Artifice

Artifice Podcast by Emily Merrell
  • 5.0 (22)
  • Arts
  • Updated Biweekly

Great art almost feels like magic—it opens our minds to brand new ideas, and teaches us to see ourselves and our world more clearly. Of course, behind all great art, there are artists. And that’s where the real magic happens… As we go beneath the art itself to explore how different artists do what they do, we see glimpses of the sorts of creativity, resilience, and bravery that lead to the art that moves our world. And maybe we can learn to borrow some of that magic for our very own thinking. Join professional musician Emily Merrell for conversations with artists of all kinds. Together, we examine the mysteries of our own experiences, our muses and fears, our gifts and foibles, our beliefs about the origins of creativity, and the secret magic we’ve discovered in our unique creative processes. Mediums include: studio art, graphic design, dance, cooking, illustration, creative writing, storytelling, comedy, music composition, music performance, film making, acting, production, fashion design, photography, and more. Visit https://emilymerrellmusic.com/artifice-podcast/ for more information. - Theme Song "As You Are" by Emily Merrell @emilymerrellmusic - Illustration and Graphic Design by Sarah Keele @sarahkeeleart - Photography by Jen Palmer @jenpalmerphoto - HMU by Shawna Turner @shawnaturnerdesigns

  1. 3d ago

    Ep. 251: J. Timothy Hunt

    J. Timothy Hunt is an American/Canadian journalist, novelist, children's book author, screenwriter, and actor. He is the author of nine published books and has been nominated twice for Canada's Governor General's Award, and four times for Canada National Magazine Awards. He has received two Canada Council Grants for writing and has been writer in residence three times at the Helene Wurlitzer Foundation in Taos, New Mexico. As a script supervisor and actor in the Toronto film and television industry, Timothy has worked on dozens of feature films, short films, TV series, and commercials, including: “Schitt’s Creek,” “Orphan Black,” “Anne With an E,” and “Murdoch Mysteries.” Timothy has written for many publications in Canada, including National Post Business, Toronto Life, Elm Street, Reader's Digest, and Saturday Night. His 2005 narrative non-fiction book about the Nobel Peace Prize nominee Ken Saro-Wiwa entitled The Politics of Bones was named one of the best books of the year by Canada's national newspaper, The Globe and Mail. He is also, under a pseudonym, an award-winning author of children's fiction. The books were published by Tundra Books, a division of Penguin Random House. To promote his children’s fiction, he performed a one-man, one-hour stage show for children at over 100 schools and libraries across Canada. He holds a master's degree in screenwriting from Staffordshire University in the UK and is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York City. His plays “Angel Fire” and “The Lunatic” were presented Off-Off-Broadway. He was a member of The Writer’s Room in Greenwich Village and taught weekly creative writing sessions while publishing short science-fiction and a murder mystery novel. To support his writing earlier in his career, Timothy held a number of eccentric jobs including magazine receptionist, Wang operator (“Wang” was an early word processing system), computer-aided-design artist for a company selling office cubicles, wedding cake baker, French restaurant waiter, and emergency medical technician (EMT) for the Fire Department of New York, driving an ambulance and performing patient care and rescue in Harlem. After getting married and relocating to Canada, Timothy attended journalism school and began a 15-year career as a magazine and newspaper writer. With their twin sons, Timothy, who has run 10 marathons, and his husband of 30 years, split their time between homes in Toronto, Canada, and Grignan, France. Timothy was born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in Riverside, CA. His family relocated to Billings, Montana during his senior year of high school and he remained in Billings until his graduation from Rocky Mountain College. In 1981, he moved to New York City. He has been interviewed by numerous media outlets, including CBC News Today — https://youtu.be/hWfviODbMJ8. You can connect with him here: For more information, see jtimothyhunt.com and https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6281599/ https://www.facebook.com/j.timothy.hunt https://www.instagram.com/jtimothyhunt/ https://www.threads.com/@jtimothyhun

    Ep. 251: J. Timothy Hunt

  2. Oct 6

    Ep. 250: Jonathän Jouan

    Jonathän Jouan is a contemporary artist based in Montreal, Canada, working across sculpture, fine craft, and material research. Originally from France, he studied art history before training in traditional cabinetmaking in Canada, while independently mastering rye straw marquetry, which has become his signature material. Combining rye straw, wood, and metal, Jonathän Jouan creates sculptural works inspired by mythology, living systems, and cultural memory. Through speculative narratives and material experimentation, he explores the invisible connections between humanity, nature, and the transmission of knowledge. His practice reimagines traditional craftsmanship as a contemporary language, creating immersive worlds that challenge the boundaries between art, craft, and design. Website : www.jonathanjouanstudios.com Insta/FB/Tiktok/YT: @jonathanjouanstudios LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jonathän-jouan

    Ep. 250: Jonathän Jouan

  3. Sep 22

    Ep. 249: Lee Woodman

    For four decades, Lee Woodman has served the art world and literary arts community as a museum pioneer, educator, business woman, and writer. She worked for 20 years in leadership roles at the Smithsonian, was Vice-President of Media and Editorial at K12, Inc, now Strive, traded on the NY Stock Exchange. She was Executive Producer at Lee Woodman Media, Inc., with clients including The Library of Congress, The World Bank, Public Radio International, NPR, and the Fulbright Program. An overseas childhood in France and India sparked Lee Woodman’s love for language, art, theater, and dance. Lee Woodman is the author of the “Scapes” poetry series (Homescapes, Mindscapes, Lifescapes, Artscapes, and Soulscapes) and winner of the Independent Press Gold Award 2025, the Nautilus Gold Award for Poetry 2025, and the Independent Press Award for Distinguished Favorite in Poetry 2024. She is also winner of the 2020 William Meredith Prize for Poetry, the 2021 Atlantic Review International Poetry Competition Merit Award, and First Prize in Poetry and Prose Contest for Carve Magazine 2022. Her essays and poems have been published in Poet Lore, Tiferet Journal, Zócalo Public Square, Grey Sparrow Press, The Ekphrastic Review, vox poetica, The New Guard Review, The Concord Monitor, The Hill Rag, Naugatuck River Review, Tulip Tree Publishing, and The Broadkill Review. A Pushcart nominee, she received an Individual Poetry Fellowship from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities FY 2019 and FY 2020, and a Virginia Center for the Creative Arts Fellowship in 2022. Woodman has been a featured guest on numerous radio shows and podcasts, including Grace Cavalieri’s “Poet and the Poem” at the Library of Congress, “The Packaged Tourist Show” at The National Archives with Andrew Dibiase, “The Authors Show” with Don McCauley, and “Gab Talks” with Gabby Olczak. Her radio and TV awards and honors as a writer/producer include: five CINEs, two NY International Film Blue Ribbons, three Gracies from American Women in Radio and Television, Columbus Chris Award, CINDY Award, USA Today Hotpick Website, and Yahoo Outstanding Website. She earned her M.A. in Art Education from Hartford Art School, University of Hartford and her B.A. in Art Studio and History from Colby College. She resides in Rhinebeck, New York and has roots in New Hampshire. For more information, please consult: https://www.poetleewoodman.com

    Ep. 249: Lee Woodman

  4. Sep 15

    Ep. 248: Yulia Brodskaya

    Renowned paper artist Yulia Brodskaya is redefining the boundaries of the centuries-old craft of paper quilling. Originally trained as a graphic designer and illustrator, her journey into paper began almost by accident. In spelling her name “YULIA” with strips of paper in her very first paper artwork, she unknowingly set out to reinvent the centuries-old craft, pioneering a technique of drawing with paper strips—representing each drawn with an edge-glued strip that lifts the drawing into the third dimension. Soon after discovering her unique voice, Brodskaya earned international recognition for her innovative paper illustrations and was named Creative Review magazine’s “Breakthrough Star” of 2009. Her early work focused primarily on paper typography, quickly attracting an extraordinary roster of clients. Over the following years, she completed more than 200 commissions and collaborations, working with renowned brands including Neiman Marcus, Hermès, Issey Miyake, Wimbledon, Paramount Pictures, and The Balvenie. Yet alongside this commercial success, Brodskaya continued to explore the deeper expressive potential of paper. Gradually, her focus shifted toward portraiture and natural forms, where she could fully develop her signature technique of Painting with paper. Her book Painting with Paper — Paper on the Edge documents this pioneering technique, revealing how tightly folded paper strips can function like 3-dimentional brushstrokes, with colours blended and layered in a process analogous to mixing paint on a palette. The result is work that possesses all the richness of painting, while adding the tactile presence and dimensionality. Through her teaching and sharing of these methods, Brodskaya has inspired a global community of paper artists. Many have been able to follow in her footsteps, developing their own practices and livelihoods through this medium—first by learning to “draw” with paper, and now by exploring its full painterly and expressive potential. Today, her work continues to evolve. Her latest portrait experiments blur the boundary between paper quilling and Impressionist painting, demonstrating the extraordinary capacity of paper to convey light, emotion, and human presence. Through her hands, paper transforms from a simple material into a living medium, giving rise to a unique visual language the art world has never seen before. https://www.instagram.com/yulia_brodskaya_artyulia/ www.artyulia.com www.yuliacourses.com

    Ep. 248: Yulia Brodskaya

  5. Sep 7

    Ep. 247: Kitty McNamee

    Kitty McNamee is an artist, a creator and most importantly a collaborator. Her passion for the human heart, psychology and storytelling fuels her work with non-dancers and dancers alike. KItty’s early years in LA were spent honing her craft as Artistic Director of Hysterica Dance Co., a consistently prolific and creative collective that redefined dance in Los Angeles. Her unique approach to direction and choreography was declared by Dance Magazine to possess “an outsize talent for that most elusive gift, originality.” Kitty’s dance films have screened at over 50 festivals worldwide. Coming to dance late, Kitty’s deep appreciation and hunger for engagement has kept her creative practice at the forefront of her life ever since. She is deeply committed to the dance community, serving as mentor and advocate for the next generation of dancers and choreographers. Kitty spearheads, with Dance Camera West, LA POPS UP a dynamic program which is a rare opportunity to see the raw, disruptive, and authentic artistry of LA dance filmmakers together in a cinematic setting. Kitty has a long and fruitful relationship with the LA Philharmonic. Opera work includes Turandot, Marriage of Figaro, Romeo et Juliette, La Traviata, Don Carlo, La Rondine, Lucia di Lammermoor and Tales of Hoffman for LA Opera, San Francisco Opera , San Diego Opera and Lyric Opera of Chicago. https://www.kittymcnamee.com https://www.lapopsup.com

    Ep. 247: Kitty McNamee

  6. Aug 18

    Ep. 246: Amy Gross

    Amy Gross was born on Long Island, New York, and received her BFA from the Cooper Union in New York City. After a residency at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, she started a graphic design company, and worked as a surface designer, specializing in textiles, children’s products and toy design. In 2000 she moved to South Florida, and fascinated by the subtropical environment and the intricate natural growth there, began making hand-beaded jewelry. Her work expanded to embroidered canvases, then sculpture merging observed natural elements with invented life forms. In 2006, Gross received a grant from the South Florida Cultural Consortium, was the finalist for the Southern Prize in 2019, and received an Artist Innovation Fellowship in 2020. Her mixed media sculpture is represented by Momentum Gallery in Asheville, NC. Selected exhibits include the Craft and Folk Art Museum of Los Angeles, The Minnesota Museum of Art, the Mesa Contemporary Art Museum, the Asheville Art Museum, the Boca Raton Museum of Art, The Bascom Center, and fairs Art Wynwood and SOFA. Her shadowboxes are part of the permanent collection of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and, as part of the Art in Embassies program, installed in the new American Embassy in Papua New Guinea. Her work has appeared in Fiber Arts Magazine, American Craft Magazine, The Washington Post, Luxe Magazine, Create Magazine and the art and culture blogs Colossal TreeHugger, ArtMag and The Jealous Curator. She was featured in an article in the Spring 2016 issue of Fiber Art Now Magazine, and was the issue’s cover artist. She appears in three Schiffer Press books, Artistry in Fiber, Sculpture, Dimensional Cloth, Sculpture by Contemporary Textile Artists, and Stitched: Journeys with Birds. Her work will appear in the upcoming Phaidon book Fungi: The World of Mushrooms. She lives and works in Delray Beach, Florida. Amy Gross amygross.com Instagram: amyla174 momentumgallery.com

    Ep. 246: Amy Gross

  7. Aug 11

    Ep. 245: Mark Winters

    Texas-based rock singer-songwriter Mark Winters creates acoustic-driven songs that balance melody, groove, and quiet attention. His work blends poetic reflection with a background in aerospace engineering, shaping music that values both emotional clarity and thoughtful structure. Winters first picked up a guitar to play a song for his wife, discovering a deep connection between songwriting and presence. Since then, his music has grown into a body of work that draws from blues-influenced phrasing, acoustic rock sensibilities, science and a lifelong love of poetry - especially haikus, inspired by his grandmother, who encouraged him to express himself through words. His debut album, Slipstream (2019), introduced listeners to his lyrical storytelling and science-inflected metaphors, earning widespread praise and surpassing one million streams worldwide. He expanded that vision on Boundary Layer (2022), an album exploring momentum, growth, and the spaces where change happens. With a nod to Albert Einstein and his science roots, Winters released E=MC2 (2024) embracing science and poetry through tracks like Speed of Light and a radio friendly version of Boundary Layer. Winters released Acoustic Me (2025), a stripped-down record centered on voice and intimacy, followed by the poetic and nature inspired single “Man in the Sky.” A seasoned touring artist, Winters performs primarily as a solo act, using guitar, piano, and subtle looping to create listening-forward shows that reward attention and restraint. In 2025, he launched the Good Vibes Highway Tour, bringing these intimate performances to rooms across the U.S. and Canada - places where songs can breathe and connection can form naturally. Mark Winters’ “Boundary Layer” will put you in the high frequency energy state to feel ultra confident to release your old boundaries. - Americana Highways Winters writes songs that are catchy and engaging that will brighten your day and lift your mood.” – Indie Band Guru “Mark Winters is a mad rocket-scientist who finds his charm through the magic of poetry and music” – Testing Melodies “And when Winters sings? Man, he pours his heart and soul into it. You can practically feel the passion in every note. His voice climbs, and it’s like he’s sending out this wave of hope and positivity.” - Music Arenagh Website: www.markwintersmusic.com Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/0dfXqjPrnIgC5fM9HtITAT?si=5OIoeTEQQJeAzq1lrfYqoQ

    Ep. 245: Mark Winters

  8. Aug 4

    Ep. 244: Deanna Kei

    Deanna Kei is a NYC based fashion and beauty illustrator, specializing in live event art and detailed fashion branding, blending luxury fashion with New York street style. After a decade as a womenswear designer, she transitioned into illustration, and now works with brands such as Gucci, Dior, Burberry, Givenchy, and more. Her commissioned illustrations have been gifted to celebrities including Gigi Hadid and Blake Lively. Deanna collaborates with luxury fashion and beauty brands to create elevated, storytelling-driven illustrations and imagery that inspire customer engagement while honoring each brand’s identity. She is also known for her live guest sketching at NY Fashion Week events, brand activations, luxury retail experiences, galas, corporate events, private parties, and weddings. Her live sketches celebrate guests’ unique personal style, capturing the details that make each look memorable. Since her first live sketching event in 2018, Deanna has illustrated thousands of guests. Her work is deeply influenced by her background in fashion design and her upbringing in New York City. She is a Fashion Institute of Technology alumna with over a decade of experience across women’s contemporary sportswear, outerwear, athleisure and performance, juniors, childrenswear, and menswear design categories, as well as professional styling roles. Deanna’s illustrations have been featured across television commercials, magazines, newspapers, digital platforms, market week promotions, press trip packages, and live fashion week events. Her extensive knowledge of garment construction, fabric, silhouette, and fit informs every project, allowing her to approach illustration, design, and styling with precision and intention. Through her art, Deanna aims to encourage confidence, individuality, and positivity—celebrating personal style as a powerful form of nonverbal communication, always with a distinct New York edge. For more information or to discuss a new project contact Deannakei@gmail.com!

    Ep. 244: Deanna Kei
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5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

Great art almost feels like magic—it opens our minds to brand new ideas, and teaches us to see ourselves and our world more clearly. Of course, behind all great art, there are artists. And that’s where the real magic happens… As we go beneath the art itself to explore how different artists do what they do, we see glimpses of the sorts of creativity, resilience, and bravery that lead to the art that moves our world. And maybe we can learn to borrow some of that magic for our very own thinking. Join professional musician Emily Merrell for conversations with artists of all kinds. Together, we examine the mysteries of our own experiences, our muses and fears, our gifts and foibles, our beliefs about the origins of creativity, and the secret magic we’ve discovered in our unique creative processes. Mediums include: studio art, graphic design, dance, cooking, illustration, creative writing, storytelling, comedy, music composition, music performance, film making, acting, production, fashion design, photography, and more. Visit https://emilymerrellmusic.com/artifice-podcast/ for more information. - Theme Song "As You Are" by Emily Merrell @emilymerrellmusic - Illustration and Graphic Design by Sarah Keele @sarahkeeleart - Photography by Jen Palmer @jenpalmerphoto - HMU by Shawna Turner @shawnaturnerdesigns

Information

  • Creator
    Artifice Podcast by Emily Merrell
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    266
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Artifice