Aaron Jack Arts Interviews

Aaron Jack Arts

Dive into the inner landscape of the world’s provocative creators. Join Aaron Jack for intimate, empathetic deep-dives into the intersection of human memory and technological evolution. From David Szauder’s digital glitches to Francesca Borgo’s neuroscience-inspired abstracts, this series explores how we infuse cold algorithms with warm intention. Discover the philosophy of imperfection, the rise of the decentralized creator economy, and the search for "soul" in a digital age. Whether it’s AI, NFTs, or LEGO bricks, we uncover the human heart behind art.

  1. 30 MAR

    6 Years Later: Still Living With (and Photographing) My Ex-Wife and Mother

    What happens when a "temporary" quarantine becomes a six-year lifestyle?In this creative conversation, Aaron Jack sits down with New York photographer Neil Kramer to follow up on a story that captured the world's attention in 2020. Six years ago, Neil began documenting his life in a small Queens apartment with two unlikely roommates: his mother, Libby, and his ex-wife, Sophia.Today, Neil shares the evolution of that project, the reality of living together half a decade later, and the complex "negotiations" (often involving Dunkin' Donuts) required to turn family tension into art.In this episode, we discuss:The 6-Year Retrospective: How Neil’s photography has shifted from a pandemic "gimmick" to a profound long-term documentary of aging and domesticity.The "Artist Statement" Trap: Why Neil struggles with the commercial pressure to define his work and why he’s fighting to keep his "8-year-old self" alive in his art.The Male Gaze vs. The Selfie: A fascinating look at why a straight man taking vulnerable self-portraits (including a now-famous CPAP machine photo) resonates so deeply on social media.Permission & Ethics: The delicate balance of photographing an aging parent and an ex-partner—when to click the shutter and when to put the camera down.The Business of Art: Neil’s honest take on the "villainous" role of curators and the struggle to stay authentic while trying to make a living in the gallery world.About Neil KramerNeil Kramer is a New York-based photographer known for his project "Quarantine in Queens," which staged the surreal, humorous, and often stressful realities of living with his ex-wife and mother. His work has been featured internationally for its unique blend of street photography sensibilities and domestic drama.Connect with the Creators:Follow Aaron Jack Arts: https://www.instagram.com/aaronjackartsFollow Neil Kramer: https://www.instagram.com/neilochka/If you enjoyed this conversation, please Like, Subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more interviews with world-class creatives.#Photography #NeilKramer #DocumentaryPhotography #CreativeProcess #FamilyDynamics #StreetPhotography #ArtistInterview #AaronJackArtsTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction: Reconnecting 6 years later02:40 - The reality of living with an ex-wife and mother in 202604:05 - The struggle of writing an "Artist Statement"08:23 - Photography as therapy and the "Male Gaze"13:10 - Age and time: How 2020 photos look today18:50 - The "Donut Negotiations": Collaborating with family25:40 - Can you be an artist and a professional at the same time?35:10 - The "8-Year-Old Artist" vs. ChatGPT and Grants51:20 - The CPAP photo: Vulnerability and influencers57:10 - Permission and the "Headmaster" incident in London01:04:00 - Closing thoughts: Enjoying the recreation of lifeOur first conversation 6 years beforehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCetxkPCKOU&t

    1hr 6min
  2. 29 MAR

    Andrea Circles: Inside the Creative Process & Art Therapy Studio Visit

    Join Aaron Jack of Aaron Jack Arts for an intimate creative conversation and studio visit with Prague-based artist Andrea (Andrea Circles). From her studio located in a historic monastery, Andrea shares her profound connection to creativity, the evolution of her gestural painting style, and her work in art therapy.In this episode, we dive deep into how motherhood transformed her artistic voice, the meditative power of daily calligraphy, and her groundbreaking project "Traces of the Unseen," which explores trauma through calligraphy on the human body.🎨 In this video, we discuss:The necessity of creativity as a life force.The transition from heavy academic oil painting to fluid mixed media.A guided tour of her latest works and "dreamscape" paintings.How art therapy helps uncover the "authentic self."Upcoming international residencies and live painting performances.🕒 Timestamps:[00:00] - Introduction to Creative Conversations with Aaron Jack.[02:27] - Why Andrea can't live without creativity.[04:18] - The role of daily calligraphy as a meditative practice.[06:08] - Studio Tour: "Maybe you can touch the sky" & early gestural works.[08:39] - Exploring the Black Canvases from the India residency.[11:08] - Evolution of Style: How motherhood brought lightness to her work.[15:44] - Tapping into freedom and the "flow state."[21:43] - Painting Spotlight: "Look for me, I’ll be in the garden."[24:50] - How the city of Prague inspires "dreamscape" paintings.[31:49] - Connecting art with psychology and art therapy.[38:12] - Japanese-style calligraphy and the use of gold particles.[43:32] - "Traces of the Unseen": Calligraphy on the body and healing trauma.[51:41] - Why not painting is just as important as the act itself.[54:16] - Collaborative performances and upcoming exhibitions in Prague.[56:38] - Final thoughts: "Art heals and art connects us."🌟 About the Guest: Andrea CirclesAndrea is a "soul painter" and art therapist based in Prague, Czech Republic. Her work focuses on inner landscapes, movement, and the connection between the conscious and unconscious mind. She hosts art and yoga retreats globally and performs live painting improvisations.Follow Andrea:www.instagram.com/andreacircles🔔 About Aaron Jack ArtsAaron Jack is an artist and interviewer who has hosted over 200 conversations with creatives and cultural leaders.Subscribe for more artist interviews: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@aaronjackarts#ArtInterview #CreativeProcess #AndreaCircles #ArtTherapy #StudioVisit #AbstractArt #Calligraphy #ArtistTalk #AaronJackArts

    58 min

About

Dive into the inner landscape of the world’s provocative creators. Join Aaron Jack for intimate, empathetic deep-dives into the intersection of human memory and technological evolution. From David Szauder’s digital glitches to Francesca Borgo’s neuroscience-inspired abstracts, this series explores how we infuse cold algorithms with warm intention. Discover the philosophy of imperfection, the rise of the decentralized creator economy, and the search for "soul" in a digital age. Whether it’s AI, NFTs, or LEGO bricks, we uncover the human heart behind art.