The Art Life

Do you practice aftercare when the party ends? Do you celebrate when the film wraps shooting, or the book edits are done? Do you let yourself grieve when post-project depression hits? Dear artists, we must ritualize our artmaking process. We must wield our creative energy with intention. From survival mode to survivor mode: the narrative of our lives need aftercare. SHOW NOTES: * The Art Life is n...

THE ART LIFE RETURNS! As Grace and Xandra celebrate their return to the podcast, they share joy and art life lessons from a year of watching Survivor. What can artists learn from a 50 season game show full of blindsides, social strategy, twists, and endurance challenges? As it turns out, QUITE A LOT! The art life is playing the game, while staying playful. SHOW NOTES: * The Art Life is now on Subs...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: We’ve all heard it before: THE SHOW MUST GO ON! But how do you keep going when it feels like your vision is falling apart? In Episode 88, Grace and Xandra discuss their year in projects, surviving Survivor, and what they’ve learned about creative resilience from their artist-mentors. Trust your vision, no matter the scale! And don’t forget to ask yourself: Is it Fun? SHOW NOTE...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: Do you ask your friends to support your art? Do you struggle with authentic self-promotion? In Episode 87, Grace and Xandra discuss strategies for sharing your work, involving your friends, and coping with post-project vulnerability.  As your hosts recount their friendship origin story, they're reminded: the art life is the friends we make along the way. SHOW NOTES: Order your...

What's the most surprising thing about achieving your dreams? Is it "lonely at the top"? After a two year hiatus (and many creative milestones) hosts Xandra and Grace are BACK to celebrate their recent dream projects, and reunite The Art Life. We missed you, too! SHOW NOTES: Thirst Trap is streaming on Mometu Lunar Logbook is fundraising on Kickstarter til 11/11/24 Xandra's essay Why I Stopped Sin...

Are you ready to enter a new era of your art life? Will your audience accept your creative evolution? In Episode 85, Xandra returns to the show discuss her massive reinvention, breaking the "rules" of social media, and embracing the magic of change. The art life is being delusional... or is it? ;) SHOW NOTES: Xandra the Witch (website) Xandra the Witch is on TikTok and Instagram Taylor Swift's Tik...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: Cesar Cardona (he/him) is a musician, actor, writer, and boxer. Today, he's celebrating the release of his debut album, THE HEART PART IS THE HARD PART. In Episode 84, Cesar and Grace discuss their years of collaborations and peer support, self-discipline for artists, finding new role models, and the spiritual journey that facilitated Cesar's album release. The art life is fac...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: "This is my therapy," we say while entering the theatre. "That was therapeutic," we exhale after dancing out our stress. We know that art is healing, but can it truly replace therapy? In Episode 83 Grace talks with therapist Ameya Calvocoressi about the ways art can heal us, and how therapy can help us create better art. SHOW NOTES: Ameya's band Rotary Ghost is on Instagram Th...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: You are not a selfie. You are not an image in a Zoom meeting. You are a body in three-dimensional space, with sensations and needs that are important to attune to. Athena Reddy (they/them) is an actor, writer, and movement artist. Today, Athena returns to the show to talk about teaching the philosophy of movement. SHOW NOTES: The Body Abstract Blog The Body Abstract Newsletter...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: Lorrie Kim (she/her) is an author who loves editing. In Episode 81, she takes a break from book revisions to speak with Grace about sending useful writing feedback, beta reading, and how the “fan fiction economy” can foster better storytelling. The art life is going word by word. SHOW NOTES: Preorder the new edition of Snape: The Definitive Analysis by Lorrie Kim Visit Lorrie...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: A night owl and an early bird. An extrovert and an introvert. A maximalist and a minimalist. Grace and Xandra are opposites in many ways, and they’ve learned so much by celebrating those differences. In Episode 80, Grace interviews Xandra about minimalism and its benefits for artists. Are you making room for what is most important? SHOW NOTES: Sign up for Xandra's newsletter X...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: What is "artivism", and how can we practice it in our daily lives? In Episode 79, Grace explores the intersection of artmaking and activism, and shares ideas for creating art in service of social justice movements. Raise questions, channel your rage, and inspire action in your art life. SHOW NOTES: Free Joy Powell T-Shirts (t-shirt fundraiser Grace is running) Free Joy Powell...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: How will you know when you're ready to make a living off your art? Can you take commercial and influencer gigs without sacrificing your values? In Episode 78, Valerie Rose Lohman (she/they) joins Grace to talk money, imposter syndrome, and financial integrity. The art life is cashing in without selling out. SHOW NOTES: Valerie is on TikTok Valerie is on Instagram Valerie's sin...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: What are your favorite love stories? What fictional couples inspire you? In this feel-good episode, host Xandra Robinson-Burns returns to talk with Grace all about favorite love stories, the power of sincerity, and desire for slow-burning love in a fast-paced world. Create the romance you wish to see in the world. SHOW NOTES: Everyday Wonderland 1 2 3 Mini-Adventure Heroine Tr...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: Alan Lastufka (he/him) is one of the founders of DFTBA Records, a multimedia content creator, and the author of debut horror novel FACE THE NIGHT.  In Episode 76, Grace and Alan discuss self-publishing, learning from  role models and collaborators, and life-changing leaps of faith. What would you create if you weren't afraid? SHOW NOTES: Face the Night by Alan Lastufka Alan's...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: Why is it important for artists to tell their own stories? What stories are lost when a biographer compiles an artists' life? What depth is lost when an artist removes unglamorous and embarrassing stories from their memoirs?  In Episode 75, Grace shares a long list of the best artist memoirs, recommended by listeners and guests of the show. Bring your library card! SHOW NOTES:...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: What's the antidote to anxiety-inducing New Year's Resolutions? A new daily practice to keep you grateful for the present moment. In this end-of-year celebration, Grace shares 10 gratitude practices and her own resolution for 2022. SHOW NOTES: 365 Thank Yous: The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life by John Kralik We Do This Til We Free Us: Abolitionist Organiz...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: Who decides what plays and literature are "classics"? What stories will enrich the lives of a modern audience? And... is Shakespeare truly universal? Shaun Leisher (he/him) is a dramaturg and "new play doula". This week, we discuss championing new writers, challenging status quo, and how curiosity will save the arts. SHOW NOTES: Shaun Leisher is on Instagram Book a Monologue C...

Episode Notes EPISODE DESCRIPTION: Crimson Minx (she/her) is the founder of Minx + Muse, a fiercely feminine playhouse that helps people awaken their innate magick through dance, movement, and witchcraft.  In this episode, Grace and Crimson discuss manifestation, intention, magick, and art: and how they're all the same thing! SHOW NOTES: Minx and Muse Website Minx and Muse Virtual Classes On-Deman...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: "Integrity is the practice and acknowledgement of your wholeness. It is a commitment to expressing yourself as whole." In this much-anticipated episode, Grace interviews Reverend Brig Feltus (she/her) about artistic integrity, alignment with truth, and creating art in service of humanity's highest good.  We need new fairy tales.  SHOW NOTES: Heal Thyself: A Transformative Init...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: Grace just completed watching every film on AFI's 100 Greatest American Movies list.  In this listener-requested episode, she discusses lifting marginalized voices, censorship and accountability, and Hollywood's power to affirm and soothe its audiences. Have you completed an art life challenge? SHOW NOTES: 100 Years 100 Movies: AFI’s 100 Greatest American Films (10th Anniversa...

In Xandra’s farewell episode, she and Grace face fears, and reflect on what is no longer scary. They discuss why Xandra is ready to leave, why Grace needs to stay, and what’s next for The Art Life. SHOW NOTES: Find Xandra in Everyday Wonderland: http://everydaywonder.land Send Xandra your ideas for where she should be a guest teacher or speaker: theartlife@heroinetraining.com Send Grace your reque...

To celebrate their birthdays, Xandra and Grace watch each other’s favourite art life movies: Whiplash and Unicorn Store. They discuss supportive parents, and nourishing your inner artist. What’s your favorite art life film?  SHOW NOTES: WHIPLASH dir. Damien Chazelle UNICORN STORE dir. Brie Larson Rook Productions Packing: A Heroine’s Guide: http://heroinetraining.com/pack What’s Your Favorite Part...

SHOW DESCRIPTION: How can we support the art we want to see in the world? Who benefits most from a retweet, a dollar, or a compliment? Grace is joined by actor Athena Reddy and filmmaker Nick Grant for a roundtable discussion about the many practical ways we can help our artist friends. Invest in risk-taking, unique art. We all rise together.  SHOW NOTES:  Support our horror short film THE VILE SL...

SHOW DESCRIPTION: Grace and Xandra report back from their Artist Vacations, and read listeners’ stories. Featuring Artist Dates from Otiti, Janae, Laura, Lorrie, Sara, and moms. The art life is taking the easy road. You can read along here: https://www.heroinetraining.com/artist-date-ideas/ YOU'RE INVITED TO OUR ART PARTIES! Join us for a SOCIAL Art Party on Saturday May 29 Join us for a SILENT Ar...