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THE BENT POD

THE BENT POD

Christian Rex van Minnen 3 episodes Nov 10, 2026

THE BENT POD features conversations with painters about technique, history, and the strange and beautiful life of making pictures. It is hosted by painter Christian Rex van Minnen. The show is connected to The Bent, a painters' club founded in Rome in 1620, banned in 1720, and revived 300 years later. The club offers live paint-along sessions in the Old Master's method, a growing curriculum, community discussions, and member profiles. It meets weekly and is open to painters and lovers of Old painting.

Episodes

Ep. 6 - Tony Curanaj: The More You Learn, The Harder It Gets
Ep. 6 - Tony Curanaj: The More You Learn, The Harder It Gets Nov 10, 2026 01:33:30 Tony Curanaj and I talk about how we each became the painters we are. We cover the cities we moved to and what each move changed, and why staying uncomfortable keeps the work alive. We also talk about teaching, working with other artists, and what it takes to build a community around painting. Then we turn to the next generation: how to protect creativity in kids, why boredom matters more than peo
Ep. 5 - Leo Frontini: Let The Paint Be Paint
Ep. 5 - Leo Frontini: Let The Paint Be Paint Oct 16, 2026 01:14:38 The conversation delves into the technical challenges artists face while creating, the exploration of subconscious influences in their work, and the complexities of conveying meaning in art. It highlights the balance between intuitive creation and the pressure to justify artistic choices within the contemporary art landscape. In this conversation, Leo Frontini and Christian Rex van Minnen delve in
Ep. 4 - Colleen Barry: Reclaiming Beauty
Ep. 4 - Colleen Barry: Reclaiming Beauty Oct 9, 2026 01:18:24 In this conversation, Christian and Colleen discuss the challenges and successes of content creation and the art world, reflecting on personal experiences and broader cultural shifts. They explore the balance between artistic expression and audience engagement, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and the evolution of artistic techniques. The conversation delves into the complexities of color
Ep. 3 - Ben Valentine: Bathtub Gin Artists
Ep. 3 - Ben Valentine: Bathtub Gin Artists Oct 2, 2026 01:30:50 In this episode, Ben Valentine and I talk about learning old master's techniques on our own, and the value being a 'bathtub gin' artist. We discuss learning traditional techniques, the influence of the old masters, and the sacrifices that come with pursuing mastery. We also talk about humor and seriousness in painting, how artists are shaped by the generations before them, and how technology is ch
Ep. 2 - Larry Madrigal: Pentimento
Ep. 2 - Larry Madrigal: Pentimento Sep 17, 2026 01:33:13 In this episode I sit down with one of my favorite painters and good friend Larry Madrigal. I can talk to Larry for hours, and we often do. This conversation covers topics related to digital space, art, authenticity, and humor. It delves into the impact of technology on art, the importance of human creativity, and the role of humor in life and art. The discussion also explores the concept of hidde
Ep. 1 - Sara Birns: Hold Onto This For Dear Life
Ep. 1 - Sara Birns: Hold Onto This For Dear Life Sep 3, 2026 02:35:45 The first conversation on The Bent Pod- and the origin story of the club itself. Sara Birns walked into Christian's Santa Cruz studio with a sketchbook and became the first apprentice to a project that would reintroduce the lost techniques of the old masters in a radical new way. Tech burnout, master copies, a Gary Busey with a Beehive, the workshop that failed its way into becoming a club, and wh

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