Season 2 of the My Modern Met Top Artist podcast wraps up by chatting with acclaimed sculptor Lorenzo Quinn . Art historian Jessica Stewart speaks with Quinn about growing up with a famous father, how he gets inspiration for his monumental sculptures, and why he began sculpting hands. It's a conversation you won't want to miss. Follow Lorenzo's work on his website and Instagram . We'd love to learn more about you so that we can make the show better! Please take a minute to fill out our Season 2 ...
Mar 16, 2022•31 min•Season 2Ep. 17
Designers fung+bedford are a husband and wife duo that create origami-inspired large-scale paper installations they call "architectural origami." Join host Sam Pires as she gives into their creative process and how they transitioned from making award-winning jewelry to executing these incredible installations. Did you know that we're on YouTube ? Watch your favorite episode now! Follow us on Instagram to see some of the visuals we talked about in today's episode. We want to hear from you! Leave ...
Mar 02, 2022•26 min•Season 2Ep. 16
Toronto-based artist Ava Roth creates total unique encaustic art with the help of honeybees. And yes, you read that right, honeybees . This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast , we interview Ava about exploring artistic creativity and collaborating with our busy little friends on her mixed-media pieces. Tune in to hear us talk about the unique process behind Ava's current series of work in which she suspends her encaustic collages in embroidery hoops fixed to Longstroth hive frames. Fro...
Feb 16, 2022•30 min•Season 2Ep. 15
Artist Caledonia Curry , aka Swoon, is best known for her signature wheatpaste and cut-paper installations. This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast , we interview Swoon about her career as an anonymous street artist. At only 19 years old, she skyrocketed to success on the forefront of New York's early 2000s street art movement. Even after her early breakthrough, Swoon has been able to remain creatively fulfilled by shifting her focus towards community-based projects such as her sustain...
Feb 02, 2022•31 min•Season 2Ep. 14
Flags are incredibly effective symbols in uniting people and inspiring change, yet what exactly makes a well-designed flag? This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast , we interview the team behind " True South ", Antarctica's first flag. True South's designer Evan Townsend, vexillologist Michael Green, and arctic researcher Celas Marie-Sainte team up to discuss what makes the flag a remarkable design and unifying symbol for Antarctica's preservation . Evan talks about the incredible comm...
Jan 19, 2022•40 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Artist Brian Peterson paints his neighbors experiencing homelessness and uses the money from sold portraits to support their rehabilitation. This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast , we interview Brian about his non-profit that was founded on this process, Faces of Santa Ana . Brian admits approaching strangers isn't easy, but his ability to connect with those experiencing homelessness has led to some remarkably heartwarming stories . In the episode, Brian shares how approaching a scre...
Jan 05, 2022•25 min•Season 2Ep. 12
As we get ready for the new year, we thought we’d take some time to reflect on our favorite moments from this past season. We've been so lucky to have had such an incredible roster of artists come on the show in 2021, so this week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast , we’re looking back at some of our favorite moments in a special "2021 Holiday Bonus" episode. You’ll hear from our hosts Jessica, Sam, and Sara, as well as our podcast editor Alex, as they share the moments from this past year ...
Dec 22, 2021•31 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Photographer Ami Vitale documents endangered animals and the special bonds they share with their caretakers. This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast , we interview Ami Vitale and get a behind-the-scenes look at how she captured some of her most stunning work. You may have seen one of her more famous images featured on the front cover of National Geographic Magazine following the death of Sudan, the world's last male Northern White Rhino, or her coverage of the rescue operation to save ...
Dec 08, 2021•39 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Architect Craig Dykers is the co-founder of Snøhetta , an international design collective whose transdisciplinary approach and emphasis on diversity have contributed to a deep portfolio of visually remarkable and environmentally thoughtful work. From their redesign of the Knubben harbor bath in Norway resembling that of a topographic map to their pedestrian-focused remodel of Times Square in recent years, Snøhetta has oriented itself as a global leader in contemporary design and architecture inn...
Nov 24, 2021•39 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Textile artist Benjamin Shine uses swathes of tulle to fabricate flowing three-dimensional portraits of unnamed figures, often suggesting ideas of energy and impermanence. A true master of his material, Benjamin’s work has been recognized and exhibited globally, with his clients and collaborations including The MET, Vogue, and many others. This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast , we interview Benjamin Shine about his artistic journey, beginning with his initial resistance towards beco...
Nov 10, 2021•31 min•Season 2Ep. 8
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 Marti...
Oct 27, 2021•27 min•Season 2Ep. 7
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 active...
Oct 13, 2021•33 min•Season 2Ep. 6
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 ...
Sep 29, 2021•28 min•Season 2Ep. 5
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 ...
Sep 15, 2021•38 min•Season 2Ep. 4
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 arc...
Sep 01, 2021•28 min•Season 2Ep. 3
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...
Aug 18, 2021•33 min•Season 2Ep. 2
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 ...
Aug 04, 2021•42 min•Season 2Ep. 1
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 painte...
Jul 28, 2021•33 min
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 web...
Jul 07, 2021•8 min•Season 1Ep. 21
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 sha...
Jun 23, 2021•31 min•Season 1Ep. 20
This week on My Modern Met's Top Artist Podcast , we talk with street artist Alexandre Farto, also known as Vhils . Known for his groundbreaking carving and explosive street art, Vhils has made a name for himself by revealing thoughtful narratives behind city life. His work reimagines the role of graffiti as a method of reckoning with our past and celebrating our shared history. See some of the artwork we discuss on the Top Artist Instagram Follow Vhils' work on his website , Instagram , Faceboo...
Jun 09, 2021•33 min•Season 1Ep. 19
This week on My Modern Met's Top Artist Podcast , we talk with artist Alexa Meade . Alexa is known for her innovative technique of painting on the human body and 3D spaces to create an illusion that they are 2D pieces of art. We'll explore how Alexa moved from a career in politics to starting a successful art career and creating a team to help execute her vision. We'll also look behind the scenes at some of her most popular projects and discuss her venture into the world of NFT art. See some of ...
May 26, 2021•29 min•Season 1Ep. 18
This week on My Modern Met's Top Artist Podcast , we talk with media artist Refik Anadol of Refik Anadol Studio . This studio creates incredible pieces of art that exist in the public realm and seeks to be accessible to people of “any age, any background, and any culture.” Anadol’s media art exists in the form of incredibly immersive audio/visual installations, stunning projections, and parametric data sculptures that all explore the relationship between humanity and technology. See some of the ...
May 12, 2021•33 min•Season 1Ep. 17
This week on Top Artist Podcast we chat with photographer Fares Micue about her striking self-portraits that tell interesting stories about self-growth and mental health. Using imagery of flowers, origami, and other delicate props, Micue transforms self-portraits into beautiful narratives about life. Her work is accompanied by thoughtful prose that brings new meaning to each piece. See some of the artwork we discuss on the Top Artist Instagram Follow Fares Micue's work on her website , Instagram...
Apr 28, 2021•34 min•Season 1Ep. 16
This week on Top Artist Podcast we chat with embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning on her successful professional journey and about how her work has changed along the way. Benning tells us about her decision to embark on an art career. We hear about managing an 80-hour workweek to fill an Etsy shop, pursue new projects, and to keep up with demand. We think you’ll enjoy hearing about this artist’s relatable struggle with finding a work-life balance—especially when your work includes creating art tha...
Apr 14, 2021•30 min•Season 1Ep. 15
This week on the Top Artist Podcast, we talk with artist Ian Berry about his creative process and the way he uses denim to create spectacularly detailed installations and works of art. After working in advertising while perfecting his craft on the side, Berry decided to take a leap of faith and become a full-time artist. Since then, he has been fascinating the world with blue-toned scenes that celebrate the range of colors and textures found in jeans. Berry tells us that to him, this style is ab...
Mar 31, 2021•29 min•Season 1Ep. 14
This week on the Top Artist Podcast , we talk to photographer and game designer Liam Wong about his cinematic photography. He tells us about the effect video games and film had on him as an artist. These artistic influences helped him develop the sharp eye for composition that allows him to capture such dramatic shots of lively urban streets, often in Tokyo, Japan. See some of the artwork we discuss on the Top Artist Instagram Follow Liam Wong’s work on his website , Facebook , YouTube , Twitter...
Mar 17, 2021•34 min•Season 1Ep. 13
This week on the Top Artist Podcast , we talk to sculptor Ben Young about his incredible glass and concrete sculptures and how he began making these unique pieces. He explains that boating and water sports were an important part of his life for a long time, but a family trip first introduced him to the glass art that would later define his career. We learn about the influence his time as a boatbuilder had on his craft and about the leap of faith he made when transitioning to work as a full-time ...
Mar 03, 2021•29 min•Season 1Ep. 12
This week on the Top Artist Podcast , we talk to photographer Sophie Gamand about her many dog photography series and the changes they have made in both dog and human lives. Gamand’s Pit Bull Flower Power series is just one example of photography that tackles unjust treatment of animals by questioning our prejudices and getting us to appreciate the fragility of life. We talk to her about this work, her experiences at shelters and dog meat farms, and about what motivates her to use photography to...
Feb 17, 2021•27 min•Season 1Ep. 11
This week on the Top Artist Podcast, we talk with sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor about his incredible work and the impact his pieces have on their local environment. Trained at the London Institute of Art, deCaires Taylor uses his sculptures to rebuilt natural habitats and mitigate damage caused by tourism to at-risk underwater areas. His large body of work spans from additions to the Great Barrier Reef to entire underwater museums carefully considered to benefit the local ecology. See some of t...
Feb 03, 2021•29 min•Season 1Ep. 10
