Sounds From the Studio

In this engaging episode of Sounds from the Studio, join host Sydney Leslie as she welcomes Cathy Raphael, a remarkable jeweler, writer, and social activist. Cathy offers a unique perspective shaped by her upbringing in a family deeply rooted in the arts. As the daughter of Contemporary Craft founder Betty Raphael, Cathy shares her journey from a metalsmithing student at Syracuse University to her involvement in founding the Women and Girls Foundation of Southwest Pennsylvania. Listeners will be inspired by Cathy's candid insights on finding one's creative voice and the importance of community and connection. Discover her passion for crafting meaningful art and her belief in the transformative power of creativity to foster a more empathetic and humane world. Follow Contemporary Craft on Instagram Visit the Contemporary Craft Website Explore Cathy's Work

Welcome to an inspiring episode of Sounds from the Studio, where host Sydney Leslie sits down with the multifaceted artist, Michelle Clifton. Known for her innovative soft sculpture creations and her pioneering work in sound healing, Michelle shares her journey from a young artist in Chicago to a renowned figure in the art and film industries. Discover the story behind her iconic sneaker bed, a piece that has traveled the world and even caught the attention of Swedish tennis legend Bjorn Borg. Michelle also reflects on her experiences as a documentary film producer, sharing insights from her extensive career alongside her husband at the Hudson River Film and Video Company. Listeners will be captivated by Michelle's transition into the world of sound healing, where she uses the power of sound to bring relaxation and healing to veterans, autistic adults, and many others. Learn about the profound effects of sound healing and its ability to transform lives through the soothing vibrations of singing bowls. Follow Contemporary Craft on Instagram Visit the Contemporary Craft Website Explore Michelle's Healing Work Discover the Hudson River Film and Video Company

In this captivating episode of Sounds From the Studio, host Sydney Leslie delves into the rich tapestry of Contemporary Craft's 50-year legacy. Sydney engages in a heartfelt conversation with Kate Lydon, the former Director of Exhibitions, who reflects on her remarkable 35-year journey with the organization. Together, they explore the evolution of Contemporary Craft, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a beacon of innovation and tradition. Discover the intricacies of crafting an exhibition archive and the challenges and triumphs of curating a permanent collection that bridges past and present. Listeners will be transported through time as Kate recounts memorable exhibitions, including collaborations with iconic artists like Faith Ringgold, Lenore Tanya, and Nick Cave. She offers insights into the shifting landscape of craft, from the DIY movement to the contemporary blend of mixed media artistry. Join us for an episode that celebrates the vibrant history of Contemporary Craft and honors the visionary artists who have shaped its path. Follow Contemporary Craft on Instagram Visit the Contemporary Craft Website Spotify Playlist: Sounds From the Studio

We kick off season 3 of Sounds from the Studio, with an exploration of Contemporary Craft's 50-year history. Host Sydney Leslie sits down with Janet McCall, former executive director of Contemporary Craft, to delve into the organization's rich past and its evolution within the Pittsburgh arts community. Janet shares her journey from an English and art history graduate to becoming a pivotal figure in the arts scene. From volunteering at the Carnegie Museum to leading Contemporary Craft through significant growth, Janet's story is one of passion and perseverance. Discover the challenges and triumphs of integrating craft into the fine arts realm and the impact of educational programs like the museum school partnership. Join us for an insightful conversation that not only celebrates the past but also looks forward to the future of Contemporary Craft.

Next season, we're diving deep into the newly formed archive at Contemporary Craft, revealing the treasures and stories that have shaped our organization since its inception. Join us as we introduce our new host for Season 3, Sydney Leslie, Archives and Creative Projects Manager, who will guide us through the rich history and exciting future of Contemporary Craft. In this episode, Rachel and Kahmeela pass the mic to Sydney, who shares her journey from Virginia to Pittsburgh, her educational background in art history and museum studies, and how she fell in love with the world of craft. Discover how Sydney has been meticulously organizing and preserving our extensive collection of exhibition catalogs, postcards, and other historical materials, and learn about some of the most intriguing finds she has uncovered, including a quirky soft sculpture shoe bed by artist Michelle Clifton. Join us on this fascinating journey through time as we explore the history of Contemporary Craft and how it informs our future. Follow Contemporary Craft on Instagram Visit the Contemporary Craft Website Spotify Playlist: Sounds From the Studio

In this unique episode of Sounds From the Studio, we break the mold by focusing on the profound themes of grief, mourning, and the celebration of life, as explored in Contemporary Craft's current exhibition, "Hereafter." Join hosts Rachel and Kahmeela as they sit down with Carrie McCann, an educator, death and grief companion, community herbalist, and wellness consultant, to delve into the intricate practices of navigating life's most significant transitions. Listen in as Carrie shares her journey into death work, the roles and rituals of a death doula, and the importance of creating meaningful, personalized end-of-life experiences. This episode is a poignant and enlightening conversation that encourages us to slow down, embrace our emotions, and find beauty and joy even in the most challenging moments of life. Carrie McCann on Instagram Carrie McCann's Website Spotify Playlist: Sounds From the Studio Contemporary Craft Website

Meet Alisha Wormsley, a visionary artist whose work transcends time and space. In this episode, we explore Alisha's journey from sewing and quilting during the pandemic to her prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship. Delve into the rich tapestry of her art, which weaves together ancestral storytelling, film, and the powerful symbolism found in African American quilts. Alisha's reflections on anti-blackness in cinema, matriarchal technologies, and the intersection of craft with advanced technologies offer a profound understanding of her creative process. Alisha shares insights into motherhood's impact on her work and the art world's structures. Her candid discussion on the legacy she wishes to leave, or rather not leave, is a refreshing take on the artist's relationship with their work and the world. This episode is an invitation to contemplate the power of asking questions, the importance of caring, and the possibilities that arise when we dare to dream and create spaces for all voices. Alisha Wormsley Instagram Alisha Wormsley Website Spotify Playlist: Sounds From the Studio Alisha Wormsley on The RuggedAngel Cast

Embark on a creative odyssey with Sean Derry and Sharon Massey, the dynamic duo behind Local X Change, as they transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. In this episode, we dive into their innovative approach to art and education, blending design, technology, and digital fabrication. From a captivating mini truck turned mobile radio station for rural teens to human-powered vending machines showcasing student designs, their projects are as impactful as they are whimsical. This pair's commitment to mentorship and community engagement resonates in every endeavor, including their upcoming Studio Stream project. Listen in as they discuss the intersection of public art and personal practice, and how they're sculpting the next generation of artists and makers. Join us for a conversation that's as much about crafting meaningful experiences as it is about the art itself.   Local Exchange Instagram Sean Derry Instagram Sharon Massey Instagram Spotify Playlist: Sounds From the Studio

Step into the world of Brie Ruais as she deftly molds her personal narrative into the physicality of clay. In this episode we delve into Brie's exhibition "Oneness," where her large-scale, emotive sculptures speak volumes of her intimate connection with the medium. From the weighty imprints of her own body to the profound influences of family dynamics and celestial bodies, Brie's work transcends the tactile to touch upon the universal human experience. Her candid conversation with hosts Rachel and Kahmeela unveils the raw emotion and thoughtful process behind each piece. Contemporary Craft Website Brie Ruais Instagram Spotify Playlist: Sounds From the Studio

Join us on a profound journey through the artful blend of tradition and modernity with artist, furniture maker, and sculptor Adrien Segal. In this episode, we explore how her residency at Contemporary Craft in Pittsburgh inspired a stunning exhibition that not only pays homage to the city's industrial past but also addresses the pressing issue of climate change through the lens of craft. https://www.adriensegal.com/ Facebook - Contemporary Craft Twitter - SCC Pittsburgh Instagram - SCC Pittsburgh Spotify Playlist - Sounds from the Studio

In this conversation, Adam Chau discusses his work with porcelain and cobalt blue, inspired by his Asian heritage, which focuses on relationships and queerness. He explores the use of alternate fiction and AI in his art, as well as the significance of emojis as a visual language. Adam also shares his experience with the Lunar Project exhibition series and his involvement in mentorship programs. He talks about his podcast, Trade Secret, and the importance of transparency in the art field. Adam Chau Website Instagram The Color Network

Ehren Tool is a ceramic artist and Marine Veteran who makes cups. They may start as "just cups," but by the time they have made their way through the world, in different hands, in the presence of many stories, they become so much more. One could even call the ceramic cups, war memorials. https://studiopotter.org/ehren-tool

Susie Ganch is a sculptor, jeweler, educator, founder, and director of Radical Jewelry Makeover (RJM). Radical Jewelry Makeover is a traveling community jewelry mining and recycling project. This project gives new life to old, discarded jewelry, helps to make room for future generations, and hopefully lessens the number of holes we have to put into the Earth. https://susieganch.com/ Susie's Instagram

Erika Diamond, a textile-focused artist, curator, and educator wants to save lives. Her work explores the potential for textiles to record and protect while it examines the fragility and resilience of the human body and our vital need for human connection. How do textiles hold memories? What are we supposed to do with our bodies? Rachel and Kahmeela discuss these topics and more, in this episode with Erika.

"How do we get to the point where we feel seen and cared for and heard?" - matt lambert matt lambert is a non-binary, trans, multidisciplinary collaborator and co-conspirator working towards equity, inclusion, and reparation. On the Eve of their "Self" exhibition opening at Contemporary Craft, matt shares thoughts on craft, historiography, and better questions to ask at a party. http://www.mattlambertstudio.com/

In this special edition of Sounds From the Studio, we turn the spotlight on our very own co-host, Kahmeela Adams. Join hosts Rachel and Kahmeela as they delve into Kahmeela's multifaceted career, from her early days in podcasting with "Down to Watch" and "The RuggedAngel Cast" to her extensive work in film and photography. Discover how Kahmeela's journey has been shaped by her passion for storytelling, her role as a producer for the 48 Hour Film Project in Pittsburgh, and her transition from a 9-to-5 job to a thriving entrepreneurial career. Listen in as she shares her experiences, challenges, and the mentors who influenced her along the way. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the life and work of a creative powerhouse who has successfully navigated various artistic mediums to find her voice and place in the world. Whether you're a fan of her podcasts, her photography, or her film work, this conversation is sure to inspire and entertain. Kahmeela's Instagram Kahmeela's Work Contemporary Craft Instagram Spotify Playlist: Sounds From the Studio www.ruggedangel.com

The "more Jazz than Classical" artist, ceramicist, and professor Sharif Bey joins us to discuss his artistic practice and how it came to be. Bey speaks on connectivity, generational values, and the power of ancestral memory. Hosts Rachel and Kahmeela explore Sharif's profound connection to his craft, from his early experiences at the Carnegie Museum of Art to his innovative work with both ceramics and glass. Sharif shares captivating insights into his creative process, discussing the symbolic significance of birds in his work and the deep influence of African diasporic culture. He reflects on the importance of objects in preserving memory and cultural heritage in an increasingly digital world. This episode is a rich tapestry of stories, reflections, and wisdom that invites listeners to contemplate the enduring impact of art and the importance of preserving cultural narratives. Sharif Bey Instagram Sharif Bey Website Spotify Playlist: Sounds From the Studio

Executive Director & Chief Curator for The Museum for Art in Wood in Philidelphia,  Jennifer-Navva Milliken joins us to talk all things curatorial. When is a cup just a cup and when is it a proxy for the female body? We explore Jennifer's approach to curating, particularly her current exhibition "Vessel: Embodiment, Autonomy, and Ornament in Wood" focused on vessels, which delves into themes of embodiment, autonomy, and ornamentation. Jennifer discusses the importance of empathy in art and the unique ability of craft to connect people across different experiences. She also shares her thoughts on the societal impact of art and the importance of creating spaces for marginalized voices. https://museumforartinwood.org/

Step into a world where art meets wellness with Missy Graff Balone, the innovative force behind Wellness for Makers. In this illuminating episode, we explore the ingenious ways Missy marries her expertise in massage therapy, yoga, and fine art to nurture the physical well-being of artists and makers. Discover how Missy's proactive approach to movement and mindfulness is reshaping the narrative around studio practices, transforming them into spaces of health and vitality. From ergonomic insights to personalized workshops, Missy's mission is to dismantle the myth that craft must come at the cost of the creator's body. Tune in and learn how to integrate self-care into your artistic process, ensuring your craft enriches not just your spirit, but also your physical well-being. Wellness for Makers Instagram Spotify Playlist: Sounds From the Studio

Step into the remarkable journey of Tereneh Idia, a visionary artist and designer whose work is a tapestry of sustainability, history, and global craft. In this episode of Sounds From the Studio, we explore Tereneh's residency at Contemporary Craft, where she's crafting a breathtaking collection that spans a millennium of Black Pittsburgh history through the lens of clothing. Her project, "Cloth, Culture, and Community," weaves together 15 stories, each represented by a meticulously designed outfit that honors individuals from the 1500s in West Africa to the year 3000 in Pittsburgh.   Join us as Tereneh shares her creative process, the emotional resonance of her historical research, and her adventures in learning new crafts. Her narrative is not just about the art of fashion but also about the power of light, both literal and metaphorical, in communities across the world. For a glimpse into the soul of an artist who is redefining the boundaries of design, craft, and social impact, tune in to this inspiring conversation. Tereneh Idia Instagram Contemporary Craft Website Spotify Playlist: Sounds From the Studio https://www.idiadega.com/

Step inside the world of Lauren Kalman, the freshly crowned winner of the coveted Raphael Prize, as she unveils her glasswork mastery. This episode, recorded on the cusp of the "Transformation Eleven: Works in Glass" exhibition delves into Lauren's profound connection to her craft. Her series, Devices for Filling a Void, is a mesmerizing fusion of body and material, where the voids of the human form is filled with delicate, transparent glass, allowing a glimpse into the artist's own body and soul. With Rachel and Kahmeela, Lauren shares the intimate journey of her artistic evolution, from her roots in metalsmithing to the innovative use of glass and the performative nature of her work. She discusses the philosophical depth behind her creations and the physical process of "hugging" molten glass into existence, a metaphor for the human need to hold and the complexities of intimacy and loss. As we explore the intricate relationship between artist, material, and viewer, Lauren's narrative is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the craft community and the power of vulnerability in art. Lauren Kalman Instagram Lauren Kalman Website Contemporary Craft Website Spotify Playlist: Sounds From the Studio https://www.laurenkalman.com/

Immerse yourself in the transformative essence of clay with Linda Swanson, a ceramist who defies the boundaries between art and craft. In this episode, we trace Linda's journey from her early fascination with pottery to her groundbreaking installations that challenge the very nature of ceramics. Her work, deeply influenced by the fluidity and unpredictability of the medium, invites us to explore the dynamic relationship between earth, water, and fire. From the raw allure of bentonite clay installations to the cosmic dance of iron-rich glazes, Linda's creations are a testament to the alchemical wonder of ceramics. As we navigate her artistic evolution, we also delve into her unique approach to public art, where even the most maligned creatures are cast in a captivating new light. Linda's narrative is a symphony of change, a reminder of the perpetual motion inherent in both art and life.   Contemporary Craft Website Linda Swanson Website Instagram: @contemporarycraft | @lindaswansonstudio Spotify Playlist: Sounds From the Studio

Step into the captivating world of Tanya Crane, a visiting artist whose multifaceted approach to jewelry and sculpture defies traditional boundaries. In this episode, we delve into Tanya's journey from a curious student at a community arts center to a distinguished professor and artist. Discover how her cultural heritage and personal experiences weave through her creations, offering a profound commentary on identity and history. Tanya's dedication to her craft and her commitment to mentorship shine through as she shares insights from her latest workshop, Crafting the Future, and her unique enameling techniques that leave a lasting impression on both her students and her audience. Whether it's her striking black and white enamel jewelry or her deeply personal sculptures, Tanya Crane's artistry is a testament to the transformative power of embracing one's roots and the beauty of sharing that journey with the world. https://www.tanyamoniquejewelry.com/ https://contemporarycraft.org/

Step into the world of Akiko Kotani, where traditional crochet meets bold contemporary art. Our first podcast episode unravels the threads of her striking installation 'Red Falls'. Explore the intersection of craft and cultural identity, and discover how Katani's work challenges and celebrates the undervalued labor of women. Tune in for an artful conversation that stitches together history, heritage, and heartfelt creativity. https://www.akikokotani.com/ https://contemporarycraft.org/