The Art of Staying Independent in a Commercial World with Clay Walker

Why do some artists stay independent even when success tempts them toward the mainstream? In this episode of Curiously, I talk with Clay Walker—photographer, filmmaker, educator, and lifelong creative—whose 28-year career has helped shaped the landscape of independent film.

Clay has produced, directed, photographed, edited, and programmed across a wide range of projects, including documentaries, music videos, and interactive media. In our conversation, we discuss his acclaimed PBS documentary Post No Bills, which profiles political poster artist Robbie Conal; his film on the swing band The Squirrel Nut Zippers, which earned him one platinum and two gold records; and his award-winning documentary The Cole Nobody Knows, a portrait of jazz legend Freddy Cole that screened at over 50 international festivals.

Beyond filmmaking, Clay has shared his experience at venues like SXSW, Sundance, and the Smithsonian, and has taught the next generation of storytellers at the Art Institute of Atlanta and Emory University.