Episode 65: Talking with Chris Meddings about the Upturner Prize and "Ask Barry"

For the 65th episode of their podcast, Barry and Jim chat once again with U.K. modeler Chris Meddings about a new international online “juried exhibition” he’s launched called the Upturner Prize, which, as he puts it atop the web site, is intended for “celebrating modellers who push the limits of miniatures, models, and what they can say, with an annual prize for artistic creation in miniature.”

Always an entertaining guest, Chris devoted an episode of his own podcast “The Model Philosopher” to talking with his four fellow judges. But your hosts dig a bit deeper—as well as straying somewhat further afield to discuss, among other things, 2025 Turner Prize winner Nnena Kalu (pictured below with her work)—and, as usual, have plenty of laughs along the way.

Visit the Upturner Prize web site to see some of the astounding nominations for this new honor, as well as to make your own nominations of an artist you feel is worthy (nominations are open until the fall), and to meet the judges. Below: a small sample of the many entries that are already a part of the gallery page.

Your hosts round out this episode with a new segment Jim has now formally named: “Ask Barry.” He never ceases to be amazed at his partner’s depth of knowledge about tools, techniques, manufacturers, history, their fellow artists… just about every aspect of this hobby, really. In fact, this podcast started in part because every time they talk, Jim will “ask Barry,” and eventually it made sense to do it in front of a mic, so other modelers could benefit from the sage’s answers, too.

Kicking off this initial installment: Some love for the RedGrass Games “everlasting wet palette.” Trust us: It’s worth the price!

Jim also asks Barry about gloss coats, the challenges of shading black, sussing out fake AI photos, “magical” paint colors, casting pieces the old-fashioned way (versus 3D-printing), and if sculpting has changed his perspective when he’s “just” painting a stock figure. In the process, they mention some of their recent paints: Barry’s nude bust with turquoise shading, and Jim’s “mixed-up media” version of Creepytables’ “Bear Rider.”

Thanks as always for listening, and for scanning this blog!