SPECIAL EPISODE: The Artists Behind the 2024-2025 Rosemary Beach Sculpture Exhibition
SOWAL House
In this episode Dave King sits down with three world-class sculptors whose works have been selected for the prestigious 2024-2025 Rosemary Beach Sculpture Exhibition. Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the creative processes of Luke Achterberg, Steve Buduo, and Earl Dismuke as they discuss their unique sculptures, inspirations, and the challenges of creating large-scale outdoor art. Key Highlights: Luke Achterberg talks about his vibrant, eye-catching sculpture Idyll, which features bold orange and blue colors and draws inspiration from automotive culture and graffiti. His piece, soon...
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Sudoku Sam aka Charles Lantz
SOWAL House
In this enlightening podcast episode, Dave welcomes guest Charles Lantz, also known as Sudoku Sam, a world-class sudoku ninja and published author to share his profound journey into the world of Sudoku. Our conversation covers Charles's beginnings with Sudoku during a vacation, his background in zoology and pharmacology, and the development of his unique solving method, 'Modus Fortis.' Listeners will gain insights into the artistic philosophy and logic behind Sudoku, including concepts like the 'pairing principle,' empirical falsification, and logical frameworks such as Modus Ponens. Charles...
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Amavida Coffee's Dan Bailey
SOWAL House
In this episode, we explore the transformative journey and impact of Amavida Coffee, a company that goes beyond serving great coffee to building meaningful communities. Dan Bailey, the founder, shares insights into Amavida's origins, its commitment to fair trade and organic practices, and the socio-economic challenges faced by coffee and cacao farmers globally. Our discussion delves into the history and mission of Amavida, the importance of B Corp certification, and the role of small independent coffee growers. We also highlight the cultural significance of coffee rituals, the transition from...
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Florida Foundation for Correctional Excellence
SOWAL House
In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Dave and co-host Jessica Anderson were joined by two of the most inspirational people we’ve met here in South Walton, Erica Spivey and Noelle Manesco from the Florida Foundation for Correctional Excellence (FFCE). We kicked off the conversation by reflecting on our visit to the Walton County Correctional Facility, where Jess and I attended a book club session with inmates. This visit was a transformative experience for both of us, offering a glimpse into the lives of these men who are working hard to change their paths and positively impact...
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Artist Wes Hinds
SOWAL House
In this electrifying episode, Dave finally got the chance to sit down with the elusive and incredibly talented graffiti artist, Wes Hinds. Wes has been a significant figure in the local art scene, known for his vibrant and thought-provoking graffiti art. Our conversation kicked off with a deep dive into Wes’s artistic journey, beginning with his early influences from his grandmother and mother, both of whom nurtured his creative spirit from a young age. Wes shared his experiences growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, where he first picked up a can of spray paint at the age of 13. His rebellious...
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Artist Bradley Copeland
SOWAL House
In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Dave had the privilege of sitting down with the incredibly talented painter Bradley Copeland. Our conversation began with a funny reflection on how long it took to finally get her on the podcast, but the wait was undeniably worth it. In this episode, Bradley opens up about her journey as an artist, her struggles with mental health, and the profound impact art has had on her life. Bradley shared her passion for painting, describing how she would love to spend all her time immersed in her craft, surrounded by friends who come to visit her...
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Artist / Gallerist Maxine Orange
SOWAL House
In this engaging episode, Dave had the immense pleasure of sitting down with the talented Maxine Orange, a beloved artist and curator from Fort Walton Beach. Our conversation covered Maxine's inspiring journey from her beginnings in Montgomery, Alabama, to her vibrant presence in the art scene along the Emerald Coast. We delved into the unique challenges and triumphs that shaped her path, including her initial foray into graphic design at the University of Alabama, her transformative experiences in New York and California, and her eventual return to the South. Maxine shared her fascinating...
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Artist / Gallerist Francisco Adaro
SOWAL House
In this episode, Dave had the pleasure of chatting with Brooke and Francisco Adaro, the creative forces behind Adaro Art Gallery, and their gallerist, Nicole Upchurch. We explored their fascinating journey from Buenos Aires to South Walton, their unique artistic style, and their vibrant gallery that brings a touch of whimsy and deep personal storytelling to the local art scene. Brooke, originally from South Walton, shared her story of traveling to Argentina as a young wine expert and discovering Francisco’s artwork. Francisco, an artist known for his whimsical and deeply personal paintings,...
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SPECIAL EPISODE: Nancy Hasty as "Jackie Cochran"
SOWAL House
In this truly unique and extraordinary episode, we welcomed the spirit of the legendary aviator Jackie Cochran, brought to life by award-winning playwright and actress Nancy Hasty. My co-host, Jessica Anderson, and I embarked on an unprecedented journey as we interviewed Nancy in character as Jackie Cochran, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into the life of this remarkable woman. Our conversation began with Jackie sharing her early life in the poverty-stricken panhandle of Florida. She painted a vivid picture of her challenging childhood, filled with hardships that fueled her ambition to...
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Actress / Playwright Nancy Hasty
SOWAL House
In this captivating episode, Dave and co-host Jessica Anderson had the honor of sitting down with the award-winning playwright, producer, and actress Nancy Hasty, and her acclaimed husband, Ray Halsnick. We were thrilled to delve into the incredible journey of Nancy's acclaimed play, "The Flight of Jackie Cochran." Our conversation began with the fascinating origin story of how Nancy was introduced to SOWAL House, thanks to our mutual friend Reynolds Henderson. Reynolds had been researching the remarkable aviator Jackie Cochran for years and felt compelled to share her story. This led to the...
info_outlineIn this electrifying episode, Dave finally got the chance to sit down with the elusive and incredibly talented graffiti artist, Wes Hinds. Wes has been a significant figure in the local art scene, known for his vibrant and thought-provoking graffiti art. Our conversation kicked off with a deep dive into Wes’s artistic journey, beginning with his early influences from his grandmother and mother, both of whom nurtured his creative spirit from a young age.
Wes shared his experiences growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, where he first picked up a can of spray paint at the age of 13. His rebellious streak led him to discover graffiti, and he was inspired by iconic artists like Basquiat and Keith Haring. We reminisced about his school days, where his talent was both a source of trouble and admiration, and how his ninth-grade art teacher played a pivotal role in encouraging his artistic pursuits.
We explored the evolution of graffiti art, discussing the advancements in tools and techniques over the years. Wes highlighted the significance of using spray paint and the various nozzles that allow for different effects, emphasizing how these innovations have transformed the art form. He also recounted his first large-scale pieces and the challenges and triumphs of working on such expansive canvases.
A particularly touching part of our conversation was Wes’s tribute to his grandparents, who played a crucial role in shaping his character and artistic style. He spoke about how their influence and support have been a constant source of inspiration throughout his life.
Wes’s journey has not been without its challenges, but his determination and passion for art have kept him moving forward. He expressed his aspirations to take his art to larger cities like Miami, New York, and Chicago, aiming to leave a mark on the global art scene while still maintaining strong ties to his roots in Memphis.
Wes’s unique style and vibrant colors have made a significant impact on the local community, and his work continues to inspire and captivate art enthusiasts. Check out his recent project, the stunning mural in the underpass at the east end of 30A!
Explore Wes Hines’s art at Maxine Orange Gallery in Fort Walton Beach, Beach Camp on 30A and Destin, and Kith + Kin on 30A. Check out his latest mural at Down Island in Santa Rosa Beach.