The Lonely Palette

How did a spontaneous battlefield moment become America’s most famous war photograph? This story follows Joe Rosenthal’s perilous climb at Iwo Jima, the first and second flag raisings, and the image’s striking sculptural composition. It also explores wartime media strategy, the myth that the picture was staged, and the six Marines whose lives and losses lie behind the universal symbol.

"Art isn't what you see. It's what you help others see." - Edgar Degas | "Close your eyes/sometimes it helps." - Rhianna A little over ten years ago, on May 4th, 2016, I swallowed hard and hit publish on my very first episode of The Lonely Palette. I had the domain, I had the website, I had a mic and closet, and I had a dream. Public radio, someday, but for now, speak the art history lecture I'd always wanted to hear in school, the one that would remind people that artists were human beings too, and that art history and art museums weren't only for the snootiest amongst us. That first episode led to a second, and a third, and here I am, a decade later, millions of downloads under my belt, feeling that same pressure, curiosity, excitement, dread, and magic, every single day. Milestones are both arbitrary and quite useful. It matters to stop, look around, look back. And it feels good to talk, and to be listened to. So I asked my friend and colleague, Julie Shapiro, the best listener in the biz, to sit down with me and talk about art, craft, the changing industry, failure, and success. Ten years of making a show entirely by myself - and entirely for the love of it. Enjoy. Music used: The Blue Dot Sessions, "Helado," "Red City Theme," "Paper Feather" Haas, Kowert, Tice, "The Decade" Support the show by becoming a patron or by just sending us a tip.

"The deeper you go, the less indulgent it will be.” - Helena's stickie note Helena De Groot is an audio maker, but, really, she’s an audio artist. Her series, Creation Myth, just dropped in full as part of the CBC’s show, Personally. Personally is about the most personal experiences that audio makers that probe within themselves, laying themselves bare, for our benefit, as the best memoirs do. Creation Myth is, ostensibly, about the question whether or not to have kids. But as you’ll hear, both in listening to the series, and to my conversation with Helena today, it’s about craft and memoir, parenting yourself and parenting others, care and compassion. It’s a masterclass in the creative process itself - that is, creating. Creating life, both your own and another person’s. Creating stories. And creating art that reaches people, sometimes in surprising places. Music used: The Blue Dot Sessions, "Aourourou," "Lina My Queen," "On Top of It" Episode webpage Support the show by becoming a patron or by just sending us a tip.

Earlier this year, I had a really, really great conversation with Dr. Lara Ayad, host of the podcast The Cheeky Scholar - and I'm proud to share it today. We cast our net really wide, talking at first about the role of artists in society, my favorite museums, but then we got into it. We got into it. Because Lara and I are both, in the parlance of the moment, free speech bros. And if you’re going to be a good artist, or a good art critic, you can’t be afraid of censorship, and you sure as hell can’t practice it. Lara and I talk everything from Anselm Kiefer to Dr. Seuss, and what we came to realize is this: you have to open your mouth. You have to look at world with open eyes and an open mind. And nothing shuts all those things – mouth, eyes, and mind – more than fear. Fear of offending. Fear of saying the wrong thing even when you’re trying to say the right thing. Or fear that full-on disagreeing will put the whole of your values, your entire moral compass, in question. What will people think of me? Am I still allowed in the club? Am I still a good person? Full disclosure: it’s this fear, and these questions, that made me almost not share this conversation. But that’s nuts. And when you listen, you’ll hear why. Freedom of speech is one of the most foundational tenets we have in a liberal society – and this has always been the case, regardless of who had the cultural power to cancel whom.Support the show by becoming a patron or by just sending us a tip.

It's September, and time to get back to work. That means defending public radio against federal defunding, exploring its core values, and taking an honest look at how we got here. I'm proud to share this conversation between my Hub & Spoke colleague Erica Heilman, host of the exquisite and unflinching Rumble Strip, and her buddy Jay Allison, founder of Transom, producer of The Moth Radio Hour, and generally one of the most stalwart producers in the industry, about why public radio matters.Episode webpage.Support the show by becoming a patron or by just sending us a tip.

Modern art can feel daunting, but this discussion invites a fresh perspective. Famous works by artists like Cézanne and Picasso challenge listeners to connect emotionally with abstract expression. The evolution of art is explored, illustrating how it shifted from strict representation to personal interpretation. The unique power of Rothko's vibrant colors resonates deeply, revealing how our own experiences influence our understanding of art. Ultimately, this journey encourages everyone to find meaning, even amidst chaos.

Betsy Wiesman, the head of Northern European Paintings at the National Gallery of Art, dives into the fascinating world of art curation. She encourages listeners to engage deeply with artworks, revealing how a painting tells stories that resonate through time. The podcast explores the relationship between art and society, highlighting personal interpretations and emotional journeys. Betsy shares her intimate connection to 'The Rest on the Flight into Egypt,' making a case for the beauty and significance of observing art closely.

Dive into the transformative power of art through personal experiences at a museum. Discover how emotions and details enhance connections to artwork. Explore the critical role of staff in making the art world more accessible and welcoming. Learn about the impact of social media in bridging the gap between fine art and the public. Experience the difference between viewing art in person versus reproductions, and how that shapes lasting memories and appreciation. This exploration invites you to look longer and deeper at every piece.

Bernard Avishai, a Dartmouth professor and writer, discusses the iconic work of Norman Rockwell, shedding light on the artist's exploration of American ideals. The conversation dives into the significance of 'Freedom of Speech', linking personal freedom to community values. Avishai reflects on how Rockwell’s nostalgic portrayals resonate emotionally, while also critiquing their simplistic beauty in light of contemporary issues, such as racial inequality and civic engagement. Discover how art can challenge us to confront societal dynamics and uphold fundamental freedoms.

"Walter, let's go for a walk."  - Judith Wechsler, in the arcades of Paris.Professor Judith Wechsler is an art historian, filmmaker, writer, researcher, Francophile, and leading expert on Paul Cezanne and Honoré Daumier. She’s the daughter of a major religious philosopher. Her resume reads like a who’s who of 20th century art historians – Meyer Shapiro, Linda Nochlin, Leo Steinberg, Gershom Sholem. Her films tell the story of 20th century Europe, image by image.She was also my grad school advisor. And she’s now a dear friend. Hers is the voice that lingers in my head, reminding me to show my work. Her background in dance and filmmaking speak to someone who, like me, sees art and art history as something that can be understood not just academically, but creatively, and interpreted creatively. You just need to make sure there’s a net below that cliff to catch you.We all have a mentor, and Judith is mine. This conversation is deeply personal. It’s the story of a student, and her teacher, and the questions and answers that craft our journeys.Episode webpageMusic used:The Blue Dot Sessions, "A Little Powder," "Basketliner"Support the show by becoming a patron or by just sending us a tip.