New Podcast:
Mischief and Masterpieces (and other artful musings)
Mischief and Masterpieces (and other artful musings) is your ticket to the vibrant world of art and creativity. Join renowned assemblage artist Michael deMeng and his artistic compatriot Gary Warren Niebuhr as they delve into the captivating realm of art and art making. From discussing their latest masterpieces to exploring the playful side of creativity, each episode is a delightful journey through the minds of two seasoned artists. Whether you're an aspiring creator or a seasoned pro, tune in for insightful conversations, inspiring anecdotes, and a dash of artistic mischief.
Mischief and Masterpieces Episodes
EPISODE 1
Why We Make Art
In this episode of Mischief and Masterpieces, we're taking a stroll down memory lane through the colorful history of art. Join Michael deMeng and Gary Warren Niebuhr as we ponder the age-old question: why do we make art anyway? From ancient doodles to modern masterpieces, let's uncover the reasons behind humanity's creative obsession.
Sit back and join the conversation.
Strange Tales Podcast:
Season 2 - EPISODE 4:
Rex, the Christmas Dinosaur
For the Holidays I decided to share a strange tradition from my childhood, that involves a 5 foot tall Tyrannosaurus Rex. A very strange Christmas tradition, indeed.
Season 2 - EPISODE 3:
Dream Monsters
In this episode Michael takes a gander at the creatures that lurk in your slumber. Explore the Alebrijes creations from Mexico learn how they were inspired by a fever dream. Also travel to Greece and Japan and find out about their nighttime beasties.
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 2:
Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror
In this episode Michael be taking a look at the classic and influential 1922 film, Nosferatu. He will chat about the production as well a some of the myths and legends that influenced it.
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 1:
The Cyclops - The One Eyed Guys
In this episode Michael explores the legends of the cyclops. The come from all over the world in all shapes and sizes...even as umbrellas. Find out more about the one eyed guys and why they are so important to Michael's artwork.
SEASON 1 - EPISODE 1:
Baba Yaga - the Crone in the Woods
Michael deMeng explores the legends and stories about the mysterious witch of Russia and Slavic lore, Baba Yaga. Learn about her strange house that hops around on chicken legs and how this tale influenced Michael's artwork. Additional insight and resources about the topic can be found at Michael deMeng's blog: Baba Yaga Blog Post
SEASON 1 - EPISODE 2:
La Llorona - the Weeping Woman
Michael deMeng explores the legends and stories about La Llorona, the Weeping Woman. Discover her sad tragic tale and how other ghost stories might relate. You'll also take a trip to the very haunting Isla de las Munecas, Doll Island, and find out how this place might relate to the legends of la Llorona. Additional insight and resources about the topic can be found at Michael deMeng's blog: La Llorona Blog Post
SEASON 1 - EPISODE 3:
Buso Devils - Bringers of Spring
Michael deMeng explores the Buso devils of Mohacs. A strange Hungarian festival where devils run amok...but don't fear...they're not all bad. In fact when you hear about them you'll be wanting to throw a few spiced wines back with them. Additional insight and resources about the topic can be found at Michael deMeng's blog: Buso Devils Blog Post
SEASON 1 - EPISODE 4:
The Golem - Clay Protector or Muddy Monster
Michael deMeng explores Jewish legends surrounding a clay monster called the Golem; a mystical servant and protector to the Jewish people...but sometimes things go a little haywire. Learn about the legend that inspired Mary Shelley's Frankenstein along with some of the strange variations of the tale.
Additional insight and resources about the topic can be found at Michael deMeng's blog: Golem Blog Post
SEASON 1 - EPISODE 5:
Pixies - Woodland Tricksters
Michael deMeng explores the legends of the woodland creatures called Pixies. Little magical folk who spend most of there time dancing by moonlight and playing pranks on humans
Additional insight and resources about the topic can be found at Michael deMeng's blog: https://www.michaeldemeng.com/blog
SEASON 1 - EPISODE 6:
Irish Vampires
In this episode Michael deMeng explores the vampires of Ireland and how some of these legends may have come to influence Bram Stoker's novel Dracula.
Additional insight and resources about the topic can be found at Michael deMeng's blog: https://www.michaeldemeng.com/blog
Season 1 - Episode 7:
The Loup Garou - A French Werewolf in Canada
In this episode Michael deMeng explores the Loup Garou and the werewolf legends of French Canada.
Additional insight and resources about the topic can be found at Michael deMeng's blog: https://www.michaeldemeng.com/blog
SEASON 1 - EPISODE 8: The Danse Macabre - A Boneyard Boogie
In this episode Michael explores the Danse Macabre and other stories of Death, ditties and dancing. He will examine everything from the Death shimmying folks to the afterworld, a boney Inuit dancer, dances to ward off tarantula bites, and more.
Additional insight and resources about the topic can be found at Michael deMeng's blog: www.michaeldemeng.com/blog
SEASON 1 - EPISODE 9: Davy Jones and Booze Cruises from Hell
In this episode Michael explores the legends of Davy Jones, the Flying Dutchmen and the Chilean Ghost Ship the Calueche.
Additional insight and resources about the topic can be found at Michael deMeng's blog: www.michaeldemeng.com/blog
SEASON 1 - EPISODE 10: Mythological Plants -Magic, Murder and Mayhem in the Botanical Kingdom
In this episode Michael explores strange plants of fable and lore, including the hungry grass of Ireland, the man-eating Madagascar tree and vampire pumpkins.
Additional insight and resources about the topic can be found at Michael deMeng's blog: www.michaeldemeng.com/blog
SEASON 1 - Episode 11: Medusa - Sympathy for the Gorgon
In this episode Michael explores the snake haired villain Medusa...but, the question is, was she really so bad?
Additional insight and resources about the topic can be found at Michael deMeng's blog: www.michaeldemeng.com/blog
SEASON 1 - Episode 12: Doppelgängers - Eerie Omens, Mysterious Lookalikes and Evil Twins
In this episode Michael explores doppelgängers, changelings and other unusual duplicates. Are they warnings, protectors, or do they have something more nefarious in mind?
Additional insight and resources about the topic can be found at Michael deMeng's blog: www.michaeldemeng.com/blog
SEASON 1 - Episode 13: Brews of the Gods - Lager Lore and Ale Tales
In this episode Michael explores the myths and legends surrounding beer. Beer godesses, never empty goblets, the invention of straws, the strange life and demise of Lord Barleycorn and the King of Beer sells his soul to the Devil.
SEASON 1 - Episode 14: Krampus and Other Xmas Meanies
In this episode Michael explores the legends of the Xmas devil, Krampus. He also takes a look at other the other devils of December and there ring leader...Frau Perchta. He winds up with a chat about a nasty Christmas orgress of Iceland, her blood thirsty kitty, and her mischievous sons...the Yule Lads.