Episode 19: Michelle Warchol - Sculpting Life

Michelle Warchol is a sculptor based in Staten Island.

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(00:00) Childhood Dreams vs. Parental Expectations

(02:12) A STEM School with No Art

(04:35) Choosing English Lit Over Art

(06:22) NYU’s Complex Path to Art

(08:31) First Encounters with Life Drawing

(11:07) Struggles and Aspirations as a Beginner

(13:15) The Pull Toward Painting and Color

(15:38) Discovering Sculpture Through Restoration

(18:22) The Accidental Beginning of Statue Work

(21:06) Lessons from Tedious Restoration Work

(24:30) Flow State and the Shift into Sculpting

(27:00) Why Baby Sculptures? Artistic and Practical Reasons

(30:12) Moving Toward Commissions and a Show

(32:54) Redefining Success and Artistic Fulfillment

(36:41) Advice to Aspiring Artists