The transformation mask is a carved and painted sculpture, a status symbol, a costume element and a simple machine all at once. Pulling the strings on the mask allows the wearer to move parts that effectively animate the mask and bring it to life in front of the gathered crowd. Kwakwaka’wakw artists created a number of different masks representing different ... Show More
Sep 7
Author Interview CJ Denton | La Pittura
My guest this week is CJ Denton, author of a new novel called La Pittura. While his work is historical fiction, in preparation for the book, he conducted extensive research into the life of Artemisia Gentileschi, one of the most celebrated painters of the Italian Baroque era. We ... Show More
37m 33s
Sep 3
Author Interview: Ryan T. Pozzi | The Mess that Made Them
Today I have a bonus episode in the feed. I originally planned to release my interview with Ryan T. Pozzi on Monday, but due to technical difficulties, I had to flip things around. Today, his new book, The Mess that Made Them, is hitting stores. The book focuses on the difficult ... Show More
43m 40s
Jun 2023
How to unleash your inner maximalism through costume | Machine Dazzle
Tapping into the transformational power of costume, concept artist Machine Dazzle takes us on a maximalist journey through art, history and fashion. From a jaw-droppingly intricate '60s bouffant ensemble to a 24-hour show of extravagant outfits, Dazzle shares pieces that channel ... Show More
12m 23s
Jul 2025
The Moth Podcast: Full Costume
On this episode, we’re putting on our masks, getting our makeup ready, and donning our costumes. This episode was hosted by Kate Tellers. Storytellers: Annie Wiborg learns that dressing up as McGruff the Crime Dog is a bit more difficult than it might appear. Paul Davis struggles ... Show More
15m 5s
Feb 2024
Wild, intricate sculptures — made out of my hair | Laetitia Ky
Artist Laetitia Ky has a unique medium: using the hair on her head (and some wire), she creates incredible sculptures of objects, animals, people and more, promoting messages of bodily autonomy and self-acceptance. She shares how she came to create these surprisingly intricate fo ... Show More
8m 16s
May 2023
The timeless, ancient language of art | Wangechi Mutu
Using found materials and mesmerizing structures that unearth deep-rooted emotions, Wangechi Mutu's visual creations explore and celebrate women's role in our collective history. From ancient rock carvings in the Sahel to her own chimeric abstractions, she shares her journey of s ... Show More
23m 27s