🎙️ 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

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#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

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• 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

🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #43 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this episode, we sit down with the insightful British photographer Paul Walsh. Known for his evocative work that blends walking and photography, Paul’s art captures deep connections between landscape, memory, and personal transformation.

About Our Guest: Paul Walsh

Paul Walsh’s work spans industrial landscapes, nocturnal photography, and long-distance pilgrimages. His latest project, "Walking with Strangers", documents his 1,700-kilometer pilgrimage across Spain. Paul’s photographic journey is deeply introspective, influenced by his experiences growing up in Birmingham and his meditative walks.

Tune in to this episode to:

* Explore Paul’s journey from painting to photography.

* Learn how walking plays a pivotal role in his creative process.

* Hear powerful stories from his pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago.

Don’t forget to:

* Subscribe for more episodes exploring the intersection of art and life.

* Like and share this episode to support the podcast.

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

EPISODE LINKS:

Paul’s Website: paulwalshphotography.co.uk

Paul’s Instagram: @paulwalshphotography

OUTLINE:

1:24 – Introduction and Paul’s Background

3:13 – Walking as a Creative Process

4:12 – Different Approaches to Walking in Projects

7:35 – Transition from Painting to Photography

11:47 – Childhood Exploration of Birmingham’s Canals

22:53 – Walking as Meditation and Reflection

49:50 – Canal Journey from London to Birmingham

58:56 – Insomnia and Night Photography

1:19:28 – Story of a Pilgrim Helping Paul on the Camino

1:25:13 – Documenting the Camino de Santiago

2:02:16 – Paul’s New Book and Photo Book Insights

2:04:36 – Artistic Growth and Future Projects

SOCIAL:

* Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast

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* Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast

#PaulWalsh #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #WalkingWithStrangers #CaminoDeSantiago #MAP6Collective #WalkingArt #VisualNarrative #urbanautica #stevebisson #PatrickLeeHubbard

🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #42 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this insightful episode, we sit down with the renowned Irish photographer and educator Martin Cregg. His work masterfully captures the evolving landscape of rural and urban Ireland, blending personal heritage with broader socio-political themes.

About Our Guest: Martin Cregg

Martin Cregg is an acclaimed photographer based in Dublin, where he serves as Coordinator of Photography at Pearse College of Further Education. Known for his long-term projects, Martin’s work explores the transformation of Irish landscapes during pivotal periods, such as the Celtic Tiger era and the Irish War of Independence. His projects, including “Midlands”, “A Fading Landscape”, and “The Plot”, combine personal reflection with documentary precision, making his photography both intimate and universally resonant. Martin has been twice nominated for the prestigious Prix Pictet (2010 & 2016) and has exhibited internationally, including at *Les Rencontres d'Arles* (France) and *PhotoIreland*.

Tune in to this episode to:

* Explore the development of Martin’s major projects like “Midlands”, “A Fading Landscape”, and “The Plot”.

* Learn how Martin captures Ireland’s evolving landscapes and documents the effects of economic and social change on rural communities.

* Discover the personal connections to heritage that inform his work, particularly the emotional depth behind “A Fading Landscape”.

* Delve into “The Plot”, a project focused on the Irish War of Independence, and how historical testimonies shape Martin’s photographic process.

* Gain valuable advice for emerging photographers on how to balance personal narrative with broader cultural contexts.

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 Martin’s unique vision of Irish photography.

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

EPISODE LINKS:

* Martin’s Website: martincreggphotography.com * Martin’s Instagram: @martincregg.photography

OUTLINE:

0:00 - Introduction to Martin Cregg

5:21 - Discovering Photography Through Video Production

10:24 - The Influence of Rural Upbringing on Creativity

29:43 - Starting Long-Term Projects: The Development of "Midlands"

37:53 - Capturing Ireland’s Economic Changes in "Midlands"

47:41 - Reflecting on Nature’s Reclamation in the "Midlands" Project

51:27 - Influence of the American New Topographics Movement

1:21:54 - Introduction to "A Fading Landscape": Exploring Heritage and Identity

1:24:44 - Processing Personal Guilt and Disconnection in "A Fading Landscape"

1:40:55 - Beginning "The Plot" Project: Documenting the Irish War of Independence

1:49:23 - Photographic Techniques for Capturing Historical Sites in "The Plot"

1:52:02 - The Impact of Historical Testimonies in "The Plot"

2:03:11 - Final Advice for Emerging Artists: Enjoy the Process and Find Your Purpose

SOCIAL:

* Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast

* Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast

* Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast

* Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast

#MartinCregg #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #IrishArt #Midlands #AFadingLandscape #ThePlot #Heritage #DocumentaryPhotography #urbanautica #stevebisson #PatrickLeeHubbard

🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #41 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this powerful episode, we sit down with the acclaimed documentary photographer David Chancellor. His globally recognized work delves into the complex relationship between humans and nature, with a focus on conservation, wildlife, and the ethical implications of human intervention. About Our Guest: David Chancellor David Chancellor is a multi-award-winning photographer known for his visually arresting and thought-provoking documentary work. His photography spans continents, from the mountains of Scotland to the plains of Africa, where he explores the tensions between human activity and the natural world. Chancellor has received prestigious awards including the World Press Photo Award and Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year for his series on elephants and hunting. His projects like "Hunters", "Elephant Story"* and "A Gamekeeper's Life" have been published in National Geographic, The New York Times, and exhibited globally. In this episode, we dive into: * The intricate narratives behind "Elephant Story"—a project examining the commodification of elephants to sustain ecosystems in Zimbabwe. * The controversial and impactful "Hunters", which explores the world of trophy hunting, ethics, and conservation. * The deeply personal "A Gamekeeper’s Life", a year-long immersive project documenting the life of a Scottish gamekeeper and the balance between tradition and modern environmental challenges. Tune in to: * Explore David’s approach to long-term projects and the ethics of documentary photography. * Understand how his work provokes critical thinking around human-wildlife coexistence. * Gain insight into his personal journey as an artist committed to opening dialogue around conservation. Don't forget to: * Subscribe to our channel for more inspiring conversations with photographers and artists. * Like and share this episode to spread awareness of the intersection between photography and environmental activism. * Follow us on social media for exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes content. EPISODE LINKS: Website: www.davidchancellor.com David Chancellor’s Instagram: @chancellordavid OUTLINE: 0:00 - Coming Up 5:52 - Photography as a tool for change 14:07 - Early photography career and capturing local events 20:41 - The moment David knew photography was his life 53:05 - The making of "Elephant Story" and confronting the ethics of conservation 1:02:42 - Managing ecosystems and the commodification of wildlife 1:18:19 - Distilling complex stories into a single frame 1:34:25 - The emotional toll of documenting wildlife and conservation 1:39:29 - Hunters grappling with their internal conflicts 1:43:25 - Building trust and long-term connections with subjects 1:48:20 - The Responsibility of Documentary Photography 2:01:06 - Wrapping up and final thoughts on a lifetime in documentary photography SOCIAL: * Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast * Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast * Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast * Support us on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast #DavidChancellor #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #DocumentaryPhotography #ElephantStory #Hunters #GamekeepersLife #VisualStorytelling #Conservation #Wildlife #EthicsInPhotography #Urbanautica #nationalgeographic