Episodes

Curator of photography Gregory Harris joins Joe and Matthew at a special location to talk curation, types of photography, museum culture, and the ins and outs of such institutional challenges as wall text. Specifically, they examine social documentary and the differences among related genres. Technology shifts across decades are put into context. “Film vs Digital” is observed as a minor inflection point. Of course, all of this requires the splitting of hairs. Gregory turns out to be a dog guy....

In this much anticipated follow up to an earlier episode, artist Scott Ingram shares his thoughts on a recent exhibition that was literally demolished. In the resulting discussion, the origin of creative ideas is observed, and they explore the very nature of creative practice. Biennials are discussed – including their role and related curatorial challenges. A sober and cogent idea for the future is proffered. Sparked by a controversial book Matthew has been reading, the value of higher educati...

The sculpture studio of artist Christina West is the site of a discussion on her work, practice, and aspects of the creative life. A basketball goal triggers a discussion on work / life balance while maintaining an arts career. A Mattress Factory show is discussed. Controversy and another c-word (censorship) plays a role. A centuries-old problem is unpacked. (Un)required Resources For This Episode * George Segal at The Art Story * Sandy Skoglund at artnet * Eric Fischl * “Garth Clark Speak...

On the heels of a recent solo show, artist Sarah Hobbs hosts Joe and Matthew at her studio. Impressed by the tidiness of the space, the co-hosts are curious if she straightened up just for them. The conversation drifts toward how one keeps a studio while managing the flow of projects and exhibitions. Because she works with both photography and installation, collection versus hoarding becomes a central topic. Urban and rural exploration are discussed. An interesting movie recommendation is made....

Paris travel and art studio life kick off this lunchtime discussion. After a long winter break, Joe and Matthew have much to catch up on resulting in a lengthier episode chock full of art travel insights – ranging from recommended destinations to museum critique. Artist, movie, book, and graphic novel recommendations are made. Colorful anecdotes are shared. Contentious topics are finally put to bed. Samba plays in the background while a man in a funky hat passes by. (Un)required Resources For ...

In Joe and Matthew’s triumphant return from a long winter break, artist Dana Haugaard joins them for a visit to one of his recent installations. They discuss Haugaard’s work in sound and sensation as well as his journey (which has often been by truck) ...

Whether you’re into the arts, architecture, or sustainability, if you haven’t heard of Serenbe, you should. With a totally different approach to, well, just about everything, it’s a case study in cultivating an arts-centric community.

Artist Scott Ingram talks with Joe and Matthew the week before an art event unique to Atlanta but with relevance for cities everywhere. All of the work in Til The Lights Go Out, which he is curating, will be demolished at the end of the exhibition along with the gallery space in which it is being housed. There are still lots of unknowns. With this upcoming event as context, the conversation explores process, practice, and studio life. Gentrification is once again a theme: Cities grow and creat...

Joe and Matthew take on artist evolution and even institutionalism in this extra special, extra lengthy episode. It kicks off with a brief review of a Todd Rundgren concert and moves into something that borders on institutional critique. Storm King Art Center and DIA:Beacon get more than just mentions. Alex Katz quotes inspire healthy discussion. Everything comes full circle when Joe provides the audio pick of the day. Pop charts are discussed for the first time in a long time. Iced tea refill ...

Cohorts Joe and Matthew meet up with artist Steven Anderson at an offsite location. Detoxing from social media and technology is just one of the many topics they explore. Steven shares his creative journey through spots across the country and globe. The nuts and bolts of an artist-run space are examined. Arts education, studio spaces, activism, and the creative community are highlights. Matthew’s phone interrupts the conversation. Tree rings bring the conversation full circle. (Un)required Re...

After a summer road trip through upstate New York, Matthew shares highlights from Albany to Kinderhook with Joe. Some rock history is shared. The cover of Bringing It All Back Home is referenced. An artist with his own “ism” is discussed. Gallery, book, film, podcast, and even hotel recommendations are offered. Matthew takes his turn for the audio pick of the day just before their Uber arrives. (Un)required Resources for Episode 39 * Mystery Train on IMDb * Small Town Talk at The Golden Not...

Joe and Matthew join artist Krista Clark at her studio, a unique space with its own interesting story. Together they discuss her work, creative practice, and what feeds it. Recent successes are celebrated. The time suck of social media is investigated. Along the way, topics including gentrification, activism, and institutionalism in art are explored. Fast food restaurants and coffee shops are skewered. Recent headlines get attention while sponsorship opportunities are lost. (Un)required Resou...

After a summer break, Joe and Matthew return to the studio complex. Though they’re a little rusty at first, the conversation quickly turns to a recent travel destination. Art and music highlights of Memphis TN are shared.

Joe and Matthew join multi-disciplinary artist Ben Coleman over tea to discuss his sound work. They visit Ben’s Room of Future Hits for a listen to projects past and present. Then, it’s back to tea and a brief tour of Ben’s record collection. The strengths of McCartney II are explored. The pros and cons of audiophilism are weighed. A soundscape unfolds in the background. (Un)required Resources From This Episode * Judi Chicago on Soundcloud * Ben Coleman on Bandcamp * Bang Trim on Bandcamp ...

A documentary recommendation and adventures in vinyl shops are highlights in part two of this conversation between co-hosts Joe and Matthew at the studio complex. Continuing with an account of travel through Florida, the topic of gentrification is revisited. Debate on the canon again re-emerges and references an earlier Brain Fuzz conversation with artist Craig Drennen. The audio pick of the day is offered by Matthew. A young man plays basketball outside. (Un)required Resources For Episode 35...

Back at the studio complex, Matthew shares highlights from a trip through Florida. The conversation winds its way across topics ranging from the ties between Dalí and Duchamp to this century’s wave of Edison bulbs and reclaimed wood. Several museums and studio spaces are recommended. Arts community encounters are shared. Joe offers insights on Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs: A Low Culture Manifesto. With so much material, you best subscribe and get part two. (Un)required Resources For Episode 34...

Artist Seana Reilly joins Joe and Matthew at the studio complex to discuss her work and work habits. Graphite and its wild ways are examined. Mindfulness meditation and the teachings of the Buddha are explored. Art studio needs and culture are considered along with sofas and sleep cycles. Big questions of this nature are asked: How does one balance attachment, control, and letting go in the act of creation? A Buddha in a snow globe provides an anchor. Social media connections are shamelessly p...

Artist Craig Drennen is joined by Joe and Matthew at an undisclosed location. In this conversation culled from hours of recording, the three explore Drennen’s work, his process, and professional journey. Along that path, the three delve into minutiae ranging from vaping to Thomas Paine’s funeral. Drennen shares an encounter with Chuck Close at a pivotal point in his career. Joe unleashes multiple sports references. Matthew reveals that Drennen now occupies the Timon of Athens bandwidth in his m...

Art travel destinations in Ohio kick off Joe and Matthew’s return to the studio complex. Artist statements are unpacked and repacked. Art world subterfuge is uncovered, and a fledgling segment continues to stretch its wings. The band SQÜRL is praised,

Joe and Matthew join multi-disciplinary artist Paul Stephen Benjamin on site at The Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia for a thoughtful conversation on his his work, process, and creative path. They explore the balance between life and work. Audience interaction and intentionality are examined. Strategies for television collection are discussed. Resources From This Episode * “Fictions” at The Studio Museum Harlem * Village Voice Review of “Fictions” * ArtsAtl.com Review of “Pure Black“ ...

Painter Vivian Liddell joins Joe and Matthew for a discussion centered on her path in the arts. She shares her special blend of hard-won wisdom gathered between Athens, GA and New York. Then there’s study at the Pratt Institute. And, then the struggles of studio life. Plus family life. Labels and criticism are explored. Insights into teaching and feminism are offered. The challenges of podcasting are tackled. Selected Resources For This Episode * Mike Kelley * Lisa Yuskavage (Maybe NSFW, dep...

Artist writing and the importance of writing ability in the arts ecosystem are explored in this second part of a two part conversation. Often the lines become blurred between arts criticism and other arts writing. What exactly is that line in today’s environment where criticism becomes criticism? For artists who also write criticism, a tension occurs between the roles of artist and critic. Arts luminaries such as Donald Judd have pulled it off. But, we’re not all Donald Judd, either. Agency an...

Amid the shuffling of handouts and show prep, Joe and Matthew dig into Joe’s recent trip to upstate New York. Bard College and DIA:Beacon are highlighted. Mentorship and collaboration in the creative life are discussed – what does mentorship really loo...

After a rare break, Joe and Matthew rejoin at the studio complex to explore creative and career trajectories in the arts. A Brain Fuzz lost episode centered on the band Big Star serves as the point of departure. An essay by sculptor David Smith is discussed. Matthew shares delightful randomness from trips to Kentucky and San Diego. Destinations for vinyl shopping and more are shared. Book and vinyl recommendations are made. Joe provides the audio pick of the day. Important (And Not So Importan...