In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, curator and art consultant Rodney James is featured by the Professional Artist Association (
ProfessionalArtist.com/join), the world's fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists.
Rodney is an Australian curator, writer, and art historian specializing in 19th- and 20th-century art. His work focuses on developing innovative exhibitions, guiding artists in presenting their work effectively, and fostering lasting connections within the art community.
In this deep dive, he shares practical advice on how artists can collaborate with curators and critics to strengthen their visibility and professional growth.
This episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to better understand curatorial practice and expand their reach as an artist.
“The key is to have a couple of mentors or people that connect with your work that you allow them to develop with you. There is nothing more privileged for a critic, writer, or curator than to go on a journey over a long time with an artist.”
– Rodney James
Timestamps:
01:16 Rodney's Early Inspiration: Mark Rothko and the Power of Art
03:23 Transition from Academia to Curatorial Work
05:00 The Role of Academia in Shaping Rodney's Career
08:14 Art Criticism and Its Relevance in the Modern Era
10:49 Building Relationships Between Artists, Critics, and Curators
13:12 Rodney's Pivotal Exhibition:
The River and Cultural Collaboration
16:52 Collaborative Efforts with Museums and Institutions
19:14 Visibility and Marketing for Artists in a Changing Landscape
21:14 Community Engagement and the Transformational Power of Art
Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here:
Links to artworks discussed:
- His artworks can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here.
Resources:
Connect with Rodney:
Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:
Free training and resources:
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What is The Professional Artist Podcast: Art Business Transformations?
If you want to make it in the art world, talent is key - but so is mastering the business side. The Professional Artist Podcast is where fine artists and commerce meet.
Co-hosts Miguel L. Mayher and Cristina Demiany guide visual artists through an audio gallery, exploring how to show and sell your art, land commissions, apply for artist grants, license your art, and much more.
This is where your art career begins to grow.
Miguel L. Mayher is the Director of Education at the Professional Artist Association. Previously, he worked with Google Arts & Culture, striking partnerships with national museums. He is also a Global Economic Symposium Young Fellow and a One Young World Ambassador.
Cristina Demiany is a Senior Art Business Coach at the Professional Artist Association. She formerly served as Senior Program Manager at Sotheby’s Institute of Art and as Executive Director of the National Children’s Chorus.
The Professional Artist Association is a global organization dedicated to providing real-world education for visual artists, including painters, sculptors, and fine art photographers.