Art Problems

EP 82: Has Culture Come to a Standstill?

Doesn't it seem like everyone is talking about crappy things are lately? This starts with the state of politics and extends all the way through to culture. Is culture in stasis? And if not, why does it feel like it is to so many people?
On this episode of Art Problems, the artist William Powhida and I discuss the following articles:
“Why has culture come to a standstill,” Jason Farago, The New York times
"The Painted Protest, How Politics Destroyed Contemporary Art", Dean Kissick, Harper's Magazine.
“The One Word That Describes Art Now” Ben Davis and scholar Anna Kornbluh, Artnet's Art Angle Podcast
You'll get more understanding of where culture is moving forward and where it isn't from this episode than any other podcast I've done. Consider this a must-listen.
 
Relevant links:
“Why has culture come to a standstill,” Jason Farago, The New York timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/10/magazine/stale-culture.html
 
"The Painted Protest, How Politics Destroyed Contemporary Art", Dean Kissick, Harper's Magazinehttps://harpers.org/archive/2024/12/the-painted-protest-dean-kissick-contemporary-art/
 
“The One Word That Describes Art Now” Ben Davis and scholar Anna Kornbluh, Artnet's Art Angle Podcasthttps://news.artnet.com/multimedia/the-one-word-that-explains-art-now-2524844
 
"Episode 70: Is there a Dead Body Trend in Art?" Paddy Johnson and William Powhida, Art Problems Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-70-is-there-a-dead-body-trend-in-art/id1646991472?i=1000669157335

EP 81: 10 Professionals Helping Artists You Need to Know

In honor of Thanksgiving, I'm reflecting on the professionals I'm most thankful for—those supporting artists. The field is vast; honestly, this list of ten could easily be five times the size. But there's only so much space in one show! This episode is for you if you want to know who is doing good work and supporting your practice.
A few quick and dirty links below PLUS don't forget to take advantage of our VantaBlack Friday deal before it slips away. You get $100 off the annual membership when you join before Monday December 2nd.
 
Relevant links:
Hannah Cole, Sunlight Tax, Episode 5, Art Money and Fear, Episode 73, Post Hurricane Helene with Artist and Accountant Hannah Cole
John Massier, Curator of Visual Arts, Hallwalls Contemporary Art Center
Luke Blackadar, Lawyer at the Arts and Business Council , Episode 20, How Does the Supreme Court Warhol Foundation Ruling Affect Artists?
Catherine Haggarty, NYC Crit Club's The Canopy Program, Episode 22, Demolishing the Day Job Stigma for Artists
Casey Curry, Casey Can Help
Ceri Hand, Coach for Visual Artists, Episode 63, Meet Ceri Hand
Dexter Wimberly and Heather Bhandari Darcy, CreativeStudy, Episode 56, An Interview with Heather Bhandari
Ron Passaro, Ron Passaro | Digital Agency - Web Design, Video, Audio, Podcasts
Detour | Thomas Evans I am Detour – IamDetour

EP 80: Goal Setting Is Not the Same as a Deadline

Every artist needs a visibility plan. But if you're anything like me, you may find following a plan INSANELY difficult.
There are too many variables at play to stick to a plan.
Well, when you establish your starting point, you can set goals, and creating a plan with the flexibility needed to achieve said goals becomes a lot easier.
On today's podcast, I talk about the baseline metrics you need to determine so you can set realistic goals and timelines.
I give you the outline of what we're doing inside Netvvrk so you can follow along even if you're not a member, but I also give you the code to join at the annual level during our Vantablack Friday sale and save $100, through Monday, December 2nd. You want access to our workbooks and yearly planning that can transform your career.
Join Netvvrk and save $100 using the code VANTA24. 

EP 79: What Happens When Artists Can Do Anything They Want

What would launching an exhibition look like if you only had to focus on your art? That's the dream Tiger Strikes Asteroid makes possible. As founder Alex Paik explains in this episode of Art Problems, TSA handles everything from taxes to website maintenance across its five locations, allowing artists to concentrate solely on creating and exhibiting their work.
In this episode, Paik explains how TSA's network of artist-run spaces creates alternatives to market-driven galleries, fosters authentic community across five cities, and helps artists build rich, fulfilling lives through meaningful connections and creative autonomy.
Paik's plain-spoken wisdom about community and organizing provides a salve to an otherwise market-focused art industry.Plus, an important plug: TSA is currently fundraising to support its mission. You can help by purchasing their newly released artist-designed T-shirts and sweatshirts or becoming a monthly member through Patreon, starting at just $5. 
https://www.tigerstrikesasteroid.com/

EP 78: What To Do When Everything is Not Fine

Well, this week sure sucked.
If you're like me, you're probably having a tough time figuring out how to feel okay. Because you know, like me, that everything will not be okay.
I want you to know this: you are not alone.
On this episode of Art Problems I talk about how leaning into community can help you find the optimism you need to get through the next couple of years.
Community can be your friends, your neighbors, a local knitting group, a group of artists you share advice with.

EP 77: Can Museum Matchmaking Work For You?

Ever wonder how to get your art into museum collections? Museum Exchange co-founder Michael Darling joins me to discuss how his company connects artwork with museums that want it.
Museum Exchange functions like a matchmaking service - museums write proposals for artwork they want, and donors choose the best fit. It's working: small regional museums are building collections, challenging works are finding homes, and donors and institutions are getting what they need.
Listen as Darling, and I get into the thick of it and learn more about a process that might work for you or someone you know!

EP 76: Who Is Carrie Scott?

Is any question more vexing to artists than, "What do you do?"
No, because it's impossible to answer!
This week on the podcast, I turned the tables and asked curator, consultant, and media personality Carrie Scott the same questions she asks artists in her interviews.
What do you do? Who do you make work for? What made you decide to pursue a career in the arts?
In asking these questions, our conversation touches on Seen, her newest membership for collectors and artists, whether you can feel art, and who gets to monopolize parenthood conversations in the art world.

EP 75: How to Manage an Art Career When You’re Over 60

Does advanced age feel more like a liability than a strength? Welcome to the art world, which can suuuuck for mid-career artists.
Ageism in the art world is more than just a problem—it's a barrier that can feel insurmountable, especially for women artists over 60. (And yes, while it affects everyone, the impact on women is particularly harsh.)
I'm not going to pretend ageism doesn't exist. I'm not going to pretend ageism doesn't exist. It does, and it will impact you. However, how you view your age will determine the extent of its effects on your career. YOU are not beholden to another person's preconceptions. Your age does not have to be a limitation. It is a strength waiting to be unleashed.
I'm tackling the issue head-on this week on the Art Problems podcast by sharing seven game-changing tips that will help you:
Reframe your mindset and embrace your ambition
Master essential skills for today's art world
Transform your studio practice to work with you, not against you
Consider these tips a toolkit for visibility, success, and artistic fulfillment in your 60s and beyond.
The best part? Many of these strategies are just as powerful for younger artists. It's never too early (or too late) to take control of your art career!

EP 74: The Problem You Didn’t Know You Had

The problem most artists don't know they have with A.I.? They aren't using it enough.
If you don't use it, you won't know all it can do to help you.
But you also won't be aware of its limitations.
In this podcast, I walk you through exactly how AI can help you save time in the studio, and when you need to switch out the AI for an expert.
Here's the spoiler alert on what AI can and can't do: It's great for agendas and basic writing and editing. I use it almost every day and it helps me enormously.
But it does have limitations. It can't fill in the information you don't give it, and it won't identify specific problems unless you ask it to do so.
As a means of answering those AI limitations, I've created strategic email scripts that artists can use to get better shows, additional funding, and even acquisitions. The scripts come in three separate documents - one for galleries, one for museums, and one for Instagram - and retail at $129 or $49 for the gallery scripts alone. But for a limited time, I'm offering 15% off. All you gotta do to get the coupon is fill in your information when the pop up appears.
During the podcast I give five examples of AI use that can help you grow your career and five limitations you need to be aware. AND I share specific cases so you can see how AI plays out in real life!
Happy listening -- and Netvvrking!

EP 73: Post Hurricane Helene with Artist and Accountant Hannah Cole

You wouldn't think a town in the mountains would be devastated by a hurricane. That's what happens to cities on the coastlines. But we live in a world undeniably affected by climate change, so all bets are off.
Today on the Art Problems podcast I speak with Hannah Cole an Artist and Accountant based in Asheville, an artist-friendly city heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene.
She shares how the hurricane has affected her and her family over the last several days, which includes losing her life's work, being exposed to toxic chemicals and without water since last Friday. Many artists are in the exact same position as Hannah or worse.
Listen to the podcast to learn more about how the hurricane aftermath affects the residents of Asheville.
 
Here's how you can help:Relevant links on [PODCAST] Art Problems: Post Hurricane Helene with Artist and Accountant Hannah Cole — VVrkshop