Episodes

  • Ep. #41: Coexist? - David Chancellor’s Vision of Wildlife and Humanity
    Sep 15 2024

    🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #41 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this powerful episode, we sit down with the acclaimed documentary photographer David Chancellor. His globally recognized work delves into the complex relationship between humans and nature, with a focus on conservation, wildlife, and the ethical implications of human intervention. About Our Guest: David Chancellor David Chancellor is a multi-award-winning photographer known for his visually arresting and thought-provoking documentary work. His photography spans continents, from the mountains of Scotland to the plains of Africa, where he explores the tensions between human activity and the natural world. Chancellor has received prestigious awards including the World Press Photo Award and Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year for his series on elephants and hunting. His projects like "Hunters", "Elephant Story"* and "A Gamekeeper's Life" have been published in National Geographic, The New York Times, and exhibited globally. In this episode, we dive into: * The intricate narratives behind "Elephant Story"—a project examining the commodification of elephants to sustain ecosystems in Zimbabwe. * The controversial and impactful "Hunters", which explores the world of trophy hunting, ethics, and conservation. * The deeply personal "A Gamekeeper’s Life", a year-long immersive project documenting the life of a Scottish gamekeeper and the balance between tradition and modern environmental challenges. Tune in to: * Explore David’s approach to long-term projects and the ethics of documentary photography. * Understand how his work provokes critical thinking around human-wildlife coexistence. * Gain insight into his personal journey as an artist committed to opening dialogue around conservation. Don't forget to: * Subscribe to our channel for more inspiring conversations with photographers and artists. * Like and share this episode to spread awareness of the intersection between photography and environmental activism. * Follow us on social media for exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes content. EPISODE LINKS: Website: www.davidchancellor.com David Chancellor’s Instagram: @chancellordavid OUTLINE: 0:00 - Coming Up 5:52 - Photography as a tool for change 14:07 - Early photography career and capturing local events 20:41 - The moment David knew photography was his life 53:05 - The making of "Elephant Story" and confronting the ethics of conservation 1:02:42 - Managing ecosystems and the commodification of wildlife 1:18:19 - Distilling complex stories into a single frame 1:34:25 - The emotional toll of documenting wildlife and conservation 1:39:29 - Hunters grappling with their internal conflicts 1:43:25 - Building trust and long-term connections with subjects 1:48:20 - The Responsibility of Documentary Photography 2:01:06 - Wrapping up and final thoughts on a lifetime in documentary photography SOCIAL: * Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast * Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast * Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast * Support us on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast #DavidChancellor #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #DocumentaryPhotography #ElephantStory #Hunters #GamekeepersLife #VisualStorytelling #Conservation #Wildlife #EthicsInPhotography #Urbanautica #nationalgeographic

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    2 hrs and 6 mins
  • Ep. #40: Soul in the Machine - Nausicaa Guila Bianchi on Photography’s Deeper Purpose
    Sep 8 2024

    🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #40 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this compelling episode, we dive deep into the creative world of Nausicaa Guila Bianchi, a documentary fine-art photographer and educator whose work transcends traditional boundaries of photography. Nausicaa’s projects span across themes of religion, death, and identity, with her artistic journey taking her from Italy to New York and beyond.


    About Our Guest: Nausicaa Guila Bianchi

    Nausicaa Guila Bianchi’s work is rooted in exploring the invisible aspects of reality, blending portraiture, visual narrative, and bookmaking. Her long-format documentary projects, such as "Ordination" and "Death is a Photograph", challenge stereotypes and investigate topics often seen as taboo. Having exhibited her work internationally and contributed to renowned publications like "The Guardian", "National Geographic", and "TIME", Nausicaa's unique approach reveals the deep connections between faith, identity, and transformation.


    Tune in to this episode to:

    * Explore Nausicaa’s journey from Italy to New York and her transition from computer science to photography.

    * Learn how Nausicaa uses photography as a tool for self-discovery and challenging societal norms.

    * Delve into her long-term documentary projects, including "Ordination", "A Lesser Geography of the Holy Land", and "Death is a Photograph".

    * Discover how Nausicaa collaborates with her subjects to explore the intersections of life, death, and spirituality.

    Don't forget to:

    * Subscribe to our channel for more conversations with leading artists and photographers.

    * Like and share this episode to inspire others with Nausicaa’s groundbreaking work.

    * Follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more.


    EPISODE LINKS:

    Nausicaa’s Website: www.giuliabianchi.com

    Nausicaa’s Instagram: @nausicaagiuliabianchi


    OUTLINE:

    0:00 - Most Replayed

    0:59 - Nausicaa’s Artistic Motivation and Philosophy

    6:49 - Transition from Computer Science to Photography

    9:36 - The Camera as a Mirror: Exploring Self and Reality

    17:55 - Facing Fear and Confronting Stereotypes Through Photography

    23:55 - Personal Struggles in Projects: Religion, Womanhood, Mortality

    29:02 - "Ordination": Documenting Women Catholic Priests

    40:08 - Collaborative Portraiture and Spirituality

    57:25 - Evolving Artistic Process: Letting Projects Take Shape

    1:04:15 - "A Lesser Geography of the Holy Land": Searching for God

    1:18:26 - Reflecting on Career Growth and Artistic Evolution

    1:24:00 - "Death is a Photograph": Exploring Mourning and Mortality

    1:35:00 - Collaborating with Subjects on Death Experiences

    1:50:00 - Death as Transformation and the Power of Analog Photography

    2:00:00 - Teaching and Passing on Knowledge in Death Education

    2:05:00 - Final Thoughts on Art, Legacy, and Spiritual Exploration


    SOCIAL:

    * Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast

    * Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast

    * Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast

    * Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast


    #NausicaaGuilaBianchi #TheUrbanautPodcast #DocumentaryPhotography #ReligiousDisobedience #PhotographyAndFaith #DeathStudies #VisualStorytelling #Urbanautica #PatrickLeeHubbard

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    2 hrs and 7 mins
  • Ep.#39: Rooted in Art - Vanessa Cowling’s South African Canvas
    Sep 1 2024

    🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #39 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this insightful episode, we explore the artistic journey of Vanessa Cowling, a South African artist-photographer whose work interweaves sustainability with photographic practice. Her dedication to the environment and unique approach to cameraless photography highlights her groundbreaking projects such as "Fixing Shadows" and her evocative series, "Shoreline."


    About Our Guest:

    Vanessa CowlingVanessa is a lecturer and practicing photographic artist based in Cape Town, South Africa. Her career spans multiple continents, having spent years in New York, London, and Edinburgh before returning to her roots. She holds a BA Honours from the Michaelis School of Fine Art (UCT), recently completed her MFA with distinction, and has been recognized with the 2023 Tierney Fellowship and the international “Blurring the Lines” competition. Her work, which also features in the 2024 Venice Biennial, interrogates the role of photography in a changing landscape, marrying her artistic endeavors with her commitment to environmental sustainability.


    Tune in to this episode to:

    * Discover Vanessa’s transformative approach to photography, from traditional practices to innovative, sustainable methods.

    * Delve into the depths of "Fixing Shadows" and "Shoreline," understanding the impact of personal loss and environmental awareness on her work.

    * Learn about the sustainable photographic garden Vanessa cultivates, emphasizing reciprocal relationships with nature.


    Don't forget to:

    * Subscribe to our channel for more episodes exploring innovative art and photography.

    * Like and share this episode to support sustainable practices in the arts.

    * Follow us on social media for updates and exclusive content from visionary artists like Vanessa.


    EPISODE LINKS:

    Vanessa's Contact: www.vanessacowling.com

    Vanessa’s Instagram: @vanessacowling


    OUTLINE:

    0:00 - Coming Up

    2:27 - Switching from Science to Art

    7:44 - Art Meets Science

    10:16 - Exploring Human Connections

    13:21 - Motivation for MFA

    17:00 - Family and Art

    19:25 - Artistic Influences

    24:40 - MFA Experience

    28:07 - Themes in Current Work

    36:37 - "Shoreline" Project Insights

    42:08 - Technology and Art

    44:07 - Art as Reflective Practice

    48:37 - Discussion on Life and Art

    50:18 - Evolution into Non-Camera Work

    1:04:06 - Photographic Composting

    1:15:28 - Influence of Local Environment on Art

    1:35:39 - Preparing for Exhibitions

    1:58:29 - Art Show Reflections and Audience Engagement


    SOCIAL:

    * Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast

    * Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast

    * Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast

    * Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast


    #VanessaCowling #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #SustainableArt #EnvironmentalArt #CameralessPhotography #VeniceBiennial #Urbanautica #SteveBisson #PatrickLeeHubbard

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    2 hrs and 8 mins
  • Ep. #38: Stones,Stories, and Slovakia - Dominika Jackuliakova’s Journey Through Art and Identity
    Aug 25 2024

    🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #38 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with the gifted Slovak photo-based artist Dominika Jackuliakova. Her work delves into the intricate layers of identity, memory, and the ever-evolving relationship between humans and their environments.


    About Our Guest:

    Dominika JackuliakovaDominika Jackuliakova’s artistic journey is deeply intertwined with the landscapes and cultural history of Slovakia. Her practice captures the delicate balance between preservation and change, particularly within communities that have been shaped by both geographical isolation and historical forces. From documenting the ongoing R2 motorway project in the Novohrad region to exploring personal and collective memory in "A History of Disappearing," Dominika’s work offers a profound commentary on the ways in which landscapes and human experiences are interconnected. Her projects, such as "Lom," examine the symbolism of stone as both a material and metaphor, adding layers of meaning to her narrative-driven photography. With exhibitions across Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and the United States, Dominika’s work continues to inspire and provoke thought.


    Tune in to this episode to:

    * Discover the inspiration and motivations behind Dominika's most compelling projects, including "R2," "A History of Disappearing," and "Lom."

    * Explore how Dominika uses photography to document and interpret the changing landscapes and cultural identity of Slovakia.

    * Gain insight into the artistic process and the challenges of capturing the invisible threads that connect people, places, and histories.


    Don't forget to:

    * Subscribe to our channel for more episodes exploring the intersections of art, photography, and cultural narratives.

    * Like and share this episode to support the appreciation of Slovak art and documentary photography.

    * Follow us on social media for updates and exclusive content from The Urbanaut Podcast.


    EPISODE LINKS:

    Dominika's Website: jackuliakova.com

    Dominika’s Instagram: @dominikajackuliakova


    OUTLINE:

    OUTLINE:

    0:00 - Coming Up

    1:46 - Introduction to Dominika Jackuliakova

    3:02 - Early Life, Artistic Background, and Influences

    16:04 - Transition from Portraiture to Conceptual Work

    19:03 - The Stone Project: Exploring Human Interaction with Material

    30:46 - "A History of Disappearing": Personal and Cultural Narratives

    39:05 - The Impact of Emigration on Slovak Identity

    47:22 - The Role of Research in Dominika’s Artistic Process

    1:02:19 - The "R2" Project: Documenting Regional Transformation

    1:22:39 - Exploring Isolation and Connection in Slovak Villages

    1:29:02 - Speed, Modernization, and Landscape Experience

    1:58:48 - Reflections on American Influence and Road Culture


    SOCIAL:

    * Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast

    * Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast

    * Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast

    * Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast


    #DominikaJackuliakova #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #SlovakArt #R2Project #LandscapePhotography #CulturalIdentity #ArtisticNarrative #Urbanautica #SteveBisson #PatrickLeeHubbard

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    2 hrs and 5 mins
  • Ep.#37: Capturing New York - Barbara Mensch on Time, Change, and the Waterfront
    Aug 18 2024

    🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #37 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this episode, we dive into the world of acclaimed New York photographer Barbara Mensch, with a special appearance from artist Claire Gilliam. Barbara shares the stories behind her powerful documentation of New York City's waterfront, including her iconic South Street Seaport project and the ambitious Tin Building restoration.


    About Our Guests:

    Barbara Mensch (@menschphoto) is known for her evocative work capturing New York's urban history, while Claire Gilliam (@cagilly) brings her expertise in fine art and photography, collaborating with Barbara on the Tin Building project.


    Tune in to this episode to:

    * Hear the incredible stories behind Barbara's photographs of the South Street Seaport.

    * Learn about the technical and artistic challenges of the Tin Building project.

    * Explore how Barbara and Claire's collaboration brought new life to historic New York.


    Don't forget to:

    * Subscribe for more engaging episodes about art and photography.

    * Like and share this episode to support the preservation of New York's history.

    * Follow us on social media for updates and exclusive content.


    EPISODE LINKS:

    Barbara's Website: www.menschphoto.com | Barbara's Instagram: @menschphoto

    Claire's Website: www.clairegilliam.com | Claire's Instagram: @cagilly

    OUTLINE:

    00:00 - Barbara’s Dangerous Encounters

    00:59 - Show Introduction

    03:24 - Barbara's Background

    07:16 - Artistic Influences

    09:46 - Shift to Photography

    12:57 - Early Projects and Challenges

    18:11 - South Street Seaport Project

    21:41 - Gaining Trust of Subjects

    24:21 - Capturing New York's Transformation

    30:48 - Tin Building Project Introduction

    35:51 - Collaborating with Claire Gilliam

    39:48 - Technical Challenges

    44:48 - Brooklyn Bridge Project

    50:51 - Impact of Urban Change

    55:01 - Modern Art Challenges

    59:48 - Tin Building Project Execution

    01:05:44 - Storyboarding and Visual Planning

    01:12:31 - Project Completion

    01:20:01 - Brooklyn Bridge Legacy

    01:25:31 - Final Thoughts on Photography

    01:33:01 - Claire’s Reflections

    01:38:56 - Closing Remarks

    01:45:01 - Episode Conclusion


    SOCIAL:

    * Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast

    * Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast

    * Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast

    * Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast


    #BarbaraMensch #ClaireGilliam #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #NewYorkHistory #SouthStreetSeaport #TinBuilding #BrooklynBridge #UrbanTransformation #ArtisticCollaboration #urbanautica #stevebisson #PatrickLeeHubbard

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    2 hrs and 6 mins
  • Ep. #36: Beyond Awareness - Photography, Pollution, and the Power of Imagery
    Aug 11 2024

    🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #36 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this thought-provoking episode, we are joined by the renowned British environmental photographer, Andy Hughes. Andy’s compelling body of work challenges the viewer to reconsider the ethical implications of environmental imagery, particularly in the context of plastic pollution.


    About Our Guest: Andy Hughes

    Andy Hughes is a visionary photographer whose work delves deep into the complexities of environmental issues, particularly focusing on the pervasive impact of plastic waste. His photography is not just a visual documentation but a critical exploration of the role that images play in raising awareness about environmental degradation. Through his lens, Andy captures the stark reality of pollution, urging us to think critically about the commodification of climate change imagery and its psychological effects on society. With decades of experience, Andy has become a prominent voice in sustainable photography, and his work continues to inspire and provoke important conversations around environmental responsibility.


    Tune in to this episode to:

    * Explore Andy’s journey from a mining town in Yorkshire to becoming a leading figure in environmental photography.

    * Dive into the ethical debates surrounding the use of climate change imagery in raising awareness.

    * Gain insight into Andy’s creative process and the narratives that shape his powerful work on plastic pollution.

    Don't forget to:

    * Subscribe to our channel for more deep dives into the world of art, photography, and environmental activism.

    * Like and share this episode to spread awareness about the importance of sustainable art practices.

    * Follow us on social media for the latest updates and exclusive content.


    EPISODE LINKS:

    Andy’s Website: www.andyhughes.net

    Andy’s Instagram: @andyhughesphotog


    **OUTLINE:**

    0:00 - Coming Up

    3:12 - Andy’s Artistic Journey: From a Mining Town in Yorkshire to Photography

    7:15 - Early Photography Experiences: Documenting the Miners’ Strike

    11:32 - The Influence of Industrial and Environmental Background on Andy’s Work

    16:40 - Exploring Themes of Environmental Degradation and the Materiality of Photography

    23:10 - Surfers Against Sewage: A Turning Point in Andy’s Career

    34:50 - The Concept of Plastic Glomerate and Early Encounters with Plastic Pollution

    39:20 - The Role of Photography in Environmental Activism: Impact vs. Awareness

    45:00 - Critiquing the “Pornography” of Climate Change Imagery

    1:02:00 - The Intersection of Art, Science, and Environmental Awareness

    1:09:15 - The Impact of the Japanese Tsunami on Environmental Photography

    1:14:30 - The Story Behind Andy’s Coca-Cola Bottle Cap Image

    1:19:40 - The Concept of Hyper-Objects and the Immeasurable Scale of Environmental Issues

    1:25:20 - Reflecting on the Global Connectivity of Pollution and Environmental Crises

    1:30:10 - Andy’s Experiences in Alaska: The Midnight Sun and Environmental Photography

    1:35:15 - The Future of Environmental Photography: Moving Beyond Awareness

    1:41:00 - Final Thoughts: Balancing Artistic Integrity with Environmental Advocacy

    1:45:30 - Conclusion: The Ongoing Journey of Environmental Photography


    SOCIAL:

    * Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast

    * Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast

    * Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast

    * Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast


    #AndyHughes #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #EnvironmentalPhotography #PlasticPollution #SustainableArt #ClimateChange #VisualActivism #urbanautica #stevebisson #PatrickLeeHubbard

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    2 hrs
  • Ep. #35: Exploring the Anthropocene: Heying’s Photographic Insights from Kansas to Paris
    Aug 4 2024

    🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #35 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this engaging episode, we sit down with the incredibly talented photographer Philip Heying. His profound work offers a deep exploration of the American Midwest and his intricate project, CODE.


    About Our Guest:

    Philip HeyingPhilip Heying is a seasoned photographer whose work is deeply influenced by the landscapes and cultural shifts of the American Midwest. His project, CODE, dissects the complexities of human perception and consciousness through photography, blending documentary style with profound philosophical insights. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, and having spent significant years in Paris and New York, Heying brings a rich and varied perspective to his art. His photographs have been featured in prestigious collections and exhibitions, reflecting a lifelong commitment to capturing the essence of his environments.


    Tune in to this episode to:

    * Explore the journey of Philip Heying’s photographic career, from his early days to his recent projects.

    * Delve into the narratives and artistic processes behind CODE and other works.

    * Understand the impact of geographical and cultural elements on Heying’s visual storytelling.


    Don't forget to:

    * Subscribe to our channel for more episodes that delve into the world of art and photography.

    * Like and share this episode to celebrate the rich tapestry of documentary photography.

    * Follow us on social media for updates and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.


    EPISODE LINKS:

    Philip's Contact: www.philipheying.com

    Philip’s Instagram: @philip_heying


    SOCIAL:

    * Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast

    * Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast

    * Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast

    * Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast

    #PhilipHeying #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #DocumentaryPhotography #AmericanMidwest #VisualNarrative #ArtisticExploration #urbanautica #stevebisson #PatrickLeeHubbard

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    2 hrs and 2 mins
  • Ep. #34: Border Stories: Nicola Moscelli’s US-Mexico Exploration
    Jul 28 2024

    🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #34 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this captivating episode, we sit down with the innovative Italian photographer and documentarist Nicola Moscelli. Nicola brings a unique perspective, blending his technical expertise as an electronic engineer with his profound passion for documentary photography. About Our Guest: Nicola Moscelli Nicola Moscelli's work explores deep cultural and historical narratives through his lens. An electronic engineer at the European Patent Office by profession, Nicola's true passion lies in his photography. His latest project, "Dead End," offers a compelling exploration of the US-Mexico border, intertwining historical and contemporary perspectives to reveal the complex socio-political landscape of the region. His work captures the stark realities and rich histories that define borderlands, making us reflect on these often-overlooked areas. Tune in to this episode to: * Discover Nicola’s transition from engineering to photography and how he merges these disciplines. * Dive into the intricate narratives and historical depths of his project "Dead End." * Understand the influence of geographical and cultural elements in shaping his documentary work. Don't forget to: * Subscribe to our channel for more episodes that delve into the world of art and photography. * Like and share this episode to celebrate the rich tapestry of documentary photography. * Follow us on social media for updates and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. EPISODE LINKS: Nicola's Contact: www.nicolamoscelli.com Nicola’s Instagram: @nicolamoscelli OUTLINE:

    0:00 - Coming Up

    0:57 - Introduction and Nicola’s Background

    3:01 - Engineering Background and its Influence on Photography

    7:55 - Transition from Engineering to Photography

    9:58 - Photographic Influences and Inspirations

    15:12 - Passion for Street Photography

    16:45 - Style Evolution and Storytelling in Photography

    20:05 - Self-Taught Techniques and Learning through Experimentation

    25:12 - Focus on Documentary Projects with Historical Context

    31:23 - Overview of Previous Projects

    42:24 - Insights into the "Dead End" Project

    51:39 - Projects in Italy and Challenges of Small Towns

    58:33 - Historical Context and Modern Implications in "Dead End"

    1:18:57 - The Artistic Process Behind "Dead End"

    1:39:25 - Advice for Aspiring Documentary Photographers

    1:49:29 - How to Connect with Nicola and Wrap-Up SOCIAL: * Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast * Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast * Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast * Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast #NicolaMoscelli #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #DocumentaryPhotography #USMexicoBorder #DeadEnd #VisualNarrative #ArtisticExploration #urbanautica #stevebisson #PatrickLeeHubbard

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    1 hr and 53 mins