Ministry of Arts Podcast

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Tom Hunter (tomhunterphotography) Tom Hunter is an artist using photography and film, living and working in East London. He is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society and has an Honorary Doctorate from the University of East London. Tom has earned several awards during his career, including the Rose Award for Photography at the Royal Academy, London and the Photographic Portrait Prize at the National Portrait Gallery, London. Tom graduated from the London College of Printing in 1994 with his work ‘The Ghetto’, which is now on permanent display at the Museum of London. He studied for his MA at the Royal College of Art, where, in 1996, he was awarded the Photography Prize by Fuji Film for his series ‘Travellers’. In 1998 ‘Woman Reading a Possession Order’ from his series ‘Persons Unknown’, won the Photographic Portrait Award at the National Portrait Gallery. In 2006 Tom became the only artist to have a solo photography show at the National Gallery, London with his series ‘Living in Hell and Other Stories’. For more information on the work of Tom Hunter go tohttps://www.tomhunter.org  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 bonus episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Peter Li (@pli.panda)Peter Li is an Architectural Photographer based in London, renowned for his exceptional architectural artwork. His artistic talent has been widely recognized, with notable achievements including securing first place in the Architecture Category at the Epson International Pano Awards in 2018 and 2022. His work has been shortlisted at esteemed competitions such as the Sony World Photography Awards and the British Photography Awards in 2020. In the same year, Peter was honored with the distinguished title of "Architecture Photographer of the Year" in the amateur division of the International Photography Awards.Peter's captivating photographs have been featured in publications such as The Times, The Telegraph, Time Out London, Fubiz, Colossal, Beaux Art, My Modern Met, as well as various photography and art publications. His exceptional architectural work have led to a collaboration with Nikon, where he has been selected as one of their Creators in Nikon Europe in 2023.For more information on the work of Peter Li go to https://www.plipictures.com/To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofartsIf you would like to promote your work, exhibition or any other creative project, please contact us at:Social Media: @ministryofartsorgEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.com

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Jessie Woodward (@jessieabstract) Jessie is an abstract painter and mixed media Artist, based in Bristol. She has exhibited works throughout the UK and sold her vibrant pieces worldwide. Jessie’s instinctive way of working explores the language of paint and mark making to evoke emotions in the viewer, aiming to communicate how pure abstract work can generate visual energetic joy and pleasure. The way Jessie experiments with materials, a vibrant colour palette and juxtaposing textures is key to making each piece vividly unique. She looks at the dynamics created when colours, marks, textures and ratios are set with and against each other to create a cohesive piece.  For more information on the work of Jessie Woodward go tohttps://www.jessiewoodward.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.orgEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Katy Baird (@thenewlookkatyb)  As an artist Katy has performed at performance festivals and venues across Europe as well as squat parties, clubs and raves.Her debut studio-based performance Workshy, a show about work and the things we do for money, was a smash hit and toured internationally to over 30 cities.She has received commissions from Battersea Arts Centre, Wellcome Trust, The Yard Theatre, Camden People’s Theatre and Duckie amongst others. Since 2016 she has been artist in residence at queer club night Knickerbocker.She is currently working on a new solo show entitled Get Off, due to be touring 2023/24As a Curator she founded and co-produces Steakhouse Live, a DIY platform in London for radical performance practices and is currently Artistic Director of Home Live Art, producers of live events across Hastings, the South East and beyond.Katy has also worked as an independent producer at Fierce Festival (Birmingham) and Manchester International Festival, as well as a guest lecturer at the University of Chichester, Central School of Speech and Drama, Rose Bruford College, Goldsmiths University, University of East London and University of Dundee.From 2012-2017 she worked as Coordinator at the Live Art Development Agency in London.  For more information on the work of Katy Baird go tohttps://katybaird.com Thanks to Anna @abstraktpublicity for the connection*Cover Image via:@JMA.Photo 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 Luke Hannam (@LukeHannamPaintings) Luke Hannam’s works are celebrated for their vibrant colours, dynamic compositions, and emotional depth.Hannam's early exposure to the arts fuelled his passion for painting, leading him to study at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. Hannam's paintings are characterised by their bold use of colour and texture, creating a sense of movement and life on the canvas.His work draws inspiration from his love 0f literature, music, as well as his personal experiences, resulting in pieces that are both introspective and universally relatable. In addition to his painting, Hannam is also a professional musician, integrating his artistic sensibilities into his musical endeavours. His multifaceted approach to creativity continues to inspire and captivate audiences, solidifying his reputation as a significant figure in contemporary art.  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 Rosa Roberts (@rosa_roberts_) Rosa Roberts grew up in Norfolk on a fruit farm, and moved to London with her family in her teenage years, later studying Fine Art at Central St Martin's. She ran a business which designed and ran drawing workshops in London Museums for 8 years until deciding to go full-time as a painter in 2020. Rosa has developed a unique style that combines traditional techniques with modern themes, exploring the nuances of human experience and the natural world. Her work often reflects a deep connection to the landscapes of her native Britain, infusing her canvases with a sense of place and emotional resonance, possibly influenced by the work of her parents, her Father a farmer and her Mother a photographer. Rosa has exhibited widely across the UK and internationally. Her paintings are characterized by their vibrant colour palettes, dynamic compositions, and an intricate interplay of light and shadow across an array of surfaces.  Her work has been featured in prominent galleries and art fairs, cementing her reputation as a noticeable figure in contemporary British art. Through her paintings, Rosa Roberts continues to inspire and engage audiences, offering a window into her profound appreciation for the world around her.  For more information on the work of Rosa Roberts go tohttps:// Rosaroberts.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 Peter Stapleton (@peterstapletonart) Peter was born in the city of Manchester, in the UK and his early years were significantly influenced by the complexities of coming from a family heavily in serious crime. Eventually Peter ended up in prison, charged with armed robbery on security vans. After spending several years on the run in South Africa, Peter was arrested and brought back to the UK. ​It was during his time at a High Security Prison that Peter discovered he had a talent for painting and it was here that his passion for art was born.​Eventually working his way to an Open Prison for good behaviour, Peter was released from prison every day to attend Staffordshire University, where he gained a BA (Hons) Fine Art.​Painting in a Hyperrealistic style, Peters work focused on his experiences of Prison life. He looks for drama in a painting and invites the viewer to question what is going on. Painting in a precise and detailed way he likes to work in layers using a rich and saturated palette, giving depth to his paintings. For more information on the work of Peter Stapleton go tohttps://www.peterstapletonart.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 Mark McGowan (@the_artist_taxidriver)Mark McGowan is a British street artist, performance artist, film maker and public protester who has gone by the artist name Chunky Mark and more recently The Artist Taxi Driver.By profession, McGowan is a London taxi driver and occasional University speaker and arts tutor. McGowan is known internationally for his performance art including shock art, street art and installation art, and as a stuntman, internet personality, video blogger, social commentator, social critic, satirist, political activist, peace activist, and an anti-establishment, anti-war, anti-capitalist anti-monarchist and anti-power elite protester.Under the artist name "Chunky Mark", McGowan entered the mainstream news in the early 2000s for his unconventional, satirical, sometimes comedic and/or ironic, and often absurd approach to public protest and demonstration. Chunky Mark conducted hundreds of performances in the UK and dozens around the world, stirring up some international attention, further debate on what "art really is", controversy; and both support and mockery alike from intellectuals, the art world, private corporations, the police, the military, the tabloids and the public. Often McGowan has not applied for police permission beforehand.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.orgEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Clarke Reynolds (@clarkereynoldsofficial) Born in 1981 in Portsmouth, Clarke Reynolds began his life journey with a unique perspective, one shaped by limited sight and profound resilience.  Despite facing the challenges of domestic violence and alcohol abuse in his childhood, Clarke found solace and expression through drawing. His sketchbook became his sanctuary, a space where he could escape and create.Clarke's artistic path took a pivotal turn when he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, leading to the eventual loss of sight in his right eye at the age of just 6, since then he has lost the sight in his left eye leaving him with just 5 degrees of vision. These life-altering events steered him away from his career as a dental model maker, but also opened a new door to the world of art. It was through his discovery of textiles that Clarke realised he could translate the tactility of fabrics and the dimension of sound into visual art, crafting pieces that are not only seen but felt. Embracing his journey, Clarke now dedicates his time to creating art in his Portsmouth studio and teaching Braille, including leading a class named after him at London’s Kings Cross Academy. His passion for Braille, a vital tool for 30,000 people in the UK, is evident in his commitment to promoting its benefits. Clarke is represented by Grove Gallery for his original artwork. For more information on the work of Clarke Reynolds go tohttps://clarkereynoldsart.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