Creative or Dead

• A Case of Curious Creativity: Bonus episode with David and Aleesha

  In this special bonus episode, Creative or Dead hosts Aleesha Callahan and David Constantine turn the mic on themselves. The friends and collaborators reflect on their own creative journeys – from childhood instincts to circuitous career paths – and how they’ve each found space for expression, experimentation and impact across disciplines.Aleesha opens up about her accidental pivot from interior design to editorship, the vulnerability of writing, and the slow-burn joy of a long-term creative project. David shares insights from his multidisciplinary practice as a creative consultant and Chief Creative Officer, including his enduring belief in curiosity, reflection, and the value of being an astute observer.Together, they touch on themes that run through the podcast’s DNA: trusting your instincts, making space for creative percolation, the messiness of opinion, and how to build a meaningful life by connecting what you're good at, what brings joy, what pays the bills – and what the world needs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  --------  

  1:03:07

  --------

  1:03:07
• Designing death: Bonus Episode! Live at Creative Mornings with Jo Hook

  In this special bonus episode, hosts Aleesha Callahan and David Constantine step out of the studio and onto the Creative Mornings stage with Jo Hook – coach, and life designer – to talk about crossroads, creative burnout, money myths, and why designing your own death might just be the most life-affirming thing you can do.Expect laughs, some surprising existential detours, and practical gems on how to stay creatively alive (while still paying your tax return).Special thanks for Creative Mornings Melbourne, and event partner TOMS Place, Brunswick.LINKSCheck out Jo's work at jo-hook.comAnd sign up for more Creative Mornings each month at creativemornings.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  --------  

  40:26

  --------

  40:26
• Adjacent inspirations with curator Julie McLaren

  In this thought-provoking episode of Creative or Dead, hosts David Constantine and Aleesha Callahan speak with Julie McLaren, an experienced curator known for her work with the Art Gallery of Ballarat and now (hot off the press!) as Senior Curator at HOTA on the Gold Coast. Julie shares candid reflections on her journey, discussing the challenges of overcoming imposter syndrome, her deep-rooted empathy and the creative process of curating. She reveals how she finds inspiration from the natural world and from meaningful conversations with artists, as well as giving us a glimpse of her personal rituals that help her maintain focus and balance.Julie’s vulnerability in speaking about burnout, the emotional weight of curating, and her approach to storytelling through exhibitions offers listeners a rare, authentic insight into the world of curation. If you’ve ever been curious or intrigued by the intersection of empathy, creativity – and the transformative role curators play in the art world – this is for you.LINKS Sweat Dreams DJs – Julie’s side project, check it out on InstagramA source of inspiration in Hans Ulrich ObristLook up the work of Scotty So on InstagramSee the work of Sassy ParkAlso Belinda FoxOne of Julie’s final collabs at the gallery is with Ramesh Mario NithiyendrenJulie’s grandad is Ian McLaren, who’s book collection numbering at 75,000 is now at the Baillieu library in Uni MelbourneYOUR HOSTSAleesha Callahan is a design journalist, regularly contributing to Est Living, Green magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Indesignlive and Habitus, the latter of which she was the editor between 2020-2024. A storyteller and versatile freelancer, Aleesha collaborates with select brands and studios to help articulate their voice.David Constantine is a creative business builder and leader. With a career spanning branding, advertising, innovation, strategy and social impact, David has worked with arts practitioners and institutions in Australia and Internationally for more than two decades. He has delivered place identity strategy and strategic planning for many prominent Australian arts entities including the Abbotsford Convent, Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centres, Chunky Move and the Art Gallery of Ballarat. He currently sits on the board of the Art Gallery of Ballarat. David is a collector of contemporary Australian Art and has strong relationships to both artists and gallerists.CREDITSCreative or Dead was produced by Rob Heneghan. It was recorded at the State Library of Victoria. We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land where we recorded, the Wurrundjeri and Woi Wurrung People of the Kulin Nation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  --------  

  57:27

  --------

  57:27
• The three-legged saga with Jordan Fleming

  Tune in to this episode of Creative or Dead, where David Constantine and Aleesha Callahan sit down with artist and designer Jordan Fleming, who shares her journey from interior design and cabinet-making to a solo practice creating sculptural, creature-like furniture and lighting. A.K.A. The three-legged creatures you never knew you wanted!Known for her bold, surreal forms, Jordan opens up on the topic of authenticity, instinctive creation and storytelling through her work. Jordan’s creative process is truly her own, and you’ll hear how she finds inspiration in everyday observations of beauty and serendipity. The way she approaches making, while balancing practicality with artistic expression, make this episode a thought-provoking listen for anyone curious about the edges of functional art.LINKSCheck out Jordan’s websiteConnect with her on Instagram YOUR HOSTSAleesha Callahan is a design journalist, regularly contributing to Est Living, Green magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Indesignlive and Habitus, the latter of which she was the editor between 2020-2024. A storyteller and versatile freelancer, Aleesha collaborates with select brands and studios to help articulate their voice.David Constantine is a creative business builder and leader. With a career spanning branding, advertising, innovation, strategy and social impact, David has worked with arts practitioners and institutions in Australia and Internationally for more than two decades. He has delivered place identity strategy and strategic planning for many prominent Australian arts entities including the Abbotsford Convent, Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centres, Chunky Move and the Art Gallery of Ballarat. He currently sits on the board of the Art Gallery of Ballarat. David is a collector of contemporary Australian Art and has strong relationships to both artists and gallerists. David is Passionate about the power of creativity to move individuals and organisations. A chief creative officer, and executive creative director. Aspirant polymath. Former AGDA State President, AGDA National Board member. Long time educator, speaker, and mentor. Regular commentator and contributor to design media. Board Member, Art Gallery of Ballarat, Stonnington Art Advisory Board. Judge, Pause Awards, Judge GOTYA.CREDITSCreative or Dead was produced by Rob Heneghan. It was recorded at the State Library of Victoria. We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land where we recorded, the Wurrundjeri and Woi Wurrung People of the Kulin Nation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  --------  

  1:00:09

  --------

  1:00:09
• The world of six-fingered Samurais with Tom Blachford

  On this episode of Creative or Dead, David and Aleesha meet with Tom Blachford, a commercial architecture and interiors photographer and fine artist known for his bold and atmospheric works. Tom shares insights into his Midnight Modern series, which captures the surreal beauty of mid-century architecture at night in Palm Springs, as well as his recent ventures into AI-driven image creation. Known for pushing the boundaries between traditional photography and digital art, he discusses his unique approach to balancing spontaneity and structure in his creative process. He also touches on his experiences with aphantasia (the inability to visualise images in his "mind's eye"), his fascination with myths and dystopian aesthetics, and the impact of AI on the art world. This episode is for anyone interested in the future of creativity, offering a glimpse into the mind of an artist sitting smack bang at intersection of technology and art. If you’re not already familiar with Tom’s work, we highly recommend checking it out before listening in. LINKSCheck out Tom’s website and Instagram The wonderful Midnight Modern – recently on show at Compendium GalleryThe Lost Archive of Slender O’KinoshiTombo Den AI art commission – check out the Instagram page for some of Tom’s wild imagesTom’s wife Kate Ballis and her incredible workInfluorescence collab between Kate and Tom, check out hereTake a look at Nihon Noir – and Aleesha’s particular favourite, the Nakagin Capsule TowerYou can also read up on this crazy Nakagin Capsule building on Wikipedia hereYOUR HOSTSAleesha Callahan is a design journalist, regularly contributing to Est Living, Green magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Indesignlive and Habitus, the latter of which she was the editor between 2020-2024. A storyteller and versatile freelancer, Aleesha collaborates with select brands and studios to help articulate their voice.David Constantine is a creative business builder and leader. With a career spanning branding, advertising, innovation, strategy and social impact, David has worked with arts practitioners and institutions in Australia and internationally for more than two decades. He has delivered place identity strategy and strategic planning for many prominent Australian arts entities. He currently sits on the board of the Art Gallery of Ballarat. David is a collector of contemporary Australian Art and has strong relationships to both artists and gallerists.CREDITSCreative or Dead was produced by Rob Heneghan. It was recorded at the State Library of Victoria. We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land where we recorded, the Wurrundjeri and Woi Wurrung People of the Kulin Nation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  --------  

  1:02:22

  --------

  1:02:22

More Arts podcasts

Trending Arts podcasts

About Creative or Dead