Art Is... a podcast for artists

Show Notes:
Welcome to Season 7, Episode 2. In this episode of Art Is..., host Isotta Page sits down with digital artist and sculptor Auriea Harvey to talk about her new obsession: marble.
Auriea has been at the forefront of art and technology, from her early years as a net artist to co-founding the video game studio Tale of Tales. Her work combines digital and physical processes to create sculptures in physical space and mixed reality. In recent years, she's come back to physical sculpture through extensive work in 3D printing, which eventually led her to marble.
Auriea shares her recent residency at the Digital Stone Project in Grammolazzo, Tuscany, where she carved marble using a robotic CNC arm. She and Isotta talk about how Auriea sees these tools, the CNC robot and her 3D printers alike, as studio collaborators, unlike AI, staying configurable and flexible.
Isotta and Auriea talk shop as two people who both work in marble: watching the robot rough out a block, learning to read light and shadow in stone, touring the quarries where marble is cut straight into the mountain. They talk about the fear of taking too much away, the moment you have to go deeper instead of playing it safe, and why marble has become an obsession for both of them. They also discuss how this kind of highly crafted, skill-based work is something Italy does at a level you don't find elsewhere.
They also discuss Auriea's solo exhibition, Ready to Die, opening September 9th at Heft Gallery (300 Broome Street, New York).
Learn more:
Auriea Harvey: Website | Instagram
Isotta Page: Website | Instagram

Show Notes:
Welcome to Season 7, Episode 1. In this episode of Art Is, host Isotta Page sits down with fellow marble sculptor Alex Rane to talk about what it means to be working in marble today. Alex & Isotta talk about going up to the quarries in Carrara, selecting blocks, and what it actually feels like to carve stone.
They discuss Alex’s path as an artist and the role of community, with Alex based in Carrara and Isotta in New York, and how each place is shaping their practice right now. The conversation delves into the historical legacy of marble, including the role of the figure in sculpture, and what it means to be working in such an ancient material today. Along the way, they discuss what they each need to see and feel in a sculpture, the themes in Alex’s work, especially his idea of “monsters” as a reflection of the present moment, and marble’s relationship to geologic time as part of Isotta’s research practice. They also get into the tension between tradition and new technologies like robotics, and how that is shaping the marble world.
**This episode includes behind the scenes photos of Alex’s incredible studio in Carrara, the marble quarries, and works in progress so be sure to watch the video version.
Learn more:
Alex Rane: Website | Instagram
Isotta Page: Website | Instagram

Welcome to Art Is... Season 6, Episode 8
Episode Overview:
From her roots in Ojai, California, artist Leslie Clark (Nomad Gal) shares her transformative 30-year journey that immersed her in the nomadic communities of Niger. Through candid conversation, Leslie reveals how her artistic path took her from the South of France through South America and Ethiopia, ultimately leading to Niger, where she spent 15 years living and painting with nomadic communities.
Key Topics Covered:
- Early artistic journey at art school and travels through France, Central & South America, and Ethiopia
- Life-changing encounter with Niger's nomadic communities in 1993
- Evolution of artistic practice through cultural immersion
- Historical context of regions and communities, Niger/Libya after fall of Gaddafi
- Founding and mission of the Nomad Foundation, beginning with the purchase of a single cow for $200 and evolving into an organization that has positively impacted tens of thousands of people 
- Building sustainable opportunities while preserving traditions, especially for midwives and traditional healthcare providers 
- Her personal transformation and experiences as a privileged minority 
- Navigating colonial legacy and cultural appropriation in art
- Approach to respectful cultural exchange and representation
- Building authentic relationships versus 'othering’ communities
- Her upcoming book
Conclusion:
Leslie's story embodies the transformative power of art and cultural exchange. Her adventurous spirit and deep connection to nomadic communities offer a refreshing perspective in our digitally saturated world. Through her forthcoming book and the Nomad Foundation's work, she continues to bridge worlds and create meaningful change. As she notes: "I am an artist/painter who has always traveled. When I first met the nomads in Niger in 1993, my life changed - it changed the way I painted and the way I looked at the world. Since then I have built a home in this adopted country where I spend part of every year and founded a non-profit called the Nomad Foundation which tries to bring opportunity to nomadic people while respecting their traditions." Her advice to young artists resonates with timeless wisdom: don't be afraid, and progress through small, incremental steps.
Connect with Leslie

Welcome to Season 6, Episode 7 of Art Is… a podcast for artists
Episode Overview:
In this episode, Lauryn and Isotta are joined by Dr. Elodie Freymann, an artist and scientist who shares her unique journey of merging her passions and working across creative and scientific disciplines. Elodie recounts how her childhood fascination with primates led her to pursue a PhD at Oxford in cognitive and evolutionary anthropology, which eventually took her to Uganda's Budongo Forest for nine months to explore how chimpanzees self-medicate with plants. A natural storyteller, Elodie’s unique art form includes intricate paper-cutting silhouettes crafted into stunning handmade books, and scientific illustrations that helped her memorize the various species of animals and plants she studied, offering a fascinating glimpse into the true overlap of art and science. She candidly discusses the vulnerability she faces with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, providing helpful tips to overcome creative blocks. The episode also delves into her current work in documentary filmmaking and how her interdisciplinary spirit continues to drive her projects. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that celebrates the fusion of art and science in Elodie's extraordinary life and career.
Topics Covered:
1. Journey into Anthropology and Filmmaking:
Elodie discusses her background as an artist and her initial foray into documentary filmmaking, driven by her love of storytelling.
Her decision to pursue a Master's and subsequently PhD at Oxford in cognitive and evolutionary anthropology, specifically for her interest in primates.
2. Merging Art and Science:
The struggle and eventual triumph of integrating her dual loves of art and science.
Using scientific illustration and art to overcome academic challenges and imposter syndrome.
Her extensive illustration practice drawing primate species and plant anatomy as a tool for learning and memory during University and throughout her field work in Uganda's Budongo Forest
3.  Inspirations and Influences:
Lauryn explores how Elodie’s early interests shaped her decision to study chimpanzees.
Elodie shares her admiration for trailblazing icon Jane Goodall, who inspired her path in primatology 
Elodie’s internship with paper cutting artist Beatrice Coron 
4.Overcoming Self-Doubt:
The parallels between artists and scientists, such as isolation and rejection.
The lifestyle overlap between artistic and scientific practcies, grant writing, submitting to open calls, dealing with rejection and constant critique 
Elodie’s experiences making work and her Dad’s wise approach to understanding output days and input days.
Strategies for dealing with critique and using vulnerability to strengthen resilience.
5. Creative Problem-Solving and Storytelling:
Elodie’s dedication to storytelling and understanding the natural world.
Her personal art projects, inspired by prompts and conversations with her father about balancing input and output time.
  
6. Exploring Different Art Forms:
Elodie’s interest in bookmaking and paper cutting silhouettes, including her book "The Evolution of Life Through Geologic Time."
The role of documentary film in her practice as a medium to bring art to life.
7. Academic Challenges and Field Research:
The issues of academic gatekeeping and transparency in scientific journals and her desire to use storytelling via documentary filmmaking to bring these topics to life. 
Brief overview of Elodie’s PhD research in Uganda’s Budongo Forest, studying how chimpanzees self-medicate with plants, showcasing the forest as a pharmacy for these primates.

Conclusion:
Join Lauryn, Isotta and Elodie as they delve into the intricate balance of art and science, exploring the challenges and triumphs of an evolving interdisciplinary career. This episode is a testament to the power of storytelling, resilience, and the unique intersections that drive creative and scientific inquiry.
Stay updated with future episodes by subscribing to Art Is… on your favorite podcast platform, and follow us on social media for more behind-the-scenes content and updates. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that celebrates the creative journey.

Dr. Elodie Freymann’s Website: https://www.drelodiefreymann.com/
Follow Elodie: https://www.instagram.com/elodiefreymann?igsh=YjRnbTlpZ3hpY2py 
Elodie’s handmade book The Evolution of Life Across Geologic Time: https://www.drelodiefreymann.com/books 
Elodie’s art work:https://www.drelodiefreymann.com/paperart 
Elodie’s Illustration work: https://www.drelodiefreymann.com/illustrations 
Elodie’s upcoming film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iDnyaUJQx0&ab_channel=ElodieFreymann 
Primate Conversations with Elodie Freymann https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPKKCF1R1Ao&ab_channel=PrimateModelsforBehaviouralEvolutionLab 
Elodie Freymann PhD Research: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0305219 
Paper Cutting Artist Beatrice Coron https://www.beatricecoron.com/ 
Watch this episode on Youtube or on Spotify
Learn more about Isotta at @isottapage and see her work 
Sign up for Isotta’s Sculpture Newsletter
Learn more about Lauryn @curatedsplash and her coaching work 
Curated Splash Resources 
Learn more and read podcast transcripts
Follow the podcast at @artispodcast
Original music by Black Wonder Twins
Follow them @blackwondertwins

Welcome to Season 6, Episode 6 of Art Is… a podcast for artists
Episode Overview:
In this solo episode, Isotta and Lauryn share personal updates on balancing their life, work, and personal responsibilities. They dive deep into their individual art practices, with Isotta discussing how writing a studio newsletter has kept her accountable on developing the research side of her practice. Lauryn also shares about her practice and delves into a recent source of inspiration, the TASCHEN book The 12 Steps and the synchronicity she feels between her personal recovery journey and her art practice. 
Topics Covered:
1. Life and Work Balance:
   - Isotta and Lauryn discuss their current challenges and successes in juggling multiple responsibilities.
   - Insights on how they manage their time
   - Insights on managing finances as artists, the reality of an artist’s career as seen in the Beyond the Studio Podcast Episode.
2. Personal Art Practices:
   - Isotta delves into her latest newsletter and research topics.
   - Lauryn opens up about the inspiration behind her art and the books that are currently influencing her work.
3. Authenticity and Emotional Balance:
   - A conversation on the importance of showing up authentically in both personal and professional spaces.
   - How consumer culture impacts emotional well-being and the magic that can happen when inner and outer worlds intermingle.
4. The Power of Critique:
- An exploration and reflection on how critique can significantly affect artists, both positively and negatively, along with an invitation to be mindful about who you ask for feedback and when you seek it.
- An opportunity to reframe and contextualize critique, understanding the vulnerable human side of sharing and asking for feedback.
4. Processing Vulnerability
- Isotta shares how a painful memory was recently triggered by a project with an artist friend and discusses the lingering impact of harsh feedback received years ago on her current self-confidence.
- Lauryn contextualizes Isotta's experience with coaching, offering insights on how to use this as an invitation to step through and overcome similar challenges.
- Lauryn shares strategies for overcoming self-confidence issues and acknowledges the physical toll emotional triggers can have on our bodies.
Conclusion:
Join Isotta and Lauryn as they navigate the complexities of balancing artistic practices  and personal lives, offering a candid look at the challenges and triumphs they face. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of authenticity, emotional resilience, and the transformative power of showing up with both strength and vulnerability in our work and life.
Stay updated with future episodes by subscribing to Art Is… on your favorite podcast platform, and follow us on social media for more behind-the-scenes content and updates. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that celebrates the creative journey.
Watch this episode on Youtube or on Spotify
Learn more about Isotta at @isottapage and see her work 
Sign up for Isotta’s Sculpture Newsletter
Learn more about Lauryn @curatedsplash and her coaching work 
Curated Splash Resources 
Learn more and read podcast transcripts
Follow the podcast at @artispodcast
Original music by Black Wonder Twins
Follow them @blackwondertwins