Art Unknown Podcast

Jim Wills
  • 4.9 (14)
  • Visual Arts
  • Updated Semimonthly

Welcome to the Art Unknown Podcast: Feed Your Soul With Art Step into a world where the strokes of a brush tell stories untold, and the whispers of creativity echo through time. The Art Unknown Podcast is your gateway to the hidden realms of artistry, where each episode unravels the mysteries behind the masterpieces and the minds that create them. Hosted by the insightful Jim Wills, this podcast is a journey through the vibrant tapestry of art, exploring the depths of human expression and the transformative power of creativity. From intimate conversations with renowned artists to explorations of the unconventional paths that lead to artistic brilliance, the Art Unknown Podcast invites you to see the world through a lens of wonder and inspiration. Join us as we delve into the unknown, where every episode is a canvas painted with the colors of curiosity and passion.

  1. Jun 11

    Ep97 Jennifer Sklias-Gahan

    “I think as artists, we help people connect with themselves and feel their feelings.” - Jennifer Sklias-Gahan Finding Creativity in the Darkness Actor, filmmaker, and author Jennifer Sklias-Gahan joins the AU Podcast for a thoughtful conversation about creativity, resilience, and the winding path that leads us back to the work we're meant to do. From growing up in Queens as the daughter of a Greek immigrant to finding her voice as a writer, actor, and storyteller, Jennifer shared how journaling, reading, meditation, and even a little piano each morning help fuel a creative life that has been decades in the making. from her growing career in film to her debut novel, The House in the Middle of the Street. We also explore the role of darkness in art, why stories can help us better understand ourselves, the balance between family and creative ambition, and her belief that art remains one of the most important ways we connect to our humanity. During our discussion, we touch on her husband's work in Depeche Mode, vinyl records, theater, AI, and why the imperfections of human creativity may be exactly what make it so valuable. images: ©jennifer sklias-gahan jennifer sklias-gahan website the house in the middle of the street website Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Email | RSS MORE ART UNKNOWN PODCASTS

    57 min

  2. Jun 2

    Ep96 Jodi Krangle

    “I think that art is the human experience. It's how we express ourselves.” - Jodi Krangle The Sound of Being Human What does it take to build a career using nothing but your voice? In this episode, we sit down with voice actor Jodi Krangle to explore the craft behind the commercials, brands, and stories you hear every day. From her early days in music and internet marketing to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in advertising, Jodi shares how performance, emotion, and authenticity come together behind the microphone. Along the way, we chat about the power of sound, the personality of brands, the realities of freelancing, and the growing impact of AI on creative work. Thoughtful, funny, and refreshingly grounded, Jodi offers a fascinating look into a profession most of us hear constantly but rarely think about. Her parting advice says it all: in a world increasingly shaped by technology, lean into being human. images: ©jodi krangle jodi krangle website jodi Krangle youtube Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Email | RSS MORE ART UNKNOWN PODCASTS

    1h 25m

  3. May 13

    Ep95 Kenneith Perrin

    “Whatever it is that you want to do in life, don't give up on it.” - Kenneith Perrin Singing Songs for the Soul Singer/songwriter Kenneith Perrin joins the podcast for a conversation about music, spirituality, performance, and the healing power of art. From singing in church as a nervous seven-year-old to performing across the country with a message rooted in hope and encouragement, Kenneith shares how music became both his calling and his way of connecting with people. He talks about growing up in a musical family and balancing creativity with real-world responsibilities. Kenneith shares stories of life on the road, the realities of being an independent artist, and why uplifting people matters more to him than fame. Along the way, there are stage mishaps, touring disasters, vocal lessons, inspirational music, and the joyful moments that remind artists why they keep showing up night after night. images: ©kenneith perrin kenneith perrin website kenneith perrin spotify Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Email | RSS MORE ART UNKNOWN PODCASTS

    57 min

  4. May 1

    Ep94 Joan Barbero

    “If you will look I'm sure you'll find something that makes you feel something, and this is art.” - Joan Barbero Truth, Power, and the Stories We Dare to Tell A Catalan screenwriter steps out from behind the script and into the pages of his own story; and what unfolds is a conversation about truth, power, and the messy humanity inside every character he creates. From crafting hit Spanish TV series to building a 13th-century world filled with strong women, hidden histories, and moral complexity, Joan Barbero reveals why the best stories aren’t about heroes or villains; they’re about the uncomfortable space in between. In this episode we dig into his unexpected path from biology to screenwriting, the reality of being an “artisan” in a collaborative industry, and what finally pushed him to write his first novel. Along the way, we explore the tension between historical truth and creative freedom, the discipline of rewriting, and why stepping fully into the mind of a character; even the darkest ones; is where real storytelling begins. images: ©joan barbero joan barbero instagram el monasterio... on amazon Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Email | RSS MORE ART UNKNOWN PODCASTS

    1h 5m

  5. Apr 20

    Ep93 Cliff Beach

    “You curate life like anything else. If you want that kind of life and you make it happen, then it will happen.” - Cliff Beach The funk, the hustle, and the grind Musician, author, and creative entrepreneur Cliff Beach joins Jim Wills for a lively conversation on persistence, reinvention, and building a life around passion. Cliff shares his journey from studying at Berklee, auditioning for American Idol, performing on cruise ships, and eventually creating his own lane as an independent artist with more than a dozen albums to his name. They dive into the realities of the music business, why talent alone is never enough, and how entrepreneurship gave Cliff the freedom to fund his own art on his own terms. The conversation also explores creativity, discipline, health, side hustles, AI in music, and why art still matters in a distracted world. Funny, honest, and full of wisdom, this episode is a masterclass in staying true to yourself while evolving with the times. images: ©cliff beach cliff beach instagram cliff beach on spotify Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Email | RSS MORE ART UNKNOWN PODCASTS

    1h 2m

  6. Apr 12

    Ep92 Kneet

    “Art is a form of self-expression. Caring about art is caring about how you feel, how other people feel, and how they express themselves.” - Kneet Through Music and Love, she will Rise This episode of Art Unknown starts as a creative conversation and quickly turns into something deeper; part origin story, part survival story, part “how did we get here?” I sit down with Kneet, a Thai Sikh artist in New York who walked away from cultural expectations and built her own lane. What follows is a journey through identity confusion, strict family dynamics, and finding her voice through music when she wasn’t supposed to have one . Then it takes a turn. The conversation opens into a raw look at domestic and psychological abuse; the kind that leaves no bruises but cuts deeper, and often goes unseen or unrecognized . From that, her song “Rise" emerges; not just music, but a way to reclaim identity, voice, and power. Along the way, you’ll hear reflections on spirituality, family pressure, and what it really takes to become yourself when everything around you says don’t. What you’ll take away: Why restriction often fuels creativity What psychological abuse actually looks like The importance of support systems How art becomes a tool for survival It’s honest, heavy at times, and ultimately empowering. You might come for the music; you’ll leave with a whole new definition of strength. images: ©kneet kneet spotify kneet on instagram Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Email | RSS MORE ART UNKNOWN PODCASTS

    1h 1m

  7. Mar 25

    Ep91 Lora Arbrador

    “I think we need something that's elevating or beyond us, otherwise life is just too drab I think.” - Lora Arbrador The Courage to Paint What Matters...with Eggs The Art Unknown Podcast sits down with Lora Arbrador; an artist whose life feels like it was dropped straight into the middle of history and told to figure itself out. From the chaos of 1960s Berkeley and living out of a van, to working as a nurse on the frontlines of the AIDS epidemic, Lora’s story is anything but ordinary. We dive deep into her devotion to egg tempera; an ancient, painstaking technique that demands patience, precision, and a willingness to surrender to time. But this conversation goes far beyond process. Lora opens up about creating deeply personal and often provocative work; paintings that explore death, intimacy, the human body, and the moments most people shy away from. This is a conversation about living your art, not just making it. About embracing imperfection, letting go of timelines, and trusting the slow burn of a creative life. It’s raw, reflective, and a powerful reminder that art doesn’t come from comfort; it comes from experience. images: ©lora arbrador lora arbrador website lora arbrador instagram Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Email | RSS MORE ART UNKNOWN PODCASTS

    1h 3m

  8. Mar 18

    Ep90 Rupali Kumbhani

    “For me, art is an experience. There is no right definition for it.” - Rupali Kumbhani The Art of Becoming Through Experience Jim Wills sits down with multidisciplinary artist Rupali Kumbhani to trace a life in motion. One shaped not by a single medium but by persistent curiosity and the courage to follow wherever creativity leads. From her early days in Mumbai to a practice spanning painting, photography, and beyond, Kumbhani shows how her work grows through lived experience, careful observation, and a constant willingness to explore. At the center of the conversation is a question; what does it mean to create without clinging to outcome or label? Choosing independence over convention, Kumbhani focuses on process over perfection, letting intuition, travel, and even the design and care of over a hundred plants guide her work. Part creative philosophy, part meditation on discipline, presence, and freedom, this episode reminds us that art is not something we capture or control; it is something we grow into, step by step, through a life of experiences. images: ©rupali kumbhani rupali kumbhani website rupali kumbhani instagram Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Email | RSS MORE ART UNKNOWN PODCASTS

    1h 2m
See All (65)

4.9
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Art Unknown Podcast: Feed Your Soul With Art Step into a world where the strokes of a brush tell stories untold, and the whispers of creativity echo through time. The Art Unknown Podcast is your gateway to the hidden realms of artistry, where each episode unravels the mysteries behind the masterpieces and the minds that create them. Hosted by the insightful Jim Wills, this podcast is a journey through the vibrant tapestry of art, exploring the depths of human expression and the transformative power of creativity. From intimate conversations with renowned artists to explorations of the unconventional paths that lead to artistic brilliance, the Art Unknown Podcast invites you to see the world through a lens of wonder and inspiration. Join us as we delve into the unknown, where every episode is a canvas painted with the colors of curiosity and passion.

Information

  • Creator
    Jim Wills
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All content copyright Jim Wills/Art Unknown Podcast
  • Show Website
    Art Unknown Podcast