Tom Ray's Art Podcast

In this episode of Tom Ray's Art Podcast, we delve into the meticulous world of Sophie Parr, an artist who has mastered the art of hand-drawn maps. Sophie's journey from urban planner to map illustrator is as fascinating as their detailed creations, capturing locations from a bird's-eye view with striking pen and ink techniques. Sophie reveals how a simple family vacation activity evolved into a full-fledged artistic pursuit, leading to establishing a unique niche in the art world. We discuss her transition from urban planning to freelance work and how their love for maps turned into a thriving business. Discover the behind-the-scenes of Sophie's process, from utilizing aerial views for accuracy to her decision-making on scale for optimal detail. Sophie also shares insights on the power of Instagram reels in building an engaged audience, with some of her videos reaching viral status. As Sophie continues to navigate the art scene, they talk about the challenges and rewards of running a gallery-turned-studio, their approach to art fairs, and future aspirations, including a large-scale Chicago map project. Sophie Parr's website https://www.mapsbysophie.com Sophie Parr on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mapsbysophie Tom Ray's Art Podcast Website: https://www.tomrayswebsite.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/support

In this episode of Tom Ray's Art Podcast, I meet Evie Woltil Richner, an artist and emerging author with a dream to create children's books. With roots in painting and drawing, Evie's journey has led to picture book illustration. Evie's transition from academia led to pursuing a passion for creating children's books. We talk about character design and the challenges of breaking into the competitive publishing industry. Evie shares experiences with online courses, the importance of community through critique groups, and the invaluable insights gained from writers' workshops. Discover the strategies Evie employs as they navigate a path towards securing a book deal, from researching agents to honing a manuscript. Evie Woltil Richner's Illustration on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evierichnerillustration Evie Woltil Richner's Website: https://www.eviewoltilrichner.com Tom Ray's Art Podcast Website: https://www.tomrayswebsite.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/support

In this episode of the Art Podcast, we dive into the quirky and slightly macabre world of Madison-based artist Sara Christenson, of Bunny Attack Illustration. Their pen and ink illustrations of "weird rabbits" blend the adorable with the eerie. Sara's bunnies aren't your typical fluffy creatures; they're fierce, sometimes spooky, and always captivating. Join us as we uncover the origins of Sara's unique style, starting from a serendipitous owl drawing inspired by the grain of wood on her patio. We'll explore the personal narratives and life experiences that feed into their art, like the "arrows" piece, which cleverly symbolizes past relationships with a touch of dark humor. Sara’s creative process is as spontaneous as the bunnies they draw, often beginning with a sudden burst of inspiration that evolves into intricately detailed works. Sara shares insights into meticulous stippling technique, the challenges of balancing art with a day job, and aspirations for future projects, including an adorable line of Halloween-themed bunny merchandise. Bunny Attack Illustration Website: https://www.bunnyattackworks.com Bunny Attack on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bunnyattackillustration Podcast website - https://www.tomrayswebsite.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/support

In this episode of Tom Ray's Art Podcast, I meet Maria Amalia, a Honduras-born, Madison-based artist with a penchant for community-focused art and a rich history that spans continents and mediums. From aspirations in architecture to graphic design, and finally, to the tactile world of paper making, Maria's artistic evolution is a captivating tale of resilience, adaptability, and profound personal growth. Dive into her story of navigating life's unexpected turns, the therapeutic power of art during times of family tragedy, and her venture into the world of fair trade and empowerment through craft. Maria's dedication to creating art with and for the community is as inspiring as her journey, with projects that invite participation and foster connections across cultures. Maria also shares her experience as an art educator, her passion for natural dyes linked to Latin American heritage, and the intricate balance she strikes between perfection and imperfection in her work. Discover her current exhibitions, including an embroidered portrait series celebrating Latina immigrants, and her plans for interactive art tables designed to encourage communal storytelling and understanding. Maria Amalia's Website: https://www.mariaamalia.com Tom Ray's Art Podcast Website: https://www.tomrayswebsite.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/support

In this episode of the Art Podcast, I meet Angel Manuel Lopez. Discover how a truck driver's son turned a childhood filled with comic books into a career-spanning movie poster designs for films, branding for comedians, and creating comic book variants that capture the imagination. Angel's journey from traditional artist to a 3D modeling maven is a tale of relentless learning and passion. Angel Manuel Lopez on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_sonofasaint Tom Ray's Art Podcast Website: https://www.tomrayswebsite.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/support

In this episode of the Art Podcast, I meet Jesse Mangerson, a Madison-based fine art painter and educator with a passion for realism. Jesse shares his artistic evolution from aspiring illustrator, interning at the New Yorker, to a dedicated painter who finds solace in the act of painting itself. He opens up about his journey from illustration to fine art, the meditative qualities of his work, and the transition from imaginative pieces to direct observational painting. Discover the balance between artistic exploration and fulfilling commissions, and how Jesse navigates the modern art world with a thoughtful approach to creation and education. Jesse Mangerson's Website: https://jessemangerson.wixsite.com/jessemangerson Jesse Mangerson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesse.mangerson Tom Ray's Art Podcast website - https://www.tomrayswebsite.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/support

In this episode of the art podcast, we delve into the multifaceted world of Sylvie Rosenthal, a woodworker, sculptor, designer, and educator based in Madison, Wisconsin. Sylvie discusses their journey from New Haven, Connecticut, through various cities, and how a residency led to setting roots in Madison for love and grad school. We explore the complexities of managing a studio, creating large-scale works, and the challenges of storing and shipping unique pieces. Sylvie Rosenthal's Website: https://www.sylvierosenthal.com Tom Ray's Art Podcast Website https://www.tomrayswebsite.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/support

GG of Green Goodies found purpose and community through art after starting their teaching career. When the pandemic hit, GG turned to TikTok, using live streams to combat loneliness. GG's videos led to a portrait project documenting unfiltered stories of life. Green Goodies website https://www.greengoodies.art Green Goodies on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/greengoodiesgives Green Goodies on TikTok https://tiktok.com/@green_goodies Tom Ray's Art Podcast Website https://www.tomrayswebsite.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/support

Photographer Kamal X shares his journey from posting photos on Instagram to publishing books documenting real-life moments. After losing his best friend to cancer, Kamal began traveling the world and using his camera as an outlet. His work evolved into a quest to find answers through investigative journalism compiling his experiences into the book Black Astronaut. He aimed to provide a visual perspective on America's story beyond news reports and facts. Kamal discusses the challenges of getting published before connecting with a UK publisher. His mission is to capture life's raw moments and share new visual narratives. Kamal X website https://www.iamkamalx.com Kamal X on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/iamkamalx Tom Ray's Art Podcast website - https://www.tomrayswebsite.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/support

This is an experimental bonus episode! Since it's the holidays I wanted to wait until they were over to post the next artist interview. So I thought I would try a little experiment. I take a lot of marketing courses. And to tell you the truth they all teach the same thing. But one that I took talked about how to build an audience when you are starting out with nothing and building your own product. I thought I would just share what I learned. Let me know what you think! Tom Ray's Website - https://www.tomrayswebsite.com Join my email list to get a call out for artists when I'm booking interviews! Sign up here --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/support

Visual artist Chelsea Ramirez discusses their delicate, layered drawings and installations using pigments and found objects. After discovering their passion at the New York Studio School, Chelsea has spent the last decade developing her signature style of "radical softness" to subtly resist social constructs. We explore Chelsea's large-scale piece "The White Room," her home studio practice, and upcoming projects expanding her ethereal aesthetic. Chelsea Ramirez on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chelsearamire.z Tom Ray's Art Podcast Website - https://www.tomrayswebsite.com Join my email list to get a call out for artists when I'm booking interviews! Join my email list --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/support

Pat Henzy has been creating art since he was young, covering his walls with drawings and finding inspiration in the artistic films of the 80s and 90s. While art remained a hobby for years, Pat eventually started posting illustrations on Instagram. By tagging breweries in these beer-inspired posts, Pat landed their first commission. From there, social media connections and engagement snowballed into designing beer labels, skateboard graphics, and prints. Hear the story of how Pat built this business and some tips for turning your passion into a profession. Pat Henzy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/phenzy Tom Ray's Podcast Website - https://www.tomrayswebsite.com Join my email list to get a call out for artists when I'm booking interviews! Sign up here --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/support

Surrealist pop artist Lindsay Kovnat Davis talks about their evolution from animation to painting and their first major gallery show. Featuring cats and invasive lantern flies, Lindsay brought their art to life with sculptural frames made of wood and foam. After a successful debut, Lindsay plans to do more shows, collaborate on animation, and even make a full-length animated film someday. Lindsay Kovnat Davis on Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lindzartsenses⁠ Tom Ray's Art Podcast ⁠https://www.tomrayswebsite.com Join my email list to get a call out for artists when I'm booking interviews! http://eepurl.com/g1uUSP --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/support

On this podcast episode, painter Pranav Sood stops by again to talk. Pranav was born in Punjab, India, and now lives in Brooklyn, NY. He works primarily with acrylic, gouache, and watercolors both on canvas and paper. Last time we spoke we talked about the inspiration and technique of their work. But this time around we talk about trying new things and how Pranav was inspired to create a whole new series of work based on just a slight change in what they do. Pranav Sood Website https://www.pranavsood.art/ Pranav Sood on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pranavsoodstudios/ Podcast website - https://www.tomrayswebsite.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/support

On this podcast episode, I meet Jordan Baraniecki. Jordan is an artist from Saskatoon, Canada. His ink collage paintings are a mesmerizing blend of intricate detail and three-dimensional aspects, inviting viewers to experience a unique relationship with scale through the use of color, texture, and form. We talk about how Jordan discovered the style and method for the work they create and how they almost gave up on art completely before finding their voice. Jordan Baraniecki Website https://www.jordanbaraniecki.com/ Jordan Baraniecki on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jordanbaraniecki/ Podcast website - https://www.tomrayswebsite.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/support

On this podcast episode, I meet Kate Rusek. Kate is a sculptor from New York currently working in Montana. Kate Rusek assembles highly tactile sculptures transmuting these themes into abundant maximalism. We talk about Kate's current project they are doing in Montana, other works they've created over the years, and how they create their unique pieces. Some of which are works made out of aluminum blinds. Kate Rusek Website https://katerusek.com/ Kate Rusek on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thekaterusek Tom Ray's Art Podcast website - https://www.tomrayswebsite.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/support

On this podcast episode, I meet Angela Cappetta. Angela is a photographer living in Manhattan. Angela's creative work has appeared on art blogs, in media as diverse as film, television, and thriving rights-managed collections like ImageSource. Angela's shooting philosophy offers a unique blend of poignant, candid, and sometimes humorous views of the human condition. Angela Cappetta Website https://angelacappetta.com Angela Cappetta on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/angelacappetta_ Tom Ray's Art Podcast Website https://www.tomrayswebsite.com Tom Ray's graphic novels "Then This Happened..." on Amazon - https://amzn.to/35SzQaJ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/support

On this podcast episode, I meet Amra Causevic. Amra is an artist living in New York. Amra creates their work in a very unique way, the work includes mixed found objects made into materials for the pieces and also uses different things they find that have a connection or a story to them. I talked with Amra about how this all started and the process for creating these works that have been displayed in galleries and other art shows. Links Amra Causevic on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ammmmraaaa Tom Ray's Art Podcast Website https://www.tomrayswebsite.com Tom Ray's graphic novels "Then This Happened..." on Amazon - https://amzn.to/35SzQaJ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/support

On this podcast episode, I meet Debbi Kenote. Debbi is a New York-based artist who creates paintings on their own unique canvases. We talk about how Debbi got started, how they discovered the style they make, and the different opportunities they have had since showing work publicly. Links Debbi Kenote website https://debbikenoteart.com Debbi Kenote on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/debbikenote Tom Ray's Art Podcast - https://www.tomrayswebsite.com Get my webcomic book "Then This Happened... Going outside again" now on Amazon as an ebook or paperback Join my email list to get a call out for artists when I'm booking interviews! Join my email list --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/support

On this podcast episode, I meet Estefania Velez Rodriguez. Estefania is an American artist born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico living in New York. Her work often uses abstracted landscapes as well as non-objective visual spaces that are somewhat open field and bright. Estefania experiments with raw pigments, spray materials, oil mediums, and acrylic polymers. Her painting language ruptures visual spaces to open the viewer's receptivity to fleeting spaces, times, and emotional presence. We talk about Estefania's work, getting the word out, and having their art used in different areas and mediums. Links Estefania Velez website https://estefaniavelezart.com Estefania Velez on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/estefaniavelezart Tom Ray's Art Podcast https://www.tomrayswebsite.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tomraysartpodcast/support