Ministry of Arts Podcast

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 figurative elements, blending influences from street art, graffiti, and pop culture with philosophical musings and personal reflections. His pieces frequently feature recurring motifs such as hands, eyes, and arrows, which act as metaphors for communication, perception, and direction. Having exhibited internationally, Shillinglaw’s murals and installations have transformed urban spaces into dynamic art experiences, bridging the gap between public and private spheres. His art is not only visually compelling but also thought-provoking, encouraging audiences to contemplate themes of chaos and order, individualism, and collective humanity. David Shillinglaw’s ability to merge the playful and the profound has made him a distinctive voice in contemporary art, resonating with audiences across the globe. For more information on the work of David Shillinglaw go to https://davidshillinglaw.co.uk Cover image by, and thanks to, Joanna Dudderidge. To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.co.ukEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg 

 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 holds a PhD from Manchester Metropolitan University, where he researched artist-dealer relationships, complementing his practical experience as an art dealer and community artist.  In 2021, he shifted his focus entirely to his art, establishing a daily practice that serves as both meditation and creative expression. Roberts often shares his process and insights on Instagram, treating the platform as a digital sketchbook and journal.   For more information on the work of JPR Stitch go tohttps://www.jprstitch.com/ To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.orgEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg 

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 themes. Her innovative approach has earned her international acclaim, with exhibitions in prestigious galleries across Europe, including the Saatchi Gallery in London.  Outside of traditional galleries, Land actively engages with her audience through social media. On Instagram, she shares her creative process and connects with a global following. One notable project celebrated the National Gallery's 200th anniversary, where she reimagined a century-old image in her signature surreal style, seamlessly merging historical and contemporary art. Maya Land’s distinctive collages encourage viewers to reflect on modern society's complexities while appreciating the enduring beauty and relevance of the past.  For more information on the work of Maya Land go tohttps://www.mayalandart.com To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.orgEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg 

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 tension within his compositions. His works evoke a balance between simplicity and complexity, inviting viewers to engage with them on an intellectual and emotional level. The artist is known for his ability to create atmospheric works that are both meditative and dynamic. In recent years, Clayton has gained recognition for his bold, yet subtle approach to abstraction. His work has been exhibited in various galleries and shows across the UK, drawing attention from collectors and critics alike.  Through his unique perspective, Clayton continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art, offering new ways of seeing and experiencing the world. His contribution to the UK's art scene is one of quiet innovation and thoughtful exploration.  For more information on the work of Jacob Clayton go tohttps://jacobclayton.co.uk For more information on Thousand-Pointed star goto @teaspoonprojects To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.orgEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg

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 1972. This unconventional pageant celebrates creativity and self-expression, drawing inspiration from traditional beauty contests but focusing on art and imagination rather than conventional standards. His works have been exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums worldwide, and he is credited with bridging the gap between fine art and popular culture. Logan’s playful, boundary-pushing style has made him a beloved figure in contemporary art, embodying a spirit of celebration and artistic freedom that continues to inspire audiences globally. For more information on the work of Andrew Logan go tohttps://www.andrewlogan.com Cover image courtesy of: @jamiewoodleyphoto  To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.orgEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg 

 In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Patrick MaguirePatrick 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 eventually quashed in 1991, acknowledging the miscarriage of justice they had suffered. In the years following his release, Patrick Maguire turned to art as a means of coping with his experiences. His work often reflects the darkness and confinement he endured during his imprisonment. In 2017, he held an exhibition titled "Out from the Darkness," marking a transition from his earlier, darker pieces to works embracing more colour and light.  Additionally, Patrick co-authored a memoir, "My Father's Watch: The Story of a Child Prisoner in 70s Britain," detailing his experiences and the impact of the wrongful convictions on his life and family. Patrick Maguire's story stands as a poignant reminder of the profound personal consequences of miscarriages of justice. Thank you to Anna Goodman for this connection.For more information on the work of Patrick Maguire contact abstrakt@abstrktpublicity.co.uk or www.abstraktpublicity.co.uk To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofartsFor full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.co.ukEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg 

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 eventually quashed in 1991, acknowledging the miscarriage of justice they had suffered.  In the years following his release, Patrick Maguire turned to art as a means of coping with his experiences. His work often reflects the darkness and confinement he endured during his imprisonment. In 2017, he held an exhibition titled "Out from the Darkness," marking a transition from his earlier, darker pieces to works embracing more colour and light.  Additionally, Patrick co-authored a memoir, "My Father's Watch: The Story of a Child Prisoner in 70s Britain," detailing his experiences and the impact of the wrongful convictions on his life and family.  Patrick Maguire's story stands as a poignant reminder of the profound personal consequences of miscarriages of justice. Thank you to Anna Goodman for this connection.For more information on the work of Patrick Maguire contact abstrakt@abstrktpublicity.co.uk or www.abstraktpublicity.co.uk To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.co.ukEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg 

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

 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 recognisable.He uses a variety of medium within his work combining oil, acrylic, spray, enamel and graffiti inks. Tim subverts traditional and contemporary methods of applying these mediums using brushes, different aperture caps and marker paint mops to orchestrate purposeful marks, strokes, drips, scrapes and smears across the canvas whilst constructing his exciting and dynamic artworks.Using found and made images as a starting point. Tim builds layers of pigment, adding abstract fragments as well as bold marks, broken lines and liberal strokes to create contours and features, be they of botanicals, building facades, silver screen legends or intimate family scenes. Doing this captures something more interesting than literal representation. This visceral connection to colour is palpably intuitive to Tim, using it as an expression of internal contemplations. Over the many years of Tim’s career this organic relationship with paint and colour has developed and shines through, as he experiments with opacity, texture combinations, finishes and light. The deconstruction of his subject is rebuilt in a cacophony of colour turning recognisable features into their base elements to highlight unseen splendour. For more information on the work of Tim Fowler go to https://www.timjfowler.co.uk  To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.co.ukEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg