The Inquisitive Artist Podcast

In this episode of The Inquisitive Artist, I’m joined by Isabel Langtry – monumental sculptor and Principal of Hampstead School of Art. We talk about what it really means to make work at public scale – not just technically, but emotionally and socially too. Isabel shares how her early experiences of moving between cultures and not quite “fitting the mould” helped shape her sensitivity towards people, and how that empathy now runs through everything she does.We explore the practical realities behind monumental work – how commissions often begin with proposals and models, how funding can take time to piece together, and why public sculpture is rarely as straightforward as it looks from the outside. Isabel describes the relationship-shift that happens when you work at architectonic sizes (including a major work for Beijing Olympic Park), and the sheer physicality involved – fabrication, transport, teams, and decision-making at scale.We also talk materials and process – bronze, steel, surface, patina, and how time and weather change a sculpture’s presence – alongside the artists who’ve influenced her. And throughout, a clear thread emerges: Isabel’s belief that art is for everybody, and that access to excellent training shouldn’t be limited to those who already have a way in. That ethos sits at the heart of her outreach and inreach work, and it’s also why she launched the London Sculpture Prize – to create more opportunities for sculptors internationally.Links mentioned in this episode* Claire Hankey – Where the Art Began podcast: * Women in Art Prize* Arch Bronze* London Sculpture PrizeCourtesy images (used with permission)Unless otherwise stated, the following images are reproduced courtesy of Hampstead School of Art (HSoA) / the artist / the photographer.Courtesy of Hampstead School of Art (HSoA)* Isabel Langtry with Pop* Hampstead School of Art (building / interior images)* Isabel Langtry unveiling Gravity (Riyadh)* Performance (Andes River, Chile)* Isabel Langtry performance (Spain)* Isabel Langtry with Morphini (Fuerteventura)* Alan Gouk (portrait)* Alan Gouk (painting)* Isabel with Fae* Isabel studio in Hampstead church* Bliss (Beijing)* Serin (Riyadh)* Fae (London)* Petals (Kidderpore Gardens)* Francisco Gazitúa (portrait – if used)* Prado Park, Chile* Tres / Brook Green, London* Isabel in the studio* Isabel drilling Gravity in Riyadh* Isabel with sculpture Gravity,Riyadh* Isabel with Petals* Maquette for Bliss* Pop (Berkeley Square) – multiple stages / angles* Petals – Majorca / in progress* Pop in two pieces* Drilling Gravity in Riyadh* Pop in progress (Hampstead studio)Courtesy of Isabel Langtry* Isabel’s parents in Lagos* Isabel performance art image(s) (Spain)* Isabel as an undergraduate (portrait)Courtesy of Inno Drinks* Inno Drinks images (product / branding)* Isabel with Yulia (Inno Drinks)Permission of the artist* Marco Paniz – Madame Gènée (London Sculpture Prize related visuals)Lindsey Tyson / personal photographs* Hampstead School of Art (photographs) – © Lindsey Tyson* Colours of the Sea (prize-winning exhibition at HSoA) – © Lindsey Tyson* Isabel and Lindsey selfie – © Lindsey TysonSumi Perera * Lindsey Tyson in front of Wednesday (Women in Art Prize) – photo © Sumi Perera* Lindsey Tyson with Sumi Perera and HSoA Trustee Wendy McKinnon – photo © Sumi PereraBarbara Hepworth (editorial / contextual reference)Barbara Hepworth images used briefly for editorial/contextual reference:* Barbara Hepworth, Mother and Child (1934). Image © Bowness / Hepworth Estate – photo: Tate.* Barbara Hepworth working on Oval Form (Trezion), St Ives (1963). Photograph: Val Wilmer – © Bowness / Hepworth Estate.Henry Moore (copyrighted)* Henry Moore, Recumbent Figure (1938). © The Henry Moore Foundation. All Rights Reserved. DACS 2025. Image credit: Tate.Source: https://contemporaryartsociety.org/objects/recumbent-figure-1938Public domain / Open Access museum imagesThe Metropolitan Museum of Art (Open Access / Public Domain)* Standing female figure, Tala-Tonalá (Jalisco, West Mexico), 300 BCE–300 CE. The Metropolitan Museum of Art – Open Access (Public Domain).Source: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/318993* Beaded figure, Yoruba artist (Nigeria), wood and glass beads. The Metropolitan Museum of Art – Open Access (Public Domain).* Twin Figure (Ibeji), Yoruba peoples (Nigeria), 19th–20th century. The Metropolitan Museum of Art – Open Access (Public Domain).Source: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/311121Wikimedia Commons / Geograph (Creative Commons)Lagos / Nigeria (1970s)* “A road in southern Nigeria from Lagos to the north – palms seen through the windshield (1970–73).” Photo: Aart Rietveld – via African Studies Centre Leiden / Wikimedia Commons.Hanging fruit* Mango fruits hanging from a tree – photo by Mihailo Gospodnetic, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mangoes_on_tree.jpgBenin Bronzes* Benin Bronze plaque (Kingdom of Benin, 16th century). Photo via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Benin_Bronzes_at_the_British_Museum_2.jpgHull docks* William Wright Dock, Kingston upon Hull – photo by Bernard Sharp, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (Geograph).Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:William_Wright_Dock,_Kingston_upon_Hull_-_geograph.org.uk_-_5049080.jpgFerens Art Gallery* Ferens Art Gallery, Queen Victoria Square, Hull – photo by Peter Church, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (Geograph).Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ferens_Art_Gallery,_Queen_Victoria_Square,_Hull_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1067215.jpg* Ferens Art Gallery, Hull – photo by Keith D, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ferens_Art_Gallery.jpgHull School of Art & Design* Hull School of Art and Design, Hull – photo by Richard Webb, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Geograph / Wikimedia Commons.Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hull_School_of_Art_and_Design_-_geograph.org.uk_-_957870.jpgStonehenge* Stonehenge – photo by Balou46, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:GB-stonehenge-06.jpgVenus of Willendorf* Venus of Willendorf (front view) – photo by MatthiasKabel, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons.Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Venus_of_Willendorf_frontview.jpgErnst Barlach* Ernst Barlach, Spaziergänger (wood sculpture) – public domain image via Wikimedia Commons.Isamu Noguchi* Isamu Noguchi (photo by Jun Miki, c. 1950–51) – Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons.Anthony Caro* Photo by Andrew Dunn (2004), depicting Anthony Caro – Dream City (1996). CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Caro_DreamCity_1996.jpgKatherine Gili* Katherine Gili in her studio (2017) – photograph by Cameron Amiri. CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Katherine_Gili_in_her_studio,_2017.jpgCentral YMCA London* “Central London YMCA, Great Russell Street” – Stephen Richards (Geograph), CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Central_London_YMCA,_Great_Russell_Street_-_geograph.org.uk_-_2649878.jpgAltab Ali Park, Whitechapel* “Altab Ali Park, Whitechapel” – Stephen McKay, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (Geograph).Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Altab_Ali_Park,_Whitechapel_-_geograph.org.uk_-_758890.jpgHammersmith Art College* “Hammersmith West London College, Talgarth Road W14” – Robin Sones (Geograph), CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hammersmith_West_London_College,_Talgarth_Road_W14_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1288255.jpgWhitechapel Gallery (Geograph)* “Whitechapel Art Gallery” – photo © Peter Trimming (Geograph), CC BY-SA 2.0.Source: https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3805303St Martin’s School of Art (building images)* St Martin’s School of Art building (historic), London – via Wikimedia Commons.* St Martin’s School of Art building (historic), London – photograph by A. Powers, via Wikimedia Commons.(Note: During the period discussed in the podcast, the institution was known as St Martin’s School of Art, later part of Central Saint Martins.)Pre-Columbian terracotta (museum Open Access)* West Mexico terracotta figures – The Metropolitan Museum of Art – Open Access (Public Domain).Source (example): https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/318993All images used briefly for editorial/educational illustration. Copyright remains with the respective rights holders. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theinquisitiveartist.substack.com

In this episode of The Inquisitive Artist, I sit down with artist Julie Bancroft to explore her profoundly personal and multidisciplinary approach to art. From burying fabrics in the earth to using natural pigments and mark-making, Julie shares how her work is shaped by emotion, materiality, and a fascination with impermanence. Join us as we discuss her creative journey, the intersection of writing, photography and textiles, and the ways she finds meaning through her craft.Julie BancroftSubstackInstagramLindsey TysonWebInstagram: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theinquisitiveartist.substack.com

Part two of my conversation with Court Spencer delves into the importance of space in curating exhibitions—how the right setting enhances the experience of art. Court shares insights into her work with venues like The Eye Room and First White Cloth Hall, as well as her approach to discovering and collaborating with artists. We also discuss open calls, networking, and what makes a great artist-curator relationship. If you're curious about the behind-the-scenes of curation, this episode is packed with valuable insights!Court SpencerWebThe Art CourtInstagramLindsey TysonWeb Instagram: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theinquisitiveartist.substack.com

In part two of my chat with Hester Berry, we dive deeper into her artistic process, her experiences on both Sky Arts Portrait and Landscape Artist of the Year – as a new mother, with a five-week old! – and how she navigates the balance between creativity and commercial success. Hester shares her thoughts on working from life versus photographs, the challenges of commissions, and the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision. We also discuss competitions, gallery representation, and the role of exhibitions in building an artist’s career. Whether you're an aspiring artist or simply fascinated by the art world, this episode offers valuable insights into the dedication and passion behind Hester’s work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theinquisitiveartist.substack.com

This is a special bonus episode for artists! If you're listening as the podcast is released, the Old Parcels Office Open Exhibition 2025 is still on – so why not check it out and experience the artwork for yourself? 15th February-9th March, 2025.In this episode of The Inquisitive Artist, I share my experience as one of three selectors for the Old Parcels Office (OPO) Open Exhibition in Scarborough. Joined by Jacqui Barrowcliffe and Paul Bonomini, we offer a behind-the-scenes look at the challenging selection process, discussing what makes artwork stand out, common mistakes artists make when applying, and how decisions are made. Whether you're an artist submitting to open exhibitions or just curious about the curation process, this episode provides valuable insights into the world of art selection.The OPOWebJacquie Barrowcliffe - Artist and OPO TrusteeWebInstagramPaul Bonomini - Sculptor and President of the London GroupWebInstagramThe London GroupLindsey Tyson - ArtistWebInstagramSally Gorham - Chair of the OPOInstagramRob Moore - Artist, Curator and OPO Trustee FacebookInstagramWatermark GalleryThe Inquisitive Artist: InstagramSpotifyApple PodcastYouTube This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theinquisitiveartist.substack.com

In this episode of The Inquisitive Artist, I’m joined by abstract artist Dan Cook to talk about his path from working in illustration to becoming a full-time painter. He shares how his background in drafting shaped his style, why he took the leap into painting, and how he makes it all work as a career.Dan dives into his process – layering oils, resins, and pastels on wood panels – and how his art has evolved over time. He chats about the balance between planning and experimentation, how childhood memories influence his work, and why he’s always pushing himself to try new things. Find Dan on:WebsiteInstagramFind Lindsey on:WebsiteInstagramFind The Inquisitive Artist on:SpotifyApple PodcastsYouTubeInstagram This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theinquisitiveartist.substack.com

In this second part of a three-part episode, I’m joined in my studio by landscape artist Kane Cunningham, whose thought-provoking work examines themes of environment, impermanence, and the human connection to place.Kane shares insights from his rich artistic journey, including his early inspirations, his time as a lecturer, and his evolution into a full-time artist painting in remote, awe-inspiring locations. We reflect on his infamous house project – an audacious artistic statement involving a bungalow on a collapsing cliff in Scarborough – and the broader philosophy that drives his creative process.The episode also delves into Kane’s personal story, including his family’s Irish roots, formative childhood experiences, and the transformative moment when he discovered art. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply curious about the life of a creative mind, this conversation offers an inspiring and heartfelt glimpse into the world of an artist redefining how we see our surroundings.Find Kane :Web: Kane CunninghamInstagram: KanecunninghamFacebook: Kane Cunningham This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theinquisitiveartist.substack.com

In part two of our discussion, we continue to dive into some deeply personal and thought-provoking topics including identity, sexuality, and social issues, as well as LGBTQ+ experiences and body politics. From her evocative self-portraits to conceptual collections, challenging societal norms or inspired by personal loss, Melody shares the stories behind her art with vulnerability and passion.Please note: the conversation includes potentially triggering discussion of sexual violence, so listener discretion is advised. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theinquisitiveartist.substack.com

In this second episode of The Inquisitive Artist, I sit down with Rob Moore – an accomplished artist, curator, and former Dean of Hull College of Art & Design. In part two of our two-part conversation, we dive deeper into Rob’s philosophies on art, the challenges and joys of teaching, and his ongoing projects. Be sure to listen to both episodes for the full story!Find Rob on: Facebook, Instagram, Watermark GalleryThe Old Parcels OfficeFind Lindsey on: Web and Instagram This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theinquisitiveartist.substack.com

The first episode is due out on January 1st at noon. I’m using this as a pre-launch test, so that on the day, there are no nasty surprises!! Wish me luck!!Subscribe to this newsletter, to be kept in the know of future episodes…If you know anyone who may be interested, please feel free to share… :) (Music – ‘Feb 17th’ by Jamie McGarry) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theinquisitiveartist.substack.com