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The Artist Matters2021 End of the year recapWell, we've reached the end of 2021. Here's how the rest of my year concluded.2021-12-2744 min
The Artist Matters2021 Mid-Year RecapThe podcast is still alive. Just giving you updates on what's been going on since January. Enjoy!2021-06-1629 minThe Artist Matters2020 RecapHi, everyone. I'm back. This is it. The end of 2020. And I'm here to share how my year went and what I've experienced and learned. Enjoy, share and Happy New Year.2020-12-2856 minThe Artist MattersBrian Brandow - The Creative Side to Personal FinanceWelcome to episode #69. Today we address something that some of us creatives may not want to deal with or talk about. Money and personal finance. I thought this would be helpful considering we all use money. Whether it’s to finance a business, sell your art, get headshots, sell a script. Money is part of our lives. And I felt it was important for you to hear from someone who had massive debt and was able to get debt-free. And know you can too. His name is Brain Brandow. We attended a TV/Video production course in our senior ye...2020-11-0200 minThe Artist MattersKristen Stafford - Halloween Art Collector and PodcasterWelcome to Episode 68. And Halloween continues with a guest who has been one year in the making. We connected just after Halloween, so I wanted to wait to get her on the show until the season was back. And she’s here. Welcome Halloween art collector and podcaster, Kristen Stafford.Kristen has been a “Halloweenist” for as long as she can remember. She celebrates it all-year round. Collecting Halloween art started with the Dept 56 Halloween Village sets and grew from there. She started going to Halloween art shows and became fascinated with original art. Meeting the artists and hearing their...2020-10-1900 minThe Artist MattersRobert Ottone Returns with a new horror anthologyWelcome to episode 66. It’s the month of Halloween and time for some guests who love the holiday. Today, we have our first ever returning guest, Robert Ottone. Last year, around this time, he came out with his horror anthology called PEOPLE : A HORROR ANTHOLOGY ABOUT LOVE, LOSS & THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT. Well, this year, just in time for Halloween, he’s released his second anthology called HER INFERNAL NAME AND OTHER NIGHTMARES. In between that time, his publishing company, Spooky House Press, released a collection from a previous guest, Michael Jess Alexander called BOARDED WINDOWS, DEAD LEAV...2020-10-0500 minThe Artist MattersRacquel Keller - Multi-Facted ArtistWelcome to episode 66. Today we have Racquel Keller. Her art is found in many forms, including painting, drawing, printmaking, photography and assemblage. She constructs imagery inspired by her collection of natural specimens and vintage objects, with an eye toward putting these seemingly disparate pieces together to tell a story that captures the feeling of nostalgia these objects evoke. Racquel earned her B.S. in Graphic Design, with a concentration in Fine Arts, from The American University and also holds a Certificate of Leadership Coaching from Georgetown University. After over a decade as a Law Firm Manager, Racquel decided...2020-09-211h 11The Artist MattersSteve Belanger - Writer, Actor, Comedian, PodcasterWelcome to episode 65. Today we have Steve Belanger. He is a writer, actor, comedian and podcaster. It wasn’t until he left his “soul-crushing” as a corporate executive that his creative journey began. This includes writing a memoir entitled My Penthouse Past : Failing My Way Up the Corporate Ladder of an Empire Built on Skin. An award-winning one-man show called It’s About Time. Acting in shows like: Rescue Me, Damages, The Americans and All My Children. Stand up at clubs like Caroline’s. He also co-hosts the podcast Long Island Explained with a previous guest, Chris Roach. Steve had...2020-09-071h 15The Artist MattersBuddy Casimano - Dancer, Choreographer, PhotographerWelcome to episode 64. Everybody needs a buddy. Well, today you get one. A dancer, choreographer, photographer - today’s guest is Buddy Casimano. He has been a performer with 30 years of working experience in all mediums of show business. Before tumbling into show business, Buddy was a competitive ELITE level gymnast as well as a 3 time Jr. Olympic swim champion.
In the (late) 80's, he attended high school with teen pop sensation Debbie Gibson. After he beat her in the talent show, she hired him and as her back-up dancer for her concert tours.While on tour, Buddy performed at Roy...2020-08-241h 09The Artist MattersChuck D Tilley - Career DrummerWelcome to episode 63. I felt a bit nervous getting ready for this one. That’s because this guy has performed on stage with so many big names as a drummer. His name is Chuck D. Tilley.He has been a studio and touring musician for the past 32 years . He was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, AL and is a graduate of the Univ. of Alabama with a degree in Music Administration. He also studied orchestral percussion and big band drumming at the Eastman School of Music in New York . Although based in Nashville, he has also worked in Los An...2020-08-101h 35The Artist MattersPeter Freeman - Trombonist, TeacherWelcome to episode 62. Time to tune up some instruments. Today’s guest has done so much for the music education community on Long Island and his name is Peter Freeman.Peter is the principle trombone and President for the Massapequa Philharmonic Orchestra. He is also a member of the Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra and has played with the South Shore Symphony and the Band of Long Island. He is a retired High School Band Director and Administrator of Fine and Performing Arts from Long Island, New York. An alumnus of Penn State, Peter was Baritone Horn Rank Leader for th...2020-07-271h 33The Artist MattersTony Walker - Actor, Performer, Writer, DirectorWelcome to Episode 61. Today we have yet another incredible guest referred to me by the one and only, Laurie Ann Davis. He’s an actor, performer, writer, director and just one talented guy, Tony Walker. He’s been acting since his days at Hicksville High School, class of 88. He’s also performed for Clare Rose Playhouse, Plaza Theatre, Broadhollow Theatre, as well as some independent films.In the mid 90’s, Tony started working with Murder 4 U - a dinner theatre troupe and stayed with them until they closed in the early 2000’s.From 1998-2002 , he also worked with V.O.I...2020-07-131h 33The Artist MattersWriter/Author - Michael Jess AlexanderToday we have Michael Jess Alexander. He is a writer/author who began his journey in Utah. He has always been a fan of the horror genre thanks to scary movies and books, like a Nightmare on Elm Street, the Goosebumps series and the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark series. It wasn’t until his teen years that he decided to try his hand at writing his own fiction. He thought he’d pursue writing as a full-time career, but ended up becoming an English teacher for the last 10 years.In 2018, he got back into a writing groo...2020-06-291h 19The Artist MattersActor Alexander JamesonWelcome to episode #59. Today, we have my 2nd youngest guest (My granddaughter still hold the title of youngest). But this young man has accomplished a lot in his 15 years on this planet. He is actor, Alexander Jameson. He began doing pageants at 9 months old. Mom and dad saw a little spark in him when he would memorize and recreate scenes from his favorite TV shows. He began modeling at the age of 4. He got his first lead role in a student film when he was 5. At the age of 8, he landed a role on an episode of The Michael...2020-06-1544 minThe Artist MattersAlan Needleman - Stage Manager and lots moreWelcome to episode #58. The “One Life To Live” saga continues. We have another guest who worked on that show. His name is Alan Needleman. He worked in TV for 40 years. Starting in payroll for ABC, he worked his way up the creative ladder. He eventually became Stage Manager on “One Life To Live”. He met and worked with two previous guests : Laurie Ann Davis and Bruce Cooperman. His duties included: working with actors and extras, being a direct representation for the Director when they weren’t on the stage floor and making sure everything runs smoothly on the set. He even won s...2020-06-011h 45The Artist MattersBruce Cooperman - Camerman, DirectorWelcome to episode # 57. Today we have Bruce Cooperman. He was a cameraman on the soap opera, “One Life To Live” for 15 years, then another 16 years as a Director of the show. During that time, he won 2 Daytime Emmys. When the show went off the air, Bruce was able to keep working. Doing camera work for major sporting events, the 2016 Democratic and republican conventions, “The Chew” for 5 years and currently the Tamron Hall Show. This was such a treat. You are going to learn so much about what goes into creating, filming and directing a soap opera (or daytime drama, if you p...2020-05-181h 32The Artist MattersTracy Matthews - Jeweler, Designer, Podcaster, Entrepreneur : Community and Collaboration Over CompetitionWelcome to Episode # 56 with Jeweler, Designer, Podcaster, Entrepreneur - Tracy Matthews.Her passion for design started as a child, dreaming of creating wedding gowns. When she took her first jewelry fabrication class as a college elective, the seed was planted.Tracy started her first jewelry business as a hobby, designing for bridal parties, friends and families.In her twenties, she quit her day job to pursue the dream full time. And her first legitimate brand, Tracy Matthews Designs, Inc. was born. Over the years, her collection was sold in over 350 retail outlets all over the globe (ABC...2020-05-041h 02The Artist MattersBob Parillo - Paint Party Artist, Drummer, Karaoke DJWelcome back to our regularly scheduled program, everybody. Today, we have a long-time from I’ve been wanting to have as a guest for awhile - Bob Parillo. He is a paint party artist, drummer and karaoke DJ, to name a few. Bob has always enjoyed painting and was inspired by painters he saw on TV. Took to it, like a natural. His artistic interests led him to take up drumming. Was in his high school band, which performed at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, NY. We met in 2001 when he and his soon-to-be wife, Vanessa we...2020-04-201h 22The Artist MattersA Mini Bonus Ep for AprilJust thought I'd come on and update all of you on how I'm doing. Even pay a little tribute to the late James Lipton and answer his famous questionnaire. Enjoy!2020-04-1515 minThe Artist MattersNancy Norbeck - Writer, Creativity Coach, Singer, Actor, PodcasterIt has been some time. Glad to be back and bring you my first guest since February. She is Nancy Norbeck.Nancy is a writer, creativity coach, singer, actor and podcaster.She came from a family that encouraged creativity. Her mother played the flute. Her brother liked to sketch. Both her parents sang in choirs. Nancy joined them when she was 4 years old. She performed in school plays too. But she really enjoyed books. And soon found herself writing her own stories. Nancy even wrote fan fiction stories for “Doctor Who”.She did take a break from writ...2020-04-061h 26
The Artist MattersHappy One Year BashThat's right. The Artist Matters is officially one year old this week. Come join the celebration and listen to great quotes from several of the guests featured on the show.2020-03-021h 58The Artist MattersJimmy Ferraro - Actor, Singer, Performer, Director, Producer, TeacherWelcome to episode #52. Today’s guest is one I have been wanting on the podcast since the beginning. We were introduced by a mutual theatre friend through social media a few years ago. Scheduling time to meet up for an interview proved challenging. Busy schedules, holidays, other commitments. We finally met in person briefly at the Golden Corral Spring of last year. And then, he moved to North Carolina in the winter. Still - we just couldn’t find the time until now. I am so happy to bring to you, Jimmy Ferraro. He knew from a young age he w...2020-02-241h 10The Artist MattersRobin Finney - Model, Traveler, EntrepreneurWelcome to show #51. Today’s guest is Robin Finney. She is a Model. Solo Traveler. Nomad. Yogi. Thoughtful Thinker. Confidence & Empowerment Guide. She started a solo travel journey around the world in 2018, after quitting her corporate marketing job of 11 years. With little plans in place, Robin took the bold move of letting go of her apartment, furniture, many possessions, and even sold her car. She set off on a solo nomadic journey to 11 countries across 4 continents in the span of 8 months. During her travels, Robin began doing photoshoots. At first it started off as a hobby - something she j...2020-02-1753 minThe Artist MattersJoanna Finch - Singer, Musician, PerformerWe’ve made it to show #50. And we have my 2nd guest hailing from Canada. Musician, Singer, Performer - Joanna Finch.She grew up with creativity flowing through her, whether it was singing or acting.She was going to pursue acting in California, but got married and had a family and moved back to Canada. In that particular area, there wasn’t much of an art scene. Thankfully, she was able to move again and joined a choir. Then, formed a band. And also got involved in dinner theatre and cabaret shows.Some of her music was even...2020-02-101h 10The Artist MattersMiG Ayesa - Singer, Actor, Performer, RockstarWelcome to episode #49. When you’re born into a family of doctors and you don’t want to be a doctor, what do you do?Today’s guest can answer that. He is actor, performer, singer, musician, rockstar - MiG Ayesa.Many of you may remember Mig when he competed on the TV show, “Rockstar INXS”, vying for a chance to become the new lead singer of the famous band. He may have come in third, but he was still able to secure a record deal with Universal Classics.Back in his younger years, he wanted to carve his...2020-02-031h 27The Artist MattersFederico Aletta - Filmmaker, Actor, Model, MusicianWelcome to episode #48 with my 3rd international guest, hailing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Federico Aletta.He has dabbled in a lot of creative niches. Finding passion in music, with influences like the Ramones, the Beatles and Pink Floyd, Federico took up bass and guitar and piano. His mother was a flamenco dancer , so he learned flamenco music.He decided to travel in his 20's and wound up first in the U.K. That's where the modeling and acting began. He began dating a girl and went back with her to Tokyo, Japan. He got immersed in the culture...2020-01-271h 00The Artist MattersLisa Maxx - The Singer/Musician Who Found a WayWelcome to episode #47. Today’s show features an incredibly determined and inspiring artist. I welcome Lisa Sigurgeirson Maxx. She is a singer/songwriter, storyteller, writer, educator, public speaker, mama and amma (Icelandic for grandmother) and an all around lover of life.
Lisa was born to a Scottish mother and a father of Icelandic decent in Steveston BC, on the lush and lovely Canadian south-west coast. Lisa grew up in a musical family and within a highly expressive, creative community. Lisa penned her first song at age 9 and taught herself to play guitar as a young teenager.
Living then on Salt Spring Island...2020-01-2055 minThe Artist MattersGlen Josselsohn - Painter ExtraordinaireToday we have my second international guest. Hailing from South Africa, it’s painter ,Glen Josselsohn.He is a leading Contemporary Artist whose unique style is a buzz with energy and movement which opens up the imagination, engages the senses and ignites a sense of curiosity within the viewer. Glen’s Artwork has been recognized locally and internationally and he exhibits his artwork in Galleries all over the World.Last year, Johannesburg boutique hotel, Marion on Nicol, commissioned Glen to do over 30 paintings for the establishment, creating a contemporary feel throughout the hotel.He also likes to go b...2020-01-1341 minThe Artist MattersStaci Sabarsky - Actor, Director, TeacherWelcome to 2020 and a great first guest for the new year.We have yet another guest I met at the Tampa Bay Theatre networking event. Her name is Staci Sabarsky.Once upon a time, there was a little girl who used to pretend. In her basement, she and her friends would act out their favorite television shows and star in their favorite musicals. As she grew up, she entered the business world where she acted as a professional corporate trainer and consultant. After seventeen years, she returned to college at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill to pur...2020-01-061h 03The Artist MattersWrapping up 2019This is it! We've reached the end of 2019. Time to look back on all the highlights of my year here on the Artist Matters and beyond.2019-12-3056 minThe Artist MattersRina Alvarez - PhotographerWelcome to episode #43. Today’s guest, I met at my day job as a civil clerk. She was filing papers and we got into talking about art and podcasts and next thing I know, she’s wanting to be a guest on the show. And here we are (That’s why it’s important to carry your business cards with you. Never know who you’ll meet). She is Rina Alvarez.She hails from Tampa, FL where she runs Alvarez Photography. At an early age, however, she suppressed her interest in photography because she wanted to fit in with her classm...2019-12-231h 15The Artist MattersHarrison Schenkel - Drag QueenSeasons greetings, one and all. Today we have a real holiday treat. Cause when you think of the holiday season, you think of drag queens. Right?Well, today you get the gift to learn about what it takes to be a drag queen with our guest, Harrison Schenkel (aka Kimmi Moore).He is the first guest to be related to a previous guest (Mackenzie Lee Hart’s stepbrother). I met Harrison, when he was in his teens, at the church we went to in New York where his father was a pastor. And one year, Harrison put on...2019-12-1652 minThe Artist MattersLaurie Durrett - Hyphenate (Part 2)The wait is over. Welcome to the 2nd part of my conversation with Laurie Durrett.We get into more of her highlights, including traveling to Ireland and Belfast, doing theatre with prisoners, including the show, “My Home”.She talks about the project “Be Not Afraid”. This deals with witch doctors sacrificing children for profit in Africa and one person’s crusade to save and rehabilitate the surviving children.Laurie also talks about the short film, “Caroline”, which she made with her daughter.On top of all this, she is also gearing up to create an acting workshop about...2019-12-0957 minThe Artist MattersLaurie Durrett - Hyphenate - Part 1Welcome to December and show #40. Today we have Laurie Durrett.Talk about a resume. Laurie’s career in the arts spans over 3 decades. She’s been an actor, director, producer, reporter, writer, filmmaker, teacher - just to name a few.Her journey began in Texas. As a little girl, she’d watch a movie and if the ending didn’t feel right to her, she’d act out the movie with a brand new ending. As she got older, she was drawn to acting on the stage. And to her, that will always be her favorite.She even m...2019-12-021h 00The Artist MattersDrema Drudge - Writer/Author : Art is What Makes Life BearableWelcome to Episode #39 on the week of Thanksgiving. Very thankful for today’s guest, Writer/Author - Drema Drudge. She has been writing since the age of nine, some o which were poems and melodramatic stories.She went to Spalding University and got her MFA in Creative Writing.Her fiction has been published in The Louisville Review, Mused, ATG, Penumbra, Woolf Zine, The Same, as well as in other publications. She is also a regular contributor to the popular Chicken Soup for the Soul series. Her stories for Chicken Soup have been featured twice on their podcast, and a book her...2019-11-2552 minThe Artist MattersYou've Got Me This Week : Recapping, Reflecting and ResettingWelcome to Episode #38. No guests this week. Just little ol' me. As Thanksgiving approaches, I'm reflecting on this journey of podcasting and what I am grateful for.Definitely all of you who take the time to listen to these episodes. Super grateful for all of my guests who took time out of their lives to share their stories, processes and inspiring words and life lessons.It is a difficult time for me. December marks the one anniversary of my mom's passing. Never thought I'd be one of those people who loses a loved one near Christmas. But I a...2019-11-181h 01The Artist MattersLiz Acar – Photographer/Author/Coach : Have The Courage to Say Yes to YouWelcome to episode #37. Today, we have Liz Acar.She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Multi-Certified International Coach, Speaker, and the Photographer and Author for the International Bestseller, “In Joy; A Guide to Designing a Joy-Filled Life” and for the Bestseller, "You Are Loved; An Inspired, Meditative Visual Journey".In 2017, Liz was recovering from a significant illness when she was encouraged to move to Key West, Florida by her partner for a healing sabbatical. Seven months after moving to Key West, her partner unexpectedly passed away from cancer. Thankfully, Liz's healing process was positively impacted by living in t...2019-11-111h 16The Artist MattersElke Blasi - Producer/Writer/Director : Do Not Have a Backup PlanTime to start off November. There is still some Halloween influence here. Very hard for me to let go of that holiday. Today’s guest has a bit of a foot still in the genre.She is Producer/Writer/Director, Elke Blasi.Another Long Islander, Elke was a fan of horror movies at a young age. She wrote her first script at age 11. Went to the NY Film Academy. Made several short films and optioned some scripts while in California learning about the biz. But like many creatives, life got in the way and her dreams took a...2019-11-041h 22The Artist MattersCig Neutron – Special F/X Make-up Artist/Sculptor : The Creative Path isn’t the Easiest, but the Most RewardingWe finish up our Halloween themed month of October with a doozy of a guest. You may know him from the Syfy special f/x make-up competition show, Face Off. He competed in season 7 and won season 11. It is Cig Neutron.Cig started off in Indiana and found a love of special f/x make-up watching horror movies. He went on to the Tom Savini’s Special Make-Up Effects Program in Pennsylvania. After graduating, Cig made a bee-line to California. Through a friend, he got work doing molding for the movie, Tron : Legacy. He forged a partnership with another cr...2019-10-281h 11The Artist MattersGreg Chapman - Illustrator/Writer/Author : Write What Scares YouThe Halloween fun continues with my first ever international guest. Hailing all the way from Australia, we have Greg Chapman.He is the Bram Stoker Award-nominated® and Australian Shadows Award-nominated author of Hollow House and the author of five novellas: Torment, The Noctuary, Vaudeville, The Last Night of October and The Followers. His debut collection, Vaudeville and Other Nightmares, was published in 2014 and re-released as an illustrated edition in April 2019. His second novel, The Noctuary: Pandemonium, the sequel to his acclaimed 2011 novella, was published in late 2017. His third novel, Netherkind, was published in May, 2019.He is also a h...2019-10-211h 15The Artist MattersRobert Ottone - Author/Writer : Don't Be Afraid to be WeirdThe month of Halloween continues. Today’s guest, Robert Ottone, I have known since he was little boy. Starting in my junior year, I was a disc jockey at my high school radio station, WXBA. His father, the late, great Bob Ottone was the station manager. Learned how to come out of my shell and actually have a radio personality thanks to Bob.And the Ottones favorite holiday is Halloween. They would go all out and create elaborate and imaginative decorations, sets and costumes. And what better time of year for Robert to release his first horror collection, Pe...2019-10-141h 22The Artist MattersAlex Dunning - Special F/X Make-up Artist / HaunterWe are getting into the Halloween season and spotlighting artists this month who work in the Halloween/horror genre.First up, we have another Alex. Hailing from Minnesota, now residing in Colorado, it’s special F/X make-up artist and Haunter, Alex Dunning.He began as a volunteer actor aboard the haunted ship, the William A Irvin. He eventually moved up to scenic design and then, make-up.In later years, he took over the haunted ship which enabled him to further explore his creativity. He even attended the Midwest Haunter’s Convention, where he was able to tour...2019-10-071h 09The Artist MattersAlex Ferrari - Filmmaker/Author/Podcaster : Keeping That Hustle Going & Keeping That Dream AliveOkay, everybody. Brace yourselves. This episode is a big one. Last year, when I was making my short film, THE PARK, I was looking for any info to help me with the process. Something made me look into podcasts and I found “Indie Film Hustle” with Alex Ferrari. He covered so many facets of the filmmaking process and business, I was hooked. It showed me that I could make this short film and that I could direct it. And you know what, I just decided to reach out to Alex and see if he’d be interested in being...2019-09-302h 18The Artist MattersKatie Welch - Actor/Writer/Teacher : Never Give UpWelcome to show #30. Today we have our youngest person who founded a theatre company. Hailing from Florida, my guest is Katie Welch. She has been in theatre since she was 9 years old. Some of her favorite shows she was in were "Beauty and the Beast"," Annie", "Secret Garden", "It's a Wonderful Life", "Through the Shop Window", "Wizard of OZ" and "Peter Pan", just to name a few. Katie also found she had a talent for writing and wrote her first play, "A Talent for Murder". Then, she decided she wanted to create her own theatre company and created Broadway Everyday...2019-09-2352 minThe Artist MattersJoe Dungan - Comedian : Do the Material That Makes Your Friends LaughToday we have, haling from California, comedian, Joe Dungan. He first attempted stand-up comedy at 18, but he bombed and didn’t think he had it in him to keep going. He got into an improv group in college and even dabbled in acting.Joe also wrote a book called, “L.A. Nuts”, which won first place in the Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards.But the stand-up stage was calling him once again, so he answered the call. Joe wanted to be better prepared this time around, so he decided to comedy classes at the Stand-Up Comedy Clinic. And fo...2019-09-161h 24The Artist MattersRebekah McGill - Woodworker : Art Opens Up a Part Of Your SoulToday we have Rebekah McGill, our first woodworking artist.She came about woodworking in the typical way that many in the trades do, her father was a woodworker and he would let her watch and help, as she got older. But Rebekah abandoned the craft in her teen years, probably feeling she needed to be more feminine and started liking boys. She tried painting and drawing, but was lost without an outlet. It was through Cathy Heller’s Dreamtopia event last year, that something inside her cracked open and she knew she had to pursue woodworking. Even if...2019-09-0940 minThe Artist MattersKelly Darke - Art Therapist / Fiber Artist : Trust the Process. Trust Yourself.On today’s show, we have 2 firsts. Our guest is our first fiber artist and also our first art therapist. That’s right. You get two for the price of one. And her name is Kelly Darke.As a kid, growing up in Michigan, Kelly always collected fabric, yarn, string, all kinds of fiber materials before she even knew what to do with any of them. She learned some techniques on her own including embroidery, which is her current focus. Kelly received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1996, from Wayne State University in Michigan. There, she spent most of h...2019-09-0257 minThe Artist MattersMackenzie Lee Hart - Actress : Choose What Matters to YouOnce again, I am featuring an artist just at the beginning of their career. Today we have actress, Mackenzie Lee Hart.Born and raised on Long Island, NY, she seemed destined to be a creative. Her mother is a painter. Plus, one of her siblings is a well-known actress. Just wait...When I lived in NY, I got to see Mackenzie in a talent show at a church singing “Landslide”. It was so cute and I knew this girl had talent. Flash forward to this year. Her mom posted on Facebook, a video of Mackenzie singing “Over The Rainbo...2019-08-2657 minThe Artist MattersClarissa Castillo-Ramsey : Painter/Writer/Vison Board Instructor : Art is Who I AmToday we have Clarissa Castillo-Ramsey. An artist with multiple skills and interests. Her journey has taken her from Michigan to Texas to Massachusetts to California. Along the way she has played piano and guitar. Attended the Arts Center College of Design and Platt College. She has also studied under artists such as Rassouli, Jospeh Stoddard and Tom Fong.Clarissa has also gotten into running vision board workshops. She is even writing a book which is a collection of inspirational stories of women over the age of 40 making a pivot in their lives.She has even managed to...2019-08-191h 25The Artist MattersMarci Geller - Singer/Songwriter/Musician (Part 2) : The Soundtrack for Your StoryWelcome to the 2nd part of my incredible chat with Singer/Songwriter, Marci Geller.We talk about her performing with Blackmore’s Night and what is was like performing in another country. Marci explains how her album, “Bare” came about. She goes into how she found help from someone she was kind to in the past when her studio and equipment were ruined in a flood.She also describes her style of music and of how her songwriting has evolved as she’s gotten older.Marci gets deeper about dealing with depression and denying the dark side of the s...2019-08-1255 minThe Artist MattersMarci Geller - Singer/Songwriter/Musician (Part 1) Emotional ExhibitionismDo you have to be a “starving artist” to pursue a career in the arts? Today’s guest would say absolutely not. She is musician, singer, songwriter - Marci Geller. Hailing from my old neck of the woods on Long Island, she has been in the music biz for decades. From an early age, Marci constantly hears music. So it seemed inevitable that she would have to find a way to channel this. She began with the electric organ and would eventually move up to the piano.Marci goes into what happens when she walks into a place and se...2019-08-0548 minThe Artist Matters(Bonus Episode) My Multi-talented Granddaughter, LuciaMy 7-year old granddaughter, Lucia wanted to chat with me on the show. So what do I do? I get her on the show in our first ever bonus episode. Enjoy my conversation with this artistic and talented girl.2019-08-0317 minThe Artist MattersSam Kimberle - Writer/Designer : Art Makes People Find Their PurposeToday’s guest has taken that leap of faith and left her day job to pursue her artistic endeavors just this past week.Welcome to the show, Sam Kimberle.Sam was a lawyer and director of a non-profit, but felt these weren’t her calling. She needed a change and so, she ditched the corporate persona and is now a full-time creative.Sam has found a place to publish her writing - from poems to articles - on the site called Medium. Here, writers can publish their work and actually make some money doing it.She has...2019-07-2953 minThe Artist MattersRebeca Flott - Painter/Podcaster : Create Things You LoveHere we have a prime example of an artist living the American dream. But she had to leave her home country of Brazil to do it.Today we have painter, entrepreneur and podcaster, Rebeca Flott. Painting was what she loved to do at an early age. But family finances were tight and canvases were not affordable. So, she improvised and painted on tiles, wood, whatever she could find.But Rebeca yearned to make here mark in America. So, with only $500 in her pocket, she made the move, stopping in Florida first. She learned the language and had...2019-07-221h 09The Artist MattersHannah Hassler - Writer/Podcaster : Art is the Way Humanity Expresses ItselfWelcome to episode #20! Can you believe it? It’s still blows my mind that I actually have a podcast and am able to put out episodes on a weekly basis. And people actually listen to it. Thanks for being on the ride so far.Well, today’s guest knows what it’s like to run a podcast because she has one. She is our first podcaster on the show and her name is Hannah Hassler.She has been writing as far back as she can remember. For awhile, it was mostly academic writing, but it moved onto short storie...2019-07-151h 14The Artist MattersJeff Allegue - Musician/Guitar/Bass : Keeping Things In PerspectiveOkay, so last week I featured Ariel, who was just starting her creative career. Well, this week we have an artist who has sustained a career in the music business for over 30 years. His name is is Jeff Allegue.Jeff began learning classical guitar at the age of 10. He then learned the bass while in Bayport High School. Jeff was profiled in Guitar Player Magazine, Bass Player Magazine and Guitar for the Practicing Musician.Along with his brother John, their band -The Tallboys had a video that appeared on MTV which led to their appearance on “Star Search,” wher...2019-07-0851 minThe Artist MattersAriel Hope Santerelli - Actress/Musician/Model : Balancing Faith & CreativityCan you have a good balance with your faith and your artistic choices? Today’s guest, Ariel Hope Santerelli would say yes. I have known this young lady since 2011, when she was only 16. We joined her church that year, where her father is the pastor, and saw her singing her heart out with the praise team. I could tell this girl was a natural born performer. Ariel began acting in the church’s live Nativity walkthrough called “Road to Bethlehem”, playing the role of Mary for several years. Then, someone recommended she audition for a play. She did and went on...2019-07-011h 26The Artist MattersHamaila Qureshi - Jeweler : Art Brings Beauty to EverythingToday, we get our first jeweler, Hamaila Qureshi. Her family wanted her to get an education to become a pharmacist, but it just wasn’t for her. Design was what spoke to her. A fascination with furniture design led her to woodworking and metalworking. When she was in art metals, her instructor noticed that she had been making a lot of bracelets and said, “Hamaila - have you looked into the jewelry department? I think you’d fit in well there.”Almost as soon as she started making and wearing her jewelry, people started asking - when is she going to...2019-06-2438 minThe Artist MattersKeith Surplus - Performer/Actor (Part 2)Welcome to the conclusion of my chat with actor/performer, et al - Keith Surplus.This week we follow Keith on his journey into feature films as an actor and Production Assistant on films, such as “Camp Twilight”.Keith will give us the low-down on some of his favorite musicals and roles, as well as roles he’d still like to play. We talk about some of his influences and how they have inspired and motivated him in his creative pursuits.Keith also mentions his other creative ventures into photography, prop making (available on his Etsy page...2019-06-171h 03The Artist MattersKeith Surplus - Actor/Performer: Florida Style (Part 1)Today’s guest is someone I’ve known for 10 years. Back in 2009, he joined me and the cast of “The Godfather’s Messhuggener Wedding” dinner show. He is Keith Surplus. He jumped right into his role as Bernie, the Jewish groom and went on to play other varied and different characters in other shows we did.But his story goes back to visual arts as a kid. Then, in his teen years, he discovered the theatre.Getting roles in musicals, like “Annie” and “The King & I” at venues in Florida such as Richey Suncoast and the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Ce...2019-06-1055 minThe Artist MattersAnna Rudy Monico : Dancer/Choreographer/Fitness Instructor/Singer - And My WifeThis is a special one. We finally have my wife, Anna Rudy-Monico on the show. Back in 2002, we met at karaoke in New York. She laughed at my Mrs. Doubtfire imitation and the saga began. Besides her awesome singing voice, I soon discovered she was a dancer and a fitness instructor at a local gym. Got my first taste of her signature class, Jazzarobex in 2003. I loved the way she combined dance moves with aerobics. As did the many people who flocked to her classesBut her story begins in Brooklyn, NY where she always had a love...2019-06-0357 minThe Artist MattersChris Roach - Comedian/Actor : Run Towards What Frightens YouHow does learning about public speaking turn into a career in stand up comedy? You’ll find out with today’s guest, Chris Roach. The Comedian/Actor, born and raised in New York, has been all over. Performing his unique and self-deprecating brand of stand up to some of the biggest and best-known stages in the country, such as Carolines on Broadway, The Borgata in Atlantic City and The Paramount in Huntington, NY. Chris recently toured as the opening act on Kevin James’ 2019 tour all over the Northeast.You may know him best from his major recurring role of Mott in...2019-05-2738 minThe Artist MattersVictoria Ohman - Tattoo Artist : Art is a Reflection of HumanitySo, what does it take to become a tattoo artist? Today’s guest, Victoria Ohman knows first hand. Born on Long Island 1984, Victoria (or Tori, as I’ve known her) began making art as soon as she could hold a crayon. She pursued an art sequence in high school (sachem class of 2002); Graduated with honors with a BFA in painting and drawing from SUNY New Paltz in 2006. Tori’s thesis consisted of oil paintings that were experimental, intuitive, process oriented, pattern based abstractions to create mood rather than represent objects or landscapes. Inspired by patterns in nature, ideas of the...2019-05-2056 minThe Artist MattersJames T Ellison : Illustrator - Living the Grizzly LifeWhat is grizzly life? Today's guest, Illustrator and Designer, James T Ellison can explain.For the last few years, James has been pursuing his dream as a freelance illustrator. He studied graphic design at Northern Kentucky University, but is mostly self-taught. He has gone to comic conventions and craft festivals to showcase his work. He's created posters for a local bar, logos for small businesses, T-shirt designs and more. But illustrating remains his passion. With the dream being, story telling via comic books and graphic novels. But his health took a hit a few years back. James lives wi...2019-05-131h 05The Artist MattersJoram Roubique & Erik Herrmann : Making Music Together in the band, Slow ApolloThis is a first. A returning guest. Erik Herrmann is back from the last episode. And he’s not alone. With him is his bandmate from the group, Slow Apollo, Joram Roubique. We heard Erik’s story already, so this episode begins with a focus on Joram’s journey. Joram was born and raised near, in and around Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The eldest of 5 children (4 boys, 1 girl), He was brought up in a strict fundamentalist Christian household and wasn't allowed to listen to "secular" music. Thankfully, Joram’s parents loved music enough, especially his mother, to expose the family to music...2019-05-061h 20The Artist MattersErik Herrmann - Composer/Musician : Art Totally Enriches YouEver wonder what it’s like to score a movie? Today’s guest, Erik Herrmann is going to tell exactly what that’s like.You see, last year, I filmed a short movie called THE PARK. I attempted, with very little success, to compose the music myself. I quickly realized I needed a real musician. Luckily, my cinematographer found Erik online and referred him to me. Even though Erik lives in Louisiana we called and wrote each other and were able to collaborate. And the score he came up with was different from what I expected, but that’s what m...2019-04-2940 minThe Artist MattersRodini Almonacy - Graphic Artist : "Do it Till it Can't Be Done"What would it mean to you if your mother said you have a special mission in life? For this episode's guest, Rodini Almonacy, it means a great deal. Not only because his mother actually said this to him, but also for the fact that his own life almost never began. That is because Rodini was stillborn! I kid you not.Obviously, he's a survivor. And this plays a huge part in how he approaches life, work, everything. So, where does the special mission come into play? Rodini discovered a passion for art at a young age. As he...2019-04-2255 minThe Artist MattersBilly Lamont - Poet - If You're Not Growing, You're ErodingWords can either create or destroy. You can build someone up with a heartfelt compliment or easily tear them down with a hurtful remark. Thankfully, today's guest - Billy Lamont - uses his words and his voice on the creation side. As a poet for over 30 years, his focus has been to help, inspire and bring some joy into the lives of others. Whether it's performing skits with his family when he was a kid or reading poetry for a homeless shelter on Thanksgiving or performing at bigger venues including MTV and Lollapalooza.He has published several...2019-04-151h 16The Artist MattersDeborah Louise Ortiz - Art Is EverlastingCan creativity really help us heal the pain and struggles we go through? Today's guest, Deborah Louise Ortiz would answer that question with a resounding "Yes!"And not just one creative outlet, mind you. This multi-talented woman is a dancer, actor, writer, producer and director!Raised in the Bronx, Deborah had her share of tough times, but found release through the arts. Starting with dance, she joined a dance company called New York Guys & Dolls in the 70's.Then, she was drawn into the world of acting, joining the Latino theatre group, Vaso de Leche.From...2019-04-081h 02The Artist MattersBarbie Bowser - Musician/Photographer - You MAKE Pictures, You Don't Take PicturesWhat do you get when you combine a love of music with a love of photography? You get today's guest, Barbie Bowser.She found her love of music first. Learning the piano and the clarinet and later in life, the guitar, playing in school bands and church worship teams.Her husband Chuck introduced her to the world of photography and she was hooked. And in her 40's, Barbie decided to take it seriously. She went to the Art Institute of Tampa, got her Bachelor's Degree and was soon working. From wedding photography to shooting virtual tours of...2019-04-0143 minThe Artist MattersLou Lentino-Rodriguez - The Actor Who is Moving from the Minors to the Majors"Acting is like a disease, I don't know when or if it can be cured, all I know is that if I give up, It will surely kill me."This describes today's guest, actor Lou Lentino-Rodgriguez to a tee. As early as he can remember, he was entertaining the family doing character impressions and dancing and singing. It came natural to him. Maybe not by accident either. Turns out his family has connection to none other than Jimmy Durante.And when he did his first role as a dancing snowflake in a school play, he knew this was...2019-03-251h 01
The Artist MattersDean McRaine - Pottery : Happiness Made Solid"Happiness Made Solid". This is what you get when a family therapist turns to pottery. As a child, Dean McRaine always enjoyed building things with his hands. When he got older, he found pottery as a creative and relaxing way to take his mind off the often times stressful and intense world of family therapy.He taught himself through magazines, books and lots of trial and error. He considers himself to be a great problem solver. And you really have to be with clay. The intricacies of types of clay, molding it into the shapes you want, how...2019-03-181h 02The Artist MattersLaurie Ann Davis - Acting is a Way InDid you ever fell like you just didn't fit in with any group? That there was something about you that was different?That's how today's guest, Laurie Ann Davis felt when she was a kid. But once she found acting, she knew where she belonged.Playing Anne Frank was the catalyst to push her to pursue this as a career. Taking classes. Auditioning. Getting roles on stage and screen. Someone felt she could be a teacher, so she decided to start teaching acting in the basement of her house in Hicksville, NY. I joined her class, The...2019-03-111h 01The Artist MattersWelcome to The Artist MattersWelcome to The Artist Matters premiere episode. It's a little get to know me and my artistic journey. And what the show will be about.2019-03-0433 min