Advertise on podcast: ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists

Welcome back to ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists On this week’s episode I’m joined by New York artist Fran Shalom. Fran has exhibited widely throughout the United States, including a solo show at the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard, and the Hunterdon Museum in New Jersey. She has been the recipient of a Pollock Krasner Artist Grant, a MacDowell Colony Fellowship, and an Art Omi Residency. Her work is included in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Brooklyn Museum, the Rose Art Museum, and the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris.  Fran and I recorded this episode after hours at her solo exhibition at the Kathryn Markel Gallery in Chelsea, surrounded by her recent paintings.  In this conversation Fran discusses beginner's mind and call-and-response painting, how she builds trust in improvisation despite recurring doubts, and the many paintings buried beneath each finished surface. She tells me about getting rid of precious moments, loving the fiddly finishing bits, navigating flatness and why not everything in a painting needs to function, Finally we discuss Fran’s early-career transition from photography to self-taught painting, balancing her three practices (art, family, Zen), and why generosity matters more than networking. Support this podcast by clicking HERE and becoming a Patreon Supporter! If you're enjoying the podcast so far, please rate, review, subscribe and SHARE ON INSTAGRAM!  If you have an any questions you want answered, write in to [email protected] host: Isaac Mann www.isaacmann.com insta: @isaac.mann   guest: Fran Shalom   www.franshalom.com insta: @fshalom64 Thank you as always to ARRN, the Detroit-based artist and instrumentalist, for the music.

Welcome back to ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists. My guest today is Sarah D’Ambrosio. Sarah is a Brooklyn-based artist who earned her BFA from Brooklyn College and her MFA at University of New Hampshire. She also studied at the Mount Gretna School of Art in Pennsylvania. Most recently Sarah has exhibited at the New York Studio School Projects at DUMBO and NADA Miami and her first solo exhibition was at MARCH Gallery in 2025. Swimmingly convenient as it turned out, Sarah is my neighbor. So after convincing her to join me for this episode, I packed up my microphones and took a brisk 10 minute walk to her live work space in Greenpoint. It’s nice to be back in New York! This conversation was a blast. Sarah discusses her love of Yellow Medium, and how color historically comes later in her work - Sarah is a drawer first. She talks about scale, observational painting, painting as a physical act, sincerity, why formula’s are boring, drawing from Titian, the search for quality and the importance of criticism. We also discuss why painting needs life not just more painting, color value and the “harmony of mud,” analysis paralysis, failing on higher and higher levels, when a painting stops buzzing, also Lucian Freud and Donald Duck. And that’s just to get started. Enjoy my conversation with Sarah D’Ambrosio Support this podcast by clicking HERE and becoming a Patreon Supporter! If you're enjoying the podcast so far, please rate, review, subscribe and SHARE ON INSTAGRAM!  If you have an any questions you want answered, write in to [email protected] host: Isaac Mann www.isaacmann.com insta: @isaac.mann   guest: Sarah D’Ambrosio  www.sarahdambrosio.com insta: @sarah_dambrosio_ Thank you as always to ARRN, the Detroit-based artist and instrumentalist, for the music.

Brooklyn-based artist Jeff Wallace joins host Isaac Mann to discuss his unique paper pulping technique, creative process, and journey into art-making after 25 years in another industry. Wallace had a solo exhibition at Jane Lombard Gallery in May 2026 and has shown with other New York City venues including Cristin Tierney Gallery and Rick Wester Fine Art. He has participated in residencies at the American Academy in Rome, VCCA, Vermont Studio Center, and Yaddo, and curates Main Window, a Brooklyn art presentation space. In this episode, Isaac and Jeff explore: Jeff's paper pulping technique and use of found objects as source materialThe balance between control and spontaneity in the creative processUnlearning techniques in search of a more childlike approachHis daily drawing practice and strategies for overcoming creative blocksThe concept of "literary archeology" in his workStarting new projects and navigating an average day in the studioMaking the leap into professional art-making later in lifeRecorded in Jeff's Red Hook studio. Support the Show: ARTMATTERS is listener-supported. Leave a five-star review to help keep the conversation going, or become a Patreon supporter at https://www.patreon.com/c/artmatterspodcast Merch: ARTMATTERS tote bags and coffee mugs available at isaacmann.com/merch Connect: Host: Isaac Mann | www.isaacmann.com | @isaac.mannGuest: Jeff Wallace | www.jeffwallacenyc.com | @jeffwallace_nycQuestions? Email: [email protected] by ARRN, Detroit-based artist and instrumentalist. Rate, review, subscribe, and share on Instagram!

Welcome back to ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists. My guest returning today is Jameson Green. Jameson is a New York-based painter whose work is in collections at the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Pérez Art Museum Miami. He's exhibited with Derek Eller Gallery and Almine Rech in New York, Paris, London, and Brussels. On last week's episode, Jameson and I discussed the three elements of great painting, drawing, sampling from art books and other paintings, rhythm, abstraction, narrative, and a lot of other fascinating topics, so you'll definitely want to check that one out first. On today's show, we get right back into it. I asked Jameson about his figure-ground relationships and the horizon line, and he told me about theater, German Expressionism, and flattening space. Jameson talks about color choices, different kinds of lines, studio flow, painting big and drawing with your body, his studio routine, and how he's built a practice around avoiding the worst of himself. He also discusses "healthy vs. brutal Jameson," how an organized practice is good for relationships, and how to keep the darkness of your studio from creeping out into the rest of your life. SUPPORT THE SHOW ARTMATTERS is listener-supported. If you want more conversations like this, take 30 seconds right now to leave a five-star review—it's the single most effective way to keep the show going. You can also support this podcast by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/c/artmatterspodcast If you're enjoying the podcast, please rate, review, subscribe, and share on Instagram! Questions? Email: [email protected] LINKS Host: Isaac Mann www.isaacmann.com | @isaac.mann Guest: Jameson Green www.derekeller.com | @r.jameson Music: ARRN (Detroit-based artist and instrumentalist)

Welcome back to ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists. My guest today is Jameson Green. Jameson is an artist living and working in Hudson, NY. He holds an MFA from Hunter College. Green has exhibited extensively with Derek Eller Gallery and Almine Rech, including solo exhibitions in New York, Paris, London, Brussels, and Santa Monica. His work has been featured in group exhibitions at the Dallas Museum of Art, Museo Picasso Málaga, and ICA Miami. You can also find Green's work in the public collections of the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, the High Museum of Art, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Pérez Art Museum in Miami. A couple weeks ago, Jameson braved a wild rainstorm to visit my Greenpoint studio—a rare reversal for this show. What followed was one of the most fluid and wide-ranging conversations I've had on ARTMATTERS, so I've split it into two episodes. On today's show Jameson and I discuss the three elements of great painting, draftsmen vs. pure painters, drawing, sampling from art books and other paintings, rhythm, abstraction, narrative, and why great paintings are littered with hypocrisy. We also discuss Frances Bacon, John Singer Sargent, Guston, Picasso, Matisse, and Jenna Gribbon. Enjoy this conversation with Jameson Green. Special shoutout to my fluffy silent producer who finally made a sound mid-episode. Extra points if you hear her over the rain:) ARTMATTERS is listener-supported. If you want more conversations like this, take 30 seconds right now to leave a five-star review. It's the single most effective way to keep the show going. Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/artmatterspodcast Host: Isaac Mann www.isaacmann.com Instagram: @isaac.mann Guest: Jameson Green www.derekeller.com Instagram: @r.jameson Music by ARRN, Detroit-based artist and instrumentalist.

Welcome back to ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists. My guest today, Clova Rae-Smith, is a British jewellery designer based in New York City. Clova graduated from Central Saint Martins and was recognized as one of DAZED’s “UAL Graduates to Watch.” She specializes in grillz that blend fine art, fashion, and identity, and has quickly become one of the most sought-after jewelers in the industry. Clova’s work has been featured in VOGUE and ROLLING STONE, and her clients include Beyoncé (who gifted Clova’s grillz to her Renaissance Tour performers), Jorja Smith, and Bladee, along with collaborations with Pinterest and Fenty x Puma. On today’s episode, I speak with Clova about social media addiction, burnout and breakdowns, and setting boundaries. We discuss the viral giveaway that helped launch her business during COVID, her experience with mentorships and her time at Central Saint Martins, and her move to New York City. Clova also shares some great advice and talks about exploring her new interests in drawing and pottery. You can now support this podcast by clicking HERE and becoming a Patreon Supporter! If you’re enjoying the podcast, please rate, review, subscribe, and share on Instagram! If you have any questions you’d like answered, write in to [email protected]. host: Isaac Mann www.isaacmann.com insta: @isaac.mann guest: Clova Rae-Smith www.clovaraesmith.com insta: @clovajewellery Thank you as always to ARRN, the Detroit-based artist and instrumentalist, for the music.

Welcome back to ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists. My guest today is Robert Schefman. He is a Detroit-based artist with a BFA from Michigan State University and an MFA from the University of Iowa.  His work is in collections at the Detroit Institute of Arts and The Broad, along with other major institutions, and has been exhibited at the Smithsonian and other venues across the country. He's a recipient of Pollack-Krasner and Kresge Foundation grants and is Professor Emeritus at the College for Creative Studies and is currently represented by David Klein Gallery. In today’s conversation we talk about what happens when you're three-quarters done with a painting and want to quit. Why finishing isn't the same as just resolving it. How sketching out ideas first saves you weeks of work. Why your style comes from doing the work, not from deciding what style you want. Robert talks about why he switched from sculpture to painting. And we get into the trap of teaching or other work feeling like real progress while your actual art sits on the back burner. You can now support this podcast by clicking HERE and becoming a Patreon Supporter! If you're enjoying the podcast so far, please rate, review, subscribe and SHARE ON INSTAGRAM!     If you have an any questions you want answered, write in to [email protected] host: Isaac Mann www.isaacmann.com insta: @isaac.mann guest: Robert Schefman www.robertschefman.com insta: @robertschefman Thank you as always to ARRN, the Detroit-based artist and instrumentalist, for the music.

Kyle Staver is a figurative painter who draws on mythological and folkloric traditions, reworking familiar stories with her distinctive use of color and shadow. Staver earned her BFA from Minneapolis College of Art and Design and her MFA from Yale University. She has received the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship, the American Academy of Arts and Letters Purchase Prize, and the Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation Award. She has had solo exhibitions at Nino Mier Gallery, Half Gallery, Zürcher Gallery, and Steven Harvey Fine Art Projects, among others, with work in collections including the National Academy of Design, The American Academy of Arts and Letters, and The McEvoy Foundation. This is Part 2 of my conversation with Kyle. Listen to Part 1 first! On today's episode, Kyle discusses the evolution of her color palette over time and her innovative new practice working in clay relief. We spend time deconstructing her 2023 painting Sleeping Beauty, then dive into the details—Kyle shares her go-to painting mediums and the colors she can't live without. Finally, she talks about a few of her favorite artists and offers some practical advice for younger artists. Support the show: Join us on Patreon for behind-the-scenes content and updates about upcoming guests. If you're enjoying the podcast, please rate, review, subscribe and share on Instagram! Questions? Email: [email protected] Host: Isaac Mann www.isaacmann.com | @isaac.mann Guest: Kyle Staver www.kylestaver.com | @kylestaver Music by ARRN

Welcome back to ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists. My guest today is Kyle Staver. A figurative painter who draws on mythological and folkloric traditions, reworking familiar stories with her distinctive use of color and shadow. Staver earned her BFA from Minneapolis College of Art and Design and her MFA from Yale University. She is a recipient of the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship and the American Academy of Arts and Letters Purchase Prize, and was previously awarded the Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation Award. She has had solo exhibitions at Nino Mier Gallery, Half Gallery, Zürcher Gallery, Steven Harvey Fine Art Projects, among others, with work in collections including the National Academy of Design, The American Academy of Arts and Letters, and The McEvoy Foundation. On today’s episode I sit down with Kyle Staver in her studio to talk about some of the personal rituals that drive her work. We explore her early morning practice of redrawing yesterday's painting, the surprising pandemic experiment that led her husband Tom, to start her new canvases for her, and her philosophy around artistic collaboration and ego. Kyle shares how she approaches figurative painting without falling into creative ruts, her thoughts on contemporary relevance versus personal engagement, and her strict compositional rules about canvas edges. We talk scale, color and light, American goddesses and the circus. This episode is jam-packed with helpful information and charm. And it’s a two-parter! Enjoy my conversation with Kyle Staver. You can now support this podcast by clicking HERE and becoming a Patreon Supporter! If you're enjoying the podcast so far, please rate, review, subscribe and SHARE ON INSTAGRAM!   If you have an any questions you want answered, write in to [email protected]   host: Isaac Mann www.isaacmann.com insta: @isaac.mann guest: Kyle Staver www.kylestaver.com insta: @kylestaver Thank you as always to ARRN, the Detroit-based artist and instrumentalist, for the music.

Welcome back to ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists. Today I'm speaking with Erik Sommer, a New York-based painter who is also the founder of Mott Projects, a contemporary art project space. Sommer's work explores chance, beauty, and the attempt to control time through unconventional mark-making techniques. His practice incorporates industrial materials like concrete and drywall, reflecting his interest in urban decay and found textures. After 15 years in an East Harlem studio, Erik relocated to the Catskills where he founded Mott Projects, which has collaborated with David Zwirner's PLATFORM and galleries in Los Angeles and Germany.  In today's episode we discuss Erik’s transition from history major to self-taught painter, his philosophy of removing the artist's hand from the work, and how he balances studio practice with running a gallery all while working a full-time job. Erik and I also discuss artist-run project spaces vs. traditional galleries and his approach to supporting experimental artist projects and unconventional ideas. Before we get into it, I'd like to help get the word out and say that if you're in New York City next week, Mott Projects is presenting a very special group show on Tuesday, September 9th, titled "San Diego, Los Angeles, New York, Sincerely." The exhibition is happening on the Lower East Side, and will feature 19 fascinating artists. You can now support this podcast by clicking HERE where you can donate using PATREON or PayPal! If you're enjoying the podcast so far, please rate, review, subscribe and SHARE ON INSTAGRAM!   If you have an any questions you want answered, write in to [email protected] Upcoming Exhibition Details:  [SD, LA, NY, Sincerely] September 9 5-9pm C/O MI CASA STUDIOS  70 Hester Street NY, NY 10002 Episode Details: host: Isaac Mann www.isaacmann.com insta: @isaac.mann guest: Erik Sommer www.eriksommer.art insta: @erik__sommer www.mottprojects.com insta: @mott_projects

Welcome back to ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists. On this week’s episode Michael Stamm is back to continue with our conversation about his artistic practice and career insights. Michael Stamm is a Brooklyn-based painter with an MFA from NYU and an MA in English Literature from Columbia University. He also attended Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in 2016. Stamm has had solo and two-person exhibitions at Deli Gallery, DC Moore and Thierry Goldberg in New York, and Shul-amit Nazarian in Los Angeles. He is a NYFA Artist Fellowship recipient and has been featured in the New Yorker, Artforum, W Magazine, and Art in America. His work is in the permanent collection of the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami. In today's conversation, Michael discusses his ongoing evolution from a controlled approach toward a more present, gestural practice while also sharing his current struggles with large-scale bodybuilder paintings that demand new technical skills in oil paint and expressive mark-making. This discussion with Michael moves from more practical studio tips and daily routines to deeper questions about artistic growth, the balance between spontaneity and planning, and how historical art continues to offer fresh ways of seeing. Michael concludes with hard-won career advice emphasizing professional positivity, strategic flexibility and giving up non-essential elements of your practice. You can now support this podcast by clicking HERE where you can donate using PATREON or PayPal! If you're enjoying the podcast so far, please rate, review, subscribe and SHARE ON INSTAGRAM!   If you have an any questions you want answered, write in to [email protected] host: Isaac Mann www.isaacmann.com  insta: @isaac.mann   guest: Michael Stamm www.michaelstamm.com insta: @michaelstammmmm Thank you as always to ARRN, the Detroit-based artist and instrumentalist, for the music.

Welcome back to ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists! My guest today is the Brooklyn-based painter Michael Stamm. Stamm explores themes of strength and weakness, vice and virtue, and self-actualization versus obliteration in his work. Stamm received an MFA from New York University and MA in English Literature from Columbia University, and attended Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in 2016. Stamm has had solo and two-person exhibitions at Deli Gallery (NYC), DC Moore (NYC) and Thierry Goldberg Gallery (NYC) and Shulamit Nazarian in Los Angeles; He is a NYFA Artist Fellowship recipient and has been featured in the New Yorker, Artforum, W Magazine, and Art in America. His work is in the permanent collection of the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami. In this first part of our conversation we explore Stamm’s multimedia process using stone and texture, his reliance on digital tools, the psychological function of his painted frames, his current technical explorations in glazing and figure drawing, why he can't replicate past successes, and his philosophy on time-intensive painting processes. Enjoy this conversation with Michael Stamm.  You can now support this podcast by clicking HERE where you can donate using PATREON or PayPal! If you're enjoying the podcast so far, please rate, review, subscribe and SHARE ON INSTAGRAM!   If you have an any questions you want answered, write in to [email protected] host: Isaac Mann www.isaacmann.com insta: @isaac.mann guest: Michael Stamm www.michaelstamm.com insta: @michaelstammmmm Thank you as always to ARRN, the Detroit-based artist and instrumentalist, for the music.

Welcome back to ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists. My guest today is Dennis Kardon.  Dennis is a Brooklyn-based painter known for his influential work 49 Jewish Noses and his most recent solo shows at Lubov Gallery and Massimo De Carlo. He has exhibited widely in the US and abroad, received major career grants including a Guggenheim Fellowship, and written for top art publications such as Artforum, Artnet and Hyperallergic to name a few.  I sat down with Dennis at his studio in the Brooklyn Navy Yards during a massive rain storm a couple months ago and we had a great conversation. Dennis talked about his studio routine, his approach to painting and decision-making. He discussed consistency, abstraction, learning from other artists and his writing practice. Then we talk favorite mediums, brushes and studio tools before Dennis shares some great advice for young artists. I really enjoyed meeting Dennis, I think his paintings are great, his writing is great and I think this episode is great too. So kick back, relax and enjoy my conversation with Dennis Kardon in the rain. You can now support this podcast by clicking HERE where you can donate using PATREON or PayPal! If you're enjoying the podcast so far, please rate, review, subscribe and SHARE ON INSTAGRAM!   If you have an any questions you want answered, write in to [email protected] host: Isaac Mann www.isaacmann.com insta: @isaac.mann guest: Dennis Kardon www.denniskardon.com insta: @denniskardon Thank you as always to ARRN, the Detroit-based artist and instrumentalist, for the music.

Welcome back to ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists. This week on ARTMATTERS, we get back to our conversation with Brooklyn-based artists Krista Louise Smith and Elliot Purse. Like last time, this conversation explores their differing personalities, creative processes and the dynamics at play in the lives of a working artist couple.  Today we discuss balancing introversion and extroversion, setting boundaries, maintaining focus, the emotional role of color, the importance of decisiveness and the imperative of mutual support.   Krista Louise Smith has exhibited her work internationally in New York, Rome, Bucharest, and Seoul, with shows at CARVALHO PARK, Nicodim Gallery, and Half Gallery. Holding a BFA from OCAD University and an MFA from the New York Academy of Art, she has been awarded a New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) grant, the Ruth Katzman Prize, and is a three-time recipient of the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation for the Arts Grant. In August 2023, her practice was highlighted in Artnet News' “Up Next” by arts writer Katie White. Elliot Purse’s art explores masculinity, cultural symbolism, and the body through charcoal and paint. Influenced by sports and pro-wrestling, he reinterprets male power, blending classical techniques with modern critique. With an MFA from The New York Academy of Art and a BFA from the University of Illinois, his work has appeared at the Norton Museum, the Flag Art Foundation, and the Spring Break Art Show. Enjoy my conversation with Elliot Purse and Krista Louise Smith! You can now support this podcast by clicking HERE where you can donate using PATREON or PayPal! If you're enjoying the podcast so far, please rate, review, subscribe and SHARE ON INSTAGRAM! If you have an any questions you want answered, write in to [email protected] host: Isaac Mann www.isaacmann.com insta: @isaac.mann guest 1: Krista Louise Smith www.kristalouisesmith.com insta: @kristalouisesmith guest 2: Elliot Purse www.elliotpurse.com insta: @elliotpurse Thank you as always to ARRN, the Detroit-based artist and instrumentalist, for the music. 

Welcome back to ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists. This week on ARTMATTERS, I'm sending some belated Valentine’s love to all my listeners! In the spirit of the season, I spent my February 14th hanging out at the shared studio of artists Elliot Purse and Krista Louise Smith. It was the perfect way to mark the holiday, exploring the unique dynamics of working side by side with your spouse in the studio. In this week’s conversation, we discuss studio schedules, collaboration, writing applications; dealing with creative blocks, impatience, studio meltdowns; personal boundaries, critique and feedback; and balancing art and personal life. I had a great time speaking with Elliot and Krista, And don’t worry—I wrapped up the conversation before I could ruin their dinner plans. Elliot Purse’s art explores masculinity, cultural symbolism, and the body through charcoal and paint. Influenced by sports and pro-wrestling, he reinterprets male power, blending classical techniques with modern critique. With an MFA from The New York Academy of Art and a BFA from the University of Illinois, his work has appeared at the Norton Museum, the Flag Art Foundation, and the Spring Break Art Show. Krista Louise Smith has exhibited her work internationally in New York, Rome, Bucharest, and Seoul, with shows at CARVALHO PARK, Nicodim Gallery, and Half Gallery. Holding a BFA from OCAD University and an MFA from the New York Academy of Art, she has been awarded a New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) grant, the Ruth Katzman Prize, and is a three-time recipient of the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation for the Arts Grant. In August 2023, her practice was highlighted in Artnet News' “Up Next” by arts writer Katie White. Enjoy my conversation with Krista Louise Smith and Elliot Purse! You can now support this podcast by clicking HERE where you can donate using PATREON or PayPal! If you're enjoying the podcast so far, please rate, review, subscribe and SHARE ON INSTAGRAM! If you have an any questions you want answered, write in to [email protected] host: Isaac Mann www.isaacmann.com insta: @isaac.mann guest 1: Krista Louise Smith www.kristalouisesmith.com insta: @kristalouisesmith guest 2: Elliot Purse www.elliotpurse.com insta: @elliotpurse Thank you as always to ARRN, the Detroit-based artist and instrumentalist, for the music.