What motivates an artist to choose one of the most painstaking visual storytelling methods available? In today’s podcast episode, host Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with 2024 NOT REAL ART grant winner Jessie Rodriguez to discuss the meticulous craftsmanship behind her stop-motion movies. The Denver-based artist specializes in animated shorts created from linocuts, carefully carving and assembling every visual element of her "hand-printed movies."

Her animations, selected for film festivals in Denver, Portugal, and Germany, explore themes such as grief, insomnia, and emotional resilience, balancing playful visuals with poignant narratives. Inspired by women filmmakers like silhouette animation pioneer Lotte Reiniger, Jessie’s hands-on approach reflects her commitment to experimentation and storytelling.

Join us as Jessie shares insight into her creative process, discusses the deeply personal themes in her films, and reflects on the significance of winning the 2024 NOT REAL ART grant. We also delve into her community-driven work with the Denver Tool Library and her multidisciplinary approach to creativity. Listen to our conversation with Jessie Rodriguez to hear her unique perspective on resilience, innovation, and the beauty of imperfection.

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/animator-jessie-rodriguez

What if art could unlock the mysteries of science and reveal the hidden connections between technology, nature, and the human experience? In today’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Alison Hiltner, a visual artist based in Minneapolis and the Associate Director of the Soo Visual Arts Center. She is also a self-proclaimed “science fiction archaeologist” and one of six 2024 NOT REAL ART grant winners. Her fascinating and evocative work explores how science fiction shapes our understanding of scientific research.

Known for her immersive multimedia installations, Alison creates mind-blowing sensory experiences that bridge the gap between art and science, prompting us to rethink our perceptions of reality. Join us as we discuss the importance of making art accessible to a wider audience, how science fiction influences our views of ourselves and the world around us, and Alison’s intriguing creative process, which blends hands-on scientific experiences with her unique artistic vision. Don’t miss this episode to discover how her thought-provoking work can inspire us to see art and science in a new light. It’s a must-listen for artists, art enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the intersection of creativity and innovation.

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/alison-hiltner

They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but some secrets are too juicy to remain buried in the neon glow of the Strip. In today’s podcast episode, we dive into the exciting world of DesignerCon as it transitions from Anaheim to Las Vegas, where the art world is about to collide with the neon lights and vibrant culture of Sin City. Visionary DesignerCon founder Ben Goretsky joins host Scott “Sourdough” Power to share the inspiration behind this bold move.

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/designercon-2024

How can Asheville’s artists rebuild after Hurricane Helene? In this heartfelt episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sheds light on the creative community in Asheville, North Carolina, in the aftermath of the tropical storm. With over 300 artists displaced and studios destroyed in Asheville’s River Arts District, Scott reflects on the unique cultural and creative legacy now at risk. Asheville, a region known for its rich artistic history and thriving arts community, now faces an uncertain future as rising rents and gentrification threaten the survival of that community.

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/rebuilding-asheville-after-hurricane-helene

When natural disasters strike, they don’t just destroy homes; they can devastate entire communities, livelihoods, and creative legacies. In this special edition of Art World Horror Stories, Asheville-based photographer Michael Freas shares the harrowing tale of Hurricane Helene’s destruction, which left hundreds of local artists without studios or income.

This episode explores the billion-dollar impact on Asheville’s arts economy and the challenges of securing relief, revealing the hidden toll of climate change on the creative sector. You’ll gain insight into the mental health struggles of those affected and the critical roles of self-sufficiency and community support.

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/photographer-michael-freas

Art has the power to disrupt the status quo, challenge authority, and ignite social change. Just ask today’s guests, whose provocative artworks have sparked conversation in the political realm for decades. In today's episode, we welcome legendary provocateur Robbie Conal and activist artist Karen Fiorito to discuss the transformative power of political art.

Robbie, best known for his clever street posters that skewer corrupt politicians, has spent over three decades turning city streets into a canvas for social change. Karen, curator of the annual political exhibition Indivisible 2024, is the fearless creator of controversial billboards. She joins the conversation to share her experience pushing boundaries and challenging authority with bold public art. Together, Robbie and Karen dive into the wild world of street art, the legal and personal risks that come with it, and how humor can serve as the ultimate weapon in activism.

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/robbie-conal-karen-fiorito

How does PBS harness the power of personal identity and diverse storytelling to challenge the status quo? In today’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough Power” sits down with Nic Cha Kim, the senior producer of arts and culture at PBS SoCal, to find out. Nic produces Artbound, an award-winning anthology documentary series exploring the lives, works, and creative processes of artists and innovators in Southern California. Now in its 15th season, Artbound continues to showcase the region’s rich cultural legacy and diversity.

In this episode, Nic shares his remarkable journey from aspiring Hollywood screenwriter to a critical player in the downtown LA art community. Nic also discusses the undervalued role of naiveté, the importance of boundless curiosity, and why he views his work as a “sacred responsibility.” You’ll also get an exciting sneak peek into season 15 of Artbound, which includes documentaries about The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture, the fusion of art and science at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and the rise of West Coast Modernism. Tune into our episode with Nic Cha Kim for a compelling conversation about the intersection of personal identity, responsibility, and creativity in storytelling.

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/nic-cha-kim

If you’ve ever set foot in Black Rock City, you’ll know Burning Man isn’t just a festival. It’s a living, breathing canvas where art, technology, and human connection collide in the most unexpected ways. In today’s podcast episode, NOT REAL ART founder and veteran burner Scott “Sourdough” Power shares his experience at Burning Man 2024, which unfolded in the Nevada desert from Aug. 25 through Sept. 2.

Scott reflects on Burning Man’s 2024 theme, Through the Looking Glass, marveling at the festival’s artistic innovations and evolving cultural landscape. He recounts mesmerizing moments like the historic “art plane,” the first FAA-approved aircraft to shoot fireworks and lasers, and explores how LEDs, drones, e-bikes, and smartphones are reshaping the Playa. He also touches on the festival's impermanence, its more than 400 art installations, and the growing tension between Burning Man's anti-commercial roots and its increasing commodification through social media.

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/burning-man-2024