Gene Kiegel: Creative fountainhead. Interdisciplinary artist. UC Berkeley architecture. Central Saint Martins London tutor. Represented by Waterhouse Dodd NY/London

In this engaging episode of the 'Ben There Doing That Podcast', host Ben Yurcisin sits down with Gene Kegel in his art studio at Mana Contemporary, Jersey City. Gene recounts his journey from growing up in the USSR, now Ukraine, to becoming an artist in America, facing initial skepticism from his parents. After brief forays into computer science and engineering at UC Berkeley, Gene eventually pursued his passion for art and photography. His transformative experiences in Brazil during Carnival deeply impacted his artistic journey, leading him to experiment with photography and later with beeswax as a medium.

Gene shares insightful stories on breaking into the fashion and celebrity photography scene in LA, including experiences with Paris Hilton and Bai Ling. The conversation delves into his unique art style using beeswax, exploring themes of organic growth and universal beauty, offering listeners a profound look into the life and mind of an artist dedicated to his craft.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:59 Gene's Background and Early Life

02:02 Journey into Creativity and Video Games

03:39 College Life and Career Struggles

08:54 Inventions and Missed Opportunities

20:06 The Brazil Experience

31:54 Return to LA and Pursuing Photography

37:33 Life-Changing Decision

37:56 Starting a Photography Career

38:18 Crazy Advertising Experiences

41:57 First Fashion Week

46:13 Learning the Craft

56:34 Breakthrough with Celebrities

58:31 Innovative Marketing Strategies

01:08:16 Exploring Beeswax Art

01:21:36 Final Thoughts and Advice

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