AART

Can photographs of the natural world help create spaces of hope, comfort and healing? 

In this episode of the AART Podcast, host Chris Stafford speaks with Sacramento-based American wildlife photographer and architect Beth Young, whose luminous images bring the restorative beauty of nature into healthcare and residential environments throughout California.

Beth’s photography can be found in hospitals, cancer centers, psychiatric facilities and elder care communities, where her images offer patients, families, residents and caregivers a meaningful connection to the natural world. Using bright colors, warm light and uplifting compositions, she creates photographs designed to evoke hope, healing, renewal and a sense of calm.

During the conversation, Beth shares how her background in architecture influences the way she sees and photographs the landscape. Her understanding of space, light, design and the emotional experience of the built environment gives her a distinctive perspective on where art belongs—and how carefully chosen images can transform the atmosphere of a room.

Beth discusses her approach to wildlife and nature photography, from observing the rhythms of the landscape to waiting for the light, color and composition that bring an image to life. Rather than simply documenting a place or animal, she seeks to capture the feeling of being immersed in nature: a moment of wonder, stillness or possibility that viewers can return to when they need it most.

Chris and Beth also explore the growing recognition of art and nature as important elements of healing environments. For someone undergoing cancer treatment, receiving psychiatric care, living in an elder care community or supporting a loved one through illness, access to the outdoors may be limited. Beth’s photographs can provide a visual pathway into nature, inviting viewers to pause, breathe and experience a sense of connection beyond the walls around them.

The episode considers the meeting point between art, architecture, healthcare and human wellbeing. Beth explains how an image intended for a hospital or therapeutic setting requires sensitivity to its audience and surroundings. Color, subject, scale and mood all matter when the goal is not only to decorate a space but also to support the people who spend time there.

This thoughtful conversation reveals how wildlife photography can become more than a record of the natural world. In Beth Young’s hands, it becomes an expression of optimism and a source of emotional refuge—bringing the warmth of sunlight, the vitality of color and the resilience of nature into places where they can have a profound impact.

Listen to discover how Beth developed her artistic vision, how architecture continues to shape her photography and why she believes the beauty of the natural world can help us reconnect with hope.

Some of Beth’s favorite female artists:
Julia Morgan (d) (architect)
Vivian Maier (d) (photographer)
Karen Waller (contemporary photographer) 

Dinner party guests:
Julia Morgan V
ivian Maier
Karen Waller
Steven King
Annika Ailles
Louis Kahn 

Beth’s links:
https://www.optimalfocusphotography.com/
https://substack.com/@optimalfocus 
https://www.instagram.com/optimal_focus/

AART is part of the Women Unscripted Podcast Network, produced by Hollowell Studios. Hosted by journalist and broadcaster Chris Stafford, the podcast features intimate conversations with women artists about their lives, careers, creative practices, challenges and achievements.
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Hollowell Studios Production
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com/podcasts
Instagram: @theaartpodcast 
Email: theaartpodcast@gmail.com
© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell Studios
All Rights Reserved

Multi-award-winning British Production Designer and Set Decorator Alison Harvey joins Chris to share the story of her life and an extraordinary career spent creating some of the most memorable worlds in British film and television.

Over more than two decades, Alison has built a remarkable career across the art departments of television series and major motion pictures, progressing through a profession in which experience, instinct, imagination and an extraordinary eye for detail all play their part. Her credits span everything from British television to some of the biggest international film productions, but her journey is also the story of how a creative career develops — one job, one opportunity and one relationship at a time.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Alison takes Chris back to the beginning, reflecting on her early life, the influences that shaped her creative instincts and how she first found her way into film and television. From those formative experiences came a career that would see her work her way through the art department, learning the craft from the inside and collaborating with some of the industry's leading designers and filmmakers.

Her early credits included work as a design assistant on EastEnders, followed by roles as an art director, production buyer, set decorator and eventually production designer. Along the way came an extraordinary collection of films and television productions including Atonement, Sherlock Holmes, Hanna, Anna Karenina, Gravity, Edge of Tomorrow, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Hellboy, Benediction and Tetris.

But it is Alison's work on the acclaimed Netflix series The Crown that has brought some of the greatest recognition of her career. As Set Decorator across all six seasons, Alison helped create the extraordinarily detailed visual world surrounding the British Royal Family, spanning decades of changing history, personalities, homes, fashions and political landscapes. The work brought Alison international recognition and multiple major industry honors. She won Primetime Emmy Awards for The Crown in 2020 for the episode Aberfan and again in 2024 for the series finale Sleep, Dearie Sleep, alongside further Emmy nominations in 2018 and 2021. Her work has also received recognition from BAFTA, the Art Directors Guild, the Royal Television Society and the British Film Designers Guild.

Alison talks about recreating a world that audiences already feel they know. Her career has also brought opportunities to work alongside some of the most respected names in production design and set decoration, including Martin Childs, Celia Bobak, Sarah Greenwood, Katie Spencer, Dante Ferretti, Francesca Lo Schiavo, Paul Kirby and Valentina Mladenova.

Now Alison has reached another significant chapter in that journey, stepping into the role of Production Designer on Goodbye June, the feature film directed by Kate Winslet. The project marks an important point in a career that has evolved continuously — from assisting and buying to art direction, set decoration and production design.

Throughout this episode of AART, Chris and Alison explore much more than a list of film credits. They talk about the experiences behind them: the choices and opportunities that shaped Alison's path, the people she learned from, the pressures and pleasures of working in film and television, collaboration, leadership, creativity and what she has discovered about herself during a career spent largely behind the camera.

It's the story of a woman who has spent much of her professional life creating the worlds in which other people's stories unfold — and the life and career behind those worlds. Alison Harvey: A Life Designing for Film & Television is a conversation about creativity, perseverance, collaboration and the unpredictable journey of building a life in the film industry.

Join Chris Stafford for this episode of AART, where the conversation goes beyond the work to discover the life, experiences and stories of the woman behind it.

Alison’s website: https://alisonharvey.co.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvey_alison/

Some of Alison’s favorite female artists:
Cornelia Parker
Eileen Agar
Barbara Hepworth
Lucie Rie
Susan Halls 

Alison’s Dinner Party Guests:
Barbara Kruger
Barbara Kingsolver
Barbara Hepworth 
Barbara Castle
Barbara Hulanicki
Barbara Streisand 

Keywords: Alison Harvey, Alison Harvey Production Designer, Alison Harvey The Crown, Alison Harvey interview, Alison Harvey podcast, British Production Designer, British Set Decorator, The Crown Set Decorator, The Crown Production Design, The Crown Behind the Scenes, Emmy Winning Production Design, Emmy Winning Set Decorator, Women in Film, Women in Television, Female Production Designer, Production Designer Interview, Set Decorator Interview, Film Art Department, British Film Industry, British Television, Film Careers, Production Design Career, Set Decoration, Atonement, Sherlock Holmes, Anna Karenina, Gravity, Edge of Tomorrow, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Hellboy, Tetris, Benediction, Goodbye June, Kate Winslet, Netflix The Crown, Martin Childs, Film and Television Podcast, Behind the Scenes Film, Art Department, Creative Careers, Chris Stafford, AART Podcast, Women Unscripted, Hollowell Studios

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.

Hollowell Studios Production
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com/podcasts
Instagram: @theaartpodcast 
Email: theaartpodcast@gmail.com
© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell Studios
All Rights Reserved

Every career has a beginning, and every creative journey is shaped by moments of curiosity, courage, and unexpected opportunity. 

In this episode of AART host Chris Stafford sits down with American cinematographer Sharra Romany for a thoughtful conversation about the experiences that led her behind the camera and the people, places, and moments that have influenced her career. Rather than focusing on the technical side of filmmaking, Chris explores the personal story behind the artist. Sharra reflects on her early interests, the decisions that shaped her professional path, the challenges she has faced, and the experiences that have strengthened her confidence and creative voice. It's an honest conversation about perseverance, finding your place in a competitive industry, and continuing to grow as both an artist and a person.

Together, Chris and Sharra discuss the importance of relationships and collaboration, the lessons learned from working with others, and how every project contributes to a larger journey. Along the way, Sharra shares stories from her career, reflects on what inspires her today, and offers encouragement for anyone pursuing a creative life.

One of the hallmarks of Chris Stafford's interviews is creating space for guests to tell the stories that rarely make it into traditional industry conversations. This episode is no exception. Instead of simply celebrating accomplishments, it explores the experiences, setbacks, and defining moments that have shaped Sharra Romany into the cinematographer and storyteller she is today.

Whether you're passionate about film, inspired by creative careers, or simply enjoy hearing authentic conversations with remarkable women, this episode offers an engaging and personal look at one artist's path through the world of cinema.

In this episode, you'll hear about:
• Sharra Romany's early life and creative influences
• The journey that led her into cinematography
• Building a career in the film industry
• The people and experiences that shaped her along the way
• Finding confidence through challenges and change
• Why storytelling continues to inspire her work

Sharra’s links:
http://www.sharraromany.com/ 
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1638834/?ref_=fn_t_1 
https://www.instagram.com/sharraromany/

Sharra’s dinner party guests are her family.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.

Hollowell Studios Production
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com/podcasts
Instagram: @theaartpodcast 
Email: theaartpodcast@gmail.com
© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell Studios
All Rights Reserved

On this episode of AART,  Chris welcomes Australian-born classical realist painter Hannah Sutton, whose artistic journey has taken her from her family's farm near Melbourne to the heart of Florence, Italy—the birthplace of the Renaissance. Working in one of the world's most influential artistic cities, Hannah has immersed herself in the centuries-old traditions of drawing and painting, embracing the discipline, craftsmanship, and technical excellence that define Classical Realism.  In this engaging conversation, Hannah shares why she chose to dedicate her career to mastering traditional painting techniques in an age dominated by contemporary art. 

Chris and Hannah explore what it means to become a contemporary realist painter while honoring artistic traditions that have shaped Western art for centuries. Hannah reflects on the creative challenges of relocating internationally, building a career in Florence, and finding her own artistic voice while learning from the masterpieces that surround her every day.

Whether you're an artist, art student, collector, educator, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful painting, this episode offers a fascinating look into the dedication behind representational art and the enduring relevance of classical techniques in today's creative world. Throughout the interview, Hannah also discusses her passion for preserving traditional skills while creating deeply personal contemporary work provides inspiration for emerging artists and art lovers alike.

AART celebrates the stories of women whose creativity shapes the visual arts. Through thoughtful conversations, Chris Stafford brings listeners behind the canvas to discover the journeys, inspirations, and experiences that define today's artists.

If you enjoy conversations about painting, fine art, creativity, contemporary realism, and the traditions of the Renaissance, be sure to subscribe for more interviews with artists from around the world.

Hannah's website: https://hannahsutton.art/
Social media links:
 https://www.instagram.com/hannahsutton/
https://www.facebook.com/hannahsuttonart/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-sutton-74944348/ 

Some of Hannah's favorite female artists:
Daniela Astone (one of my teachers)
Clara Southern (Australian Impressionist, 19th century)
Mary Tonkin (Australian Landscape Artist - contemporary) 

Hannah's dinner party guests:
Alan Watts
Sister Wendy
Salvadore Dali
Claude Monet
Ernest Shackelton
Clarissa Pinkola Estés 

Keywords: Hannah Sutton, Hannah Sutton artist, Hannah Sutton painter, Australian artist, Australian painter, Florence artist, Florence painter, Classical Realism, Classical Realist painter, realist painting, realism art, contemporary realism, traditional painting, oil painting, fine art, Renaissance art, Old Masters, atelier training, Florence Academy, representational art, figurative painting, portrait painting, still life painting, painting techniques, women artists, women painters, art podcast, artist interview, creative process, Chris Stafford, AART podcast, Women Unscripted Podcast Network, Hollowell Studios, visual arts podcast, painting education, drawing from life, artistic journey, Renaissance techniques, Florence Italy artist, contemporary painter.

Hashtags: #HannahSutton #ClassicalRealism #FineArt #OilPainting #Florence #AustralianArtist #ArtistInterview #Painting #Realism #ContemporaryArt #WomenArtists #AARTPodcast #ChrisStafford #WomenUnscripted #VisualArts #RenaissanceArt #CreativeJourney #ArtistLife #RepresentationalArt #PodcastInterview

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.

Hollowell Studios Production
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com/podcasts
Instagram: @theaartpodcast 
Email: theaartpodcast@gmail.com
© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell Studios
All Rights Reserved

On this episode,  Chris welcomes acclaimed American abstract artist Galen Cheney for an insightful conversation about creativity, artistic exploration, and the evolving language of contemporary abstract painting. Known for her vibrant, expressive works and fearless approach to experimentation, Galen Cheney has built a distinguished career creating paintings that balance intuition, movement, color, and emotion. Her work invites viewers into a visual dialogue where meaning emerges through process, gesture, and personal interpretation rather than representation alone.
In this engaging discussion, Galen shares her artistic journey, the experiences that shaped her creative voice, and how abstraction allows her to explore ideas that cannot always be expressed through words. She discusses the role of curiosity in her studio practice, the challenges and rewards of maintaining a long-term creative career, and how embracing uncertainty often leads to artistic breakthroughs.

Whether you're an artist, collector, student, or simply fascinated by the creative process, this episode offers a compelling look inside the mind of one of today's accomplished abstract painters. Galen Cheney's thoughtful reflections on creativity, artistic growth, and the pursuit of authentic expression provide inspiration for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of contemporary art.

AART is the podcast where host Chris Stafford engages in meaningful conversations with artists, creators, and cultural voices from around the world, exploring the stories, challenges, and inspirations behind their work.

Subscribe to AART for more conversations with leading artists, painters, photographers, sculptors, filmmakers, and creative innovators shaping today's artistic landscape. 

Galen’s website: https://www.galencheney.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galenwcheney/

Some of Galen’s favorite female artists:
Joan Snyder
Pat Steir
Julie Mehretu
Amy Sillman
Charlene von Heyl
Cecily Brown
Marie Thiebault
Terry Ekasala
Kim Manfredi
Deborah Dancy
Mie Yim
Astrid Dick 

Galen’s dinner party guests:
Joan Mitchell
Grace Hartigan
Helen Frankenthaler
Lee Krasner
Elaine De Koonig
Artemisia Gentileschi

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Galen Cheney, Galen Cheney artist, abstract artist, American abstract artist, contemporary abstract art, abstract painting, contemporary painter, modern art, fine art podcast, artist interview, creative process, abstract expressionism, contemporary painting, women artists, visual arts, painting techniques, studio practice, color theory, intuitive painting, expressive painting, contemporary artist interview, art podcast, AART podcast, Chris Stafford, Women Unscripted Podcast Network, abstract art inspiration, professional artist, fine art collector, modern painter, creative journey, artistic process, contemporary art conversation, American painter, visual artist, creativity and art, contemporary art world. 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.

Hollowell Studios Production
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com/podcasts
Instagram: @theaartpodcast 
Email: theaartpodcast@gmail.com
© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell Studios
All Rights Reserved