For over 30 years, Lorenzo Quinn has wowed the world with his creative artwork. From gravity-defying sculptures to monumental public art, Quinn has installed pieces across the globe. This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast, we sit down with Quinn to talk about everything from growing up in a creative household to why he chooses to focus on positive messaging in his art.

Quinn not only reveals what it was like to grow up with his famous father—actor Anthony Quinn—but also the pros and cons of having such success in the family. He also touches on his own creative process and the resources he turns to for inspiration when conceiving his incredible sculptures.

We also talk about some of Quinn's most famous works. This includes Support, his monumental installation on Venice's Grand Canal, as well as his latest sculpture at the Great Pyramids. In this wide-ranging conversation, we get a deeper understanding of why he feels it's important to send a positive message through art and why hands have become a symbol he uses to express unity. It's a wonderful conversation to wrap up this season focused on impact and a chat that you won't want to miss.

We'd love to learn a bit more about you—our listener. Take a minute to fill out a quick survey so we can make the podcast even better.

Sculptor Lorenzo Quinn is known for his monumental sculptures.

For Quinn, it's important that his work sends a positive message into the world.

Photo: Halcyon Gallery

Photo: Pixcelle Photography

Listen to our chat with renowned sculptor Lorenzo Quinn:

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READ: Sculptor Lorenzo Quinn on Sending a Positive Message Through Art [Podcast]

Designers fung + bedford are the talented husband and wife team of Angela Fung and Ashley Bedford. They are known for their bespoke “architectural origami” installations that transform spaces and inspire wonder. This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast, we interview fung + bedford to learn how they scaled up the craft of origami and made it their own along the way.

The designers tell us about their experiences with installations including how they learned to temporarily transform a space without leaving any trace when they’re done. Angela and Ashley have to complete countless tests and many iterations of each design before settling on a final idea. We hear all about the work that goes in to the production and how they approach the challenges that arise throughout the work.

This episode is an especially great listen for people trying to establish their own style. Fung + bedford spent a long time perfecting the basic folds and learning how they translate to Tyvek. Each installation requires iteration and focus to define a new process for each module. After listening, you'll feel inspired to focus on your own art processes and get better at creating every day.

To stay up to date on the latest Top Artist episodes, make sure you subscribe using your favorite podcast app. And, if you want even more content from our show, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram.

Listen to our chat with designers Angela Fung and Ashley Bedford on architectural origami:

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fung + bedford: Website | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Fung + Bedford.

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READ: Designers Fung + Bedford on Inspiring Wonder With Architectural Origami [Podcast]

“Honeybee Collaboration 2” by Ava Roth

Toronto-based artist Ava Roth creates totally 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 Roth’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 is a great episode for anyone interested in encaustic art. Roth’s curious and inquisitive approach to art is very inspiring, and what she creates on the boundaries of where humans collide with nature is vastly fascinating.

To stay up to date on the latest Top Artist episodes, make sure you subscribe using your favorite podcast app. And, if you want even more content from our show, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram.

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.

Listen to our chat with Ava Roth on collaborating with honeybees:

“Honeybee Collaboration (in progress)” by Ava Roth

“Honeybee Collaboration 5” by Ava Roth

My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Ava Roth: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Ava Roth.

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READ: Artist Ava Roth on Creative Curiosity and Her Collaboration With Honeybees [Podcast]

Portrait of “Swoon” by Bryan Welch

Artist Caledonia Curry, aka Swoon, is best known for her signature wheat paste 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.

Tune in to hear us talk about how 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 is a great episode for anyone interested in street art and installation art. Swoon is undoubtedly one of the most important street artists from the early 2000s and was one of the first women to garner international acclaim in the otherwise male-dominated field. Still, she continues to adapt, taking on new kinds of projects, and her dream-like style knows no bounds.

To stay up to date on the latest Top Artist episodes, make sure you subscribe using your favorite podcast app. And, if you want even more content from our show, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram.

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.

Listen to our chat with Swoon on using creativity for the community:

“Bicycleboy” by Swoon

“Ice Queen” by Swoon

My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Swoon: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Caledonia Curry.

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True South, Antarctica's Flag on Ross Island

Flags are extraordinarily effective symbols in uniting people and inspiring change, yet what exactly constitutes 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 sit down to discuss what makes the flag a remarkable design and unifying symbol for Antarctica's preservation. Evan talks about the incredible reaction and community he's seen come together around True South, and Michael chimes in with why the flag's unconventional layout and color scheme 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 a great listen for designers and anyone interested in the conservation of our planet. After all, Antarctica may be the only continent with no constant human population, yet its fate rests entirely in our hands.

To stay up to date on the latest Top Artist episodes, make sure you subscribe using your favorite podcast app. And, if you want even more content from our show, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram.

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.

Listen to our chat with the True South Team on the power of design:

Watch the interview on YouTube to see the work we discuss.

Evan Townsend's design for “True South”

True South outside the “Pedro Vicente Maldonado” Science Station in Antarctica

My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
True South: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by True South.

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

“Kim” by Brian Peterson

Artist Brian Peterson is using his creative talents to actually change lives and uplift people in his community. He paints his neighbors experiencing homelessness and uses the proceeds from sold portraits to support their rehabilitation. This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast, we interview Peterson about his non-profit—called Faces of Santa Ana—that was founded on this process.

Peterson admits that approaching strangers on the street is not easy, but his willingness to step outside his comfort zone and connect with those experiencing homelessness has led to some truly heartwarming stories. On this episode of the podcast, the artist shares how meeting with a screaming man on his block named Matt became a significant moment that inspired the first of many portraits. Peterson also talks about how painting one of his subject's drug dealers, Kim, led to a profound friendship that also allowed her to financially support her daughter for the first time.

This episode is a great listen for painters, art-lovers, or anyone curious about how they can use their talent to build a community and elevate others in need. Brian's story reminds us it's important to push yourself as an artist and to remain open as a human. 

To stay up to date on the latest Top Artist episodes, make sure you subscribe using your favorite podcast app. And, if you want even more content from our show, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram.

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.

Listen to our chat with artist Brian Peterson on creating art to help others:

Watch the interview on YouTube to see the work we discuss.

“Pam Martinez” by Brian Peterson

“Darryl Bossier” by Brian Peterson

My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Brian Peterson: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Brian Peterson.

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“Melting Memories” by Refik Anadol

Well, that went fast! Another year in the books, and that means another year of podcasting is complete. As we prepare ourselves for the uncertainties of the new year, we thought we’d take some time to reflect on our favorite moments from this past season. We feel so fortunate 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 going to look back at some of our favorite moments in a special “2021 Holiday Bonus” episode.

You’ll hear from our hosts Jessica Steward, Sara Barnes, and Sam Pires, as well as our podcast editor Alex Pacholuk, as they take turns sharing moments from this past year that left them feeling inspired. You’ll hear short clips from some of our favorite guests—including legendary photographer Ami Vitale; incredible quilter Bisa Butler; as well as Craig Dykers, cofounder of the renowned design firm Snøhetta. You'll even hear some new clips that had to be cut for time from their original episodes. In addition, you’ll get a sneak peek at what’s coming in 2022, hearing from the Antarctica 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.

From the whole team here at My Modern Met: thank you for sticking with us this past year! We really appreciate your listens, and it means a lot when you share the podcast with fellow artists and art lovers. We’ve got a lot more coming this next year, and we can’t wait to share it all with you. Happy Holidays, and have a Happy New Year!

To stay up to date on the latest Top Artist episodes, make sure you subscribe using your favorite podcast app. And, if you want even more content from our show, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram.

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.

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.

Listen to our favorite moments from the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast in 2021:

“Dear Mama” by Bisa Butler

“Breath Flow 4” by Benjamin Shine

“Tokyo Nights” by Liam Wong

“A Time of Innocence” by Jamel Shabazz

My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Bisa Butler, Refik Anadol, Benjamin Shine, Liam Wong, and Jamel Shabazz.

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“Sudan, the Last Male Northern White Rhino” by Ami Vitale

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

In fact, you may have seen one of her more famous images featured on the front cover of National Geographic 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, Vitale answers your listener questions and delves into how she went from photographing violence in conflict zones to documenting stories of hope in wildlife conservation.

This is an excellent episode for photographers or art lovers interested in journalism and storytelling. Vitale's journey reminds us that following your heart is often the best path forward, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

To stay up to date on the latest Top Artist episodes, make sure you subscribe using your favorite podcast app. And, if you want even more content from our show, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram.

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.

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.

Listen to our chat with photographer Ami Vitale on documenting stories of hope:

Watch the interview on YouTube to see the work we discuss.

“Sudan” by Ami Vitale

“Rothschild Giraffes” by Ami Vitale

My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Ami Vitale: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Ami Vitale.

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“Under” by Snøhetta

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

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

This is an excellent episode for designers, especially architects or art lovers wanting to learn more about taking a transdisciplinary and collective approach to their work. Dykers' story and his vision for Snøhetta emphasize the importance of environmentally conscious design while maintaining a diverse and synergetic workplace.

To stay up to date on the latest Top Artist episodes, make sure you subscribe using your favorite podcast app. And, if you want even more content from our show, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram.

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.

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.

Listen to our chat with architect Craig Dykers on Snøhetta's transdisciplinary approach to design:

Watch the interview on YouTube to see the incredible architecture we discuss.

“Knubben” by Snøhetta

“Norwegian National Opera and Ballet” by Snøhetta

My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Snøhetta: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Craig Dykers.

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“The Dance” by Benjamin Shine

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, Shine’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 Shine about his artistic journey, beginning with his initial resistance towards becoming a “starving artist” in fashion design and progressing to how he then discovered and began innovating with tulle: the lightweight fabric with which he has now become so deeply entwined. Plus, Shine 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 is an excellent episode for artists or art lovers wanting to learn more about finding their voice and working with unique materials. Shine’s story reminds us to be flexible, allowing ourselves to follow threads of ideas even after we feel they’ve begun to take shape.

To stay up to date on the latest Top Artist episodes, make sure you subscribe using your favorite podcast app. And, if you want even more content from our show, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram.

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.

Listen to our chat with textile artist Benjamin Shine on the impact of tulle in his work.

Watch the interview on YouTube to see the incredible artwork we discuss with Benjamin Shine.

“Breath Flow 4” by Benjamin Shine

“Sky Flow” by Benjamin Shine

My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Benjamin Shine: Website | Instagram | YouTube

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Benjamin Shine.

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READ: Artist Benjamin Shine on His Unexpected Collaboration With Tulle [Podcast]