Have you ever wondered how adversity can shape an artist’s vision?
In this episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with internationally acclaimed artist Carl Hopgood for an intimate conversation about creativity, resilience, and the power of art to heal.
Growing up queer on a farm in Wales, Carl faced bullying, silence, and isolation—but also discovered refuge in creativity. From making sculptures out of strawberry boxes as a child to studying at Goldsmiths alongside Britain’s leading contemporary artists, his journey is a testament to the courage of following one’s vision.
Carl opens up about:
Finding sanctuary in art while growing up under Section 28 laws in the UK
How a chance childhood encounter with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton sparked his dream of exploring the world
Merging film, sculpture, and projection to create groundbreaking multimedia works
Selling his entire degree show and building a three-decade career in fine art
How personal loss, fire, and heartbreak led to his powerful Chair Therapy series
Why his piece “You Tried to Bury Me, But I Was a Seed” became a universal symbol of hope after surviving a devastating studio fire
Using neon to merge glamour with grit and bring life to found objects
His activism through art, including the Just Say Gay installation in response to discriminatory laws in Florida
Carl’s story is not just about art—it’s about survival, community, and creating light out of darkness. His work invites us to consider how personal pain can transform into collective healing and how imagination can manifest a new reality.
In this interview, you’ll learn:
How to transform adversity into creativity
The role of community in building a sustainable career in the arts
Why manifestation and imagination are powerful tools for any creator
How art can serve as both personal therapy and universal activismWhat We Discuss:
00:00 Intro
00:39 Growing Up Queer in Wales & Finding Refuge in Art
05:51 A Childhood Encounter with Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton
8:58 Discovering Conceptual Art & Goldsmiths
10:38 Merging Film, Sculpture & Projection
16:15 Selling His Entire Degree Show
23:11 Risk, Reinvention & The Power of Neon
31:08 The Chair Therapy Series & Healing Through Art
35:21 The Studio Fire & “You Tried to Bury Me, But I Was a Seed”
41:32 Sound Installations & Presence vs. Absence
47:40 Just Say Gay & Activism Through Art
52:59 Redefining Success After 30+ Years as an Artist
57:18 Advice to His Younger Self & What’s Next
Episode Resources:
🌐 carlhopgood.com
📸 Instagram: @carlhopgood
🎙️ Host: @alexschmieding
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Produced & Edited by Proper Placement – https://www.properplacement.com
#CarlHopgood #FromVisionToCreation #ContemporaryArt #LGBTQArt #NeonArt #ChairTherapy #Motivation #Inspiration #Podcast #Art
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