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A podcast network for women in sport and the arts.
Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
Email: hollowellstudios@gmail.com
Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
Email: hollowellstudios@gmail.com
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Transcribed
6 JAN 2026 · In this deeply personal and wide-ranging episode of the AART Podcast, host Chris Stafford sits down with acclaimed South African production designer Sabrina Linder for an intimate biographical conversation about life, creativity, and the winding path that leads to a career in film. Rather than focusing on technical process, this episode explores the human story behind the work. Sabrina Linder reflects on growing up in South Africa, the formative experiences that shaped her artistic sensibility, and how curiosity, resilience, and observation guided her toward a life in visual storytelling. From early influences and cultural identity to the emotional intelligence required to collaborate at the highest levels of film and television, Sabrina shares the moments that quietly — and sometimes unexpectedly — defined her career. Throughout the conversation, Sabrina opens up about navigating creative industries, finding confidence as an artist, and learning how to trust instinct over expectation. She discusses what it means to build worlds for the screen while simultaneously building a life, and how storytelling — whether through design or lived experience — remains at the center of her work. Chris guides the discussion with warmth and curiosity, allowing space for reflection on ambition, self-doubt, mentorship, and the invisible labor behind creative success. The result is a thoughtful portrait of an artist whose career is rooted not only in visual craft, but in empathy, memory, and lived experience.
This episode will resonate with artists, filmmakers, designers, and anyone interested in the personal journeys behind creative careers, offering insight, honesty, and inspiration well beyond the screen.
Sabrina’s links:
https://www.sabrinalindercreative.com/ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9513117/ https://www.instagram.com/sabrina_linder_creative/
Fertile by Design on Substack - https://substack.com/@fertilebydesign
Sabrina's dinner guests:
Jack Fisk
Iris van Herpen
Marilyn Munroe
Elsa Schiaparelli
Patrice Vermetti
Bloomer (her dog)
BIO South African born Production Designer Sabrina Linder is well known for her trademark work in I Swear 2025, Salvable 2025, The Last Victims (2019). Her portfolio includes commercials, films, TV and music videos. Sabrina was born in Pretoria, South Africa in 1992. to parents Helene Linder, an Artist and interior design enthusiast and father Desmond Lawrence Linder, a quantity surveyor and business owner. She has one brother Brendan. Sabrina grew up in post Apartheid South Africa where artistic expression among women was not encouraged but subtle influences from her artistic mother subconsciously steered Sabrina towards fashion design. She attended Cornwall Hill College for Grades 0-12 after which she moved to Cape Town to study for her BA Degree in Fashion Design at FEDISA Cape Town. Upon graduating she deferred a BA Honours at the London College of Fashion instead breaking into her first job in film which opened the door to opportunities she had not imagined. Her path was now set in production design and she worked in Props, Costume and Design before focusing in the Production Design where she has found her creative home. She is a multi award winning designer with BFDG Design Award Nominations, the Berlin Music Video Award both in 2023 as well as Lourie Awards and Ciclope Awards in 2022. Sabrina moved to London in 2021 and is currently working on commercials before preparing for her next film production this spring. Sabrina lives in Beaconsfield, England with her partner, and the couple are expecting their first child in March.
Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
Follow @theaartpodcast on Instagram
AART on Facebook
Email: theaartpodcast@gmail.com
Keywords / SEO Tags Sabrina Linder, South African production designer, AART podcast, Chris Stafford podcast, production designer interview, film industry careers, women in film, creative biography, artist life story, behind the scenes film, visual storytelling, art and cinema, creative journeys, film design careers, African artists in film, personal stories in art, creative identity, storytelling podcast, film and art podcast Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/women-unscripted--4769409/support.
Transcribed
23 DEC 2025 · On this inspiring episode of the AART Podcast, host Chris Stafford sits down with acclaimed painter and author Kami Mendlik, whose work is celebrated for its vivid portrayal of nature, her masterful study of color, and her ability to capture the ever-shifting qualities of light and movement. Known for her immersive landscapes and her deeply intuitive approach to plein air painting, Kami shares how a lifelong connection to the outdoors has shaped her artistic vision and creative process. She dives into how color theory, environmental observation, and emotional resonance come together in her paintings—and how her recent writing further expands the conversation around art, seeing, and the creative life. This episode offers an intimate look at an artist dedicated to exploring the natural world and translating it into powerful visual storytelling. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, painter, creative professional, or simply curious about the intersection of nature and artistic expression, this conversation will leave you inspired to see the world with new attention and appreciation. Tune in for an enriching, thoughtful exploration of color, creativity, and the practice of truly noticing.
BIO
The painter and author Kami Mendlik. Kami’s art portrays her lifelong passion for exploring nature, the study of color and her observations of light and movement. Kami was born in Jacksonville, North Carolina in 1973, the oldest of four children. Her mother Heidi Shervheim, was a homemaker who waited tables part time and became a talented quilter. And her father Robert Mendlik is an Army Veteran and former electrician who now spends his time in land conservation. A a small child the family moved to Minnesota adjacent to her grandparents 450 acre farm where Kami grew up surrounded by nature and agriculture. She says: “The respect that I have for nature and her awesomeness is beyond words. My desire to study and attempt to translate this, is why I paint.” Kami knew from an early age that she wanted to be a full time artist and her first mentor Mary Pettis guided her towards a career that would ultimately lead her to establishing the St Croix River School of Painting in Stillwater MN in 2008. Kami is internationally recognized as an artist and teacher winning numerous awards with gallery showings around the country. She is the author of “Color Relativity”, and creator of Planal Fruit. Kami lives with her husband Pete Hayes on 16 acre farm just North of Stillwater, where she converted a 100 year old hip roof barn into her studio. She has a son, Nick and daughter Paige.
Kami’s links:
https://www.kamimendlik.com
https://www.instagram.com/kamimendlik/
Kami’s favorite female artists: Kathie Wheeler Julie Davis Kathy Anderson Chula Beauregard Anne Larson Ann Watcher Carole Gray-Weilman Jane Hunt Kim Casebeer Carol Peebles Camille Przewodek (d)
Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
Follow @theaartpodcast on Instagram
AART on Facebook
Email: theaartpodcast@gmail.com
keywords:
Kami Mendlik, painter, author, landscape artist, plein air painting, color theory, nature art, light and movement in art, creative process, contemporary artists, AART podcast, Chris Stafford, artist interview, art inspiration, art and nature, visual storytelling, artistic observation, fine art podcast. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/women-unscripted--4769409/support.
Transcribed
9 DEC 2025 · Step behind the camera with Mia Cioffi Henry, a visionary cinematographer and filmmaker whose work explores the art of visual storytelling with depth, emotion, and purpose. In this episode, Mia shares her journey through the world of independent cinema, her creative process on set, and how she uses light, movement, and perspective to bring powerful stories to life. Discover insights on cinematography, directing, collaboration, visual language, and the future of filmmaking — straight from one of today’s most thoughtful visual artists. Whether you’re a filmmaker, creative professional, film student, or movie lover, this conversation will inspire you to see storytelling in a new light.
👉 Keywords
cinematography, filmmaker, Mia Cioffi Henry, visual storytelling, film industry, behind the scenes, creative process, directing, cinematographer interview, filmmaking tips, women in film, artistic vision, camera work, movie production.
American cinematographer Mia Cioffi Henry whose most recent narrative feature film, Sorry Baby, won the 2025 Waldo Salt Award for Screenwriting and Documentary Feature Film, and Cover-up, also a documentary feature, which premiered at the 2025 Venice Film Festival. She is also known for lensing Endless Sleepover (2021), Superior (2021) and The Surrogate (2020). Mia was born in Washington, DC in 1986. She has an older brother and step-brother. Her mother Gay Cioffi is an early childhood educator and fine artist, and her father Mel Henry, a documentary cinematographer, and step-father, Mark Obenhaus, a documentary filmmaker. So Mia grew up in an artistic family, following her parents love of musical theater, while learning dance, a variety of musical instruments and acting. She attended Pitzer College, Clairemont, CA where she attained a BA double major in Production Design and Media Studies (film production. ) Mia subsequently graduated with an MFA in Cinematography at NYU Tisch as a Dean’s Fellow and Graduate Assistant. In 2025 she was named one of American Cinematographer Magazine's Rising Stars of Cinematography, while her work has won Jury Awards at Sundance, SXSW and Locarno film festivals. Mia is an Associate Arts Professor and Head of Cinematography at NYU Tisch's Graduate Film program. She balances her teaching career with filmmaking and being a wife and mother. Mia is a member and mentor of https://www.600blackwomen.com/, a group of Black female identifying members of the Local 600 Camera Guild. She divides her time between New York City and Pescara, Italy with her husband, musician Julian Fernandez, their nine-year old daughter, and her step-son.
Mia’s links:
https://www.miacioffihenry.com/
https://www.instagram.com/miacioffihenry
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3994018/
https://tisch.nyu.edu/about/directory/grad-film/885588223.html
Some favorite female artists in visual arts:
Carrie Mae Weems
Alma Thomas
Amy Sherald
Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
Follow @theaartpodcast on Instagram
AART on Facebook
Email: theaartpodcast@gmail.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/women-unscripted--4769409/support.
Transcribed
25 NOV 2025 · Step inside the creative universe of Lorrie Minicozzie, an award-winning multi-media installation artist known for transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary, sensory experiences. In this episode, we explore how Lorrie blends sound, light, sculpture, video, and storytelling to create immersive art installations that challenge perception and invite deep emotional connection. Discover the inspiration behind her most ambitious projects, her creative process from concept to completion, and how technology and emotion intersect in her evolving body of work. Whether you’re an artist, curator, art collector, or creative dreamer, this conversation will leave you inspired to see art — and the world — in a new dimension.
🎨 Topics Covered:
- The making of large-scale multi-media installations
- How environment and emotion shape artistic expression
- The role of technology in contemporary art
- Behind-the-scenes of Lorrie Minicozzie’s most iconic works
- Advice for emerging installation artists
💡 Perfect for: Art lovers, creatives, curators, and anyone fascinated by immersive experiences, digital art, and modern installation art.
📍 Keywords (SEO-rich):
Lorrie Minicozzie, multimedia artist, installation art, contemporary art, immersive art, visual storytelling, experiential art, sound and light installations, creative process, modern art podcast, artist interview, art and technology
Multi-media Installation Artist Lorrie Anne Minicozzi describes her work as an intermingling of traditional and contemporary art genres, where she fabricates realms from personal experiences and the societal climate using foam and wood, integrated with a drawn or painted work, each composite intermingles 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional realities. The synthesis results in an intricately detailed installation that reads like a cinematic scene. Provocatively diorama-like, each scene is enhanced by lighting, sound, fragrance and tactility. Exploring architecture, interior design and construction through these sculptures weaves each installation into the fabric of her home studio. Lorrie was born in 1966 in Huntingdon, New York, she has a brother and sister. Her mother Anne Busch was a supervisor at an electronics company, and a floral designer who also enjoys art, and her father John Gariboldi was a machinist and creative carpenter. As a child, Lorrie experienced abuse by a close relative and she says that much of her work as an artist reflects that trauma and her need to help others who are dealing with the effect and shame of abuse. She says: “I employ my craft as a cathartic illumination on personal childhood trauma, mental illness and political anxiety.” Growing up Lorrie enjoyed a range of sports and music learning the guitar and piano. She also began drawing, which proved to be her salvation. She developed her talent as an artist and combined her computer skills to become an art director. She attended the State University (SUNY) Potsdam, SUNY Stony Brook, West Chester University and Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), which she returned to after the COVID pandemic. Lorrie has been a professional commissioned portrait artist for over thirty years and recently transitioned to mixed medium installation. She lives in Pittsburgh, PA with her husband Rob, their two sons; Jason and Justin, and dog Miko.
Lorrie’s links:
https://www.climbingthewalls.net/
https://www.instagram.com/lorrie.minicozzi
Lorrie’s favorite female artists:
Liza Lou
Sandy Skoglund
Judy Chicago
Kara Walker
Cindy Sherman
Irma Gruenholz
Louise Bourgeois (d)
Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
Follow @theaartpodcast on Instagram
AART on Facebook Email: theaartpodcast@gmail.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/women-unscripted--4769409/support.
Transcribed
11 NOV 2025 · Step behind the camera with Ellen Kuras, the award-winning director and cinematographer whose visual storytelling has defined a generation of modern cinema. From her groundbreaking cinematography in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) to her powerful directorial work in Lee (2024), Ellen has redefined what it means to tell stories through light, emotion, and movement. In this in-depth conversation, Ellen shares her creative process, challenges as one of the first women in major cinematography, and her approach to capturing the soul of a story on screen. Whether you’re a filmmaker, cinephile, or curious creative, this episode delivers rare insights into the craft, collaboration, and courage that fuel visual storytelling.
🎬 Topics include:
- Ellen’s early journey into filmmaking and cinematography
- Crafting visual language and emotional depth
- Collaborations with visionary directors like Martin Scorsese, Michel Gondry and Spike Lee
- Breaking industry barriers and inspiring the next generation of filmmakers
- The future of storytelling through the lens
Perfect for fans of cinematography, directing, visual storytelling, filmmaking, women in film, and creative leadership, this episode celebrates one of cinema’s most influential voices.
Keywords:
Ellen Kuras, filmmaker, cinematographer, director, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, women in film, cinematography podcast, filmmaking, creative storytelling, visual storytelling, directing, behind the camera, film industry, indie film, movie production, creative careers.
BIO
American Director and Cinematographer Ellen Kuras who has won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Jane (2018, and The Betrayal - Nerakhoon (2010) for which she was also nominated for Best Documentary Feature in 2009 for her directorial debut. Ellen is an unprecedented three-time winner of the Cinematography Award for a Dramatic Film for Swoon (1992), Angela (1995) and Personal Velocity (2002). In 2022, She was the first woman to win the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) Lifetime Achievement Award winner. Ellen’s credits include Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (cinematographer) (2004), The Betrayal - Nerakhoon (director, producer, screenwriter) (2008) and most recently Lee (director) (2024). Ellen was born in New Jersey in 1959 where her father was an avionics engineer and her mother, a homemaker. Ellen graduated from Brown University with a double BA degree in Anthropology and Semiotics before attending Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Whilst she was at Brown she studied for her master’s degree at night at New York University in Photography & 8mm Filmmaking. The Betrayal - Nerakhoon, which follows a family from Laos who were forced to emigrate and adapt to life in America, was conceived as her master’s thesis. She then started her career in the film industry in 1987 in New York as a camera assistant and electrician. Ellen represents the Cinematographers Branch on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Board of Governors and is the ASC/ICG representative on the National Film Preservation Board. Ellen has most recently completed a new heist TV series 12 12 12 for Apple TV, and the TV series, Scarpetta, with Nicole Kidman, Arianna deBose and Jamie Lee Curtis for Amazon Prime Video. Ellen lives in New York.
Ellen’s links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellen_Kuras
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0475578/
Favorite female artists:
Jane Savelyeva
Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
Follow @theaartpodcast on Instagram
AART on Facebook
Email: theaartpodcast@gmail.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/women-unscripted--4769409/support.
Transcribed
28 OCT 2025 · Discover the captivating world of Anna Carll, a celebrated contemporary mixed-media artist whose work transcends the boundaries of paint, paper, and emotion. In this episode, we explore how Anna transforms layers of texture, collage, and color into thought-provoking visual narratives that connect deeply with modern audiences. From her early inspirations to her evolving creative process, Anna shares insights into the techniques behind her abstract art, the emotional language of materials, and the stories hidden within every layer of her compositions. Whether you’re an art collector, creative professional, or simply passionate about contemporary art, this conversation offers inspiration and a behind-the-scenes look at how a mixed-media artist brings vision to life.
Keywords: Anna Carll, contemporary mixed-media artist, abstract art, modern art, collage, painting, creative process, artist interview, art podcast, contemporary art inspiration, visual storytelling, studio art, creative journey.
American contemporary mixed-media artist Anna Carll who began her painting career with very colorful figurative work, which slowly evolved into non-representational abstract work that’s based on the concept of urban expansion and erosion. Anna was born in Charleston, WV in 1960. Her mother Maggie Schettler, a career nurse and teacher, and father James Carll, who worked in the auto industry, divorced when Anna was just 12 years of age. She is the youngest of six children. Anna reflects on a troubled childhood and how she became a truant, eventually dropping out of high school and becoming a juvenile delinquent. She describes herself as a having been a sickly child who suffered from dyslexia while becoming introspective and private. At the age of 17, she ran away from home. When she returned home six months later to her mother she went back to school and achieved her General Equivalency Diploma (GED) at 18. It was then she decided to focus on a vocation in graphic art and design by attending the Sarasota County Vocational Technical Center for 12 months. This was followed by six months at the Venice Sun Newspaper where Anna realized she still needed further training so she attended the University of Florida, graduating with a BA in Art & Graphic Design in 1984. Her career began as an illustrator and graphic artist and for 16 years she worked in Atlanta. Anna subsequently spent 12 years honing her craft as an painter in the North Georgia Mountains under the shadow of the Appalachian Mountains in the Blue Ridge area. From 1992-4 she studied with the artist Ouida Canaday before leaving her career as a graphic artist to become a full-time fine artist in 1999. Anna’s first gallery representation came in 1997 with Bender Fine Art Gallery in Atlanta and she is now represented by a number of galleries in the US. Anna’s work is collected by a diverse group of both private individuals and corporations in the US, South America, Europe and Asia. Anna now lives in Chattanooga, TN with her cat Sadie Mei.
Anna’s links:
https://www.annacarll.com/
https://www.instagram.com/annacarllart
Anna’s favorite female artists in visual arts:
Current artists: Marjorie Thompson, Galen Chaney, Karen Stamper, Lynn Alker, Nicola Bennett, Cat Tesla, Bethany Kohrt, Helen Ward, Julia Bland, Jackie Mulder, Jackie Leishman, Rebecca Crowell, Patricia Kelly, Jill Stoll, Nina Tichava
Late artists: Lee Krasner, Joan Mitchell, Helen Frankenthaler, Louise Nevelson Eva Hesse, Ruth Asawa, Georgia O'Kieffe, Frida Kahlo
Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
Follow @theaartpodcast on Instagram
AART on Facebook Email: hollowellstudios@gmail.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/women-unscripted--4769409/support.
Transcribed
14 OCT 2025 · Step into the vibrant world of Sophie Kipner, acclaimed figurative abstract painter and writer, whose bold creativity challenges the boundaries between art and storytelling. In this exclusive interview, Sophie shares her journey from canvas to page—exploring how emotion, intuition, and curiosity shape her artistic process. We talk about how she developed her distinctive style, the intersection of visual art and writing, and what it means to truly see beyond the surface. Whether you’re an artist, writer, or simply a lover of creative expression, this conversation will inspire you to embrace your own imagination and break the rules that hold you back.
🔎 Topics We Cover:
- The evolution of Sophie Kipner’s figurative abstract style
- Translating emotion into color, line, and language
- The connection between painting and storytelling
- Creative freedom and the courage to experiment
- Insights for emerging artists and writers
🎨 About Sophie Kipner:
Sophie Kipner is a Los Angeles-based artist and author known for her vibrant figurative abstractions and her unique ability to blend words with visual art. Her work has been exhibited internationally and featured in top publications for its playful yet deeply emotional impact.
📍 Available on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Google Podcasts
American figurative abstract painter and writer Sophie Kipner who primarily uses the blind contouring technique. Sophie was born in Santa Monica in 1982 into an artistically musical family; her English mother Lizzie was a singer and dancer, her Australian father Steve, a songwriter, musician and producer, her grandfather, a songwriter and producer, and her brother Harrison, also a songwriter, musician and producer. Sophie however was to take a different route with an early interest in art, particularly sketching and learning portraiture, which would carry her through to her professional career. Her parents emphasized self expression as a learning tool, encouraging her creativity. While attending Viewpoint High School in Calabasas she developed an interest in photography. Sophie was the first member of her family to attend college and she chose The Annenberg School at the University of Southern California to study journalism and public relations, graduating magna cum laude with a BA in 2005. Her earliest exposure to art and artists included visits to galleries in Europe with her mother, which is where the abstract work of Picasso caught her eye and subconsciously imprinted an influence that would later become apparent in her own work. After graduating Sophie spent time working for her aunt at Apogee Electronics where she learned a number of skills that would help her later in her own business. Her love of writing, especially short stories, became an important and relevant aspect of her career. From 2013-15 she worked at The Society Club in London. It was during this time that she introduced sketching games to her dinner parties, which unlocked her love of art again after many years focusing on her writing. After moving back to LA Sophie began showing her work on social media and taking commissions. This eventually led to her decision to become a full time artist and since 2015 she has had her works shown in multiple solo and group gallery exhibitions and sold into commercial and private collections globally, including the Salam Art Collection in Iraq. Her writing was also gaining momentum and in 2017, her first book, The Optimist, a satirical look at the extremity of romantic desperation, was published by Unbound in the UK and later in the US and Canada in 2021. The novel was named a “Best Summer Read” by The Daily Mail and optioned for film and television adaptation. Sophie was also the subject of the Oscar-shortlisted short documentary, “Sophie and The Baron”, which chronicles Sophie’s friendship and artistic collaboration with legendary Rolling Stone Magazine photographer Baron Wolman. The award-winning film, directed by Alexandria Jackson, premiered at SXSW Film Festival and was acquired by Disney as their first original documentary, and is now streaming worldwide on Disney Plus. Sophie lives and works in Santa Monica, CA.
Sophie’s links:
https://www.sophiekipner.com/
https://www.sophiekipner.com/book
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13084870/
https://www.instagram.com/skipner
Some of Sophie’s favorite female artists:
Paula Rego
Alice Neel
Katherine Bradford
Cristina BanBan
Hilda Palafox
Frida Kahlo
Robin F Williams
Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
Follow @theaartpodcast on Instagram
AART on Facebook
Email: theaartpodcast@gmail.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/women-unscripted--4769409/support.
Transcribed
30 SEP 2025 · Step behind the camera with Ghitta Larsen, an accomplished cinematographer and Steadicam operator, as she shares her journey through the world of film, movement, and storytelling. In this exclusive interview, Ghitta opens up about her path into cinematography, the craft of Steadicam operation, and what it takes to create visually powerful, emotionally resonant images on screen. 🎥 From on-set challenges to creative breakthroughs, Ghitta discusses:
- Her evolution as a female cinematographer in a fast-paced industry
- How Steadicam techniques bring energy and emotion to every frame
- The collaboration between directors, DPs, and camera crews
- Her insights on visual storytelling, lighting, and camera movement
- Tips for aspiring filmmakers looking to break into the industry
Whether you’re a film student, a working creative, or simply love great cinema, this episode delivers an inspiring and insightful look at the art and craft behind the lens.
📍 Keywords:Cinematography, Steadicam Operator, Film Industry, Visual Storytelling, Filmmaking Podcast, Camera Movement, Behind the Scenes, Ghitta Larsen Interview, Women in Film, Cinematographer Tips
Cinematographer and steadicam operator Ghitta Larsen whose credits include The Shop, My Kind of People, 90 Day Fiance, Meek. Ghitta was born in Sonoma, CA in 1994. She has a younger brother Anthony who is a jazz musician. Her mother Sylvia, an architect, constantly encouraged Ghitta to pursue her talents in a variety of sports. A challenge that Ghitta took seriously which resulted in her becoming a competitive swimmer at age nine. From there she discovered water polo and, in her words, became obsessed with the sport, playing for the Central Coast ODP team at Sonoma Valley High School and then Division 1 in Southern California during college at Cal State Northridge, which led to joining the Olympic Development Program. When she moved to New York Ghitta explored weightlifting and became competitive. She says she still has unfinished business in this arena but for now she is into Cross Fit, which also helps her core strength for camera work. During her sports career Ghitta studied film, graduating from the New York University's Tisch School of the Arts with a Bachelor’s Degree in Film & TV. in 2016. Her first job combined her love of filming with the sport of cross fit and since then she has widened her aperture to include music videos, shorts and TV. She enjoys thought provoking genres, including horror movies and has ambitions to explore underwater photography too, which would combine her love for swimming. Currently she is spending most of her time as a camera operator and as a DP. Ghitta lives in New York with her partner Rusmaldo Faccio.
Ghitta’s links:
https://www.ghittalarsen.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ghitta.larsen
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12820074/
Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
Follow @theaartpodcast on Instagram
AART on Facebook
Email: theaartpodcast@gmail.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/women-unscripted--4769409/support.
Transcribed
16 SEP 2025 · Step behind the camera in this intimate and inspiring interview with Barbara Nitke, acclaimed photographer and visual storyteller celebrated for her raw, emotional, and boundary-pushing work. In this episode, we explore Barbara’s creative journey—from her early days as a set photographer on film productions to becoming one of the most influential voices in fine art and human connection photography. Barbara opens up about her artistic process, the stories behind her most powerful images, and how she’s used her lens to challenge taboos and celebrate authenticity. Listeners will discover:
- How Barbara Nitke captures intimacy, vulnerability, and truth through photography
- Her evolution as an artist navigating the film and fine art worlds
- Insights on creativity, perseverance, and finding your unique voice
- The emotional and ethical dimensions of photographing real human experiences
Whether you’re a photographer, artist, or creative thinker, this conversation will leave you inspired to see the world—and yourself—through a more compassionate lens.
👉 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or YouTube to explore the art of storytelling through the eyes of Barbara Nitke. #BarbaraNitke #PhotographyPodcast #ArtistInterview #CreativeJourney #FineArtPhotography #BehindTheLens #PhotographyInspiration #VisualStorytelling
American photographer Barbara Nitke whose life has taken her from hardcore porn sets to the BDSM world and to the fashion world as her art evolves. She is as ambitious as ever expanding her many talents to currently producing her own movie American Ecstasy, which is projected to begin filming in 2026. As a vibrant septuagenarian, Barbara has widened her aperture across a career that began in the porn theaters of the 80s where she was tasked to screen more than 100 films; to the high art of the fashion industry in the reality TV show Project Runway, which she shot for 18 seasons. Barbara was born in Lynchburg, VA in 1950 the eldest of three children to Eloise “Vicky” Smiley Gregory, a meteorologist who worked for 30 years at the National Weather Service, and Paul Gervase Gregory, Jr., a WWII veteran and air traffic controller. Barbara has a younger brother, Gary Gregory, a software developer, and sister Mary Jane Gregory, a glass artist. She describes her childhood as unhappy and rebellious, constantly seeking her own independence. It was 1967 before her father disclosed an earlier marriage to the family and in 1987 she discovered that the author and sex researcher Shere Hite was her half-sister. Barbara’s family moved across the country when she was a child from Virginia to Alaska, which meant she attended a variety of schools. For college Barbara made her way to New York to study business, literature and writing at Baruch College, and photography at the International Center for Photography and School of Visual Arts. In her late 20’s she started photographing professionally and in1982, she says she found her subject on a porn set when she was given full access to be creative. Her first marriage to Herb Nitke lasted 13 years and gave her opportunities to develop her photographic skills in an unlikely world. Among her many credits are Hustlers, 2019, Monsterland, 2020, The Equalizer, 2021, The Gilded Age, 2023, Smile, 2024 and Project Runway - 225 episodes from 2004-2021. Barbara’s work has been exhibited internationally at venues including Storage APT, New York; the Hartnett Gallery at University of Rochester; One Eyed Jacks Gallery, Brighton, England; and Barristers, New Orleans. She is included in the permanent collections of the Kinsey Institute, the Finnish Museum of Photography, the Leslie-Lohman Museum, and others. Her images have been the subject of articles in numerous venues, including Office Magazine, Forbes, Dazed, Slate, Vice, Harper’s Magazine, and The New York Times. Barbara is married to Kenneth Wyban an Army Veteran and the couple divide their time between New York City and Ohio.
Barbara’s links: https://www.barbaranitke.com/
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0632987/
https://www.instagram.com/barbaranitke/
Some of Barbara’s favorite female artists:
Mary Ellen Mark
Diane Arbus
Sally Mann
Cindy Sherman
Marilyn Minter
Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
Follow @theaartpodcast on Instagram
AART on Facebook
Email: theaartpodcast@gmail.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/women-unscripted--4769409/support.
Transcribed
2 SEP 2025 · Step inside the creative world of Hannah Polskin, the multidisciplinary artist known for her iconic abstract curves, fluid line work, and a design philosophy that blurs the boundaries between fine art, furniture, and form. In this intimate interview, Hannah opens up about her artistic evolution, the energy behind her shapes, and how she’s built a thriving career that bridges painting, sculpture, and interior design. From her early influences to her bold leap into large-scale commissions and collaborations, Hannah shares the personal stories, struggles, and inspirations that shape her creative practice. Whether you’re an artist, designer, or creative thinker, this episode is a masterclass in following intuition, balancing artistry with business, and staying authentic in a world of trends.
🔎 Keywords: Hannah Polskin, multidisciplinary artist, abstract art, creative process, design inspiration, modern art, contemporary artist interview, art podcast, creativity, female artists, artist stories, studio life, creative journey
🎙️ Available on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Google Podcasts
American multidisciplinary artist and designer Hannah Polskin. Hannah combine’s fine art and design to create a freeform aesthetic that melds across each project. She is most inspired when she has free rein to take over an entire space, which includes paintings, mirrors, kitchen islands, rugs, menorahs, etc. thus creating an entire visual concept. Hannah was born in New York City in 1989, the youngest of two daughters, to parents Philippa and Howard Polskin, both of who worked in public relations. It was in this environment that Hannah became enamored with office and studios spaces surrounded by her mother’s art collection. This gave her the foundation for her ambitions in art and design so it was a natural choice for her to pursue a career in this field. She attended the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), graduating in 2007 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design. Hannah then spent nine years working in consumer insights with a Fortune 500 company, which gave her a range of skills that would help her develop her own business. In 2016, she established her own studio in Los Angeles and in 2019 held her first solo show. She describes her style as calm and serene with an energy that becomes therapy while embracing life and love. Her goal is to continue to expand her art to include other mediums such as doors, antiques, jewelry, roman coins, candles and table top sculptures. Hannah lives in Los Angeles with her husband Gil Manzuri.
Hannah’s links:
https://www.hannahpolskin.com/
https://www.instagram.com/hannahpolskinstudio
Hannah’s favorite female artists:
Meret Oppenheim (d)
Tracey Emin
Austyn Weiner
Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
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Email: hollowellstudios@gmail.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/women-unscripted--4769409/support.
Supporters Club
6 JAN 2016 · Record breaking offshore sailor Dee Caffari MBE launches The Sailing Show with a stellar line up of sportswomen. She caught up with Stacey Jackson and Katie Spithill during the Extreme Sailing Series in Sydney; and with Lizzy Foreman and Nikki Curwen fresh from the Mini Transat race. Endurance Swimmer Anna Wardley tells us what motivates her and what lies ahead, and British Powerboat Race Shelley Jory-Leigh @shelleyjory talks about her comeback after a terrifying accident.
Host: Dee Caffari
For more information, links and resources plus conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 60 hosts, 1500+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. We are ranked in the top 2% more of than 2.69 million podcasts worldwide. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at info@wispsports.com. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/women-unscripted--4769409/support.
A podcast network for women in sport and the arts.
Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
Email: hollowellstudios@gmail.com
Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
Email: hollowellstudios@gmail.com
Information
| Author | Women's Podcast Network |
| Organization | Women Unscripted |
| Categories | Sports , Arts , Visual Arts |
| Website | - |
| wispsports@gmail.com |
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