Unapologetically Creative

Vermont College of Fine Arts
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Arts
  • Updated Monthly

Unapologetically Creative is the official podcast from Vermont College of Fine Arts, featuring bold voices in art, design, and storytelling. Through fearless creativity and cross-disciplinary thinking, each episode explores how culture is shaped and reimagined. Hosted by Andrew Ramsammy, the show highlights how VCFA’s collaborative community empowers creators to challenge convention, embrace risk, and lead with purpose. Cover Art by David Jon Walker

  1. 12h ago

    Choosing Creative Risk: Tomás Gómez Bustillo on Storytelling, Purpose, and Independent Film

    Tomás Gómez Bustillo, an award winning filmmaker, screenwriter, and Vermont College of Fine Arts faculty member, explores the creative philosophy behind his acclaimed feature Chronicles of a Wandering Saint and why meaningful storytelling begins with embracing uncertainty. Drawing from his experience blending myth, memory, and visual poetry, he reflects on finding beauty in ordinary moments, developing a distinct artistic voice, and trusting audiences to discover meaning for themselves. Tomás also discusses the realities of independent filmmaking, balancing artistic integrity with commercial opportunity, and how purpose, mentorship, curiosity, and creative risk have shaped his career. Ultimately, he argues that being lost is not a setback but an essential part of the creative process, and that the most meaningful work often begins where certainty ends. TIMESTAMPS: 02:08 Why Small, Ordinary Moments Matter03:34 Letting Go of Being a "Serious" Filmmaker04:56 Anxiety, Patience, and Slowing Down06:25 Why Film Should Reward Patient Audiences07:54 Where Stories Begin09:17 Filmmaking and Living with Anxiety10:37 Mentoring the Next Generation of Filmmakers12:32 The Future of Independent Film14:58 Funding and Distributing Indie Movies Today17:00 Growing as a Filmmaker Without Losing Your Voice18:34 Why Chronicles of a Wandering Saint Had to Be Filmed in Argentina20:11 Directing Actors and Non Actors23:19 Why He Loves Making Movies25:02 The Bold Storytelling Choice That Changed His Film28:19 Choosing Projects That Align with Your Values30:29 What It Means to Be Unapologetically Creative32:25 Advice for Creatives Who Feel Lost

    Choosing Creative Risk: Tomás Gómez Bustillo on Storytelling, Purpose, and Independent Film

  2. Jul 7

    Questioning What We Inherit: Natalia Ilyin on Writing, Design, and Critical Thinking

    Natalia Ilyin, writer, educator, and critic, explores how the stories and assumptions we inherit shape the way we think, create, and understand the world. She discusses the intersection of writing and design, the importance of questioning established narratives, and how critical thinking can lead to more thoughtful and meaningful creative work. Timstamps: 01:36 Looking Beyond the Surface04:27 Finding a Path from Design to History05:32 Growing Up Surrounded by Stories09:28 Creativity, Propaganda, and Psychological Warfare11:20 Learning to Discern the Truth14:52 Finding What Design History Leaves Out18:59 Challenging the Constructs of Design20:12 Teaching History Backwards21:48 The Relationship Between Writing and Design26:15 Writing Books and Balancing Two Cultures28:00 What It Means to Be Unapologetically Creative29:40 Finding and Protecting Your Creative Voice

    Questioning What We Inherit: Natalia Ilyin on Writing, Design, and Critical Thinking

  3. Jun 23

    From Archives to Art: Mapping Culture, History, and Identity

    Lauren Bartone, visual artist, researcher, educator, and Ph.D. candidate in Italian Studies at UC Berkeley, discusses how archival research, mapping, botanical histories, and material culture shape her creative practice. From studying migration, textiles, and colonial histories to creating artwork with hand-dyed pigments and community-engaged mapping projects, Bartone explores how art can uncover hidden stories about identity, place, and cultural memory. She also reflects on balancing life as an artist, researcher, educator, and parent, and why creative thinking remains essential in a rapidly changing world. Timestamps: 02:23 Researching Italy Beyond the Tourist Experience04:04 Food, Florence, and Finding an Artistic Voice05:28 Studying Migration, Plants, and Cultural Exchange07:21 The Hidden Origins of European Identity07:59 From Archives to the Art Studio08:30 Parenting, Community, and Creative Practice10:16 Ribbon Rack and the History of Color11:37 Using Art to Explore Hidden Histories12:50 Why Tomatoes Aren’t Italian13:50 Mapping Culture, Memory, and Place15:13 Digital Tools vs. Physical Materials16:10 Why Every Map Is Inaccurate17:00 How Research Shapes Art Making17:47 Returning to CalArts and VCFA18:59 Balancing Art, Research, Teaching, and Family20:23 Art, Activism, and Ethical Storytelling22:20 What It Means to Be Unapologetically Creative23:28 Why Everything Is Personal24:08 Art vs. Commercialization

    From Archives to Art: Mapping Culture, History, and Identity

  4. Jun 9

    The Power of Representation: Sam Feder on Storytelling and Social Change

    Sam Feder, Peabody Award-nominated filmmaker and director of Disclosure and Heightened Scrutiny, discusses the power of representation, the responsibility of storytelling, and the role media plays in shaping public perception. Drawing from decades of work at the intersection of documentary filmmaking and advocacy, Sam reflects on trans visibility, media criticism, and the ways stories influence culture, policy, and social change. He explores the importance of centering the voices of those most affected by the stories being told, the ethics of representation, and the creative principles that guide his work. The conversation also examines the future of documentary filmmaking, the challenges facing independent creators, and what it means to create without asking permission. Timestamps: 2:26 The Court Case That Changed Everything4:06 Documenting Injustice Through Photography8:45 From Activism to Filmmaking11:36 The Mission Behind Disclosure13:56 Understanding the Fight Over Trans Healthcare15:47 How Media Shapes Public Policy17:36 Building Films with Community at the Center22:42 Moving Beyond Trauma Narratives24:45 Using Film as a Tool for Change29:04 The Future of Documentary Filmmaking33:26 Storytelling from Within a Community34:40 What It Means to Be Unapologetically Creative37:21 The First Time Media Got It Wrong38:36 Representation, Policy, and Power

    The Power of Representation: Sam Feder on Storytelling and Social Change

  5. May 26

    Directing Animation: Mark Kirkland on The Simpsons and the Creative Process

    Mark Kirkland, Emmy Award winning animation director and one of the most prolific directors in The Simpsons history, joins Andrew Ramsammy for a conversation about storytelling, artistic growth, and the creative process behind one of television’s most influential animated series. From making silent films as a teenager with his father to studying animation at CalArts and directing 84 episodes of The Simpsons, Mark reflects on the experiences that shaped his career and creative philosophy. The conversation explores what it actually means to direct animation, how classic cinema influenced iconic Simpsons episodes, the evolution of animation technology from hand drawn production to digital tools and AI, and why storytelling and humor remain at the center of great creative work. Mark also shares advice for aspiring animators, the importance of community and collaboration, and how he has stayed creatively inspired throughout decades in animation. Timestamps: 1:41 Meeting the director behind The Simpsons2:56 Early filmmaking with his father8:57 Winning a Student Academy Award at CalArts14:39 Joining The Simpsons18:43 How directing animation actually works22:51 Directing iconic Simpsons episodes24:44 Referencing classic films in animation27:37 How The Simpsons became pop culture30:23 Did The Simpsons change television animation?32:29 The production timeline behind The Simpsons33:19 Technology, Pixar, and AI in animation35:44 Advice for aspiring animators37:57 Staying unapologetically creative39:07 Humor, optimism, and storytelling39:56 The unexpected cultural impact of The Simpsons41:04 Mark’s favorite Simpsons character

    Directing Animation: Mark Kirkland on The Simpsons and the Creative Process

  6. May 14

    BONUS VCFA Writers' Conference: Building Creative Community: Adam McOmber, Erin LaRosa, and Spiro Skentzos on Storytelling and Artistic Risk

    Adam McOmber, co chair of the VCFA MFA in Writing program, joins Erin LaRosa, author and romance workshop leader, and Spiro Skentzos, screenwriter and producer, to discuss the next chapter of the VCFA Writers’ Conference as it moves to CalArts in Los Angeles. The conversation explores creative community, the evolution of romance and screenwriting, storytelling in the age of AI, artistic risk taking, and why human connection remains at the center of the creative process. Our conference faculty have created an actionable free toolkit that can help your writing now. Find it HERE Time Stamps: 2:14 Building Creative Community4:02 Why the Conference Moved to Los Angeles6:08 Bringing Genre Fiction Into Literary Spaces8:22 Romance Writing and Story Structure11:14 Why Romance Is Often Misunderstood14:23 The Rise of Sports Romance17:02 Vulnerability and Emotional Truth in Romance20:02 Representation and Inclusivity in Publishing22:41 Writing to Market vs Writing Your Passion25:10 Building Authentic Characters in Romance27:08 Why Romance Writers Should Be Unapologetically Creative29:23 The First 15 Pages of a Screenplay32:11 Inside the TV Writers’ Room34:37 Streaming, AI, and Modern Storytelling38:12 Writing From Lived Experience41:05 Thinking Visually for the Screen43:14 Creativity, Collaboration, and Ownership46:10 Why Intellectual Property Matters48:02 Pushing Storytelling Forward49:03 A New Chapter for VCFA Writers’ Conference

    BONUS VCFA Writers' Conference: Building Creative Community: Adam McOmber, Erin LaRosa, and Spiro Skentzos on Storytelling and Artistic Risk

  7. May 12

    Feeling Before Thinking: Suné Woods on Intimacy and Artistic Connection

    Suné Woods explores intimacy, collaboration, nonlinear storytelling, and the balance between feeling and thinking in artistic practice. Through reflections on water, ancestry, collective care, and multisensory installation work, Woods discusses how art can create spaces for connection, sanctuary, and deeper emotional presence in an increasingly overwhelming world. The conversation also examines openness in creative work, the importance of collaboration, and why the heart often leads before the mind can understand. Time stamps: 2:46 Finding Intimacy Through Art3:54 Art, Protest, and Collective Healing5:16 Water, Ancestry, and Interconnection7:20 The Spiritual Meaning of Water8:44 Healing Through Artistic Practice10:17 Why Collaboration Matters11:54 Nonlinear Storytelling and Multisensory Art13:34 Feeling Before Thinking14:24 Slowing Down Through Art16:06 Nature, Technology, and Presence16:47 Why Art Stays Open Ended17:45 Challenging Western Artistic Frameworks19:02 Teaching Through Personal Belief Systems20:20 What It Means to Be Unapologetically Creative20:58 Advice to a Younger Artist21:45 Art as an Invitation Forward

    Feeling Before Thinking: Suné Woods on Intimacy and Artistic Connection

  8. Apr 28

    Claiming Your Story and the Power of Creative Nonfiction

    Sue William Silverman, award-winning author and co-chair of the MFA in Writing program at the Vermont College of Fine Arts, joins Unapologetically Creative to explore the craft and courage behind creative nonfiction. From uncovering deeper meaning through metaphor and revision to writing through vulnerability and emotional risk, Silverman shares how storytelling becomes a path to self-discovery. She discusses the balance between lived experience and reflection, the role of persistence in the creative process, and why writers must learn to claim their stories without apology.  1:51 What Is Creative Nonfiction 4:17 The Unaware and Aware Narrator 6:10 Finding Meaning in Small Moments 9:55 Can Creative Nonfiction Be Taught 11:02 Writing Vulnerability and Personal Truths 14:30 Is Writing Therapeutic 15:41 Core Practices for Writers 17:09 The Power of Metaphor in Storytelling 19:51 Writing in the Present and Emotional Risk 22:58 Teaching Students to Share Difficult Stories 25:00 Advice to Younger Writers 26:41 What It Means to Be Unapologetically Creative 28:49 Final Takeaways on Creativity and Persistence

    Claiming Your Story and the Power of Creative Nonfiction
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Unapologetically Creative is the official podcast from Vermont College of Fine Arts, featuring bold voices in art, design, and storytelling. Through fearless creativity and cross-disciplinary thinking, each episode explores how culture is shaped and reimagined. Hosted by Andrew Ramsammy, the show highlights how VCFA’s collaborative community empowers creators to challenge convention, embrace risk, and lead with purpose. Cover Art by David Jon Walker

Information

  • Creator
    Vermont College of Fine Arts
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Vermont College of Fine Arts
  • Show Website
    Unapologetically Creative