ARTifacts Podcast

In this episode, Marisa interviews Cleveland-based musician and lead singer of the band Rellick, Mike Rellick. Mike immersed himself in music from an early age, studying choir and later majoring in opera at Miami University. Now as the frontman for Rellick, Mike dives into the band’s formation, the creative process behind their songs, and what it’s like performing on stage. With the release of their first album and new single “Time Out,” Rellick continues to make music that embraces “cinematic rock storytelling.”Follow Rellick on instagram @rellickthebandAnd check out their website at https://www.rellick.net/Follow Mike @mikerellickAnd listen to their music on Spotify or Apple Music now!

It’s the 7th season of ARTifacts, and Marisa interviews artist and illustrator Ian Nagy. Encouraged by his artist mother, Ian grew up drawing and constantly adding to his “picture pile.” His career took off when he joined Zingerman’s, a specialty food company known for its focus on local ingredients located in Ann Arbor, MI. Through his illustrations for their deli, bakery, and creamery, Ian has helped shape Zingerman’s unique visual style. He shares insight into his creative process from drawing menu items and logos to designing bags, catalogues, and gift boxes. With more than 30 years as a staff illustrator, Ian continues to create art that is fun, approachable, and delicious.Follow Ian Nagy on instagram @iannagyartCheck out his website at https://www.iannagy.com/Follow Zingerman’s @zingermansdeli and @zingermansbakehouse

In this episode, Marisa interviews Los Angeles-based director and puppeteer Ricky Chavez. Ricky grew up in California and studied Jazz and Saxophone Performance in college. Always curious and creative, he decided to build a puppet and has been puppeteering ever since. He shares how to build and use puppets and provides puppeteering resources. They also talk about his work with directing videos for music and his project with Sabrina Carpenter. Full of passion, Ricky reminds artists about the importance of play and trying new things.This episode is also available in video on YouTube. Make sure to check it out to see Ricky puppeteer!Follow Ricky @rikemindCheck out more of his videos on YouTube at rikemind1795

In this episode, Marisa interviews animator, director, and producer Howy Parkins. Howy grew up in Canada watching Saturday morning cartoons and drawing TV characters. After studying animation in college, Howy traveled around Europe working on Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Star Wars: Ewoks. He eventually moved to Los Angeles and worked as a director for Disney’s The Lion Guard, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Recess, Emperor’s New School and Hailey’s On It. With an extensive career, Howy shares fun stories along the way and provides insight into the animation industry today.Check out Howy’s career on IMDB and catch his work on streaming platforms now.

In this episode, Marisa interviews award-winning illustrator, author and designer Dave Szalay. While growing up in Ohio, Dave was always doodling in school. After studying graphic design, owning his own ad agency and teaching, he returned to school to receive his MFA in Illustration. With five published, picture books, Dave gives a behind the scenes look into the world of creating children’s literature. From drawing monsters and animals to nature and Abraham Lincoln, Dave hopes that his whimsical images bring joy and make reading fun for all children.Follow Dave on Instagram @daveszalayilloCheck out his website at https://www.daveszalay.comBuy his books here or at your local bookstore

In this episode, Marisa interviews writer, comedian, and screen and voice actor, Ryan McCabe. Ryan’s commitment to character and comedy was established at a young age when he called himself The Riddler after watching Jim Carrey in Batman Forever. Now in LA, Ryan works in the dubbing industry and trains with The Groundlings, performing improv and stand-up comedy. He has also written seven poetry books and is currently producing a new comic called Henry Fowl in Black Sheep. Full of laughs and experience, Ryan creates work that is authentic to him, reminding artists to enjoy the creative process and to not be afraid to fail.Follow Ryan @hurricabePurchase his poetry books at Sabor y Cultural in LA or on Amazon

In this episode, Marisa interviews professional LA dancer, choreographer and teacher Malia Baker. Malia grew up doing competition dance in Colorado, and moved to Los Angeles at age 18. After 10 years of living in LA, Malia reflects on her dance journey from training and performing to choreographing and teaching. They also talk about her most recent collaboration with Bob’s Dance Shop, where she toured internationally with Purple Disco Machine and Sofi Tukker. Whether she’s dancing in front of large crowds, on screen, or in the studio, Malia slays any performance and brings the fun!Check out Malia’s jazz class at TMilly on Tuesdays from 1-2:30pmFollow @maliabaker

In this episode, Marisa interviews visual artist Emma Kathleen Hepburn Ferrer. Growing up in both America and Europe, Emma took ballet and drawing classes. She refined her painting technique at the Florence Academy of Art, and found her creative voice in an MFA program at Central Saint Martins. Now living in Italy, Emma’s surroundings of nature, religion, and hunting culture inspired her first solo exhibition, “The Scapegoat.” Originating from a biblical myth, Emma’s retelling begs the question, “what is the scapegoat of our society?” Like her grandmother, Audrey Hepburn, Emma approaches art as service and works to capture empathy.Follow Emma @ekhferrerCheck out her website at https://www.emmaferrer.com

Happy 2025 and Season 6 of ARTifacts! In this episode, Marisa interviews French, visual artist Aurélie Brown. Growing up, Aurélie was influenced by the lush landscapes and food culture in Normandy. After moving to California, Aurélie found her creative voice by doing the 100 Day Project where she painted one work every day for 100 days. She turned her passion into a business, and always encourages setting aside time for the things you love.Follow @aureliebrownartCheck out her website at https://www.aureliebrownart.com

It’s the 50th episode of ARTifacts! In this episode, Marisa interviews makeup and special effects designer and puppeteer, Tony Gardner. Originally from Ohio, Tony went to film school in California only to drop out to work on the music video for Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Tony takes a look at his work through a movement lens, sharing how he crafts characters like Billy Butcherson in Hocus Pocus to puppeteering Chucky with seven people. With years of experience in the industry, Tony is full of stories and encouragement and believes in saying yes to any opportunity.Follow Tony @tonygardnerCheck out his company at https://alterianinc.comCheck out Kyra Gardner’s podcast, “Flesh & Blood & Bone” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify where they talk more about Tony’s career.

In this episode, Marisa interviews New York-based comedian, video producer for Betches Media, actress, writer, and hopeless romantic, Tess Tregellas. With a background in theatre and improv, Tess’s work focuses on physical comedy and immersive storytelling. They talk about her wedding-themed antics from running around Central Park in a wedding dress to performing her comedy show, “My Life as a Rom-Com.” Tess also shares her experience touring with Max Davidson in "Stand-Up Magic," being a content creator, and producing her new variety show “EPIC.”Follow Tess @tesstregBuy tickets for her show EPIC on November 10th in NYC at https://caveat.nyc/events/tess-tregellas-crash-my-wedding-11-10-2024?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaajLg85EfP_--BHGl7Rfc38yNdGkK3hnZi4yZogXRvGbkwxRHajXcr_rqk_aem_-gOGP-PBklxI0oPx7CMRmQ

In this episode, Marisa interviews digital creator and owner of Wild Eyes Visuals, Cameron O’Neill. Growing up, Cameron made his own videos for school projects and sporting events, and then built his clientele through networking in the fitness industry. From working with local businesses and weddings to health and wellness brands, Cameron is dedicated to expanding his business and creating diverse, engaging content.Follow Cameron @cameronjoneillFollow Wild Eyes Visuals @wildeyesvisualsTo hire him, dm or email him at wildeyesvisuals@gmail.com

In this episode, Marisa interviews fashion designer Asha Ama Bias-Daniels. Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Asha learned how to sew and create clothes from her parents. Influenced by 70s fashion and Beyoncé, Asha’s work can be seen in museums, on Tim Gunn’s Project Runway, and on Lizzo’s Special Tour. Most recently, she created dance costumes for the Cincinnati Ballet, and shares the process of collaborating with award-winning, choreographer Rena Butler. Asha also talks about her upcoming project with Cincinnati’s Blink Festival, where she will debut her new collection, “Who Do You Say That I Am?”Follow Asha @asha_amaCheck out her website at https://www.ashaama.com

In this episode, Marisa interviews lead singer of the band Post Saga, Danna O’Connor. Formed in 2017, the Cleveland band is comprised of seven members who blend various genres and instruments to create a unique pop-rock sound. With two EPs and the release of their new EP "Circles," Marisa chats with Danna to share more about the band's history, music creation process, and upcoming tour. With Danna’s heartfelt lyrics and the band’s catchy melodies, Post Saga brings the party to any live performance.Follow Post Saga @postsagaCheck out their website and upcoming shows at https://www.postsaga.comListen to their new EP “Circles” on Spotify and other music platforms now!Buy tickets to their EP release party for Saturday, July 27th @ 8:30pm EDT at the Studio West-Trellis Rooftop https://postsagamerch.square.site/product/psepshow/19?cs=true&cst=custom

In this episode, Marisa interviews Cleveland-based photographer, Lindsey Poyar. Lindsey always knew she wanted to be an artist, and fell in love with photography in a summer college course. She left the corporate world, started her own business, and has been a freelancer for five years. Lindsey finds inspiration from thrifting vintage clothing, experimenting with new lighting techniques, and watching films. From shooting weddings and couples to brands and musicians, Lindsey wants to make her clients feel comfortable in their own skin and strives to capture who they truly are on camera.Follow Lindsey @lindseypoyCheck out her website at https://www.lindseypoyar.com

In this episode, Marisa interviews the owners of JM Film Resins, Michelle Sloey and Jesse Brunt. Both hailing from Rochester, NY, the couple met on set and continue to work in the film industry in LA. They call themselves film romantics, and create art out of preserved film prints using resin. From treating footage like "Star Wars" and "James Bond" to an old Charlie Chaplin film, Michelle and Jesse hope to make film more accessible, and to recapture those emotional memories found in movie magic. Grab your popcorn and listen to this month’s episode full of film history and motion picture fun!Follow them on insta and DM for inquiries @jmfilmresinsFind their film art at local markets like the Los Feliz Flea, Melrose Trading Post, Artists & Fleas in Venice, and more.Check out their article in the Hollywood Reporter here

In this episode, Marisa interviews professional dancer, Fábio Mariano. A native from Brazil, Fábio shares his journey of coming to the US and becoming a professional dancer with the Collage Dance Collective. Since moving, Fábio creates dance wear with his business, Fabiolous Crochet, and is the co-founder of Blacks in Ballet, a media platform highlighting black dancers. Weaving activism and art, Fábio continues to generate dialogue about making dance more inclusive.Follow Fábio @fabiocmarianoFollow Blacks in Ballet @blacksinballetTo order his crochet creations DM @fabiolouscrochetCheck out more of his work on his website at https://fabiocmariano.wixsite.com/fabiocmariano

In this episode, Marisa interviews Phoenix visual artist, Alegre Lopez. Growing up, Alegre’s mom nurtured her creativity. With a couple of art classes and YouTube videos, Alegre taught herself how to paint both traditionally and digitally. Now, she sells her works at local stores in Arizona, and shares more about her art as a business. Drawing influence from 60s and 70s culture, Alegre creates colorful and joyful pieces that allow viewers to escape and daydream.Follow Alegre’s Daydream shop on instagram @shopdaydreamartCheck out her website at https://www.shopdaydreamart.comPurchase her work on Etsy at https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShopDaydreamArt

In this episode, Marisa interviews contemporary visual artist based in Portland, Oregon, Laine Kolesar. Laine began her career as a social worker, but found healing in creating art. Laine’s art is influenced by Cubism, and draws inspiration from the female form, exploring both vulnerability and confidence within the body. Now, she is dedicated to becoming a working artist, and provides insight into her process, color research, and exhibitions.Follow Laine @lainekolesarPurchase her art on her website at https://www.lainekolesar.com

In this episode, Marisa interviews award-winning, Toledo choreographer Alyssa Brutlag. Dance was always a part of Alyssa’s life growing up especially having a mom as a dance teacher and studio owner. Now, she is an established choreographer and teacher who travels across the US creating works, finding inspiration from music and improving. When she is not busy at the studio, Alyssa can be seen teaching Dance Church classes, and working on her new piece, “If Tears Were Diamonds,” to present in the spring.Follow Alyssa @alyssabrutlagCheck out her website https://www.alyssabrutlag.comSign up for Dance Church classes here https://go.dancechurch.com/irlDonate to support Alyssa’s new work “If Tears Were Diamonds” here https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-bring-alyssas-new-work-to-st-louis?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer