SUMMARY

Join me as I talk with Madeleine Thornton-Smith, a Melbourne-based artist, educator, and activist whose artwork seamlessly intertwines with her passion for social justice in the arts. Madeleine discusses the need to call out gender and class inequalities and respect artists' rights. We unravel the significance of grassroots movements in challenging the art industry's hierarchical norms and how these efforts can shape the valuation and recognition of artists' work. Madeleine's ceramics practice offers subtle critique of the art world's perception of value, and is a reflection of her advocacy for fair work and effective representation in the arts.

Listen in as we explore the often overlooked gender biases within the art industry, tracing the lineage from Renaissance fine arts to contemporary craft. Madeleine discusses the patriarchal structures that continue to overshadow the achievements of female artists, particularly in fields such as ceramics. She shares her insights into how women have historically contributed to shaping generations of artists.

In our heartfelt discussion, Madeleine and I delve into the pressing issue of artist labour advocacy and the importance of collective action over individual efforts. She shares her personal struggles with sham contracting and the empowerment that comes from joining forces with fellow artists to create a more equitable industry. The dialogue shifts to managing personal well-being amidst the demanding nature of creative work, emphasising the need for sustainable practices and the collective sharing of knowledge.

LINKS

Connect with Madeleine @madeleinethorntonsmith and https://www.madeleinethornton-smith.com/

Find out about: @realjobexhibition

Counihan Gallery

Workers Art Collective

MEAA

and NAVA

EPISODE CHAPTERS

(0:00:00) - Art, Activism, Hierarchies in the Arts

(0:10:19) - Exploring Gender Bias in Art Industry

(0:22:42) - Artist Labor Advocacy and Organizing

(0:33:35) - Navigating Burnout and Collective Advocacy

(0:47:19) - Progressive Approaches in Arts Work

EPISODE KEYWORDS

Activism, Labour, Artists, Justice, Grassroots Movements, Gender Bias, Patriarchal Structures, Ceramics, Trade Unionism, Crafts, Fine Arts, Undervaluing, Female Artists, Arts and Crafts Movement, Sham Contracting, Individualism, Burnout, Solidarity, Progressive Policies, Equity, Fair Distribution of Wealth, Workers' Rights, Collective Action, Advocacy.

This podcast was edited using Podcastle; these show notes were generated by Podium and reviewed and refined by Tim.

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SUMMARY

Join us as we explore the intricate world of photography through the lens of Warburton-based artist, Suzanne Phoenix. In our latest discussion, Suzanne shares her unexpected journey into the heart of music and photography, revealing how her passion for candid moments and her love for the queer community have shaped her distinctive approach. As we traverse her experiences, Suzanne offers an insightful look into the joy of revisiting annual events with fresh eyes, and the profound way in which photography serves as both a testament to life's moments and a medium of communication.

In this captivating conversation, Suzanne shares the significance of her long-standing International Women's Day project, which has been illuminating the lives of trans women and gender-diverse individuals for over a decade. Her dedication to capturing the Melbourne music scene and her prolific online presence through multiple Instagram accounts are a testament to her tireless work ethic. Listen in as Suzanne reflects on the delicate balance between passion-driven projects and the lure of financial stability, providing an authentic glimpse into the life of a photographer deeply embedded in community and personal expression.

The episode continues with a deep reflection on artistic identity, the metamorphosis from photographer to artist, and the ever-present challenges such as imposter syndrome. Suzanne's resilience shines through as she discusses the innovation sparked by lockdown constraints and the importance of relationship management within the industry. Our dialogue ventures into the unspoken rules of competitive professions, as Suzanne encourages individuality and the pursuit of personal excellence. Discover the richness of photography and the relationships it fosters, as we share stories, advice and inspiration for anyone looking to capture the essence of life through a camera's eye.

LINKS

Connect with Suzanne @photospunctuatemylife #photospunctuatemylife or visit her website: https://suzannephoenix.com/

EPISODE CHAPTERS

(0:00:00) - Photography as a Passion

(0:04:13) - Community Development and Photography Passion

(0:09:38) - Rediscovering Photography Through Life's Moments

(0:17:34) - Artistic Opportunities and Balancing Passion

(0:29:43) - Exploring Artistic Transition and Challenges

(0:39:18) - Lessons in Photography and Relationships

(0:48:12) - Navigating Unwritten Rules in Competitive Professions

EPISODE KEYWORDS

Photography, Music Scene, Queer Community, Identity, Humanity, Melbourne, International Women's Day, Portraits, Community Development, Passion, Artistic Opportunities, Balancing Passion, Artistic Transition, Challenges, Relationship Management, Unwritten Rules, Competitive Professions, Individuality, Personal Excellence.

This podcast was edited using Podcastle; these show notes were generated by Podium and reviewed and refined by Tim.

Try Podium today and get 3 free hours and 50% off your first month.

Try Podcastle for free here.

At ConnectCurateCreate, we only recommend products we use ourselves. By using our affiliate links, you are supporting us so that we can continue to make quality content and grow this important conversation.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SUMMARY

Join me in a captivating journey with Anna VanStralen, an artist who's art transcends its materialities. Listen in as Anna shares her experience of letting go of criticism and finding freedom in the flow of her practice, leading to unexpected breakthrough works. Her movement between painting and sculpture is not just a shift in medium, but a reflection of life's fluid demands. Anna's narrative of growth and the pursuit of a PhD unfolds, revealing how deep introspection and academic rigour can enrich an artist's conceptual understanding of their work.

This conversation also explores the transformative potential of visual storytelling and the different ways we interpret the world. We discuss visual learning and how early cognitive preferences can signal future pathways, with Anna recounting her own path from dioramas to art school. The episode touches on the delicate balance between embracing critique and staying true to one's artistic vision. Moreover, Anna draws attention to the interplay between art, truth and metaphor, reflecting on how art can challenge dominant narratives and inspire profound discussions about our impact on the environmental.

Prepare to be moved by Anna's reading of a beautiful piece of writing that weaves together the tale of a mother's fierce love for their child in the face of daunting challenges. Anna's reflections on the artist's life in Tasmania—its isolation, beauty, and mystery—paint a vivid picture of the creative spirit that thrives on this island. As you listen, you'll be invited to consider the enduring spirit of storytelling and how it bridges the worlds we inhabit and those we imagine.

LINKS

Connect with Anna @avs_paint

The reading Anna shared is Birdhouse by Annie Zhang, published in Island Magazine, issue 169.

EPISODE CHAPTERS

(0:00:00) - Artistic Practice and Flexibility

(0:05:14) - Artistic Exploration and Inspiration

(0:17:10) - Journey of Self-Discovery Through Creativity

(0:25:43) - Academic Journey and Self-Discovery

(0:32:49) - Exploring Art, Truth, and Metaphor

(0:36:40) - Magpies and the Window

(0:43:45) - Wings and Magpies

EPISODE KEYWORDS

Artistic Process, Creativity, Inspiration, Transformative Journey, Personal Growth, Motherhood, Higher Education, Artistic Metamorphosis, Environmental Coexistence, Cultural Significance, Sculpture, Critical Feedback, Visual Thinking, Dioramas, Academic Discovery, Original Thinking, PhD, Transcendentalism, Art, Truth, Metaphor, Transformation, Freedom, Love, Tasmania.

This podcast was edited using Podcastle; these show notes were generated by Podium and reviewed and refined by Tim.

Try Podium today and get 3 free hours and 50% off your first month.

Try Podcastle for free here.

At ConnectCurateCreate, we only recommend products we use ourselves. By using our affiliate links, you are supporting us so that we can continue to make quality content and grow this important conversation.

Disclaimers:

The author and the publisher of Birdhouse were emailed separately, 3 weeks prior to publication of this episode, to request permission to broadcast Anna's reading for educational purposes only.

The use of power tools for art making is mentioned. We do not endorse the use of power tools without training or supervision.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.