North Country Voices Podcast Series

Shubha Banavar
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  • Visual Arts
  • Updated Weekly

Step into the studios and creative minds of St. Lawrence County. North Country Voices is an intimate podcast series celebrating the rich artistic landscape of the North Country. Shubha Banavar sits down with 12 diverse artists from across the region to explore what drives their craft, where they find inspiration in the local landscape, and how their ideas come to life. Featuring honest conversations, behind-the-scenes insights, and exclusive demos of their work, North Country Voices is a tribute to the power of community, place, and creative expression.

  1. 2d ago

    From Classroom to Craftsman - Larry Jenne

    In this episode, we sit down with a retired educator and school administrator, Larry Jenne, who transformed his post-retirement chapter into a thriving creative journey as a woodworking artist. From spending 16 years teaching kindergarten through 5th grade to serving as an elementary principal and technical center director, he now applies that same patience and passion to creating one-of-a-kind rustic and repurposed furniture. Watch as he shares his inspiring story, breaks down his material choices, and gives us a hands-on studio demonstration on how to build a clock from a repurposed bicycle rim. In this episode: How decades in education shaped his approach to mastering a new artistic discipline The philosophy behind choosing rustic, found, and repurposed materials over pristine lumber How to listen to the wood when working with driftwood, hardwoods, and softwoods Turning workshop mistakes into unique design features A step-by-step studio demonstration on crafting a bicycle rim clock The one indispensable tool in his studio he can't live without Question for you: Have you ever tried repurposing unusual materials into art or home decor? Tell us what you made or what materials you'd love to try working with! Connect with us and our guest:  Guest Website/Instagram:  https://www.facebook.com/ADKRustiques/  Email: lbjenne60@gmail.com Podcast email: rendezvouswithart@gmail.com Videography and video editing supported by Cassidy Fowler. If you loved the peek into this artist’s studio, hit the Like button, Subscribe to the channel, and don’t forget to come back next week where we continue our conversation with master woodworking artist Larry Jenne! Timestamps: 00:00 - From Educator to Artisan 4:47 - Where Antique Meets Rustic 6:48 - Letting the Driftwood Speak 8:46 - The Woodworker’s Palette 10:16 - Understanding Wood Types 15:51 - Mistakes Into Redesigns 20:54 - Student of the Craft 23:10 - One Tool Above the Rest 26:24 - Creating a Clock - Demo Part 1 Safety Disclaimer: The studio demo in this video is performed by a trained craftsman. Woodworking involves power tools and inherent hazards. Always follow proper safety procedures, wear personal protective equipment (PPE), and seek professional instruction before attempting these techniques. This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and administered by the St. Lawrence County Arts Council

  2. Oct 18

    From Warp to Weft: Unwinding the Creative Process

    Title: From Warp to Weft: Unwinding the Creative Process In Part 2 of our conversation with master weaver and dye artist Cait Throop of “Barefoot Weaver”, on North Country Voices, she shares the broader creative and educational journey behind her 35+ years at the loom. From her early beginnings in weaving to exploring fluid art and bookmaking, she offers a deep look into her relationship with color, fabric, and community teaching. Plus, watch the step-by-step conclusion to her live studio demo as a handwoven piece comes off the loom! In this episode: How Her Journey Began: How she first discovered weaving and chose the loom as her primary artistic medium. Expanding Her Repertoire: Exploring new avenues of creative expression through fluid art, watercolor, and handmade bookmaking. The Art of the Palette: How she selects, mixes, and balances colors when planning new fiber projects and hand-dyed yarns. Bringing Weaving to Schools: Stories from teaching children and adults, and watching the magic of the loom spark wonder in the classroom. Mastering Fiber & Fabric: How tension, texture, fiber selection, and feel directly shape the drape and quality of the final output. Live Studio Demo (Part 2): Watch as she weaves the warp and weft threads together in real time, manages tension, and carefully removes the finished woven piece from the loom. Words of Wisdom: Her best practical advice and encouragement for anyone looking to take their first steps into hand weaving. Question for you: If you could learn any traditional craft or fiber art, what would it be? Also, what was your favorite part of seeing the piece come off the loom in today’s demo? Let us know in the comments below! Connect with us and our guest:  Guest Website/Instagram:  https://barefootweavercait.blogspot.com/ https://www.etsy.com/shop/barefootweaver/ Podcast email: rendezvouswithart@gmail.com Videography and video editing supported by Cassidy Fowler. If you loved the peek into this artist’s studio, hit the Like button, Subscribe to the channel, and don’t forget to come back next week for a new artist! An inspiring conversation with multi-media artist and educator Kris Rozelle on turning personal pain into healing, community empowerment, and the joyful freedom of fluid art. Music Track Credits:  Music: toujours retourner en arrière by Rrrrrose Azerty https://loyaltyfreakmusic.com License: Creative Commons — Attribution 4.0 International Free Download / Stream: https://links.al/B1V Music promoted by Audio Library: https://links.al/youtube Timestamps: 00:00 - Beyond the Loom: Fluid Art and Bookmaking 3:13 - Fluid Art 3:51 - Choosing Her Color Palette 5:49 - Discovering Her Passion for the Loom 9:43 - Working with Different Types of Fabric 12:31 - The Magic of Seeing a Loom in Action 15:53 - Weaving Demo 33:13 - Tiny Loom 33:38 - How Horse-riding Shapes Her Art 35:19 - Advice for Beginners This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and administered by the St. Lawrence County Arts Council

  3. Oct 11

    Threads of Resilience - Cait Throop

    In Part 1 of our conversation, we sit down with master weaver and dye artist Cait Throop of ‘Barefoot Weaver’. She finds the process of weaving fascinating and says ‘It’s a craft where fashion, color, texture and practicality can produce amazing products’. With over 35 years at the loom and decades of custom hand-dyeing experience, she demystifies the craft of weaving, shares her personal story of resilience through health challenges, and reveals how simple threads can create stunning wearable and fine art.  Watch as she demonstrates wrapping warp threads on a warping mill, transferring them to the loom, threading through individual heddles, and explaining the key components of the loom in action. In this episode: Learn how she chose the name "Barefoot Weaver" and built her studio practice. Practical wisdom for beginners who feel intimidated by complex setups. The essential high-level steps of taking a project from concept to finished piece. Warps, Wefts & Thread Count - A clear look at the mechanics, thread selection, and structural foundations of weaving. Discover how her art and time at the loom served as a source of strength during major health challenges. Demo and key components of a loom. Bonus Showcase - "Tiny Tapestries": A look at her incredible single-thread woven creations—intricate, rug-like miniatures framed as wall art that push hand weaving to its ultimate limits! Question for you: Master weavers often push their craft to new limits—what did you think of her single-thread "Tiny Tapestries"? Let us know in the comments below! Connect with us and our guest:  Guest Website/Instagram:  https://barefootweavercait.blogspot.com/ https://www.etsy.com/shop/barefootweaver/ Podcast email: rendezvouswithart@gmail.com Videography and video editing supported by Cassidy Fowler. If you loved the peek into this artist’s studio, hit the Like button, Subscribe to the channel, and don’t forget to come back next week where we dive into her vibrant color palettes, multi-medium art, fiber tension, and her love for horse-riding! Music Track Credits:  Music: toujours retourner en arrière by Rrrrrose Azerty https://loyaltyfreakmusic.com License: Creative Commons — Attribution 4.0 International Free Download / Stream: https://links.al/B1V Music promoted by Audio Library: https://links.al/youtube Timestamps:  00:00 - The Story Behind ‘Bearfoot Weaver’  2:08 - The Weaving Process Explained 6:57 - Overcoming the Fear of the Loom  10:13 - Understanding Warps, Wefts and Patterns 13:49 - Balancing Creativity and Client Needs 16:13 - How Weaving Helped Her Heal 18:37 - Loom DEMO 34:50 - Tiny Tapestries: Intricate Single Thread Patterns This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and administered by the St. Lawrence County Arts Council

  4. Oct 4

    Chasing the Fleeting Light

    In Part 2 of our conversation with our guest artist, David Crowell, we move from overarching inspiration to the practical, hands-on side of plein air painting. Whether he’s pulling over on the side of the road to capture a sudden light shift or painting landscapes far beyond the North Country, he shares what it takes to paint on location with confidence. Join us as he unpacks his portable go-bag, explains how to save a watercolor painting when things go off track, shares his methods for preserving finished artwork, and passes on invaluable advice for anyone picking up a brush for the first time. In this episode: - What he packs in his portable quick-paint kit to capture spontaneous scenes on the fly. - His experiences painting new landscapes and adapting to environments outside his home region. - Practical techniques for handling watercolor mishaps and recovering when a painting goes wrong. - Essential steps for protecting, sealing, and storing finished watercolor pieces so they last. - Encouraging advice and practical ground rules for new watercolor and plein air artists. Question for the Viewers: What’s the one item you always make sure to bring when you’re creating art outdoors or on the move? Let us know in the comments below! Connect with us and our guest: Guest Website/Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/ADKPainter/ https://www.instagram.com/davidcrowell_fineart/ https://slcartscouncil.org/artist-directory/david-crowell/ Podcast email: rendezvouswithart@gmail.com Videography and video editing supported by Cassidy Fowler. If you loved the peek into this artist’s studio, hit the Like button, Subscribe to the channel, and don’t forget to come back next week for an exciting new artist! Join us as master weaver and dye artist Cait Throop, demonstrates the art of the loom, shares her journey through multi-medium art, and reveals the secrets behind her handwoven creations. Timestamps: 00:00 - What’s in your to-go kit? 11:30 - Plein Air Beyond the North Country 15:07 - Watercolor Art Preservation and Care 20:11 - Factors Affecting Plein Air 23:15 - Handling and Correcting Mistakes 30:14 - Demo continuation 38:55 - Tips for Getting Started This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and administered by the St. Lawrence County Arts Council

  5. Sep 27

    Dancing With The Watercolors

    In Part 1 of our conversation with local plein air artist, David Crowell, we dive deep into a life defined by service, community, and artistic evolution. From his early career in youth advocacy and child welfare to running an international fair trade shop, our guest shares how decades of human connection and world travel eventually shaped his vibrant painting style. Join us as he reflects on transitioning from art as a hobby to a full-time second career, his experiences painting en plein air, the secrets behind blending techniques, and key lessons from a watercolor workshop in China. In Part 1, we cover: Life in Community Service: Working with child welfare services and the youth advocate program in the North Country. From Hobby to Second Career: Turning a lifelong passion into a full-time artistic pursuit after retirement. Global Connections & Fair Trade: Running an international gift shop and how meeting a women's sewing co-op in Rwanda influenced his perspective. The "Tiny Jewels" Style: How world travel and decades of public service converged on the canvas. The Plein Air Experience: What it means to "become one with nature" while painting outdoors. Blending Techniques: The art of balancing wet-on-wet versus wet-on-dry applications. Lessons from China: Exploring unique brushes and key differences between Eastern and Western watercolor traditions. Question for you: Our guest proved it's never too late to turn a lifelong passion into a full-time second career. Have you ever thought about making a big creative shift after retirement? Let us know in the comments below!  Connect with us and our guest:  Guest Website/Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/ADKPainter/              https://www.instagram.com/davidcrowell_fineart/              https://slcartscouncil.org/artist-directory/david-crowell/ Podcast email: rendezvouswithart@gmail.com Videography and video editing supported by Cassidy Fowler. If you loved the peek into this artist’s studio, hit the Like button, Subscribe to the channel, and don’t forget to come back next week where he reveals what’s in his quick-paint go-bag, how he fixes watercolor mistakes, and shares essential wisdom for beginner artists.  There is a live demo in this interview. To watch go to https://youtu.be/RZfHizuq2-k and demo starts at 36:14 Timestamps: 00:00 - Life in Public Service: Child Welfare and Youth Advocacy in the North Country 2:34 - Bringing global art to the local community 5:24 - ‘Becoming one with Nature’ through Plein Air 12:10 - Turning a hobby into a career 16:09 - Mastering blending techniques 19:32 - Lessons from China: Tools, Brushes and Techniques 36:14 - Watercolor painting demo This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and administered by the St. Lawrence County Arts Council

  6. Sep 20

    Continuing a Silversmithing Legacy, Studio Tour & Tucson Gem Hunting

    TITLE: ROCKS, SILVER AND PRECISION Continuing a Silversmithing Legacy, Studio Tour & Tucson Gem Hunting In Part 2 of our interview series, we dive deeper into the heritage, tools, and techniques behind handmade silver and stone inlay jewelry. Our featured artist reflects on continuing a family legacy that began with her grandmother, a silversmith in the 1940s and 1950s. She takes us along on her annual winter journey to the world-famous Tucson Gem Show—spanning 45 locations—to share how she sources authentic gemstones and collaborates with veteran lapidary artists. Then, step inside her studio for a full tour of her bench, tools, and machinery, complete with live demonstrations showing copper plate sawing, silver soldering, and edge-smoothing techniques! In this episode we cover: Continuing Her Grandmother’s 1940s & 50s Silversmithing Legacy Gem Hunting in Tucson: Sourcing at the World’s Largest Gem Show Learning from Veterans at the Tucson Lapidary Club Spotting Genuine vs. Synthetic & Dyed Gemstones Studio Tour: Essential Tools & Machines for Lapidary & Silversmithing DEMO 1: Refining & Smoothing Sharp Jewelry Edges DEMO 2: Torch Work & Soldering Silver Pieces DEMO 3: Sawing a Copper Plate at the Bench Advice for Anyone Wanting to Start Lapidary Work Question for you: Do you have a family heirloom or craft passed down through generations like our guest’s grandmother’s silverwork? Tell us about it in the comments below! There is a studio tour demo in this episode. To view it go to youtube https://youtu.be/OiGW6C346qQ and demo at 23:25 Connect with us and our guest:  Guest Website/Instagram: https://www.mycornerstudiosilver.com/the-artist.html              https://www.facebook.com/MyCornerStudio/              https://www.instagram.com/mycornerstudio/ Podcast email: rendezvouswithart@gmail.com Videography and video editing supported by Cassidy Fowler. If you loved the peek into this artist’s studio, hit the Like button, Subscribe to the channel, and don’t forget to come back next week where we talk to an incredible plein air watercolor artist, David Crowell, whose work is deeply rooted in community service.  Timestamps: 00:00 - Family Legacy: The Influence of her Grandmother’s Jewelry 5:44 - Embracing the Flaws: Handling cracked stones and creative pivots 8:35 - Learning from Masters: Decades of Wisdom at the Tucson Lapidary Club 14:13 - The Buyer’s Eye: Authenticating Gems at the World’s Largest Gem Show 18:42 - The Toughest Cut: What is the Most Difficult Stone to Work With 21:37 - Words of Wisdom: Essential Advice for Beginners in Lapidary 23:25 - Demo - Studio Tour: The Essential Tools of Lapidary and Silversmithing  This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and administered by the St. Lawrence County Arts Council

  7. Sep 14

    Rocks, Silver and Precision

    TITLE: From Horse Farming to Fine Silver & Stone Inlay In this episode, we sit down with talented silversmith Nancey Brackett, to explore her remarkable creative pivot—transitioning from 33 years of running a horse farm to building a small business around handmade silver and stone inlay jewelry. She shares how taking an intensive lapidary workshop changed her artistic direction forever, taking us behind the bench to explain how raw gemstones are transformed into refined cabochons, how custom silver bezels are constructed, and the precision required for stone inlay work. Stick around for live studio demonstrations showing how she grinds stones into cabochons and saws stone slabs for inlay! In this episode we cover: Moving from running a horse farm to launching her own jewelry business. Intensive lapidary workshop that sparked her passion for stone cutting and silversmithing The step-by-step transformation of raw, rough stone into smooth, polished cabochons ready for setting. The technical process of shaping, fitting, and soldering silver wire to hold custom gemstones. The precision, patience, and techniques required to fit multiple stone pieces into silver channel work. Studio Demo 1 (Grinding): A live look at shaping and grinding raw stone on the lapidary wheel to craft a cabochon. View live demo on youtube here https://youtu.be/ONrx63ptQ7s at 30:37 Studio Demo 2 (Sawing): A live demonstration of cutting a thin stone slab using a trim saw to prepare materials for inlay. View live demo on youtube here https://youtu.be/ONrx63ptQ7s at 33:39 Question for you: What’s your favorite gemstone to see featured in handmade jewelry, and would you ever take a lapidary class yourself? Let us know in the comments below! Connect with us and our guest:  Guest Website/Instagram: https://www.mycornerstudiosilver.com/the-artist.html              https://www.facebook.com/MyCornerStudio/              https://www.instagram.com/mycornerstudio/ Podcast email: rendezvouswithart@gmail.com Videography and video editing supported by Cassidy Fowler. If you loved the peek into this artist’s studio, hit the Like button, Subscribe to the channel, and don’t forget to come back next week where we explore her annual trips to the Tucson Gem Show, her lapidary studio community, and essential career advice for aspiring silversmiths! Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro and getting started  4:19 - Learning the Craft: Inside the Lapidary Workshop 6:40 - Unearthing the Palette: The Stones of the Jewelry 10:05 - Romancing the stone 20:53 - Sourcing in Tucson: World’s Largest Gem Showcase 27:46 - The Crafting Process: Cabochons, Bezels and Inlay This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and administered by the St. Lawrence County Arts Council

  8. Sep 6

    Mastering Power Tools and Creating Zero Waste Art

    Breaking Barriers and Using Power Tools We continue our conversation with artist, woodworker, and SUNY Potsdam art educator Katie Schuler to explore the world of zero-waste craftsmanship and sustainable design. In this episode, Katie takes us deep into her shop for a hands-on look at her craft. She breaks down the unique characteristics of different local wood species, gives us a live demonstration on mastering power tools safely and confidently, and shares invaluable advice for novice woodworkers looking to start their own journey. In Part 2, we cover: The unique traits of different local hardwoods and softwoods Live demo: Using power tools safely and effectively How to build confidence using heavy shop machinery Wise words and actionable advice for beginner artists Question for you: What is your favorite type of wood to work with? Let us know in the comments below!  Connect with Us & Our Guest: Guest Website/Instagram: https://www.schulerwood.com/                                            https://www.facebook.com/p/Schuler-Woodworks-100070774194904/ https://www.instagram.com/schulerwoodworks/ Podcast email: rendezvouswithart@gmail.com Videography and video editing supported by Cassidy Fowler. If you loved the peek into this artist’s studio, hit the Like button, Subscribe to the channel, and don’t forget to come back next week for a new artist! DEMO: There is a live demo in this episode. To see the demo on YouTube, go to: https://youtu.be/ct50IQEWpHU. Demo starts at 5:25 Coming Up Next Week: From running a horse farm to crafting fine stone inlay jewelry, discover how artist, silversmith Nancy Brackett turned a passion for precious metals into a lifelong career. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:41 - The Artistic Process 5:25 - Demo 18:24 - The Most Satisfying Moment in Woodworking 19:38 - Matching Wood Types to Fine Art 21:03 - Resin and Restored Wood: Turning Flaws into Function 23:54 - Making Your First Cut: Tips for Aspiring Makers This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and administered by the St. Lawrence County Arts Council

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Step into the studios and creative minds of St. Lawrence County. North Country Voices is an intimate podcast series celebrating the rich artistic landscape of the North Country. Shubha Banavar sits down with 12 diverse artists from across the region to explore what drives their craft, where they find inspiration in the local landscape, and how their ideas come to life. Featuring honest conversations, behind-the-scenes insights, and exclusive demos of their work, North Country Voices is a tribute to the power of community, place, and creative expression.

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