Ellen Altfest

In this episode, host David Humphrey welcomes New York painter Ellen Altfest. Ellen shares her insights and introduces listeners to a selection of country music, delving into its darkly humorous tones and lyrical storytelling. As David probes the unexpected pairing of country music with Ellen's art, she illuminates the parallels between the specificity of musical storytelling and the character-driven nature of her paintings. Through an eclectic playlist ranging from Christian hymns to classic tunes, Ellen shares the haunting melodies of "Poor Ellen Smith" by Felice & Boudleaux Bryant and the introspective depth of "The Christian Life" by The Byrds. Ellen Altfest (b. 1971) s an American painter best known for her realist depictions of landscapes and still lifes that often blur the distinction between the two genres. Image: Rock, Foot, Plant (2009). Courtesy of White Cube.