The Urbanaut Podcast - John Sanderson🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #51 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. This episode delves into the evocative landscapes of America through the lens of distinguished photographer John Sanderson. His work captures the transformation and decay of environments shaped by history and human interaction.

About Our Guest: John Sanderson John Sanderson's photography is shaped by his upbringing in New York and his family’s Vaudeville history, melding a deep connection to American landscapes with narrative-driven imagery. His large format photography captures scenes from urban decay to rural serenity, exploring the interplay between man and environment.

Tune in to this episode to:

• Discover the evolution of John's career and his approach to capturing the American landscape.
• Explore the stories and artistic insights behind his significant projects like "Railway Landscapes" and "National Character."
• Understand how John's photography reflects broader socio-political themes and personal history.

Don't forget to:

• Subscribe to our channel for more insights into the world of art and photography.
• Like and share this episode to explore the profound narratives within American landscapes.
• Follow us on social media for updates and exclusive content.

OUTLINE:

• 0:00 - Coming Up…
• 3:28 - Background and Influence
• 6:56 - Discovery of Large Format Photography
• 13:54 - Influence of Winston Link and American Modernist Painters
• 22:54 - Photographic Philosophy and Emotional Connection
• 30:14 - Globalization and Homogenization of Places
• 9:52 - Relevance of Post-Industrial Landscapes
• 47:32 - Artistic Integrity and the Role of the Soul
• 52:07 - Challenges of Large Format Photography
• 1:04:58 - Artistic Perspective and Visual Approach
• 1:09:05 - Project Narratives and Inspirations
• 1:15:31 - Timelessness of Railroad Landscapes
• 1:54:32 - Culmination and Reflections
• 2:03:54 - Closing Remarks and Future Aspirations

EPISODE LINKS: John’s Website: john-sanderson.com John’s Instagram: @johnsandersonphotographer

SOCIAL:

• Twitter: /TheUrbanautPodcast
• Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast
• Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast
• Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast

#JohnSanderson #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #AmericanLandscapes #DocumentaryPhotography #RailwayLandscapes #NationalCharacter #VisualNarrative #ArtisticExploration #Urbanautica #SteveBisson #PatrickLeeHubbard

🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #50 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this fascinating episode, we sit down with the innovative German photomedia artist Boris Eldagsen. Renowned for his deep exploration of the unconscious mind, Boris’s work blends photography, theater, painting, and film to create symbolic visual poetry that exists between the sublime and the uncanny.

About Our Guest: Boris Eldagsen

Boris Eldagsen is a Berlin-based photomedia artist whose career spans over two decades. His work delves into the unconscious, crafting evocative images and immersive installations that connect with viewers on an intuitive, dreamlike level. From "Inverted Street Photography" to cutting-edge AI image-making—termed "promptography"—Boris continuously pushes the boundaries of art and technology. With exhibitions worldwide and collaborations with leading institutions, Boris remains a pioneer in exploring humanity’s collective unconscious through art.

Tune in to this episode to:

- Explore the origins of Boris’s groundbreaking "promptography" and AI image-making.

- Learn how Boris combines archetypes, symbolism, and technology to craft his evocative art.

- Discover how his personal philosophy and experiences shape his creative journey.

- Reflect on the societal and artistic implications of AI in visual storytelling.

Outline:

0:00 - Coming Up…

3:30 - Early Artistic Influences and Transition to Photography

7:23 - Philosophy and Artistic Foundations

11:11 - Discovering Yin and Yang in His Work

18:05 - Collaboration with Roger Ballen

22:45 - The Concept of Inverted Street Photography

28:18 - Transition to Staged Photography

47:27 - Evolution of Immersive Installations

1:00:17 - Collaborative Work and AI Experimentation

1:02:19 - Philosophy of AI and Promptography

1:13:50 - Creativity as Problem-Solving

1:20:53 - The Future of AI and Art

1:41:27 - Overcoming Misconceptions About AI in Art

1:53:35 - Exploring Human Condition and Subconscious Themes

1:58:27 - Returning to Black-and-White Imagery

2:00:45 - Closing Thoughts on Collaboration and Future Projects

Don’t forget to:

- Subscribe to our channel for more episodes that explore the intersection of art, technology, and the unconscious.

- Like and share this episode to celebrate the evolution of visual storytelling.

- Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

EPISODE LINKS:

Boris's Website: www.eldagsen.com

Instagram: @boriseldagsen

SOCIAL:

- Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast

- Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast

- Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast

- Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast

#BorisEldagsen #TheUrbanautPodcast #AIArt #Photography #Promptography #VisualPoetry #TheUnconsciousMind #ArtisticExploration #urbanautica #stevebisson #PatrickLeeHubbard

🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #49 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this episode, we journey with Canadian photographer and educator Kyler Zeleny, whose work delves deeply into the Canadian prairies and the stories within rural communities. Kyler’s trilogy of photo books captures the essence of small-town life, exploring the beauty, resilience, and complexities of the rural landscape.

About Our Guest: Kyler Zeleny
Kyler Zeleny (b. 1988) is an accomplished Canadian photographer, educator, and author, holding degrees in Political Science, Photography and Urban Cultures, and a PhD in Communication & Culture. With published works like Out West, Found Polaroids, Crown Ditch & The Prairie Castle, and Bury Me in the Back Forty, Kyler has documented rural life on the prairies for over a decade. His work, featured in publications like The Globe & Mail, The Guardian, and The Washington Post, reflects his ongoing exploration of rural identity and urban-rural contrasts.

You can follow Kyler's journey and works on Instagram at @kylerzeleny or on his website at kylerzeleny.com.

Tune in to this episode to:

• Discover the origins of Kyler’s trilogy documenting rural Canadian life:
• Explore his inspirations drawn from his academic and artistic background, and how his rural upbringing on the Canadian prairies continues to shape his artistic philosophy.
• Delve into his reflections on “post-photography” in an AI-driven era, where traditional photography blends with digital and archival storytelling.
• Hear Kyler’s philosophy on respecting the creative process and pursuing knowledge, as he shares insights on capturing rurality's “roses and thorns.”
• Learn about the “hero’s journey” in his work, as Kyler returns to his roots to create a layered narrative of rural life.

Don't forget to:

• Subscribe to our channel for more episodes exploring art, photography, and place.
• Like and share this episode to celebrate the stories and landscapes of the Canadian prairies.
• Follow us on social media for updates and exclusive content.

EPISODE LINKS:

• Kyler’s Contact: www.kylerzeleny.com
• Kyler’s Instagram: @kylerzeleny

OUTLINE:
0:00 - Introduction to Kyler’s Trilogy
8:56 - Farm Background and Early Photography Beginnings
14:37 - Influence of New Topographic Photographers
35:09 - The “Hero’s Journey” and Storytelling
36:51 - Exploration of ‘Found Polaroids’
52:34 - Loneliness and Spiritual Connection to Rural Life
1:25:22 - Reflections on ‘Post-Photography’
1:30:38 - The Rose Metaphor
1:32:08 - Layered Storytelling in Photography
1:59:44 - Creating a Roadmap of Past, Present, and Future
2:06:08 - Final Reflections and Advice to Photographers

SOCIAL:

• Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast
• Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast
• Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast
• Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast

#KylerZeleny #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #CanadianPrairies #DocumentaryPhotography #RuralIdentity #OutWest #CrownDitch #BuryMeInTheBackForty #ArtisticExploration #urbanautica #SteveBisson #PatrickLeeHubbard

🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #48 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this insightful episode, we are joined by the visionary Damien Drew—an accomplished production designer and an evocative photographer. Damien’s unique perspective bridges architecture, film, and photography, creating a compelling narrative on the transformation and loss of authentic places across global landscapes.

Damien Drew’s work critically examines the evolving relationship between humans and their built environments. Capturing what he sees as the loss of distinct “place” in favor of homogenized spaces, Drew invites us to consider the beauty of impermanence. His celebrated exhibitions, Everywhere was Wherever and Wabi-Sabi, depict vanishing cultural landscapes, from America’s southern towns to rural Japan. Through his evocative lens, Drew reframes the forgotten or decaying as spaces of quiet reflection, beauty, and introspection.

Tune in to this episode to:

• Journey through Damien’s transition from architecture into film and photography.
• Understand how his architectural training influences his documentary approach to photography.
• Explore his projects, Shikoku Silence and Wabi Sabi, which capture the melancholic beauty of impermanent spaces in rural Japan.
• Gain insight into Damien’s reflections on globalization’s impact on cultural identity and unique environments.
• Discover his role in the art direction and production design for Elvis, where he helped recreate 1950s and 1970s Memphis to tell the story of the iconic musician.

Don't Forget to:

• Subscribe for more in-depth discussions with visionary artists and photographers.
• Like and share this episode to support thoughtful dialogue on visual storytelling and cultural shifts.
• Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

Episode links:

• Damien’s Website: damiendrew.com
• Damien’s Photography Portfolio: photography.damiendrew.com
• Damien’s Instagram: @damien_drew

Outline:

0:00 - Introduction to Damien and his Work
3:00 - Discovering Photography as a Teenager
4:26 - Studying Architecture and Its Influence on Visual Storytelling
9:43 - Entering the Film Industry Through Serendipity
17:45 - Cross-Country Motorcycle Journey in the U.S. as Creative Inspiration
24:18 - Observing Homogeneity Across American Small Towns
33:52 - Cultural Loss and the Importance of Architectural Documentation
1:05:22 - Parallel Passion for Photography in Film
1:10:56 - The Decline of Japanese Rural Villages in Shikoku Silence
1:17:33 - Tokyo’s Traditional Markets vs. Modern Consumerism
1:28:07 - Trusting One's Creative Voice Over External Feedback
1:32:29 - Japan’s “Night Movers” Company and Themes of Reinvention
1:40:15 - Production Design Work on Elvis and Recreating 1950s Memphis
1:52:06 - Emotional Connection Through Personal Projects Over Commercial Success
1:55:18 - Solitude in Independent Creative Work
1:56:58 - Advice on Following Your Authentic Voice in Art

Our Social Media:

• Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast
• Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast
• Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast
• Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast

#DamienDrew #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #CulturalDocumentation #VisualStorytelling #WabiSabi #ShikokuSilence #UrbanExploration #ElvisMovie #ArtDirection #urbanautica #stevebisson #PatrickLeeHubbard

About Our Guest: Damien DrewTune in to this episode to:Don’t forget to:EPISODE LINKS:OUTLINE:SOCIAL:

🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #47 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this intimate and reflective episode, we welcome the inspiring artist-photographer Ruth Lauer Manenti. Ruth’s journey is a profound narrative of resilience, memory, and art, shaped by her family’s legacy and her spiritual practice. Her current projects, Excerpts/I Imagined It Empty and Engravings, explore themes of life’s impermanence and the quiet beauty in everyday moments.

About Our Guest: Ruth Lauer Manenti
Ruth Lauer Manenti received her MFA from Yale in painting and drawing and later transitioned to photography, achieving what she had long sought through drawing and painting. Inspired by her parents’ poetic sensibilities — her father’s reverence for life’s transience and her mother’s gratitude for nature’s simplicity — Ruth’s work captures the fragility and fleeting beauty of life. Currently pursuing her MFA in photography at Hartford University, she continues to deepen her exploration of memory, spirituality, and the traces of loved ones we carry with us.

Tune in to this episode to:

• Hear about Ruth’s creative evolution from painting to photography and her journey toward artistic authenticity.
• Explore the narratives behind her projects Excerpts/I Imagined It Empty and Engravings, inspired by her home in the Catskill Mountains.
• Reflect on themes of loss, family legacy, and the meaningful moments of shared existence captured in her photographs.

Don’t forget to:

• Subscribe to our channel for more insights from artists who bring unique perspectives to photography.
• Like and share this episode to celebrate the transformative power of memory and art.
• Follow us on social media for updates and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

EPISODE LINKS
Ruth’s Website: Ruth Lauer Manenti

OUTLINE
0:00 - Most Replayed
1:02 - Ruth’s Background and the Early Influence of Family
8:33 - Discovering Photography and Leaving Painting
15:24 - Art as a Lifeline and Therapeutic Practice
22:02 - Embracing Emptiness in Art and Life
30:00 - Excerpts/I Imagined It Empty — Capturing Memories of Her Mother
40:11 - Photographing the Beauty of the Everyday
50:17 - Reflections on Family, Legacy, and Time
1:02:27 - How Ruth Hopes Her Art Impacts Viewers
1:11:08 - The Vulnerability of Sharing Personal Work
1:39:05 - Creating Art as a Continuum of Family and Memory

SOCIAL

• Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast
• Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast
• Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast
• Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast

#RuthLauerManenti #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #CatskillMountains #IImaginedItEmpty #ArtisticProcess #MemoryAndLegacy #urbanautica

🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #46 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this captivating episode, we sit down with the brilliant Canadian photographer Scott Conarroe, whose large-format landscape photography has redefined how we view the intersection of infrastructure, mobility, and the environment.

About Our Guest: Scott Conarroe

Scott Conarroe is known for his expansive projects “By Rail" and "By Sea", which document North American landscapes shaped by human infrastructure. His work, often photographed at twilight or dawn, evokes a sense of nostalgia while addressing contemporary issues such as climate change and globalization. With his masterful use of time and perspective, Scott’s photography transcends simple documentation, serving as visual time capsules that reflect on the past, present, and future of our built environments. His photographs have been exhibited in prestigious galleries around the world, and his projects continue to influence the discourse on landscape aesthetics in contemporary photography.

Tune in to this episode to:

* Explore Scott's unique approach to photography, focusing on observation, process, and how infrastructure defines landscapes.

* Learn about his "By Rail" and "By Sea" projects and how they chronicle the historical and cultural significance of North American railways and coastlines.

* Delve into Scott’s philosophy on the power of long-exposure photography and the importance of being present in the moment.

Don't forget to:

* Subscribe to our channel for more deep dives into the world of art and photography.

* Like and share this episode to support artists and photographers who are reshaping the way we see the world.

* Follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes content and updates on upcoming episodes.

OUTLINE:

0:00 - Coming Up...

2:45 - Introduction and Approach to Photography

4:17 - Transition from Printmaking to Photography

6:04 - Connection Between Photography and Early Interests in Skateboarding and Skiing

12:40 - Revelation on Time and Process in Long-Exposure Photography

20:36 - Photographing Twilight and Dawn: Natural and Artificial Light

25:13 - Philosophy of Process Over Product

28:36 - Beginning of the "By Rail" Project

31:28 - Work on "By Rail" and "By Sea": Human Infrastructure and the Environment

38:19 - Capturing the Layering of Infrastructure in North America

48:08 - Discoveries Through Photography: The More You Look, the More You See

1:12:14 - Curatorial Influence and Trusting Others’ Interpretations

1:20:11 - Balanced Approach to Life and Art: Loving Detachment

1:24:14 - Fatherhood’s Influence on Artistic Practice

1:38:19 - Evolution of Scott’s Work: A New Chapter Emerging

1:48:04 - Advice for Aspiring Image Makers and Scott’s Younger Self

EPISODE LINKS:

Scott’s Website: [scottconarroe.com](http://scottconarroe.com)

Scott’s Instagram: [@scottconarroe](https://www.instagram.com/scottconarroe)

SOCIAL:

* Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast

* Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast

* Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast

* Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast

#ScottConarroe #TheUrbanautPodcast #LandscapePhotography #ByRail #BySea #NorthAmericanInfrastructure #VisualTimeCapsule #ArtisticProcess #EnvironmentalPhotography #urbanautica #stevebisson #PatrickLeeHubbard

🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #45 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this captivating episode, we are thrilled to sit down with the incredibly insightful British photographer Joel Redman, whose work spans across the globe, focusing on communities, climate change, and the environment. About Our Guest: Joel Redman Joel Redman’s photography explores the delicate relationship between people and landscapes, from the deserts of North America to the Arctic Circle, capturing the intersection of human presence and environmental fragility. His work has been exhibited at prestigious venues like the National Portrait Gallery and the Royal Academy of Arts, and he was shortlisted for the International Photographer of the Year at the Lucie Awards. In this episode, Joel delves into his significant projects, including "Stray from the Path", "The North Chose Us", and "Resistance", sharing personal stories and the motivations behind his work documenting indigenous communities and fragile environments. Tune in to this episode to: * Journey through Joel’s career and hear the stories behind his key projects. * Explore the tension between human interaction and natural landscapes, as seen in "Stray from the Path". * Learn about the challenges facing indigenous communities, like the Sámi people in Lapland, and their fight for survival in "The North Chose Us". * Understand the ongoing resistance of indigenous peoples in Brazil against colonialism and environmental destruction in "Resistance". Don't forget to: * Subscribe to our channel for more thought-provoking episodes on art and photography. * Like and share this episode to spread awareness of Joel’s powerful work on environmental and cultural preservation. * Follow us on social media for updates and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. OUTLINE: 0:00 - Coming Up 1:42 - Introduction to Joel Redman’s work 3:13 - Joel’s meditative approach to photography 6:37 - Year spent working with indigenous communities 8:26 - Founding the charity “If Not Us Then Who” 10:55 - Early struggles with film development 18:10 - Learning from renowned photographers 25:55 - Influence of Alec Soth on Joel’s photography 33:11- Growing up in apartheid South Africa 47:04 - Ethical approach to working with indigenous communities 50:47 - Revisiting the Yurok Tribe in Northern California 1:02:14 - Importance of patience in photography 1:05:27 - Documenting the Sami people and their struggles in Lapland 1:37:04 - Exploring fragile environments through photography 1:51:40 - Long-term storytelling and revisiting communities 2:04:17 - Closing reflections on photography and storytelling These adjusted times reflect the new starting points for each significant moment in the episode. SOCIAL: * Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast * Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast * Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast * Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast #JoelRedman #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #DocumentaryPhotography #ClimateChange #SamiPeople #IndigenousCommunities #StrayFromThePath #EnvironmentalPhotography #ArtisticExploration #Urbanautica #SteveBisson #PatrickLeeHubbard

🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #44 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this episode, we are thrilled to sit down with Botswana-born artist-photographer Thero Makepe, whose work explores personal and societal narratives through the lens of photography. Thero shares his creative journey, diving into how his projects like “Fly Machine”, "Music From My Good Eye", and "We Didn't Choose to be Born Here" reflect themes of memory, identity, activism, and family legacy. About Our Guest: Thero Makepe Thero Makepe was born and raised in Gaborone, Botswana, and is currently working between Gaborone, Cape Town, and Johannesburg. A graduate with distinction from the University of Cape Town in Fine Arts, his practice focuses on photography, examining the intersection of personal history and national narratives in Botswana and South Africa. He is a founding member of the Botswana Pavilion, an artist collective dedicated to developing Botswana’s artistic archive. Tune in to this episode to: * Explore "Fly Machine", a project paying tribute to a Botswana fighter pilot who sacrificed his life, and how Thero uses photography to explore collective memory and mortality. * Delve into "Music From My Good Eye", a visual “album” dedicated to Thero’s blind grandfather, a jazz musician who fled apartheid, and how this project ties into family history and activism. * Discover "We Didn't Choose to be Born Here", a photobook blending personal stories with socio-political history in Botswana and South Africa. Don’t forget to: * Subscribe to our channel for more in-depth discussions on photography and visual storytelling. * Like and share this episode to celebrate African art and the power of narrative in photography. * Follow us on social media for updates and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.Episode Links: Instagram: @theromakepe Website: www.theromakepe.com OUTLINE:0:00 - Coming Up 4:05 - Thero's Introduction and Artistic Background 6:45 - Early Influences in Storytelling 8:14 - Transition from Painting to Photography 10:30 - Functional Approach to Photography 13:22 - The Impact of His Grandfather’s Blindness 15:57 - Learning to Play His Grandfather's Trombone 22:26 - Great-Uncle’s Role in the Sharpeville Massacre 25:35 - Exploring Family Activism in His Art 44:19 - Childhood Mischief and Artistic Influence 51:25 - Fly Machine Project 1:05:33 - Creating 'Music From My Good Eye' Project 1:17:45 - Reflections on His Role as a Black Fine Arts Graduate 1:39:41 - Connection to Revolutionary Figures in His Family 1:46:52 - The Importance of Being a Cultural Revolutionary 1:54:25 - The Role of Community in His Work SOCIAL: * Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast * Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast * Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast * Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast #TheroMakepe #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #BotswanaArt #VisualStorytelling #CulturalIdentity #AfricanArt #ActivismThroughArt #FlyMachine #MusicFromMyGoodEye #WeDidntChooseToBeBornHere #Urbanautica #SteveBisson #PatrickLeeHubbard