Artists' Tales
Artists’ Tales is a compelling podcast hosted by Heather Martin that showcases the stories behind the art. Featuring a vibrant mix of creatives - from photographers and puppeteers to authors and designers - this podcast dives deep into the emotional, social, and creative dimensions of being an artist. Each episode is a celebration of storytelling, identity, and the transformative power of artistic expression.
Whether you're an emerging artist, a seasoned creative, or simply curious about the human stories behind the canvas, Artists’ Tales offers inspiration, depth, and connection.
Episodes
62 episodes
S6, E5 Casey Orr | Portrait photographer
In this episode, we meet portrait photographer Casey Orr, whose acclaimed work explores identity, community, fashion, and youth culture across the UK. Best known for Saturday Town, her award‑winning, decade‑long project, Casey has phot...
S6, E4 Twinkle Troughton | Landscape Painter
In this episode, we hear from Twinkle Troughton, whose paintings unravel the myths woven into the English landscape. Troughton explores how ideas of “Englishness” are constructed through idyllic scenery, stately gardens, and inherited cultural ...
S6, E3 Tinsel Edwards | Mixed media artist
In this episode, we hear from Glasgow‑based artist Tinsel Edwards, whose bold, autobiographical practice spans painting, printmaking, assemblage, installation and public art interventions. Born in the Midlands and trained at Goldsmiths, Tinsel ...
S6, E2 Sabes Sugunasabesan | Photographer and mixed media artist
In this episode, we meet Sabes Sugunasabesan, a photographer and mixed media artist whose work explores identity, memory, diaspora, and the emotional legacy of the Sri Lankan civil war.Based in England and shaped by his migration from Sr...
S6, E1 The Bridge House Theatre | Fringe theatre
In this episode, we meet with Luke and Ellie from the award‑winning Bridge House Theatre, one of South East London’s most exciting Off‑West‑End venues. Based above the historic Bridge House pub, the theatre has become a vibrant creative hub kno...
S5, E12 Libro Levi Bridgeman | Writer editor and lecturer
In this episode, we meet Libro Levi Bridgeman - a non-binary writer, editor, and lecturer based in London, whose work explores gender identity, queer desire, and creative resistance. Trained at E.15 Drama School and holding a PhD in Creative an...
S5, E11 Sukhy Hullait | Storytelling photographer
In this episode, we meet Sukhy Hullait - a multi award-winning storytelling photographer based in London, whose work captures the emotional texture of everyday life. Rooted in British social documentary, Sukhy’s images explore themes of home, i...
S5, E10 E Ailish Henderson | Art textiles practitioner
In this episode, we meet Ailish Henderson, a textile artist, writer, and educator based in Tyne and Wear, whose emotionally resonant work blends stitched portrait collages, narrative textiles, and mixed media. Beginning with playful sketchbook ...
S5, E9 Jane Thakoordin | Creativity and mental health specialist and participatory artist
In this episode, we meet Jane Thakoordin -a Birmingham-based participatory artist of British and Guyanese heritage whose textile practice weaves together mental health, social justice, and co-production. Using repurposed materials and collabora...
S5, E8 Holly Searle | The Subversive Stitcher
In this episode, we meet Holly Searle - the creative force behind The Subversive Stitcher, whose textile-based practice turns embroidery into protest. Born in Central London and shaped by the “make do and mend” generation, Holly redisc...
S5, E7 Barons Court Project | Charity with an art programme for service users
This episode shines a light on Barons Court Project, a West London charity offering holistic support to people facing homelessness or mental health challenges. Director Michael Angus shares how the centre provides showers, meals, emotional care...
E5, S6 Amanda Cotton | 3D designer and artist
In this episode, we meet Amanda Cotton - a contemporary sculptor and 3D designer based at Trinity Buoy Wharf, East London. Working across ceramics, composites, and mould-making, Amanda’s practice explores identity, body image, and emotional res...
S5, E5 James Cook | Typewriter artist
In this episode, we meet James Cook - a London-based artist transforming the humble typewriter into a tool of extraordinary expression. Trained in architecture at UCL’s Bartlett School and raised in Essex, James left behind blueprints to pionee...
S5, E4 Geoff Titley | Digital media artist and photographer
In this episode, we speak with digital media artist and photographer Geoff Titley, whose thought-provoking work explores speculative landscapes and the shifting interplay between nature and technology. Blending digital photography, moving image...
S5, E3 Kirk Dunn | The Knitting Pilgrim
In this episode, we meet Canadian textile artist, actor, and writer Kirk Dunn, whose extraordinary knitted works weave together themes of faith, social justice, and human connection. Best known for Stitched Glass - a 15-year knitted tr...
S5, E2 Jacqueline Suowari | Multidisciplinary artist
In this episode, Nigerian visual artist Jacqueline Suowari shares the philosophy behind her striking ballpoint pen drawings — vast, intricate works composed of thousands of layered strokes. Blending drawing, painting, and design, Jacqueline exp...
S5, E1 Mal Wooldford and Charlotte Woolford | No Relation collaborative project
This episode features British filmmaker and photographer Mal Woolford and actor-educator Charlotte Woolford to discuss No Relation — their powerful collaborative project exploring ancestry, identity, and the legacy of transatlantic sla...
S4, E10 Holly Revell
Holly Revell is a London-based artist and photographer who specialises in LGBTQ+ performance, portraits and projects. They published 'People like us' photobook in December 2024 which explores trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming (GNC) id...
S4, E9 FIKA book and zine
FIKA book and zine is a collective of photographers who collaborate on book and zine projects. The founding members are Arun Misra, Frankie McAllister and Joanne Furniss. We talk about how the group was formed and how they support each other on...
S4, E8 Sokari
Sokari is a photographer, curator and gallery owner based in London, UK. He is a self-trained photographer and his work is driven by his passion for architecture, art, design & the human form. His artistic vision is expressed through his ph...
S4, E7 Sarah and Rakel Wienberg
Sarah and Rakel Wienburg are sisters who are visual artists focusing on water colour, sculpture and photography. They collaborate on works of art to visualise emotions and other unseen things. The episode was recorded on the 12 November 2024.
S4, E6 Alison Aye
Alison Aye is a British artist originally from North East but now based in London and creates art through stitching. She makes sewn collage from papers and fabric, calling attention to 'throw-away society' and embracing humour, popular culture ...
S4, E5 Bill Armstrong
Bill Armstrong in a photographer based in New York, USA. He is represented by Hackelbury Fine Art in London, UK. The episode was recorded on the 23 October 2024.Website: billarmstrongphoto...