Landon and Christopher speak with New York painter Mathew Cerletty about the selective nature of seeing, the many meanings of portraiture, and the questionable value of sincerity in artmaking.

In this episode we look at 'Vilhelm Hammershøi' and his beautiful, meditative paintings.

Link 1:  https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/vilhelm-hammershoi-interior

Link 2: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ida_Reading_a_Letter#/media/File:Hammershoi_Ida_Reading_a_Letter.jpg

Link 3:  https://rodicdavidson.co.uk/news/vilhelm-hammershoi/

Link 4: https://arthur.io/art/vilhelm-hammershoi/courtyard-interior-at-strandgade-30

Poem Written by Rainer Maria Rilke 
Black Cat

A ghost, though invisible, still is like a place
your sight can knock on, echoing; but here
within this thick black pelt, your strongest gaze
will be absorbed and utterly disappear:

just as a raving madman, when nothing else
can ease him, charges into his dark night
howling, pounds on the padded wall, and feels
the rage being taken in and pacified.


She seems to hide all looks that have ever fallen
into her, so that, like an audience,
she can look them over, menacing and sullen,
and curl to sleep with them.
But all at once

as if awakened, she turns her face to yours;
and with a shock, you see yourself, tiny,
inside the golden amber of her eyeballs
suspended, like a prehistoric fly

In This Episode we look at " Bathers by a River - Les Demoiselles à la rivière

Or - simply Bathers by Henri Matisse  - Started in 1909 - finished 1917

Link to Painting - https://www.artic.edu/artworks/79307/bathers-by-a-river

Dance 2 LINK - https://www.wikiart.org/en/henri-matisse/dance-ii-1910

William Blake Link - https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/blake-oberon-titania-and-puck-with-fairies-dancing-n02686

Music LINK -  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_(Matisse)#/media/File:Matisse_-_Music.jpg

We get in deep with medieval master Hieronymus Bosch and look at 'The Garden of Earthly Delights'

Link to painting: https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/the-garden-of-earthly-delights-triptych/02388242-6d6a-4e9e-a992-e1311eab3609

In this Episode we look at 'Family of Saltimbanques ' (French: Famille de saltimbanques) painted in 1905 by Pablo Picasso

Link to Painting:  https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.46665.html

The Sketch is a guide to what the first layer would have looked like: http://art-picasso.com/1903_85.html

The second layer: http://art-picasso.com/1905_8.html

This sketch which shows how he started moving towards final image: http://art-picasso.com/1903_82.html

In this Episode we discuss 'The Table' by contemporary Artist Antonio López García - Born 6 January 1936

Link to painting: https://www.wikiart.org/en/antonio-lopez/the-table-1980

Link to more of his work and photos: https://en.antoniolopezweboficial.com/bio-visual

Zizinia de les Flors Restaurant Barcelona - https://www.instagram.com/zizinia_de_les_flors/

In this episode, Lauren and Chris recap 2023 and lay out their "ins and outs" of 2024. Tune in for hot takes and hits of inspiration. A/V Art Club is excited to come back strong in the New Year!

Robert Russell LA Times article

Check us out on Instagram at:

@lauren.clamp

@chrisclampart

@avartclub

Email us at:

avartclubpodcast@gmail.com

Listen in as I chat with Chris Soule, the ambitious entrepreneur behind Clean Cut Painting, about his remarkable transition from an auto body shop apprentice to a successful business owner in East Hampton, Connecticut. Chris's candid storytelling takes us through his initial struggles and the formative experiences that led him to venture into entrepreneurship, including the challenges of a flyer campaign that didn't pan out and how a harsh winter incidentally kickstarted his career through an insurance restoration job. Our discussion shines a light on the key decisions and moments that have shaped his journey, from leaving a difficult boss, dealing with a toxic culture, and learning his business's true statistics.

Throughout our conversation, we uncover the strategic evolution of Clean Cut as Chris shifted his business to specialize in cabinet painting—a move that not only doubled his revenue but also streamlined operations and amplified efficiency. We delve into the importance of creating a company culture rooted in core values, the art of marketing through exceptional customer experiences, and the critical role of communication and setting clear goals. Chris's story is a testament to the power of focusing on your strengths and leveraging a personalized and profound customer experience to position your company as a regional leader.

Wrapping up our time together, we focus on the intertwining of business growth and personal development, with Chris opening up about his leadership philosophy and the steps he took to ensure his company's profitability and sustainability. From the impact of financial literacy on business success to the importance of fostering a high-achieving workplace culture, our exchange offers valuable insights for anyone looking to make their mark in any service industry, not just painting! Don't miss out on this inspirational episode as Chris generously shares his experiences, with a view to the future that includes inspiring his team, educating others in his business philosophy, and moving toward the million dollar mark!

EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT KEY POINTS
(0:00:00) - From Auto Body Apprentice to Business Owner
Chris Soule shares his journey from auto body shop to successful painting business, navigating challenges and growth in East Hampton, Connecticut.

(0:13:58) - The Journey to Becoming Cabinet Experts
A painting company's strategic shift to specializing in cabinet painting resulted in doubled revenue and streamlined operations.

(0:20:01) - Building Culture of Values and Growth
Transforming a toxic company culture through core values, tough personnel decisions, and strategic shifts in services and investments.

(0:34:25) - Enhancing Marketing Through Customer Experience
Nature's power of referral marketing through personalized gestures, strategic gift-giving, and prioritizing client satisfaction for exceptional experiences.

(0:41:47) - Effective Communication and Setting Goals
Communication, customer service, personalized approach, morning updates, end-of-day reports, CARE acronym, setting goals, separation season, $900,000 mark, cabinet painting, resource and time limitations.

(0:50:49) - Business Growth and Personal Development
Leadership intensity, purpose-driven work, understanding business fundamentals, coaching and peer networking, systemizing operations, and understanding financials for profitability.

Links from this Episode

• Open invitation for a free discovery call with Scott Lollar
• Consulting4Contractors’ Website
• Consulting4Contractors on YouTube
• Clean Cut Painting's Website
• Clean Cut Painting on Instagram
• Clean Cut Painting on Facebook
• Clean Cut Painting on YouTube
• Check out this video of Consulting4Contractors' Operations Module, one of our flagship Done-For-You tech offerings.
• Click here and enter the code "ASSESSMENT50" at checkout to receive 50% off one platinum assessment from InnerView Advisors, C4C's trusted hiring and HR resourcing partner (limit 1 per company)
• Connect with C4C on Instagram
• Join the C4C community on Facebook
• Connect on LinkedIn
• Submit to be a guest on our podcast

Credits: 

• Scott Lollar: Host of the Beyond $1,000,000 Podcast & Founder of Consulting4Contractors
• Chris Soule: Founder, Clean Cut Painting
• Justin Hange/Siren Mastering: Original music, artwork, transcripts, show notes, audio engineering

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (01:00) - From Painting Apprentice to Business Owner
• (13:58) - The Journey to Becoming Cabinet Experts
• (20:01) - Building Culture of Values and Growth
• (34:25) - Enhancing Marketing Through Customer Experience
• (41:47) - Effective Communication and Setting Goals
• (50:49) - Business Growth and Personal Development

In this Episode we discuss 'Reflection' made in 1900 by Odilon Redon.

Link to image: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/10/Reflection%2C_1900-1905.jpg

Link to his early work: The Eye Like a Weird Balloon, Goes to Infinity
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odilon_Redon#/media/File:Redon_-_L'oeil,_comme_un_ballon_bizarre,_se_dirige_vers_l'infini,_0217275.jpg

In this Episode we discuss The Portrait of 'Bartolomeo Panciatichi' - Painted in 1540 by Agnolo di Cosimo AKA Bronzino - 1503 – 1572

Link to Painting: https://www.flickr.com/photos/lluisribes/9178076066

Link to second Portrait: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portrait_of_Lucrezia_Panciatichi#/media/File:Lucrezia_Panciatichi_by_Angelo_Bronzino.jpg 

In this episode we discuss 'Napoleon Crossing the Alps' By Jacques-Louis David

Link to Painting: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fd/David_-_Napoleon_crossing_the_Alps_-_Malmaison2.jpg

Link to unfinished Portrait: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleon_Crossing_the_Alps#/media/File:Jacques-Louis_David_011.jpg

Link to Delaroche Painting:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleon_Crossing_the_Alps#/media/File:Paul_Delaroche_-_Napoleon_Crossing_the_Alps_-_Google_Art_Project_2.jpg

In this Episode we discuss the painting 'The Deluge' painted in 1920 by Winifred Knights - Born: 5 June 1899, Streatham, London Died: 7 February 1947, London

Link to Painting: https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/knights-the-deluge-t05532

In this episode, recorded on the eve of Halloween, Lauren and Chris sit down in the haunted recording studio (aka the dining room) to discuss creative Purgatory and how to get out of it. Listen in to hear about how Lauren and Chris know their work is finished, as well as a discussion about the great Mystery of art and how to honor it.

Check out Lauren's Patreon at:

https://www.patreon.com/laurenstarot

Check us out on Instagram at:

@lauren.clamp

@chrisclampart

@avartclub

Email us at:

avartclubpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode we discuss 'Cliff Dwellers' 1913 by George Bellows - 1882 - 1925

Link to Painting: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cliff_Dwellers_(painting)#/media/File:Bellows_CliffDwellers.jpg

We're excited to have Tom Droste, co-founder of Estimate Rocket along with his wife Kathy, who took an unexpected leap from accounting into the world of software development. Prepare to be captivated by his fascinating journey, from his early interest in the burgeoning computer industry to developing his first estimating program for a humble plumber. Hear about the genesis of personal computers for use in estimating, the thrill of the early tech world, and how Tom honed his skills to create a software that caters to the unique needs of different trades.

Estimate Rocket was born from an understanding of the commonalities across trades and was designed to be flexible and adaptable. Tom shares how the power of word-of-mouth helped the growth of his company and how he identified the underserved trades sector. He takes us through the features of Estimate Rocket, from estimating to the allocation of projects, and how it exponentially improves ROI in marketing for contractors. A deep dive into the use of "tags," the importance of a reliable information repository, and the science behind determining project success makes this a must-listen for anyone in the trade and contracting field.

Wrapping up our chat, Tom talks about the company's supportive team, his innovative Collaborative Tuesdays program, and the dynamic changes in the contracting world. He discusses how virtual communication is revolutionizing the industry, particularly in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, and how Estimate Rocket can be a game-changer in the sales process. With his eye on the future of painting, Tom's insights are enlightening and inspire a sense of curiosity about the future of the trades industry. Join us on this exciting voyage with Tom Droste, a visionary who's transforming the world of contracting with his innovative software.

About Tom Droste:
Tom has a passion for developing great technology to solve real world problems and helping customers implement them successfully. Some of Tom’s hobbies include hiking, bike riding, and cooking. He’d like to travel to Spain and Alaska some day, his favorite color is red, and he has a rescue dog named Daisy.

--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------

(0:00:00) - Tom Droste's Journey to Estimate Rocket
(0:08:57) - Estimating Program for Painting Contractors
(0:14:43) - Estimate Rocket within the Painting Industry
(0:20:46) - Estimate Rocket Features
(0:27:14) - Tags and Estimating ROI in Marketing
(0:37:36) - Estimate Rocket Support Team, Collaborative Tuesdays, Changes
(0:43:34) - Wrap-up & Estimate Rocket for Sales and Painting

--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT KEY POINTS ---------

(0:00:00) - Tom Droste's Journey to Estimate Rocket
Tom Droste's journey from accountant to co-founder of Estimate Rocket, early PCs, and his first estimating program for a plumber are discussed.

(0:08:57) - Estimating Program for Painting Contractors
Tom Droste shares his journey of developing cloud-based software for the trades, adapting it to fit their needs, and growing the company through word of mouth.

(0:14:43) - Estimate Rocket within the Painting Industry
Tom shares insight into overcoming the "long, slow, sass march of death" and Estimate Rocket's features for the painting industry.

(0:20:46) - Estimate Rocket Features
Estimating, sales, proposals, coordination, scheduling, knowing numbers, and Estimate Rocket are discussed.

(0:27:14) - Tags and Estimating ROI in Marketing
Tags, ROI, lead sources, closing ratio report, emotional decision-making, and cookbook for business are discussed to determine marketing success.

(0:37:36) - Estimate Rocket Support Team, Collaborative Tuesdays, Changes
Estimate Rocket's support team, Collaborative Tuesdays program, and sales process discussed, utilizing email and phone calls for leads, tags for defining status, and virtual communication for pre-qualifying leads.

(0:43:34) - Wrap-up & Estimate Rocket for Sales and Painting
Estimate Rocket's tools, hiring salespeople, robotic painting, and AI are discussed to make quoting and estimating easier and faster.

----Links from this Episode----

• Open invitation for a free discovery call with Scott Lollar
• Consulting4Contractors’ Website
• Consulting4Contractors on YouTube
• Estimate Rocket website
• Estimate Rocket on Facebook
• Estimate Rocket on YouTube
• Estimate Rocket on Twitter
• Check out this video of Consulting4Contractors' Operations Module, one of our flagship Done-For-You tech offerings.
• Click here and enter the code "ASSESSMENT50" at checkout to receive 50% off one platinum assessment from InnerView Advisors, C4C's trusted hiring and HR resourcing partner (limit 1 per company)
• Connect with C4C on Instagram
• Join the C4C community on Facebook
• Connect on LinkedIn
• Submit to be a guest on our podcast

Credits: 

• Scott Lollar: Host of the Beyond $1,000,000 Podcast & Founder of Consulting4Contractors
• Tom Droste: President & CEO, Estimate Rocket
• Justin Hange: Original music, artwork, transcripts, show notes, audio engineering

• (00:00) - Transforming the World of Paint Contracting: An Insightful Journey with Tom Droste, the Visionary Behind Estimate Rocket
• (00:13) - Intro
• (00:54) - Tom Droste's Journey to Estimate Rocket
• (08:57) - Estimating Program for Painting Contractors
• (14:43) - Estimate Rocket within the Painting Industry
• (20:46) - Estimate Rocket Features
• (26:04) - Find Out More About Consulting4Contractors and Estimate Rocket
• (27:13) - Tags and Estimating ROI in Marketing
• (37:36) - Estimate Rocket Support Team, Collaborative Tuesdays, Changes
• (43:33) - Wrap-up & Estimate Rocket for Sales and Painting

In this episode we discuss 'After the Duel' in Italian 'Dopo il Duello' by 19th Century Artist Antonio Mancini

Link to painting - https://www.gamtorino.it/it/archivio-catalogo/dopo-il-duello/

Link to selected paintings discussed - https://franciscocentofantiart.com/antonio-mancini

In this Episode we discuss Rosso Fiorentio's (Giovanni Battista di Jacopo) 'Deposition of the Cross'

Here is the Link to the Painting and the Article -
https://www.finestresullarte.info/en/works-and-artists/rosso-fiorentino-s-deposition-a-chilling-hallucination

In this Episode we get into our leaden tones and discuss - 'The Evening Star' French title 'L'Etoile du Berger' by Camille Corot

If you want to check out the painting as you listen (highly advisable) here is a Link to image -

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Augustins_-_L%27Etoile_du_Berger_-_Camille_Corot_Ro60_1864.jpg

The painting is in Musée des Augustins de Toulouse

In this episode, Lauren and Chris break their hiatus to talk about Chris's solo exhibition at Jerald Melberg Gallery. Listen in to learn all about "Far From Home," and how becoming a full-time artist made it all possible.

Here is a link to artwork discussed in this episode:

https://www.jeraldmelberg.com/christopher-clamp-far-from-home/

Here is a link to the Southpark Magazine profile of Chris:

https://southparkmagazine.com/sentimental-still-life/

Check out Lauren's Patreon at:

https://www.patreon.com/laurenstarot

Check us out on Instagram at:

@laurenpiemont

@chrisclampart

@avartclub

Email us at:

avartclubpodcast@gmail.com