The Creative Train Podcast

When you're in hot pursuit of a creative goal, you can be focussed, intense and determined. But what happens once that goal is reached, that mission accomplished and now you kinda feel burned out, empty and frustrated? A few months ago I was in that exact spot, but I kept pushing, and regained my momentum but this time in a newer direction.  Have a listen, let me know how you pulled your creative...

Inspiration- where does it come from? How do we foster and grow our creative energies? This episode digs into the actual work involved in learning an art form which brings us to the point of JOY in our creations!  Learn, repeat, reinforce- but always remember your own unique vibe factor. Let's keep real art alive!

This is a universal topic for artists in any discipline- when ca we call a song, painting, poem, dish, done? Like, it's as good as it's gonna get? My story of an 11 year old song FINALLY getting recorded might resonate with your own process if you've been eternally dissatisfied with your stuff, have a listen.  Leave a comment if you can relate, let's have a conversation.

I learned a few really solid lessons these past few weeks when I would typically have delayed my processes while waiting for input from some peers on my work.  Working somewhat outside of my comfort zone I sought some input, which never really came. Instead of giving up, I remembered to trust myself, my skills and my process. And it worked out just fine!  This might be a good listen if you have ha...

In this episode I recount some very strange experiences I had which left me staring at my comfort zone from the outside; I took it as a creative challenge and 6 years later it's bearing fruit!  You may relate to my experience, or not, but what we can all relate to is the importance of our comfort zone and the necessity to step outside of it.

An episode dedicated to all those artists, past and present who have left an indelible mark upon us as creatives. Small moments of gratitude, honouring their inspiration goes a long way to not only fuel yourself but maybe the artists you're most inspired by. Who knows, maybe YOU are that inspirational in someone's life?! Have a listen, leave a comment of who's on your list of greatest influences!

In this episode, I recount some very personal experience about a creative relationship built upon with a "fictional" character created by a fellow artist. I fell for the "masked persona" and so did several others.  There are some hard questions to ask yourself within this episode- can you live up to the persona you present to the world? Do you have the courage to reveal your authentic self? Can yo...

A more emotionally charged episode with some recounting of my own experience and catharsis. Brief synopsis: "Your creative mind is not bound by time or place"  Consider that.  Let me know what you think, let's have a conversation. 

As a teacher, you are charged with many tasks- delivering information, testing, marking, monitoring class behaviour, and inspiring your students to want to learn.  The last part is often the hardest; each student has their own learning needs and motivations so how do you as a teacher grab their attention, then retain it? By making your lessons relatable instead of treating your classes like a serm...

In this episode I'm diving into the question of why we create things. What inspired us to take up an artistic pursuit? What do we hope to accomplish with all this investment of time, money, emotion and space in our homes? I hope that all artists who listen to this will pick up on some new things to think about, new inspirations, motivations and affirmations.  And if you are considering finally emb...

I have enjoyed almost three weeks off of work over the Christmas holiday season, I was very productive at home though!  In this episode I let you in on a few things coming up for the podcast, guests, inspirations and some fun self-observation.  

I could talk about this for days, but here's 17.5 minutes of my thoughts on this! When our goals and inspirations reach far beyond the normal things that day-to-day-life needs us to do, we tend to become dreamers, wanderers and dare I say, a bit weird?! Artists- if you're struggling, listen to this, I hope this will ease your struggle. And if you have artsy friends, this episode might help you und...

Peter saw his teenage hobby turn into a thriving career! As a young man, he experimented with what was "new tech" at the time- hand-held video recorders and massive machines for editing his creations.  Later in life, Peter found himself working in various aspects of the burgeoning film industry in Toronto, Ontario (Canada) and finally to his current gig as an independent contractor creating promot...

This is a bit of a "day in the life" of this particular artsie, but also some very do-able stuff for you if you are struggling to get some creative momentum and to do so GUILT FREE! Your art/craft/passion/hobby takes time and eventually space. Making and allowing time and space is not being selfish, in fact it does a lot to make us better humans as well as artists!  Here's what I like to do and wh...

How and why we create, but also the same thought about why we surround ourselves with art.  Whether it's music, visual art, food, poetry, art brings us comfort, affirmation and energy. This is for the artists and consumers alike- how do you choose to decorate your time and space?

As a performer and educator in the arts, I have had the joy of riding that frustrating and furious wave of creative inspiration as my job, but also being a "surfing instructor" to more than 50,000 private students over the past 30-something years. I've heard every excuse for not practicing! But I have also come up with a response to each and every one of them! Here are a few things to consider if...

Creativity is much more than "doing art" in much the same way that "Play" is much more than "doing sports". To me, a creative mindset is one based in curiosity and honed through play and experience.  Play time is not a reward for good performance, it can be your refuge, your well of inspiration or just for fun. Either way, it is absolutely necessary to not only make your days a little more enjoyab...

The artist's mind is usually pretty busy, planning, conjuring, creating and imagining. It can be tiring, and distracting but still fulfilling and exciting and chance falling into depression if the well of inspiration runs dry. So why do we allow ourselves to live this kind of life? Certainly there must be easier things to occupy our minds and hearts...I'm sure there are, but hey, artsie, ask yours...

The mirror we're talking about here is your own work.  Do you see your self in your art? Does it carry your "vibe factor"? This self-assessment is pretty important as we grow and evolve; to keep our motivations, inspirations and goals foremost in our mind and heart requires a great deal of honesty in asking (and answering) some big questions!

This episode explores our transformation as artists, people and interpersonally with our fellows as we embark upon a creative journey.  Two recent very contrasting conversations were the inspiration for this- how the student/teacher relationship develops and how we as creators and artists start to change our view of the world and ourselves, as our abilities and perspectives grow, evolve and transf...

13 months ago I started the Creative Train Podcast with the hopes of reaching a few folks, today the podcast passed 500 downloads on the native/hosting site and I am thrilled, thank you!   I am looking to grow with new guests and new input from you! For now, I will continue recounting my daily life as a musician, music educator and glass artist with the sole focus of inspiring and empowering as a...

It happens. Literally, to everyone. whether you're an artist or not, sometimes you will lose your groove. This is my own experience with the same thing- how I regained momentum with a reminder of WHY art is my life's work, not just my hobby!

If you are a new artist or returning to a creative pursuit, this episode is for you!  Art is not a competition, a race, or a measuring stick between you and anyone else. Art is an outlet, a vehicle to express joy and bring beauty into the world. We all celebrate the creations and innocent expressions of children, but please remember that the most joyful part of you is awaiting your return to makin...

In this episode I explore the quantity vs quality conundrum we as artists and creators and now faced with: can we or should we use AI tech to do the thinking for us when it comes to creating new things?  AI is great for gathering and parsing information already made available online, but can it create something totally original, something not sourced in another person's creations? One of my 12 yea...

As an artist, there are many types of relationships you have with other artists.  Some are casual and brief, others take shape and evolve over many years; every single one of them is worth your effort to a degree.  This is my story of how an almost decade-long relationship dissolved in and into silence, how I came to terms with it and how I chose to move on.  There are many lessons learned in this...