Brain Fuzz

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 […] The post Scott Ingram And Th...

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 […] The post Christina West Pulls Us Into Three Dimensions |...

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 […] The post Sarah Hobbs And The Mystery Of Abandoned Spaces | Episode 46 appeared fir...

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 […] The post A Working Lunch | Episode 45 appeared f...

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) between cities and studios. Spanning different venues including an Atlanta brewery, the conversation […] The post Dana Haugaard And The Tight Circle...

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. Joe and Matthew join Megan Schaeffer, the Art Farm Director at Serenbe, to discuss their community and arts program. Along the […] The post Megan Schaeffer And The H...

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 […] The post Scott Ingram And The Bigger Pond (Part 1) | Episode 42 appeared first o...

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. […] The post Armchair Anthropology From Behind The...

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, […] The post Steven Anderson And The Amish Cleanse | Episode 40...

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 […] The post (Upstate) New York Stories | Episode 39 appeared fi...

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 […] The post Krista Clark And Heavy Metal...

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. This also sparks a conversation around the evolution of – and ties between – technology, consumer models, and community. Previous […] The post Of Memphis and Rusty Technology | E...

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 […] The post Ben Coleman And The Hiss of Life | Episode 36 appeared first on Brain Fuzz .

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 […] The post Of Readymades and Gentr...

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, […] The post Of Readymades and Gentrificat...

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: […] The post Seana Reilly And The Glitter Buddha | Episode 33 appeared...

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 […] The post Craig Drennen And The Hijacking...

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, and a Jim Jarmusch impression is attempted. Movie picks are casually offered, while an official […] The post Raisons D’être | Episode 31 appeared fi...

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 […] The post Cacophon...

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 post Hard-Won Wisdom...

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 […] The post You Know, I Was Watching You (Part 2) | E...

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 look like? Matthew provides the audio pick of the day. Incidental film picks are offered. […] The post You Know, I Was Watching You (Part 1) | Episode...

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 […] The post Chasing The Zeitgeist | Episode 26 appeared first on Brain F...

Painter and sculptor Tori Tinsley joins Joe and Matthew for a broad discussion on the creative life. They start with a look at the process of putting a mural together, then move to the inspirations for her work. She shares the experience of a studio flood and dealing with its aftermath, recalling a previous episode on […] The post After The Flood With Tori Tinsley | Episode 25 appeared first on Br...

Exploding beers punctuate a conversation between Joe and Matthew on the nature of experiences in the arts. A recent piece in The New York Times – “Fixing the Met: Art Lovers Speak” – inspires discussion on museum visitor expectations and the trajectory toward the all-encompassing experience. What are the reasons for this shift? Are we really […] The post Spring Break Forever! | Episode 24 appeared...