Your Art Matters

Why should we care about your art? Ouch. This can be a hard question to swallow. I was given this advice recently: whenever I write a headline or have something I want to present to the world, I should ask the question, ‘So What?’ This golden advice can help you: Communicate with others Get clear on what to say yes and no to Convert sales  Discover whether your ideas have legs I explain how to do...

I sat at the kitchen table and as all was quiet in the house, I had time to sit and contemplate.  I poured my oat milk onto my cereal and read the milk carton before me for the first time in years! The milk carton shared a tip: How to be curious by using the Q&Q method.  Asking a curious question and answering by asking another curious question. I love this concept as I think it can help us le...

Life is a tapestry of highs and lows, triumphs and tribulations. It can be difficult to see beyond the pain and frustration during our most challenging moments.  During these trying times, we are pushed to our limits and tested in ways we never imagined. While we may get caught in the whirlwind of emotions and uncertainties, it's important to remember that every struggle carries the potential for...

I recall times when I wanted to do something, but it felt so far out of reach that I procrastinated or felt frustrated that I wasn’t getting anywhere.     One of those times was setting up United ArtSpace, and it annoyed me that I never had time to work on my dream.  I was pushed and pulled in all directions.   Then I made one simple change.  A change that felt insignificant at the time but change...

As artists, we often face unique challenges and moments of uncertainty. In those moments, we must have a network of individuals we can turn to - an S.O.S. list.    This episode delves into the power of having trusted allies who can provide guidance, support, and encouragement during those times of need.   Just like we have a list of people we turn to when we have a leaking pipe, a broken car or a...

In our fast-paced lives, it's all too easy to get caught up in the worries of the future or dwell on the regrets of the past, inadvertently neglecting the present moment—the very source of our creative potential.  In this episode, we delve deep into mindfulness teachings, exploring how grounding ourselves in the present moment can elevate our artistic practice, connect us to our intuition and help...

Be thankful for what you have, and you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you’ll never have enough. - Oprah Winfrey   Today I have recorded a super short episode and will do so for the next few weeks as a MINDSET MINUTES series. The aim is to give you a small action each week to help you make a change in your life for the better! Small mindset shifts over a few weeks...

Have you ever felt like you're living a life on autopilot? Going through the motions day after day, but deep down, something feels off? Well, you're not alone. Many of us find ourselves drifting along the current of societal norms and expectations, but what if we could change that? What if we can consciously design a life that aligns with our values, passions, and purpose? In this podcast, we'll d...

If only I had more time, it would make such a difference.   I would be able to keep on top of my house work, finish my book, spend more time with friends, exercise more - the list goes on!!!   We either need to cut back on what we add to the ‘to-do’ list, or we need to use our time wisely.   As I prepare for our Mid-Year Best Year Yet workshop in 26th June (the link is below if you haven’t signed...

We are fast approaching the midway point towards this year, halfway through the year, can you believe how fast the time is going? I want to talk today about how I'm starting to get ready for planning the rest of the year and how you can too. So as we approach the midpoint, I like to do a mid-year review. And in fact, I'm going to be doing a free workshop for you all where I'll be reviewing my year...

After moving house recently, I realised that I had been living in my previous home with serious self-doubt, fear and wild stories that held me captive. In today's episode, I shed light on how easily we become trapped in the monotonous cycles of life, often failing to recognise the profound impact that an unsatisfying situation can have on our overall happiness. Enjoy 

As I film my last ever episode in the room I began in 7 years ago, I reflect on the journey.   When I first started filing and recording 7 years ago, I felt like an imposter, a fraud and incompetent.   I had friends film with me as I was terrified to do it alone.   I was afraid of people judging me and being mean. I was afraid of saying the wrong thing.   I was afraid to be myself in case I wasn’t...

Capucine Jenkins is a trailblazing digital art curator who is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the realm of NFTs and the blockchain.   Before she started working with NFTs, our guest honed her skills at several prestigious museums, including the High Museum of Art in Atlanta.   She remains passionate about nurturing artists and innovating digital art spaces. I am so excited to have Cap...

Three years ago, Laura dreamed of becoming a full-time artist, and today she is living the dream! Laura sells her original works, hosts workshops, has been on TV, radio and in magazines - she wakes up most mornings pinching herself to make sure this is really happening. Based in Croatia and working in clay, Laura creates birds of happiness, bottles that think they are vases and volcanic flowers. I...

Overcoming self-doubt and reigniting passion for art. This is what we are talking about today with our special guest, Nish Shah. A self-taught artist who has been creating art from a young age, finding solace and comfort in the process. However, crippling self-doubt caused Nish to put his passion on hold for three decades, until the pandemic gave him the opportunity to reignite his love for art. I...

Have you ever felt like you are just not getting anywhere?? Especially when it comes to selling?? In today's episode, it was a pleasure to speak with Dr Simone Paterson who spent many years feeling like she had lost her soul. Today Simone is a full time artist, having had solo shows, a feature in a dream gallery, community projects and feeling blessed to be alive. We delve into: • What has helped...

Today's special guest is a multimedia artist inspired by people, places and community.    With a love of clay and oil paint Carole Ince celebrates the uniqueness of people and captures life as it unfolds.   Tuning in from Canada, I thought you will enjoy hearing some real talk.    Carole has solid collections of work, has started selling and has recently had a super successful solo show.  We chat...

Have you ever felt a creative block?   Those moments when you feel like you want to make art, but you can’t get going??   Or, you are all fired up making and then boom, you lose interest and get bored.     Inspiration runs dry.   You panic that maybe you had a lucky streak and your art-making days are over?   I have had many of these moments over the years.   Another one, you are plodding along an...

There is so much talk everywhere about AI and using it to create art.⁠ Anyone can create poetry, music, art, books - the list goes on.⁠ What does this mean to us as artists? How will this impact us? How should we feel about all of this??⁠ In today’s episode, I talk about ways you can use AI, what this means for the art world and how we should feel about it.⁠ P.S. Don't forget you can join us for o...

I sat at the table carving stone and felt a rush of excitement.  I haven’t felt this connected to my art-making in a long time.   So, it took me by surprise when my head jumped into thoughts like:   What if I love this too much and need to close down UAS What if I start selling this? OMG, can you imagine the shipping costs, and how would I package this??   These are the thoughts that trap the thou...

I am moving house soon so the shed needed a clear out. 8 years of ‘stuff’ accumulated and it was interesting what I pulled out.   It was full of paint pots, deck chairs, sewing machine, old trainers - the list goes on.  I pulled all this ‘stuff’ out and then my heart stopped…   At the bottom of the huge pile of stuff was my 15 year old sculpture.   It had been sitting underneath all this stuff for...

I remember sitting in a cafe with a group of UAS Hub members when Catherine and Lloyd turned to me and suggested I should start a podcast. At that moment, I felt a sense of dread as I thought to myself "Ewww, I can't possibly learn and do another thing." Despite feeling apprehensive, I had already been going live on social media every week for over five years. Their suggestion planted a seed, and...

“I love pain“ “Bring it on” “Pain sets me free” These are words of advice from the book ‘The Tools’ by Phil Stutz and Barry Michels.   In their book, they advise shouting these words every time you have the feeling of fear / pain. It might be right before you embark on something that makes you feel resistance or uncomfortable.   It may be when you have awful thoughts and paint a picture of negativ...

How can you choose what direction to go in when you have a million ideas??   I remember my years at art school and being told the power of focussing my attention in a deeper way - I found it so frustrating. But, after years of resistance I finally gave in to the art of focussing and it has helped me build momentum and I’ve really learned when to say yes and no. In today’s episode I share examples...

Should you make art that sells?  Should you adapt your work so it sells?? Should you create landscapes in an abstract style as they sell for more?   In the past artists have come to me asking these questions but also telling me ‘I’ve been told my work is too commercial’ or ‘ my work isn’t commercial enough’.   In today's episode I will discuss what commercial art is, and whether you should make yo...