ENTRY #023: Jared Thomas Tapy

The Artidex is an artist centered multimedia archive and creative network documenting contemporary artists through signed Polaroid portraiture, photography, short form media, and conversation. Each participating artist becomes a numbered ENTRY within a growing physical archive that preserves not only their work, but the person, story, and moment behind it.

The Artidex Podcast extends that archive through long form conversations, giving artists space to share their lives, creative journeys, and perspectives in their own voices. Through The Artidex Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, this work expands beyond documentation into direct artist support through grants, sponsorships, creative opportunities, and community investment.

For ENTRY #023, The Artidex Founder and Podcast Host Gina Frey sits down with New York City based social documentary photographer and educator Jared Thomas Tapy. Working at the intersection of photography, observation, and human connection, Jared approaches the camera as more than a tool for documentation, but as a means of understanding the people and world around him. Recorded in Jared's living room in Brooklyn, this conversation explores his relationship with photography, the ways our individual perspectives shape the images we create, and what the act of photographing someone might reveal about the person behind the camera.

In a particularly interesting exchange, Jared examines photographs and outtakes from previous Artidex sessions, offering his own interpretations of what they reveal about the artists and the people photographing them. His analysis raises an intriguing question: how much of ourselves do we unintentionally reveal through the photographs we take?

The conversation also ventures into the unexplained, including Jared's experiences growing up in a haunted house and the complicated relationship between personal experience, perception, and belief.

Equal parts creative exploration, personal reflection, and unexpected detour into the supernatural, this episode offers an intimate introduction to Jared and his perspective on the human experience.

If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about creativity, independent artists, and the stories behind the work, subscribe and follow along as The Artidex documents, connects, and supports artists, one ENTRY at a time.

Follow The Artidex on Instagram: @theartidex

Featured Guest: @jaredtapy

Hosted by: Gina Frey

Production: Kait Fischer

Audio/Production: Noah

Post-Production/Editing: Nickolas Kreuger

Follow Jared Thomas Tapy on Instagram: @jaredtapy

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The Artidex is an artist centered multimedia archive and creative network documenting contemporary artists through signed Polaroid portraiture, photography, short form media, and conversation. Each participating artist becomes a numbered ENTRY within a growing physical archive that preserves not only their work, but the person, story, and moment behind it.

The Artidex Podcast extends that archive through long form conversations, giving artists space to share their lives, creative journeys, and perspectives in their own voices. Through The Artidex Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, this work expands beyond documentation into direct artist support through grants, sponsorships, creative opportunities, and community investment.

For ENTRY #020, The Artidex Foundation Director and Podcast Co Host Noah Boujikian sits down with Atlanta rapper Deshawn Richards. Known for his ability to select and transform electronic forward production, his distinctive musical tone, and gritty lo fi visual identity, Deshawn is quickly establishing a creative language entirely his own. His newest project, UNPRED1CT8BLE, released in June 2026 is a masterpiece EP available now on all platforms.

In this conversation, Noah and Deshawn discuss his experience growing up in Atlanta, discovering his voice as an artist, and developing his sound within one of the most influential and constantly evolving music cultures in the world. Deshawn reflects on the success of “Claim u Myne,” how he selects unique production, the role honesty plays in his writing, and the line between documenting his life and creating an artistic identity through music.

They also explore the visual world surrounding his work, the influences he draws from beyond music, and what he hopes to pursue as his audience continues to grow. Their conversation offers an intimate introduction to the person behind the music and captures Deshawn at a pivotal moment in his evolution as an artist.

If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about creativity, independent artists, and the stories behind the work, subscribe and follow along as The Artidex documents, connects, and supports artists, one ENTRY at a time.

Follow The Artidex on Instagram: @theartidex • @_thisisnoahb • @ginafrey
Follow Deshawn Richards on Instagram: @dsehawnrichards1818

Special thanks to the kind folks over at The Goat Farm in Atlanta for hosting us in their beautiful space for this episode.

Support the show

The Artidex is a multimedia archive dedicated to documenting artists and creative individuals through signed Polaroid portraiture, long form conversations, and short films. At its center is a growing physical binder archive, where every featured artist becomes a numbered ENTRY preserved like a rare collectible card. Inspired by the idea of collecting artists like rare Pokémon cards, each entry exists to preserve not only an artist’s work, but the humanity behind it, creating a tangible record of creative lives as they unfold over time.

What began as a photography project has evolved into an expanding creative network built around discovery, collaboration, and cultural preservation. Today, that mission continues through The Artidex Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting artists through grants, sponsorships, and other initiatives that help sustain creative work while preserving contemporary artistic culture for future generations.

For ENTRY 019, Artidex Director and musician Noah Boujikian sits down with singer, songwriter, and self proclaimed elder emo BARON to discuss the music, memories, and mindset that have shaped his creative life. Together, they reflect on growing up during the MySpace era, their shared love of Saosin, Circa Survive, and Anthony Green, and how the relationship between artists, audiences, and social media has evolved. BARON also discusses his approach to covering beloved songs, the making of his album “What If It All Works Out,” and the philosophy of optimism, acceptance, and self belief behind its title. From formative musical influences to the advice he would give his younger self, the conversation offers an intimate look at the artist behind the voice and what comes next for BARON.

Listen to BARON’s album “What If It All Works Out” on all streaming platforms.

Learn more about The Artidex and support The Artidex Foundation at:

www.theartidex.com

#BARON #TheArtidexPodcast #ArtistInterview #WhatIfItAllWorksOut

Support the show

The Artidex is an artist-centered multimedia archive and creative network documenting contemporary artists through signed Polaroid portraiture, photography, documentary film, and conversation. Each participating artist becomes a numbered ENTRY within a growing physical archive that preserves not only their work, but the person, story, and moment behind it.

The Artidex Podcast extends that archive through long-form conversations, giving artists space to share their lives, creative journeys, and perspectives in their own voices. Through The Artidex Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, this work expands beyond documentation into direct artist support through grants, sponsorships, creative opportunities, and community investment.

For ENTRY #018, Gina sits down with makeup artist Leah Carmichael, whose work has helped shape the beauty and music industries for more than two decades. A former Global Makeup Artist for Kat Von D Beauty, Leah has worked across international beauty events, music videos, touring, and artist grooming, with credits connected to Beyoncé, Deftones, AFI, and Ceremony.

Having first connected online before traveling and working together in 2016, Gina and Leah reflect on their shared history, Leah’s lifelong commitment to makeup artistry, and the experiences that shaped her unmistakable creative identity. Their conversation explores technical mastery, individuality, beauty culture, authenticity, and what it means to build an enduring career without compromising who you are.

If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about creativity, independent artists, and the stories behind the work, subscribe and follow along as The Artidex documents, connects, and supports artists, one ENTRY at a time.

Follow The Artidex on Instagram: @theartidex • @ginafrey
Follow Leah Carmichael on Instagram: @iamleah

Support the show

The Artidex is an artist centered multimedia archive and creative network documenting contemporary artists through signed Polaroid portraiture, photography, short form media, and conversation. Each participating artist becomes a numbered ENTRY within a growing physical archive that preserves not only their work, but the person, story, and moment behind it.

The Artidex Podcast extends that archive through long form conversations, giving artists space to share their lives, creative journeys, and perspectives in their own voices. Through The Artidex Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, this work expands beyond documentation into direct artist support through grants, sponsorships, creative opportunities, and community investment.

In this Reflections episode, Founder and Executive Director Gina Frey and Director and Podcast Co Host Noah Boujikian revisit the creation of ENTRIES #006 through #010. Gina shares how she met each artist, what first drew her to their work, and the qualities she recognized in them long before their careers reached their current stages.

The episode follows The Artidex from Charlotte to New York City and Los Angeles, documenting metalsmith and jeweler Jamie Lokkeberg, musician and tattoo artist Jay Quilisadio, guitarist Zaach Page, dollmaker Joshua David McKenney, and style icon, model, and author Hanna Beth.

As the conversation unfolds, Gina and Noah explore the difference between a career and an identity, the vulnerability required to create something you genuinely believe in, and the freedom that comes from no longer allowing the fear of appearing “cringe” to prevent authentic expression.

Gina also reflects on how working in emergency medicine changed her understanding of fear, ambition, and time. Witnessing people experience some of the best and worst moments of their lives has made one reality impossible to ignore: life is finite. There may never be a perfect time to build something meaningful. Sometimes, you simply have to begin.

Together, ENTRIES #006 through #010 reflect the continued expansion of The Artidex across creative disciplines, communities, and cities. Each portrait preserves an artist at a particular moment in time, honoring not only what they have created, but who they were while creating it.

Featured Artists:

ENTRY #006: Jamie Lokkeberg
Metalsmith and Jeweler
Charlotte, North Carolina
Instagram: @nanokittie

ENTRY #007: Jay Quilisadio, formerly known as Cold Hart
Musician and Tattoo Artist
Charlotte, North Carolina
Instagram: @victoriansummer

ENTRY #008: Zaach Page
Guitarist
New York City
Instagram: @zaachpage

ENTRY #009: Joshua David McKenney
Dollmaker
New York City
Instagram: @jdavidmckenney • @pidgindoll

ENTRY #010: Hanna Beth
Style Icon, Model, and Author
Los Angeles, California
Instagram: @barbiebeth

If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about creativity, independent artists, and the stories behind the work, subscribe and follow along as The Artidex documents, connects, and supports artists, one ENTRY at a time.

Follow The Artidex on Instagram: @theartidex • @ginafrey

Support the show

The Artidex is a multimedia archive dedicated to documenting artists and creative individuals through signed Polaroid portraiture, long-form conversations, and short films. At its center is a growing physical binder archive, where every featured artist becomes a numbered ENTRY preserved like a rare collectible card. Inspired by the idea of collecting artists like rare Pokémon cards, each entry exists to preserve not only an artist's work, but the humanity behind it, creating a tangible record of creative lives as they unfold over time.

What began as a photography project has evolved into an expanding creative network built around discovery, collaboration, and cultural preservation. Today, that mission continues through The Artidex Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting artists through grants, sponsorships, and other initiatives that help sustain creative work while preserving contemporary artistic culture for future generations.

For ENTRY 009, Gina sits down with artist, designer, and doll maker Joshua David McKenney, creator of Pidgin Doll and a longtime friend and collaborator. Together, they reflect on Joshua's artistic journey, the creation and evolution of Pidgin Doll, the formative years of their friendship, and the winding creative paths that have shaped their lives as artists. The conversation explores creativity, identity, artistic reinvention, and what it means to build a lasting body of work over time.

If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about creativity, independent artists, and the stories behind the work, subscribe and follow along as The Artidex continues collecting, preserving, and supporting artists, one ENTRY at a time.

Follow The Artidex
Instagram: @theartidex • @ginafrey

Follow Joshua David McKenney
Instagram: @joshuadavidmckenney
Pidgin Doll: @pidgindoll

Support the show

The Artidex is an artist centered multimedia archive and creative network documenting contemporary artists through signed Polaroid portraiture, photography, short form media, and conversation. Each participating artist becomes a numbered ENTRY within a growing physical archive that preserves not only their work, but the person, story, and moment behind it.

The Artidex Podcast extends that archive through long form conversations, giving artists space to share their lives, creative journeys, and perspectives in their own voices. Through The Artidex Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, this work expands beyond documentation into direct artist support through grants, sponsorships, creative opportunities, and community investment.

In the first "Reflections" episode, Founder and Executive Director Gina Frey revisits the origins of The Artidex and the creation of ENTRIES #001 through #005. Gina shares how she discovered each artist, what led her to reach out, and what she remembers most vividly from photographing the first five people to enter the archive.

The episode traces the earliest evolution of The Artidex across New York City and Greenville, South Carolina, beginning with painter, model, and author Rachel Lynch and continuing through entomologist Amber Strickland, tattoo artist and illustrator Mira Mariah, producer Noah Boujikian, and award winning photographer William Crooks.

The episode also features a deeper conversation with Noah Boujikian, ENTRY #004 and Director and Podcast Co Host of The Artidex Foundation. Noah reflects on his journey into music, the evolution of his sound, his creative philosophy, and the experiences that have shaped him as both an artist and collaborator.

Together, these first five ENTRIES capture the beginning of a project that started as Gina’s personal return to photography and quickly grew into a nonprofit foundation committed to preserving contemporary creative culture, connecting artists, and investing directly in their futures.

Featured Artists:

ENTRY #001: Rachel Lynch
Painter, Model, and Author
New York City
Instagram: @ihateblonde

ENTRY #002: Amber Strickland
Entomologist
New York City
Instagram: @amby.strickland • @weepling

ENTRY #003: Mira Mariah
Tattoo Artist and Illustrator
New York City
Instagram: @girlknewyork

ENTRY #004: Noah Boujikian
Producer
Greenville, South Carolina
Instagram: @_thisisnoahb

ENTRY #005: William Crooks
Award Winning Photographer
Greenville, South Carolina
Instagram: @willcrooksphoto

If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about creativity, independent artists, and the stories behind the work, subscribe and follow along as The Artidex documents, connects, and supports artists, one ENTRY at a time.

Follow The Artidex on Instagram: @theartidex • @ginafrey

Support the show

The Artidex is an artist centered multimedia archive and creative network documenting contemporary artists through signed Polaroid portraiture, photography, short form media, and conversation. Each participating artist becomes a numbered ENTRY within a growing physical archive that preserves not only their work, but the person, story, and moment behind it.

Inspired by the idea of collecting artists like rare trading cards, every portrait, signature, and conversation becomes a tangible record of contemporary creative culture. The archive celebrates artists as multidimensional people rather than products, metrics, algorithms, or content, preserving the humanity behind the work and the specific moment in which it was created.

The Artidex Podcast extends that archive through long form conversations, giving artists space to share their lives, creative journeys, and perspectives in their own voices. Through The Artidex Foundation, which evolved later, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, this work expands beyond documentation into direct artist support through grants, sponsorships, creative opportunities, and community investment.

Episode #000, “Introductions,” serves as an introduction to the project and the larger vision behind it. Founder and Executive Director Gina Frey and Director and Podcast Co Host Noah Boujikian, ENTRY #004, discuss the origins of The Artidex, the philosophies that inspired its creation, and how a simple binder of signed Polaroids began evolving into an archive and growing creative network.

Gina and Noah explore the importance of preserving artists as people, building genuine relationships across creative disciplines, and creating systems that return visibility, opportunity, and resources directly to artists. They also reflect on Gina’s return to photography after leaving art school to pursue medicine and how her experiences as an emergency physician shaped her understanding of humanity, storytelling, and the urgency of creating meaningful work.

What began as a personal photography project has become an act of resistance against the growing corporatization of art making and a commitment to bringing creativity back to authenticity, human connection, and a celebration of the people behind the work.

If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about creativity, independent artists, and the stories behind the work, subscribe and follow along as The Artidex documents, connects, and supports artists, one ENTRY at a time.

Follow The Artidex on Instagram: @theartidex • @ginafrey
Follow Noah Boujikian on Instagram: @_thisisnoahb

Support the show