noseyAF: Conversations about Art, Activism, and Social Change

In this episode, we delve into the spunky, bright, and warm world of Conny Goelz Schmitt, a renowned collage artist and sculptor whose work is deeply influenced by her rich multicultural experiences. Conny's journey spans continents, from her upbringing in Germany to her time in Taiwan and eventual settling in the United States. She seamlessly integrates elements of her diverse cultural background through her art, drawing inspiration from German artistry's meticulous attention to detail, the vibrant retro aesthetics of 1980s Taiwan, and the boundless creativity of the American pioneering spirit. Her profound connection with vintage books lies at the core of Conny's artistic expression. She shares her evolution from 2D collages to intricate 3D sculptures, experimenting with various levels of complexity and materials such as wallpaper and enamel. Despite exploring different mediums, Conny's unwavering dedication to books as her primary medium remains unwavering. For her, books serve as a conduit for time travel, bridging the past with the future and igniting a continuous stream of creative ideas. During our conversation, Conny reflects on her recent residency in Pouch Cove, delving into the projects she worked on and the inspiration she drew from the serene coastal surroundings. We explore the underlying reasons behind her choice of books as a medium and her profound attachment to them, prompting her to question the essence of her creative journey and the inexhaustible wellspring of ideas that fuels her passion.

Finally, we discuss Conny's unique perspective on cultural similarities from her immersive experiences in Germany, Taiwan, and the United States. Through her keen observations, she unveils unexpected connections that transcend geographical boundaries, highlighting the universal language of art that resonates across diverse cultures.

Conny is a joy, and I hope you enjoy this conversation!

Topics discussed: • Cultural Fusion in Art: • The Timeless Medium of Vintage Books • Exploring Creativity and Collaboration. About Conny: Conny Goelz Schmitt is a collage artist and sculptor who spent her youth in Germany, moved to Taiwan in her twenties, and relocated to the US in 1996. Having been immersed in three very different cultures, she is drawn to hard edge painting influenced by the German “attention to detail”, the retro color palette reminiscent of Taiwan in the 80s, and the very often experimental and creative pioneering spirit of Americans. Her medium of choice is almost without exception the vintage book. In Germany she studied Sinology and German Literature at Eberhard Karls University in Tuebingen. She was named Sculptor of the Year by Chief Curator of Boston University, Kate McNamara in CAA’s 69th Members’ Prize Show. In 2016, Paul C. Ha, Director of the List Visual Art Center at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, selected her work for the Best Multi Media Prize in CAA’s National Prize Show. She was awarded a fellowship to the Vermont Studio Center for 2020. Besides exhibiting at Kathryn Markel Fine Arts, New York, NY and Hidell Brooks Gallery in Charlotte, her work has been featured at Galerie Biesenbach, Cologne (Germany), the Cultural Association of Rosa Venerini, Viterbo (Italy), The Painting Center, New York, Site: Brooklyn, New York, The Danforth Art Museum, Framingham, MA, among others. Conny has a studio in Beverly, Massachusetts.

Connect with Conny Gölz Schmitt Conny’s Instagram Conny’s Website Connect with Stephanie Instagram: @stephaniegraham @noseyafpod Check out my art and projects More Episodes at noseyaf.com Leave me feedback or send me a message Support the Show! Rate and Review the show Share noseyAF with your friends

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Alex is a filmmaker in LA. Check out his work: https://www.illvillskill.com/

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Yall! Season Two is just around the corner! I'm excited and this quick little episode is just a shout out to let you know I'm still here. I'm being vulnerable and letting yall know... I missed a deadline but I'm still here!

See you soon! Season Two Starts September 3rd!

Ep 56: Choosing You: Art, Family, Community

🎨👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🤎✊🏾

"You got to choose you." - Pug Atomz, Prince of Art 😎 IFYKYK

Hey friends, welcome back to another episode of nosey AF! Today, we have an incredibly versatile Chicago artist, Pugs Atomz, on the show. Pugs is a true Renaissance man, excelling as an emcee, painter, sculptor, fashion designer, and more. In this episode, we dive deep into his multifaceted creative journey.

Episode Summary:

We start by discussing Pugs' impressive discography, which includes around 32 albums. We also explore the challenges of being a multi-talented artist and how Pugs navigates people's attempts to pigeonhole him. Pugs shares fascinating stories about his early career, including his time working at the Chicago Children's Museum and how he balanced his art with various day jobs.

Pugs reveals the importance of choosing oneself, especially as an artist. He recounts a pivotal moment when he decided to pursue his dreams over job security. We also discuss the power of community and how he founded the Nacrobats, a hip-hop crew that started in 1993 and grew to include over 200 members.

One of the highlights of our conversation is Pugs' approach to his art, which he describes as highly detailed and research-driven. Whether painting, making music, or designing fashion, Pugs emphasizes the importance of layers and details in his work.

We also discuss his latest project, "Mookie on the South Side," a multi-disciplinary work that includes paintings, installations, and an album. Pugs explains how he sees his projects as mini-movies, each with a beginning, middle, and end.

Towards the end of the episode, we delve into Pugs' style and his time as the creative director for the fashion line Iridium. He shares insights into how he plans his outfits and the importance of having a versatile wardrobe.

This episode is a treasure trove of insights and stories from one of Chicago's most dynamic artists. Whether you're an aspiring artist or just a fan of creative expression, you won't want to miss this conversation with Pugs Atomz.

Thanks for tuning in. Pugs' fashion brand, Usuwe, offers some stylish and unique pieces.

Topics discussed:

• Pugs Atomz’s Multifaceted Career: The episode explores Pugs' various artistic endeavors, including his music, painting, sculpture, and fashion design.
• The Artist's Journey: Pugs discusses his early career, challenges, and the importance of choosing oneself as an artist. He also shares insights into the power of community and his experiences with the Nacrobats.
• Pugs' Creative Process and Projects: The episode delves into Pugs' approach to his art, including his focus on detail and research. He also discusses his latest project, "Mookie on the South Side," and his style.

Pugs Atomz Bio:

Pugs Atomz is a multi-talented artist—a designer, muralist, rapper, and radio host. Inspired by his Chicago upbringing and artistic mother, he explored visual arts and music. In the 1990s, he co-founded The Nacrobats collective, releasing albums and solidifying himself in hip-hop.

After attending art school, Pugs released his debut album in 2000 and toured internationally. He documented his life as a graffiti artist through music and art installations. His social commentary led to involvement with anti-violence movements.

Pugs' international tours with DJ Vadim sparked a passion for fashion. He designed for major brands and co-founded Iridium Clothing, which attracted celebrities and cultivated young talent. He now runs his brand, Usuwe, and contributes to public art projects through co-founded initiatives.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Nas “Book of Rhymes”
• Pugs Atomz “Playing with matches “
• Meet Me At Dr. Wax Painting
• Englewood Arts Collective
• Usuwe
• Iridium Clothing
• noseyAF "Paying For Art Opportunities" (last episode I referenced)

In our conversation, I ment...