Ministry of Arts Podcast

In this REWIND episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Alice Maher (@Maher. Alice)

Alice Maher is a prominent Irish contemporary artist whose work explores themes of identity, gender, mythology, and the body. Born in 1956 in County Tipperary, Maher studied at the University of Ulster, Belfast, and the San Francisco Art Institute. Her practice spans a wide range of media, including drawing, sculpture, photography, installation, and film.

Maher is known for using unconventional materials such as hair, nettles, thorns, and animal organs, challenging traditional boundaries between nature and culture, the beautiful and the gr...

In this REWIND episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Simon Callery (@Simon.Callery)

Simon Callery is known for his innovative approach to painting, which bridges the gap between two-dimensional surfaces and three-dimensional space. Born in London in 1960, Callery studied at Campion School and later at Cardiff College of Art. His work challenges traditional definitions of painting by incorporating sculptural elements—his canvases are often cut, pierced, folded, and stained with intense, earthy pigments. These works possess a physicality that invites viewers to engage not only visually but also spatially.

Call...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to SLART (@SLART.ME)

 SLART — a figurative expressionist and proud outsider artist based in Swindon, UK.

He dropped out of his A-level art class after his teacher told him he couldn’t draw large scale. It wasn’t until his late 30s that he picked up pen and ink again, prompted by a blog post that posed three questions about childhood pastimes. His answers were all “drawing and video games”—he chose drawing.

Many life experiences fuel his art, including his adoption, chroni...

REWIND Ep.06 Si Sapsford - Ministry of Arts Podcast

In this REWIND episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Si Sapsford (@SiSapsford)

Si Sapsford is a multidisciplinary artist known for her innovative work across performance, installation, and digital media. Her practice explores themes of identity, technology, and the body, often challenging societal norms through provocative and immersive experiences.

Sapsford’s work has been exhibited in galleries and festivals both nationally and internationally, reflecting a commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.

In addition to her creative practice, she is a dedicated educ...

REWIND Ep.05 James Gray & Cafe Art - Ministry of Arts Podcast

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to James Gray & Cafe Art (@CafeArtUK)

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to both abstract artist James Gray and to Cafe Art, a group that helps and supports homeless artists.

James has been mentored and supported by Cafe Art, making his journey out of homelessness a smoother transition.

Each year Cafe Art distribute disposable cameras throughout London's homeless groups. With the images they produce, the 'My London' calendar is created.

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Zack Mennell (@ZackMennell)

Zack Mennell is a self-taught multidisciplinary artist whose work delves into themes of queerness, neurodivergence, and the complexities of visibility. Through performance, photography, and writing, Zack aims to unsettle familiar spaces, making visible the tensions embedded within them.

Their artistic practice often involves exploring the uncanny, seeking to understand life beyond the constraints of daily survival .

Mennell frequently collaborates with performance artist Martin O’Brien, contributing to significant works such as Sanctuary Ring at the SPILL Festival (2016) and T...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Carrie Reichardt (@CarrieReichardt)

Carrie Reichardt is not only one of Gary Mansfield's favourite artists, but one of his favourite people. She is such a multi-layerd person, a mosaic artist, a craftivist, she’s vocally opposed to death penalty and an all-round bloody good person, albeit a bit of an eccentric one.

Carrie Reichardt is best known for her mosaic and ceramic work, her amazing home is testament to the quality of her work (look online) although she could start to incorporate texti...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Jessica Gale (@Jess.Gale.Art)

Jessica Gale is a British landscape artist born in 1967 in Catterick, Yorkshire. She began painting in 2010 during a period living in Amsterdam, inspired by the subdued beauty of a Dutch winter and influenced by Rembrandt's moody palette . Her work encompasses both representational and abstract landscapes. She investigates the interplay of shapes, light, and negative space, manipulating these elements through form and colour to convey the energy of her subjects.

Gale trained at The Heatherley School...

REWID to August 2018: Ep.02: Patrick Hughes - Ministry of Arts Podcast

In Episode 2 you get to meet Patrick Hughes, the artist that brought about the mind-boggling Reverse Perspective manner of painting on a 3D surface. The sound quality of this episode is slightly under par, due to a technical difficulty.

Feel free to contact Gary with any queries, comments etc: email: ministryofartsorg@gmail.com All Social Media: @ministryofartsorg

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In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Erin-Atlanta Argun (@erinatlanta)

Erin-Atlanta Argun is an art and fashion historian who works as the Commissioning Editor for Edition Magazine at MyArtBroker. She is widely recognised for her vibrant street interview series, “Excuse Me Girl,” where she asks passersby what artwork they would most love to own and why—making art conversations more inclusive and engaging.

Erin earned her MA in Fashion History from the Courtauld Institute of Art in 2022, following a BA in History of Art from the University of Cambridge. Her professional journey...

REWIND to July 2018: Ep. 01: Duggie Fields - Ministry of Arts Podcast

The very first episode of The Mizog Art Podcast features conceptual Maximalist painter Duggie Fields.

Duggie was the very first artist that corresponded with Gary Mansfield whilst he was in prison, Gary states that Duggie is the foundation stone of his new life as an artist, or a 'born again' artist, as Gary Jokingly refers to himself.

See: http://www.mizogart.com for full listing.

Feel free to contact Gary with any queries, comments etc: email: podcast@m...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Sara Reeve (@SaraReeveDraws)

Sara Reeve is a Brighton-based painter and tutor with a primary focus on portraiture and painting people. Her work is characterised by strong use of colour, bold shapes, and impactful compositions. Drawing inspiration from both observation and photography, she has a particular interest in portraying women in her paintings. Sara works with oil paints, a medium she finds ideal for capturing the visceral essence of flesh and faces.

As a tutor at Draw Brighton, Sara leads regular evening courses on Painting Po...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Carrie Jean Goldsmith (@CarrieJeanGoldsmith)

Carrie Jean Goldsmith is a Canadian-born artist residing in the UK, celebrated for her abstract paintings that emphasize colour, light, and tonal gradation. Her creative process involves layering various media, embracing diverse brush marks and the luminosity of paint to produce unforeseen outcomes. This method allows her to craft imagery that is both compelling and ambiguous, often evoking a sense of light and occasionally drawing subtle connections to landscapes without being site-specific.

Over more than two decades, Carrie's artistic journey ha...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Meg Malloy/Working Arts Club (@WorkingArtsClub)

Founded by Meg Molloy in 2024, the Working Arts Club is a London-based independent network dedicated to professionals in the arts from working-class backgrounds.

Originally from Margate, Molloy founded the club to confront the isolation and structural barriers often experienced by those from lower-income communities within the arts industry.

The club fosters a strong sense of community through networking events, workshops, and panel discussions featuring influential working-class voices in the creative sector.

Since its inception, it...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Daisy Collingridge (@Daisy_Collingridge)

Daisy Collingridge is a artist renowned for her unique and thought-provoking textile sculptures. A graduate of Central Saint Martins with a background in fashion design, her work bridges the gap between fine art, sculpture, and costume.

Her creations are imaginative, surreal, and often playful, characterised by their fleshy, anthropomorphic forms made from intricately stitched layers of fabric. These pieces, which she refers to as "Squishies," explore themes of human anatomy, identity, and the boundaries of the body.

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Eden Maseyk (@helmgallery_)

Let’s take a moment to spotlight our incredible guest judges, who have the tough job of choosing the winner at Sussex Portrait Artist of the Year 2025…

Meet Eden Maseyk, co-founder and curator of Brighton’s @helmgallery_

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Passionate about making the art world more accessible, Eden curates a dynamic exhibition programme throughout the year while ensuring an exceptional experience for visitors.⁣

With her fresh perspective and curatorial expertise, Eden is a fantastic ad...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Amy Dury (@amy_dury)

We are beyond excited to have Amy Dury to the Sussex Portrait Artist of the Year 2025 judging panel!⁣

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As a former participant on Sky’s Portrait @artistoftheyear Amy knows exactly what it’s like to be in a live portrait competition.⁣

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Her masterful paintings explore societal roles, power dynamics, and human connections, earning her exhibitions at @royal_institute_watercolours and @royalsocietyportraitpainters⁣

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Now, she’s bringing her artistic expertise to @thevenueworth...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Wendy Barratt (@wendybarrattart)

Wendy’s journey is nothing short of inspiring...⁣

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Originally a finalist in Worthing Portrait Artist of the Year (Now Sussex Portrait Artist of the Year) Wendy then went on to win Sky’s Portait Artist of the Year in 2023! ⁣

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Her stunning portrait of Jane Goodall now hangs in the National Portrait Gallery where her self portrait was featured in the Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award exhibition in 2024.⁣

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With her first-hand exp...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Louise Duggan (@louisedugganartist)

Louise Duggan is a Chichester-based multidisciplinary artist whose work is a journey of discovery. After graduating from Leicester University in 1996 with a BA (Hons) in Art and Design, Louise embarked on a successful career in high-end interior design. She worked throughout London before relocating to Dubai, where she spent 23 years designing and producing bespoke artworks for prestigious clients. Her work is featured in many of Dubai’s five-star hotels, including a commission of nine paintings for the world’s first 7-star hotel, the B...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to David Shillinglaw (@DavidShillinglaw)

David Shillinglaw is known for his vibrant, dynamic, and eclectic works that explore themes of human connection, identity, and the complexities of modern life. Born in 1982, Shillinglaw’s artistic practice spans a wide range of mediums, including painting, drawing, murals, and installation art. His style is characterised by bold colours, playful symbols, and a fusion of text and imagery, creating visually arresting compositions that invite viewers to engage with his layered narratives.

Shillinglaw's work often incorporates a mix of abstract forms and...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to JPR Stitch (@JPR_Stitch)

Dr. Jack Roberts, professionally known as JPR Stitch, specialises in freehand machine embroidery. His work features organic, abstract shapes intricately formed through dense webs of stitching, reflecting the calmness and tranquillity he experiences during creation.

Roberts' artistic journey began under the tutelage of his mother and grandmother, who introduced him to various textile techniques. Over time, he gravitated towards freehand machine embroidery, finding it akin to continuous line drawing.

Academically, Roberts hold...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Maya Land (@artisticsideoflife_)

Maya Land is a London-based artist known for her surreal collages, meticulously crafted from vintage imagery. Her work explores contemporary social and political issues, reimagined through the lens of nostalgic aesthetics. By blending elements from different eras, she creates compelling pieces that resonate with modern audiences.

Land’s artistic process begins with sourcing materials from vintage magazines, books, and photographs. She carefully assembles these fragments into cohesive narratives, highlighting the contrasts and connections between past and present societal them...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Jacob Clayton (@j.s.clayton)

Jacob Clayton explores the intersection of abstraction, minimalism, and the human experience. His distinctive artistic voice has emerged through a combination of varied mediums, with a focus on painting, sculpture, and installation. His work often delves into themes of memory, identity, and perception, capturing complex emotions and concepts through pared-down, abstract forms.

Clayton's practice is marked by a keen interest in the interplay of colour, shape, and texture. He employs geometric and organic forms, creating a sense of fluidity and...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Andrew Logan (@AndrewLoganSculptor)

Andrew Logan is celebrated for his vibrant and eclectic work that blurs the boundaries between art, design, and performance. Born in 1945, Logan is best known for his unique sculptures, mosaics, and installations that incorporate mirrored glass, colourful resins, and a variety of unconventional materials. His creations exude a sense of joy, whimsy, and theatricality, reflecting his fascination with beauty and individuality.

Logan's most iconic contribution to the art world is the Alternative Miss World, an exuberant and inclusive event he founded in...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Patrick Maguire

Patrick Maguire was the youngest member of the "Maguire Seven," a group wrongfully convicted in the 1970s for involvement in IRA bombings in Guildford and Woolwich. At just 13 years old, he was arrested alongside his family in December 1974. The Maguire Seven were accused of operating a bomb-making factory from their London home, based on dubious forensic evidence. Patrick was sentenced to four years in prison, during which he endured solitary confinement and significant psychological trauma.

The convictions of the M...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Patrick Maguire

Patrick Maguire was the youngest member of the "Maguire Seven," a group wrongfully convicted in the 1970s for involvement in IRA bombings in Guildford and Woolwich. At just 13 years old, he was arrested alongside his family in December 1974. The Maguire Seven were accused of operating a bomb-making factory from their London home, based on dubious forensic evidence. Patrick was sentenced to four years in prison, during which he endured solitary confinement and significant psychological trauma.

The convictions of the Maguire Seven were ev...

In this episode Gary gives a pound up of the episodes we released throughout 2024

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In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Tim Fowler (@timjfowler)

Tim Fowlers semi abstracted paintings, informed by the migratory plants that accompanied his own DNA, from west Africa, via the Caribbean to the UK, fill his often oversized canvases, overwhelming the viewer with striking compositions, executed in Tim’s signature palette.

Tim’s main concern within his work is exploring the colour field. Although vivid Tim’s works are invariably balanced, using a signature colour palette of extremely bright and intense hues makes his work distinctly recognisa...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Jeremy Deller (@jeremydeller)

Jeremy Deller is a British conceptual artist renowned for his innovative and socially engaged practice. His work often explores history, politics, memory, and collective identity, blending art with performance, video, and community involvement.

Deller’s approach is notable for its inclusivity—he often collaborates with non-professional participants to produce work that challenges traditional notions of art and authorship.

One of his most significant works is The Battle of Orgreave (2001), a reenactment of the violent 1984 miners' strike confrontation between police and st...

 In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to John Costi (@bapou_costi)

This is John Costi’s second appearance on the Ministry of Arts Podcast, the first being ep.48. He is known for his conceptual and often collaborative work, which explores themes of culture, identity, and history.

In 2012, Costi had a notable experience traveling to Venice with artist Jeremy Deller. The trip was part of a project facilitated by the Koestler Trust, an organization that supports creative work by prisoners, ex-offenders, and young people at risk. Deller, a renowned artist...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Ange Bell (@angebellart)

“My work focuses on the themes of origins and belonging and it is this concern that has formed the basis of my practice. Whether collecting and working from found photographs or, as in recent months, working from selfies taken by Instagram users.”

“Through the act of painting I reclaim and invigorates with added permanence and significance, a moment lost in the instant it occurred. Within the portraits there is an echo of that which is lost and sought, it speaks at times to...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Mr Bingo (@Mr_Bingstagram)

Mr Bingo is an artist, speaker and twat, celebrated for his unique blend of humour and sharp social commentary. Emerging from a background in graphic design, he became widely known for his irreverent hand-drawn postcards that capture the absurdities of modern life. His bold illustrations often feature playful typography and vibrant colours, reflecting his distinctive voice in contemporary art.

One of Mr Bingo’s standout projects is the “Hate Mail” initiative, where he invited fans to send him hate messages, which he...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Genevieve Leavold (@genevieveleavold)

“I am a self-taught painter from Somerset UK. I originally trained in Theatre Design specialising in Scenic Painting and prop making. My love for creating immersive spaces informed my approach to painting as I hope to take the viewer into another world, a place of energetic exchange and flow. “

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“I use abstraction to explore concepts of self, and our relationship to the natural world. Taking a meditative approach to my process the paintings are created by layering transparent gl...

In this bonus episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Constance Anne (@ConstanceAnne.ca) who is showing in the New Art Fair 2024, at the Truman Brewery, London, from 27-29 September 2024

Constance Anne is an artist based in London UK, her artwork celebrates people and personalties.

Her artwork is inspired by people and connection. By the odd mixes of personality, diversity, and life experiences that make us who we are. Her abstract portraits have a focus on the face in a way that plays on facial proportion, features and the body. She shows...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to The Artist Kitty (@kitty_arttist71) who is showing in the New Art Fair 2024, at the Truman Brewery, London, from 27-29 September.

I have known The Artist Kitty for over 25 years, all that time and more she has battled severe mental health, namely Paranoid Schizophrenia; sometimes ahead of the battle, others not so.

She was previously very creative, working for a screen printers’, and drawing & painting. I had tried to encourage her to revisit it many times, but confidence and change of route had become a challenge.

T...

In this bonus episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Beth Evans (@B.evansdesigns) who is showing in the New Art Fair 2024, at the Truman Brewery, London, from 27-29 September 2024

B Evans Designs, established in March 2019, meant that I could combine two of my greatest passions in my life; my love for painting & animals.

For as long as I can remember, creating art has always been something that has bought me joy. From my parents letting me cover our dining room table in pen, to completing my A-Level in art, it has always stuck with me...

In this bonus episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Vitor Lopes (@vitorlopes.art), who is showing in the New Art Fair 2024, at the Truman Brewery, London, from 27-29 September 2024

For years I have explored different avenues of creative expression, fully immersing myself in the works of artists and the extensive realm of art history. My expertise primarily stems from self-teaching, supplemented by short courses in drawing, sculpture, mould making, casting, 3D modeling, and product design.

However, it was only three years ago that I made the conscious decision to fully embrace the world...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Nana SRT (@nana.S.R.T)

Nana Sakura Rosalia Tinley Klimek, aka Nana SRT, is a visual artist working primarily in photography. She lives and works between London and Vienna. 

Introduced by her father to the NikonFM as an early teen, Nana picked up photography and darkroom as a voluntary side subject in high school. She shot her first personal series depicting caged zoo animals’ eyes at around the age of 18. 

Around that time she moved to England and quickly became involved in the...

In this bonus episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Jonny Mellor (@JonnyMellorArt) who is showing in the New Art Fair 2024, at the Truman Brewery, London, from 27-29 September 2024

I am an artist strongly influenced by minimalism and geometric abstraction. I use this visual language to create paintings, prints and hand cut paper art . The exploration of colour, process, materials, space and form are central to my practice.

I am interested in taking forms, shapes and patterns and combining these with carefully considered colour combinations. I am continually striving to achieve balance and harmony within...

In this bonus episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Stella Zuegel (@stellazuegelart) who is showing in the New Art Fair 2024, at the Truman Brewery, London, from 27-29 September 2024

Contemporary geometric artist Stella Zuegel creates unique art using both watercolour on paper, and acrylic and oil paint on canvas. Each piece is painted free hand and takes between 3-24 months to complete.

In her work, Stella plays with shapes and colours to create depth, dimension and cohesion. These curate a journey of free-flowing exploration through individual shapes, larger patterns and the composition as a...