In this episode, Marisa interviews Los Angeles-based director and puppeteer Ricky Chavez. Ricky grew up in California and studied Jazz and Saxophone Performance in college. Always curious and creative, he decided to build a puppet and has been puppeteering ever since. He shares how to build and use puppets and provides puppeteering resources. They also talk about his work with directing videos for music and his project with Sabrina Carpenter. Full of passion, Ricky reminds artists about the importance of play and trying new things.

This episode is also available in video on YouTube. Make sure to check it out to see Ricky puppeteer!

Follow Ricky @rikemind

Check out more of his videos on YouTube at rikemind1795

In this episode, Marisa interviews animator, director, and producer Howy Parkins. Howy grew up in Canada watching Saturday morning cartoons and drawing TV characters. After studying animation in college, Howy traveled around Europe working on Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Star Wars: Ewoks. He eventually moved to Los Angeles and worked as a director for Disney’s The Lion Guard, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Recess, Emperor’s New School and Hailey’s On It. With an extensive career, Howy shares fun stories along the way and provides insight into the animation industry today.

Check out Howy’s career on IMDB and catch his work on streaming platforms now.

In this episode, Marisa interviews award-winning illustrator, author and designer Dave Szalay. While growing up in Ohio, Dave was always doodling in school. After studying graphic design, owning his own ad agency and teaching, he returned to school to receive his MFA in Illustration. With five published, picture books, Dave gives a behind the scenes look into the world of creating children’s literature. From drawing monsters and animals to nature and Abraham Lincoln, Dave hopes that his whimsical images bring joy and make reading fun for all children.

Follow Dave on Instagram @daveszalayillo

Check out his website at https://www.daveszalay.com

Buy his books here or at your local bookstore

In this episode, Marisa interviews writer, comedian, and screen and voice actor, Ryan McCabe. Ryan’s commitment to character and comedy was established at a young age when he called himself The Riddler after watching Jim Carrey in Batman Forever. Now in LA, Ryan works in the dubbing industry and trains with The Groundlings, performing improv and stand-up comedy. He has also written seven poetry books and is currently producing a new comic called Henry Fowl in Black Sheep. Full of laughs and experience, Ryan creates work that is authentic to him, reminding artists to enjoy the creative process and to not be afraid to fail.

Follow Ryan @hurricabe

Purchase his poetry books at Sabor y Cultural in LA or on Amazon

In this episode, Marisa interviews professional LA dancer, choreographer and teacher Malia Baker. Malia grew up doing competition dance in Colorado, and moved to Los Angeles at age 18. After 10 years of living in LA, Malia reflects on her dance journey from training and performing to choreographing and teaching. They also talk about her most recent collaboration with Bob’s Dance Shop, where she toured internationally with Purple Disco Machine and Sofi Tukker. Whether she’s dancing in front of large crowds, on screen, or in the studio, Malia slays any performance and brings the fun!

Check out Malia’s jazz class at TMilly on Tuesdays from 1-2:30pm

Follow @maliabaker

In this episode, Marisa interviews visual artist Emma Kathleen Hepburn Ferrer. Growing up in both America and Europe, Emma took ballet and drawing classes. She refined her painting technique at the Florence Academy of Art, and found her creative voice in an MFA program at Central Saint Martins. Now living in Italy, Emma’s surroundings of nature, religion, and hunting culture inspired her first solo exhibition, “The Scapegoat.” Originating from a biblical myth, Emma’s retelling begs the question, “what is the scapegoat of our society?” Like her grandmother, Audrey Hepburn, Emma approaches art as service and works to capture empathy.

Follow Emma @ekhferrer

Check out her website at https://www.emmaferrer.com

Happy 2025 and Season 6 of ARTifacts! In this episode, Marisa interviews French, visual artist Aurélie Brown. Growing up, Aurélie was influenced by the lush landscapes and food culture in Normandy. After moving to California, Aurélie found her creative voice by doing the 100 Day Project where she painted one work every day for 100 days. She turned her passion into a business, and always encourages setting aside time for the things you love.

Follow @aureliebrownart

Check out her website at https://www.aureliebrownart.com

It’s the 50th episode of ARTifacts! In this episode, Marisa interviews makeup and special effects designer and puppeteer, Tony Gardner. Originally from Ohio, Tony went to film school in California only to drop out to work on the music video for Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Tony takes a look at his work through a movement lens, sharing how he crafts characters like Billy Butcherson in Hocus Pocus to puppeteering Chucky with seven people. With years of experience in the industry, Tony is full of stories and encouragement and believes in saying yes to any opportunity.

Follow Tony @tonygardner

Check out his company at https://alterianinc.com

Check out Kyra Gardner’s podcast, “Flesh & Blood & Bone” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify where they talk more about Tony’s career.