In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "World of Art Podcast," artist and art historian Victoria Chick continues the Evolution of Art Materials series with a colorful deep dive into paint.

The conversation explores the historical evolution of paint, from ancient mineral pigments and plant-based dyes to modern synthetic options. Victoria explains how early binding agents such as egg yolk and milk were used, the role of glazes in oil painting to enhance depth and luminosity, and how limitations in materials often sparked creative breakthroughs.

The episode also examines the relationship between art, science, and technology, comparing traditional painting techniques with digital art creation and emphasizing why understanding art materials is essential in education and creative practice.

Listen to last month's episode (Bristles & Brushes) and read Victoria’s article on the Toast to The Arts Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/bigblendarts/p/evolution-of-art-materials

MORE TO EXPLORE * Victoria’s Portfolio: https://victoriachick.com/ * World of Art Podcast: https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/ * Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/

As part of National Creativity Month, this episode also appears on Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to The Arts" and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. Discover more: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Author Michael G. Colburn joins Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Arts” show to discuss his Lady Black Mystery Series and the inspiration behind his gripping historical novel, "Asylum Murders."

In this engaging conversation, Colburn shares his journey from a successful business career into fiction writing and explores how real historical events — including the disturbing history of 19th-century asylums — shape his storytelling. Set in Australia in the 1800s, "Asylum Murders" blends mystery, suspense, and historical truth as investigator Lady Edith Black uncovers conspiracy, abuse of power, and long-buried secrets within the asylum system.

The discussion also dives into Colburn’s research process, the challenge of writing from a female perspective, and how creativity — including walking — fuels his writing. The episode highlights how books invite readers to co-create meaning, spark imagination, and examine the darker corners of history through fiction.

🔗 Visit: https://michaelgcolburn.com/

🎙️ Part of our National Book Blitz Month programming, this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend" and "Way Back When" Podcast Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

As part of our Book Blitz Month programming, award-winning author, explorer, photographer, and cetacean specialist James Michael Dorsey joins Big Blend Radio to share stories from a lifetime of global exploration. Hear how writing, photography, and storytelling serve as artistic tools for cultural preservation. From crafting personal travel narratives to documenting oral traditions, this episode celebrates literature, narrative craft, and the role of creative expression in giving voice to disappearing cultures.

Having traveled through 60 countries, Dorsey discusses his work documenting remote cultures, endangered languages, and oral traditions, as well as his experiences studying and interacting with whales in some of the world’s most remote marine environments.

He reflects on the urgency of cultural preservation, noting that when the last speaker of a language is lost, an entire library of knowledge disappears. From encounters with the Hadzabe people of Tanzania to time spent observing cetaceans, this conversation explores storytelling, responsible travel, and the deep connections between humans, wildlife, and place.

🔗 Learn more about James Michael Dorsey, his books, and work: http://www.jamesdorsey.com/