Oh, For the Love of Art!

Ep. 7 - Brother to Brother: The Real Business of Being an Artist

In this special episode, I sit down with my brother Nathan Bishop — better known as Ark — a music producer, engineer, and studio owner from Albuquerque, New Mexico. From being adopted at age three and piano lessons as kids, to apprenticing in a professional studio and eventually building his own successful music production business (Arked Music), Nathan shares his honest journey through the creative life. We talk about what it really takes to turn your art into a sustainable career — the importance of relationships, the “person-by-person” grind, consistency, business mindset, and why discipline often matters more than raw talent. This conversation feels more like two brothers catching up than a traditional interview. We cover everything from early mentors and studio stories to practical advice for any artist, musician, or creative who wants to make their work viable without losing their soul. Whether you’re a painter, musician, or anywhere in between — if you’re trying to build something real with your creativity, this episode is for you. 📺 Video version available (first one!) Guest: Nathan Bishop (Ark) – Music Producer & Engineer Studio: Arked Music – Albuquerque, NM Follow Nathan:Instagram: @arkedmusic & @heyark.turnitup

Ep. 6 - Keri Davis: From Funk Bands & Opera to Owning Pacesetter Gallery – Building Community Through Mississippi Art

In this heartfelt conversation on Oh, For the Love of Art!, host Sam Bishop sits down with Keri Davis, owner of Pacesetter Gallery in Flowood, Mississippi. Keri shares her unconventional path—from studying opera and singing in a funk band, to earning an art education degree at the University of North Texas, teaching middle school, running a multi-million-dollar business, and finally following a divine nudge to open her own gallery focused exclusively on Mississippi artists. Discover how Keri blends her love of music, watercolor, acrylic, and printmaking with her mission to champion over 60 local artists across mediums like pottery, sculpture, and mixed media. She opens up about the discipline of artmaking (inspired by her early lessons drawing spheres and cones for a week!), the emotional rollercoaster of being an artist, mentoring shy young creatives, and why art "saves" people by providing connection, expression, and community. Keri also discusses her major contributions to Mississippi tourism—curating art collections for all 11 state welcome centers—and her vision for making Mississippi art more visible and monetizable. Whether you're an aspiring artist, collector, educator, or simply someone who believes art enriches life, this episode is packed with practical wisdom on discipline, vulnerability, rejecting elitism in the art world, and living a purpose-driven creative life. Tune in for stories that remind us: art isn't just about selling pieces—it's about stories, soul, and setting the pace for a vibrant creative community in Mississippi.

Ep. 5 – Master Printer Steven Fournier on Collaborative Printmaking, Copperplate Etching & the Craftsman’s Life

In Episode 5 of "Oh, For The Love Of Art!", host Sam Bishop sits down with master printer Steven Fournier (Flying Horse Editions at UCF, Orlando). Steven takes us behind the scenes of one of the world’s most respected collaborative print studios—where painters, sculptors, and conceptual artists create original fine-art prints using traditional techniques like copperplate etching, stone lithography, woodcut, and more. From interning at the legendary Universal Limited Art Editions (ULAE) on Long Island right after college to becoming a full-time master printer, Steven shares his unexpected journey from illustration major to craftsman who helps world-class artists turn their visions into limited-edition prints. He explains how print studios function like recording studios, why he still loves the tactile push-and-pull of copperplate etching, and how he sees himself more as a problem-solving craftsman than a traditional artist. You’ll also hear about growing up drawing comics and skate graphics, balancing music (French horn!) with visual art, some of his current favorite artists, building a stick chair from big-box-store materials, and why authenticity is what truly sells artwork. Whether you’re an artist, printmaker, collector, or just love the weird, wonderful side of making art, this episode is packed with inspiration, technique, and real talk about finding your path in the arts. 🎨 Perfect for anyone curious about fine art printmaking, collaborative studios, or what it really means to feel “most yourself” while creating.

Ep. 4. Evan Bergeron - From Musician to Creator: Overcoming Doubt & Co-Creating with God

In this heartfelt episode, host Sam Bishop chats with Evan Bergeron, Worship Minister at Grace City Church in Jackson, MS, about his musical roots and shift to seeing himself as a creative arranger in worship. They explore overcoming self-doubt through authenticity, songwriting tips about imperfect starts, inspiration from visual arts and practicing your passion, and creativity as co-creating with God—what makes you come alive? Perfect for young artists, worship leaders, or anyone craving encouragement to pursue their passion without comparison. Evan shares his journey, future dreams, and plugs his song “Worth Waiting For” on Spotify/Apple Music. Listen now for practical wisdom on faith, art, and unleashing your full creative self. Check out https://GCJXN.org, https://sambishopworks.com or follow @ebbergeron and @sam.bishop.works on Instagram for more! Theme and incidental music by Arked Music (Instagram: @arkedmusic). #Creativity #Worship #FaithAndArt #Songwriting

Ep 3. - Jeremy Dennis - Digital Photographer

Join host Sam Bishop as he interviews Jeremy Dennis, a Shinnecock Nation artist renowned for his digital photography that weaves Native American stories, history, and contemporary issues. Jeremy shares his journey from early sketches to staged narratives, discusses the social aspects of art-making, his nonprofit Ma's House art space, artist residencies, and inspirations like Jeff Wall and Faith Ringgold. Explore themes of cultural preservation, self-determination, and creative community in this engaging conversation.