Podcast appearances and mentions of Phillip J Mellen

Welcome Phillip J. Mellen (Podcast Episode 61 and Podcast Episode 53. He studied fine art at Bristol Community College in Fall River, Massachusetts. Phillip later went to study at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia in 1999. He graduated in 2003 and returned to Massachusetts in 2006. He became an active member of the South Coast's creative community. Phillip J. Mellen is an active both as a poet, and visual artist. He presently resides in Taunton, Massachusetts where he was from originally. In 2011, Phillip started Ahtcast an independent art podcast. He has interviewed many local, national, and international artists. He also exhibits his artwork locally, nationally, and internationally. Phillip's work is in private art collections in the US and internationally. He also has had his published with Anomaly Poetry and has been published in a collaborative art catalog featuring internationally recognized painter, Sabine Tress. Phillip speaks with The Artists Index's cofounder, documentarian, and podcast host, Ron Fortier, along with co-collaborator Kat Knutsen (Podcast Episode 73, Podcast Episode 131, and Podcast Episode 180) about Could Not Have Done It Without You, a 14-member collaborative poetry, music, and art project album. This episode was recorded at our home base and recording studio at Spectrum Marketing Group at  Howland Place in New Bedford. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know! The Artists Index also uses Zoom to accommodate our guests' schedules and to allow them to remain in the comfort of their homes, especially those who no longer live on the South Coast of Massachusetts.  Phillip J. Mellen Taunton, Massachusetts 02780 Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram  | Bandcamp Listen in on the Southcoast Artists Index Podcasts and read the Articles for up close, personal, and informative conversations with the makers, performers, supporters, and cultural impresarios of the remarkable creative community of South Coast Massachusetts including New Bedford, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Westport, and beyond. Learn more at https://theartistsindex.com/    Consider making a donation https://theartistsindex.com/donate/ 

Words of the day: scale. organic. layer. complexity. intuition. Welcome Brooke Mullins Doherty back to the podcast! Brooke and I first spoke in the early days of ahtcast back in 2011 and I thought it would be a good thing to catch up and talk about Brooke's current show and the work in it, along with details regarding her varied and focused working methods. Brooke's show is titled Divulgences, catch it if you are in the New Bedford, MA area for the reception October 13th 2022 from 5:30pm. The exhibition runs September 12 – October 20, 2022 at the Co+ Creative Center at 137 Union Street in New Bedford, MA. Also featured in the interview are 3 questions submitted by previous podcast guest and Chicago based painter, Renee Robbins!     The artist's website: https://www.brookemullins.com/index.html     (Original podcast intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)   Thank you for listening!

Creativity through the lens of a painter"Our brains are wired that way. We are creativity machines, it doesn't separate between the fine art and the mundane art."Lauren G. Levine is a painter and twenty-five-year resident of Jamaica Plain (Boston) who now lives and works in Needham, Massachusetts. Through intuitive and responsive mark-making, her paintings are tangible manifestations of her visual impressions and interior resonances. Levine attended Massachusetts College of Art; School at the Museum of Fine Arts; and Fuller Art Museum. Her work has been exhibited at The Ely Center of Contemporary Art, New Haven, CT; The Bromfield Gallery, Boston, MA; Hallspace Gallery, Boston, MA; and UForge Gallery, Jamaica Plain, MA. Interviews and features include: Phillip J. Mellen's Podcast, Ahtcast; Boston Voyager Magazine, “Art and Life”; The Weekly Dig; Paul Behnke's Online Project Space, Monklike Habits; Randace Rauscher's, 52 in 52; and Groundwork “Meet the Artist.” Levine's work can be viewed on her website at https://www.laurenglevineart.com/ and on Instagram at @laurenglevineartMari's Awakening Creativity FREE GuideMari's Awakening Creativity 7 Day Challenge

Words of the day: transitive. tension. experimentation. looking. passages. This episode's guest is Ronan Bowes! In the conversation you'll hear Ronan share some of his early formative experiences with art and how they helped him in the right direction. Also what practice helped shape his identity as an artist, he expresses his love of materials and how work can take on the studio patina, also part of the interview is talk of painting as installation and blurring the lines of painting and constructions...listen in for more... Wanted to also send a quick thank you to previous podcast guest Heather Yip for sending me an interview question for Ronan, thanks Heather! Welcome Ronan Bowes!     The artist's website: https://www.ronanbowes.com/     (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

Words of the day: figuration. abstraction. sketchbook. practice. driven. Guest host Lauren G. Levine takes over the interview mic to talk with fellow painter Paul Behnke about his work and practice, as well as his move to Taos, NM with his wife. Paul also shares his thoughts about ways of working on his paintings, his sketchbook practice, and how his current living conditions and location influence, or don't influence, his current body of work. And more…     Paul Behnke's website: https://www.paulbehnke.net/   Thanks for listening! And many thanks to Lauren Levine for guest hosting!   (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

Words of the day: history. ritual. open. magic. portrait. This episode's guest is Barbara Laube. In the conversation you'll hear personal accounts and connections between the artist and her work. As well as the surprising, and not so surprising, places the work derives from. Also a list of artists' studios she would like to visit. This interview also features a few questions submitted by previous guest Brigid Watson. And more….. Welcome Barbara Laube to ahtcast!     The artist's website: http://barbaralaube.com/     (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

Words of the day: gesture. vulnerability. consciousness. Zero gravity. For this episode Sabine Tress returns to the podcast, from her studio in Cologne, Germany, to discuss the work in her solo show Space Oddities. This conversation acts mostly as a virtual tour of Sabine's exhibition. Detailing the relationships between the actual exhibition space, the paintings, the viewer, and the painter herself. Somehow I make my way into the mix as well. I did not know this interview would journey in the direction it did, it wasn't until editing did I realized how these states were apparent. This recording creates a virtual venue where the show takes place for those who can't make it to the brick and mortar space, and yet helps make it a show not to miss in person.     Sabine Tress' website: https://sabinetress.de/   Space Oddities runs until February 12th 2022 At Esther Verhaeghe Art Concepts Brussles, Belgium   More info on the show: https://estherverhaeghe.com/     Thanks for listening!   (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

Words of the day: energy. intuition. rigor. patience. faith. Paris based painter Astrid Dick joins ahtcast for a conversation. We talk the daily practice of painting, faith in the work that triggers more faith in the work, words and how they mix, and don't mix, well with painting and more. Also, listen as I share a question and some thoughts by previous guest Lauren G. Levine. Tune in for more!     The artist's website: https://astriddick.com/home.html   Thanks for listening!   (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

Artist Phillip J. Mellen talks about his approach to painting with color.

Words of the day: color. improv. hungry. iteration. attention. guru. This episode's guest is Charlottesville, Virginia based painter Sarah Boyts Yoder. In the conversation Sarah draws parallels between music and painting, collecting visuals subconsciously through experiences outside of the studio, not to mention the practice of hoarding paint, and what the viewer can be for a finished piece of art… Sarah also shares a bit on being a mother and what the artist in her was doing while reading books to her children. And more… We have the 'five words' question making its appearance in the interview so don't miss that. And keep your ears tuned in for a few questions submitted by previous ahtcast guest Fiona Stanbury, thanks for the great questions Fiona. So listen in and welcome Sarah Boyts Yoder to ahtcast!     The artist's website: https://sarahboytsyoder.com/home.html   Thanks for listening!   (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

Words of the day: elemental. aspire. ambient. place. context. Philadelphia based painter Douglas Witmer joins me for a conversation on this episode. The interview starts of with Douglas sharing some of his early experiences with art and what feeds his work most. Then the conversation focuses on his ambient album FORTY, FOR YOU, a forty track album where each track is paired up with a painting. We talk about the relationship between the music and the paintings and what Douglas' process was like changing up the format a bit within his studio practice. The paintings, as well as the music, are an invitation for contemplation... Listen in for more!     Douglas Witmer's website: https://www.douglaswitmer.com/   Thanks for listening!     (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

Words of the day: gesture. narrative. emotion. abstraction. lineage. This episode's guest is Fairhaven, Massachusetts based painter Ron Fortier. In my chat with Ron you'll find detailed accounts of his past, present, and even what the future will hold for his paintings,... along with a healthy list of artist from the lineage that is his rich continuing story. Lots of materials shop talk as well as the challenges inherent to abstraction, and narrative work, as he works in both concentrations. Ron is also the host of The Southcoast Artist Index's In Focus podcast, he shares a bit about his podcast's goal as well. Listen in for more!     Ron Fortier's website: https://www.ronfortier.net/     Thanks for listening!     (original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

Welcome painter/poet/podcaster Phillip J. Mellen to In-Focus Podcast Number 53. Phillip was born during the Bicentennial year which was dedicated to celebrating the Nation’s independence from the Crown of England in 1976.  He lives and works in Taunton, Massachusetts home of the Liberty & Union Flag.  He received his Certificate in Painting from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Phillip J. Mellen has exhibited both nationally and internationally and, his work is part of numerous private collections both in the United States and overseas. Mellen is also the host and producer of the artist interview podcast Ahtcast which he began in 2011. Listen in on his conversation as The Artist Index’s host, Ron Fortier delves more into Phillip’s life, his and poetry, and his ambitions. This episode was recorded with Zoom during the pandemic of 2020. PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR THE PODCAST LINK or LISTEN HERE! (new episodes are added a short time after being posted here) The whole concept of The Artists Index and the journey we are on is are still in the making and very organic. And, at this critical time in our country’s history, challenged by the COVID-19 Pandemic, we have continued to podcast remotely, assisted by Zoom, in order to assure that our guests remain safe and, in the comfort of their home. If you would like to be a guest or, have a suggestion, please let us know!   Music courtesy of www.bensound.com

Words of the day: poetic. tactile. inspired. community. driven. New Bedford, Massachusetts based painter, spoken word poet, and food enthusiast Andrew Tedesco featured on this episode! Andrew shares in-depth accounts on decisions made, along with the struggles, surrounding art school, sticking with visual path of imagery he feels is important to talk about, poetry and painting and how they are siblings in his practice, and more. Stay tuned...because you will also find out who he would like to entertain for dinner, and Mr. Tedesco performs some original spoken word on this recording! Just a heads-up (interview contains some strong language)     For more from Andy check out his instagram content here: @bad_andy_art     Thanks for listening!     (original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)    

Welcome painter/poet/podcaster Phillip J. Mellen to In-Focus Podcast Number 53. Phillip was born during the Bicentennial year which was dedicated to celebrating the Nation's independence from the Crown of England in 1976.  He lives and works in Taunton, Massachusetts. He received his Certificate in Painting from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Phillip J. Mellen has exhibited both nationally and internationally and, his work is part of numerous private collections both in the United States and overseas. Mellen is also the host and producer of the artist interview podcast Ahtcast which he began in 2011. Listen in on his conversation as The Artist Index’s host, Ron Fortier delves more into Phillip’s life, his and poetry, and his ambitions. Music courtesy of www.bensound.com

Words of the day: actions. rain. process. paradox. touch. Western Connecticut based Judith Kruger joins ahtcast for a great chat about materials and experiences surrounding the nature of her art practice. After making many trips to Japan throughout her artistic career Judith has certainly developed her thoughts on alchemy and how it is a fitting description for her hands on methods of making art. She also has some interesting takes on the nature of what surrounds us every day...listen in for more!     Judith Kruger's website: http://www.judithkruger.com/     Thanks for listening!     (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

Words of the day: experimental. spontaneous. blots. calm. see. Essen, Germany based Marvin Hoffmann joins the show for an interview. We chat about the experimental nature of Hoffmann's work and how the imagery is intended to be seen without association. This is supported by his nuanced working methods incorporating limited palette choices, contrasts and dualities, and the often used process of decalcomania. Listen in for more!     Marvin Hoffmann's website: https://www.marvinhoffmann.net/ Connect on instagram: @atelier_marvinhoffmann   Thanks for listening!   (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

Words of the day: playful. organic. being. transformation. quiet. New Bedford, Massachusetts based fiber artist and sculptor Dena Haden on the program! Dena and I share some good art talk about her inspirations, transitions, and coming full-circle back to sculptural sensibilities she experimented with as a child. Dena also shares a couple quotes from her growing archive of collected thoughts by nature and spirituality writers. Listen in for more, especially for which artist from history Dena would like to speak with about art!       The artist's website: https://hadendena.com/home.html     Thanks for listening!       (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

Words of the day: color. scale. object. identity. character. Nashville, TN based artist Amelia Briggs is this episode's guest, she pops in to share her inspirations and elements of her work and creative process, some cool words that she associates with her work, as well as how she chooses work for a show. Amelia also talks about identity, the nature and history of an object, and how mirrors are becoming a new and important element in her work....and more. Listen in for more!     The artist's website: https://ameliaabriggs.com/     Thanks for listening!       (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

Words of the day: material. zombies. directly. from. life. awareness. Welcome! In this episode Cape Cod based artist Susan Carr returns to the ahtcast studio for a walk back into her work. Susan shares the personal stories behind her new visual work as well as her written pieces that can be found in her book "Tensions" published by Raw Meat Collective. Truly an important experience hearing Susan raise awareness on very real parts of life such as death, addiction, mental-illness, and how most importantly that all we have is today and right now...so make some art! Not to mention that Susan reads two of her written pieces for the episode! For more of Susan Carr's work please visit @susancarr88 on instagram     (Original podcast intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)   Thank you for listening!

Words of the day: elemental. color. learning. direct. response. Ab. Ex. Lauren G. Levine, Boston based painter, joins ahtcast to talk painting, efficient painting, elemental painting, and painting! We also talk about color, artists Lauren looks at, and how prepping canvas really can get things going in the studio. Also making its way into the conversation are which colors she uses to mix her deep darks and blacks. A real painter's episode! Listen in for more!         The artist's website: https://laurenglevineart.artspan.com/home       Thanks for listening!     (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

Words of the day: joy. newness. magic. manual. looking. In this episode I have a conversation with Hamden, Connecticut painter Cat Balco. Cat shares how she manages time and how having lots of time doesn't necessarily make good paintings. We also talk about the series of paintings in her current show My Exploding Stars. Cat fills us in on where these paintings came from in process, and how a studio visit can really be valuable to ones own progression. Listen in for more!       The artist's website: https://catbalco.com/home.html       Thanks for listening!     (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

Words of the day: art. community. Chicago. commission. tea. Welcome to Part Two of the Renee Robbins interview! In this episode Renee talks about the Chicago based art podcast Bad at Sports, as well some of the artists working in the Chicago art scene and how they enrich the art community both in and out of the studio... And be sure to stay tuned as Vincent van Gogh makes his way into the conversation in a fun and optimistic way. Listen in for more!     Renee Robbins' website: https://reneerobbins.com/     Thanks for listening!     (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)  

Words of the day: microscopic. invented. cinematic. fantastical. Chicago. This episode features Chicago based painter Renee Robbins. I think it's safe to say that there is plenty of enthusiasm on display in this interview regarding sea creatures, titling artwork, connecting with biologists, working in a series, and public artwork... In this episode Renee shares quite a bit about her fascinating Daily Drawing series and I encourage you to check it out on her website here: https://reneerobbins.com/daily-drawings/     Thanks for listening!   (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

Words of the day: inspiration. threshold. aging. narrative. nuance. New Bedford, MA based artist Kate Frazer Rego is this episode's guest. Kate shares how it was important to receive support in her younger years as an artist. As a result, she knew early on that 3-dimensional work was where she was headed. Though Kate does also make text based paintings to extend her subject matter. The interview takes off from there. Plenty of good art name-drops in this one, and one great quote from Langston Hughes. Listen in for more! (some strong language, just a heads-up!)         The artist's website: https://katefrazerregoartist.wixsite.com/labiaseries   Thank you for listening!     (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)  

Words of the day: the void. garfield. investigational. myth. poetry. device. Heather Yip, based in British Columbia, Canada, joins ahtcast to talk all things contemporary communication and how it fits nicely, and not so nicely into our lives. Heather's art practice translates her ideas into assemblage, painting, poetry, and video. We talk medium and themes behind the work quite a bit, and it all turns into a conversation about tablets, cell phones and the possibilities and limitations of such devices for making art, and for interactions with other people. Listen in for more!   The artist's website: http://lowresgradstudios.ecuad.ca/hyip/   Thank you for listening!   (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

Words of the day: jazz. experience. feel. sound. vibration. Painter Thomas Flanagan joins ahtcast from Brunswick, Maine for this episode. We talk studio space, how Maine influences his work, as well as music both in and out of the studio. Early experiences in art school, and how Tom came to use the tools currently part of his studio life! Listen in for more...     The artist's website: http://thomasflanagan.com/   Thank you for listening!   (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

Words of the day: bank. relevant. trust. time. forever. Kevin Callaghan, artist based in Glasgow, joins ahtcast for this interview. Kevin shares a bit about color and how it might just need to be dynamic in order to be released from his studio. He also talks scale as a result of my bringing up the word "artifact" when reacting to an aspect of his work. Kevin humors me in offering to answer my "What is Utopian philosophy?" question. Somehow Rihanna's music follows us into that stream of conversation. Listen in for more! (some strong language).     The artist's website: https://www.kevincallaghan.ie/   Thank you for listening!   (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

This week Phillip J. Mellen returns to the podcast to discuss recent developments in his colorful abstract paintings and mixed media collage works.

Episode 202:  This week Phillip J. Mellen returns to the podcast to discuss recent developments in his colorful abstract paintings and mixed media collage works.  Phillip is the creator of Ahtcast, which hosts a variety of content, including audio discussions with artists and the mixed media tapes, a series of short artist talks based on The post Phillip J. Mellen appeared first on Studio Break.

Words of the day: pink. zen. sad. challenge. change. contrast. Sabine Tress, painter based in Cologne, Germany returns to ahtcast for this episode. Having originally been interviewed back in 2013, I thought it was time to check in with Sabine to talk about changes, feelings on the studio, paintings, methods and materials, relationships to other artists etc. You'll find this recording to be more of a collaboration between Sabine and myself. Custom questions were brought to the table on this one that investigate collage, color. nature, dead painters...and more. Listen in!       Sabine Tress' website: http://www.sabinetress.de/     (Original podcast intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)   Thank you for listening!

Words of the day: brushstroke. animate. palette. blue. technique. New Bedford, Massachusetts based artist Kat Knutsen joins ahtcast to talk about her experience working on the Loving Vincent film. Loving Vincent is an animated film, telling an important part of the Vincent van Gogh story, using oil paintings created in the style of the artist himself.  Working at the film's painting studio in Gdansk, Poland for a number of months, Knutsen was immersed in the production that turned out thousands of paintings for the project. Kat painted upwards of 80 oil paintings for the film herself. Mixing. mixing, mixing, and even counting paint-strokes at times as her paintings came together. Listen in for more!   Above: Kat Knutsen's working space while painting for the film. Character featured is Dr. Gachet.     Kat Knutsen's website: http://katknutsen.com/home.html       (Original podcast intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)  

Words of the day: perimeter. definition. koan. bottomless. whir. Welcome to part two of the interview with Katie Wynne. Katie is based in Philadelphia and is currently installing work for her two person show, with Haynes Riley, titled "Familiars" that opens at Sediment Arts in Richmond, Virginia on Friday April 7th 2017. In this episode we discuss, at length, elements of the installation as part of Familiars. We also extend the conversation to include some of the inspiration affecting studio life, especially where the work is and where it could be going. Thanks for joining us.   Kaytie Wynne's "Perimeters." Also part of the show: Familiars   Katie Wynne's studio shot of the work (partial) headed to Sediment Arts for the 2 person show titled: Familiars.       The artist's website: http://katiewynne.com/home.html       (Original podcast intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

Words of the day: stasis. gizmo. banal. abandon. escape. Welcome Philadelphia based installation artist, Katie Wynne. Here during part one we weave through some of the work leading up to Katie's latest work in her forthcoming two person show, with artist Haynes Riley, titled "Familiars" at Sediment Arts in Richmond, Virginia on April 7th 2017. We will discuss where Katie is coming from with the work, as well as my interpretations. Thanks for joining us.   Installation view of "Workday" by Katie Wynne   Installation view of "Workday" by Katie Wynne     The artist's website: http://katiewynne.com/home.html     (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

Words of the day: shape. spontaneous. line. palatte. materials. Welcome. In this episode, Woodstock, NY based artist Petra Nimtz shares thoughts and experiences in art making, and maintaining a studio while moving around over the years. She also has a thing or two to say about art training, both in school, and on ones own. Petra gives us a window into her inherent practice that utilizes creative freedom in the sweep of her studio. Listen in for more!           The artist's website: http://www.petranimtz.com/     Thanks for listening! (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

Words of the day: drawing. ubiquitous. immortalize. conflict. Wichita , KS based painter, Kevin P. Kelly shares his thoughts and working methods used in his Sketch Of the Day project. Irony, humor, and tension are just a few elements considered when picking objects to paint for Kevin in this series. Listen in as he describes the deconstructing of objects in his compositions and what that means to him as the artist. Thanks for listening! (some strong language). (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

Words of the day: discovery. palindrome. jazz. illusion. intuitive. Oakland, California based artist, Kimberly Rowe, is the guest for this interview. Kimberly shares elements of her working practices including working on the floor, for larger pieces, which stems from her childhood, how a specific song helps to shape her painting philosophy, and the importance and lasting impression Graduate School has in her studio time to this day. Listen in for more! The artist's website: http://www.kimberlyrowe.net/ (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

Words of the day: formal. direct. witty. freshness. Ahtcast is back. This time I spoke with NYC artist, Joanne Freeman. Inspirations, community vs. isolation in art school, and working in a series are all the topics discussed. Listen in to Joanne as she also shares her thoughts the formal qualities of painting, she also talks a bit on working with the figure, yes. The artist's website: http://www.joannefreeman.net/ (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

Words of the day: parts. ontology. suggestive. gravity. distilled. Seattle based artist, Katy Stone, joins ahtcast to share her thoughts and process. Making and looking are very important to Stone's studio practice, it brings a greater spontaneous element to her work. Duality can be found in the work such as organic, and calculated gestures. Listen in as the materials used in this assemblage work are discussed and said to be falling, spreading, and unbound by the environments they dwell in. Welcome to this episode of ahtcast!         The artist's website: http://www.katystone.net/#enter   (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

Words of the day: mistakes. space. process. scale. conversation. Sue Danielson, painter based in Seattle, joins me in this conversation about her work and the experiences that surround it. Process, process, process is the main element keeping Danielson's practice together and quietly strong. Listen in as she details her fascination with printmaking and experimentation. The artist's website: http://www.suedanielson.net/ (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

Words of the day: optimism. audible. flying. direct. whale. Martina Nehrling, painter based in Chicago, joins ahtcast to talk process, scale of the work, and how some pieces require a lot of "think time." Martina Nehrling also shares her reasons for wanting to have had the chance to speak with a special list of artists who's work means a lot to her and her being an artist. Please tune in as I also share my thoughts on the work, as well as which musical act I feel would make an appropriate soundtrack to some of Nehrling's paintings. The artist's website: martinanehrling.com/home.html (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

Words of the day: intuitive. doodle. travel. process. environment. Splitting her studio time between Santa Fe, NM and Delray Beach, FL, Brenda Hope Zappitell finds her work heavily influenced and inspired by travel and life experiences. Family and scheduling studio time are also part of the gig. Movement, gesture and energy all come to mind as Zappitell translates these factors into her expressions in paint. Listen in as she shares the details of her studio practices and inspirations. The artist's website: http://www.zappitellstudio.com/ (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen. Outro music by Ani DiFranco and Utah Phillips)

Words of the day: simultaneous. absurd. journey. celebration. intervention. Brooklyn, NY artist, Jennifer Shepard joins ahtcast and shares a bit on her art and practice. Early on, Shepard was active in both art and music, and thought it was tough to decide which to focus on. As an artist in adult life, things appear to be a little clearer in the way that location, art community, and an organic studio practice all help contribute to success as an artist. Listen in for more. The artist's website: http://www.jennifer-w-shepard.com/ (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen. Outro music by Ani DiFranco and Utah Phillips)

This week Phillip J. Mellen joins us from his studio in Massachusetts to discuss his recent paintings and studio exploration. During the interview we also discuss social media, the importance of community and his podcast series called Ahtcast.

Words of the day: immediacy. environment. intimate. respond. This interview is with Ian White Williams. With roots as a sculptor, Williams finds himself drawing and painting as of late. He gives us a history of 'why the shift to painting?' Also in this interview, Ian shares what has helped him stay connected and current on what is going on in contemporary painting, and how this continues to be valuable to him today. Listen in for more!         The artist's website: http://ianwhitewilliams.com/     (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)    

Words of the day: immediate. energy. inform. nature. color. This interview is with Philadelphia based painter, Adam Lovitz. We dig in and talk a bit about education and how Lovitz was encouraged to create daily while growing up. Balancing work and painting can be a challenge, listen in as he shares how he has dealt with that issue. Nature also comes up and we talk the importance of it's image in painting. Lovitz also shares his thoughts and practices in color, space and dealing with paintings as objects. Listen in for more! The artist's website: http://www.adamlovitz.com/ (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen. Outro music by Ani DiFranco and Utah Phillips)

Words of the day: shape. space. arrangement. up-side-down. London based artist, Fiona Stanbury, shares her thoughts on painting and process in this interview. Inspiring to Stanbury, early on, was her time living in Africa, she details that the "Colors, deep shadows and..." were part of what she took away from her time there. Also inspirational was her studies under painter, Stass Paraskos, who was teaching at Cyprus College of Art Lemba. Stanbury has some nice words about Paraskos, who recently passed away. His inspiration lives on, as mentioned throughout the interview, for Stanbury who studied his teachings on being a brave painter, and also to draw with color, among other disciplines. Listen in for more! The artist's website: http://www.fionastanbury.com/ (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen. Outro music by Ani DiFranco and Utah Phillips)

Words of the day: grid. imagination. fundamental. intentional, and pair. Stephen Wright, based in Kentucky, is a painter deeply moved by color, not just any color, but greys. Wright talks at length about his relationship with the perceived meaning of his work by others and would prefer... As one who works on a number of series at once, Wright is interested in how each approach has it's independence as well as.... Listen in for more(some strong language). The artist's tumblr blog: http://stephenwrightblog.tumblr.com/ (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen. Outro music by Ani DiFranco and Utah Phillips)

Words of the day: share. stories. share. community building. share. David A. Linneweh joins ahtcast to share his experiences as host of the esteemed Studio Break podcast. Linneweh talks about the beginning of his podcast and how it has grown to enrich his own studio practice as a painter. Listen in as we both express some of the rewards and inspiring aspects of hosting an artist interview podcast. Thanks for listening! (Some strong language)         Studio Break host, David A. Linneweh   ahtcast host, Phillip J. Mellen     Studio Break website: http://studiobreak.com/       (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

"There's no place for being careful when making art." This episode is with Rapid City, South Dakota artist, Matt Schaefer. Schaefer's beginnings with art worked in tandem with playing music. Painting shortly took over his focus and his unique ways of studying art history was born. He let's you in on his thoughts over an important artist that has let him down. He also share's his feelings on planning as it relates to process. Listen for more! (Some strong language) (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen. Outro music by Ani DiFranco and Utah Phillips)

This interview is with Prince Edward Island artist, Stephen B. MacInnis. Parts of the process MacInnis enjoys most is the "history of the accidents that occur" along with the "ghost images" that sometimes appear will working on multiple layered paintings. Catch some of the thinking that went into titling his ongoing "Long Series" and how studying art can bring a creative freedom. The artist's website: http://sbmacinnis.wordpress.com/category/abstract-painting-2/long-series-12x12-inch-paintings/ (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen. Outro music by Ani DiFranco and Utah Phillips)

Words of the day: work and work and work and work, destroy. Meg Lipke joins ahtcast for this interview. Working out of Brooklyn and drawing and collaborating with the past to create a modern conversation. Carrying the experience of an art filled background, Lipke shares that an artist has to work with a "faith" to get through creative blocks and figure it out. She also describes where, and how, the ideas tend to flow. What is painting? Lipke responds: "It's where one works out..." Listen in for more! The artist's website: http://meglipke.com/ (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

Words of the day: pause. confusion. change and interested. This interview is with Bloomington, Indiana artist, Peter Shear. I asked about the beginnings of becoming an artist, and Shear talked about it as being a kind of attraction to it, and that can be what makes one an artist. I asked about education and a bit of the response I got was about "self-educating" without shortcuts, and much more. One of my direct questions was: "What is your favorite thing about the internet? A snippet of Shear's answer was: "It's where our..." On creative block? Answer: "It doesn't last..." Listen in for more! (due to a couple of audio blips, this interview is not recommended for headphones. Some strong language) The artist's website: petershear.com/home.html (original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen. Also appearing in this episode is the music of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah)

Ahtcast talks with Ashley Garrett for this interview. You will discover great descriptions of experiences that are both universal and specific in their private nature. To Garrett, art making is the tapping into the "energy and/or space that hovers around us all the time." It brings us together, both artist and non-artist. According to Garrett, there may be no such thing as 'non-artist.' Her work needs no sketch, because it would "take away the mystery and drain the energy of the discovery." Learn the inner workings of her process and how listening to creative impulses can keep one on the right track to being present and "aware." Listen in for more! (some strong language). The artist's website: www.ashleygarrett.com/ (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen. Outro music by Ani DiFranco and Utah Phillips)

Interview with Brooklyn based artist, Ky Anderson. We chat about her views on how important it is to "work regularly" and to develop good habits when dealing with the internet, as it can become a big distraction. Anderson goes on to detail her upbringing and how she "grew up in a world of pretty amazing and really creative people." Anderson on art: "I love it, it's fun." The artist's website: http://kyanderson.com/ (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

To curate. To collaborate. To D.I.Y. Join ahtcast in this conversation with Julie Torres and Brian Edmonds. Both artists and curators etc. In this episode, they have shared the details of their experiences in curating along with a bit about their other projects and things on the horizon. Listen in as we are taken into how their respective projects have come together via connecting with other artists, both at home and abroad. Torres and Edmonds continue to delight with their projects and show no signs of an end in sight. Artists that curate. I hope that you enjoy this episode as much as I have. Thanks for listening! WILAY BOS 2013 participating artists (photo: Lorna Milburn) (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)  

"Sometimes you have to make a lot of shitty things, pardon my French, to make something really good" - Sarah Snow. Join me during this wonderful chat with Albany, NY based Artist Sarah Snow as she takes us into her process and inspiration. (some strong language)       Artist's website: https://sarahnsfuhrman.weebly.com/         (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

Well crafted, efficient and immediate delivery of both visual and verbal expression. Join me with Artist Brad Fesmire as he talks about Art awareness and the importance of seeing work in person, as it relates to process and experience. Listen in for more!       The artist's website: bradfesmire.com     (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

A look into spirited artist, Eric Grab's process and desire to achieve expression shaped of the spiritual. As you will hear, Grab takes you into the depths of inspiration and an artistic pursuit of pure language.        Artist's website www.ericgrab.com   (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)

Glimpse the process and ambition of Rhode Island based artist, Ricky Gagnon.  Listen in as he describes, in colorful detail, his mainly playful work.   Artist's website: www.rickygagnon.com     (Original intro song by David T Miller and Phillip J. Mellen)