ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists
ARTMATTERS is an intimate, bi-weekly podcast featuring in-studio conversations between host Isaac Mann and professional
artists from around the world. Now in its second season with over 55 episodes, the show has become a vital resource for the
contemporary art community, exploring everything from technical practices and daily studio insights to career advice, creative
blocks, and the emotional realities of making art.
Host Isaac Mann brings both the perspective of a working artist and the curiosity of a thoughtful interviewer to each conversation,
creating a space where artists can discuss not just their techniques and influences, but also the vulnerable aspects of creative life-
hope, depression, expectation, success, and failure.
Whether exploring technical processes, relationship dynamics, or tips for a healthier practice, ARTMATTERS offers
both emerging and established artists a rare glimpse into the real experiences behind successful creative careers.
ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists
#43 with Helen Frederick
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Welcome back to ARTMATTERS: The Podcast for Artists.
My guest today is Helen Frederick, an artist whose career has spanned decades of innovation in printmaking, paper-making, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Helen earned both her BFA and MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design, and went on to found Pyramid Atlantic, a hub for contemporary printmaking, hand paper-making, and book arts.
Her work is held in over 45 international collections and has been exhibited in prestigious institutions like the Phillips Collection, MoMA Kyoto, the Whitney Museum, and many more. She has also served on numerous arts boards and panels and is a Professor Emeritus at George Mason University.
In today’s episode, We dive into Helen's experience learning papermaking in India, and how the physicality of paper and pulp play a huge role in her art to this day. We also discuss controlling production, manifesting your own materials, collaboration, overcoming limitations and daily check-ins with friends. Plus, she takes us through her pulp painting process! I had a blast talking with Helen. Her passion and perspective make this episode one you dont want to miss. This conversation will be continued on next week’s episode, Let’s jump into it!
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If you have an any questions you want answered, write in to artmatterspodcast@gmail.com
host: Isaac Mann
www.isaacmann.com
insta: @isaac.mann
guest: Helen Frederick
readingroadstudio.com
helenfrederick.com
insta: @helenfrederick
Thank you as always to ARRN, the Detroit-based artist and instrumentalist, for the music.