noseyAF: Conversations about Art, Activism, and Social Change

Ep 74: Navigating Grief through Sculpture: Bobbi Meier’s Story “Grief doesn’t have to be gray. It can be neon, it can be soft, it can be joyful.”- Bobbi Meier SUMMARY OF THE EPISODE In this episode of noseyAF, we explore navigating grief through sculpture with Chicago-based artist Bobbi Meier. Bobbi’s journey as an artist is intimately shaped by personal loss and the emotional complexities of caregiving, grief, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Through her tactile, vibrant sculptures—which she calls “squishy, colorful towers”—Bobbi channels emotion, joy, and memory. These works, part of a series titled Sentinels for Innocence, reflect how grief and play can coexist in powerful ways. We discuss how Bobbi’s sculptural practice creates space for healing, community, and catharsis, and how her art invites both personal introspection and public dialogue. From the transformation of grief into vibrant form to the role of humor in tragedy, this conversation reveals the power of creative expression to shape identity and connect us to one another. TOPICS DISCUSSED: * How personal loss and caregiving shaped Bobbi Meier’s art * The role of play and innocence in sculpture * Art as a response to grief and social-political upheaval * Balancing humor and tragedy in creative practice * Professionalism, hobby culture, and rediscovering joy in artmaking CHAPTERS: • 00:07 - Kicking Off Season Six • 06:20 - Exploring the Impact of the Pandemic on Artistic Expression • 18:21 - The Emotional Journey of Art: From Creation to Reflection • 22:42 - Art and Memory: Conversations on Impactful Pieces • 30:00 - The Power of Art and Personal Loss • 39:31 - Defining Professionalism in Art • 44:10 - The Art of Hobbies: Discovering New Passions • 48:23 - REFLECTIONS ON FEAR AND ART ABOUT BOBBI: Bobbi Meier is a Chicago-based multimedia artist whose provocative, fiber-based sculptures confront the tension between what’s seen and what’s suppressed. Blurring the lines between public and private, her abstract forms tap into themes of repressed sexuality, proper manners, and emotional excess. With an MFA and MAAE from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Bobbi’s work has been featured nationally and was recognized with a prestigious Kohler Arts/Industry residency in 2019. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE * A Tale of Today: Materialities at Driehaus Museum [https://driehausmuseum.org/exhibition/materialities] * JohnMichael Kohler Arts Center [https://www.jmkac.org/artists/] * Epiphany Center for the Arts [https://epiphanychi.com/] Connect with Bobbi Meier Instagram: @bobbimeierart [https://www.instagram.com/bobbimeier/] Website: bobbimeierart.com [https://www.bobbimeier.com/] Connect & Stay Updated * Visit my website [https://www.missgraham.com/] (Art, Projects & More) * Follow on Instagram [https://instagram.com/stephaniegraham] (@stephaniegraham) * Join my Studio Newsletter [https://www.missgraham.com/newsletter] * Listen to more episodes [https://noseyaf.com/] Support & Feedback * Share noseyAF with friends [https://www.noseyaf.com/follow/] * Rate & Review the Show [https://www.noseyaf.com/rate/] * Buy Pins & Prints [https://www.noseyaf.com/store/] | Shop Art [https://www.missgraham.com/shop] * Join the noseyAF Dispatch [https://noseynewsletter.substack.com/] * Send Feedback or Message [https://castfeedback.com/noseyaf] Episode Credits: Produced, Hosted, and Edited by Me, Stephanie (teaching myself audio editing!) Lyrics: Queen Lex Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

Ep 73: Alberto Aguilar on Making Art from Everyday Life Summary of the Episode: In this episode of noseyAF: Conversations About Art, Activism, and Social Change, artist and host Stephanie Graham sits down with Alberto Aguilar, a multidisciplinary artist known for transforming everyday moments and interactions into meaningful creative expressions. The conversation explores how Aguilar weaves art into the rhythms of family, teaching, and community life. If you’ve ever wondered how to sustain creativity without compartmentalizing your life, this episode is for you. This episode is a follow-up to Alberto’s first appearance in Episode 35, “I Was Wrong About Alberto Aguilar.” Takeaways * The conversation emphasizes the significance of engaging with everyday objects to derive meaning and foster communication. * Alberto Aguilar’s exhibition, A Factual Account, explores the interplay between art, presence, and the narratives objects can evoke. * The discussion reveals the creative process, highlighting how constraints can lead to innovative expressions in artistic practice. * Aguilar shares insights on how personal experiences and family history influence his work, underscoring the connection between art and human experience. Chapters 00:24 – A Conversation with Alberto Aguilar 01:40 – The Ladder Performance: A Journey of Collaboration and Creativity 16:05 – The Journey of an Artist 19:28 – The Complexity of Identity and Art 27:31 – The Art of Activation: Engaging with Objects and Space 36:51 – Exploring Aesthetic and Contextual Poetics 50:58 – Exploring Doubt and Certainty 53:20 – The Dream of a Grocery Store Art Space Guest Bio Alberto Aguilar is a Chicago-based artist who uses whatever materials are at hand to make meaningful connections with viewers. He does not distinguish his art practice from his other life roles, which allows him to make work wherever he is. He has shown and presented work in museums, galleries, storefronts, homes, and street corners around the world. Resources Mentioned in This Episode Engage Projects – Alberto Aguilar [https://www.engage-projects.com/alberto-aguilar-bio.html] Last Time Alberto was on noseyAF: “I Was Wrong About Alberto Aguilar” – Episode 35 [https://www.noseyaf.com/i-was-wrong-about-alberto-aguilar/] Eva Hesse – “Hang Up” [https://www.artic.edu/artists/34922/eva-hesse] Nikki the Death Doula [https://www.nikkithedeathdoula.com/] Noteworthy Quotes from This Episode “Limitations are not obstacles — they are the source material.” “I’m not trying to make art about life. I’m trying to make life into art.” “I think the best work comes from the moments you’re most present.” Connect with Alberto Aguilar Instagram: @albert0aguilar [https://www.instagram.com/albert0aguilar/] Website: albertoaguilar.org [http://www.albertoaguilar.org/] Connect & Stay Updated with Stephanie Visit my website [https://www.missgraham.com/] (Art, Projects & More) Follow on Instagram [https://instagram.com/stephaniegraham] (@stephaniegraham) Join my Studio Newsletter [https://www.missgraham.com/newsletter] Listen to more episodes [https://noseyaf.com/] Support & Feedback Share noseyAF with friends [https://www.noseyaf.com/follow/] Rate & Review the Show [https://www.noseyaf.com/rate/] Buy Pins & Prints [https://www.noseyaf.com/store/] | Shop Art [https://www.missgraham.com/shop] Join the noseyAF Dispatch [https://noseynewsletter.substack.com/] Send Feedback or Message [https://castfeedback.com/noseyaf] Episode Credits Produced, Hosted, and Edited by Me, Stephanie (teaching myself audio editing!) On location recording: Ryan Harder Lyrics: Queen Lex Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

Ep # 72: Mastering the Art of Growth: Insights from Kenyatta Griggs “Every experience is a tool—what you build is up to you.”- Kenyatta Griggs SUMMARY OF THE EPISODE Its the last episode of Season 5 of noseyAF and we are closing out with a wonderful conversation with Kenyatta Griggs! Kenyatta Griggs (Dr Yatta!), is an esteemed barber, author, and filmmaker, exemplifying the intersection of personal development and hip hop culture. His influential platform, Hip Hop Motivation, serves as a beacon for those seeking inspiration and growth, as he shares invaluable insights that resonate deeply within the community. In this engaging dialogue with Stephanie Graham, we delve into the vital importance of self-care and the formative years, discussing how these foundational experiences shape our lives and relationships. Kenyatta's perspective on parenting emphasizes the necessity of empathy, patience, and consistency, urging us to reparent ourselves and redefine our narratives. Through this conversation, we explore the transformative power of introspection, the impact of our choices, and how the subconscious mind influences our journey toward personal fulfillment and empowerment. TOPICS DISCUSSED: * The intersection of hip hop culture and personal development * The importance of self-care and revisiting formative years * Conscious parenting and the power of reparenting yourself ABOUT KENYATTA: Kenyatta Griggs is a barber, author, filmmaker, and founder of Hip Hop Motivation, a platform dedicated to inspiring growth and self-development through the lens of hip hop culture. His work bridges creativity, motivation, and entrepreneurship, offering valuable insights that empower individuals to navigate life authentically and fearlessly. Resources mentioned in this episode Kenyattas’s Projects * Think & Ball Out [https://open.spotify.com/album/3VKkRac5MiCOg1tB6WzFej] * The Secret to Ballin’ [https://tubitv.com/movies/614074/the-secret-to-ballin] * My Barber's Hand Stink [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5MMAy-i0tM] The Game of Life and How to Play it [https://bookshop.org/a/102335/9798350501384] by Florence Scovel Shinn (affiliate link) Chapters: • 00:05 - Introducing Kenyatta Griggs: Barber, Author, and Filmmaker • 08:52 - The Journey to Barbering: A Personal Development Story • 18:39 - The Turning Point: A Life-Changing Moment • 24:52 - The Importance of Connection • 34:53 - The Importance of Self-Respect and Relationships • 51:44 - Understanding the Formative Years • 58:56 - Conscious Parenting and Personal Growth • 01:04:17 - The Importance of Legacy and Relationships • 01:15:54 - The Importance of Self-Care in Childhood • 01:24:16 - The Importance of Preparation Connect with Kenyatta Instagram: @hip_hop_motivator [https://www.instagram.com/hip_hop_motivator/] Connect with Stephanie Instagram: @stephaniegraham [https://instagram.com/stephaniegraham] Email: stephanie@missgraham.com [stephanie@missgraham.com] Check out my art and projects [https://www.missgraham.com/] Join my studio newsletter [https://www.missgraham.com/newsletter] More Episodes at noseyaf.com [http://noseyaf.com/] Please leave me feedback or send me a message [https://castfeedback.com/noseyaf] Support the Show Rate and Review the show [https://lovethepodcast.com/noseyaf] Share noseyAF with your friends [https://lovethepodcast.com/noseyaf] Buy a pin [https://www.noseyaf.com/store/] Buy a print [https://www.missgraham.com/shop] Join the noseyAF Dispatch [https://www.noseyaf.com/p/newsletter/] Episode Credits: Produced, Hosted, and Edited by Me, Stephanie (teaching myself audio editing!) Lyrics: Queen Lex Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

Ep 71- noseyAF Live!: Faux Fur, Circus Stories, Feelings, and Soft Power with Catie Burrill “Textile work has always been a silent language, especially among women.”- Catie Burrill Summary of the episode: The inaugural episode of noseyAF on Lumpen Radio introduces host Stephanie Graham and her signature blend of curiosity, creativity, and community. In this candid conversation, Stephanie sits down with Chicago-based fiber artist Catie Burrill to discuss the intersection of art, activism, and social change. Known for her whimsical and thought-provoking use of faux fur, Katie shares how her circus background, textile work, and commitment to sustainability shape her artistic vision. This episode sets the tone for the series—personal, probing, and full of laughter and insight. Listeners are invited to reflect on how art can be a medium for activism, the history of textiles as silent communication, and the power of affirmations in mental health and creative practice. Chapters: * 00:10 - Introduction to Lumpin Radio * 07:19 - The Art of Furgate: A Journey into Textile and Community * 13:15 - The Circus Life: Behind the Scenes * 29:13 - The Intersection of Madness and Art * 43:02 - Art, Snacks, and the Uncomfortable Aisle * 51:02 - Communicating Through Craft: The Art of Fiber and Affirmations Topics discussed: * Stephanie’s first day on-air as a radio host * Catie’s journey through circus life, fiber art, and faux fur * The emotional and cultural significance of textile art * Art as activism and community engagement * Affirmations, mental health, and creativity GUEST BIO Catie Burrill is a Chicago-based fiber artist whose work pulls from a decade of wayfaring across the US on Greyhound buses, circus trains, and non-descript cargo vans. Fascinated by the psyche, she uses textiles and found objects to explore the intersection of madness, cultural identity, and storytelling through stitchwork and the early internet. Resources mentioned in this episode * Lumpen Radio [https://www.lumpinradio.com/] * Matt Bodett Mad Disability Advocate [https://www.mattbodett.com/] * Stephanie’s Website [https://www.missgraham.com/] Episode sponsored by: This episode is brought to you by Graham Cracker Pins, affordable limited-edition wearable art by artists. Shop now [https://www.noseyaf.com/store/]. Connect with Catie Instagram: @yescatie [https://instagram.com/yescatie] Website: catieburrill.com [https://catieburrill.com/] Subscribe [https://yescatie.substack.com/] to Catie's Newsletter Connect & Stay Updated * Visit my website [https://www.missgraham.com/] (Art, Projects & More) * Follow on Instagram [https://instagram.com/stephaniegraham] (@stephaniegraham) * Join my Studio Newsletter [https://www.missgraham.com/newsletter] * Listen to more episodes [https://noseyaf.com/] Support & Feedback * Share noseyAF with friends [https://www.noseyaf.com/follow/] * Rate & Review the Show [https://www.noseyaf.com/rate/] * Buy Pins & Prints [https://www.noseyaf.com/store/] | Shop Art [https://www.missgraham.com/shop] * Join the noseyAF Dispatch [https://noseynewsletter.substack.com/] * Send Feedback or Message [https://castfeedback.com/noseyaf] Episode Credits: Thank you, Ariandy, for supporting me in the studio, leading the way, and teaching me Hosted by Me, Stephanie Graham Recorded live on Lumpen Radio on April 12, 2025 Music Lyrics: Queen Lex Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

Ep 70:🎉 Big News: noseyAF Is Now a Live Radio Show! Summary of the episode Friends!! Stephanie’s got a mic, a mixing board, and a whole new way to be nosy. This is your official heads-up: noseyAF is now a live radio show on Lumpen Radio in Chicago 105.5FM, and you’re invited to the party. Here’s the what, why, and how — plus a teaser of what went down in our very first broadcast. Resources mentioned in this episode * Bonnie DeShong [https://bonnieseyetothesky.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAad2XskrBhpCOkoKyIt5aDWUnHgLhwb_HAvwrm0jZU_iQXII3nZnU-vXpEp8LQ_aem_5YZsiIo9e6ADCeuXNrud-g] * Howard Stern [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Stern] * Lumpen Radio [https://lumpenradio.com/] * Bad At Sports [https://badatsports.com/] * Chicago Art Department [https://www.chicagoartdepartment.org/] Connect & Stay Updated * Visit my website [https://www.missgraham.com/] (Art, Projects & More) * Follow on Instagram [https://instagram.com/stephaniegraham] (@stephaniegraham) * Join my Studio Newsletter [https://www.missgraham.com/newsletter] * Listen to more episodes [https://noseyaf.com/] Support & Feedback * Share noseyAF with friends [https://www.noseyaf.com/follow/] * Rate & Review the Show [https://www.noseyaf.com/rate/] * Buy Pins & Prints [https://www.noseyaf.com/store/] * Join the noseyAF Dispatch [https://noseynewsletter.substack.com/] * Send Feedback or Message [https://castfeedback.com/noseyaf] Episode Credits: Produced, Hosted, and Edited by Me, Stephanie (teaching myself audio editing!) Lyrics: Queen Lex Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam