Behind the Artist with Park West Gallery

Growing up as a military child who lived all over the world, Kevin Vigil, known as Kre8, found it difficult to blend in. His life experiences have formed the foundation for the artist he is today, and collectors from all over the world are drawn to his dramatic, interesting paintings. In this episode of the "Behind the Artist" podcast, Kre8 discusses how he's forged his own path in life and in art, the idea behind his name, many of his trials and tribulations on the road to success, and much more!

Growing up as the daughter of the renowned advertising executive art director Les Hopkins, artist Leslie Lew became steeped in the American ad culture in the 1960s. We are thrilled to have Lew as our featured artist this week on the "Behind the Artist" podcast! She discusses her childhood and how her experiences helped form the base of what she does today, takes us through her years at the Chicago Art Institute and rise to success in New York, talks about her pivotal relationship with artist Andy Warhol, and more!

Enjoy part 2 of this split episode on the “Behind the Artist” podcast with artist Csaba Markus. In this episode, Markus and Park West Gallery Director Morris Shapiro continue their conversation discussing Markus' escape to America, where he lived in his car in California while trying to earn money to bring his family to join him. They then get into discussing his artwork, why he sometimes destroys his paintings, and why he didn't sign his name on his paintings for 15 years!

Enjoy part 1 of 2 of this split episode on the “Behind the Artist” podcast with artist Csaba Markus. Markus has a larger-than-life personality, and shares with us in this episode his unique story as to why he is who he is. In this discussion with Morris Shapiro, we hear the details of Markus' childhood growing up in Communist Hungary and he reveals the details of his tenacious struggle to escape to America.

Enjoy part 2 of this split episode on the “Behind the Artist” podcast with artist Dominic Pangborn. In this episode, Pangborn and Park West Gallery Director Morris Shapiro continue their conversation discussing Pangborn's schooling and how his unique tie designs became an overnight success. They then get into talking about his creative process, and Pangborn shares his interesting story about his return to spirituality after a lifetime of religious skepticism.

Enjoy part 1 of 2 of this split episode on the “Behind the Artist” podcast with artist Dominic Pangborn. In this episode, Pangborn describes his life growing up in South Korea and his solitary trip to the United States at just 10 years old, where he was adopted into the Pangborn family and became one of 12 children! He then dives into his path that led him to the famed Chicago Art Academy, and what he did to really "wow" his boss at work.

Artist Duaiv is our amazing guest on the "Behind the Artist" podcast this week. In this episode, Duaiv shares some revealing insights into his youth, discusses his path as a classical musician and overall decision to become a painter, talks about meeting Salvador Dali, and much more! You can also watch Park West's artists in action at https://m.youtube.com/user/ParkWestGallery

With more than 45 years of experience, Francois "Fanch" Ledan is an amazing self-taught artist who embraces his imagination to create unbelievable interiorscapes and exotic destinations. We’re thrilled to have Fanch as a guest on the “Behind the Artist” podcast to talk about the fascinating road he has traveled to become the artistic star he is today. In this episode, learn about how his first exhibition came about, his adaptation through the years working with mediums from lithography to serigraphy, the number of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees he has accumulated, the number of places he has traveled to (over 100), and much more! You can also watch Park West's artists in action at https://m.youtube.com/user/ParkWestGallery

Traveling the world capturing the beauty of historical and cultural landmarks, artist Alexander Chen's paintings depict immense detail that transports his audience into the exciting settings of his paintings. We are thrilled to have Chen as a guest on the "Behind the Artist" podcast. In this episode, Park West Gallery Director Morris Shapiro catches up with Chen to discuss his journey from China to his extraordinary success as an artist in America, the use of photography in his creative process, his role in contemporary art history, and more! You can also watch Park West's artists in action at https://m.youtube.com/user/ParkWestGallery

Enjoy part 2 of this split episode on the “Behind the Artist” podcast with artist Peter Nixon and Park West Gallery Director Morris Shapiro. Nixon and Shapiro carry on their conversation from the previous podcast episode by discussing the thought process and details behind developing Nixon’s book. They then get into talking about the art of our contemporary times and how these times are changing. Are we going back to a period of aesthetic appreciation? What are Nixon’s wonder cabinets? What animal did Nixon paint life-size that ended up being over five feet by five feet? Enjoy this candid conversation to find out! You can also watch Park West's artists in action at https://m.youtube.com/user/ParkWestGallery