THE BENT POD

Episodios

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  Ep. 3 - Ben Valentine: Bathtub Gin Artists 02.10.2026 1h 30m

  In this episode, Ben Valentine and I talk about learning old master's techniques on our own, and the value being a 'bathtub gin' artist. We discuss learning traditional techniques, the influence of the old masters, and the sacrifices that come with pursuing mastery. We also talk about humor and seriousness in painting, how artists are shaped by the generations before them, and how technology is changing traditional methods. Later in the conversation we cover the balance between technical skill and personal expression, the pressures of the contemporary art world, and the value of community among painters.TakeawaysSelf-taught artists face unique challengesTraditional techniques foster innovation Balance humor and seriousnessGenerational influences on art Artistic evolution is personalCommunity fosters creativityChapters00:00 Artistic Journeys and Challenges02:09 The Role of Technology in Art05:09 Finding Your Artistic Voice09:27 The Influence of Old Masters11:57 Personal Sacrifices in Art22:07 The Impact of Public Perception29:01 Humor and Seriousness in Art30:18 The Art of Humor and Seriousness32:39 Generational Perspectives in Art34:48 Nostalgia and Artistic Influence35:23 Evolving Techniques in Painting38:42 Class and Accessibility in Art44:30 The Role of Technology in Art47:32 Understanding Painting Techniques57:11 Exploring Rembrandt's Artistic Evolution01:03:55 The Journey of Artistic Expression01:04:32 Techniques and Artistic Quality01:07:15 Personal Alchemy in Art01:12:41 The Role of Community in Art01:23:11 Art for Art's Sake01:28:00 Navigating the Contemporary Art World
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  Ep. 2 - Larry Madrigal: Pentimento 17.09.2026 1h 33m

  In this episode I sit down with one of my favorite painters and good friend Larry Madrigal. I can talk to Larry for hours, and we often do. This conversation covers topics related to digital space, art, authenticity, and humor. It delves into the impact of technology on art, the importance of human creativity, and the role of humor in life and art. The discussion also explores the concept of hidden layers in paintings and the significance of repentance in art, known as 'pentimento'. We get into the technical aspects of painting, exploring the use of light, layers, and the depiction of figures, and also touch on the challenges of creating contemporary paintings that capture the same intensity and atmosphere as old master paintings. We talk about vulnerability, the complexity of living a good life, and the process of developing interesting compositions. I love Larry's process and how he develops his ideas for paintings, he is both hilarious and a very serious painter, my favorite combo!Chapters00:00 Exploring Digital Space02:07 The Importance of Authenticity03:37 The Role of Humor in Art and Life29:30 Hidden Layers and Repentance in Art31:21 Exploring Painting Techniques43:09 Challenges of Contemporary Painting59:27 Depicting Figures in Contemporary Art01:03:29 Exploring Vulnerability in Art01:04:18 The Complexity of Living a Good Life01:06:46 The Evolution of Ideas for Paintings01:09:29 The Significance of Connections and Conversations
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  Ep. 1 - Sara Birns: Hold Onto This For Dear Life 03.09.2026 2h 35m

  The first conversation on The Bent Pod- and the origin story of the club itself. Sara Birns walked into Christian's Santa Cruz studio with a sketchbook and became the first apprentice to a project that would reintroduce the lost techniques of the old masters in a radical new way. Tech burnout, master copies, a Gary Busey with a Beehive, the workshop that failed its way into becoming a club, and why learning to paint this way is learning a secret language. "Hold onto this for dear life. This is gold."Sara Birns is a painter working in the old masters' method- The Bent's first apprentice, now a working artist exhibiting and collected globally.Conversations with the worlds greatest living painters, every other week, the club lives at thebent.club. Get Bent.