The SneakyArt Podcast

In this episode, I speak with Gabi Campanario, sketch-journalist at the Seattle Times and founder of the Urban Sketchers organization. Everyone in the urban-sketchers community knows or knows about Gabi, but often only in the role of being the founder. As I researched this episode, I realized it would be a disservice to speak to him only about this. Instead, we talk about the many intersections of art and journalism in his life. He tells me about his early interest in observational drawing, as well as the circumstances under which he came to be a journalist at a time of great change within the industry. We talk about the era of blogs, and what it was like to connect with other writers, photographers and artists on the early internet. We discuss the first USk blog, bringing together correspondents from different parts of the world. In this light, we talk about the importance of chasing one's interests to simply do things, and about the unexpected virtue of ignorance, i.e. not knowing enough to not try something. We talk about how we see the horizon today, and the vanishing point where art and storytelling meet. Follow Gabi's work on IG or visit his page on the Seattle Times. You can also follow SneakyArt on IG. For a summarized transcript of this conversation, visit here. Support this show by buying me a coffee and check out the exclusive giveaways offered to members of the podcast. The podcast also has a private FB group, where I interact with fans and solicit ideas for future episodes.

In this episode of the SneakyArt Podcast, I spoke with British artist George Butler, who makes ink/watercolor drawings of people in conflict-zones and refugee camps all over the world. His latest book (Drawn Across Borders) tells the migration stories of 12 individuals, compiled from travels over the past decade. Modern reasons for migration, legal or otherwise, include political upheaval, civil strife, proxy wars, and, increasingly, climate change. But human migration, he argues, is a basic feature of human existence, and has been so for hundreds of thousands of years. In this respect, George and I talk about the importance of sharing individual stories. I ask him about drawing scenes that are not conventionally pretty, and whether it is possible to find art in such environments. This leads to a deeper discussion about the power of illustration - what the artist puts into it and what the viewer derives from it - and thus the broader purpose of what we call art. - Follow George Butler on Instagram or visit his website to see his other work. - To support my work, buy me a coffee. Also find here a downloadable extra commentary on interesting tangents from this episode, plus exclusive membership offers. - Read a brief transcript of this conversation, on the podcast page. - *NEW* Join the SneakyArt Podcast FB Group!

I speak with Sydney-based urban-sketcher Liz Steel about the different ways she makes her art look effortless and spontaneous. Liz took a big leap of faith in her professional life - quitting a career in architecture to become a full-time artist and educator. What does she carry from her education and experience that informs her art today? How does she benefit from a regular blogging habit? And why is teaching useful for an artist keen on self-improvement? I was also interested to learn the point of view of an architect with a sketchbook, and the ways it differs from the non-architect urban sketcher. We discuss how a knowledge base helps to better appreciate the history and evolution of art in all its forms, architecture included. Links below to Liz's art and her workshops. Also check out my BuyMeACoffee page for an exclusive giveaway related to this episode! Liz Steel's website & links to her workshops | instagram Sneaky Art instagram Support this podcast and my work - Buy me a coffee Subscribe to the SneakyArt newsletter Read a transcript of this conversation here.

I speak with industrial designer Mike Daikubara about how the principles of design intersect with his passion for urban-sketching. In design it is said, form follows function. But how does that translate to art? We discuss this interplay in both directions. How does Mike's education affect his urban-sketching? How does a regular sketching practice inform his work as an industrial designer? The author Joan Didion said about writing - "I write entirely to find out what I'm thinking." Consider that if writing is the way to find out what you think, perhaps drawing is the way to learn what you find beautiful. Mike employs a philosophy of "Sketch Now, Think Later", to derive more joy from everyday life experiences, to learn what he finds beautiful, and to better communicate his ideas. It is also the title of his fantastic book on urban sketching for beginners. To catch links related to our conversation, and to read a transcript of this episode, visit www.sneakyartist.com/podcast. Follow Mike's work on Instagram Buy "Sketch Now Think Later" on Amazon Follow SneakyArt on Instagram Support this podcast and my work - Buy me a coffee Subscribe to the FREE SneakyArt newsletter

I speak with New York-based artist Sarah Nisbett, who has been sketching people on the subway for over 9 years. Her work is titled Drawn on the Way, which is an apt description for her art as well as this episode. Drawing on the subway means that Sarah is always racing against an invisible clock, because she never knows when a subject might leave. This makes her alert to inspiration, and ready to leap at a drawing opportunity. It makes her work simple yet expressive, quick yet surprisingly detailed. We talk about the value of making quick and simple drawings for the social-media soul, and the various reasons why other people should try it too. We also discuss the incredible importance of social media to the career of an artist. We discuss how crucial it is to share not only the content but also the context of one's work. Sarah and I work similarly in a lot of respects, so it was fun to go back and forth on common ideas and inspirations. If you find yourself stuck for subjects, hesitant over the blank page, or frequently foiled by your own sense of perfectionism, this episode will give you inspiration and courage. Sarah has a **new book** now available for pre-order! Check it out here. Sarah's work on IG@drawnontheway | Website SneakyArt on IG@thesneakyartist Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter Support my work, or become a member to enjoy exclusive privileges, by buying me a coffee

The purpose of this episode is to look back at previous conversations and follow the threads of commonality that weave between them. I do not try to portray unique ideas, but ideas that we all have in response to obstacles we all face. In this way, I hope that the moments I have chosen will inspire you, bring confidence, and show you a way forward in the fog of solitary, creative pursuit. I like to think that we don't suffer from a lack of ideas, as much as a lack of confidence in the ideas we have. Consider that the solutions to most problems are not unique, because our problems themselves are not unique or exclusive to us. From hearing the journeys of others, we gain confidence in ourselves. In that sense this is not a "Best of" episode. But I trust that listening to this diverse selection of guests will give you the courage to chase your ideas, big or small. If you have not heard all the episodes yet, I hope the snippets will send you back to listen to them in full. To stay abreast with SneakyArt updates and follow my journey of self-education as an artist, subscribe to my free weekly newsletter. If you enjoy this episode, consider supporting my work by buying me a cup of coffee. I just instituted new, exclusive membership privileges as well. Take a look!

I speak with Singapore-based educator and artist Paul Wang about the way he dances, using line and color, across the page. Paul finds art in the middle of urban chaos and he paints it with dramatic colors and meandering lines. His composition is informed by his education in interior design and theatre production. He tries to tell a story with every piece, and that influences every artistic decision on the page - color and line, conflict and collaboration, work and play. Paul and Suhita Shirodkar have been running the aptly-named Sketching Play Lab since March, with participants from around the world meeting over Zoom. We talk about his work as an educator and urban-sketching instructor, the different ways he encourages people to approach their art practice to find joy, as well as the things he has learned from being in the USk community. Follow Paul's work on IG or visit his website to see his art + get info on the Sketching Play Lab. To see SneakyArt, visit my website, check out my IG or Linktree. Read a transcript of this conversation and find related links on sneakyartist.com/podcast. Support my work with a cup of coffee!

I speak with Toronto-based urban-sketcher Marek Badzynski about being an impatient artist, using a fude nib fountain pen, and selling art to tourists from different countries. While both of us like to finish drawings quickly, we discuss the importance of getting started quickly. We talk about making it easier to get started on an empty page and how that is often the biggest barrier of all. It was good to reconnect with Marek after our last meeting at USk Chicago 2019. I hope you enjoy our conversation, and I would love to hear what you think of it! Find Marek's work on Instagram. You can also follow SneakyArt on Instagram or Twitter. If you liked this episode, you can now indicate your support at the cost of one cup of coffee! To read a transcript of our conversation, or catch links to related subjects, click here.

In the latest episode, I speak with traveler and urban sketcher Luis Simoes about his journey around the world. Luis quit his job as a graphic designer (in his early 30s) to backpack around the world, drawing all the interesting sights he would see. What motivates a salaried, young person to take on a life of less comfort, certain risks and constant instability? Is there really a pot of gold at the end of this rainbow? Or is the goal the journey itself? This conversation became the longest session I have recorded yet, because I had so many questions and he had so many stories. But do not be intimidated, for there is a small break in the middle - to recap and reassess before we continue with Luis' adventures. If you like this show and would like to support my work, you can now do so at the simple cost of one cup of coffee - Buy Me A Coffee! Check out the World Sketching Tour on Instagram or at www.worldsketchingtour.com. You can find my work (SneakyArt) on Instagram as well or visit www.sneakyartist.com. There will be a transcript of this episode and shownotes with links at www.sneakyartist.com/podcast.

Suhita Shirodkar, an artist and educator from San Jose, shares her dynamic approach to capturing life through swift sketches. She discusses finding artistic inspiration in fleeting moments and how regular drawing helps her evolve. Suhita emphasizes the joy of urban sketching and the emotional connection with her subjects. The conversation also touches on the power of color, the importance of community during the pandemic, and breaking down barriers in art education, promoting creativity and collaboration for all.