What happens when you make an art project out of your favorite radio show?
Meet Stacy Michelson.
She’s an artist and writer who is primarily interested in food. I heard her interview with
on his Creative Pep Talk podcast a few years ago and I loved her story: she was working in a restaurant and making art on the side, sometimes drawing art for the menus or special boards, and sometimes making flyers for her friends’ bands.She loved the Good Food show on KCRW in Santa Monica1 and she decided to make an art project out of illustrating every episode of the show. She didn’t call this a self-appointed artist residency, but it certainly had all the hallmarks of one: she would listen to each episode, think about the subject, and make art about it. The she’d post it, and tag the show. This is quite possibly the first post she made for this project. Fast-forward a year and they looked more like this.
Eventually the folks at Good Food reached out and asked her if she’d like to contribute art for their next tote bag. Then they invited her on the show. And out of that project, she found her way as an artist.
I’m not trying to make a point about how to build a whole career out of an art project. I’m sharing this with you because I love the idea of being the artist-in-residence of a podcast, a TV show, a band, a magazine—anything that you love that comes out on a regular basis. It’s a nice short assignment that probably shows up regularly—weekly, monthly, twelve episodes a season, that sort of thing.
The Great British Baking Show’s about to return for the fall season. Anybody feel like drawing cakes?
Wanna draw some food? Join us!
For supporters of this newsletter, we’re about to start on a little project to be the artist-in-residence of FALL! I’m about to send out a few ideas to get us started, and I’m already posting some autumnal inspiration in a subscriber-only chat forum where we can share pictures and ideas. Leaves, trees, pumpkins, Halloween decorations, fall-themed food & drink, and even your favorite sweater you’ve been waiting to pull out—it’s all material!
It only costs a few bucks per month, and you get access to a whole archive right here. Join us!
The Bit at the End
Order signed copies of my new book, The Tree Collectors, from Broadway Books here in Portland.
Come find me on Instagram, or see paintings for sale- Right here
Order signed copies of some of my books from my husband’s bookstore, or order my books and many books I love at Bookshop.org
Take one of my online writing or art classes here
Leave a comment! I love hearing from you!
Oooh ooh! I want to be the artist-in-residence of my favorite podcast!!! Thanks, Amy!
I love this idea. In this age of AI generated content, building connection with people is going to be key and this is a fantastic, fun way to do it. Lovely work.