Nitty Gritty

This week, I caught up with illustrator, muralist, designer, and all-round creativity machine, Daren Thomas Magee, aka Real Fun, Wow!His work lives somewhere between imagination and reality—often landing in that weird, wonderful in-between space. With everything from prints and books to socks, posters, tapestry and tiles, it's obvious Daren is constantly pouring his creativity into every avenue he can and then sharing it with the world. We dive into everything from building a business from nothing, the highs and lows of money and mindset, and the self-doubt that still creeps in even when your work reaches millions.This episode is packed with wisdom and full of the kind of creative honesty we rarely get to hear.Find Real Fun, Wow on Instagram here, and online here.

This week, my studio partner Holly and I sit down in Byron with self-taught ceramic artist and educator Bianca Pintan, and walk away completely energised by her passion, creativity and warmth.Bianca’s bold colours, sculptural forms, and intuitive, hand-built process grew from playful experimentation in her garage into a body of work and workshops that inspire artists worldwide. Guided by colour, emotion, and intuition, she doesn’t gatekeep, she openly shares her process through online courses, believing that generosity only expands what’s possible.We dive into sharing trade secrets, finding balance, embracing flexible plans, and what it really takes to market yourself as a self-represented artist, both organically and through paid channels.It’s a grounded, expansive conversation packed with practical takeaways, fresh perspective, and a reminder that creativity is freedom.Explore Bianca’s work and courses on her website here, and on Instagram here.

This week, I’m in the studio of London-based Australian artist Jess Cochrane to chat through her modern take on a traditional art practice. ⁠Jess’s paintings depict scenes from the everyday with a focus on familiar scenes of gathering and the things we as humans tend to gather, focusing on themes of consumerism, pop culture and fashion. ⁠Jess shares openly about the ambition that drives her- a genuine pursuit of mastery, legacy, and a place among the greats. In this chat, we dig into the real-world themes in her work, her interesting perspectives on technology in art and social media life, balancing motherhood, and the freedom she found in starting her practice over.This one’s for anyone striving for something bigger in their craft and refusing to strive small!You can find Jess on Instagram here and on her website here.

This week I’m joined by UK-based artist, illustrator and curator Tabby Booth, whose work treads between illustration and traditional folk art painting. We get into the tension between being an “Instagram artist” versus a “real artist,” the snobbery that still lingers in traditional galleries, how to push through cringe to find success online, and the creative challenges of commission work.As an artist, gallery owner, and artist manager, Tabby offers a rare perspective on how the industry is shifting on all sides. She brings so much insight, honesty, and humour to this chat, plus a healthy dose of screw-the-naysayers energy.You can find Tabby’s work on her website here and on Instagram here, and check out Sailors Jail Gallery here.

To round off the Table Talk series, we’re sitting down with Layla Cluer, the creative force behind Softedge Studio and the mind behind the beautiful plates that graced our Table Talk lunch.Crafted by skilled makers in the tiny town of Hasami, Japan, Layla’s work reimagines the art of eating, blending form and function to bring beauty into everyday moments.In this chat, we hear the journey of Softedge, from finding and working with talented craftspeople in Japan to dealing with imitation and staying true to her craft while scaling her vision.You can find Softedge Studio on Instagram here and their website here!

This episode of Table Talk takes us out of the studio and into the kitchen. Maya and Chelsea of Maria’s Byron Bay are culinary artists who blur the line between food and art - and the creative geniuses who brought my recent collection to life as caterers for the Table Talk lunch.Before the event, Holly Terry and I stepped into their kitchen to dive into their creative process, their inspirations, and the intentionality that guides everything they do. From presentation to materials, and even the way they approach clients, their practice reveals surprising parallels to life as an artist.Food has always held a special place in my heart, which is why this series grew out of a collection all about food. This chat was such a joy and a good reminder that artistry isn’t limited to studios!Check out Maria's on insta here and on their website here.

This episode marks a first for Nitty Gritty. TEN creative minds on one couch, diving into the nittiest and grittiest questions we’ve ever asked.Welcome to Table Talk, a short series we’re dropping ahead of my upcoming print collection, which is all about connection. Call it debate, call it a deep sleepover chat - this episode is honest, insightful, and full of colliding perspectives. It’s everything that happens when creatives finally get in a room together (with maybe a few glasses of wine).Huge thanks to this brilliant group for jumping on the mic:- Jess Earnest, Interior Designer- Brittany Ferns, Painter- Brandi Hughes, Painter- Jessica Prescott, Photographer and Cookbook Author- Rosie Woods, Muralist and Painter- Holly Terry, Painter- Amanda Jones, Painter- Mica Schettini, Photographer and Creative Director- Sonia Gill, Painter

This week I’m joined by Canadian ceramicist Sasha Court for a chat that’s basically creative rocket fuel. We unpack ditching the 9 to 5, breaking up with galleries, hanging onto childlike curiosity, and how she leaned into the intuitive path that’s carried her to where she is today. Sasha is pure creative fire with infectious confidence and we hope this conversation leaves feeling ready to take on the world !You can find Sasha on insta here @sashacourtstudioAnd see her website here https://www.sashacourt.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoruz7Ti40d_cDElyYiVyh1sfRnxLCZ4xg12Yrdg3bINLmwE1-2I

Hello and welcome back!! Season 4 of Nitty Gritty is officially here, and I’m so grateful to you for putting me back in your ears.We’re starting the season with a special one. Berlin-based contemporary artist Hannah Müller-Hillebrand joins me for an insightful chat on the magic, mess, and challenges that have shaped her as a creative. Together, we unpack the freedom at the heart of her work, the early sparks of connection she found online, the shadows of mental health, and how confidence can shine through art even when it feels absent in daily life.This conversation covers so much, and I’m so grateful to Hannah for bringing such honesty and openness to the pod!You can find Hannah on insta here: hannah.muehi and here: muehi.artAnd see her website here: https://www.muehi.art/