How Artist Lois Duffy Helped Shape the Art Scene in Silver City, New Mexico

Art Spotlight on Fletcher Martin: The Self-Taught Artist Who Became an American Master

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "World of Art" Podcast, artist and art historian Victoria Chick explores the life and legacy of Fletcher Martin (1904–1979)—a self-taught American artist whose talent, determination, and keen powers of observation helped him become one of the most respected illustrators and muralists of his era. From humble beginnings in the American West to working as a boxer, miner, illustrator, muralist, teacher, and war correspondent, Martin lived the experiences he later captured through his art. Victoria discusses how his unconventional path shaped his artistic voice, his work on Depression-era post office murals, his illustrations for major publications, and the inspirational approach he brought to teaching aspiring artists. The conversation also highlights the importance of preserving artistic heritage, the role of observation in creative development, and how artists can remain true to their own vision while learning from those who came before them. Victoria is a contemporary figurative artist, a collector of early 19th and 20th-century American prints, and the visionary spearheading the development of the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center in Silver City, New Mexico. 🔗LINKS & RESOURCES: - Victoria’s article on Fletcher Martin: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/artist-fletcher-martin [https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/artist-fletcher-martin]  - Victoria Chick: https://victoriachick.com/ [https://victoriachick.com/]  - Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/ [https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/]  - World of Art Podcast: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/the-world-of-art-podcast [https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/the-world-of-art-podcast]

Artist Frank Lucien Heath: Light, Landscape & the West Coast Mystique

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "World of Art" Podcast, artist and art historian Victoria Chick explores the life and work of artist Frank Lucien Heath, a West Coast painter known for his atmospheric landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and evocative use of light and fog. The conversation dives into Heath’s artistic training in San Francisco, the influence of historic world expositions on artists of the era, and the importance of creative enclaves and artist retreats throughout history. Victoria also examines Heath’s distinctive painting style, the enduring allure of the West Coast, and how landscape artists captured both the grandeur and mystery of their surroundings. Along the way, the discussion expands into topics including train travel, creative partnerships, Silver City’s colorful history and legends, the importance of preserving cultural heritage, and the evolving relationship between human creativity and artificial intelligence. Victoria is a contemporary figurative artist, a collector of early 19th and 20th-century American prints, and the visionary spearheading the development of the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center in Silver City, New Mexico. 🔗LINKS & RESOURCES: - Victoria’s article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/artist-frank-lucien-heath [https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/artist-frank-lucien-heath]  - Victoria Chick: https://victoriachick.com/ [https://victoriachick.com/]  - Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/ [https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/]  - World of Art Podcast: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/the-world-of-art-podcast [https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/the-world-of-art-podcast]

Getting to Know Artist Victoria Chick: Art, Curiosity & Community

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "World of Art" Podcast, we get to know artist and art historian Victoria Chick as she shares her creative journey, the power of curiosity, and the inspiration behind her work in art and community building. From spearheading the development of a regional art museum in Silver City, New Mexico, to helping shape a creative “virtual home” through the Big Blend Media House, Victoria reflects on how art, travel, and observation influence both personal growth and cultural connection. Victoria is a contemporary figurative artist, a collector of early 19th and 20th-century American prints, and the visionary leading the development of the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center in Silver City, New Mexico. 🌐 MORE TO EXPLORE - Artist Victoria Chick: https://victoriachick.com/ [https://victoriachick.com/]  - World of Art Podcast: https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/ [https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/]  - Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/ [https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/]  - Visit the new Big Blend Media House site (the foundation is being laid now so ignore the construction dust) and subscribe to its new "Front Porch News" Newsletter: https://bigblendmediahouse.com/ [https://bigblendmediahouse.com/]

How Artist Lois Duffy Helped Shape the Art Scene in Silver City, New Mexico

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "World of Art" Podcast, artist and art historian Victoria Chick explores the vibrant art scene of Silver City, New Mexico, spotlighting the life and legacy of renowned artist Lois Duffy. A key figure in establishing Silver City as a nationally recognized art destination, Duffy’s career spans from studying at Pratt Institute to exhibiting across the country and creating large-scale, imaginative works that blend realism with surrealist humor. Known for her innovative “cube paintings,” Duffy transforms two-dimensional painting into dynamic, multi-dimensional experiences that engage viewers from every angle. The conversation also highlights the evolution of Silver City’s art community, local events and festivals, and the exciting development of the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center, a project designed to elevate the region’s cultural impact and support artists for generations to come. 🔗 Read Victoria’s article: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/spotlight-on-artist-lois-duffy [https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/spotlight-on-artist-lois-duffy]  🌐 MORE TO EXPLORE - Lois Duffy: https://www.loisduffy.com/ [https://www.loisduffy.com/]  - Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/ [https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/]  - Visit Silver City: https://visitsilvercity.org/ [https://visitsilvercity.org/]  - Artist Victoria Chick: https://victoriachick.com/ [https://victoriachick.com/]  - World of Art Podcast: https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/ [https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/]  🎧 This episode also appears on Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to The Arts, "Big Daily Blend," and "Women Making History" podcast channels. Discover more: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork [https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork]

Evolution of Art Materials: Pencils - From Silver Wire to Graphite

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "World of Art" Podcast, contemporary figurative artist and art historian Victoria Chick wraps up her three-part “Evolution of Art Materials” series with a fascinating glimpse into the history of pencils and drawing tools. From early silver wire to the discovery of graphite, this engaging conversation explores how natural resources have shaped artistic innovation for centuries. Victoria explains why pencils were once considered a military material, how erasers evolved, and what artists should know about lightfastness in colored pencils. The discussion also highlights the enduring connection between nature, chemistry, and creative expression, along with the role of art materials in restoration, education, and community engagement. Victoria Chick is the visionary behind the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center in Silver City, New Mexico, and is known for making art history accessible and engaging for artists and enthusiasts alike. 🔗 Read Victoria’s companion article: https://bigblendarts.substack.com/p/evolution-of-art-materials [https://bigblendarts.substack.com/p/evolution-of-art-materials]    MORE TO EXPLORE * Victoria’s Portfolio: https://victoriachick.com/ [https://victoriachick.com/]  * World of Art Podcast: https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/ [https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/]  * Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/ [https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/]