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A Stunning Image of the Australian Desert Illuminates the Growing Problem of Satellite Pollution — Colossal
In January 2021, Joshua Rozells ventured out into the Pinnacles Desert in Western Australia, intending to photograph a star trail. But after shooting for more than three hours and reviewing his images, he realized that the light patterns he captured weren’t what he had hoped for.

“There were satellite trails visible in almost every single photo,” he wrote on Instagram. “Instead of trying to get rid of them for a star trail, I decided to put the satellite trails together into a single image to show how polluted the night sky is becoming.”

Stitching together 343 distinct photos, Rozells illuminates a growing problem. When Elon Musk’s SpaceX launched Starlink in 2019, 60 satellites filled the skies, with a race from other companies to follow. That number has now topped 10,000, with tens of thousands more in the works. SpaceX alone plans to launch 40,000 more.

Rozells’ composite visually echoes pleas from astronomers, who warn that although satellites collect essential data, the staggering amount filling our skies will only worsen light pollution and our ability to study what lies beyond. Because this industry has little regulation, the problem could go unchecked.

“Thankfully, astronomers across the globe have taken notice of this growing issue and are starting to speak up,” Rozells adds. “Organisations such as the International Astronomical Union’s Center for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky are advocating for the regulation and protection of the night sky.” (via Kottke)
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19/04/2025
Creativity In Minnesota | David Swenson

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David Swenson | Episode 1089

David Swenson is ceramist and instructor from Clearwater, MN. In 2009, David moved to Minnesota from Rhode Island, and works in the Twin Cities area teaching workshops and ceramics in community education. David’s work is embellished with motifs and techniques inspired by history, folk arts, textiles, and medieval art, while maintaining a modern aesthetic.

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Do you make based on a schedule or do you wait until you are inspired?

I try to do both. (laughter) It’s hard to force it but deadlines are deadlines so you gotta do what you gotta do, right? But it’s always better for me to wait, if I can.

Do you have cues to help you feel creative or be in a creative mood?

It’s usually in-between 10 and 4 am. I am nocturnal by nature and that is just when my brain starts working. So if I can work kind of later I’ll be a lot more productive. I feel like I can focus.

Do you have exercises outside of the studio that helps you keep a creative mind-set?

Yeah, I try to look at a lot of museum collections, look at old things. I like to look at old hardware, you know, door hinges and things that are decorative right now. And playing music, I think, has helped me in terms of thinking about the composition. A lot of the times I will abstract the surface designs I am working with into something that feels like a musical composition for me. So there are parallels between the different creative practices.

I am curious about how you balance creativity with practicality, you are, after all, making functional ware.

A lot of the times, yeah. I am starting to deviate a little bit more. I have been focusing on functional stuff since I started decorating on things. And so the more crazy the shape is the harder it is to paint on and the more speed bumps there are for my brush, so things got a little bit more simple when I started doing that.

What’s got you really stoked in the studio right now?

I have been kind of playing with the idea of reliquaries again. Really ornate kind of storage items that channel some history that might be in a sacred place or an altar, but trying to incorporate some of the sculpture back into what I have been doing lately which is primarily functional things.

What kind of support is needed in life for you to be the best artist you can be? To be the most inspired or creative?

You know, time is invaluable. And having the time…I have been really fortunate since we moved up here to have a lot of time and space for the work. We bought our studio from Bob Briscoe in 2019 when he retired and I don’t see a lot of people all the time any more and that’s kind of weird for my social stuff. But I have a lot more time to kind of focus and it’s sort of monastic. You know, I can kind of meditate and focus on what’s there in front of me and it’s good and bad (laughter) for a number of reasons, but I think that the time has been really helpful for me.

Book

Bestiary

Contact

swenwares.wixsite.com/swenwares

Instagram: @swenwares

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19/04/2025
Save on ‘Roubo on Furniture’ Through April 21

We’re extending – by one day – the special introductory price for “With All the Precision Possible: Roubo on Furniture.” Through Monday, April 21, 2025, it is $100 with free domestic shipping.

This new edition is a significant upgrade to the “trade” edition, which was in black-and-white and on uncoated paper. The new edition is printed in color, so you can fully appreciate the tone of the cotton paper from the 18th-century engravings. We upgraded the paper to a #100 coated matte paper, enlarged the page size, added printed end sheets and include a tear-resistant dust jacket.

Why do this? Well, we never thought our “trade” edition quite matched the gravity of the project. Don Williams, Michele Pietryka-Pagán and Philippe Lafargue spent years translating the writings of André Roubo’s “l’Art du menuisier.” It is the world’s first masterpiece of woodworking writing, and only bits and pieces were ever translated into English. So last year we began working on this replacement for our “trade” edition.

Get your copy of our new “With All the Precision Possible: Roubo on Furniture” by 11:59 p.m. Monday April 21 to save 20 percent (and get free domestic shipping). After that, it will be $125 (still a good price for this beauty of a book).

– Fitz

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18/04/2025
Call for Art Exhibit Ideas

Q: Does it cost anything to submit?
A: No. But we also don’t pay a fee for your contribution.

Q: What kind of art does this book cover?
A: Original artworks and art prints. New media and performance art could also be included but not the focus of the book.

Q: Does it only cover high-level exhibitions?
A: We cover all the levels, especially events held by artists in their emerging phase, which makes them relatable. Both group shows and solo shows, both in the developed and developing countries are welcome. Ideally, this exhibition took place in the last two years.

Q: Who can contribute to the book?
A: Artists, art critiques, art dealers, curators, art lovers, basically anyone! You need to give at least one piece of advice to other fellow artists regarding showcasing their art, accompanied by at least three photos. You need to sign a contributor agreement in order to grant us permission to use your copyrighted materials. If the photo is taken by someone else (like a photographer), we also need a release form from the copyright holder.

Q: How to contribute?
A: Fill the form on our website. You can fill on the behalf of someone as long as you have their permission.

Q: Would my contribution go into the book?
A: Only the best examples that give the most value to other fellow artists will be included in the book. If it is not in the book, we would publish it on our social media or website.

Q: Can my event appear under two different categories?
A: Ideally a place only appears in one of the categories, not in both. For example, a book store gallery is both a book store and a gallery, but it would go into one of the chapters whichever one is more suitable.

Q: How to maximize my chance of appearing in the book?
A: Give accurate information and high resolution images.

Q: I went to a museum and took some photos. Can I write about it as a reviewer without their permission?
A: Writing about a public museum exhibition and including your own photos of the exhibit in a book can fall under fair use in many jurisdictions, depending on how you present the content and how the laws are applied. If you can’t clear the permissions, we can publish it on social media which is generally okay.

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18/04/2025
He Made A Robot And A Combination Lock | Benjamin Cornelius

Do you have a favorite time of day that helps you be a better maker?

I actually have a couple of answers to that question. During the midday I feel like I am the most productive when it comes down to just getting down and doing stuff. But I think I am the most creative at night, like I am trying to go to bed and my brain is just buzzing with ideas.

Does being in a studio with other makers inspire you or motivate you more as opposed to working alone in a private studio?

I definitely feel like when you are in a shared space you feel more obligation to get stuff done. You see other people working, you want to work too. You also get to see what other people are doing and get inspired by them and want to keep making. I definitely think it’s more advantageous and more creatively inspiring to be with people.

Does being maker impact or influence other areas of your life?

I definitely think it influences other areas of my life. When I bake I tend to want to be little more creative and when I explore and change up the recipe and look up new recipes. I am taking in more visual information and thinking about how the things I see can influence my art.

How do you go about developing your art skills?

I mostly develop them by getting in the studio and working. I have had so many failed attempts and I’ve just had to push myself in order to improve my skills.

Why is the mechanical portion of making a lock or a robot more interesting to you than say making a mug?

I think it’s just more interesting than making mug because I see so many mugs and I don’t know if I could make a better mug than other people. Doing the mechanical side of ceramics I feel like it’s far more novel and there’s not a lot of people doing it and I get to fail and make mistakes and iterate on my designs. I think that is something so special to do.

Outside of the studio what do you do for fun?

I’d say I play a lot of games, that’s the main thing that I do. I read and I bake.

What do you bake?

There’s a lot of things but I am best known for my cinnamon rolls. I get a lot of compliments on those.

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18/04/2025
The best art in the Louvre art museum – Veronica Winters Painting

What’s inside the Louvre? I take you on a virtual tour of the best art museum in the world.

To read the article and see art: https://veronicasart.com/the-most-beautiful-art-in-the-louvre-from-sculpture-to-painting-to-ancient-cultures-of-egypt-assyria-and-greece/

Video: https://youtu.be/5EkpVRnBkqg

Subscribe & rate this podcast on Spotify and Apple | Show your support for the podcast: here | Host: Veronica Winters, MFA | veronicasart.com

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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18/04/2025
Ep 147 General Art Chat

In today’s art podcast we are having a general art chat. This is you getting to listen in to the sort of things we might chat about art wise if we weren’t on air.

Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS

Learn to paint in a realism style to a professional level in a year

This podcast is sponsored by Evolve. Evolve can teach anyone how to paint in a realism style to a professional level in a year. They offer online lessons, support and also provide the materials you need. To find out more sign up for a free masterclass at https://kickinthecreatives.com/evolvewebinar

Some of the things we chat about

Podcasts that use AI to generate a voice.
Artists complaining about being referred to as ‘talented’
Not being able to put my finger on what isn’t quite right with the painting
When you start going blind, walking away from the artwork for a while helps
Prioritising the fun stuff for a while
Overthinking with your art – paralyzed by options
learning about business and interesting market research

Support us on Kofi

This week’s creative question

Q. Do you make enough time for your creative pursuit and if not, what could you do to change that?

The best answers will be read out on a future podcast.

You can Tweet us your answers @KickCreatives or let us know in the Facebook Group, which by the way if you haven’t already joined, I highly recommend that you do! We will put the question up there and also on the Facebook page… and of course, on our Instagram page @kickinthecreatives.

If you have any suggestions for the podcast or our challenges please feel free to get in touch.

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18/04/2025
She Got Into Pottery Through Buttons | Rebecca Graves Prowse

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Rebecca Graves Prowse | Episode 1091

Rebecca Graves Prowse, founder of Gravesco Pottery, traded her 20-year corporate retail career for a pottery wheel in 2010. From her Indianapolis studio, she crafts modern, functional ceramics that blend classic design with handmade character. Her background in retail design influences her aesthetic, creating pieces that enhance daily rituals and become cherished heirlooms for collectors nationwide.

SPONSORS

You can help support the show!

Number 1 brand in America for a reason. Skutt.com

For all your ceramic needs go to Georgies.com

Tools you find indispensable. Mudtools.com

How does your day start for you in the studio?

My day starts with checking in with everybody on the team first and making a list of what I am going to do for the day. And that has to be on paper.

How do you finish a day in the studio?

First thing I do is everything that I had on paper all day into Notion, which is an app for organizing and project management. And then I hit the reset button so the studio is fresh and clean for the next day.

What do you mean hit the reset button?

At the end of the day every tool gets put away, everything gets wiped down and cleaned up so the next morning when I come in it’s like the reverse of making your bed in the morning. I hit the reset button by making it all fresh.

What do you do to keep the air quality clean in your studio?

A few different things. Everything gets damp cleaned. I have an air filter system. I have large dust collectors as well that we turn on at the end of the day. I have a floor scrubber that we use regularly that’s a wet scrubber.

Do you have people help make your work?

Yes. In different phases I have had other production potters work for me. I don’t right now but Mackenzie helps with trimming and glazing and loading kilns and MacKenzie and Cassie will help with some of the handling.

What does it take to get something from an idea into actual production?

It’s usually rolling around in my noodle and I will sit down and do 15 or 20 iterations of it in clay with subtle changes and different amounts of clay and slightly different heights. Once it’s fired it comes down to how does it feel and function and I will pick one or two out of the batch and work to refine those.

Book: Dr WIll Cole

41:30

Are you using any commercial clay or glazes?

Yes, I am currently using Standard clay. I have also used Kentucky Mudworks. I love both of them. I mixed for awhile myself and I do not have the desire to do that hard of work. And I mix almost all of my own glazes. This year for the first time I used a couple of spectrum glazes for accent work and some Stroke and Coat for some detail work.

Book

The Inflammation Spectrum by Dr Will Cole

Contact

gravesco.com

Instagram: @gravesco

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18/04/2025
Asafe Ghalib – BOOOOOOOM! – CREATE * INSPIRE * COMMUNITY * ART * DESIGN * MUSIC * FILM * PHOTO * PROJECTS

For our third annual Booooooom Photo Awards, supported by Format, we selected 5 winners, one for each of the following categories: Portrait, Street, Colour, Nature, Fashion. You can view all the winners and shortlisted photographers here. Now it is our pleasure to introduce the winner of the Fashion category, Asafe Ghalib.

Asafe Ghalib was born in Nilopolis, on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, and has been based in London since 2013. They work primarily with the medium of photography in collaboration with the LGBTQIA+ community. As a self-taught artist, Ghalib has been exploring their own identity and relationship to the environment they inhabit, exploring photography as a way of survival and an opportunity to tell stories that are being neglected.

We want to give a massive shoutout to Format for supporting the awards this year. Format is an online portfolio builder specializing in the needs of photographers, artists, and designers. With nearly 100 professionally designed website templates and thousands of design variables, you can showcase your work your way, with no coding required. To learn more about Format, check out their website here or start a 14-day free trial.

We had the chance to ask Asafe some questions about their photography—check out the interview below along with more of their work.

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18/04/2025
Ep 148 Mindset and Your Art
Welcome to today’s art podcast! Today, we’re talking about how your mindset affects your art. Whether you’re new to art or already selling your work, your mindset plays a big role in how you improve. Let’s dive in!

Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS

Learn to paint in a realism style to a professional level in a year

This podcast is sponsored by Evolve. Evolve can teach anyone how to paint in a realism style to a professional level in a year. They offer online lessons, support and also provide the materials you need. To find out more sign up for a free masterclass at https://kickinthecreatives.com/evolvewebinar

Some of the things we chat about

Interesting how different it feels when painting a commission, or for a gallery, than it feels when painting purely for yourself

Often worrying about the result can affect the result. If you just enjoy the process, often the outcome (with no pressure) will be better

Change mindset about how long you need to paint – take advantage of small bits of time

Improving mindset – affirmations to try and increase belief in yourself and abilities

I know I have a terrible mindset when I see a piece of art that I think is bad win a competition or sell for a lot of money – it makes me mad and I need to stop that

I have the mindset that I am not precious about keeping any of my art because I know my taste and ability will change over time

Trying to have an open mindset while you paint and not judge until it’s finished

Don’t beat yourself up about the bad art – it doesn’t mean that you are bad at art it’s just a bad day or a bad phase

Realising that some of the art you see on Instagram is the cream of the crop and you would have only seen that art in books years ago

Trying to stay positive being aware that selling art takes time and momentum

Support us on Kofi

This week’s creative question

Q. What creative ideas do you have for filling the first page of your sketchbook?

The best answers will be read out on a future podcast.

You can Tweet us your answers @KickCreatives or let us know in the Facebook Group, which by the way if you haven’t already joined, I highly recommend that you do! We will put the question up there and also on the Facebook page… and of course, on our Instagram page @kickinthecreatives.

If you have any suggestions for the podcast or our challenges please feel free to get in touch.
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18/04/2025