エピソード

  • Drawing a Life in Color: Megan Seiter on Art, Patience, and Process
    2026/02/03
    In this intimate and reflective episode of the AART Podcast, host Chris Stafford sits down with American color pencil artist Megan Seiter for a deeply personal conversation about life, creativity, and the quiet dedication behind her work. Known for her richly layered drawings and extraordinary attention to detail, Seiter shares the story of how she found her voice as an artist—and why patience, persistence, and curiosity continue to shape her practice. Rather than focusing on technique, this biographical episode explores who Megan Seiter is as an artist and a person. She talks openly about her early influences, the moments that pushed her toward art, and the internal challenges that come with choosing a creative life. Seiter reflects on the slow, meditative nature of working in color pencil, how time plays a role in her process, and what it means to stay committed to a medium that demands both restraint and devotion. Throughout the conversation, Megan discusses the realities of sustaining a career in the arts, navigating doubt, and learning to trust long-form creative work in a fast-paced world. Her story is one of intentional making, artistic integrity, and embracing the beauty that emerges through repetition and care. This episode of the AART Podcast is a thoughtful listen for artists, creatives, and anyone interested in the human stories behind visual art—especially those drawn to drawing, realism, and the quieter paths of creative expression.

    Megan's dinner party guests:
    Grandma Jeannette
    Isabel
    Pema Chodron
    Kristen Wiig
    Maria Montessori
    Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

    Megan’s links:
    Website: www.meganseiter.com
    Instagram @ms_fineart
    https://www.instagram.com/ms_fineart
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeganSeiter.FineArt/

    Some of Megan's favorite artists:
    Natalie Featherston, who I discovered through Meyer Gallery, and is also from RI. She makes very witty and realistic tromp l’oeil still life paintings.
    Clio Newton, who makes large-scale figure drawings and paintings. I admire the delicacy of her strokes and the sheer size of her work, and the fact that she doesn’t just work in a single medium. • Carla Grace, who is a wildlife artist. One thing I’ll say I really appreciate about social media is that you can now easily connect with people and work from all over the world. I think that Carla Grace does this so well, sharing her studio and her techniques freely, engaging her audience, and sharing about being both a mother and an artist.
    Amy Shelton, who I met at a group exhibit we were both participating in. She makes delicate an intricate compositions using dried flowers that are displayed in light boxes — very unique and beautiful.

    Host: Chris Stafford
    Produced by Hollowell Studios
    Follow @theaartpodcast on Instagram
    AART on Facebook
    Email: theaartpodcast@gmail.com

    Keywords / SEO Tags
    Megan Seiter, color pencil artist, American artist, AART Podcast, Chris Stafford, contemporary drawing, visual artist interview, artist biography, life of an artist, creative journey, fine art drawing, realism in art, women artists, art podcast, contemporary art conversation, drawing as meditation, slow art, artist life story

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/women-unscripted--4769409/support.
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    1 時間 5 分
  • Jazzy Kettenacker: Cutting a Life in Film — A Personal Journey of Art and Identity
    2026/01/20
    In this deeply personal episode of the AART Podcast, host Chris Stafford sits down with acclaimed American film editor Jazzy Kettenacker for an intimate conversation about life, identity, and a career shaped by storytelling. Rather than focusing on technical process, this episode explores the human journey behind the edit — the experiences, values, and turning points that have defined Jazzy’s path in film and beyond. Jazzy Kettenacker reflects on growing up with a creative instinct, discovering film as a way to make sense of the world, and how editing became not just a profession but a way of thinking and living. She speaks candidly about navigating the film industry, finding her voice as an artist, and the emotional intelligence required to shape stories that resonate. This is a conversation about resilience, intuition, and the unseen labor that gives films their emotional rhythm. Throughout the episode, Jazzy opens up about the realities of sustaining a creative life — the doubts, the breakthroughs, and the personal evolution that comes with long-term artistic work. Her story highlights the importance of trust, collaboration, and empathy, revealing how an editor’s sensibility is deeply intertwined with who they are as a person. The AART Podcast is known for thoughtful, biographical conversations with artists across disciplines, and this episode is no exception. Chris Stafford guides the discussion with warmth and curiosity, creating space for reflection on creativity, identity, and what it truly means to build a life in the arts. Whether you’re a filmmaker, artist, or simply someone interested in honest creative journeys, this episode offers rare insight into the inner life of a film editor whose work — and perspective — is shaped by lived experience.

    Links to Jazzy:
    https://jazzyeditor.com/
    https://www.instagram.com/jazzykettenacker/

    Jazzy Kettenacker, Jazzy Kettenacker film editor, American film editor, film editing career, women in film, film industry stories, creative life podcast, artist biography podcast, AART Podcast, Chris Stafford podcast, film editor interview, life in film, creative identity, storytelling in cinema, behind the scenes film, artist conversations, biographical podcast, independent film voices

    Host: Chris Stafford
    Produced by Hollowell Studios
    Follow @theaartpodcast on Instagram
    AART on Facebook
    Email: theaartpodcast@gmail.com

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/women-unscripted--4769409/support.
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    1 時間 1 分
  • From South Africa to the Screen: Sabrina Linder on Story, Identity, and a Career in Film
    2026/01/06
    In this deeply personal and wide-ranging episode of the AART Podcast, host Chris Stafford sits down with acclaimed South African production designer Sabrina Linder for an intimate biographical conversation about life, creativity, and the winding path that leads to a career in film. Rather than focusing on technical process, this episode explores the human story behind the work. Sabrina Linder reflects on growing up in South Africa, the formative experiences that shaped her artistic sensibility, and how curiosity, resilience, and observation guided her toward a life in visual storytelling. From early influences and cultural identity to the emotional intelligence required to collaborate at the highest levels of film and television, Sabrina shares the moments that quietly — and sometimes unexpectedly — defined her career. Throughout the conversation, Sabrina opens up about navigating creative industries, finding confidence as an artist, and learning how to trust instinct over expectation. She discusses what it means to build worlds for the screen while simultaneously building a life, and how storytelling — whether through design or lived experience — remains at the center of her work. Chris guides the discussion with warmth and curiosity, allowing space for reflection on ambition, self-doubt, mentorship, and the invisible labor behind creative success. The result is a thoughtful portrait of an artist whose career is rooted not only in visual craft, but in empathy, memory, and lived experience. This episode will resonate with artists, filmmakers, designers, and anyone interested in the personal journeys behind creative careers, offering insight, honesty, and inspiration well beyond the screen. Sabrina’s links:https://www.sabrinalindercreative.com/ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9513117/ https://www.instagram.com/sabrina_linder_creative/Fertile by Design on Substack - https://substack.com/@fertilebydesignSabrina's dinner guests:Jack FiskIris van HerpenMarilyn MunroeElsa SchiaparelliPatrice VermettiBloomer (her dog) BIO South African born Production Designer Sabrina Linder is well known for her trademark work in I Swear 2025, Salvable 2025, The Last Victims (2019). Her portfolio includes commercials, films, TV and music videos. Sabrina was born in Pretoria, South Africa in 1992. to parents Helene Linder, an Artist and interior design enthusiast and father Desmond Lawrence Linder, a quantity surveyor and business owner. She has one brother Brendan. Sabrina grew up in post Apartheid South Africa where artistic expression among women was not encouraged but subtle influences from her artistic mother subconsciously steered Sabrina towards fashion design. She attended Cornwall Hill College for Grades 0-12 after which she moved to Cape Town to study for her BA Degree in Fashion Design at FEDISA Cape Town. Upon graduating she deferred a BA Honours at the London College of Fashion instead breaking into her first job in film which opened the door to opportunities she had not imagined. Her path was now set in production design and she worked in Props, Costume and Design before focusing in the Production Design where she has found her creative home. She is a multi award winning designer with BFDG Design Award Nominations, the Berlin Music Video Award both in 2023 as well as Lourie Awards and Ciclope Awards in 2022. Sabrina moved to London in 2021 and is currently working on commercials before preparing for her next film production this spring. Sabrina lives in Beaconsfield, England with her partner, and the couple are expecting their first child in March. Host: Chris StaffordProduced by Hollowell StudiosFollow @theaartpodcast on InstagramAART on FacebookEmail: theaartpodcast@gmail.comKeywords / SEO Tags Sabrina Linder, South African production designer, AART podcast, Chris Stafford podcast, production designer interview, film industry careers, women in film, creative biography, artist life story, behind the scenes film, visual storytelling, art and cinema, creative journeys, film design careers, African artists in film, personal stories in art, creative identity, storytelling podcast, film and art podcastBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/women-unscripted--4769409/support.
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    1 時間 4 分
  • Nature, Color, and Creativity with Painter & Author Kami Mendlik
    2025/12/23
    On this inspiring episode of the AART Podcast, host Chris Stafford sits down with acclaimed painter and author Kami Mendlik, whose work is celebrated for its vivid portrayal of nature, her masterful study of color, and her ability to capture the ever-shifting qualities of light and movement. Known for her immersive landscapes and her deeply intuitive approach to plein air painting, Kami shares how a lifelong connection to the outdoors has shaped her artistic vision and creative process. She dives into how color theory, environmental observation, and emotional resonance come together in her paintings—and how her recent writing further expands the conversation around art, seeing, and the creative life. This episode offers an intimate look at an artist dedicated to exploring the natural world and translating it into powerful visual storytelling. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, painter, creative professional, or simply curious about the intersection of nature and artistic expression, this conversation will leave you inspired to see the world with new attention and appreciation. Tune in for an enriching, thoughtful exploration of color, creativity, and the practice of truly noticing.

    BIO
    The painter and author Kami Mendlik. Kami’s art portrays her lifelong passion for exploring nature, the study of color and her observations of light and movement. Kami was born in Jacksonville, North Carolina in 1973, the oldest of four children. Her mother Heidi Shervheim, was a homemaker who waited tables part time and became a talented quilter. And her father Robert Mendlik is an Army Veteran and former electrician who now spends his time in land conservation. A a small child the family moved to Minnesota adjacent to her grandparents 450 acre farm where Kami grew up surrounded by nature and agriculture. She says: “The respect that I have for nature and her awesomeness is beyond words. My desire to study and attempt to translate this, is why I paint.” Kami knew from an early age that she wanted to be a full time artist and her first mentor Mary Pettis guided her towards a career that would ultimately lead her to establishing the St Croix River School of Painting in Stillwater MN in 2008. Kami is internationally recognized as an artist and teacher winning numerous awards with gallery showings around the country. She is the author of “Color Relativity”, and creator of Planal Fruit. Kami lives with her husband Pete Hayes on 16 acre farm just North of Stillwater, where she converted a 100 year old hip roof barn into her studio. She has a son, Nick and daughter Paige.

    Kami’s links:
    Website: https://www.kamimendlik.com
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kamimendlik/

    Kami’s favorite female artists: Kathie Wheeler Julie Davis Kathy Anderson Chula Beauregard Anne Larson Ann Watcher Carole Gray-Weilman Jane Hunt Kim Casebeer Carol Peebles Camille Przewodek (d)

    Host: Chris Stafford
    Produced by Hollowell Studios
    Follow @theaartpodcast on Instagram
    AART on Facebook
    Email: theaartpodcast@gmail.com

    keywords:
    Kami Mendlik, painter, author, landscape artist, plein air painting, color theory, nature art, light and movement in art, creative process, contemporary artists, AART podcast, Chris Stafford, artist interview, art inspiration, art and nature, visual storytelling, artistic observation, fine art podcast.


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/women-unscripted--4769409/support.
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    58 分
  • Behind the Lens: Mia Cioffi Henry on Storytelling Through Cinematography
    2025/12/09
    Step behind the camera with Mia Cioffi Henry, a visionary cinematographer and filmmaker whose work explores the art of visual storytelling with depth, emotion, and purpose. In this episode, Mia shares her journey through the world of independent cinema, her creative process on set, and how she uses light, movement, and perspective to bring powerful stories to life. Discover insights on cinematography, directing, collaboration, visual language, and the future of filmmaking — straight from one of today’s most thoughtful visual artists. Whether you’re a filmmaker, creative professional, film student, or movie lover, this conversation will inspire you to see storytelling in a new light.

    👉 Keywords
    cinematography, filmmaker, Mia Cioffi Henry, visual storytelling, film industry, behind the scenes, creative process, directing, cinematographer interview, filmmaking tips, women in film, artistic vision, camera work, movie production.

    American cinematographer Mia Cioffi Henry whose most recent narrative feature film, Sorry Baby, won the 2025 Waldo Salt Award for Screenwriting and Documentary Feature Film, and Cover-up, also a documentary feature, which premiered at the 2025 Venice Film Festival. She is also known for lensing Endless Sleepover (2021), Superior (2021) and The Surrogate (2020). Mia was born in Washington, DC in 1986. She has an older brother and step-brother. Her mother Gay Cioffi is an early childhood educator and fine artist, and her father Mel Henry, a documentary cinematographer, and step-father, Mark Obenhaus, a documentary filmmaker. So Mia grew up in an artistic family, following her parents love of musical theater, while learning dance, a variety of musical instruments and acting. She attended Pitzer College, Clairemont, CA where she attained a BA double major in Production Design and Media Studies (film production. ) Mia subsequently graduated with an MFA in Cinematography at NYU Tisch as a Dean’s Fellow and Graduate Assistant. In 2025 she was named one of American Cinematographer Magazine's Rising Stars of Cinematography, while her work has won Jury Awards at Sundance, SXSW and Locarno film festivals. Mia is an Associate Arts Professor and Head of Cinematography at NYU Tisch's Graduate Film program. She balances her teaching career with filmmaking and being a wife and mother. Mia is a member and mentor of 600 Black Women, a group of Black female identifying members of the Local 600 Camera Guild. She divides her time between New York City and Pescara, Italy with her husband, musician Julian Fernandez, their nine-year old daughter, and her step-son.

    Mia’s links:
    https://www.miacioffihenry.com/
    https://www.instagram.com/miacioffihenry
    https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3994018/
    https://tisch.nyu.edu/about/directory/grad-film/885588223.html

    Some favorite female artists in visual arts:
    Carrie Mae Weems
    Alma Thomas
    Amy Sherald

    Host: Chris Stafford
    Produced by Hollowell Studios
    Follow @theaartpodcast on Instagram
    AART on Facebook
    Email: theaartpodcast@gmail.com

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/women-unscripted--4769409/support.
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    1 時間 8 分