My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Illustrator Nikkolas Smith on Being an ARTivist and Going Viral Oct 27, 2021

Show notes

Illustrator, author, and ARTivist Nikkolas Smith creates thoughtful images that spark much-needed conversations around issues of social justice. From Michelle Obama to Janet Jackson, his work has been recognized by some of the most well-known names on the planet. You may have seen his heartfelt portrait of George Floyd in the media after Floyd's murder by police in mid-2020, or his illustration of Martin Luther King Jr. in a hoodie to express solidarity shortly after the killing of Trayvon Martin.

This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast, we dive into Nikkolas Smith's creative process and how through his ARTivism, he hopes to make a difference and advocate for the voiceless. The impact theme of season two is strong in this episode as Nikkolas discusses using his art to make the future a brighter place for his son.

This episode is brought to you by Walter Foster Publishing. Enter their Win a Book Deal contest for the chance to work with this premiere art and craft publisher.

Follow Nikkolas Smith's work on his website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Order your copy of 1619 Project: Born on the Water

Did you know that we're on YouTube? Watch your favorite episode now!

We want to hear from you! Leave us a listener voicemail and subscribe to our newsletter so you can submit questions for upcoming interviews. You'll find everything on podcast.mymodernmet.com.

Want to support the artists we feature and the podcast? Check out books by our guests on the Top Artist Bookstore.

My Modern Met Store is offering a special discount for Top Artist listeners. Get a 10% discount on our entire curated selection of creative products when you enter the code TOPARTIST10 at checkout.

Read more about Nikkolas Smith's work and the projects we discuss:

Heartfelt Tributes to Chadwick Boseman Show What 'Black Panther' Means to Black Kids

Artists Are Paying Tribute to the Death of George Floyd Through Moving Illustrations

Illustrator Uses Art to Give a Voice to the Black Lives Matter Movement [Interview]

Architect Dorte Mandrup on Irreplaceable Places and Designing With Landscape Oct 13, 2021

Show notes

Architect Dorte Mandrup designs stunning structures that integrate seamlessly into their environment. Her self-described "irreplaceable places" are exactly that: entirely unique designs that have found their way into some of the most breath-taking places in nature. This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast, we interview Dorte Mandrup about those irreplaceable places, from concept development to final designs. Dorte discusses her role as a leader in the design field, where she's actively pursuing more gender equality in the male-dominated architecture industry, and goes on to answer your listener questions, sharing where she noticed room for improvement with younger architects. Dorte's story demonstrates how one can succeed against overwhelming bias, and, ultimately, help create some of the most innovative and thought-provoking architecture on the planet. Follow Dorte's work on her website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Did you know that we're on YouTube? Watch your favorite episode now!

We want to hear from you! Leave us a listener voicemail and subscribe to our newsletter so you can submit questions for upcoming interviews. You'll find everything on podcast.mymodernmet.com.

Want to support the artists we feature and the podcast? Check out books by our guests on the Top Artist Bookstore.

My Modern Met Store is offering a special discount for Top Artist listeners. Get a 10% discount on our entire curated selection of creative products when you enter the code TOPARTIST10 at checkout.

Read more about Dorte's work and the projects we discuss:

Whale-Shaped Marine Observatory Will Offer Visitors a Fascinating Look Under the Sea

Rocky "Whale" Emerges in the Arctic Circle Blending Architecture and Environment

Architects Reveal New Images of "The Whale" Museum in Arctic Circle

Artist Gabriel Dawe on His Thread Installations and Finding Missing Puzzle Pieces Sep 29, 2021

Show notes

Artist Gabriel Dawe creates wondrous work using thread. His incredible site-specific Plexus installations—some in art galleries and others in places like airports—feature a rainbow array of thread spanning architectural elements. This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast we interview Gabriel about his installation art, from its conceptual development to the logistical obstacles. We'll also delve into the personal side of making art and Gabriel's personal quest for self-improvement. For anyone who finds themself struggling to find their voice, Gabriel's story demonstrates that while he doesn't have it all figured out (who does?), he has thoughtfully approached his work in a way that is authentic and continually inspires him—and by extension, others.

Follow Gabriel's work on his website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Did you know that we're on YouTube? Watch your favorite episode now!

We want to hear from you! Leave us a listener voicemail and subscribe to our newsletter so you can submit questions for upcoming interviews. You'll find everything on podcast.mymodernmet.com.

Want to support the artists we feature and the podcast? Check out books by our guests on the Top Artist Bookstore.

My Modern Met Store is offering a special discount for Top Artist listeners. Get a 10% discount on our entire curated selection of creative products when you enter the code TOPARTIST10 at checkout.

Read more about Gabriel's work and the projects we discuss:

8 Contemporary Artists Taking String Art to the Next Level

First Look: Gabriel Dawe's Stunning New Thread Art in Italy

Gabriel Dawe's Newest Colorful "Plexus" Thread Installation

Artist Stretches Delicate Strands of Thread to Produce Awe-Inspiring Rainbows Indoors

Conservation Photographer Cristina Mittermeier on Her Life-Saving Work to Protect the Ocean Sep 15, 2021

Show notes

Conservation photographer Cristina Mittermeier has dedicated her career to capturing the incredible life in our ocean. In addition to capturing beautiful images, she uses her work to make a real impact. In this episode of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast, we chat with Cristina about her photography and how every piece of art she creates is tied to a "call to action" focused on protecting our environment.

Did you know that we're now on YouTube? Watch Cristina's interview and see images that we discuss during the episode.

Follow Cristina's work on her website, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

See more about what she's doing and how you can contribute by following Sea Legacy and Only One.

Looking for the perfect gift? Head over to the My Modern Met Store, where we have a carefully curated selection of items by our favorite makers. Top Artist Listeners get a special 10% discount when you enter the code TOPARTIST10 at checkout.

Read more about Cristina's work and the projects we discuss:

Renowned Wildlife Photographer Wants Your Help Preserving the Marine Life of the Galápagos [Interview]

Interview: Scientist Turns Hobby into Career as Award-Winning National Geographic Photographer

Amazing Finalists of Ocean Photography Awards Pay Homage to the Stunning Seas

National Geographic Celebrates 100 Million Instagram Followers with Photo Contest

Want to support the creatives we feature and the podcast? Check out books by our guests on the Top Artist Bookstore.

And remember, we want to hear from you! Leave us a listener voicemail and subscribe to our newsletter so you can submit questions for upcoming interviews. You'll find everything on podcast.mymodernmet.com.

Architect Cliff Tan of Dear Modern on TikTok Feng Shui Lessons and Making Design More Accessible Sep 01, 2021

Show notes

Architect Cliff Tan of Dear Modern believes that architecture services should be available to everyone, not just those wealthy enough to afford traditional architecture services. He was inspired to use social media to teach simple lessons on feng shui and design to help people find the best use for their space. This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast, we talk to Cliff about the impact he is making with his platform and his view of architecture and design. Tune in for an episode on architecture, feng shui, and the idea of sharing your work to inspire good design and to help others. See some of the artwork we discuss on the Top Artist Instagram

Follow Cliff's work on his website, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

This episode was brought to you by WinXDVD, a global leader in multimedia solutions. Click here to enter their WinXDVD Video Converter Giveaway.

Want to support the creatives we feature and the podcast? Check out books by our guests on the Top Artist Bookstore.

Fiber Artist Bisa Butler on Her Vibrant Quilted Portraits That Share Black Stories Aug 18, 2021

Show notes

Fiber artist Bisa Butler uses the traditional craft of quilting to create incredible portraits of Black stories. This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast, we interview Bisa about the meaning behind her portraits and how she brings lost histories back to life. We think you'll really enjoy hearing about these unexpected narratives that Bisa represents in colorful textures and bright patterns.

See some of the artwork we discuss on the Top Artist Instagram

Follow Bisa's work on her website, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

Want to see your work on a billboard? Enter our sponsor Fine Art America's 2021 Billboard Contest by August 31 and you might just see your art on a large scale.

Read more about Bisa's work and the projects we discuss:

Quilted Portraits Honor the Stories of Black Men and Women Who Are Forgotten by History

Vibrant Quilts Honor Black Men and Women Whose Stories Were Forgotten or Overlooked

Colorful Quilts Crafted from African Fabrics Tell Stories of Artist's Ancestral Homeland

5 Contemporary Textile Artists to Celebrate During Women's History Month

Want to support the artists we feature and the podcast? Check out books by our guests on the Top Artist Bookstore.

Photographer Jamel Shabazz on Life in 1980s New York City and Using His Camera to Connect with His Community Aug 04, 2021

Show notes

For decades, photographer Jamel Shabazz has been using his photography to make an impact on his community. This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast, we interview Jamel about his career and his approach to street photography. We learn about photos as "visual medicine" making a difference in New Yorkers' lives and the intimate stories Jamel's work uncovers. See some of the artwork we discuss on the Top Artist Instagram

Follow Jamel's work on his website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Want to see your work on a billboard? Enter our sponsor Fine Art America's 2021 Billboard Contest by August 31 and you might just see your art on a large scale.

You can learn more about Jamel's life and work in Charlie Ahearn's 2013 documentary, Jamel Shabazz Street Photographer, which is available for rent on Amazon.

Read more about Jamel's work and the projects we discuss:

Authentic Street Photography of 1980s New York Reveals the Rise of Hip-Hop Culture

Vintage Photos of Life on the Gritty New York City Subway of the Past

Top 12 Street Photographers Who Captured the Grit of New York in the 70s and 80s

Want to support the artists we feature and the podcast? Check out books by our guests on the Top Artist Bookstore.

Bonus: Great Moments in Art History with ArtCurious Jul 28, 2021

Show notes

We're pleased to present a special collaboration with the ArtCurious podcast. In this bonus episode, Top Artist host Jessica Stewart and ArtCurious host Jennifer Dasal discuss some great moments in art history, where art—or the artist—made an impact.

Listen along as we discuss 19th-century sociologist and photographer Lewis Hine, a surprising stance against racism by Norman Rockwell, Picasso's controversial Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, and Artemisia Gentileschi's landmark career as a female painter in the 17th century.

Then, on August 9, the conversation continues over on ArtCurious, as Jessica and Jennifer dissect some more great moments in art history, so be sure to go over and subscribe to ArtCurious.

Timestamps:

Lewis Hine - 4:40
Norman Rockwell - 11:40
Pablo Picasso - 17:30
Artemesia Gentileschi - 24:04

We want to hear from you! Leave us a listener voicemail and subscribe to our newsletter so you can submit questions for upcoming interviews. You'll find everything on podcast.mymodernmet.com.

Want to learn more about these topics?

How an Early 1900s Photographer Helped Change America as We Know It

Norman Rockwell's "The Problem We All Live With," a Groundbreaking Civil Rights Painting

9 Facts About Picasso's Groundbreaking Painting 'Les Demoiselles d'Avignon'

5 Powerful Paintings by the Under-Appreciated Female Artist Artemisia Gentileschi

Bonus: We Wrap Up Season 1 and Preview Next Season's "IMPACT" Theme Jul 07, 2021

Show notes

We have officially wrapped up the first season of My Modern Met's Top Artist Podcast! Hosts Jessica Stewart, Sara Barnes, Sonya Harris, and Samantha Pires got together to reflect on our first twenty episodes of the show. We also discuss next season's theme of "Impact" and introduce you to some awesome guests to look forward to.

We can't wait to share all of the new artists we have planned. In the meantime, we'll be releasing new content on our socials and website. Be sure to follow us on our website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Plus, catch up on some episodes you might have missed from last season:

Painter Elyse Dodge on Her Colorful Low Poly Landscapes

Street Artist Vhils on His Iconic Art Style and Creative Process

Artist Alexa Meade on Her Successfull Career and the NFT Art Revolution

Media Artist Refik Anadol on His AI-Driven Artwork Redefining Space

Photographer Fares Micue on Her Artistic Self-Portraits Exploring Mental Health and Self-Growth

Painter Elyse Dodge on Her Colorful Low Poly Landscapes Jun 23, 2021

Show notes

This week on My Modern Met's Top Artist Podcast, we talk with painter Elyse Dodge about how she developed her unique style and much more! Dodge describes her work as the "intersection between art and design." You can find the result of this beautiful hybrid in her colorful landscapes with abstracted low poly mountains.

We love that Dodge's art style includes both digital and traditional techniques. You can find her beautiful landscape paintings on murals, in private collections, and in many shapes and sizes. Dodge tells us about her lengthy creative process, from using digital tools to breaking down landscapes into colorful polygons, using projections to get it on a canvas, and the therapeutic process of painting.

We also get an insightful behind-the-scenes look at what it is like being a full-time artist and a full-time mom. This episode is a great listen for people trying to develop their own styles or those who can appreciate all art forms.

See some of the artwork we discuss on the Top Artist Instagram

Follow Elyse's work on her website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Read more about Elyse's work on My Modern Met:

Artist Reimagines Majestic Mountainscapes as Jewel-Toned Polygon Paintings

Vibrant Beauty of Mountainscapes as Jewel-Like Geometric Paintings

Artist Reimagines Canada's Mountain Ranges as Vibrant Geometric Landscapes