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THE BENT POD

Christian Rex van Minnen

Conversations with painters- about technique, history and the strange and beautiful life of making pictures. Hosted by painter Christian Rex van Minnen.


The Bent is a painters' club founded in Rome in 1620, banned in 1720 and revived 300 years later at thebent.club. Inside: live paint-along sessions in the Old Master's method, a ever-growing curriculum, vibrant community discussions and member profiles to share paintings and connect with one another. For painters and lovers of Old painting. The Bent meets weekly, the door is open.


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  • 6 episodes
  • Avg 1 hr 37 min
  • English

Episodes 6

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  • Tuesday · 1 hr 33 min

    Ep. 6 - Tony Curanaj: The More You Learn, The Harder It Gets

    Tony Curanaj and I talk about how we each became the painters we are. We cover the cities we moved to and what each move changed, and why staying uncomfortable keeps the work alive. We also talk about teaching, working with other artists, and what it takes to build a community around painting. Then we turn to the next generation: how to protect creativity in kids, why boredom matters more than people think, and what AI could mean for the artists coming up after us. Takeaways Importance of community in art Value of teaching and sharing experiences Embrace discomfort for growth Artistic identity shaped by experiences Creativity thrives on freedom Boredom fuels innovation Chapters 00:00 Podcasting Journey and Community Engagement 05:54 Artistic Collaboration and Historical Context 09:03 The Bent: A Historical Artistic Club 12:01 Teaching and Learning in Art 15:01 The Role of Competition and Growth 18:07 Artistic Process and Personal Growth 21:01 Navigating Artistic Identity and Style 24:12 The Balance of Play and Seriousness in Art 26:50 Perseveration and Artistic Absorption 30:00 Transitioning Between Artistic States 33:04 Life Changes and Artistic Community 35:58 Navigating Artistic Journeys 38:52 The Value of Being Uncomfortable 41:03 Influences and Inspirations 46:00 The Impact of Early Art Experiences 50:00 Rebellion Against Mainstream Art 55:02 Finding Comfort in Constraints 01:01:09 The Process of Creation 01:05:56 Navigating the Artistic Path 01:07:14 Embracing Duality in Creativity 01:09:51 The Influence of Generational Perspectives 01:11:30 The Power of Boredom 01:15:22 The Pursuit of Mastery 01:18:31 Creative Thinking for the Future 01:20:50 The Importance of Art in Learning 01:26:28 The Role of AI in Art 01:29:40 The Value of Traditional Art 01:31:40 Building a Community of Creatives

    • Transcript
  • October 16 · 1 hr 14 min

    Ep. 5 - Leo Frontini: Let The Paint Be Paint

    The conversation delves into the technical challenges artists face while creating, the exploration of subconscious influences in their work, and the complexities of conveying meaning in art. It highlights the balance between intuitive creation and the pressure to justify artistic choices within the contemporary art landscape. In this conversation, Leo Frontini and Christian Rex van Minnen delve into the themes of art, personal expression, and the historical influences that shape their work. They explore the dynamics of the art world, the impact of past artistic movements, and the importance of community and connection in the creative process. In this conversation, Leo and Christian discuss the significance of sharing artistic practices and the authenticity of art in a commercialized world. They explore the emotional and technical aspects of creating art, the influence of historical artists, and the personal challenges faced in their artistic journeys. Takeaways Technical challenges in art creation Exploration of subconscious in art Art as an escape Exploring historical influences Authenticity in art sharing The impact of art on personal growth Chapters 00:00 Navigating Technical Difficulties 04:07 Shooting Reference Imagery 05:59 The Challenge of Life Drawing 08:57 Automatic Drawing and Its Origins 11:59 The Concept of Paradolia 14:53 Art as a Means of Expression 19:09 The Role of Concept in Art 23:02 Navigating Art Narratives 27:47 Thematic Exploration of Art and Home 30:14 Navigating the Art World Dynamics 31:40 Rococo Influence and Composition 36:04 Personal Artistic Journey and Influences 41:02 Art as a Reflection of Society 44:17 The Role of Art in Personal Healing 50:05 Connection and Community in Art 51:40 The Importance of Sharing Art Practices 54:51 Authenticity vs. Commercialism in Art 01:01:20 Exploring Artistic Influences and Techniques 01:10:43 The Struggles of the Artistic Journey

    • Transcript
  • October 9 · 1 hr 18 min

    Ep. 4 - Colleen Barry: Reclaiming Beauty

    In this conversation, Christian and Colleen discuss the challenges and successes of content creation and the art world, reflecting on personal experiences and broader cultural shifts. They explore the balance between artistic expression and audience engagement, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and the evolution of artistic techniques. The conversation delves into the complexities of color mixing in art, the balance between flatness and depth in painting, and the evolving landscape of art education and community. It also explores the impact of social media, the role of vitality in art, and the potential shifts in cultural values due to advancements in technology. In this conversation, Colleen and Christian discuss the profound impact of mentorship in the art world, the balance between isolation and community for artists, and the evolving landscape of art education. They explore the importance of building connections while maintaining a strong personal artistic voice. Takeaways Content creation is non-linear Artistic success is subjective Dynamic color mixing insights Art education and community Importance of mentorship Balancing isolation and community Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Riverside App and Studio Setup 03:02 Navigating Content Creation Challenges 06:05 Reflections on Recent Art Show Success 08:54 Cultural Shifts in Art and Society 11:59 The Balance of Art and Writing 15:11 The Role of Mentorship in Artistic Growth 18:09 Exploring Artistic Techniques and Processes 25:42 Exploring Dynamic Color Mixing 26:59 The Balance of Flatness and Depth 28:41 Aesthetic Tensions in Contemporary Art 30:23 Reimagining Art Education 32:54 The Concept of the Art Club 34:43 Navigating Social Media and Art 36:11 The Dichotomy of Personal and Public Relationships 38:01 The Future of Art and Market Dynamics 40:41 The Role of Vitality in Art 42:35 Anticipating Cultural Shifts 44:20 The Search for Meaning in Art 48:25 The Impact of AI on Art 50:49 Rebirth of Artistic Value 51:56 The Influence of Mentorship 56:10 Navigating Art Education 01:01:51 The Role of Isolation in Art 01:08:45 Building Connections in the Art World 01:15:16 Emerging from Isolation 01:19:28 The Future of Art and Beauty

    • Transcript
  • October 2 · 1 hr 30 min

    Ep. 3 - Ben Valentine: Bathtub Gin Artists

    In this episode, Ben Valentine and I talk about learning old master's techniques on our own, and the value being a 'bathtub gin' artist. We discuss learning traditional techniques, the influence of the old masters, and the sacrifices that come with pursuing mastery. We also talk about humor and seriousness in painting, how artists are shaped by the generations before them, and how technology is changing traditional methods. Later in the conversation we cover the balance between technical skill and personal expression, the pressures of the contemporary art world, and the value of community among painters. Takeaways Self-taught artists face unique challenges Traditional techniques foster innovation Balance humor and seriousness Generational influences on art Artistic evolution is personal Community fosters creativity Chapters 00:00 Artistic Journeys and Challenges 02:09 The Role of Technology in Art 05:09 Finding Your Artistic Voice 09:27 The Influence of Old Masters 11:57 Personal Sacrifices in Art 22:07 The Impact of Public Perception 29:01 Humor and Seriousness in Art 30:18 The Art of Humor and Seriousness 32:39 Generational Perspectives in Art 34:48 Nostalgia and Artistic Influence 35:23 Evolving Techniques in Painting 38:42 Class and Accessibility in Art 44:30 The Role of Technology in Art 47:32 Understanding Painting Techniques 57:11 Exploring Rembrandt's Artistic Evolution 01:03:55 The Journey of Artistic Expression 01:04:32 Techniques and Artistic Quality 01:07:15 Personal Alchemy in Art 01:12:41 The Role of Community in Art 01:23:11 Art for Art's Sake 01:28:00 Navigating the Contemporary Art World

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  • September 17 · 1 hr 33 min

    Ep. 2 - Larry Madrigal: Pentimento

    In this episode I sit down with one of my favorite painters and good friend Larry Madrigal. I can talk to Larry for hours, and we often do. This conversation covers topics related to digital space, art, authenticity, and humor. It delves into the impact of technology on art, the importance of human creativity, and the role of humor in life and art. The discussion also explores the concept of hidden layers in paintings and the significance of repentance in art, known as 'pentimento'. We get into the technical aspects of painting, exploring the use of light, layers, and the depiction of figures, and also touch on the challenges of creating contemporary paintings that capture the same intensity and atmosphere as old master paintings. We talk about vulnerability, the complexity of living a good life, and the process of developing interesting compositions. I love Larry's process and how he develops his ideas for paintings, he is both hilarious and a very serious painter, my favorite combo! Chapters 00:00 Exploring Digital Space 02:07 The Importance of Authenticity 03:37 The Role of Humor in Art and Life 29:30 Hidden Layers and Repentance in Art 31:21 Exploring Painting Techniques 43:09 Challenges of Contemporary Painting 59:27 Depicting Figures in Contemporary Art 01:03:29 Exploring Vulnerability in Art 01:04:18 The Complexity of Living a Good Life 01:06:46 The Evolution of Ideas for Paintings 01:09:29 The Significance of Connections and Conversations

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  • #1
    September 3 · 2 hr 35 min

    Ep. 1 - Sara Birns: Hold Onto This For Dear Life

    The first conversation on The Bent Pod- and the origin story of the club itself. Sara Birns walked into Christian's Santa Cruz studio with a sketchbook and became the first apprentice to a project that would reintroduce the lost techniques of the old masters in a radical new way. Tech burnout, master copies, a Gary Busey with a Beehive, the workshop that failed its way into becoming a club, and why learning to paint this way is learning a secret language. "Hold onto this for dear life. This is gold." Sara Birns is a painter working in the old masters' method- The Bent's first apprentice, now a working artist exhibiting and collected globally. Conversations with the worlds greatest living painters, every other week, the club lives at thebent.club. Get Bent.

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Showing 1–6 of 6 episodes