Life as Art

Life As Art - Episode 014: Roli Delgado Roli coaches and mentors young fighters in MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and kick boxing. His techniques are respected throughout the global fighting world. But it’s his love for life and living in the moment that inspire us most. Join us as Roli discusses the power of recognizing your mortality, the role of government in commerce, and the pursuit of freedom. His views on family, money, and civility will motivate you to step up your game with passion and integrity. You can follow Roli on Instagram @roli_delgado and check out Westside MMA in Little Rock at http://westsidemma.com.

Life As Art - Episode 013: Tom Cox Tom's prolific career as composer, educator and performer continues to influence artists and listeners around the world. His transition away from academia led to having more time to focus on his love of spiritual practices like meditation, journaling, and the contemplative life. Listen to Tom's thoughts on building a compassionate mindset, vulnerably engaging with art, and creating a narrative in everything we do. At minute 36, I reference Benjamin Zander’s TED Talk. He adds to the discussion of creative a personal narrative in works of art.

Life As Art - Episode 012: Stephen Wirges Stephen surrounds himself with great instruments and musicians. He owns the Steinway Gallery Little Rock and maintains hundreds of pianos on campuses and in homes and performance centers throughout Arkansas. You can hear his love for this instrument and the connection it makes with the heart of musicians and music lovers alike. http://www.steinwaylr.com/

Life As Art - Episode 011: Jack Sundell Jack Sundell and his wife Corri Bristow Sundell founded The Root Café out of a desire to create a vibrant, community-oriented atmosphere. Local meat, dairy and produce are served with a smile at every table. The Root Café was featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" with Guy Fieri in 2018. www.therootcafe.com https://www.foodnetwork.com/restaurants/ar/little-rock/the-root-cafe-restaurant

Linda Harding describes her photographic style as painterly. She blends natural settings with photo-editing to create semi-surrealistic images. Her recent appointment to the Kennedy Center's National Committee for the Performing Arts speaks to her competence as both artist and spokesperson. Check out her work at lindahardingphotography.com.

Life As Art - Episode 009: Katie Griffin Katie Griffin, my 10-year-old niece, opens up about Disney Princesses, singing for pleasure, and the power of performance. Join us for an inside look into the mindset of a modern child who's 10 going on 25. Our guest sings twice for us and educates on the lingering impact of good friendships even when they are no longer in our daily lives. Special thanks to Nancy Griffin for accompanying Katie, to Becky Griffin for allowing this recording, and to Wai-Kay Carenbauer for such excellent edits.

Life As Art - Episode 008: Guy Bell Guy Bell, an artist mid-evolution, gives us a beautiful discussion to kick off the new year. Guy's photorealistic naturescapes transfix viewers and inspire younger artists. Listen for his description of the creative process, his meditative practice and his views on the healthy role of failure. Guy owns DRAWL Southern Contemporary Art Gallery in Little Rock. His paintings have been displayed at shows around the country and at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. You'll want to hear his optimistic view on what it means to be a neighbor, and how to focus your intention for the positive every morning. See more at http://guywbell.com and https://stateoftheart.crystalbridges.org/blog/project/guy-w-bell.

Life As Art - Episode 007: Bill Huntington Bill’s recognizable bass lines have wormed their way onto records with Ellis Marsalis, Al Hurt, Aretha Franklin and Harry Connick, Jr. Talking with this native from New Orleans lifted my spirits and reignited my passion for music’s ability to change political and social norms as well as to create unlikely friendships. And get your pencils ready for the lineage of great bassists who influenced the new sounds of each decade. You’ll finish this podcast with a list of artists to research and delight in. Enjoy!

Life As Art - Episode 006: Michael Carenbauer Michael Carenbauer, professor of guitar at UA Little Rock, brings a humble focus to the eclectic world of guitar performance. Composer, teacher, perpetual student: Michael's discipline empowers his creativity. He shares about the origins of composition, his daily practice and his personal connection of music to his family. Don't miss this interview with one of Arkansas's best known and loved guitarists!

Life As Art - Episode 005: Amber Manney Life as Art presents an interview with Arkansas-based designer Amber Manney. Amber develops spaces that curate emotions as well as textures and patterns. Don't underestimate the power of a well-designed home to shape the lives lived in it. Listen for key design tips, how to discover your own tastes and the mistakes we all make in picking the right artwork for our homes. Don't miss it!!

Episode 004 - Dr. Naoki Hakutani Dr. Naoki Hakutani, Professor of Piano at UA Little Rock, loves playing and teaching piano to students of all ages. How does he approach a new piece? How does he engage his students? And what passion drives him to persist when he doesn't love practicing piano?

Life As Art - Episode 3: Katherine Stanick Katherine's 101 years give her unique perspective. What keeps joy alive for so long? What advice can she share? And what is the power of friendship over the years?

Life As Art - Episode 2: Julian Vargas-Cabrera Julian teaches in China and travels during his school breaks. What are the keys to traveling well? How do you become a teacher overseas? And how does one become a Trivia Night host in Beijing?

Life As Art - Episode 1: Jelani Brooks Sax man for Diggs Duke, Shawn Martin, Durand Jones and the Indications and many others, Jelani travels the world, and brings a big bell sound wherever he goes. One of the coolest dudes I've met, and humble as can be. In this podcast, Jelani talks about how he tries to live a somewhat healthy, balanced life on the road, what kind of horns he plays and he gives sound advice to young artists. Check him out at www.mjelanimusic.com and his upcoming tour dates with Shaun Martin and Dynamo. He's also on Soundcloud.