PODCAST · arts
designwithflair
by Oma Okolo
Listen to my fun and lively studio conversations with friends and family ….talking about anything and everything impacting everyday life.
Episodes
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Meandering paths - the architecture of process
While Carnival fills the streets outside, the studio calls for a slower, more tactile rhythm. Looking at footage of constructing hinged wooden armatures from a week ago—with a voiceover added today—captures the winding nature of the creative process. Every piece begins with a million moving parts...
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Why I love the scenic route...
Sometimes taking the scenic route is the best part of the creative journey. 🎨✨ I often find myself stepping away from a main painting to explore a million other things—whether that's visiting exhibitions, experimenting with unexpected materials, or crafting custom elements like handmade steel...
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Moving on from a piece!
I have been working on and off on this piece for years! Through lockdown...my MFA. It is aptly titled 'sometimes there is a pause' because it is definitely time for this piece to vacate the studio.
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The charm of Lagos Island
My recent visit to Lagos Island was enlightening. It moves to its own beat.
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DEREALISATION
just my brain resetting....nothing to worry about....learning to flow with it!
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Afterthoughts....
For so long...I have struggled with derealisation....it was just something I kept to myself.
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Skill sharing
It can be tempting to work in isolation....but ....collaborating is such a great learning curve!
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finding grounding techniques.....to navigate episodes of derealisation
Possibly relating to childhood trauma....I first experienced derealisation as a teenager....it has been a constant 'companion' ever since. I used to be petrified whenever I 'glitch'....thought it was a precursor to 'locked-in syndrome' and I wouldn't be able to find 'my way back'. But now I know...
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Exploring ideas
Preparing for my MA Finals in Fine Art....exploring ideas....
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working on commissions
I have a love-hate relationship with commissions. They are fun to take on....a little bit because of the growth potential. However I am an avid 'slow maker'...just love to enjoy the process. Definitely learning about time management through commissions...
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What a playground!
I recently visited the Museo Picasso in Barcelona. It was such an experience...a reminder of how not to be too precious when creating...but to have fun playing and experimenting.
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RA Summer Exhibition
Oh my days! What a vibe! I absolutely loved the RA Summer Exhibition this year...it was so more-ish. Unfortunately I attended on the very last day! Kicking myself! I could have seen it at least 5 or 6 times. Delighted I went even though it was on the last day....
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The scenic route
It's been a bit of a whirlwind....between studies, my day job and 'daughter' duties (been caring for my elderly mum)...I have barely had any time to go to my 'happy place' studio! Just being in the studio yesterday was so cathartic! It is so nice to catch a breather in the hustle and bustle. Self...
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Fleshing out an idea
It is possible to let an idea take form in the mind's eye...come to life without the urgency of execution. I am beginning to experience first hand the benefits of letting an idea take form...let it blossom in my head as I enjoy the process of gathering the material I need to execute my idea. I'm...
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Enjoying the creative process after a hiatus....
Working to course deadlines can be so overwhelming...I found my most recent course module physically and mentally tasking. I may not have realised how burnt out I was at the time ....going full throttle as adrenaline kicked in. It took me weeks to recover!
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Being experimental....
I'm nervous!!!! I get the jitters when I'm working on a project...and a deadline is approaching. Right now...I feel I just maybe spreading myself a bit thin....but really that's just the jitters talking. I do have a lot on though...print party coming up....need to plan collaboration with two...
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Making maquettes
When prepping for an exhibition...making a maquette is always my starting point alongside sketches of course! But....it is so easy to get stuck on the maquette making circuit...well for me it is. I need to focus on prepping by creating artwork...rather than making models of the artwork....or do…
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prepping for an exhibition
I find exhibition prep both exhausting and exhilarating....there is a rush...a buzz and burnout! Really excited about this new project....a module required as part of my MA Fine Art....'Collaborative Practice'. I plan to keep you updated on my progress....so stay tuned for more content. Now let...
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Songwriting
Are you a songwriter? Or have you ever tried or wanted to write a song? I doff my hat to you if you are a songwriter or an aspiring songwriter. Such a big topic...I barely did it justice..chatting to a colleague at a lounge in the Tate Modern, because there was so much background noise! Tell the...
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Get into running
As curious as I am about running....I'm not really a runner...at the moment. Sometimes it looks like fun....marathons seem so communal and engaging..bringing people together. But the idea of pounding gravel is so daunting...to me. Here I chat with three people at different stages in their running...
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Making resolutions....
Making new resolutions can be life changing...possibly...at the same time resolutions can fuel procrastination. Sounds cliche but it is said if you 'fail to plan; you plan to fail'. Plans are good and some people like 'markers' for achievement. Like to wear the badge of achieving something within…
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Emigrating for a year!
Is there an itch to emigrate? Is it a rite of passage? Or is it caused by disillusionment? Being a homebody, as much as I love experiences....I need my creature comforts! My sister emigrated to Nigeria years ago...my brother did as well and now my niece is considering emigration...albeit for a...
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Cheers!
2024 has been an interestingly meandering year...ups...downs....sideways...like any other year really but pretty intense. Or maybe years seem more intense the older we get...hopefully wiser too. Here's wishing one and all a brilliant 2025!
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Cheers to progression
It has been a rollercoaster year….with intermittent blogging…flailing at a weekly podcast. So now I’m taking stock by not beating myself up. Here’s to progression! Happy New Year people!
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Studio vibe
It can be a struggle juggling study, studio and a job. Especially when deadlines approach.
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Studio vibes!
Struggling with managing study, day job and studio!!!! Got so much to do….studio always wins!!! Even though I really need to be swotting in a library!!!!
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The cauliflower ear
Did you know that the cauliflower ear is the mark of a warrior? It is said that in Roman antiquity statuettes of Hercules were depicted with a cauliflower ear.
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Being nocturnal
When are you most active? Do you have cats?
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In the studio
The process of making is such a meandering path with so many learning curves. I’m learning to lean into the growth that comes with experimentation.
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Refreshing times to walk
When are you most productive in the year? Thinking of going for a walk or a run?
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Dinner time tales
Sometimes there’s an undercurrent at the dinner table. What’s your favourite meal? Do you believe in ghosts?
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Derry Art Residential
My first experience of Derry was quite immersive. I hadn’t been on an Art Residential before….I often shy away from experiences outside my comfort zone…I’m a homebody. But Derry was illuminating.
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Finding a way to pace yourself
Life throws curveballs….speaking to a colleague dealing with loss yet still gracious enough to chat and share some great insight on learning to pace oneself when creating or making art.
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A Man City fan
Playfully interviewing a dedicated Man City fan….or a possible one day in the future Man City fan.
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Learning a new skill
I recently learned a new skill from a YouTube video….how to up cycle fabric into yarn!!!!
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Talking politics in the morning
Politics is such a touchy subject. Do all Nigerians in the diaspora feel the same? How do you view inequality? How do you view freedom of speech? Or the right to protest?
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Friendship
How do you maintain your friendships? How well do you know your friends? What does it mean to be a friend?
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What does a DevOps Engineer do?
Ever wondered what a DevOps engineer does? I have….let’s find out.
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Fabric yarn and sailing
Chatting with a close friend who is a member of The Lagos Yacht Club whilst making fabric yarn in my studio!!!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does designwithflair have?
designwithflair currently has 39 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is designwithflair about?
Listen to my fun and lively studio conversations with friends and family ….talking about anything and everything impacting everyday life.
How often does designwithflair release new episodes?
designwithflair has 39 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to designwithflair?
You can listen to designwithflair on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts designwithflair?
designwithflair is created and hosted by Oma Okolo.
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