We Are Artists

In this episode of the We Are Artists podcast, Shannon sits down with Sonya Sparks, founder of the Gateway to Galleries program and owner of Sparks Gallery, to explore what it really takes for artists to break into the gallery world. Sonya shares her journey from artist to gallery owner and educator, and the insights she’s gained from years of working with artists and curators inside the professio...

On this episode of the We Are Artists Podcast, host Shannon Shine is joined once again by abstract artist and creative advocate Michael Carini for a heartfelt, honest, and empowering conversation.  Michael shares how he’s turned personal grief and life experience into creative fuel — not just to express emotion, but to connect, advocate, and inspire. Together, Shannon and Michael explore what it t...

In this powerful episode of We Are Artists, host Shannon Shine sits down with Amy Funderburk, a visionary artist known for her emotionally rich painting installations and explorations of the spiritual and emotional realms through art. Together, we explore: The intense creative and emotional labor behind large-scale installations Her latest projects Excavations and The Portal, both supported by Nor...

In this vibrant and down-to-earth episode of the We Are Artists Podcast, host Shannon Shine sits down with multidisciplinary artist Chaz Heiber to talk about the beauty of creating — not just alone, but together. Chaz shares his experience working across different mediums, with a special love for pastels, and reflects on how much inspiration he finds through collaborative spaces, music festivals,...

Episode Highlight – Anya Amador on Professionalism, Murals, and Empowered Artistry This Episode on We Are Artists, we had the immense pleasure of interviewing Anya Amador—a powerhouse muralist, educator, and co-founder of Art in Session, a creative resource hub helping artists build their careers with confidence.🎨 Professionalism in PracticeAnya shared a wealth of real-world insight about what it...

In this emotional and empowering episode, Shannon Shine sits down with abstract painter and creative force Michael Carini, best known for his powerful colorful artwork and inspiring reminders to keep going as an artist. Michael’s work fuses vibrant abstraction with deep emotional resonance… inviting viewers into a journey of transformation, vulnerability, and healing. Together, they explore: The i...

 In this powerful and intimate episode, I sit down with multidisciplinary artist Fierce Sonia to explore the intersection of creativity, grief, and rediscovered joy. 🌿 Together, we reflect on her current projects — from curating community sketchbook shows and hosting mixed media labs to preparing for local markets and connecting deeply with subscribers through zines and art mail. She opens up abo...

In this episode, I sit down with visionary artist and designer Josh Audiss, whose work gracefully bridges the worlds of fine art, murals, apparel design, and immersive installations. We dive into Josh’s artistic evolution — from his early roots in Omaha, Nebraska, to his cross-medium explorations in acrylic, oil, graphic art, and decorative design. His art dances between Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and...

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with the luminous multidisciplinary artist and tattooist Calypso, whose work bridges fine art, tattooing, performance painting, and product creation. 🌈 We dive into her unique creative process, from how nature, music, and personal transformation guide her hand, to the way she weaves symbolism, bold color, and emotional storytelling into everything she creates...

Shannon shares a heartfelt update on what she’s been up to as a multidisciplinary artist. From large-scale paintings to intuitive jewelry-making, she reflects on how her style has developed over time and which supplies she’s loving most right now. We also talk about some of her recent favorite art pieces that found their forever homes, and how that exchange of creative energy keeps her inspired. S...

In this heart-expanding episode, Shannon sits down with the radiant Jen Dragonfly for a deep and playful conversation about what it truly means to paint with the universe. Together, they explore the beautiful chaos of the creative process—letting go of perfection, embracing the messy parts, and learning to quiet the doubt demons that whisper “you’re not good enough.” Jen shares how her journey thr...

In this episode of the We Are Artists podcast, Shannon sits down with artist Summer Blake, whose intricately detailed two-dimensional creations vibrating with symbolism, movement, and light. Summer shares her artistic origin story, diving into the meditative nature of her creative process and how her work becomes a mirror for transformation and spiritual alchemy. From working with sacred symmetry...

 In this heart-centered episode, we sit down with the incredibly talented Michelle "Meish" Claus of Made by Meish to explore the magic woven through her art. From the textures of tree bark to the quiet inspiration of fungi, Meish shares how nature, identity, and healing intersect in her creative world. We dive into the stories behind her whimsical characters, many of which emerge from the grief of...

🎙️ We Are Artists: Sassa Wilkes – Art as Liberation, Connection, and Community In this rich and inspiring episode, we sit down with Sassa Wilkes, an Appalachian artist whose work ranges from surreal oil portraits to large-scale public murals that bring people together. Sassa shares their creative journey—from sculptural beginnings to their intuitive, layered painting process that blends oil, graph...

Shannon Shine chats with Katelyn Buchan (Flow Kate of Mind) about transitions as an artist, showing up professionally, and the power of community. Katelyn shares insights on her new book release, upcoming art show, and how becoming a mom is shifting her creative path. They also dive into Van Life, festival culture, traveling safely as an artist, and blending art with healing. 🎧 Tune in for an ins...

In this episode of We Are Artists Podcast, Shannon Shine kicks off a brand-new season with an important reminder: Support your favorite creatives! It takes courage to launch dreams, visions, and creations into the world. But what if artists stopped sharing out of fear that no one would care? Imagine a world without music, art, innovation, or entertainment—a world where creativity is silenced. Inst...

In this heartfelt throwback episode of We Are Artists Podcast, Shannon Shine and Lacey Vilandry share their experiences navigating major life transitions as they move in new directions. Recorded in Fall 2024, this conversation captures the emotions, challenges, and wisdom that come with big changes. Shannon reflects on returning to her hometown in the Western Maryland Appalachian Mountains, adjust...

In this thought-provoking roundtable discussion that was actually recorded in 2024, we revisit a powerful conversation on universal basic income for artists and creatives. Originally featured on the Bring Me 2 Life Podcast, this episode includes insights from Shannon Shine, Selomon, Billy Morgan, Sam Phoenix, and Lacey Vilandry as they reflected on a workshop exploring the potential of guaranteed...

In this episode of the We Are Artists Podcast, Lacey and Shannon sit down with Kaitlyn Page, a talented watercolor and mixed media artist based in Erie, Pennsylvania. Kaitlyn shares her journey from a young artist exploring her craft to becoming a sought-after creator known for her unique blend of realism and surrealism. The trio dives deep into festival season, offering invaluable advice on how t...

In this captivating episode of the We Are Artists Podcast, Shannon Shine and Lacey Vilandry sit down with Ashton Hill to explore the exhilarating adventures and insights gained from Ashton’s recent mastery training in Greece. As longtime "Artners," this trio shares a decade of experience navigating the ups and downs of professional artist life on the road and beyond. Listen in as Ashton discusses...

Shannon and Lacey are joined by Wilmington artist Rachel Rowse to talk all things art, murals, education, expansion and more! Tune in to learn about more adventures at Secret Dreams, managing festival galleries, and expanding with merchandise as the artists reflect after a wild weekend together at the latest festival.  Artist Rachel Marie Rowse, grew up in Vancouver, Canada and graduated with her...

Shannon and Lacey deep dive into the adventure to Secret Dreams festival, where Lacey created a mural and Shannon live painted with amazing artists from all over the country. The artist discussed the amount of magical artwork, installations, workshops, and professionalism at this unique art and music festival in Ohio.  You'll want to tune in to learn more about the artists journey and how far the...

Shannon and Lacey reveal some of their deep connections to the spiritual journey and where their art has led them with it.  From religon to exploration to the deepness of channeling artistic visions. This one is an interesting listen in on our own perspectives and stories that brought us here. 

Lacey and Shannon return to share about their magical journey to CoSM ( Chapel of Sacred Mirrors)  in New York. Shannon shares her perspective as a first time visitor and the synchronicities aligning of being in the right place at the right timecosm to allow her to paint with Lacey during the Summer Solstice. Tune in to learn more about their adventures and review of the Entheon, Meeting Alex and...

Lacey and Shannon deep dive with Pat creator of Loneskull Comics.  The artists reflect on their journey to Mountain Music Festival together and then deep dive into their artistic practices, Pat shares his beginnings and inspirations, his expieriences with comic-cons and a few tips and tricks he's learned along the way. Pat says  "I love to make art with lots of neon color in a variety of mediums....