Not Real Art

Art has the power to disrupt the status quo, challenge authority, and ignite social change. Just ask today’s guests, whose provocative artworks have sparked conversation in the political realm for decades. In today's episode, we welcome legendary provocateur Robbie Conal and activist artist Karen Fiorito to discuss the transformative power of political art. Robbie, best known for his clever street...

How does PBS harness the power of personal identity and diverse storytelling to challenge the status quo? In today’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough Power” sits down with Nic Cha Kim, the senior producer of arts and culture at PBS SoCal, to find out. Nic produces Artbound , an award-winning anthology documentary series exploring the lives, works, and creative proces...

If you’ve ever set foot in Black Rock City, you’ll know Burning Man isn’t just a festival. It’s a living, breathing canvas where art, technology, and human connection collide in the most unexpected ways. In today’s podcast episode, NOT REAL ART founder and veteran burner Scott “Sourdough” Power shares his experience at Burning Man 2024, which unfolded in the Nevada desert from Aug. 25 through Sept...

As the 2024 U.S. presidential race intensifies, art remains a powerful tool for political activists. From protest posters to public installations, art shapes the conversation and challenges the status quo. But how exactly does art influence social change, and what role does it play in a deeply divided nation? In today’s podcast episode, curator Karen Fiorito joins us to discuss Indivisible , an an...

Art has the power to engage communities, connect diverse histories, and elevate the stories that shape our world. In today’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with 2024 NOT REAL ART grant recipient Nastassja Swift to discuss the artist’s mission of transformation through visual storytelling.  Based in Virginia, Nastassja is an interdisciplinary a...

How do you transform abstract ideas into striking monumental art? In today’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Blessing Hancock to discuss the artist’s visionary public art projects, which span the globe. Listen to our conversation with Blessing Hancock on the player below to learn more about building effective teams and channeling your creative...

What do William Grant Still, Joseph Bologne, and Florence B. Price have in common? They’re all Black composers who contributed to the canon of classical music. Today’s podcast episode spotlights Classic Black, a groundbreaking youth program celebrating Black excellence in classical music. Created by Montreal-born pianist, accordionist, producer, composer, and music director Ric’key Pageot in colla...

Right now, over 400 artists are preparing to unveil their avant-garde installations at Burning Man 2024. Staged annually at Black Rock City in the Nevada desert, the festival is a huge undertaking and massive success, thanks in no small part to Katie Hazard, the festival’s longtime associate director of art management. In today’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Pow...

When Steve Grody first noticed spray-painted murals popping up around Los Angeles in the ’80s, he swooned over their daring colors and stylized calligraphy. Since then, he’s dedicated himself to understanding and cataloging the evolving graffiti scene in LA. His book, Graffiti L.A.: Steet Styles and Art (2007), is a comprehensive visual history of LA street art and an in-depth exploration of artis...

Whether you’re a painter, potter, or candlestick maker, efficient packing is crucial for a successful business trip. In today’s podcast episode, frequent traveler and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power shares his packing tips for fuss-free business travel.  From choosing the right luggage to packing light, this episode has everything artists need to transform their mindsets toward b...

Whiskey is more than just a drink; in fact, the word “whiskey” derives from the Gaelic phrase uisge beatha, meaning “water of life.” In today’s podcast episode, NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Jared Himstedt and Gabe RiCharde of Balcones Distilling to discuss the duo’s philosophy on crafting fine whiskey in Waco, Texas. Key Points From This Episode: What “Balcones” mean...

Not everyone would leave behind a cushy career on Wall Street to pursue their creative pipe dreams. Then again, not everyone is Diarra Bousso. Today, the Senegal-born, Silicon Valley-based entrepreneur joins us to discuss her remarkable journey from financial trader to founder of DIARRABLU, a sustainable, size-inclusive fashion and lifestyle brand. Using algorithmic design and crowdsourcing to red...

It's the height of summer in North America, making it the perfect time for a getaway. If you're planning a trip, consider this episode your friendly travel guide! Scott “Sourdough” Power recently embarked on an inspiring journey to Asheville, North Carolina, which we at Not Real Art proudly call the Capital of American Craft. Whether you're an artist, an art lover, or simply a curious explorer, yo...

Submissions for the 2024 NOT REAL ART grant have come to a close, marking the end of a rigorous and methodical selection process by our esteemed panel of judges. With six $2,000 grants at stake and over 1,200 incredible applicants to choose from, the journey has been long and challenging, but the wait is finally over. Today is the day that we announce our 2024 grant recipients! Tune in as we revea...

While struggling to watch a concert by one of his favorite metal bands online, Samuel Douek realized there was a gap that needed to be filled. Thus, Thunderflix was born, the world's first on-demand video streaming service dedicated exclusively to heavy metal music and its ardent fans. Samuel built his career as the founder and director of the Hola Mexico Film Festival and a former film distributo...

Wally Feresten, iconic cue card writer for shows like SNL and Late Night with Seth Meyers, Explores his craft's artistry and his journey during the pandemic. He shares how he adapted to the challenges, starting his successful business, Cue Cards by Wally, and the joy of bringing personalized cue cards into people's lives globally. Wally also reflects on his relationships with hosts and performers,...

Are the creative and performing arts experiencing a 21st-century renaissance? NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power thinks so. “What's left when you've lost faith in your church, in your company, in your government?” he ponders in this week’s podcast episode. “What's left when you feel like all the fundamentals have lost their integrity and you've lost trust in the cornerstones of our socie...

Instantly recognizable and beaming with positivity, Michelle Hoogveld’s colorful, kaleidoscopic murals demonstrate the power of love, connection, and color. Her graphic, geometric compositions weave an intricate tapestry of joy and passion, the relationships we form with each other, and the one thing that connects us all: love. “I chose February 14 as my first day as a professional artist because...

Despite its short lifespan, Black Mountain College (BMC) left a lasting legacy as an influential pioneering arts institution that challenged traditional academic structures and fostered a unique community of creative thinkers. Founded in 1933 just 20 minutes outside of Asheville, NC, the college emphasized holistic learning and the study of art as central tenets of its educational philosophy. Whil...

In a world full of digital noise, street art can tell vital stories, rejuvenate urban spaces, and bring communities closer together. For over 10 years, creative agency Beautify Earth has collaborated with artists and brands to connect communities through murals, street art, and strategic marketing. Today’s guest, Beautify Earth CEO Moral Masuoka , joins host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdou...

“First, do no harm.” Written nearly 2,500 years ago in Greece, the Hippocratic Oath and its principles hold a sacred place in the hearts and minds of doctors to this day. Traditionally sworn by graduating medical-school students, the Oath remains the gold standard for ethical practices in Western Medicine. While codes of ethical conduct are commonplace throughout medicine and science, the art worl...

Editor’s note: Today’s special episode comes to us from our friends at  Laugh Gallery , who operate under the  Crewest Studio  network of podcasts alongside NOT REAL ART. Despite what your parents told you, comedy is an art. Comedy writing is difficult, and crafting laughs is no easy feat, especially when the stakes are so high. “Funny” varies from person to person, and there’s no h...

As you may or may not know by now, we share some compelling creative conversations from the NOT REAL ART archives a couple of times a month. In today’s very special replay, we're throwing it all the way back with a truly historic episode: the very first one! As you’ll discover, it isn’t quite as polished as the podcast you’ve come to know and love. In fact, it’s a little bit of a mess, but you can...

Former software engineer John Houck is a multidisciplinary artist whose work examines human perception and memory. From subtly folded and rephotographed pieces of paper to paintings of psychological landscapes overlaid with personal objects, John explores how shadows can act as signatures of both the condition and the limits of our experience, playfully navigating the intersection between reality,...

Performing for a live audience in a new, unpredictable setting requires tremendous concentration. The stage is bigger than your studio, someone sneezes or coughs, a cell phone rings, and your costume is way itchier than your practice sweats. How do you stay focused when your performance space is full of distractions and irrelevant stimuli? Enter the dress rehearsal.  “A dress rehearsal will g...