The Grateful Web Art Podcast

Today’s guest is the brilliant Jenny Steele, an artist whose sculptural practice weaves together heritage techniques and deep emotion. Since 2020, Jenny has retrained extensively in loom weaving, basketry, rush weaving and passementerie, building a tactile, joyful and sensorial language through materials. Her work explores the power of celebration as a rebellious, affirming act, while also holding...

In this episode I speak with the fascinating scientist and writer Matthew Cobb whose books and research cover a wide range of topics from, in no particular order – how we came to understand the process of reproduction, how maggots smell, to genetics, how the brain works, to the French resistance! We explore the imaginative and collaborative nature of both art and science - discussing Matthew’s cur...

In this episode I talk to the wonderful artist David Gledhill about his work and upcoming exhibition at Rogue Gallery, Manchester. David has exhibited widely both in the UK and internationally, including Frankfurt, Berlin, Milan and Brussels and was recently awarded a PhD from PAHC at the Manchester School of Art. In addition to his activity as an artist, David has contributed writing and reviews...

In this episode, I’m delighted to be joined by Gherdai Hassell — a Bermudian-born, China-trained, multidisciplinary artist, creative director, designer, and storyteller, now based in Manchester, UK. Gherdai’s work investigates memory, nostalgia, and identity, weaving together family histories and tales of transformation through powerful collages and multimedia installations. Centering female bodie...

In this episode, Dr. Jo Clements engages with artist Dr Lucy Wright, whose interdisciplinary practice intertwines folklore, feminism, and the aesthetics of the everyday. They discuss Wright's exploration of folk traditions, the importance of collective memory, and the role of performance in contemporary art. The conversation delves into the myths surrounding folk origins, the significance of urban...

Weaving Connections with Gaynor Seville  In this episode of The Grateful Web, I sit down with the brilliant Gaynor Seville, Creative Director of The Whitaker Museum and Art Gallery, to explore the role of generosity, collaboration, and the importance of shared knowledge. We reflect on our early careers, how funding landscapes have shifted, and the vital networks that sustain creative practice...

Welcome to  The Grateful Web —the podcast where art, science, and creative networks collide! Hosted by Manchester-based artist Dr Jo Clements, this series explores the rich ecosystems of artists, curators, and cultural thinkers whose ideas and collaborations shape the cultural landscape. Through candid conversations with artists, scientists, and creative practitioners,  The Grateful Web...