Show Up or Shut Up with Wendy Solganik

In this episode of the Show Up or Shut Up podcast, host Wendy interviews iconic Australian mixed media artist Laura Horn. They discuss Laura's journey in the art world, the impact of her online courses, and the challenges of balancing art creation with the demands of running an art business. Laura talks about the transition from art to business tasks, managing stress, and the importance of embracing different life phases. Wendy shares her struggles with space for creating art and the guilt associated with balancing family and work responsibilities. The conversation reveals insights into the evolving roles and expectations of women artists and business owners, touching upon the importance of intuition, adaptability, and self-care.
00:14 Meet Laura Horn: Mixed Media Icon
01:07 Wendy's Artistic Journey and Inspirations
03:11 The Impact of Laura's Work
08:58 Balancing Art and Business
33:13 Navigating Social Media as an Artist
50:13 Struggles with Artistic Self-Criticism
51:09 Phases of Intensity and Stress in Business
52:11 The Hidden Stress of Running a Tech Business
56:34 Balancing Gratitude and Frustration with Technology
59:10 The Intersection of Art and Business Metrics
01:05:13 Creating a Harmonious Art and Business Life
01:08:26 The Journey to Finding a Dedicated Art Space
01:20:58 The Challenges of Balancing Family and Work
01:25:58 The Importance of Seeking Help and Self-Care
01:28:31 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

In this episode of the 'Show Up or Shut Up' podcast, Wendy Solganik interviews Carrie Smith, an artist and new instructor in Fodder School 4. Carrie reflects on her 12-year teaching career, her evolution into a collage artist inspired by her daughter, and her global travels that deeply influence her art. The discussion covers Carrie's experiences with adult ADHD, its late diagnosis, and its impact on her life and family's dynamics. They explore her journey of teaching world culture art classes to children, and the significant role that Fodder School played in her artistic development. The episode emphasizes the blend of creative freedom and structured guidance, highlighting Carrie's excitement about joining as a Fodder School teacher. This heartfelt conversation showcases the inspiring interplay of art and teaching.

00:37 Carrie's Background and Artistic Journey

04:30 Carrie's Childhood and Family Life

06:52 Growing Up Near the Mexican Border

13:48 College Years and Early Career

16:26 The Life-Changing World Trip

25:53 Teaching Around the World Art Classes

34:06 Homeschooling and Creative Education

52:10 ADHD Diagnosis and Personal Insights

54:08 A Lifetime of Business Ideas

55:01 The Importance of Focus

56:07 ADHD as a Superpower

57:01 Family Dynamics with ADHD

58:05 Challenges in Education

01:02:14 Understanding ADHD

01:13:15 The Journey into Art

01:21:10 Joining Fodder School

01:24:07 The Value of Fodder School

01:36:24 Teaching and Learning

01:41:01 Conclusion and Gratitude

In this episode of the 'Show Up or Shut Up' podcast, host Wendy engages with artist Stephanie Lee in an enlightening discussion about her life, creative process, and personal evolution. Growing up in Southern Oregon, Stephanie speaks about balancing her artistic passion with life on a mini farm, and her unique use of Plaster of Paris. They explore deep themes such as dealing with jealousy, the rewards and struggles of being an artist, and discovering one's true purpose. The conversation also examines the impact of Instagram on artists, emphasizing personal fulfillment and setting goals beyond social media metrics. Stephanie's transition as a jewelry artist, challenges with idea ownership, and contributions to the art world reveal the continuous evolution inherent in an artist's journey. Stephanie's candid storytelling offers valuable insights into both her artistic and personal path.

04:10 Life in Southern Oregon

06:17 Family and Moving Stories

13:45 Early Artistic Influences

18:36 Discovering the Art Community

22:32 Teaching and Artistic Growth

27:23 The Role of Plaster of Paris

42:09 Embracing Newcomers' Success

43:45 Coping with Others' Success

46:18 Jealousy and Self-Reflection

48:51 Navigating Social Expectations

51:44 Understanding Personal Struggles

56:47 The Role of Art in Personal Growth

01:03:42 Instagram and Artistic Authenticity

01:07:18 The Reality of Social Media Algorithms

01:12:41 Balancing Art and Social Media

01:24:14 Deciding What Matters Most

01:24:40 Balancing Art and Social Media

01:26:02 Navigating Personal and Artistic Boundaries

01:27:52 The Impact of Social Media on Creativity

01:29:50 Finding Peace in Creative Practices

01:32:07 The Joy of Gardening and Art

01:43:33 Embracing Imperfection in Jewelry Making

01:52:22 Reflecting on Creative Journeys

02:02:23 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

In Season 4, Episode 7 of the Show Up or Shut Up Podcast, host Wendy Solganik sits down with mixed media artist and former teacher Tracey Wozniak. They explore Tracey's extensive background in art, her role as a homeschooling mother, and her re-engagement with Fodder School as an instructor. The discussion covers Tracey’s creative evolution towards mixed media and textile art, her dynamics with social media, home renovation projects, and the intersection of her personal and professional life. Wendy and Tracey also share their insights on blending art with business, managing creative shifts, and the importance of community support in the digital art world. The episode provides valuable perspectives on balancing artistic pursuits with family duties and the continuous journey of personal and professional growth.

03:08 Tracey's Instagram Journey

05:23 Life in Florida and Home Renovation

14:07 Tracey's Artistic Beginnings

31:34 Homeschooling and Family Life

39:43 Discovering Instagram and Building Community

54:49 Exploring the World of Color

55:27 Navigating the Shift to Video

56:02 The Fragile Thread of Community

56:27 The Evolution of Instagram

57:29 The Role of Video in Art

01:13:03 Creative Shifts and Personal Growth

01:22:02 The Challenges of Running an Art Business

01:31:42 The Importance of Staying Connected

01:32:09 Home Renovation and Creative Projects

01:40:48 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

In this episode of the Show Up or Shut Up podcast, host Wendy Solganik engages in a deep conversation with artist Amanda Trought, who is joining Fodder School 4 as an instructor. Amanda shares her diverse art journey, encompassing mixed media projects and large sculptural works displayed at Queen's Park Gallery in Barbados. She delves into the therapeutic and emotional aspects of art, recounting her personal experiences and the nurturing of creativity in daily life. The discussion also touches on her ventures in poetry, children's book writing and illustration, and her family life, including her husband's screenplay writing career. Amanda talks about her creative routine and balancing art production with content sharing across various platforms like YouTube and podcasts. This insightful exchange highlights the intersection of art, healing, and self-expression, revealing the profound impact of creativity on well-being and self-discovery.

00:08 Meet Amanda Trought

10:23 Amanda's Artistic Journey

27:52 Discovering Mixed Media

30:06 Art and Health

36:23 Finding Creative Voice

52:42 The Responsibility of Sharing Your Art

54:55 Emotional Intelligence and Creativity Coaching

55:59 The Venn Diagram of Artists

57:52 Art as a Healing Practice

01:01:30 Creating Art for Yourself and Others

01:04:13 Exploring and Experimenting in Art

01:20:27 The Impact of Art on Well-being

01:26:00 Amanda's Creative Routine

01:34:10 Prolific Content Creation

01:37:14 Final Thoughts and Inspirations

In this episode of the 'Show Up or Shut Up' podcast, host Wendy Solganik interviews artist Sally Hirst. They discuss Sally's upcoming role as an instructor in Fodder School 4, and explore her unique artistic journey. Sally shares insights into her life, from her chaotic childhood and self-education in London’s museums, to her late arrival at Cambridge University and her prolific career as an art teacher and artist. The conversation delves into her innovative techniques using modeling clay in printmaking, her teaching experiences, and the challenges of balancing art creation with marketing. Sally also reflects on her various living experiences, including renovating a 300-year-old house in Spain. The episode wraps up with an exciting preview of Sally's projects for Fodder School, highlighting her expertise in creating collage papers and artistic coasters.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:08 Meet Sally Hirst: A New Instructor at Fodder School

01:03 Wendy's Artistic Journey and Podcast Mission

02:27 Interview with Sally Hirst Begins

04:19 Sally's Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

07:42 Navigating School and Self-Education

11:07 Teenage Years and Early Adulthood

14:50 Balancing Art, Family, and Career

18:02 Teaching and Continuing Artistic Pursuits

22:19 The Business of Being an Artist

29:29 The Vulnerability of Seeking Gallery Representation

30:14 The Evolution of Art Marketing

30:49 Exciting Projects in Fodder School

32:03 Innovative Collage Techniques

33:04 The Significance of Found Objects

36:59 A Nomadic Life and Artistic Inspiration

38:55 Spanish Adventures and Renovations

43:56 Navigating Brexit and Relocation

48:01 Current Studio Setup and Teaching

54:04 Balancing Art Creation and Teaching

55:46 Upcoming Shows and Online Presence

56:50 Conclusion and Gratitude

In Season 4, Episode 4 of the 'Show Up or Shut Up' podcast, host Wendy Solganik speaks with artist Rebecca Chapman about her dynamic career in art and art education. Rebecca shares her evolution from a love for collage and her participation in Fodder School to incorporating photography, inspired by her father, into her mixed media work. The conversation highlights her journey from studying and teaching art in the UK to balancing motherhood with her artistic ventures. Rebecca also discusses her creative process, the role of art journals, innovative strategies for managing her art business, and the joys and challenges of maintaining her creativity amidst family life. The episode offers insights into her printing techniques, upcoming projects, and the inspiration she draws from her allotment garden.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

01:07 Meet Rebecca Chapman

02:32 Rebecca's Background and Early Life

06:58 University and Early Career

10:05 Transition to Teaching and Living Abroad

21:36 Balancing Art and Motherhood

27:44 Developing a Unique Artistic Style

40:05 Creating Art in Limited Space

41:48 Exploring the Garden Shed

42:38 Balancing Art and Family Life

43:13 Creating Art in the Kitchen

44:07 Involving Kids in Art

45:51 Dream Studio Space

48:28 Managing Art Business

53:16 Seasonal Art Releases

57:10 Inspiration from Gardens and Flowers

01:06:00 Photography in Art

01:11:01 Fodder School Experience

01:17:49 Future Plans and Courses

01:24:19 Summer Plans and Family Time

This episode features Jack Ravi, a Mixed Media Artist and Co-author of the book Artful Memories, who shares his personal journey from Northern Italy to living in Scotland and embracing a life of creativity. Jack reminisces about studying the history of art at the University of Milan, transitioning to London for work, and finally moving to Scotland where they found peace and a deeper connection to art amidst the pandemic. The discussion delves into the challenges and realizations about pursuing art, the contrasting dynamics between being a mathematician and a creative, and the pivotal moment during the lockdown that reignited Jack's passion for collage art using vintage photographs and postcards. Through their story, Jack articulates the meaningfulness of connecting with one's ancestry through art and the evolving concept of artistry that includes embracing marketing as a creative endeavor. The episode further explores the impact of sharing one's creativity on platforms like Instagram, the tangible connection with history through vintage photos, and the deeper philosophical contemplation of life's brevity and memory.

01:26 The Journey of Jack: From Italy to Scotland
03:08 Embracing Creativity and Overcoming Insecurities
09:51 Transitioning to London and Finding a Path in Art
11:53 Exploring Mixed Media Art and Its Challenges
22:14 The Power of Vintage Photos in Art
30:00 Connecting with Ancestral Memories Through Art
34:46 The Impact of Art on Viewers and Personal Reflections

Join Wendy and artist Sarah Gardner as they discuss Sarah's new course on Willa Workshops: Love Your {Imperfect} Art Journal.

Sarah is a mixed media artist and art journaler who recently had her book, "Share Your Joy: Mixed Media Sharable Art," published.

Sarah has been creating mixed media art for almost two decades and she has so much wisdom to share with all of us!

Shay Michelle Kent is a mixed media artist and teacher living in Tampa, Florida. She loves to teach art workshops that help people use creativity for self-exploration and find freedom while making art. Shay's students say it feels like a spa for their creative souls. She invites you to come to class with her, where you can let go, explore, and have some fun with art. Shay lives in Florida. You can find Shay on Instagram @shaymichellestudios.

Kecia Deveney is a published mixed media artist, instructor, and world traveler, living at the Jersey Shore.

As a mixed media artist, her eclectic style can be seen in fabric and textiles, jewelry design, sculpture-work, and painting.

Creating is pivotal to Kecia and becomes, for her, art therapy. Her imagination comes to life and allows her temporary reprieve from her role as a full-time caregiver.

Her work is about ingenuity and playfulness. Kecia travels across the world so she may inspire others to find their own artistic spirits. You can find Kecia on Instagram @keciadeveney.

Alison Bomber chose the name Words and Pictures for her blog and then later for Instagram because those are the two worlds she inhabits.  She is a freelance creative working with both words and pictures. Alison's first creative career was as a text and voice coach in the theatre, specializing in Shakespeare.  She is fascinated by the power of words, and how our voices shape our connection to the world.  And she is passionate to the point of obsession about sharing the profound excitement of speaking Shakespeare.  Alison started out as an actor and singer more than thirty years ago, and then shifted to become a text and voice coach.  She worked full time for the Royal Shakespeare Company for nearly ten years, and is proud to be an Associate Artist of the RSC.  Since going freelance, Alison continues to work with them regularly as well as with theatre companies around the world, including Theatre for a New Audience in New York and Song of the Goat Theatre in Poland. When Alison left the RSC more than a decade ago, a whole new creative form of expression opened up for her in mixed media, crafting and painting.   Alison now works (alongside theatre projects) as a freelance artist and designer, in watercolour and mixed media, collage and assemblage, and she is extremely proud and honoured to design stamps for PaperArtsy.  Her first stamp sets were words (of course!) - collections of quotes, gathered by theme.  Alison's newer stamp plates combine her own botanical sketches with theatrical, historical and personal ephemera, and advice from Culpeper’s herbal on the medicinal uses of the plants.    The Pictures part of Alison is still very much about storytelling, about connection, and about communicating emotions and ideas.  And she loves to combine words and imagery in her work.  As she has continued to explore new skills and techniques, nature has become a more and more important part of her visual storytelling, as well as a vital part of her everyday life.  Spending time in the natural world is a constant source of inspiration. Another link between the two creative paths, Words and Pictures, is Alison's passion for sharing the expertise she has developed in these two strands, teaching both one-to-one and in workshops and classes, both in person and online. You can find Alison on Instagram at @w0rdsandp1ctures and @b0hem1anh0me

Barb Smucker is a mixed media artist who enjoys layering collage papers and paint to create surprising results.  Adding lines, textures, shapes and colors onto a page or canvas allows her to experiment and find enjoyment in the discovery. When you look at her work, she hopes you see the play, the search, and a sense of harmony and spontaneity that she is always after in whatever she makes. Barb is inspired by the beauty found in many of the home arts, including quilting, stoneware pottery and all the gorgeous patterns found in linens and textiles. She is also inspired by nature. Barb has a window in her home studio that looks out toward trees and a stream.  The lines and organic material inspire her daily.

Barb has been working at her art making and art practice for many years. Always looking for a way to combine her interest in art and psychology, she has discovered that the practice of art making itself is a wonderful and helpful thing to share.  Barb teaches classes locally out of her studio, with art centers, retreat centers and in galleries.  Whether she is teaching the principles of art, art journaling, collage, card making, abstract art or painting papers, Barb's goal is always the same. She wants to help people discover joy in the process of art making and notice that they have so much to share.