Authentic Obsessions

Takeaways 1. Use your artwork to quietly talk about things that are important to you. 2. If you’ve never made paper I highly recommend. It’s like magic. 3. ATCs (artist trading cards) are great because: 1) it’s a great way to get unstuck, 2) it’s not a big commitment, and 3) there is no monetary incentive. 4. Take the time to find out what other people think and feel about things. Don’t just keep...

Takeaways 1. Use your artwork to quietly talk about things that are important to you. 2. If you’ve never made paper I highly recommend. It’s like magic. 3. ATCs (artist trading cards) are great because: 1) it’s a great way to get unstuck, 2) it’s not a big commitment, and 3) there is no monetary incentive. Mentioned in this episode Follow Mel Kolstad on Instagram Mel Kolstad’s website Mel Kostad’s...

Takeaways When you can tap into the honesty and be who you really are without worrying about how other people see you, that's where true self happiness starts. Sometimes you have to change what success looks like depending on the week. But all of it helps the artwork go where it needs to go. You can find magic anywhere. Sewing is an act of repair and an ancient way of brining things together so th...

Takeaways Be more open and generous and accept what is in the world right now. Science and art are great places to learn how to question everything and how to look out for yourself. Sometimes calamity happens and then it just backs away again. All art comes from something you’re expressing. Even if you’re not ready to hear it yourself, it might be time for someone else to receive it. It would be r...

Takeaways Try everything. Getting started is a new battle every day. Even though we paint for ourselves, we need to know that the notes are not flat when the audience hears them, and that the message is landing. Racism is the concrete manifestation of greed. Self-worth is an inner game, and the feedback you get on social media is about the art, not about you. Mentioned Follow Benjamin Seaman on In...

Takeaways Live life through loving kindness. Make more garbage art. We need to give people opportunities to fail, to experiment, to prototype. The Napping Wall!!! (you’ll just have to listen…) If you’re stuck: 1) work in series, 2) turn your art upside down, 3) put your art on the napping wall, 4) change what you’re up to. When we take the time to slow down and learn how to tune in to ourselves, o...

Takeaways Don’t wait for confidence. You get confidence by doing. Suit up and show up because you never know what's going to happen. Even if it’s a terrible day in the studio, you might just meet someone that really lifts your spirits and makes you think about your work differently. Let go of all the rules that say art has to be this way or that way. Just do it because you want to. The best revolu...

Takeaways The best part of living is embracing the absurd things that happen every day. You can’t put a forcefield around anyone with your worry. You can always put something out in the world that is positive. Take a lesson from Fred Rogers. Be nice, share, treat others the way you’d want to be treated. People respond to truth. Mentioned in this Episode Follow Krista on Instagram , Facebook Krista...

Takeaways Authenticity is painting what you truly want to paint. Vulnerability is sharing it with other people. It’s all about the process. Freeing yourself of the obligations of the end result lets you create something unique, that is satisfying to the viewer, and enjoyable to make. Advocate for anyone who has an interest in the arts, even if they’re not “gifted.” Experiences and relationships ha...

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