ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists

Isaac Mann
  • 4.9 (31)
  • VISUAL ARTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

ARTMATTERS is an intimate, bi-weekly podcast featuring in-studio conversations between host Isaac Mann and professionalartists from around the world. Now in its second season with over 55 episodes, the show has become a vital resource for thecontemporary art community, exploring everything from technical practices and daily studio insights to career advice, creativeblocks, and the emotional realities of making art. Host Isaac Mann brings both the perspective of a working artist and the curiosity of a thoughtful interviewer to each conversation,creating a space where artists can discuss not just their techniques and influences, but also the vulnerable aspects of creative life-hope, depression, expectation, success, and failure.  Whether exploring technical processes, relationship dynamics, or tips for a healthier practice, ARTMATTERS offersboth emerging and established artists a rare glimpse into the real experiences behind successful creative careers.

  1. #69 with David Hornung

    FEB 26

    #69 with David Hornung

    Welcome back to ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists On this week's episode I'm joined by New York artist David Hornung. David Hornung is a painter and mixed media artist whose work has been exhibited in the US and UK. Over the course of a long career he has served on the faculties of The Rhode Island School of Design, Indiana University, Skidmore College, Pratt Institute, and Adelphi University. He is the author of Color: A Workshop for Artists and Designers (Laurence King Pub Ltd.), a color textbook. Translated into six languages it is used in art schools around the world. His work is shown at Cynthia Winings Gallery, Elena Zang Gallery, Pulp Gallery, and J.J. Murphy Gallery in NYC. We recorded this episode early one morning at the JJ Murphy Gallery during his solo exhibition "Continuum." On today's episode, David and I explore the nuanced terrain of painting practice and philosophy. We discuss the importance of a painting's surface, how he starts a painting and how one reads a painting. David shares his perspective on scale, arguing that painting is an intimate experience rather than spectacle. We trace his six-decade evolution from observational work through post-painterly abstraction, his collage techniques, and his four recent years of pure abstraction. The conversation touches on Henri Matisse, Ad Reinhardt, Fra Angelico, Albert Pinkham Ryder, and Paul Klee. David also talks his love of shapes, collage, a raw edge, painting slower than he is thinking, factual versus fictional painting, and finally, emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's own temperament and painting both honestly and sincerely from that space; which, he argues, is where great paintings come from. Support this podcast by clicking HERE and becoming a Patreon Supporter! If you're enjoying the podcast so far, please rate, review, subscribe and SHARE ON INSTAGRAM!   If you have an any questions you want answered, write in to artmatterspodcast@gmail.com   host: Isaac Mann www.isaacmann.com insta: @isaac.mann guest: David Hornung www.davidhornung.com insta: @davidhornungart workshops: https://www.artfuelstudio.com/scotland-september-2026-hornung madelineartschool.com/collections/workshops/products/exploring-improvisation-in-abstract-painting?_pos=7&_fid=5184b59de&_ss=c  Thank you as always to ARRN, the Detroit-based artist and instrumentalist, for the music.

    1h 33m
  2. #68 with Fran Shalom

    JAN 29

    #68 with Fran Shalom

    Welcome back to ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists On this week’s episode I’m joined by New York artist Fran Shalom. Fran has exhibited widely throughout the United States, including a solo show at the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard, and the Hunterdon Museum in New Jersey. She has been the recipient of a Pollock Krasner Artist Grant, a MacDowell Colony Fellowship, and an Art Omi Residency. Her work is included in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Brooklyn Museum, the Rose Art Museum, and the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris.  Fran and I recorded this episode after hours at her solo exhibition at the Kathryn Markel Gallery in Chelsea, surrounded by her recent paintings.  In this conversation Fran discusses beginner's mind and call-and-response painting, how she builds trust in improvisation despite recurring doubts, and the many paintings buried beneath each finished surface. She tells me about getting rid of precious moments, loving the fiddly finishing bits, navigating flatness and why not everything in a painting needs to function, Finally we discuss Fran’s early-career transition from photography to self-taught painting, balancing her three practices (art, family, Zen), and why generosity matters more than networking. Support this podcast by clicking HERE and becoming a Patreon Supporter! If you're enjoying the podcast so far, please rate, review, subscribe and SHARE ON INSTAGRAM!  If you have an any questions you want answered, write in to artmatterspodcast@gmail.com host: Isaac Mann www.isaacmann.com insta: @isaac.mann   guest: Fran Shalom   www.franshalom.com insta: @fshalom64 Thank you as always to ARRN, the Detroit-based artist and instrumentalist, for the music.

    1h 6m
  3. #67 with Sarah D'Ambrosio

    JAN 8

    #67 with Sarah D'Ambrosio

    Welcome back to ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists. My guest today is Sarah D’Ambrosio. Sarah is a Brooklyn-based artist who earned her BFA from Brooklyn College and her MFA at University of New Hampshire. She also studied at the Mount Gretna School of Art in Pennsylvania. Most recently Sarah has exhibited at the New York Studio School Projects at DUMBO and NADA Miami and her first solo exhibition was at MARCH Gallery in 2025. Swimmingly convenient as it turned out, Sarah is my neighbor. So after convincing her to join me for this episode, I packed up my microphones and took a brisk 10 minute walk to her live work space in Greenpoint. It’s nice to be back in New York! This conversation was a blast. Sarah discusses her love of Yellow Medium, and how color historically comes later in her work - Sarah is a drawer first. She talks about scale, observational painting, painting as a physical act, sincerity, why formula’s are boring, drawing from Titian, the search for quality and the importance of criticism. We also discuss why painting needs life not just more painting, color value and the “harmony of mud,” analysis paralysis, failing on higher and higher levels, when a painting stops buzzing, also Lucian Freud and Donald Duck. And that’s just to get started. Enjoy my conversation with Sarah D’Ambrosio Support this podcast by clicking HERE and becoming a Patreon Supporter! If you're enjoying the podcast so far, please rate, review, subscribe and SHARE ON INSTAGRAM!  If you have an any questions you want answered, write in to artmatterspodcast@gmail.com host: Isaac Mann www.isaacmann.com insta: @isaac.mann   guest: Sarah D’Ambrosio  www.sarahdambrosio.com insta: @sarah_dambrosio_ Thank you as always to ARRN, the Detroit-based artist and instrumentalist, for the music.

    1h 13m
  4. #66 with Jeff Wallace

    12/18/2025

    #66 with Jeff Wallace

    Brooklyn-based artist Jeff Wallace joins host Isaac Mann to discuss his unique paper pulping technique, creative process, and journey into art-making after 25 years in another industry. Wallace had a solo exhibition at Jane Lombard Gallery in May 2026 and has shown with other New York City venues including Cristin Tierney Gallery and Rick Wester Fine Art. He has participated in residencies at the American Academy in Rome, VCCA, Vermont Studio Center, and Yaddo, and curates Main Window, a Brooklyn art presentation space. In this episode, Isaac and Jeff explore: Jeff's paper pulping technique and use of found objects as source materialThe balance between control and spontaneity in the creative processUnlearning techniques in search of a more childlike approachHis daily drawing practice and strategies for overcoming creative blocksThe concept of "literary archeology" in his workStarting new projects and navigating an average day in the studioMaking the leap into professional art-making later in lifeRecorded in Jeff's Red Hook studio. Support the Show: ARTMATTERS is listener-supported. Leave a five-star review to help keep the conversation going, or become a Patreon supporter at https://www.patreon.com/c/artmatterspodcast Merch: ARTMATTERS tote bags and coffee mugs available at isaacmann.com/merch Connect: Host: Isaac Mann | www.isaacmann.com | @isaac.mannGuest: Jeff Wallace | www.jeffwallacenyc.com | @jeffwallace_nycQuestions? Email: artmatterspodcast@gmail.comMusic by ARRN, Detroit-based artist and instrumentalist. Rate, review, subscribe, and share on Instagram!

    1h 17m
  5. #65 with Jameson Green (Part 2)

    12/04/2025

    #65 with Jameson Green (Part 2)

    Welcome back to ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists. My guest returning today is Jameson Green. Jameson is a New York-based painter whose work is in collections at the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Pérez Art Museum Miami. He's exhibited with Derek Eller Gallery and Almine Rech in New York, Paris, London, and Brussels. On last week's episode, Jameson and I discussed the three elements of great painting, drawing, sampling from art books and other paintings, rhythm, abstraction, narrative, and a lot of other fascinating topics, so you'll definitely want to check that one out first. On today's show, we get right back into it. I asked Jameson about his figure-ground relationships and the horizon line, and he told me about theater, German Expressionism, and flattening space. Jameson talks about color choices, different kinds of lines, studio flow, painting big and drawing with your body, his studio routine, and how he's built a practice around avoiding the worst of himself. He also discusses "healthy vs. brutal Jameson," how an organized practice is good for relationships, and how to keep the darkness of your studio from creeping out into the rest of your life. SUPPORT THE SHOW ARTMATTERS is listener-supported. If you want more conversations like this, take 30 seconds right now to leave a five-star review—it's the single most effective way to keep the show going. You can also support this podcast by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/c/artmatterspodcast If you're enjoying the podcast, please rate, review, subscribe, and share on Instagram! Questions? Email: artmatterspodcast@gmail.com LINKS Host: Isaac Mann www.isaacmann.com | @isaac.mann Guest: Jameson Green www.derekeller.com | @r.jameson Music: ARRN (Detroit-based artist and instrumentalist)

    59 min
  6. #64 with Jameson Green

    11/13/2025

    #64 with Jameson Green

    Welcome back to ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists. My guest today is Jameson Green. Jameson is an artist living and working in Hudson, NY. He holds an MFA from Hunter College. Green has exhibited extensively with Derek Eller Gallery and Almine Rech, including solo exhibitions in New York, Paris, London, Brussels, and Santa Monica. His work has been featured in group exhibitions at the Dallas Museum of Art, Museo Picasso Málaga, and ICA Miami. You can also find Green's work in the public collections of the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, the High Museum of Art, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Pérez Art Museum in Miami. A couple weeks ago, Jameson braved a wild rainstorm to visit my Greenpoint studio—a rare reversal for this show. What followed was one of the most fluid and wide-ranging conversations I've had on ARTMATTERS, so I've split it into two episodes. On today's show Jameson and I discuss the three elements of great painting, draftsmen vs. pure painters, drawing, sampling from art books and other paintings, rhythm, abstraction, narrative, and why great paintings are littered with hypocrisy. We also discuss Frances Bacon, John Singer Sargent, Guston, Picasso, Matisse, and Jenna Gribbon. Enjoy this conversation with Jameson Green. Special shoutout to my fluffy silent producer who finally made a sound mid-episode. Extra points if you hear her over the rain:) ARTMATTERS is listener-supported. If you want more conversations like this, take 30 seconds right now to leave a five-star review. It's the single most effective way to keep the show going. Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/artmatterspodcast Host: Isaac Mann www.isaacmann.com Instagram: @isaac.mann Guest: Jameson Green www.derekeller.com Instagram: @r.jameson Music by ARRN, Detroit-based artist and instrumentalist.

    1h 3m
  7. #63 with Clova Rae-Smith

    10/30/2025

    #63 with Clova Rae-Smith

    Welcome back to ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists. My guest today, Clova Rae-Smith, is a British jewellery designer based in New York City. Clova graduated from Central Saint Martins and was recognized as one of DAZED’s “UAL Graduates to Watch.” She specializes in grillz that blend fine art, fashion, and identity, and has quickly become one of the most sought-after jewelers in the industry. Clova’s work has been featured in VOGUE and ROLLING STONE, and her clients include Beyoncé (who gifted Clova’s grillz to her Renaissance Tour performers), Jorja Smith, and Bladee, along with collaborations with Pinterest and Fenty x Puma. On today’s episode, I speak with Clova about social media addiction, burnout and breakdowns, and setting boundaries. We discuss the viral giveaway that helped launch her business during COVID, her experience with mentorships and her time at Central Saint Martins, and her move to New York City. Clova also shares some great advice and talks about exploring her new interests in drawing and pottery. You can now support this podcast by clicking HERE and becoming a Patreon Supporter! If you’re enjoying the podcast, please rate, review, subscribe, and share on Instagram! If you have any questions you’d like answered, write in to artmatterspodcast@gmail.com. host: Isaac Mann www.isaacmann.com insta: @isaac.mann guest: Clova Rae-Smith www.clovaraesmith.com insta: @clovajewellery Thank you as always to ARRN, the Detroit-based artist and instrumentalist, for the music.

    1h 11m
  8. #62 with Robert Schefman

    10/16/2025

    #62 with Robert Schefman

    Welcome back to ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists. My guest today is Robert Schefman. He is a Detroit-based artist with a BFA from Michigan State University and an MFA from the University of Iowa.  His work is in collections at the Detroit Institute of Arts and The Broad, along with other major institutions, and has been exhibited at the Smithsonian and other venues across the country. He's a recipient of Pollack-Krasner and Kresge Foundation grants and is Professor Emeritus at the College for Creative Studies and is currently represented by David Klein Gallery. In today’s conversation we talk about what happens when you're three-quarters done with a painting and want to quit. Why finishing isn't the same as just resolving it. How sketching out ideas first saves you weeks of work. Why your style comes from doing the work, not from deciding what style you want. Robert talks about why he switched from sculpture to painting. And we get into the trap of teaching or other work feeling like real progress while your actual art sits on the back burner. You can now support this podcast by clicking HERE and becoming a Patreon Supporter! If you're enjoying the podcast so far, please rate, review, subscribe and SHARE ON INSTAGRAM!     If you have an any questions you want answered, write in to artmatterspodcast@gmail.com host: Isaac Mann www.isaacmann.com insta: @isaac.mann guest: Robert Schefman www.robertschefman.com insta: @robertschefman Thank you as always to ARRN, the Detroit-based artist and instrumentalist, for the music.

    1h 21m
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About

ARTMATTERS is an intimate, bi-weekly podcast featuring in-studio conversations between host Isaac Mann and professionalartists from around the world. Now in its second season with over 55 episodes, the show has become a vital resource for thecontemporary art community, exploring everything from technical practices and daily studio insights to career advice, creativeblocks, and the emotional realities of making art. Host Isaac Mann brings both the perspective of a working artist and the curiosity of a thoughtful interviewer to each conversation,creating a space where artists can discuss not just their techniques and influences, but also the vulnerable aspects of creative life-hope, depression, expectation, success, and failure.  Whether exploring technical processes, relationship dynamics, or tips for a healthier practice, ARTMATTERS offersboth emerging and established artists a rare glimpse into the real experiences behind successful creative careers.

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