AART

In this deeply personal and wide-ranging episode of the AART Podcast, host Chris Stafford sits down with acclaimed South African production designer Sabrina Linder for an intimate biographical conversation about life, creativity, and the winding path that leads to a career in film. Rather than focusing on technical process, this episode explores the human story behind the work. Sabrina Linder reflects on growing up in South Africa, the formative experiences that shaped her artistic sensibility, and how curiosity, resilience, and observation guided her toward a life in visual storytelling. From early influences and cultural identity to the emotional intelligence required to collaborate at the highest levels of film and television, Sabrina shares the moments that quietly — and sometimes unexpectedly — defined her career. Throughout the conversation, Sabrina opens up about navigating creative industries, finding confidence as an artist, and learning how to trust instinct over expectation. She discusses what it means to build worlds for the screen while simultaneously building a life, and how storytelling — whether through design or lived experience — remains at the center of her work. Chris guides the discussion with warmth and curiosity, allowing space for reflection on ambition, self-doubt, mentorship, and the invisible labor behind creative success. The result is a thoughtful portrait of an artist whose career is rooted not only in visual craft, but in empathy, memory, and lived experience. This episode will resonate with artists, filmmakers, designers, and anyone interested in the personal journeys behind creative careers, offering insight, honesty, and inspiration well beyond the screen.Sabrina’s links:https://www.sabrinalindercreative.com/ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9513117/ https://www.instagram.com/sabrina_linder_creative/ Fertile by Design on Substack - https://substack.com/@fertilebydesignSabrina's dinner guests:Jack FiskIris van HerpenMarilyn MunroeElsa SchiaparelliPatrice VermettiBloomer (her dog) Keywords / SEO Tags Sabrina Linder, South African production designer, AART podcast, Chris Stafford podcast, production designer interview, film industry careers, women in film, creative biography, artist life story, behind the scenes film, visual storytelling, art and cinema, creative journeys, film design careers, African artists in film, personal stories in art, creative identity, storytelling podcast, film and art podcast BIO South African born Production Designer Sabrina Linder is well known for her trademark work in I Swear 2025, Salvable 2025, The Last Victims (2019).  Her portfolio includes commercials, films, TV and music videos. Sabrina was born in Pretoria, South Africa in 1992. to parents Helene Linder, an Artist and interior design enthusiast and father Desmond Lawrence Linder, a quantity surveyor and business owner.  She has one brother Brendan. Sabrina grew up in post Apartheid South Africa where artistic expression among women was not encouraged but subtle influences from her artistic mother subconsciously steered Sabrina towards fashion design. She attended Cornwall Hill College for Grades 0-12 after which she moved to Cape Town to study for her BA Degree in Fashion Design at FEDISA Cape Town. Upon graduating she deferred a BA Honours at the London College of Fashion instead breaking into her first job in film which opened the door to opportunities she had not imagined. Her path was now set in production design and she worked in Props, Costume and Design before focusing in the Production Design where she has found her creative home. She is a multi award winning designer with BFDG Design Award Nominations, the Berlin Music Video Award both in 2023 as well as Lourie Awards and Ciclope Awards in 2022. Sabrina moved to London in 2021 and is currently working on commercials before preparing for her next film production this spring. Sabrina lives in Beaconsfield, England with her partner, and the couple are expecting their first child in March.Host: Chris StaffordProduced by Hollowell StudiosFollow @theaartpodcast on InstagramAART on FacebookEmail: [email protected] a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.A Hollowell Studios ProductionInstagram: @theaartpodcast Email: [email protected]© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell StudiosAll Rights Reserved

On this inspiring episode of the AART Podcast, host Chris Stafford sits down with acclaimed painter and author Kami Mendlik, whose work is celebrated for its vivid portrayal of nature, her masterful study of color, and her ability to capture the ever-shifting qualities of light and movement. Known for her immersive landscapes and her deeply intuitive approach to plein air painting, Kami shares how a lifelong connection to the outdoors has shaped her artistic vision and creative process. She dives into how color theory, environmental observation, and emotional resonance come together in her paintings—and how her recent writing further expands the conversation around art, seeing, and the creative life. This episode offers an intimate look at an artist dedicated to exploring the natural world and translating it into powerful visual storytelling. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, painter, creative professional, or simply curious about the intersection of nature and artistic expression, this conversation will leave you inspired to see the world with new attention and appreciation. Tune in for an enriching, thoughtful exploration of color, creativity, and the practice of truly noticing. BIOThe painter and author Kami Mendlik. Kami’s art portrays her lifelong passion for exploring nature,  the study of color and her observations of light and movement. Kami was born in Jacksonville, North Carolina in 1973, the oldest of four children. Her mother Heidi Shervheim, was a homemaker who waited tables part time and became a talented quilter. And her father Robert Mendlik is an Army Veteran and former electrician who now spends his time in land conservation.  A a small child the family moved to Minnesota adjacent to her grandparents 450 acre farm where Kami grew up surrounded by nature and agriculture. She says: “The respect that I have for nature and her awesomeness is beyond words. My desire to study and attempt to translate this, is why I paint.”  Kami knew from an early age that she wanted to be a full time artist and her first mentor Mary Pettis guided her towards a career that would ultimately lead her to establishing the St Croix River School of Painting in Stillwater MN in 2008.  Kami is internationally recognized as an artist and teacher winning numerous awards with gallery showings around the country. She is the author of “Color Relativity”, and creator of Planal Fruit. Kami lives with her husband Pete Hayes on 16 acre farm just North of Stillwater, where she converted a 100 year old hip roof barn into her studio. She has a son, Nick and daughter Paige.Kami’s links:Website: https://www.kamimendlik.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kamimendlik/ Kami’s favorite female artists: Kathie Wheeler Julie Davis Kathy Anderson Chula Beauregard Anne Larson Ann Watcher Carole Gray-Weilman Jane Hunt Kim Casebeer Carol Peebles Camille Przewodek (d) Host: Chris StaffordProduced by Hollowell StudiosFollow @theaartpodcast on InstagramAART on FacebookEmail: [email protected]:Kami Mendlik, painter, author, landscape artist, plein air painting, color theory, nature art, light and movement in art, creative process, contemporary artists, AART podcast, Chris Stafford, artist interview, art inspiration, art and nature, visual storytelling, artistic observation, fine art podcast.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.A Hollowell Studios ProductionInstagram: @theaartpodcast Email: [email protected]© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell StudiosAll Rights Reserved

Step behind the camera with Mia Cioffi Henry, a visionary cinematographer and filmmaker whose work explores the art of visual storytelling with depth, emotion, and purpose. In this episode, Mia shares her journey through the world of independent cinema, her creative process on set, and how she uses light, movement, and perspective to bring powerful stories to life. Discover insights on cinematography, directing, collaboration, visual language, and the future of filmmaking — straight from one of today’s most thoughtful visual artists. Whether you’re a filmmaker, creative professional, film student, or movie lover, this conversation will inspire you to see storytelling in a new light.👉 Keywords cinematography, filmmaker, Mia Cioffi Henry, visual storytelling, film industry, behind the scenes, creative process, directing, cinematographer interview, filmmaking tips, women in film, artistic vision, camera work, movie production.American cinematographer Mia Cioffi Henry whose most recent narrative feature film, Sorry Baby, won the 2025 Waldo Salt Award for Screenwriting and Documentary Feature Film, and Cover-up, also a documentary feature, which premiered at the 2025 Venice Film Festival. She is also known for lensing Endless Sleepover (2021), Superior (2021) and The Surrogate (2020).  Mia was born in Washington, DC in 1986. She has an older brother and step-brother. Her mother Gay Cioffi is an early childhood educator and fine artist, and her father Mel Henry, a documentary cinematographer, and step-father, Mark Obenhaus, a documentary filmmaker. So Mia grew up in an artistic family, following her parents love of musical theater, while learning dance, a variety of musical instruments and acting. She attended Pitzer College, Clairemont, CA where she attained a BA double major in Production Design and Media Studies (film production. ) Mia subsequently graduated with an MFA in Cinematography at NYU Tisch as a Dean’s Fellow and Graduate Assistant. In 2025 she was named one of American Cinematographer Magazine's Rising Stars of Cinematography, while her work has won Jury Awards at Sundance, SXSW and Locarno film festivals. Mia is an Associate Arts Professor and Head of Cinematography at NYU Tisch's Graduate Film program. She balances her teaching career with filmmaking and being a wife and mother. Mia is a member and mentor of 600 Black Women, a group of Black female identifying members of the Local 600 Camera Guild. She divides her time between New York City and Pescara, Italy with her husband, musician Julian Fernandez, their nine-year old daughter, and her step-son.  Mia’s links: https://www.miacioffihenry.com/https://www.instagram.com/miacioffihenryhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm3994018/https://tisch.nyu.edu/about/directory/grad-film/885588223.html Some favorite female artists in visual arts:Carrie Mae WeemsAlma ThomasAmy Sherald Host: Chris StaffordProduced by Hollowell StudiosFollow @theaartpodcast on InstagramAART on FacebookEmail: [email protected] a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.A Hollowell Studios ProductionInstagram: @theaartpodcast Email: [email protected]© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell StudiosAll Rights Reserved

Step inside the creative universe of Lorrie Minicozzi, an award-winning multi-media installation artist known for transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary, sensory experiences. In this episode, we explore how Lorrie blends sound, light, sculpture, video, and storytelling to create immersive art installations that challenge perception and invite deep emotional connection. Discover the inspiration behind her most ambitious projects, her creative process from concept to completion, and how technology and emotion intersect in her evolving body of work. Whether you’re an artist, curator, art collector, or creative dreamer, this conversation will leave you inspired to see art — and the world — in a new dimension.🎨 Topics Covered:The making of large-scale multi-media installationsHow environment and emotion shape artistic expressionThe role of technology in contemporary artBehind-the-scenes of Lorrie Minicozzi’s most iconic worksAdvice for emerging installation artists💡 Perfect for: Art lovers, creatives, curators, and anyone fascinated by immersive experiences, digital art, and modern installation art.📍 Keywords (SEO-rich):Lorrie Minicozzi, multimedia artist, installation art, contemporary art, immersive art, visual storytelling, experiential art, sound and light installations, creative process, modern art podcast, artist interview, art and technologyMulti-media Installation Artist Lorrie Anne Minicozzi describes her work as an intermingling of traditional and contemporary art genres, where she fabricates realms from personal experiences and the societal climate using foam and wood, integrated with a drawn or painted work, each composite intermingles 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional realities. The synthesis results in an intricately detailed installation that reads like a cinematic scene. Provocatively diorama-like, each scene is enhanced by lighting, sound, fragrance and tactility. Exploring architecture, interior design and construction through these sculptures weaves each installation into the fabric of her home studio.  Lorrie was born in 1966 in Huntingdon, New York, she has a brother and sister. Her mother Anne Busch was a supervisor at an electronics company, and a floral designer who also enjoys art, and her father John Gariboldi was a machinist and creative carpenter. As a child, Lorrie experienced abuse by a close relative and she says that much of her work as an artist reflects that trauma and her need to help others who are dealing with the effect and shame of abuse. She says: “I employ my craft as a cathartic illumination on personal childhood trauma, mental illness and political anxiety.” Growing up Lorrie enjoyed a range of sports and music learning the guitar and piano. She also began drawing, which proved to be her salvation. She developed her talent as an artist and combined her computer skills to become an art director. She attended the State University (SUNY) Potsdam, SUNY Stony Brook, West Chester University and Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), which she returned to after the COVID pandemic. Lorrie has been a professional commissioned portrait artist for over thirty years and recently transitioned to mixed medium installation. She lives in Pittsburgh, PA with her husband Rob, their two sons; Jason and Justin, and dog Miko.  Lorrie’s links: https://www.climbingthewalls.net/https://www.instagram.com/lorrie.minicozzi Lorrie’s favorite female artists:Liza LouSandy SkoglundJudy ChicagoKara WalkerCindy ShermanIrma GruenholzLouise Bourgeois (d) Host: Chris StaffordProduced by Hollowell StudiosFollow @theaartpodcast on InstagramAART on Facebook Email: [email protected] a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.A Hollowell Studios ProductionInstagram: @theaartpodcast Email: [email protected]© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell StudiosAll Rights Reserved

Step behind the camera with Ellen Kuras, the award-winning director and cinematographer whose visual storytelling has defined a generation of modern cinema. From her groundbreaking cinematography in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) to her powerful directorial work in Lee (2024), Ellen has redefined what it means to tell stories through light, emotion, and movement. In this in-depth conversation, Ellen shares her creative process, challenges as one of the first women in major cinematography, and her approach to capturing the soul of a story on screen. Whether you’re a filmmaker, cinephile, or curious creative, this episode delivers rare insights into the craft, collaboration, and courage that fuel visual storytelling.🎬 Topics include:Ellen’s early journey into filmmaking and cinematographyCrafting visual language and emotional depthCollaborations with visionary directors like Martin Scorsese, Michel Gondry and Spike LeeBreaking industry barriers and inspiring the next generation of filmmakersThe future of storytelling through the lensPerfect for fans of cinematography, directing, visual storytelling, filmmaking, women in film, and creative leadership, this episode celebrates one of cinema’s most influential voices.Keywords:Ellen Kuras, filmmaker, cinematographer, director, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, women in film, cinematography podcast, filmmaking, creative storytelling, visual storytelling, directing, behind the camera, film industry, indie film, movie production, creative careers.BIOAmerican Director and Cinematographer Ellen Kuras who has won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Jane (2018, and The Betrayal - Nerakhoon (2010) for which she was also nominated for Best Documentary Feature in 2009 for her directorial debut. Ellen is an unprecedented three-time winner of the Cinematography Award for a Dramatic Film for Swoon (1992), Angela (1995) and Personal Velocity (2002). In 2022, She was the first woman to win the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) Lifetime Achievement Award winner. Ellen’s credits include Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (cinematographer) (2004), The Betrayal - Nerakhoon (director, producer, screenwriter) (2008) and most recently Lee (director) (2024). Ellen was born in New Jersey in 1959 where her father was an avionics engineer and her mother, a homemaker. Ellen graduated from Brown University with a double BA degree in Anthropology and Semiotics before attending Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Whilst she was at Brown she studied for her master’s degree at night at New York University in Photography & 8mm Filmmaking. The Betrayal - Nerakhoon, which follows a family from Laos who were forced to emigrate and adapt to life in America, was conceived as her master’s thesis.  She then started her career in the film industry in 1987 in New York as a camera assistant and electrician. Ellen represents the Cinematographers Branch on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Board of Governors and is the ASC/ICG representative on the National Film Preservation Board. Ellen has most recently completed a new heist TV series 12 12 12 for Apple TV, and the TV series, Scarpetta, with Nicole Kidman, Arianna deBose and Jamie Lee Curtis for Amazon Prime Video. Ellen lives in New York. Ellen’s links:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellen_Kurashttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm0475578/ Favorite female artists:Jane Savelyeva Host: Chris StaffordProduced by Hollowell StudiosFollow @theaartpodcast on InstagramAART on FacebookEmail: [email protected] a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.A Hollowell Studios ProductionInstagram: @theaartpodcast Email: [email protected]© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell StudiosAll Rights Reserved