Ready to take a deep dive into the lives of Park West Gallery artists? In the “Behind the Artist” podcast, Park West Gallery Director Morris Shapiro hosts candid conversations with some of the most popular artists working today. They talk about art, how they got started, and share some laughs too. Check back for new episodes every other Tuesday—you won’t want to miss out!

Growing up as a military child who lived all over the world, Kevin Vigil, known as Kre8, found it difficult to blend in.

His life experiences have formed the foundation for the artist he is today, and collectors from all over the world are drawn to his dramatic, interesting paintings. In this episode of the “Behind the Artist” podcast, Kre8 discusses how he’s forged his own path in life and in art, the idea behind his name, many of his trials and tribulations on the road to success, and much more!

Growing up as the daughter of the renowned advertising executive art director Les Hopkins, artist Leslie Lew became steeped in the American ad culture in the 1960s.

We are thrilled to have Lew as our featured artist this week on the “Behind the Artist” podcast! She discusses her childhood and how her experiences helped form the base of what she does today, takes us through her years at the Chicago Art Institute and rise to success in New York, talks about her pivotal relationship with artist Andy Warhol, and more!

Enjoy part 2 of this split episode on the “Behind the Artist” podcast with artist Csaba Markus. In this episode, Markus and Park West Gallery Director Morris Shapiro continue their conversation discussing Markus’ escape to America, where he lived in his car in California while trying to earn money to bring his family to join him. They then get into discussing his artwork, why he sometimes destroys his paintings, and why he didn’t sign his name on his paintings for 15 years!

Enjoy part 1 of 2 of this split episode on the “Behind the Artist” podcast with artist Csaba Markus. Markus has a larger-than-life personality, and shares with us in this episode his unique story as to why he is who he is. In this discussion with Morris Shapiro, we hear the details of Markus’ childhood growing up in Communist Hungary and he reveals the details of his tenacious struggle to escape to America.

Enjoy part 2 of this split episode on the “Behind the Artist” podcast with artist Dominic Pangborn. In this episode, Pangborn and Park West Gallery Director Morris Shapiro continue their conversation discussing Pangborn’s schooling and how his unique tie designs became an overnight success. They then get into talking about his creative process, and Pangborn shares his interesting story about his return to spirituality after a lifetime of religious skepticism.

Enjoy part 1 of 2 of this split episode on the “Behind the Artist” podcast with artist Dominic Pangborn. In this episode, Pangborn describes his life growing up in South Korea and his solitary trip to the United States at just 10 years old, where he was adopted into the Pangborn family and became one of 12 children! He then dives into his path that led him to the famed Chicago Art Academy, and what he did to really “wow” his boss at work.

Artist Duaiv is our amazing guest on the “Behind the Artist” podcast this week. In this episode, Duaiv shares some revealing insights into his youth, discusses his path as a classical musician and overall decision to become a painter, talks about meeting Salvador Dali, and much more!

With more than 45 years of experience, Francois “Fanch” Ledan is an amazing self-taught artist who embraces his imagination to create unbelievable interiorscapes and exotic destinations. We’re thrilled to have Fanch as a guest on the “Behind the Artist” podcast to talk about the fascinating road he has traveled to become the artistic star he is today. In this episode, learn about how his first exhibition came about, his adaptation through the years working with mediums from lithography to serigraphy, the number of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees he has accumulated, the number of places he has traveled to (over 100), and much more!

Traveling the world capturing the beauty of historical and cultural landmarks, artist Alexander Chen’s paintings depict immense detail that transports his audience into the exciting settings of his paintings.

We are thrilled to have Chen as a guest on the “Behind the Artist” podcast. In this episode, Park West Gallery Director Morris Shapiro catches up with Chen to discuss his journey from China to his extraordinary success as an artist in America, the use of photography in his creative process, his role in contemporary art history, and more!

Enjoy part 2 of this split episode on the “Behind the Artist” podcast with artist Peter Nixon and Park West Gallery Director Morris Shapiro. Nixon and Shapiro carry on their conversation from the previous podcast episode by discussing the thought process and details behind developing Nixon’s book. They then get into talking about the art of our contemporary times and how these times are changing. Are we going back to a period of aesthetic appreciation? What are Nixon’s wonder cabinets? What animal did Nixon paint life-size that ended up being over five feet by five feet? Enjoy this candid conversation to find out!

For over 20 years, artist Eric Dowdle has been exploring and creating–capturing rural landscapes, cityscapes, local people, food and customs from everywhere he travels, and much more. From being crowned “Puzzle King” to developing his hit TV art show, there is not much Eric Dowdle hasn’t done! We’re thrilled to have him as our guest on this week’s episode of the “Behind the Artist” podcast. Dowdle dives into discussing his unshakable commitment to his work and gives us some unique insights into building his world wide products while remaining true to his art.

Enjoy part 2 of this split episode on the “Behind the Artist” podcast with artist Scott Jacobs. In this episode, Jacobs candidly discusses his near fatal motorcycle accident in 2016 and his difficult road to recovery, his current views about his life and art, and how he became one of the most successful fine artist of our time.

Enjoy part 1 of 2 of this split episode on the “Behind the Artist” podcast with artist Scott Jacobs. In this episode, we take a look into his astonishing life as he shares some remarkable personal experiences, talks to Park West Gallery Director Morris Shapiro about his unparalleled success over the last 40 years, and discusses how he was the first artist licensed by Harley Davidson!

Guy Harvey is a unique marine wildlife artist, scientist, and conservationist who shares his passion for ocean life through his authentic artwork and merchandise. In this episode of the “Behind the Artist” podcast, we take a dive with Guy Harvey into his vibrant childhood, love of the sea and marine life, and how he continues to blend his passions–art, science and conservation.

Artist Matt Beyrer is known for transforming simple planks of wood into amazing creations that ripple with color, detail, and emotion. This unique technique has helped propel him to international success. Let’s dive into the fascinating life of Matt Beyrer on this episode of the “Behind the Artist” podcast as we discuss how he got started painting, his main influences and inspirations, and how he took a bite out of the art world.

A contemporary artist known for his “Absurdist” paintings, drawings, and portraits, Michael Cheval joins us as this week’s guest on the “Behind the Artist” podcast. Cheval sat down with Morris Shapiro to discuss his youth in the former Soviet Union, his father’s pressure upon him to excel as a painter, his first museum show at the young age of 24, and much more. Enjoy this candid conversation!

Pop artist Romero Britto is one of the biggest names in art today. He’s held over 300 exhibitions, has over 60 public art installations worldwide, and has his work licensed by everyone from Disney to Absolut. His creations have been used for the Super Bowl, Olympics, the World Cup, and other massive global events.

We’re incredibly excited to have Britto as a guest on the “Behind the Artist” podcast. In this episode, Park West Gallery Director Morris Shapiro caught up with Britto to discuss his early beginnings as an artist, his unique creative process, his take on the art of our times, and more!

Artist Allison Lefcort has been called “The Princess of Pop.” Her acclaimed Pop Art has drawn comparisons to the works of Andy Warhol and won her commissions ranging from Disney to international royalty. In this episode of the “Behind the Artist” podcast, Lefcort talks with Morris Shapiro about her fascinating journey in the art world and a whole lot more!

Born and raised in Detroit, Tim Yanke’s work ethic was instilled at an early age. In this episode of the “Behind the Artist” podcast, Park West Gallery Director Morris Shapiro sits down with Yanke to discuss his growth as an artist, his discovery of abstract expressionism, his love for the American West, and the origins of some of his iconic imagery.

What’s better than hearing one artist talk about their craft? What about FOUR artists? Morris Shapiro recently hosted an entertaining roundtable discussion with four acclaimed artists—Duaiv, Patrick Guyton, Scott Jacobs, and Tim Yanke. Together, the group discusses what it means to be a working artist, how they distinguish between form and content, and answer the age-old question, “How can you tell when a work is finished?” Enjoy this candid discussion about what it means to be a contemporary artist.

Patrick Guyton is a professionally trained artist, but his unique blend of gold leafing techniques and figure painting hails from his experience outside the classroom. In this episode, Park West Gallery Director Morris Shapiro sits down with Guyton to discuss his time working for animation legend Chuck Jones as well as his brief stint as a furniture truck driver, proving the road to becoming a professional artist is often a strange one.

More about Patrick Guyton ..