The Lives Of The Artists

Andrew Graham-Dixon is a British art critic, art historian, and broadcaster known for his passionate, eloquent storytelling about art and artists. Educated at Oxford and the Courtauld Institute, he has presented acclaimed BBC documentaries, blending deep scholarship with vivid narrative flair. His writing, insightful, witty, and often poetic, bridges the gap between academic analysis and emotional engagement, making the history of art feel alive, dramatic, and profoundly human. In this episode of ‘The Lives Of The Artists’ podcast we discuss Johannes Vermeer’s life and Andrew’s new book about him ‘Vermeer, A Life Lost And Found’.

Morag Caister, is a figurative artist who gained widespread acclaim as the winner of Sky Art's Portrait Artist of the Year TV series, and has been honoured with nominations for Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe: Art & Culture and inclusion in the Evening Standard's Art Power List 2023.

Eldin Smajlovic is a Bosnian artist, art historian and writer from Srebrenica, raised in Sarajevo. Trained in classical art, in the tradition of the old masters (printmaking, painting, design and drawing) he was expelled from the Sarajevo Academy for his outspoken advocacy, particularly in defense of LGBTQ+ rights. He later relocated to Sweden, continuing his artistic education at Valand Academy. As the creator of The Immortal Art Podcast and the The Immortal Art YouTube channel, Eldin Smajlovic is presenting chronological art history, from 78,000 years ago to now. He is currently finishing European Upper Palaeolithic. He speaks with artists, historians, art historians and reaserchers about art.

Erin is MyArtBroker's “Excuse Me” Girl, who asks the public what work of art they'd love to own and why. When she's not interviewing people with her paintbrush mic, she's the Commissioning Editor of Edition Magazine, devising content for art lovers and collectors. Erin joined MyArtBroker after completing her MA in Fashion History at the Courtauld Institute of Art in 2022, and graduated from the University of Cambridge in 2021 with a BA in History of Art.

Tim Benson (b. 1978, London) is a contemporary British oil painter renowned for his expressive figurative works, especially portraits, that go beyond mere likeness to evoke character and mood. Educated at Glasgow School of Art and Byam Shaw School of Art (1998–2001), he honed his craft through intense studio practice and self‑directed learning. Elected President of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters in 2018 and a member of the New English Art Club the same year, Benson exhibits widely across the UK and often works with NGOs to create portraits that amplify marginalized voices.

Art Historian, Author, Content Creator, and Presenter. Tatyana brings art to life with engaging books, videos, blog posts, podcast episodes, online courses, and more, offering a fresh perspective on works of art from across the globe.

Sara Frazetta is the granddaughter of legendary fantasy artist Frank Frazetta and a key figure in preserving and promoting his artistic legacy. As co-founder of Frazetta Girls, a company she helped create to celebrate and license her grandfather’s work, Sara has played a central role in reintroducing Frank Frazetta’s iconic imagery to new generations through apparel, books, exhibitions, and collaborations across pop culture. Beyond business, she’s become a vocal advocate for creative independence, often speaking about the power of imagination and the importance of family in stewarding an artist’s vision. With her blend of entrepreneurial spirit and deep personal connection to Frazetta’s mythic world, Sara has helped solidify his place as a titan of visual storytelling.

Ru Knox is a British visual artist based in London, whose practice evolved from classical portraiture to immersive, abstract figurative painting. Originally trained in architectural interior design and academic oil painting in Italy, he began his career fulfilling private portrait commissions and exhibiting in respected venues like Mall Galleries and the Rijksmuseum. Seeking more creative freedom, he completed an MFA at City & Guilds in 2019, and his MA show led to his debut solo exhibition
"Rapture" at Waluso Gallery in Hackney. Since then, he has become known for his expressive, large-scale works that blend semi-figurative and abstract forms, exploring the boundary between waking and dreaming, particularly through the exploration of hypnagogic and hypnopompic states. His dynamic canvases have featured in prestigious group and solo shows such as "Art in the Age of Now" at Fulham Town Hall and "Palimpsest" at Graffik Gallery and he's exhibited internationally, including a recent New York show with Guerin Projects. Knox's work is rooted in emotional resonance, aiming to stir viewers into their own subconscious memories and narratives, merging structure and spontaneity for richly evocative experiences.

Lydia Pettit is a London‑based American artist whose arresting self‑portraits and textile‑infused paintings explore trauma, body politics, PTSD, and the objectification of women. Working across oil, embroidery, quilting, and occasionally video, her work embodies both vulnerability and confrontation—often appearing as a personal “battleground” where tenderness meets callousness. Pettit earned her MA from the Royal College of Art in 2020 and has exhibited widely, including solo shows at White Cube (2022), Galerie Sébastien Bertrand in Geneva (2021), and Galerie Judin in Berlin (2023), where she presented “In Your Anger, I See Fear”—a visceral, horror‑inspired exploration of female rage and bodily boundaries. A new exhibition of her work has just opened on the 28th June 2025 for a month at Galerie Judin in Berlin again!

Daniele Bolelli is an Italian-born historian, writer, lecturer and podcaster. Known for his eclectic and rebellious approach to history, philosophy, and religion - he is a legend of the game. Born in Milan in 1974, he moved to the United States where he earned degrees from UCLA and Cardiff University, and has taught at several institutions including California State University, Long Beach. Bolelli is the author of several books, such as On the Warrior’s Path and Create Your Own Religion, blending academic insight with a fiercely independent voice. He gained wider popularity through his podcasts History on Fire and The Drunken Taoist, where he explores historical events and figures—ranging from Caravaggio to Native American leaders—with a passionate, narrative-driven style. Bolelli is celebrated for making history visceral, philosophical, and accessible, often highlighting the rebels and rule-breakers who have shaped our world.