"Checking on the Arts"

Our local NPR station, WKNO, has a great local interview program every morning and afternoon (as needed) that highlights art happenings around the city. I listen to NPR wherever I travel, and I've never heard another show like it -- some stations will bring in musicians, but no other station I've heard also supports ballet, opera, theater, and (challenging on radio) visual arts. I find out about all kinds of cool stuff listening, and I so appreciate the support I get as an independent artist just trying to get the word out about occasional shows.

Elizabeth Alley and I recorded an interview with Kacky Walton that aired yesterday morning. I always enjoy the chance to talk about my work -- I work on alone at home so much of the time that it's not only fun but it focuses me more clearly on what I'm trying to achieve when I have to articulate it for others.

I was a little stunned by the strength of my southern accent coming across the radio waves as I listened yesterday morning. I guess I'll never get used to the sound of my voice outside my own head.

Elizabeth did a sketch while we were sitting in the studio. She ALWAYS has her sketch book. She posted it on her blog here.

And here's my sketch from last year in the same studio room. This is Justin Willingham at the mike, and WKNO has used it on a t-shirt design for their 40th anniversary. It's fun to see my artwork being worn out and about the city.