over meeting with legendary art dealer Rex Irwin, and years of continually doing the work and today the painter and sculptor is now with Martin Browne Contemporary.

In today’s Interview With An Artist, Tom and I talk about the importance of mentors and artist friendships, how his vision for his future helped him determine what opportunities to say yes and no to, and how he found himself moving from painting to ceramic sculptures with surprising success.

You can see Tom’s work over on instagram @tomkeukenmeester 

This is the second last episode for Season 3. Season 4 will commence in February 2022.

In 2022 I will be starting a monthly newsletter for artists called Mentor Musings. It will have things I’ve noticed from sessions, tips and tricks from the mentoring community, and also up coming Australian prizes that could be of interest. If you would like to receive it sign up at www.wilaminarusso.com. That is also the best way to be notified when mentoring opens up again in 2022.

Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by radio host, arts broadcaster and artist mentor Willy (Wilamina) Russo.

Do you want helping figuring out the right next step in your artistic practice? Book a mentoring session with Willy on www.wilaminarusso.com

Sarrita Kingalmost fell into painting. Her late father was the highly respected  artist, William King Jungala, a man from the Gurindji clan. Before he died in 2007, he passed on to Sarrita and her sister Tarrise King, a love of art, community and storytelling.

Sarrita lives in Garramilla, or Darwin, with her partner and her two young children, painting amongst the chaos of family life. With a career as a professional artist spanning almost 15 years, Sarrita’s work is held in collections around the world.

In today’s Interview With An Artist, we chat about how Sarrita left her journalism degree to pursue art; her manager Keith and the tight knit bond between Sarrita, Tarrise and Keith; and how Sarrita loves her galleries so much and how deep the relationship is with them.

Catch her work @sarritaking_artist

Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by radio host, arts broadcaster and artist mentor Willy (Wilamina) Russo.

Do you want helping figuring out the right next step in your artistic practice? Book a mentoring session with Willy on www.wilaminarusso.com

Kirthana Selvaraj is exploring her place in the world through her art. Painting herself into the halls of some of the longest standing and most traditional institutions. Her self portrait, The Green Suit, was an Archibald finalist in 2021 and a Portia Geach finalist in 2020. I remember seeing it and there was just something about the expression in her face and the way the suit hung on her that hit me. 

Kirthana paints about the experience of being in a queer brown body and trying to find her place in the world, or even just see it.

In today’s episode we talk about the painting of that epic self portrait and her mum’s reaction when she saw what Kirthana was wearing in it; about how her artistic practice is helping her claim her place, and how an approach of lifting each other up, of collaboration over competition, is surely a better way forward.

Kirthana is a deep thinker and such an eloquent communicator. I loved speaking with her and hearing her thoughts, I am sure you will love hearing her story.

You can stay across her work on Instagram at @kirthanasart

Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by radio host, arts broadcaster and artist mentor Willy (Wilamina) Russo.

Do you want helping figuring out the right next step in your artistic practice? Book a mentoring session with Willy on www.wilaminarusso.com

The 2021 National Emerging Art Prize was the hottest Australian prize for emerging artists. Victorian based artist Andrea Sinclair took out the painting prize with her portrait of Flossie.

So who is Andrea? How long has she been painting for? And what’s been her career trajectory to date?

In today’s Interview With An Artist, Andrea and I talk about:

One of the things I am most excited for with Andrea’s work to come, is her passion for women of a certain age. You know the cool ones, the fierce ones, the ones that even though they’re not the pretty young things any more, they have a vibe about them that just speaks volumes. Like Flossie! Andrea has a plan to bring them front and centre and celebrate them.

You can catch Andrea’s work on her instagram @andrea.sinclair.art

Enjoy meeting the 2021 National Emerging Art prize winner, Andrea Sinclair.

Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by arts broadcaster and artist mentor, Willy (Wilamina) Russo. 

Do you want helping figuring out the right next step in your artistic practice? Book a mentoring session with Willy - link below.

www.wilaminarusso.com

S.A.S Veer is the brainchild of Sally Veer, an artist working in the realms of quilting and watercolour painting. Sally's quilts are pushing the boundaries into the art world and challenging the traditional depiction of "just a blanket". With a genuine desire to create sustainably, S.A.S Veer is partnering with Australian designer Lee Matthews to work with their offcuts. 

In today’s episode of Interview with an Artist, we learn about the impact Sally’s Oma (grandma) had on her, how her relationship with Lee Matthews began and what it taught her, and how she is navigating that line between artwork and well, quilt!

Head on over to S.A.S Veer on instagram @s.a.s.veern to see her intricate and detailed work.

Enjoy meeting the wonderful Sally Veer.

Performance artist Ida Sophia is based in Adelaide, South Australia. Her 2021 show Regret was an emotional tribute and reckoning with one of the heaviest emotions we have.  For 28 days Ida sat for 6 hours a day, not speaking, not eating, not making eye contact. She faced a huge floral installation and wore a cape upon which people pinned small plaster tablets they had written their regrets on.

Watch her performance on ABC Artworks - Ida comes on at about 19 minutes 30 second mark. I strongly urge you to check it out.

In today’s episode of Interview With An Artist, we talk about the training and preparation that goes into a work like regret, how the idea came into being for the show, and about giving space to emotions that maybe we try and push aside.

Ida Sophia is a woman of great capacity and deep thought, and it is my absolute pleasure to have her on the show this week.

www.idasophia.art and Instagram @idasophia_artist

www.wilaminarusso.com

From Broken Hill to Florence to Bronte, Melanie Vugichhas made the most of the opportunities that have come her way. The Australian painter works in vibrant, rich colour combinations, which is a nod to her career in fabric design. 2021 has been a great year for Melanie with two strong solos and three amazing collaborations. And although it may have seemed to all come quite quickly for the artist, it's actually been a long road. This week on Interview With An Artist we talk about how Melanie established a career in fabric design, how it was grief that took her to the easel full time, and how her collaborations came about, including one with Oscar de la Renta. 

Check out Melanie's work on instagram @melanievugich

Bluethumb was founded by brothers Ed and George Hartley and their uni mate Phil. The tech company is based out of Adelaide, is about to turn ten years old and has over 15,000 artists on the platform. Earlier this year Bluethumb announced they are launching a new platform for the secondary art market called Podium. I was keen to chat to them about the new venture and the inspiration behind it.

Ed Hartley joined me for today’s show to talk about how Bluethumb got started, the role it’s playing in the Australian art scene and the big picture goals for Podium.

Australian born, LA based artist George Byrne is a man of many talents. You most likely know his work via his Instagram feed @george_byrne or his stunning book Post Truth. It took George a few years to get into his groove but now that he's there, his art is going from strength to strength. 

In today's episode we talk about how he left photography but eventually found his way back, how LA became his muse, the attention to detail that went into creating his book and what some of the misconceptions might be about his art.

George and I spoke in early October when he was in hotel quarantine in Sydney. He’s back in the country for his solo exhibition Innervisions opening on the 27th of October at Olsen gallery.

A blown up car engine. A suspended drivers licence. The offer to paint a portrait or two. 

It doesn't sound like the genesis for one of the most important exhibitions of our times, but it is. Sydney based artist Justine Muller shares her story of how she became connected to the people of Wilcannia and well known artist Badger Bates. A friendship that lead to the creation of the exhibition 'Barka, the forgotten River' which has been touring for the last three years. 

You can find Justine on instagram @justinemullerartist

This is a wonderful story and I'm so grateful to Justine for sharing it. 

Today we’re talking creative accounting. No, not tax dodging or illegitimate expense claims, accounting for creatives.

Jodie Dean founded AccountArts after a long career in the corporate world. The business is a marriage of Jodie’s love for design and creativity with her expertise in bookkeeping and accounting. We talk about how she got started and the type of support she provides. Also we discuss some of the common mistakes creatives make with their accounting and her number one tip for keeping creative finances sorted.

We kept the conversation pretty general as everyone’s financial situation is different, however I hope there are some tips in there for you, that help you get your moola in order.

You can find AccountArts at www.accountarts.com or on Instagram @account_arts

Enjoy meeting Jodie Dean.

Sydney based artist Matilda Michell loves reading 17th Century painting texts. That is, when she can get her hands on them and when she can make sense of them! Matilda has a real affection for the classics and Dutch masters.

This is definitely one of the most technically focused conversations on the podcast and I think that speaks to what really drives Matilda.

In today’s episode we cover a range of themes including:

Matilda also made a really interesting point about the importance of limiting her visual input in a time in history where every style is being widely practiced.

You can see Matilda’s rich and broody work over on instagram @matildamichell

Melbourne based maker James Price creates work that makes him happy. And in return, it makes his collectors happy too. It hasn’t always been that way though. There is so much in this episode thanks to James’s generosity. I’m a big fan of the deep feelers and the big thinkers, and James Price definitely falls into that category.

James spent a decade in New York, climbing the corporate ladder of the creative agency world. At 27 he found himself the manager of a team of creatives and a partner in a business. Sounds awesome right? And some of it was. But there was also a part of James that wanted more. He wanted to be challenged and he wanted to learn. And ultimately, he wanted to get back on the tools creating.

On today’s episode of Interview With An Artist we cover a range of topics including:

Check him on on instagram @theartofjamesprice

Allison Bellinger is the driving force behind AK Bellinger Gallery. A conversation with a good friend, artist Vanessa Stockard, helped spark the gallery into life. That was in 2016. Fast forward to today and Allison is looked up as one of the leading Australian galleries.

Be it to Russia, South Africa, Asia, America, or her Inverell locals, Allison is bringing some of the most exciting art to the scene.

On today’s episode we talk about how Allison finds her artists, what makes a great gallerist artist relationship, how Allison sees the role of art prizes, and what trends she’s noticed in the Australian art scene recently.

There's also a bit of gushing about Kiata Mason and Galah magazine at the end. 

Follow Allison and the gallery at @akbellingergallery

Sydney based, UK born artist Sarah Waghorn and I bonded over a flower - the angel trumpet. And it seems I'm not the only to bond with Sarah over flowers and the way she conveys them in her paintings. What began as an excuse to get away from domestic drudgery has now turned into Sarah's second career. Today we talk about flowers, art prizes, securing her first solo and how the favourite thing in her studio is something she made herself. 

Sarah was due to have her first solo exhibition open today, the 9th of September at Grainger Gallery. However like many artists across the country, and the globe, her show has been postponed. We look forward to seeing it when it can indeed open and by gosh, what a night of celebration and excitement it will be.

Check out Sarah's work @sarahwaghornart.

Artbank is one of the cornerstones of the Australian art scene. Headed up by Director Zoë Rodriguez, each year they search the country to buy 100's of 1000's of dollars worth of art, to lease back out. So if you're an artist, how can you get in on the action? And if you're an art lover, what kind of money do you need to lease a piece of art? And do they even lease to individuals or is it just big corporates?

Zoë and I talk about all this and more in this week's episode of Interview With An Artist.

Follow their work at www.artbank.gov.au or on Instagram @artbankau

This episode has it all. Action, adventure, celebrity encounters (of the art world type at least) and some really beautiful advice about how to decide what you should paint. Carly LeCerf gives us a quick intro to Mt Barker and then shares her stories about painting plein air, coffee inspired initiatives and how her mum helped her secure a show at Michael Reid Murrurundi. Go mum! 

Check out Carly's work on IG @carlylecerf or on her website www.carlylecerf.com

What is the definition of an emerging artist? Does art need to tell a story? How do I know what prizes to apply for? If you have ever asked yourself these questions this episode is for you. I chatted with Amber Creswell Bell, the Program Director for Michael Reid Northern Beaches and the driving force behind this new prize to answer these questions and more.

The National Emerging Art Prize is open for submissions for painting and ceramic works until October 1, 2021. 

Wilamina Russo

Emerging Sydney based painter Shaan Bulha is the creator of a body of work featuring half eaten food. And can I tell you, a half eaten burger has never looked so beautiful. Shaan doesn't classify himself as an artist, he doesn't even classify himself as a painter. In his words, he's just a really patient guy who is good at fixing mistakes. I want you to pay attention to the language Shaan uses. Because he may not call himself an artist or a painter, but I would tend to disagree.

In today's episode we talk about: 

To stay across his journey of culinary delights, follow him on Instagram @half_eaten_australia

This is the final episode for season two, thanks so much for tuning! I will be back with you with season three if a few weeks. 

The NFT market is going wild and you’re a programer who loves art with a good friend how owns a gallery. What do you do? 

Of course you call your gallery friend and say 'What's our plan?'

Georgia Mills is a programmer for a leading Australian software company and Sotiris Sotiriou is the founder and owner of COMA Gallery in Sydney. Georgia could see there was an opportunity to be had and the result is droplt - a new digital marketplace for the acquisition of NFTs planned to be launched later this year. 

Listen in as a complete NFT novice (Willy Russo) peppers the duo with all manner of questions. 

To follow their developments, head over to Instagram @droplt.co 

This episode was pre-recorded earlier in 2021 when dancing at weddings was permitted. Just saying.

Nasim Nasr is an Iranian born artist living and working in Australia. Her story will have you asking, how far would you go for your art? Nasim's art is inspired by her observations of culture and how the things we take for granted in one can spark a powerful conversation in another with her photographic and film work shown to international acclaim and award.

Today's episode covers a range of topics including Nasim's journey to Australia; her first trip to a nude beach and how it sparked a range of idea; and how she found herself accepting an award from Maison John Paul Gauliter in Paris. 

We also talk about our joint passion for getting arts a more regular place in our media, like an art segment in the news perhaps.

Head on over to Nasim's instagram @nasimnasr_art to stay across her work.

Sarah McDonald wears a few hats. Art school owner. Art teacher. Professional artist. South Australian art industry champion. Her landscapes capture the warmth of the surrounding natural environment and the positive energy she feels from being amongst it. Sarah is accomplished, successful and well respected, yet, there is something she feels has alluded her art career to-date. We chat about what that is and why she feels it matters. We also dive into the South Australian art scene and its vibrant community. 

Follow Sarah on instagram @sarahmcdonaldartist

It was art school or bust for drawer and painter Daniel Bodey. The Sydney based artist graduate from National Art School in 2020 and was the recipient of the Troy Quinliven award in his final year. Daniel has developed a distinctive style and has a love for John Brack like I do. 

Head on over to Instagram and follow his work @_bodey_daniel_art_

Sebastian Goldspink is one of the most generous art world figures you'll meet. Along with his roles of opening the new Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf and as curator of the Adelaide Biennial in 2022, he is a constant champion of art and the people creating it. Today he shares with us his thoughts on the roots and evolution of curation and how he sees it relating to him, his approach to opening the Woollahra gallery and selecting the artists to show, and his advice to artists trying to get their work into galleries.

Stay across Sebastian’s work by following the social media channels of:

@agsa.adelaide for The Art gallery of South Australia 

@woollahragallery for the Woollahra Gallery

or even his personal account, @sebastiangoldspink

Phoebe Moonyean Gander is an English born mixed media artist living and working in New Zealand. She's also hilarious. Follow her on instagram and you're bound to get a giggle. Finding her flow in the whirlwind of life that is a young family and dealing with her ADHD, Phoebe's compelling abstract works are an active meditation of sorts. 

Our conversation today is a meandering walk through art, mental health, family and life in general. Because let's be honest, those things all go hand in hand. 

If for some bizarre reason you don't already follow Phoebe, do yourself a favour and head on over to @phoebeganderart.

Miranda Skoczek may not be the best book club member, as you’ll find out, but she’s a damn fine painter. Miranda has been consistently exhibiting over the last 15 years. Doing 2 and sometimes 3 shows a year. She moved her studio back home this year after years spent working offsite. And it’s exciting to see what the change in energy will do to her work. You see home isn’t just Miranda floating around painting at whim. Mirand is a single mum to her son and the ring master of a menagerie of pets.

Miranda and I chatted earlier in the year for this episode, and in that conversation we talk about a range of things including:

the poor struggling artist story and why it doesn’t have to always be that way,

how she remains inspired and the important of having a process,

and where she’d love to focus her energies over the next couple of years.

If you don’t already, head on over and follow her on Instagram @mirandaskoczek

Giorgia McRae graduated from the National Art School in Sydney in 2020. She creates beautiful sculptures with steel and blocks of sandstone and has her very first solo at Saint Cloche in Paddington later this year. We chatted all things art school such as the highs and lows, and what actually happens when the study is over and the students are thrust out into the real world. 

Follow this rising star on Instagram at @giorgiamcraeart.

Chances are if you live in New York and are in the art world, you’ve probably seen Matthew Israelspeak at function, host a panel or read his writing. The curator, writer and art historian is a well known and well respected figure in the scene.

I first came across Matthew via his book, A Year In the Art World, an insiders view, and it quickly became one of my top three books for 2020. 

I caught up with Matthew in April to talk about a number of things including his observations of the pandemic on the New York art scene, whether or not the push into digital in the art world will continue at the same rate, and his thoughts on the stand alone artist vs the traditional gallery pathway.

If you haven’t already, read his book and follow him on Instagram @matthewisrael

Ces McCully is a deep thinker, a lover of words and currently obsessed with olives. She also paints all the phrases you say in your head, but dare not utter out loud. 

Among many things we talk about her discovery that different languages have different colours, the inspiration for her true selves project, and the importance of celebrating female artist who are also mothers. Ces sent to me two interesting articles that look at various gender topics in the art world. I've linked them below.

The Representation of Female Artists in Britain in 2019 and Is Gender in the Eye of the Beholder? Identifying Cultural Attitudes With Art Auction Prices.

Follow Ces on Instagram at @cesmcccully for her art and @trueselvesproject for juicy stranger confessions.

Frances Belle Parker started her career with a bang, winning the Blake Prize at age 18 in 2000. This year she had another major highlight. Her artwork titled Angwirri, was projected on to the sails of the Sydney Opera House on the 26th of January. A proud Yaegl woman from Yaygirr Wadyarr, or the Maclean region, in Northern New South Wales, Frances has been creating for over 20 years. In today’s episode we talk about that iconic moment in January this year and the deeper significance around it, her experience at art school, and the vision that inspired her award winning painting for the Blake prize.

Head over to Instagram and follow Frances @francesbelleparkerart 

Enjoy meeting the lovely Frances Belle Parker.

Wanda Comrieis getting on with painting and selling her vibrant botanical works. Having found her groove and a market (hello, The Jealous Currator and Ashley Longshore!) Wanda's works are in collections all around the world. Today we chatted about art prizes, the admin and logistics of selling your own work and why Instagram requires more than just a few follows and likes to build a network. 

Head on over and follow Wanda @wandacomrie for a hit of colour to lift your spirits!

Enjoy meeting the talented Wanda Comrie.

Arguably one of the most successful Australian school-run art shows, The Grammar Art Show in Toowoomba Queensland, gets bigger and better each year. Rebecca Statton is one of the volunteers who works behind the scenes to make it all happen. This year they showed over 290 artists with over 1000 pieces of works. It's a HUGE show. 

Bec joined me to talk about why the show is so popular with collectors and artists alike, what the plans are for the show in the year to come and Bec's advice for both emerging artists and first time collectors.

Follow them on Instagram @grammarartshow 

If you're an artist and want to be included in the show, email the crew at twgs.artshow@gmail.com

Kian Mosharaf is a Dallas born, Barcelona based artist working in the field of illustration. Winning a place in the 2019 Slow Down Studio competition saw Kian's creative career move in the direction of product development. In today’s episode, Kian and I explore the difference between an illustrator and an artist, how he decided on Spain over New York, and how his definition of success has changed over the years.

Head to Kian’s Instagram @kianmosharaf to see his captivating works.

Samantha Dennison was a high school art teacher for 16 years. Along came three children and the need to be flexible with her time, so Samantha picked up the brush and began to paint full time. That was seven years ago now and over that time, she has developed a style that is calm, refined and quietly oh so beautiful.

On today’s episode Samantha and I talk process, continual learning and the line between copying and inspiration. 

We mention a number of great artists, but one in particular is Lisa Congdon and her artist manifesto.

Head on over to Samantha’s Instagram @samanthadennisonartist to follow her work. 

Enjoy meeting the wonderful Samantha Dennison.

Johnny K is an Australian artist based in the Blue Mountains behind Sydney. His vibrant Australian landscapes have grown in popularity and it's no wonder. They bring a sense of freedom and joy to the viewer. We dived into some of life's big topics - philosophy, the power of the Australian landscape, the gallery artist relationship and his upcoming first solo exhibition at Wentworth Gallery in Sydney.

Head to his Instagram @Johnnykartist and check out his vibrant take on the Australian landscape.

This week we’re off to Wilmington North Carolina in the USA, to chat with emerging American painter Kelsey Howard. It was Kelsey’s portraits of women that initially caught my eye. We spoke about balancing her day job as a nurse  and her artistic career, holding her first solo show which sold out, Instagram as a great source of inspiration, and the importance of believing in yourself and finding enjoyment in your practice.

Head to Kelsey’s Instagram page @kelseyhowardart to get an eye full of colour and joy.

Australian figurative painter Robert Malherbe wants to capture the moment. It's an experience he's painting, not a picture. An experience of feelings, of intensity, of light refracting from the round of a hill or the round of a buttock. His loose bold brush strokes give a richness to his paintings that is loved the world over. Today on Interview with an find out if he has any regrets, if his definition of success is changing at all, and the importance of artists supporting artists. Find him on Instagram at @robert_malherbe

Samantha Hobbelen creates paintings that lift you up and leave you feeling pretty darn good. Just like a session hanging out with Sam. We talk about the importance of asking the question, bringing some business brains to a creative life, and see how her career as an artist has evolved since we first spoke in 2019. Find her on instagram @samanthahobbelen

Impasto pallete knife painter Emily Persson began as a teenager, painting murals on her bedroom cupboard. Fast forward 15 years to today and her work is in demand with collectors around the globe.  Her journey has been overwhelming, liberating and rewarding and really, Emily is only just getting started.  Emily joined me from her home in Melbourne for this week's Interview With An Artist.

www.emilyperssonartist.com