Ministry of Arts Podcast

 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.Callery’s artistic process is deeply connected to the landscape and archaeology, particularly the British countryside. Collaborations with archaeologists have influenced his method of working directly on site, allowing his paintings to absorb the environment both physically and conceptually. His paintings are often large in scale, with surfaces that appear worn, layered, and tactile—echoing the processes of erosion and excavation.By rejecting the illusionistic space of traditional painting, Callery creates works that are both objects and experiences. He has exhibited widely across the UK and Europe, with works held in public collections such as the Tate and Arts Council England. 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 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, chronic illness, two kidney transplants, the deaths of family members, everyday life, and a fascination with people and their stories — as an observer of others, shaped by chronic shyness and a deep feeling of being an outsider. Now he mainly paints large canvases using oils and acrylics, exploring themes of identity, memory, nostalgia and mortality, but often injects a humorous, self-deprecating element to his work. He writes about his art practice every Saturday on Substack (Substack www.creamofthecropbyslart.com) Upcoming solo show 6-18th September www.memementovivere.art Exhibition Details:MEMENTO VIVERE (Remember to Live) - Art Exhibition by SLARTThe Crypt Gallery, St Pancras Church, Euston Road, London, NW1 2BA7th September – 18th September 2025Free Entry Opening Night Reception: Saturday, 6th September 2025, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Invite only)  In partnership with Beata Maria Rzepecka from Gabriel Fine Arts, invites the public to "MEMENTO VIVERE" (Remember to Live) "MEMENTO VIVERE" serves as a poignant reminder to embrace the beauty and fragility of existence. The works reflect a deeply personal journey of introspection while touching upon the universal human condition."People shy away from death," says SLART, whose work often combines memento mori and spiritual themes with pop culture influences. “This exhibition comes from facing my own health struggles and thinking a lot about life and death. But it’s not all heavy — it’s actually about hope and reflection. It’s a reminder to wake up, notice the little things, and really live — with no regrets. Even when life feels messy, there’s still beauty and meaning to be found."The exhibition aims to challenge viewers to reflect on their own lives, mortality, and choices, creating an appreciation for the fleeting nature of time. Using raw expression, SLART’s art navigates complex emotions, testifying to human resilience and the drive to live fully during our finite lives.  For more information on the work of SLART go tohttps://www.slart.me 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

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 educator and serves as a tutor at the University of East London, where she mentors emerging artists and contributes to the development of contemporary art education through her expertise and experience in experimental art forms.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 

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.To purchase a 'My London' calendar or find out more about Cafe Art online, go to: www.cafeart.org.ukTo 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 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 The Last Breath Society at the ICA (2021). Additionally, they have worked with artists like Leon Clowes, Baiba Sprance, and Kane Stonestreet . Their photographic work is strictly analogue, employing 35mm film to document performances and live events. Mennell's practice is informed by their experiences as a queer, working-class, neurodivergent, and disabled individual, aiming to imagine alternative ways of inhabiting the world.  Thanks to Anna at @AbstraktPublicity for the connection 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 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 textile into her work soon. Carrie, along with partner Bob Osbourne, have just released a compilation of defaced banknotes by various artists in a hardback book entitled CASH IS KING, which is being launched at The Saatchi Gallery with an accompanying exhibition of a number of the banknotes.  CASH IS KING is also available for £15 at www.rebelnottaken.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.co.ukEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg 

 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 of Fine Art in Chelsea, London, and currently resides and works in London and Dorset. Her diverse media include oil, acrylic, charcoal, pastels, and printmaking. She has exhibited widely, including at Harvey and Woodd in Edinburgh and the Otter Gallery in Dorset, and participated in the 2024 season of Sky’s Landscape Artist of the Year. For more information on the work of Jessica Gale go tohttps://jessicagalefineart.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

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

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 spans roles in galleries and editorial platforms, with a focus on breaking down barriers to the art world.Through her work at MyArtBroker, she produces insightful content about the prints and editions market, while spotlighting underrepresented voices and fresh perspectives within contemporary art. Her approach merges scholarship with storytelling, bringing both depth and accessibility to art media.  To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://wwwministryofarts.co.ukEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg