The Inquisitive Artist Podcast

In this second part of my conversation with artist Julie Bancroft, we dive deeper into the emotional and philosophical layers of her work. Julie shares how her online fine art textiles degree became a transformative journey, shaping not just her artistic voice but her confidence and perspective on life. We explore the power of self-expression, the beauty of imperfection, and the importance of just starting – without waiting for the ‘right time.’ Join us for an inspiring discussion on creativity, resilience, and artistic freedom.

In this episode of The Inquisitive Artist, I sit down with artist Julie Bancroft to explore her profoundly personal and multidisciplinary approach to art. From burying fabrics in the earth to using natural pigments and mark-making, Julie shares how her work is shaped by emotion, materiality, and a fascination with impermanence. Join us as we discuss her creative journey, the intersection of writing, photography and textiles, and the ways she finds meaning through her craft.

Julie Bancroft

Substack

Instagram

Lindsey Tyson

Web

Instagram:<...

In this final part of my three-part conversation with Court Spencer, we turn the focus to her own artistic practice. Court shares her approach to site-specific work, including her Anastasis project at Left Bank and her personal journey back to Australia, where she gathered materials from her childhood landscapes. We discuss how art and curation intertwine, the importance of networks, and the role of intuition in the creative process. A fascinating insight into the mind of an artist, curator, and collaborator!

Court Spencer

Web

The Art Court

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Part two of my conversation with Court Spencer delves into the importance of space in curating exhibitions—how the right setting enhances the experience of art. Court shares insights into her work with venues like The Eye Room and First White Cloth Hall, as well as her approach to discovering and collaborating with artists. We also discuss open calls, networking, and what makes a great artist-curator relationship. If you're curious about the behind-the-scenes of curation, this episode is packed with valuable insights!

Court Spencer

Web

The Art Court

Instagram

This is part one of my three-part conversation with Court Spencer. We explore her journey from Australia to Yorkshire, her early creative influences, and how she transitioned from design and marketing into curation. Court shares insights into founding The Art Court, working with artists, and the value of collaboration in the art world. Tune in for an engaging look at the experiences that shaped her career.

Court Spencer

Web

The Art Court

Instagram

Lindsey Tyson

Web

Instagram:

In part two of my chat with Hester Berry, we dive deeper into her artistic process, her experiences on both Sky Arts Portrait and Landscape Artist of the Year – as a new mother, with a five-week old! – and how she navigates the balance between creativity and commercial success. Hester shares her thoughts on working from life versus photographs, the challenges of commissions, and the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision. We also discuss competitions, gallery representation, and the role of exhibitions in building an artist’s career. Whether you're an aspiring artist or simply fascinated by the art wo...

Join me for an inspiring discussion with award-winning artist Hester Berry as she delves into her creative process, exploring the interplay of light, movement, and atmosphere in her evocative landscape paintings. From her early influences in the rugged beauty of Wales to her transition from a structured, technique-driven education to a more conceptual approach, Hester shares how she balances tradition with innovation. She reflects on the importance of observation, her preference for oils, and how she strives for economy in her brushwork – allowing her paintings to retain both expressive energy and a strong connection to the natural world.

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This is a special bonus episode for artists! If you're listening as the podcast is released, the Old Parcels Office Open Exhibition 2025 is still on – so why not check it out and experience the artwork for yourself? 15th February-9th March, 2025.

In this episode of The Inquisitive Artist, I share my experience as one of three selectors for the Old Parcels Office (OPO) Open Exhibition in Scarborough. Joined by Jacqui Barrowcliffe and Paul Bonomini, we offer a behind-the-scenes look at the challenging selection process, discussing what makes artwork stand out, common mistakes artists make when applying, and ho...

In this episode of The Inquisitive Artist, Dan Cook continues the story of how his abstract works have evolved over the years. With a keen focus on the meticulous finish of his paintings, Cook describes how he experiments with various textures and layers, such as beeswax varnishing, to achieve the perfect surface that plays with light and adds depth to his art. He also touches on the challenges of working with commissions, revealing how his choice of size and composition is influenced by both his creative vision and the practical needs of his clients.

Cook also opens...

In this episode of The Inquisitive Artist, I’m joined by abstract artist Dan Cook to talk about his path from working in illustration to becoming a full-time painter. He shares how his background in drafting shaped his style, why he took the leap into painting, and how he makes it all work as a career.

Dan dives into his process – layering oils, resins, and pastels on wood panels – and how his art has evolved over time. He chats about the balance between planning and experimentation, how childhood memories influence his work, and why he’s always pushing...

In the third and final part of this three-part episode, landscape artist Kane Cunningham shares his deep connection to the landscape, discussing how climate change, history, and politics shape his work. From childhood memories of the Lake District to his evolving artistic style, Kane reveals how his paintings are not just depictions of nature but reflections of larger societal themes.

The conversation also ventures into the challenges of navigating the art world –galleries, auctions, and the struggle between artistic integrity and commercial success. Kane’s candid insights on pricing, representation, and staying true to his vision make this...

In this second part of a three-part episode, I’m joined in my studio by landscape artist Kane Cunningham, whose thought-provoking work examines themes of environment, impermanence, and the human connection to place.

Kane shares insights from his rich artistic journey, including his early inspirations, his time as a lecturer, and his evolution into a full-time artist painting in remote, awe-inspiring locations. We reflect on his infamous house project – an audacious artistic statement involving a bungalow on a collapsing cliff in Scarborough – and the broader philosophy that drives his creative process.

The episode also delves into K...

In this three-part interview, I’m joined in my studio by landscape artist Kane Cunningham, whose thought-provoking work examines themes of environment, impermanence, and the human connection to place.

Kane shares insights from his rich artistic journey, including his early inspirations, his time as a lecturer, and his evolution into a full-time artist painting in remote, awe-inspiring locations. We reflect on his infamous house project – an audacious artistic statement involving a bungalow on a collapsing cliff in Scarborough – and the broader philosophy that drives his creative process.

The episode also delves into Kane’s personal story, i...

In part two of our discussion, we continue to dive into some deeply personal and thought-provoking topics including identity, sexuality, and social issues, as well as LGBTQ+ experiences and body politics. From her evocative self-portraits to conceptual collections, challenging societal norms or inspired by personal loss, Melody shares the stories behind her art with vulnerability and passion.

Please note: the conversation includes potentially triggering discussion of sexual violence, so listener discretion is advised.

In this two-part episode, Melody welcomed me into her lovely house in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, to dive into some deeply personal and thought-provoking topics including identity, sexuality, and social issues, as well as LGBTQ+ experiences and body politics. From her evocative self-portraits to conceptual collections, challenging societal norms or inspired by personal loss, Melody shares the stories behind her art with vulnerability and passion.

Please note: the conversation includes potentially triggering discussion of sexual violence, so listener discretion is advised.

Find Melody on:

Web: Melody Thornton Artist

Instagram: @melodythorntonartist <...

In this second episode of The Inquisitive Artist, I sit down with Rob Moore – an accomplished artist, curator, and former Dean of Hull College of Art & Design. In part two of our two-part conversation, we dive deeper into Rob’s philosophies on art, the challenges and joys of teaching, and his ongoing projects. Be sure to listen to both episodes for the full story!

Find Rob on: Facebook, Instagram, Watermark Gallery

The Old Parcels Office

Find Lindsey on: Web and Instagram

(Please note: as this was my first attempt, this episode may not be the best start for new listeners – wrong aspect ratio etc! I’m improving my technical and interview skills all the time, please stick with me!)

In the inaugural episode of The Inquisitive Artist, I delve into the rich artistic journey of Rob Moore, an accomplished painter, printmaker, and curator. From his early days on a Leicester council estate to his role as Dean of the Hull School of Art and Design, Rob shares how his artistic passion blossomed through challenges and opportunities.

Disc...

The first episode is due out on January 1st at noon. I’m using this as a pre-launch test, so that on the day, there are no nasty surprises!! Wish me luck!!

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(Music – ‘Feb 17th’ by Jamie McGarry)