Podcasts and Videos

In this episode of ArtShow, artist Frank Hyder talks with the Podcast host Craig Stover about Frank’s earliest memory of experiencing art and how it stuck with him his whole life.  This is a very lively and engaging interview worth watching.

A Life in Art Episode 1 : Roots

Podcast Summary:

In “A Life In Art, Episode 1, Roots”,  Frank’s debut podcast episode, we delve into the fascinating story of Frank Hyder, a well-known artist, as he unveils the intricate layers of his artistic journey.

The journey of an artist is often perceived as a straightforward path, but Frank’s experience was quite the opposite. He discovered that the artistic road is laden with twists, turns, and numerous challenges. It’s a narrative of persistence and resilience.

Frank’s artistic inklings began at a tender age. He felt an innate calling to create, to express himself through art. This calling led him to embark on a remarkable quest, one that was marked by explorative conversations with his neighbors and a deep curiosity about the world around him.

The pivotal moment that would ultimately shape his life came when he stumbled upon a mysterious property with captivating statues. Here, he encountered an enigmatic character named Henry. With his eccentric attire and pipe in hand, Henry became more than just a mentor to Frank; he was a catalyst for his artistic journey.

Henry introduced Frank to the world of woodblock carving and printmaking, opening doors to an art form that was unconventional and inspiring. Frank’s introduction to art was anything but traditional, yet it laid the foundation for his lifelong artistic pursuit.

As the journey unfolds, we meet two more significant figures: George and Freda, both accomplished artists. George encouraged Frank to explore the art of drawing, while Freda, who would later gain national recognition as a courtroom artist, mentored him in her eclectic studio.

Frank’s high school art class failed to align with his artistic vision, prompting a bold decision to strike out on his own. This pivotal moment solidified his commitment to becoming an artist, driven by his unique path and experiences.

The heart of the story lies in Frank’s adventurous quest to find the right art school. From Boston to Baltimore, he explored various options, ultimately discovering the Maryland Institute College of Art. Here, he felt an indescribable connection, knowing he had found his artistic home.

‘A Life in Art: Roots’ underscores the significance of personal connections, early mentors, and the unique experiences that have shaped Frank’s artistic journey. It’s a testament to the fact that becoming an artist transcends formal education, encompassing a deeply personal quest that continues to inspire and captivate the imagination.

Intricately woven with personal anecdotes, reflections, and the sheer determination of an artist’s pursuit, this episode paints a vivid picture of the extraordinary life of Frank Hyder.

A Life in Art Episode 2 : Finding My Way The Maryland Institute

Podcast Summary:

In “A Life In Art, Episode 2, Finding My Way The Maryland Institute”, you’ll enter the vivid world of Frank Hyder, a renowned artist with a story that’s as colorful as his canvas. His journey commenced with dreams of becoming a portrait painter, but the art world had grander plans for him.

In the gritty streets of Baltimore, where empty buildings and rat baiting signs were commonplace, Frank found inspiration in the unlikeliest of places. It was a man who sold miscellaneous items from his front window. Among the knick-knacks, Frank unearthed a treasure – a box of paper, a canvas that would shape his artistic destiny.

Initially, the paper confounded Frank, but he refused to be defeated. He turned to oil pastels, and suddenly, his art leaped to life. His self-portrait was the first stroke in a mesmerizing masterpiece. Roommates were captivated, and soon, Frank was sketching fellow students, transforming his bedroom’s unsightly wallpaper into an impromptu gallery.

But the real turning point came when the head of the drawing department paid a visit. He was spellbound by Frank’s wall of art, and this encounter triggered a mentorship that would leave an indelible mark on Frank’s life. His drawings began to gain prominence, catching the discerning eye of the art community.

Fast forward 25 years, and Frank received a letter from Abby Sangiamo, an artist he’d influenced. It turned out that Frank had rekindled a forgotten art technique – drawing on colored paper. His passion had breathed life into a long-lost tradition.

Yet, the intertwining of artistic paths had more in store for Frank. He encountered Jim Hennessey, an enigmatic figure in the art world. Frank, at the time, knew little about Jim, but his peers held him in high regard. Jim’s class became Frank’s ticket to a world where the wisps of cigarette smoke mingled with profound artistic wisdom.

In those hallowed halls, Jim observed each student, including Frank, with unyielding scrutiny. Silence hung in the air until Frank, with a mixture of curiosity and a hint of nervousness, dared to ask for guidance. Jim’s response, communicated through beard-scratching and the haze of cigarette smoke, marked a transformative moment for Frank. It made him feel like part of an exclusive artistic brotherhood.

Years later, the circle completed itself. Frank visited Jim and discovered that Jim was once the star student of the legendary Richard Diebenkorn. The story sounded eerily similar to Frank’s own journey. As it turned out, Frank was the student under Jim’s watchful eye, and the artistic wisdom had been passed down through the generations. They exchanged drawings as tokens of their shared experiences.

In the end, Frank’s story serves as a vivid reminder that artists learn, share, and absorb experiences, but they ultimately embark on a personal artistic journey. It’s a journey where creativity knows no bounds, a mesmerizing odyssey through colors and strokes, and a testament to the uncharted territories of artistic expression.

A Life In Art Episode 3 : The Magic Paint Box

Podcast Summary:

In “A Life In Art, Episode 3, The Magic Paint Box”, you’ll step into the captivating world of Frank Hyder, the acclaimed visual artist, and hear his remarkable journey through the canvas of creativity. Frank’s perspective on art is a unique one, driven by a profound passion and love for the artistic process.

His tale unfolds in the intriguing realm of art school, a place where the usual is unusual, and where artists find treasures that others might overlook. It’s in one of his classes, the Figure Painting class with Jim Hennessy and Peter Loftus, that he encountered something extraordinary – a French easel painting box, a device with a fascinating history dating back to the 19th century.

This paint box was a marvel, but Frank’s desire to possess one led to a challenge: its price tag. At $84, it was beyond his reach, equivalent to two months’ rent. Undeterred, Frank hatched a clever plan. He convinced Peter to lend him the paint box for a weekend, then raced to New Jersey to ask his father to help him create one.

With his father’s craftsmanship, Frank had a paint box of his own. But this was just the beginning. He saw potential for improvements and returned to his father to make an even better version. Now, armed with a superior paint box, he sold them for $75, making art more accessible to fellow artists and students.

The story took an exciting turn when his father’s paint boxes found their way into the hands of renowned New York painters. Some of the greatest artists of the time, who passed through Frank’s studio, became fans of his father’s invention.

Frank’s artistic adventures didn’t end there. He was part of a wedding party at Arthur Miller’s house, where a chance encounter led to a fascinating tale of artistry. Miller had taken apart Frank’s father’s paint box to replicate it for his daughter, Rebecca. This revealed Miller’s incredible skill as a woodworker and his penchant for repurposing parts from old appliances.

In the midst of art discussions and storytelling, Miller shared anecdotes about his time in Hollywood, the eccentricities of the movie industry, and the intriguing behavior of stars like Al Jolson. He even asked Alexander Calder to draw a picture, and when Calder claimed he could, Miller handed him a felt-tip pen. The result was a unique artwork with Miller’s signature, which he mounted and displayed in his home.

As Frank recalls, the number of people who knew this tale was probably quite small, making it a precious artistic secret. In the end, Frank Hyder’s journey is a testament to the power of creativity, resourcefulness, and the intriguing connections that art can foster.