AART

Multi-award-winning British Production Designer and Set Decorator Alison Harvey joins Chris to share the story of her life and an extraordinary career spent creating some of the most memorable worlds in British film and television.

Over more than two decades, Alison has built a remarkable career across the art departments of television series and major motion pictures, progressing through a profession in which experience, instinct, imagination and an extraordinary eye for detail all play their part. Her credits span everything from British television to some of the biggest international film productions, but her journey is also the story of how a creative career develops — one job, one opportunity and one relationship at a time.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Alison takes Chris back to the beginning, reflecting on her early life, the influences that shaped her creative instincts and how she first found her way into film and television. From those formative experiences came a career that would see her work her way through the art department, learning the craft from the inside and collaborating with some of the industry's leading designers and filmmakers.

Her early credits included work as a design assistant on EastEnders, followed by roles as an art director, production buyer, set decorator and eventually production designer. Along the way came an extraordinary collection of films and television productions including Atonement, Sherlock Holmes, Hanna, Anna Karenina, Gravity, Edge of Tomorrow, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Hellboy, Benediction and Tetris.

But it is Alison's work on the acclaimed Netflix series The Crown that has brought some of the greatest recognition of her career. As Set Decorator across all six seasons, Alison helped create the extraordinarily detailed visual world surrounding the British Royal Family, spanning decades of changing history, personalities, homes, fashions and political landscapes. The work brought Alison international recognition and multiple major industry honors. She won Primetime Emmy Awards for The Crown in 2020 for the episode Aberfan and again in 2024 for the series finale Sleep, Dearie Sleep, alongside further Emmy nominations in 2018 and 2021. Her work has also received recognition from BAFTA, the Art Directors Guild, the Royal Television Society and the British Film Designers Guild.

Alison talks about recreating a world that audiences already feel they know. Her career has also brought opportunities to work alongside some of the most respected names in production design and set decoration, including Martin Childs, Celia Bobak, Sarah Greenwood, Katie Spencer, Dante Ferretti, Francesca Lo Schiavo, Paul Kirby and Valentina Mladenova.

Now Alison has reached another significant chapter in that journey, stepping into the role of Production Designer on Goodbye June, the feature film directed by Kate Winslet. The project marks an important point in a career that has evolved continuously — from assisting and buying to art direction, set decoration and production design.

Throughout this episode of AART, Chris and Alison explore much more than a list of film credits. They talk about the experiences behind them: the choices and opportunities that shaped Alison's path, the people she learned from, the pressures and pleasures of working in film and television, collaboration, leadership, creativity and what she has discovered about herself during a career spent largely behind the camera.

It's the story of a woman who has spent much of her professional life creating the worlds in which other people's stories unfold — and the life and career behind those worlds. Alison Harvey: A Life Designing for Film & Television is a conversation about creativity, perseverance, collaboration and the unpredictable journey of building a life in the film industry.

Join Chris Stafford for this episode of AART, where the conversation goes beyond the work to discover the life, experiences and stories of the woman behind it.

Alison’s website: https://alisonharvey.co.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvey_alison/

Some of Alison’s favorite female artists:
Cornelia Parker
Eileen Agar
Barbara Hepworth
Lucie Rie
Susan Halls 

Alison’s Dinner Party Guests:
Barbara Kruger
Barbara Kingsolver
Barbara Hepworth 
Barbara Castle
Barbara Hulanicki
Barbara Streisand 

Keywords: Alison Harvey, Alison Harvey Production Designer, Alison Harvey The Crown, Alison Harvey interview, Alison Harvey podcast, British Production Designer, British Set Decorator, The Crown Set Decorator, The Crown Production Design, The Crown Behind the Scenes, Emmy Winning Production Design, Emmy Winning Set Decorator, Women in Film, Women in Television, Female Production Designer, Production Designer Interview, Set Decorator Interview, Film Art Department, British Film Industry, British Television, Film Careers, Production Design Career, Set Decoration, Atonement, Sherlock Holmes, Anna Karenina, Gravity, Edge of Tomorrow, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Hellboy, Tetris, Benediction, Goodbye June, Kate Winslet, Netflix The Crown, Martin Childs, Film and Television Podcast, Behind the Scenes Film, Art Department, Creative Careers, Chris Stafford, AART Podcast, Women Unscripted, Hollowell Studios

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Hollowell Studios Production
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com/podcasts
Instagram: @theaartpodcast 
Email: theaartpodcast@gmail.com
© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell Studios
All Rights Reserved

Every career has a beginning, and every creative journey is shaped by moments of curiosity, courage, and unexpected opportunity. 

In this episode of AART host Chris Stafford sits down with American cinematographer Sharra Romany for a thoughtful conversation about the experiences that led her behind the camera and the people, places, and moments that have influenced her career. Rather than focusing on the technical side of filmmaking, Chris explores the personal story behind the artist. Sharra reflects on her early interests, the decisions that shaped her professional path, the challenges she has faced, and the experiences that have strengthened her confidence and creative voice. It's an honest conversation about perseverance, finding your place in a competitive industry, and continuing to grow as both an artist and a person.

Together, Chris and Sharra discuss the importance of relationships and collaboration, the lessons learned from working with others, and how every project contributes to a larger journey. Along the way, Sharra shares stories from her career, reflects on what inspires her today, and offers encouragement for anyone pursuing a creative life.

One of the hallmarks of Chris Stafford's interviews is creating space for guests to tell the stories that rarely make it into traditional industry conversations. This episode is no exception. Instead of simply celebrating accomplishments, it explores the experiences, setbacks, and defining moments that have shaped Sharra Romany into the cinematographer and storyteller she is today.

Whether you're passionate about film, inspired by creative careers, or simply enjoy hearing authentic conversations with remarkable women, this episode offers an engaging and personal look at one artist's path through the world of cinema.

In this episode, you'll hear about:
• Sharra Romany's early life and creative influences
• The journey that led her into cinematography
• Building a career in the film industry
• The people and experiences that shaped her along the way
• Finding confidence through challenges and change
• Why storytelling continues to inspire her work

Sharra’s links:
http://www.sharraromany.com/ 
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1638834/?ref_=fn_t_1 
https://www.instagram.com/sharraromany/

Sharra’s dinner party guests are her family.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.

Hollowell Studios Production
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com/podcasts
Instagram: @theaartpodcast 
Email: theaartpodcast@gmail.com
© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell Studios
All Rights Reserved

On this episode of AART,  Chris welcomes Australian-born classical realist painter Hannah Sutton, whose artistic journey has taken her from her family's farm near Melbourne to the heart of Florence, Italy—the birthplace of the Renaissance. Working in one of the world's most influential artistic cities, Hannah has immersed herself in the centuries-old traditions of drawing and painting, embracing the discipline, craftsmanship, and technical excellence that define Classical Realism.  In this engaging conversation, Hannah shares why she chose to dedicate her career to mastering traditional painting techniques in an age dominated by contemporary art. 

Chris and Hannah explore what it means to become a contemporary realist painter while honoring artistic traditions that have shaped Western art for centuries. Hannah reflects on the creative challenges of relocating internationally, building a career in Florence, and finding her own artistic voice while learning from the masterpieces that surround her every day.

Whether you're an artist, art student, collector, educator, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful painting, this episode offers a fascinating look into the dedication behind representational art and the enduring relevance of classical techniques in today's creative world. Throughout the interview, Hannah also discusses her passion for preserving traditional skills while creating deeply personal contemporary work provides inspiration for emerging artists and art lovers alike.

AART celebrates the stories of women whose creativity shapes the visual arts. Through thoughtful conversations, Chris Stafford brings listeners behind the canvas to discover the journeys, inspirations, and experiences that define today's artists.

If you enjoy conversations about painting, fine art, creativity, contemporary realism, and the traditions of the Renaissance, be sure to subscribe for more interviews with artists from around the world.

Hannah's website: https://hannahsutton.art/
Social media links:
 https://www.instagram.com/hannahsutton/
https://www.facebook.com/hannahsuttonart/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-sutton-74944348/ 

Some of Hannah's favorite female artists:
Daniela Astone (one of my teachers)
Clara Southern (Australian Impressionist, 19th century)
Mary Tonkin (Australian Landscape Artist - contemporary) 

Hannah's dinner party guests:
Alan Watts
Sister Wendy
Salvadore Dali
Claude Monet
Ernest Shackelton
Clarissa Pinkola Estés 

Keywords: Hannah Sutton, Hannah Sutton artist, Hannah Sutton painter, Australian artist, Australian painter, Florence artist, Florence painter, Classical Realism, Classical Realist painter, realist painting, realism art, contemporary realism, traditional painting, oil painting, fine art, Renaissance art, Old Masters, atelier training, Florence Academy, representational art, figurative painting, portrait painting, still life painting, painting techniques, women artists, women painters, art podcast, artist interview, creative process, Chris Stafford, AART podcast, Women Unscripted Podcast Network, Hollowell Studios, visual arts podcast, painting education, drawing from life, artistic journey, Renaissance techniques, Florence Italy artist, contemporary painter.

Hashtags: #HannahSutton #ClassicalRealism #FineArt #OilPainting #Florence #AustralianArtist #ArtistInterview #Painting #Realism #ContemporaryArt #WomenArtists #AARTPodcast #ChrisStafford #WomenUnscripted #VisualArts #RenaissanceArt #CreativeJourney #ArtistLife #RepresentationalArt #PodcastInterview

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.

Hollowell Studios Production
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com/podcasts
Instagram: @theaartpodcast 
Email: theaartpodcast@gmail.com
© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell Studios
All Rights Reserved

On this episode,  Chris welcomes acclaimed American abstract artist Galen Cheney for an insightful conversation about creativity, artistic exploration, and the evolving language of contemporary abstract painting. Known for her vibrant, expressive works and fearless approach to experimentation, Galen Cheney has built a distinguished career creating paintings that balance intuition, movement, color, and emotion. Her work invites viewers into a visual dialogue where meaning emerges through process, gesture, and personal interpretation rather than representation alone.
In this engaging discussion, Galen shares her artistic journey, the experiences that shaped her creative voice, and how abstraction allows her to explore ideas that cannot always be expressed through words. She discusses the role of curiosity in her studio practice, the challenges and rewards of maintaining a long-term creative career, and how embracing uncertainty often leads to artistic breakthroughs.

Whether you're an artist, collector, student, or simply fascinated by the creative process, this episode offers a compelling look inside the mind of one of today's accomplished abstract painters. Galen Cheney's thoughtful reflections on creativity, artistic growth, and the pursuit of authentic expression provide inspiration for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of contemporary art.

AART is the podcast where host Chris Stafford engages in meaningful conversations with artists, creators, and cultural voices from around the world, exploring the stories, challenges, and inspirations behind their work.

Subscribe to AART for more conversations with leading artists, painters, photographers, sculptors, filmmakers, and creative innovators shaping today's artistic landscape. 

Galen’s website: https://www.galencheney.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galenwcheney/

Some of Galen’s favorite female artists:
Joan Snyder
Pat Steir
Julie Mehretu
Amy Sillman
Charlene von Heyl
Cecily Brown
Marie Thiebault
Terry Ekasala
Kim Manfredi
Deborah Dancy
Mie Yim
Astrid Dick 

Galen’s dinner party guests:
Joan Mitchell
Grace Hartigan
Helen Frankenthaler
Lee Krasner
Elaine De Koonig
Artemisia Gentileschi

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Galen Cheney, Galen Cheney artist, abstract artist, American abstract artist, contemporary abstract art, abstract painting, contemporary painter, modern art, fine art podcast, artist interview, creative process, abstract expressionism, contemporary painting, women artists, visual arts, painting techniques, studio practice, color theory, intuitive painting, expressive painting, contemporary artist interview, art podcast, AART podcast, Chris Stafford, Women Unscripted Podcast Network, abstract art inspiration, professional artist, fine art collector, modern painter, creative journey, artistic process, contemporary art conversation, American painter, visual artist, creativity and art, contemporary art world. 

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Hollowell Studios Production
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com/podcasts
Instagram: @theaartpodcast 
Email: theaartpodcast@gmail.com
© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell Studios
All Rights Reserved

In this episode of AART, host Chris Stafford sits down with National Geographic Explorer photographer Mackenzie Calle to discuss the powerful intersection of art and storytelling. Through her lens, Mackenzie captures extraordinary images that not only reveal the beauty of the natural world but also help raise awareness about critical conservation challenges facing our ecosystems. 
Mackenzie shares her journey into photography, the experiences that shaped her career, and how visual storytelling can influence public understanding of our world.  

Throughout the conversation, Chris and Mackenzie explore the responsibility of photographers working in fragile environments, the importance of authentic storytelling, and the role artists play in connecting audiences to subjects they may never encounter firsthand. They also discuss the evolving world of photography, the challenges of fieldwork, and the moments behind some of Mackenzie's most memorable images.

The discussion also explores Mackenzie's creation  and plans for The Gay Space Agency, a project that imagines a diverse, inclusive American space program to confront the historical exclusion of openly LGBTQI+ individuals from NASA. Through this groundbreaking initiative, artists, scientists, activists, and thinkers collaborate to challenge traditional narratives about exploration, identity, and who gets to envision humanity's future beyond Earth.

Chris and Mackenzie discuss how creativity, art, and imagination can help shape conversations about belonging, representation, and possibility. Together they explore the surprising connections between conservation, exploration, storytelling, and the human desire to discover new worlds—whether here on Earth or among the stars.

This episode is an inspiring exploration of how artists can bridge disciplines, challenge assumptions, and create work that expands both our understanding of the present and our vision of the future.
Subscribe to AART and Women Unscripted Podcast Network for more conversations with remarkable creatives, storytellers, and innovators.

Some of Mackenzie’s favorite women artists:
Lee Miller
Keisha Scarville
Amie Siegel
Sara Cwynars
Kay Sage
Penelope Umbrico
Esmay Wagemans 

Mackenzie’s dinner party guests:
Sally Ride
Lee Miller
David Attenborough
Felix Gonzalez-Torres
DB Cooper
Phil Lisman

Website: mackenziecalle.com
instagram.com/mackenzie.calle

Coffee with an Explorer Thursday, July 16, 2026 10-11am  National Geographic Museum of Exploration  1600 M Street NW Washington, D.C. 20036
https://moe.nationalgeographic.org/en/whats-on/coffee-with-an-explorer-mackenzie-calle

Talks with an Explorer Friday, July 17,  2026 12:30-1:30pm National Geographic Museum of Exploration  1600 M Street NW Washington, D.C. 20036
https://moe.nationalgeographic.org/en/whats-on/pop-up-talks-with-an-explorer-mackenzie-calle

Keywords National Geographic Explorer, Mackenzie Calle, Mackenzie Calle photographer, National Geographic photography, wildlife photography, conservation photography, environmental photography, visual storytelling, documentary photography, nature photographer, conservationist, wildlife conservation, photography podcast, photography interview, Chris Stafford, AART podcast, Women Unscripted Podcast Network, environmental storytelling, National Geographic Explorer interview, creative storytelling, adventure photography, wildlife photographer, conservation awareness, photography career, documentary storyteller, photography and conservation, environmental advocacy, artistic storytelling, photography education

Meta Description (Google Search) National Geographic Explorer and photographer Mackenzie Calle joins Chris Stafford on AART to discuss wildlife photography, conservation, visual storytelling, environmental advocacy, and the power of images to inspire change.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.

Hollowell Studios Production
Website: https://hollowellstudios.com/podcasts
Instagram: @theaartpodcast 
Email: theaartpodcast@gmail.com
© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell Studios
All Rights Reserved