Season 2 of the My Modern Met Top Artist podcast wraps up by chatting with acclaimed sculptor Lorenzo Quinn. Art historian Jessica Stewart speaks with Quinn about growing up with a famous father, how he gets inspiration for his monumental sculptures, and why he began sculpting hands. It's a conversation you won't want to miss.

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Check out these related articles:

Gravity-Defying Sculpture of Mother Nature Rotating Earth

Monumental Hands Reach Across Venice Canal as a Symbol of Unity

Giant Hands Rise Up from Venetian Lagoon in "Support" of Climate Change Awareness

Designers fung+bedford are a husband and wife duo that create origami-inspired large-scale paper installations they call "architectural origami." Join host Sam Pires as she gives into their creative process and how they transitioned from making award-winning jewelry to executing these incredible installations.

Did you know that we're on YouTube? Watch your favorite episode now!

Follow us on Instagram to see some of the visuals we talked about in today's episode.

We want to hear from you! Leave us a listener voicemail and subscribe to our newsletter so you can submit questions for upcoming interviews. You'll find everything on podcast.mymodernmet.com.

Want to support the artists we feature and the podcast? Check out books by our guests on the Top Artist Bookstore.

Toronto-based artist Ava Roth creates total unique encaustic art with the help of honeybees. And yes, you read that right, honeybees. This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast, we interview Ava about exploring artistic creativity and collaborating with our busy little friends on her mixed-media pieces. Tune in to hear us talk about the unique process behind Ava's current series of work in which she suspends her encaustic collages in embroidery hoops fixed to Longstroth hive frames. From here, she suspends the frames in beehives, enabling thousands of honeybees to begin inlaying their distinct work into the comb.

This episode is brought to you by Pair Networks. Pair is a website hosting service that makes it easy to get your site up and running with do-it-yourself building tools and an award-winning, 24/7 support team. Visit pair.com/free and use the promo code QUICKSTART to get 1 free month of website hosting.

Did you know that we're on YouTube? Watch your favorite episode now!

Follow us on Instagram to see some of the visuals we talked about in today's episode.

We want to hear from you! Leave us a listener voicemail and subscribe to our newsletter so you can submit questions for upcoming interviews. You'll find everything on podcast.mymodernmet.com.

Want to support the artists we feature and the podcast? Check out books by our guests on the Top Artist Bookstore.

Check out these related articles:

Artist Swoon on Filling the Creative Well and Giving Back [Podcast]

True South Team on the First Flag for Antarctica and the Power of Design [Podcast]

Artist Brian Peterson on Using Art To Help People Experiencing Homelessness [Podcast]

Artist Caledonia Curry, aka Swoon, is best known for her signature wheatpaste and cut-paper installations. This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast, we interview Swoon about her career as an anonymous street artist. At only 19 years old, she skyrocketed to success on the forefront of New York's early 2000s street art movement. Even after her early breakthrough, Swoon has been able to remain creatively fulfilled by shifting her focus towards community-based projects such as her sustainable bamboo homes in Haiti. As always, we dive into your listener questions, and Swoon gives fantastic advice to young artists looking to create a buzz around their work. This episode is brought to you by Pair, a website hosting service that makes it easy to get your site up and running with do-it-yourself building tools and an award-winning, 24/7 support team. Visit pair.com/free and use the promo code QUICKSTART to get 1 free month of website hosting.

Follow Swoon on her website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Did you know that we're on YouTube? Watch your favorite episode now!

Follow us on Instagram to see some of the visuals we talked about in today's episode.

We want to hear from you! Leave us a listener voicemail and subscribe to our newsletter so you can submit questions for upcoming interviews. You'll find everything on podcast.mymodernmet.com.

Want to support the artists we feature and the podcast? Check out books by our guests on the Top Artist Bookstore.

Read more about Swoon's work and the projects we discuss:

Artist Helps Locals Rebuild Haiti With Modern Sustainable Bamboo Homes

Swoon's Street Art Comes Alive

Flags are incredibly effective symbols in uniting people and inspiring change, yet what exactly makes a well-designed flag? This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast, we interview the team behind "True South", Antarctica's first flag. True South's designer Evan Townsend, vexillologist Michael Green, and arctic researcher Celas Marie-Sainte team up to discuss what makes the flag a remarkable design and unifying symbol for Antarctica's preservation. Evan talks about the incredible community he's seen form around True South, and Michael chimes in with why the flag's unconventional design made it the obvious choice for the continent. Plus, we'll dive into your listener questions as Celas shares why it may be best to avoid arctic tourism.

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp, a service that makes it easy to get set up with your own licensed professional therapist. As a listener, you'll get 10% off your first month by visiting our sponsor at BetterHelp.com/listener.

Follow True South on their website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Did you know that we're on YouTube? Watch your favorite episode now!

Follow us on Instagram to see some of the visuals we talked about in today's episode.

We want to hear from you! Leave us a listener voicemail and subscribe to our newsletter so you can submit questions for upcoming interviews. You'll find everything on podcast.mymodernmet.com.

Want to support the artists we feature and the podcast? Check out books by our guests on the Top Artist Bookstore.

Read more about True South's work and the projects we discuss:

Learn All About Antarctica's First Flag Called 'True South' [Interview]

Conservation Photographer Cristina Mittermeier on the State of Our Oceans and Using Art To Take Action [Podcast]

Photographer Ami Vitale on Following Your Heart and Documenting Stories of Hope [Podcast]

Artist Brian Peterson paints his neighbors experiencing homelessness and uses the money from sold portraits to support their rehabilitation. This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast, we interview Brian about his non-profit that was founded on this process, Faces of Santa Ana.

Brian admits approaching strangers isn't easy, but his ability to connect with those experiencing homelessness has led to some remarkably heartwarming stories. In the episode, Brian shares how approaching a screaming man on his block named Matt led to a profound friendship that inspired the first of many portraits, and about how painting one of his subject's drug dealers, Kim, allowed her to financially support her daughter for the first time.

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp, a service that makes it easy to get set up with your own licensed professional therapist. As a listener, you'll get 10% off your first month by visiting our sponsor at BetterHelp.com/listener.

Follow Brian Peterson's work on his website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Did you know that we're on YouTube? Watch your favorite episode now!

Follow us on Instagram to see some of the visuals we talked about in today's episode.

We want to hear from you! Leave us a listener voicemail and subscribe to our newsletter so you can submit questions for upcoming interviews. You'll find everything on podcast.mymodernmet.com.

Want to support the artists we feature and the podcast? Check out books by our guests on the Top Artist Bookstore.

Read more about Brian Peterson's work and the projects we discuss:

Artist Creates Portraits of the Homeless and Uses Proceeds From Sold Paintings for Their Rehabilitation

Interview: Artist Changes the Lives of the Homeless by Painting Their Portraits

Best of 2021: Our Favorite Moments From the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast [Podcast]

As we get ready for the new year, we thought we'd take some time to reflect on our favorite moments from this past season. We've been so lucky to have had such an incredible roster of artists come on the show in 2021, so this week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast, we're looking back at some of our favorite moments in a special "2021 Holiday Bonus" episode.

You'll hear from our hosts Jessica, Sam, and Sara, as well as our podcast editor Alex, as they share the moments from this past year that inspired them. You'll hear short clips from some of your favorite guests Including legendary photographer Ami Vitale, quilter Bisa Butler, and Craig Dykers: cofounder of Snøhetta. In addition, you'll get a sneak peek at what's coming in next year, hearing from the Antarctic flag designers of True South, as well as how painter Brian Peterson uplifts those experiencing homelessness by painting their portraits and giving them the money earned from sales.

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp, a service that makes it easy to get set up with your own licensed professional therapist. As a listener, you'll get 10% off your first month by visiting our sponsor at BetterHelp.com/listener.

Did you know that we're on YouTube? Watch your favorite episode now!

Follow us on Instagram to see some of the visuals we talked about in today's episode.

We want to hear from you! Leave us a listener voicemail and subscribe to our newsletter so you can submit questions for upcoming interviews. You'll find everything on podcast.mymodernmet.com.

Want to support the artists we feature and the podcast? Check out books by our guests on the Top Artist Bookstore.

My Modern Met Store is offering a special discount for Top Artist listeners. Get a 10% discount on our entire curated selection of creative products when you enter the code TOPARTIST10 at checkout.

Read more about some of the projects we discuss:

Photographer Ami Vitale on Following your Heart and Documenting Stories of Hope [Podcast]

Fiber Artist Bisa Butler on Her Vibrant Quilted Portraits That Share Black Stories [Podcast]

Interview: Artist Changes the Lives of the Homeless by Painting their Portraits

Photographer Ami Vitale documents endangered animals and the special bonds they share with their caretakers. This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast, we interview Ami Vitale and get a behind-the-scenes look at how she captured some of her most stunning work.

You may have seen one of her more famous images featured on the front cover of National Geographic Magazine following the death of Sudan, the world's last male Northern White Rhino, or her coverage of the rescue operation to save a stranded community of endangered Rothschild Giraffes with a raft. In our chat, Ami Vitale answers your listener questions and delves into how she went from documenting violence in conflict zones to shedding light on stories of hope in wildlife conservation.

This episode is sponsored by Canvy, a service that allows you to visualize your artwork in realistic spaces. With multiple plans offered, sign up now and see if Canvy is right for you.

This episode is also sponsored by stamps.com, a service that lets you compare rates, print labels, and access exclusive discounts on UPS and USPS services all year long. Head on over to stamps.com and sign up with promo code "POD" which includes a four-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale.

Follow Ami Vitale's work on her website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Did you know that we're on YouTube? Watch your favorite episode now!

Follow us on Instagram to see some of the visuals we talked about in today's episode.

We want to hear from you! Leave us a listener voicemail and subscribe to our newsletter so you can submit questions for upcoming interviews. You'll find everything on podcast.mymodernmet.com.

Want to support the artists we feature and the podcast? Check out books by our guests on the Top Artist Bookstore.

My Modern Met Store is offering a special discount for Top Artist listeners. Get a 10% discount on our entire curated selection of creative products when you enter the code TOPARTIST10 at checkout.

Read more about Ami Vitale's work and the projects we discuss:

100 of the World's Top Photographers Use Their Art to Help The Environment [Interview]

Giraffes Left Stranded by Flooding in Kenya Are Dramatically Rescued by a Special Barge

Photographer Wears Panda Suit Disguise to Snap Candid Pictures of Them in Nature

Architect Craig Dykers is the co-founder of Snøhetta, an international design collective whose transdisciplinary approach and emphasis on diversity have contributed to a deep portfolio of visually remarkable and environmentally thoughtful work. From their redesign of the Knubben harbor bath in Norway resembling that of a topographic map to their pedestrian-focused remodel of Times Square in recent years, Snøhetta has oriented itself as a global leader in contemporary design and architecture innovation.

This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast, we interview Craig Dykers of Snøhetta about the firm's creative design philosophies, touching on the importance of collaboration and combatting climate abuse through their practice. In addition, Craig answers your listener questions, offering up some advice for young architects while reminding fellow designers to keep their circle of friends open and artistic interests broad.

This episode is brought to you by Canvy, a service that allows you to visualize your artwork in realistic spaces. With multiple plans offered, sign up now and see if Canvy is right for you.

Follow Snøhetta's work on their website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Did you know that we're on YouTube? Watch your favorite episode now!

Follow us on Instagram to see some of the visuals we talked about in today's episode.

We want to hear from you! Leave us a listener voicemail and subscribe to our newsletter so you can submit questions for upcoming interviews. You'll find everything on podcast.mymodernmet.com.

Want to support the artists we feature and the podcast? Check out books by our guests on the Top Artist Bookstore.

My Modern Met Store is offering a special discount for Top Artist listeners. Get a 10% discount on our entire curated selection of creative products when you enter the code TOPARTIST10 at checkout.

Read more about Snøhetta's work and the projects we discuss:

Historic 1930s Sea Pool Is Getting a Dramatic Redesign Resembling a Topographic Map

Snøhetta Designs "Lunar" Landmark for Technological Achievement in Qianhai Bay

This Zero-Energy Museum Proposal Will Be One of the First of Its Kind in South Korea

Textile artist Benjamin Shine uses swathes of tulle to fabricate flowing three-dimensional portraits of unnamed figures, often suggesting ideas of energy and impermanence. A true master of his material, Benjamin's work has been recognized and exhibited globally, with his clients and collaborations including The MET, Vogue, and many others.

This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast, we interview Benjamin Shine about his artistic journey, beginning with his initial resistance towards becoming a "starving artist" in fashion design, to how he then discovered and began innovating with tulle: the lightweight fabric with which he has now become so deeply entwined. Plus, Benjamin goes on to answer your listener questions, offering insight into his creative process, other materials that intrigue him, and how he tracks his many artistic ideas with a helpful system of translucent folders.

This episode is brought to you by Canvy, a service that allows you to visualize your artwork in realistic spaces. With multiple plans offered, sign up now and see if Canvy is right for you.

Follow Benjamin Shine's work on his website, Instagram, and YouTube.

Did you know that we're on YouTube? Watch your favorite episode now!

Follow us on Instagram to see some of the visuals we talked about in today's episode.

We want to hear from you! Leave us a listener voicemail and subscribe to our newsletter so you can submit questions for upcoming interviews. You'll find everything on podcast.mymodernmet.com.

Want to support the artists we feature and the podcast? Check out books by our guests on the Top Artist Bookstore.

My Modern Met Store is offering a special discount for Top Artist listeners. Get a 10% discount on our entire curated selection of creative products when you enter the code TOPARTIST10 at checkout.

Read more about Benjamin Shine's work and the projects we discuss:

Interview: Artist Makes Faces Emerge from Brilliantly Manipulated Netted Tulle Fabric

Artist Transforms Billowy Lengths of Tulle Into Meditative Faces

Elegant Figures and Faces of Dancers Emerge from Intricately Folded Sheets of Fabric

Illustrator, author, and ARTivist Nikkolas Smith creates thoughtful images that spark much-needed conversations around issues of social justice. From Michelle Obama to Janet Jackson, his work has been recognized by some of the most well-known names on the planet. You may have seen his heartfelt portrait of George Floyd in the media after Floyd's murder by police in mid-2020, or his illustration of Martin Luther King Jr. in a hoodie to express solidarity shortly after the killing of Trayvon Martin.

This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast, we dive into Nikkolas Smith's creative process and how through his ARTivism, he hopes to make a difference and advocate for the voiceless. The impact theme of season two is strong in this episode as Nikkolas discusses using his art to make the future a brighter place for his son.

This episode is brought to you by Walter Foster Publishing. Enter their Win a Book Deal contest for the chance to work with this premiere art and craft publisher.

Follow Nikkolas Smith's work on his website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Order your copy of 1619 Project: Born on the Water

Did you know that we're on YouTube? Watch your favorite episode now!

Follow us on Instagram to see some of the visuals we talked about in today's episode.

We want to hear from you! Leave us a listener voicemail and subscribe to our newsletter so you can submit questions for upcoming interviews. You'll find everything on podcast.mymodernmet.com.

Want to support the artists we feature and the podcast? Check out books by our guests on the Top Artist Bookstore.

My Modern Met Store is offering a special discount for Top Artist listeners. Get a 10% discount on our entire curated selection of creative products when you enter the code TOPARTIST10 at checkout.

Read more about Nikkolas Smith's work and the projects we discuss:

Heartfelt Tributes to Chadwick Boseman Show What 'Black Panther' Means to Black Kids

Artists Are Paying Tribute to the Death of George Floyd Through Moving Illustrations

Illustrator Uses Art to Give a Voice to the Black Lives Matter Movement [Interview]