Conservation photographer Cristina Mittermeier has dedicated her career to capturing the incredible life in our ocean. In addition to capturing beautiful images, she uses her work to make a real impact. In this episode of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast, we chat with Cristina about her photography and how every piece of art she creates is tied to a “call to action” focused on protecting our environment. Did you know that we're now on YouTube? Watch Cristina's interview and see images that we discuss during the episode. Follow Cristina's work on her website, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitte ..read more

Architect Cliff Tan of Dear Modern believes that architecture services should be available to everyone, not just those wealthy enough to afford traditional architecture services. He was inspired to use social media to teach simple lessons on feng shui and design to help people find the best use for their space. This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast, we talk to Cliff about the impact he is making with his platform and his view of architecture and design. Tune in for an episode on architecture, feng shui, and the idea of sharing your work to inspire good design and to help others. Se ..read more

Fiber artist Bisa Butler uses the traditional craft of quilting to create incredible portraits of Black stories. This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast, we interview Bisa about the meaning behind her portraits and how she brings lost histories back to life. We think you’ll really enjoy hearing about these unexpected narratives that Bisa represents in colorful textures and bright patterns. See some of the artwork we discuss on the Top Artist Instagram Follow Bisa’s work on her website, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Want to see your work on a billboard? Enter our sponsor ..read more

For decades, photographer Jamel Shabazz has been using his photography to make an impact on his community. This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast, we interview Jamel about his career and his approach to street photography. We learn about photos as “visual medicine” making a difference in New Yorkers' lives and the intimate stories Jamel's work uncovers. See some of the artwork we discuss on the Top Artist Instagram Follow Jamel's work on his website, Instagram, and Facebook. Want to see your work on a billboard? Enter our sponsor Fine Art America's 2021 Billboard Contest by Aug ..read more

Artist Brian Peterson paints his neighbors experiencing homelessness and uses the money from sold portraits to support their rehabilitation. This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast, we interview Brian about his non-profit that was founded on this process, Faces of Santa Ana. Brian admits approaching strangers isn't easy, but his ability to connect with those experiencing homelessness has led to some remarkably heartwarming stories. In the episode, Brian shares how approaching a screaming man on his block named Matt led to a profound friendship that inspired the first of many portrait ..read more

As we get ready for the new year, we thought we’d take some time to reflect on our favorite moments from this past season. We've been so lucky to have had such an incredible roster of artists come on the show in 2021, so this week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast, we’re looking back at some of our favorite moments in a special "2021 Holiday Bonus" episode. You’ll hear from our hosts Jessica, Sam, and Sara, as well as our podcast editor Alex, as they share the moments from this past year that inspired them. You’ll hear short clips from some of your favorite guests Including legendary pho ..read more

Photographer Ami Vitale documents endangered animals and the special bonds they share with their caretakers. This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast, we interview Ami Vitale and get a behind-the-scenes look at how she captured some of her most stunning work. You may have seen one of her more famous images featured on the front cover of National Geographic Magazine following the death of Sudan, the world's last male Northern White Rhino, or her coverage of the rescue operation to save a stranded community of endangered Rothschild Giraffes with a raft. In our chat, Ami Vitale answers y ..read more

Architect Craig Dykers is the co-founder of Snøhetta, an international design collective whose transdisciplinary approach and emphasis on diversity have contributed to a deep portfolio of visually remarkable and environmentally thoughtful work. From their redesign of the Knubben harbor bath in Norway resembling that of a topographic map to their pedestrian-focused remodel of Times Square in recent years, Snøhetta has oriented itself as a global leader in contemporary design and architecture innovation. This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast, we interview Craig Dykers of Snøhetta abo ..read more

Textile artist Benjamin Shine uses swathes of tulle to fabricate flowing three-dimensional portraits of unnamed figures, often suggesting ideas of energy and impermanence. A true master of his material, Benjamin’s work has been recognized and exhibited globally, with his clients and collaborations including The MET, Vogue, and many others. This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast, we interview Benjamin Shine about his artistic journey, beginning with his initial resistance towards becoming a “starving artist” in fashion design, to how he then discovered and began innovating with tulle ..read more

Illustrator, author, and ARTivist Nikkolas Smith creates thoughtful images that spark much-needed conversations around issues of social justice. From Michelle Obama to Janet Jackson, his work has been recognized by some of the most well-known names on the planet. You may have seen his heartfelt portrait of George Floyd in the media after Floyd's murder by police in mid-2020, or his illustration of Martin Luther King Jr. in a hoodie to express solidarity shortly after the killing of Trayvon Martin. This week on the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast, we dive into Nikkolas Smith’s creative process ..read more