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March 13, 2025 61 mins

Today, Lauren and Traci are talking to Michael James O'Brien, a photographer, teacher, curator, activist, and writer.

Michael is an acclaimed photographer and poet known for his wide-ranging work, from still lifes and portraits to commercial and fine art photography. He earned his MFA from Yale University in the 1970s, studying under Walker Evans, and later taught at Kenyon College and the New School. Currently, he serves as Chairman of the Photography Department at the Savannah College of Art and Design.

In 1993, O'Brien began a collaboration with artist Matthew Barney, creating a photographic counterpart to Drawing Restraint 7 and the Cremaster cycle, exhibited at the Musée Moderne in Paris and the Guggenheim in New York. His work has been featured in The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, L’Uomo Vogue, and Elle Décor, as well as in campaigns for Bergdorf Goodman, Ralph Lauren, and Thierry Mugler.

You can see Michael's years of incredible work on his website. Make sure to follow him on Instagram to keep up with his life and journey!

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Remember to stay safe and keep your creative juices flowing!

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