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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 @sashacourtstudio

And see her website here https://www.sashacourt.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoruz7Ti40d_cDElyYiVyh1sfRnxLCZ4xg12Yrdg3bINLmwE1-2I

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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.art

And see her website here: https://www.muehi.art/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thank you for being part of this big, beautiful season of Nitty Gritty!

We’ve heard from so many incredible artists this season, and although they’re all on unique creative paths, some recurring themes carried through these chats. So to wrap things up, we’ve stitched together the nitty gritty bits that echoed across the season!

Thank you to the listeners for your support and to all the artists for sharing so openly! In this episode, you’ll hear (in order of appearance): Abbie Rich, Musonga Mbogo, Julz Beresford, Matt Cauchi, Zoe Grey, Jonni Cheatwood, and Holly Terry ✨

I hope you enjoy this little reflection, and I’ll see you very soon for Season 4!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week i chat with abstract painter Zoe grey from Tasmania. This was such a great chat thanks to Zoe for being so open and honest about life an an artist.

Her Solo show with James Makin Gallery in Melbourne Runs from 31st May - 21st June. 10-4pm

https://www.instagram.com/zoe__makes/?hl=en

https://www.zoe-grey.com/about

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I sit down with LA based Contemporary painter Jonni Cheatwood. Innovative in his practice, I was so excited to speak with Jonni and learn more about his avante garde approach to canvas making.

Interweaving mixed media, abstraction and personal narrative, Jonni explores the multifaceted themes of identity, anonymity and memory through his art. Constructing his canvases as quilt-like assemblages of sewn fabrics, his practice is truely unique !

In this episode we discuss what’s involved in his approach and the way his practice has evolved since starting, as well as the reality of low points like doubt, burnout and high expectations.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week i sit down with Musonga Mbogo, a visual artist and painter based in Canberra NSW, Australia. We chatted about the importance of paving the way to create the things you want to see in the world, the importance of rushing yourself and using art as a way of finding your own identity as a human and an artist. How location and culture deeply impacts his art practice, and it was so amazing to hear about all the incredible projects he has worked on as well as his insights into how he approaches his creative lifestyle. Such a great chat thank you Musonga for your calming warm spirit!

https://www.instagram.com/musongambogo/

https://www.hake.house/artists/musonga-mbogo

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This week I’m speaking with Julz Beresford, a traditional painter from the countryside of rural New South Wales! Having grown up immersed in the outdoors, Julz’s intent with her work is for the audience to feel engaged with the energy of the landscape and to embody how it feels to be there. We go through what it looks like to be a plein air artist, using your environment for endless inspiration, her philosophy and journey with creating art and the positive effect aging has had on her practice.

Learn about Julz's current exhibition with Michael Reid here. You can find Julz on Instagram here and her website here!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, I chat with public and exhibiting artist, Abbey Rich. Passionate about working in public space, Abbey has worked with communities around the world to make artworks that are accessible to everyone. Through colour, pattern and warmth these collaborative pieces make everyday spaces feel brighter and more welcoming.

Together we talk about the impact of making accessible art, job pitching, the incentive behind working hard and making art, as well as the responsibility of an artist.

You can find Abbey on Instagram here- https://www.instagram.com/abbey_rich/?hl=en

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, it’s just me behind the mic, reflecting on changes I made in my practice that helped me grow in 2024. I chat about finding inspiration in memories, being honest on social media, trusting that scary leaps can pay off, and learning (the hard way) that saying no is essential to avoiding burnout. 

We've got so many incredible conversations coming this season! Be sure to follow the pod on Instagram at @nitty_gritty_podcast for updates!!

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This week I sit down with Matt Cauchi, a Sydney-based mixed media artist focused on pushing texture-based boundaries. His paintings are tactfully layered to reveal an interesting exploration of depth and dimension in his work. With his talents being celebrated in galleries around the world, Matt's aim is that each piece reveals a considered balance between beauty and chaos.

In this episode, we talk about the challenges of juggling social media as a commercial artist, working through feelings of comparison and accepting where we are currently at.

https://mattcauchiart.com/

https://www.instagram.com/mattcauchiart/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week i sit down with Ash Holmes, an abstract painter and co owner of HAKE House gallery, we discuss her career as an artist and the ups and downs that come with that. We discuss what Ash looks for in artists she works with at the gallery, her fear of public speaking and how she manages to stay curious in her practice. Loved this chat thanks so much Ash!!

https://www.hake.house/

https://ashleighholmes.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ashholmesart/?hl=en

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.