Julian Bell is a painter and art writer based in the English town of Lewes, East Sussex. He studied English Literature at Magdalen College, Oxford. From 1974 however he set up as a painter, 'learning on the job' by accepting commissions for portraits, landscapes and pub signs.
He has exhibited his paintings widely, and is also the author of eight books, including studies of Van Gogh, Bonnard, and the neglected 17th-century original Adam Elsheimer.

We begin Creageivity 41 with a look back to Julian’s distinguished artist parents, Quentin Bell and Anne Olivier Bell, and find out about a connection to Hollywood actor George Clooney. Later, we also hear a little of other relatives from the famous Bloomsbury set.

Julian’s quiet and self-effacing manner masks a very individualistic way of looking at life - and expressing his spiritual viewpoint - in images which are arresting and highly engaging. His work deals with the world as it is, and can show nature, motorways, and the entrance to cities, sometimes using aerial and unusual viewpoints. An example Julian talks about (seen by Adrienne and Harlan) is a ceiling painting in Pelham House, Lewes, where the viewer is looking up at a tightrope walker crossing the vault. The painting is also notable in that it includes the portraits of many of the people working on the refurbishment of the building at the time.

We also get to hear about painting techniques, and how Julian dealt with a disastrous fire which destroyed his studio, along with a huge stock of his unsold work.
A thoroughly interesting episode!

Julian’s website: https://julianbell.co.uk

Julian's gallery: https://natashaokane.art

Julian’s books: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/5959.Julian_Bell

Book about Julian’s work: Storytelling Pictures: The Art of Julian Bell by David Carrier (Distanz Publishing, 2026)

Music:
Bartok Mikrokosmos 77, by Lorenzo Buczek
Bach Cello Suite in Gmaj, by PM Music
(Note: Julian’s actual listening, as mentioned in the podcast was to Pierre Fournier, however copyright on this is not possible)
Sunny Café, by Alex Morgan

If you feel you're too old to be creative, or too creative to be old, then Creageivity is the podcast for you!

Mick Greer graduated in English Literature from Cambridge University in 1983 and teaches at the School of Arts and Humanities at Lisbon University, where he is an Assistant Professor. He has a PhD on James Joyce and theatre, and is a researcher at the University’s Centre for Theatre Studies, where his main interests include James Joyce, Contemporary British and Irish Theatre, and Shakespeare in Performance.

In Creageivity 40 Mick shares his encyclopedic Joycean knowledge, and reads from the ending/beginning of Finnegan’s Wake. He also treats us to an unaccompanied song (a first for Creageivity) - The Parting Glass.

Mick is an active member of both the Lisbon Players and Já International Theatre, and is a founding member of the Dublin-based Balloonatics Theatre Company. He is also a voice-over artist, and appears in adverts, TV series and films.

A true raconteur, Mick Greer is a highly engaging teller of tales!

Intro Music: Celtic Winds by Psychronic - with thanks
Outro Music: The Parting Glass - traditional, performed by Mick Greer

Balloonatics website: https://balloonaticstheatre.com/

If you feel you're too old to be creative, or too creative to be old, then Creageivity is the podcast for you!

Maia Eden is a multi-talented creative professional based in the Scottish Highlands. She is best known for her work as an independent musician and singer-songwriter, releasing her EPs New Horizons and Little Triumphs.
In Creageivity 39 we hear snippets of Maia’s songs New Horizons, Home, and Starting Over Again.

Beyond music, Maia is also a multidisciplinary artist and maker. She works across various mediums, including jewellery making, mosaics, and carnival structures. Her passion for sustainability is showcased through her upcycled furniture, where she revives and reimagines second-hand pieces.

In the podcast Maia talks of her deep love for the natural world, especially the Highlands, having been born and raised in Scotland, before a lengthy stay in England. Now back in her homeland, she can’t imagine not creating, and describes some of her methods to keep things flowing. These include journaling, and playing with materials in her idyllic studio space.

A wise and witty session, with inspringly beautiful music - what’s not to like!

Music by Maia Eden, used with permission.

Website: www.maiaeden.com/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/maiaedenmusic/
Furniture upcycling: maia@maiaeden.com
YouTube clips: www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKTnYOtt6l8

If you feel you're too old to be creative, or too creative to be old, then Creageivity is the podcast for you!