Ministry of Arts Podcast

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

REWIND to July 2018: Ep. 01: Duggie Fields - Ministry of Arts PodcastThe 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@mizogArt.com All Social Media: @mizogart

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 Portraits in Oils, weekend workshops on Self-Portraiture, and weekly online life-drawing sessions. She also teaches Life Drawing and Portraiture to local artist groups and schools in the community.  In her personal practice, Sara explores the dynamic tension between subject and viewer, often focusing on a direct gaze. Her work delves into the interaction between what a painting communicates to its audience and the emotional response it evokes. Through her art, Sara aims to uncover deeper layers of connection with both the sitter and the viewer. Sara was participated in Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year, which lead to her being invited to host her own Sky Arts Masterclass episode. Also mentioned in this episode were: @jakespicerart @draw_brighton @artistoftheyear @sussexpaoty @amy_dury @wendybarrattart @geoffreyharrison @rayrichardson1 For more information on the work of Sara Reeve go tohttps://sarareeve.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 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 has evolved from representational landscapes to a more abstract and gestural approach. Initially inspired by Canadian artist Emily Carr, she began by painting trees and forests, gradually deconstructing these images into shapes and light. The constraints of the COVID-19 lockdowns prompted her to adopt a looser style, characterised by broad swathes of colour and visible brushstrokes, leading to a more intuitive and expressionistic technique.  In her studio practice, Goldsmith begins her day by completing ongoing works to reacquaint herself with her materials and techniques before embarking on new pieces.She often prepares multiple canvases in advance, allowing her the freedom to explore and experiment without interruption. This approach underscores her commitment to spontaneity and the celebration of serendipitous discoveries in her art.  For more information on the work of Carrie Jean Goldsmith go tohttps://www.CarrieJeanGoldsmith.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 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 has grown rapidly, with nearly 1,000 members—approximately 75% of whom identify as women. More than just a professional resource, the Working Arts Club provides a space for solidarity and honest conversation about class-based challenges in the arts.Looking ahead from its first anniversary, Molloy hopes to broaden the club’s reach into schools and universities, encouraging young people from similar backgrounds to pursue and thrive in creative careers. For more information on the work of Working Arts Club contact workingartsclub@gmail.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 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. Daisy uses materials like Lycra, jersey, and wadding to craft tactile, exaggerated forms that are both grotesque and endearing. Her sculptures often evoke visceral responses, challenging perceptions of beauty and bodily norms while maintaining an underlying sense of humour. Collingridge’s work has been exhibited in galleries across the UK and internationally, capturing attention for its innovative approach to textile art. Through her practice, she continues to push the boundaries of materiality and storytelling in contemporary sculpture. For more information on the work of Daisy Collingridge go to https:// DaisyCollingridge.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 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_⁣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 addition to our judging panel this year.⁣Also in this episode is a small introduction to three of the Sussex paoty 2025 finalists:1.    Jodie Drew - @jodie_drew_art2.    Maria Huxstep - @mariaahuxstep3.    Adrian Sensicle - @assemblageurWatch the live painting competition on Saturday 22nd March at @thevenueworthing For ticket information for the Sussex Portrait of the year on 22 March go tohttps://www.instagram.com/sussexpaoty  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 Amy Dury (@amy_dury) We are beyond excited to have Amy Dury to the Sussex Portrait Artist of the Year 2025 judging panel!⁣ ⁣ As a former participant on Sky’s Portrait @artistoftheyear Amy knows exactly what it’s like to be in a live portrait competition.⁣ ⁣ Her masterful paintings explore societal roles, power dynamics, and human connections, earning her exhibitions at @royal_institute_watercolours and @royalsocietyportraitpainters⁣ ⁣ Now, she’s bringing her artistic expertise to @thevenueworthing on 22nd March to help us crown Sussex Portrait Artist of the Year 2025 🎨⁣ ⁣ Want to witness the competition live and see Amy in action as a judge? ⁣ ⁣ There are a limited number of tickets available at sussexpaoty.com Also in this episode is a small introduction to three of the Sussex paoty 2025 finalists:1.    Tim Bidwell - @timbidwell2.    Helen Stone - @helenstone_art 3.    Mandy Worster - @mandyworsterstudio ⁣For ticket information for the Sussex Portrait of the year on 22 March go tohttps://www.instagram.com/sussexpaoty  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 Wendy Barratt (@wendybarrattart) Wendy’s journey is nothing short of inspiring...⁣ ⁣ 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! ⁣ ⁣ 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.⁣ ⁣ With her first-hand experience as a competitor and a deep understanding of portraiture, Wendy brings invaluable insight to our judging panel. Also in this episode is a small introduction to three of the Sussex paoty 2025 finalists:1.    Jake Fern - @ jake_fern_art2.    Tracey Cranidge - @tjcranidge.art3.    Tim O’Brien - @timobrien_artist ⁣For ticket information for the Sussex Portrait of the year on 22 March go tohttps://www.instagram.com/sussexpaoty  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