BASECAMP to SUMMIT - Podcast Channel

Artist Statement:  "Negative Making" is a central theme of my work. I would define negative making as a reactive, ambient, and/or counterintuitive process. I use this methodology in my multimedia art practice, with a special focus in ceramics.

Clay is not only a material, but a way of thinking. It is the lens with which I see the world. This way of thinking applies to both inside and outside the studio.
One of the core philosophies of Clay is to minimize waste. I take this everywhere I go. My work consists of harnessing the background of my experience. There is so much material that can easily be overlooked. I hope to become more and more sensitive to the often ignored. -Frank May http://frankmay.net

Website & Instagram:
http://frankmay.net
http://instagram.com/frankmay_net

Podcast edited by Annashae Davis

 

Linda Vonderschmidt-LaStella is a full-time ceramic artist and founder of Earthsongs Ceramic Studio in Metuchen, NJ, working in clay since 1993. Her sculptural tiles and murals — rooted in nature and spirituality — are installed in galleries, hospitals, and museums throughout the region, and in 2025 she was named a Fellow by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. She's also a driving force in Metuchen's community art scene, sparking the idea for Junebug, leading the 300-resident "The Seasons" mural project on Grove Street, and creating a second community peace mural as a Ukraine relief benefit. Her latest work appears in West Windsor Arts' "11 for Semiquin" exhibition, honoring the nation's Semiquincentennial.

Podcast edited by Annashae Davis

 

 

In this episode, Robert sits down with Metuchen photographer Mark Harris — a familiar face in the local arts community and a collaborator through the Metuchen Arts Council, Junebug Art Festival, and Friends of Metuchen Arts. Mark specializes in fine art photography of the human form, dance movement, and portraiture, and has spent years documenting the life of the Edison-Metuchen area. They talk about the unlikely road from engineering student to fine art photographer, the trust required to work with the body as subject, and what it means to make meaningful work close to home.

Podcast editing by Annashae Davis

I am an artist and a certified art educator from New Jersey. I have shown my artwork both locally and internationally. 

My work is a mix of painting, sculpture and performance inspired by pop art and conspiracy thought. I use my work to analyze the world and maintain a sense of humor in increasingly dark times. I hope to look at our social and political climate to analyze, synthesize, and question our initial assumptions about ourselves and others.

When I was a kid I would read books about scary stories, urban legends, aliens, and strange monsters in the woods for fun and with a critical eye. Now that I am an adult the fact that so many people believe these stories without critical thought is truly scary. I use the strange creatures that haunt our dreams and populate our folktales to better understand my relationship to the world around me.

Many thanks to Annashae Davis, a Basecamp intern for editing this podcast!

VICTORIA NIKITINA CHALA

Founder, Art-Based Life Coach &

Creative Wellness Practitioner 

Rising Heart Coaching LLC

in Metuchen, NJ

"All my life art has been my companion: a magic carpet whisking me away on childhood adventures, a guide toward inner wisdom, a conversation starter when I cannot find the words, a bridge between hearts when making new friends, a light and an oxygen tank in dark and uncertain times. I work to give creativity to everyone, to make this world a better place."

Victoria (Vika) Chala (b. 1985) is a mixed media artist, certified professional coach, expressive arts practitioner, and owner of Rising Heart Studio in Metuchen NJ. Vika believes that creativity is for everyone and is an essential component of human life.

Vika is a self-taught visual artist, who began her journey as a creative practitioner to address personal and professional development challenges in her late 20s. Overtime this pursuit developed into a business. In 2014, Vika founded a creative accountability group in Chicago, which evolved into When We Create™, a creative self-discovery program for women seeking personal connection and empowerment. Today Vika helps people reconnect with themselves through creativity, reflection, and honest conversation.​​

Vika's coaching approach blends deep listening, mindset work, and structured guidance with visual art practices to facilitate client growth and insight. Through a unique blend of visual art and coaching, Vika supports clients in building confidence, releasing internal burdens, and embracing personal transformation. Vika designs and facilitates comprehensive creative programs and teaches art classes to children and individuals with special needs through partnership with local organizations.​

As an illustrator, Vika creates vibrant depictions of whimsical, empowered female figures using both digital tools and traditional media. Her work has been featured across Chicago in venues ranging from yoga studios to art galleries and public offices. ​​​

Vika is the author of Mother Monster Mystery, and is currently working on a children’s book. Her current artistic focus includes mixed-media, digital illustration, and collage. Vika is also a mother of two who enjoys spending time in nature, art museums and quirky cafés. 

Education & Experience: 

• Expressive Arts Practitioner (EAP), WHEAT Institute, 2025 (pursuing)

• Therapeutic Art Life Coach Certification, The Transformation Academy, 2024

• Certified Professional Coach (60 hours ACSTH), Academy of Creative Coaching, 2023

• M.B.A., Strategic Business Management, Villanova University, 2014

• Philosophy, B.A., Temple University, 2007

• Psychology, B.A., Temple University, 2007

• Creative facilitator since 2014, leading self-discovery and motivation groups

• Successfully pivoted from corporate burnout to a creative, fulfilling career

• Helping clients achieve personal growth, self-awareness, and life balance

• Self-taught digital and mixed media artist 

Podcast edited by Basecamp intern Annashae Davis

Welcome to my 1st Basecamp to Summit podcast, where I talk to local NJ Art artist Joseph Castronova, a mixed media artist based in Metuchen, about his creative journey. 

Joseph Castronova is an artist and educator. He was Artist in Residence for 2023 at the First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen; faculty at The Institute for Contemporary Art in Bedminster, NJ and former Director of duCret School of Art in Plainfield, NJ. Joseph has shown extensively in our area including: Art Alliance, Rotunda Gallery, Barron Arts Center, Westerhoff Gallery, M Galleries, Above Art and ART150.
Solo shows include: Art Alliance, Red Bank NJ; ArtLab, Mendham NJ; End of Elm, Morristown NJ; M Galleries Fellowship, Basking Ridge NJ; Rotunda Gallery, Metuchen NJ; M Galleries, M Galleries PNA, Washington NJ; Studio Montclair, Montclair NJ
Commissions include: ArtCycle, Transformations Gallery, Metuchen NJ; RoboKiller, TelTech, S. Amboy NJ; Metuchen Downtown Alliance, Middlesex Greenway, Windows of Understanding.He is represented in collections of the School of Visual Arts, Staten Island Institute of Arts and Sciences, JP Morgan Chase, First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen and others.

Instagram: @josephcastronova
www.joecastronova@gmail.com
www.josephcastronova.com

podcast editor: Annashae Davis, Basecamp Intern