Blockhead is a pseudonym invented by Chris Skeene in 2012 as a way to explore the thriving free art scene in Atlanta. Blockheads started as small figures with magnets on the backs of their heads that were hidden all over the world for people to find and keep. Inspired by his collection of Pez dispensers and blind box art toys (such as figures by Bearbrick or Kidrobot), Chris uses blockheads to bring variety to the repetition of a singular form. Though much of the inspiration for his work are from machine-made items, blockheads are each hand-carved and painted, thereby highlighting the individuality and uniqueness of each piece. Each blockhead starts from the same shape and is either has material added to or subtracted from it. Chris also extends the unique nature of the figures by inviting collaborators to bring their own styles to the blank canvas of a carved blockhead. Chris believes that there are infinite possibilities when using a blockhead as a canvas and enjoys the experience of letting others experiment with his shape. Chris was born in Irving, TX and spent most of his childhood in Lakeland, FL. After pursuing and abandoning a business degree from the University of Florida, Chris graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design (’06) with a BFA in photography. He moved to Atlanta, Georgia, in 2007, and immediately fell in love with the city. Learn more about Blockhead at @blockhead_atl Online at https://www.blockheadatl.com

Maija Ehlinger is the co-founder of Atlanta Micro Theater, a group dedicated to showcasing original one-act plays written, directed, and performed by Southern-based creatives. As well as co-founding the organization, Maija also wrote and directed one of the inaugural performances. Maija came onto the podcast to talk about her background as a writer and journalist inspired by data-driven journalism. With a keen understanding of her passion for writing from a remarkably young age, Maija’s education and career have led her from Southern California to Atlanta, Georgia (and all over the world) to pursue both fiction and non-fiction writing with an emphasis on writing for the screen. Maija is also the co-founder of Film Pitch ATL, an organization that brings local indie filmmakers together to present their ideas to an audience of enthusiasts, investors, and peers.  The next installment of Film Pitch ATL takes place on August 28th.  The next Atlanta Micro Theater takes place on September 7th.  Learn more about Atlanta Micro Theater at www.atlantamicrotheater.com

Bonnie Casamassima is the Principal and Founder of Interweave People Place, an interior design firm focused on biophilic design, which “seeks to incorporate the science behind the benefits we experience while in nature into the interior spaces we inhabit each day.” Bonnie focuses on guiding clients through the process of understanding how their spaces can be designed to enhance their psychological and biological well-being to support their organizational goals and intentional quality of life. She is also an adjunct professor of Interior Design at SCAD.  Bonnie joined us to talk about her career and mission behind starting Interweave, as well as walking through the work behind biophilic design and its applications to our well-being, using practical design examples. The conversation led to a better understanding of the need behind intentional design, and Bonnie also provided some practical interior design tips that anyone can use to enhance their space without breaking the bank. Learn more about Interweave People Place at www.interweavepeopleplace.com

Shannon Green and Christy Petterson met in 2004 at a craft and vintage market in Grant Park, exchanged a necklace for a piece of handmade clothing, and created a bond that has lasted 15 years and counting. Shannon and Christy founded Indie Craft Experience in 2005 with a goal of giving consumers an opportunity to buy directly from artists, while also giving artists an opportunity to sell their creations. Indie Craft Experience hosts several craft and vintage markets throughout the year, with their Holiday Shopping Spectacular each November being the biggest and most well-attended. Along with markets, Shannon and Christy have worked to expand the Indie Craft brand to include workshops, retreats (they are going to the Oregon Coast and Oaxaca this year), and summer camps. With Indie Craft Experience celebrating its 15th birthday this year, Shannon and Christy join Parsa behind the mic to talk about Indie Craft’s history, as well as all things exciting coming in the future.  Learn more about Indie Craft Experience at www.ice-atlanta.com  Find Indie Craft Experience on Instagram at @iceatlanta

Lela Brunet is an Atlanta based visual artist. With her main subject being the female form, Lela “explores the contrast created when the grace of the figure and the tension of energetic patterns and colors collide together. Lela’s work explores this visual battlefield of pattern, color, and form.” She works in a variety of media including murals, painting, drawing, and design. She has exhibited her work and murals in multiple galleries and events throughout the United States and internationally. In her own words, Lela is a “devoted mother, loving wie, and insanely dedicated artist. That should go on my gravestone.” Lela joined us to talk about her work, as well as her dual role as a new mother and working artist. We also talked murals, collaborations, commissions, and more (and had a great time doing it).  Learn more about Lela at http://www.lelabrunet.com/ Find Lela on Instagram at @lelabrunetart

Karen Anderson is the founder of Tiny Doors ATL. In her own words, “Tiny Doors ATL is an Atlanta-based art project bringing big wonder to tiny spaces.” Karen founded Tiny Doors in the summer of 2014 with Atlanta native Sarah Meng. Tiny Doors ATL installs 6 to 7-inch tall doors throughout the city. Each door is designed to look and feel like the surrounding neighborhood’s architecture and community spirit. As Tiny Doors ATL approaches its fifth year anniversary, Karen took time out of her increasingly productive schedule to talk through her personal journey as well as the journey of Tiny Doors, which now includes 16 numbered and mapped doors (which are all free and wheelchair accessible), as well as numerous commissions.  Learn more about Tiny Doors ATL at https://tinydoorsatl.com/ Find Tiny Doors on Instagram at @tinydoorsatl

In this episode, we sit down once again with Meredith Howard, founder of The Streets Magazine, after the release party for the 2018 print edition of The Streets. Meredith joined us at a table in the middle of the Atlanta Photography Group gallery space where The Streets’ print show was being exhibited last November. We talk about the 2018 print edition, as well as the various artists and works featured in the magazine. We even take some time to walk around the gallery and spend some time talking about select pieces up close. For this episode, we were joined by local photographer and videographer Kevin Fuentes, also featured in the magazine, to film the entire interview. This podcast features all of the audio from the interview minus the gallery walk-through. Check back on our website or Instagram for an announcement of when we release the full video of our interview and gallery walk-through with Meredith Howard, which is coming out very soon! Learn more about The Streets Magazine at www.thestreetsmag.com Find The Streets on Instagram at @thestreetsmagazine

Ben Getz is the founder and host of the popular Atlanta Foodcast, a podcast focused on highlighting Atlanta’s incredible food scene through interviews with chefs, restaurant owners, and other people working to make Atlanta a great food city. Ben helped Corrigan and I get the ShowATL Podcast off the ground last year, and as the Atlanta Foodcast turns 1 year old and passes the 50 episode mark, Ben joins us yet again to chat about all things food in Atlanta. Ben also shares some of his personal story, from his evolving relationship with food, to the starting and growing of the Atlanta Foodcast.  Listen to The Atlanta Foodcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.  Learn more about Ben and the Atlanta Foodcast at www.atlfoodcast.com Find The Atlanta Foodcast on Instagram at @atlfoodcast

Jeff Dake and Jamey Adams are 2 of the 5 co-founders of Arches Brewing in Hapeville, Georgia. As a lager-focused brewery, Arches is committed to bringing classic European styles to the modern American craft market. Arches is so dedicated to the quality of their craft that they drilled a 400+ foot well on premises to be able to get water from the headwaters of the Flint River, which they can then manipulate to match the water style needed for the particular beer being brewed. Jeff and Jamey, both chemists, have been brewing together for over 13 years. At Arches, Jamey guides the whole business, working on beer development, long term planning, and the direction of the brewery. Jeff does the lab work to ensure the health and viability of the yeast and progress of each batch. They joined us prior to their 3-year anniversary celebration to talk about the process of starting Arches Brewing, why they focus on lager beers, and even go into depth on some of the process behind what it takes to brew some of their beer. Arches beer was consumed while taping, so this was a fun episode.  Learn more about Arches at https://www.archesbrewing.com/  Find them on Instagram at @archesbrewing

Nate Damen, otherwise known by his character name of ATLTVHead, is an Atlanta native and Georgia Tech graduate who sees the problems within society, work structure, and our relationship with technology. As ATLTVHead, Nate wears a custom retrofitted 1960’s RCA Victor television set on his head and walks the Beltline to create interactive experiences with people. In Nate’s own words, “ATLTVHead is an online and offline connected experience. The project strives to better explore our technological habits, to use technology to connect us on a empathetic/physical level, and a reminder that having fun is not just something we do as kids, but crucial to as adults as well.” Nate talked to us about his journey with creating ATLTVHead, how you can tune in to watch Nate’s livestream of ATLTVHead every Friday at 5:30pm EST, and even brought the TV helmet in to explain the functionality and let us play around with it.  Find out more about Nate and ATLTVHead at https://www.natedamen.com/atltvhead, or go to https://www.twitch.tv/atltvhead every Friday at 5:30pm EST to watch Nate’s live stream.  Find ATLTVHead on Instagram at @atltvhead

Kevin Tucker is the High Museum of Art’s Chief Curator. With more than two decades of curatorial and museum leadership experience, he directs the High’s curatorial program and oversees interpretation, research, and development of the collections. In addition, he works with the executive staff and across curatorial departments to develop plans for permanent collection installations and to organize an ambitious schedule of special exhibitions. Kevin sat down with us in his office to talk about his impressive career journey, the role of a curator of the arts in today’s increasingly information-rich and attention-poor society, as well as the growing number of opportunities the High Museum is providing the public to engage with the arts. We also spoke on the reinstallation of the High’s permanent collection, the success of the Yayoi Kusama “Infinity Mirrors” exhibit, and the upcoming “European Masterworks: The Phillips Collection” exhibit, which will open on April 6th and run through July 14th.  Learn more about Kevin and the High Museum at www.high.org Find The High Museum of Arts on Instagram at @highmuseumofart

Whiz Socks is an Atlanta company founded by John Pena, Leo Rodriguez, and Alex Miranda. John, Leo, and Alex wanted to create a company founded on the concepts of art and community, with a major focus on giving back. Whiz creates ultra-comfy socks featuring artwork by local Atlanta artists like Jake Llaurado and Yoyo Ferro. Whiz Socks also operates on a buy-a-pair, give-a-pair model, similar to that of Tom’s Shoes, by which every purchase of a pair of socks pays for a pair to be donated to Atlanta’s homeless. John, Leo, and Alex actually hand-deliver the socks (you can find videos on YouTube and on their website of them doing so). The Whiz Socks founders joined us in the studio (with a 6-pack of Victory Golden Monkey beer) to talk about the mission and vision of Whiz, what it means to go into business with your friends, and the future of the company and brand. This episode was recorded as a high-banter roundtable of sorts, so get ready for some laughs, some derailed topics, and some truly insightful nuggets of wisdom and information all throughout. Where to buy and learn more about Whiz Socks: Online: www.whizsocks.com Instagram: @whizsocks

“Daydreams and impossibilities are commonplace in my mind.  When a scene or story jumps into my consciousness I feel compelled to act and collect source material. Once all the images are photographed and digitally cut up and the vision I had in my head begins to emerge on the screen I become elated.”  Greg Noblin is an Atlanta-based artist who specializes in creating surrealist and mystical artwork through photography and digital art. Greg’s work uses a combination of animals, landscapes, toys, and other familiar objects juxtaposed against alien and fantastical scenes to create artwork that can almost be seen as a mix between Salvador Dali and Rene Magritte. In his own words, he likes turning photographs into art that looks nothing like a photograph. Greg joined us to talk about his work, his career progression as a professional artist, and his views on growth, failure, and the like.   Where to learn more about Greg: Online: www.gregnoblinart.com Instagram: @gregnoblin

Steve West is a photographer and custom jewelry maker working under the name Silver Piston. He likes making kick-ass things for people who are kick ass. Steve joined ShowATL to talk about his career and life journey, which includes time spent in the US Navy, a career in marketing, and eventually, a life of entrepreneurship as a creative. We talk about what it means to create one’s own path, using Steve’s career journey of leaving the ad world to become a full time creative as as a foundation, while also touching on a wide range of esoteric topics throughout. We also discuss how Steve became close friends with Atlanta’s own Killer Mike. This episode is one hell of a wild ride.  Where to learn more about Steve: Online: www.silverpiston.com  and www.silverpistonphotography.com  Instagram: @stevewest @silverpistonphotography

Lucha Rodriguez is an Atlanta-based artist with a concentration on hand cut works on paper and installation art. With a BFA in Graphic Design from the Art Institute of Atlanta and an MFA in Printmaking from SCAD, Lucha has spent the most recent part of her career focused on a series of works called “Knife Drawings”. Lucha joined us to talk about her artwork, which included a full education on paper. Lucha talks of paper as having infinite qualities. “...it can bend, stretch, tear, twist, overlap and make lines; curl and create volume.”  Along with her love of paper, we also discussed Lucha’s affinity for knives, her love of the color pink, and her upbringing in Venezuela. Lucha is working on a traveling show that will be hitting the Southeast, eventually stopping through Savannah to come to Georgia Tech. You can find her work at Kai Lin Art in Atlanta, as well as many other places around the world. Where to learn more about Lucha:  Online: www.http://love-lucha-now.org/ Instagram: @luchapink

Kirsten King and Cris Gray are members of the Dark Side of the Room improv team and part of the general company at Dad’s Garage Theatre. Dark Side of The Room was formed by the African American performers of Dad's Garage Improv Theater Company. They travel around the world with their unique improv format and run a monthly variety show designed to highlight African American performers across a wide arts spectrum. In their improv format they take a classic movie (i.e. Star Wars, Jaws) and improvise what the black people were doing during that movie. Kirsten and Cris sit down with ShowATL to talk all things improv and comedy, while also using improv as a lens through which one can dissect and reflect on social dialogue at both the individual and collective level. We also talk heavily throughout the episode on the topic of “adult stoicism”. Where to find Dark Side of the Room:  Online: www.darksidecomedy.com

Phil Harris is an Atlanta studio artist and muralist who serves his community as a full time paramedic EMT. Phil sat down to talk with ShowATL about his professional and personal journey coming to art at various points of his life, as well as his working ritual to balance his professional and creative lifestyles. His work has been featured in Creative Loafing, Color ATL, Forward Warrior, and a variety of other public and private spaces. Phil is currently a resident artist at Kai Lin Art and lives in Southwest Atlanta with his wife. Where to find Phil:  Instagram: @pharrisatl http://www.philharrisatl.com/

Joe Dreher, otherwise known by his artist name of Joe King, is an Atlanta artist, photographer, and poet (among other things). An architect by trade, Joe sits with us to talk about his journey into photography and art. In becoming more involved in the Atlanta art scene through Living Walls, Joe used art to help build deep bonds within his own family, and in turn, in the community. This is part 2 of our 2-part interview. Learn more about Joe at www.joekingatl.com IG: @joekingatl

Joe Dreher, otherwise known by his artist name of Joe King, is an Atlanta artist, photographer, and poet (among other things). An architect by trade, Joe sits with us to talk about his journey into photography and art. In becoming more involved in the Atlanta art scene through Living Walls, Joe used art to help build deep bonds within his own family, and in turn, in the community. This is part 1 of our 2-part interview. Learn more about Joe at www.joekingatl.com IG: @joekingatl

Trish Land is an Atlanta-based fine artist specializing in paysage, or landscape, artwork. Trish joins us to talk about her creative journey, from dancing, to acting, to modeling, and art. She tells us what it means to be a woman in charge, and even shares her tales of dancing in Meadowlands stadium and meeting Liza Minelli. Oh, and in case you were wondering, there is an amusement park in Indonesia also called “Trish Land”. Learn more about our lovely Atlanta Trish Land at www.trishland.com IG: @trishland

Pea the Feary (“Faerie”) is an Atlanta-based afrofuturist artist who strives to portray the subjects in her work as “divine”. Along with divinity, we also talk about the powerful role of black women in today’s world. In examining Pea’s background and artistic style, we look to how culture, race, spirituality, and nature play different parts in the story of our humanity. We also look at the subject of balance - light and dark, soft and hard, loud and quiet, and so on, in Pea’s work. As it turns out, we can all be superheroes after all. Learn more about Pea and her work online at www.peathefeary.com IG: @peathefeary

Meredith Howard is the Founder and Creative Director of ‘The Streets’ Magazine, which focused on street photography portraying fashion, people, homelessness, and the environments in which these things all interact. Meredith talks to us about her career before The Streets and how she came to starting the magazine in the first place. We talk about her growth as a creative, the growth of the magazine, and the juxtaposition of high fashion and homelessness as part of the content featured in the magazine. We also touch on the issue of prison recidivism rates, breaking through the "wall of fear", and much, much more. The Streets celebrates the release of their 2018 print issue with a party on November 10th. Learn more about The Streets Magazine at www.thestreetsmag.com IG: @thestreetsmagazine

Niki Zarrabi is an Atlanta artist whose work includes painting, mixed media, installations, and murals. She joins us to talk about how her work aims to bridge the gap between spirituality and science in what is a really insightful look into her art and creation process. We go through her journey as an artist and dive into the evolution of her work. We also talk about how hard it is to paint a large outdoor mural. Since this interview, Niki has continued to produce and show work and was a featured muralist for this year’s Outerspace Project. Find out more about Niki at www.nikizarrabi.com IG: @nikizarrabi

Xavier Perry is an Atlanta-based artist and the founder of Xavier Perry Art. Xavier’s street art, graphic design, and iconic “Love Bomb” have earned him recognition all throughout the city. Xavier joins us to talk about his art, community, the Love Bomb, adulthood, and making Love a life practice. Xavier’s Love Bomb was recently featured by Xfinity and the Atlanta Braves for a collaboration titled “The Braves Bomb”. Find out more about Xavier at www.xavierperryart.com Ig: @xavierperryart

This is Part 2 of this 2-part podcast. FamilyHood is comprised of Marcus Whitaker and Jake Llaurado. FamilyHood was founded with the mission of bringing the Atlanta community together through art shows, which feature a variety of local artists, as well as musicians and other creatives. Marcus and Jake sit to talk about FamilyHood’s origins, the role the Atlanta community plays in inspiring their work and mission, and their personal individual reflections on art, creativity, and authenticity. You can find out more about FamilyHood here: http://www.familyhoodatl.com Find them on Instagram @familyhoodatl The ShowATL Podcast aims to find and highlight Atlanta’s Creative Voice by speaking to those who are creating incredible things in our city every day. By interviewing some of Atlanta’s boldest voices, The ShowATL Podcast takes listeners on journeys through Atlanta’s creative side.

This is Part 1 of this 2-part podcast. FamilyHood is comprised of Marcus Whitaker and Jake Llaurado. FamilyHood was founded with the mission of bringing the Atlanta community together through art shows, which feature a variety of local artists, as well as musicians and other creatives. Marcus and Jake sit to talk about FamilyHood’s origins, the role the Atlanta community plays in inspiring their work and mission, and their personal individual reflections on art, creativity, and authenticity. You can find out more about FamilyHood here: http://www.familyhoodatl.com Find them on Instagram @familyhoodatl The ShowATL Podcast aims to find and highlight Atlanta’s Creative Voice by speaking to those who are creating incredible things in our city every day. By interviewing some of Atlanta’s boldest voices, The ShowATL Podcast takes listeners on journeys through Atlanta’s creative side.

Peter Roglin is an Atlanta musician and producer performing under the stage name Charolastra. Along with the release of his new album, Peter is also a founding member of the record label VLSC Records. Peter joins us to talk about his music; his influences across music, film, and art; VLSC Records; and how his recent trip to Havana, Cuba influenced his recent album, Passenger. As a quick note, the song playing at the end of this episode is titled “Beach Dream” and is off Charolastra’s new record, “Passenger”. A full raw version of this interview will be available on our website shortly. Find Charolastra here: https://charolastra.bandcamp.com Find VLSC Records here: https://www.vlscrecords.com/ Or here...https://vlsc.bandcamp.com/ The ShowATL Podcast aims to find and highlight Atlanta’s Creative Voice by speaking to those who are creating incredible things in our city everyday.

Yu-Kai Lin is the owner of KAI LIN ART in Atlanta, Georgia. As KAI LIN ART celebrates 10 years of business, Yu-Kai joins us to talk about how art has evolved and is continuing to evolve in Atlanta. We also talk about creativity, balance, and the mechanics of running a successful gallery. KAI LIN ART’s next exhibition, titled “Sublime”, begins on August 3rd and runs through September 21st. Find out more about Yu-Kai and KAI LIN ART at www.kailinart.com Listen to Yu-Kai’s Emory TEDx talk here: www.kailinart.com/news/tedx-emory-with-yu-kai-lin The ShowATL Podcast aims to find and highlight Atlanta’s Creative Voice by speaking to those who are creating incredible things in our city everyday. By interviewing some of Atlanta’s boldest voices, The ShowATL Podcast takes listeners on journeys through Atlanta’s creative side.

Savannah Berry is a registered dietician and food and fitness blogger in the Atlanta area. Her Instagram account, @healthy_sav_atl, has gained over 3000 followers based on Savannah’s beautiful depiction of healthy food and fitness in Atlanta. Find her on Instagram @healthy_sav_atl The ShowATL Podcast aims to find and highlight Atlanta’s Creative Voice by speaking to those who are creating incredible things in our city everyday. By interviewing some of Atlanta’s boldest voices, The ShowATL Podcast takes listeners on journeys through Atlanta’s creative side.

Michael Sponsel is the founder and co-owner of Freedom Barber Co in Atlanta, GA. As Freedom prepares to open it’s new shop along the Beltline, Michael speaks with us about his personal and professional journey, along with how he has grown Freedom to the point of earning both Creative Loafing and Jezebel’s award for Best Barbershop in Atlanta in just one year. Find Michael and Freedom Barber Co at www.freedombarberco.com or on Instagram @freedombarberco The ShowATL Podcast aims to find and highlight Atlanta’s Creative Voice by speaking to those who are creating incredible things in our city everyday. By interviewing some of Atlanta’s boldest voices, The ShowATL Podcast takes listeners on journeys through Atlanta’s creative side.

Alex Vernon is the co-founder and owner of Comeback Vinyl in Alpharetta, Georgia. Alex sat down with us to talk about Comeback Vinyl and the new role of vinyl as a listening medium in today’s musical landscape. This episode takes the listener through the journey of Comeback’s history and explores Alex extensive knowledge of music and the vinyl industry. Find Comeback Vinyl at www.comebackvinyl.com or on Instagram @comebackvinyl The ShowATL Podcast aims to find and highlight Atlanta’s Creative Voice by speaking to those who are creating incredible things in our city every day. By interviewing some of Atlanta’s boldest voices, The ShowATL Podcast takes listeners on journeys through Atlanta’s creative side.