Mind Over Medium Lea Ann Slotkin

Have you ever found yourself pondering the true essence of creativity and how it can be unleashed? Mind Over Medium warmly welcomes Shay Kent, a Tampa-based mixed media artist and teacher, who reveals her personal reawakening to the arts after a hiatus and offers sage advice to listeners seeking to break free from conventional restraints. This episode promises a journey into the heart of artistic expression, where the rules are bent and a supportive environment is key to nurturing one's creative soul.

As Shay opens up about overcoming self-criticism and the intimidating aspects of managing an art business, listeners are treated to a blend of personal anecdotes and practical strategies. Her emphasis on balancing the raw passion of creating with the necessary evils of entrepreneurship speaks to artists and creators who wrestle with maintaining their creative integrity amidst the demands of running a business. Shay's insights into setting goals, allowing for personal artistic time, and accepting the natural chaos of the creative process will resonate deeply with those striving for both professional success and personal fulfillment.

Finally, Shay and I explore the vital roles of community, organization, and personal well-being in sustaining an artist's productivity and inspiration. Whether it's the importance of connecting with fellow creatives, implementing organizational hacks, or finding inspiration in the simplest joys of life, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice. And for those captivated by Shay's message, there's an open invitation to delve deeper into her world, with opportunities for a one-on-one discovery call or a free mixed media class that promises to spark your imagination and breathe new life into your creative pursuits.

Connect with Shay Here

Connect with Lea Ann Here

Have you ever reached a point in life where the path you're on just doesn't feel right anymore? That moment of realization hit mixed-media collage artist and teacher Cat Rains like a splash of vibrant paint on a blank canvas. She joins us on Mind Over Medium to recount her colorful transition from an unfulfilling conventional career to the rich, textured world of art—a journey that teaches us it's never too late to discover and pursue our passions. Listen as Cat shares not only her personal transformation but also offers wisdom on cultivating joy through her course "Collage Joy," painting a picture of the fulfillment found in both creating and imparting knowledge.

Navigating the landscape of a creative business can feel like a juggling act, requiring a balance of discipline and innovation. In our candid conversation, we uncover how Cat harnesses focus to steer clear of the alluring 'shiny objects' that threaten to distract. We also wade into the digital realm where mastering technology becomes an essential brushstroke in the portrait of artistic success. The dialogue branches out to touch on the importance of embracing opportunities that may initially seem daunting, providing a masterclass in growing beyond comfort zones and confronting resistance with strategies like the "task tower" for productivity.

If you've ever felt stifled creatively or stuck in a mundane task, this episode offers a splash of inspiration. We break down how small, consistent art steps can lead to leaps in confidence and how embarking on a 100-day collage project can unfold into an astonishing display of personal growth and artistic evolution. Cat's insights into setting achievable goals and the joy of progress stitch together a narrative encouraging us to weave creativity into the fabric of our lives, transforming the ordinary into extraordinary. Tune in as we explore the canvas of life with Cat Rains, and get ready to pick up your own artistic tools with renewed vigor and a heart full of joy.

Connect with Cat Here

Connect with Lea Ann Here

When the world turned upside down, Andrea Chebeleu didn't just adapt; she transformed her artistic journey into a digital wonderland. This episode of Mind Over Medium is a heartfelt conversation with Andrea, where she opens up about her entrepreneurial voyage, sparked by the global shift to remote life. As she moved to Oregon, a new chapter began, not just for her but for a flourishing community of creatives who've come together in her Watch, Learn, Play group. We traverse the landscape of launching a creative business, the pure joy of enabling artists to engage with their craft, and how, despite the juggle of family life, Andrea has cultivated a digital sanctuary where art is both learned and experienced.

It's not all about the paint and canvas; ritualistic morning practices, embracing our neurodiversity, and a daily dose of gratitude are the quiet undercurrents of our creative processes. Andrea and I share intimate details of our life-affirming routines and how, sometimes, they're the lifeboat in a sea of chaos. We talk about the delicate dance between nurturing one's own creative spirit and pouring into the community, tackling the hurdle of creative blocks with a touch of whimsy, and the art of restructuring our internal narratives to foster growth and healing. All this as we peel back the curtain to reveal the often unseen administrative load that comes hand-in-hand with creative success.

The vibrant tapestry of an artist's life wouldn't be complete without the threads of social media and public engagement. We close with musings on our favored platforms, like Instagram, where the soul of our work is laid bare for the world to see. This conversation is a beacon for creatives seeking inspiration and connection, and my gratitude extends to every listener who's joined us on this journey. Through episodes like this, we aspire to not just inspire but also to shape a community where each artist's voice is amplified and where every stroke, sketch, and splatter is a testament to the shared heartbeat of our collective endeavor.

Connect with Andrea Here and on Instagram

Connect with Lea Ann Here

Ever pondered what it takes to transform adversity into a colorful array of achievements? Nika Maples, an inspirational author and coach, joined me to unravel her own tapestry of life. From conquering the fallout of a stroke that rendered her quadriplegic at 20 to becoming an empowering figure for individuals yearning to etch their stories into the annals of published literature, Nika's narrative is as vivid as the color-themed magazine she once published—and as bold as the artwork she chose for her book cover, artwork that I had the privilege of creating.

Embrace the fearless "Why Not?" mindset with us as we venture through past victories like Teacher of the Year and tackle the psychological barriers that often anchor us before we even set sail. This episode is more than just a conversation; it's a roadmap for navigating life's contests, discerning when to leap into opportunities, and how to orchestrate the seemingly impossible, like a dual celebration of a Writers Conference paired with a milestone birthday bash, all with just a six-week notice. Inspiration strikes in the tales of steadfast determination and the joys that follow when we push beyond our comfort zones.

Finally, we wade through the emotional swamps that writers often find themselves mired in, seeking solid ground on the other side. Doubts and fears of judgment are but mirages we confront, offering advice that transforms writing trepidation into a wellspring of creativity. The episode closes on a note of gratitude and growth, a reminder to cherish the shared moments of artistic expression and personal success. Join us on this journey, where double doors of opportunity await and where every chapter encourages you to craft your own story with heart, resilience, and a dash of playfulness.

Connect with Nika Here

Connect with Lea Ann Here

Embarking on a transformative journey from the corporate grind to a life rich with artistic expression, mixed media artist Susan McCravy opened the doors to her personal studio in Inverness, Scotland, and with it, a world of infinite creative possibilities. Our conversation unfurls the tapestry of her artistic rebirth, how the act of creation became a sanctuary during quieter times, and the resonance of her previous experiences in shaping her current art practice. We share reflections on the joy of artistic discovery, the subtle influence of past roles, and the liberation found in a space solely devoted to one's craft.

Woven into our heart-to-heart is a candid exploration of the challenges that creatives face when balancing the commercial aspect of their career with genuine artistic pursuit. I divulge my own strategies for overcoming hurdles, like the dreaded money mindset blocks, and discuss the power of setting intentions to carve out a path in tune with our innermost strengths. We unfold the layers of structuring time effectively, the support gained from virtual assistants, and how aligning with tools like human design can unveil the most authentic version of ourselves.

As our dialogue meanders to a close, we celebrate the undeniable importance of community within the art world, from the prickly topic of pricing one's work to embracing the unexpected financial rewards of a life dedicated to art. The conversation brims with appreciation for the deep connections and unwavering support found through online networks, cementing the belief that creativity flourishes most when shared. Susan's narrative stands as a beacon of encouragement, urging fellow artists to trust in their journey and the enriching tapestry it weaves within the greater artistic community.

Feeling stuck in a creative rut? Abstract artist Megan Woodard Johnson joins me for an intimate conversation about the triumphs and trials of the artistic journey. Megan's transformation from a static space to a flourishing studio, sparked by a therapeutic challenge, leads us through a show brimming with insights on how environment and personal history can ignite one’s creative passion. We delve into the tapestry of Megan's work, uncovering how the integration of vintage collage materials and expressive mark-making not only tells a story but also serves as a bridge between the past and the future of art.

Transitions and recognition are at the heart of any artist's life, and this episode doesn't shy away from the tough decisions we face along the way. I share my reflections on the bittersweet process of ending a mastermind group, realigning goals, and the lessons learned in acknowledging the milestones that shape our personal and professional growth. The conversation also celebrates the artistic temperament, that insatiable appetite for novel projects and the courage it takes to step away from ventures that no longer align with our evolving narrative.

Finally, we confront the beasts of creative blocks and the daunting world of marketing art in the digital era. Ever wondered how to keep the creative fires burning when sales dip? Or perhaps how to navigate the complexities of artist-gallery relationships? We tackle these very questions, offering strategies for pushing through barriers and finding solace in artist networks. Join us as we share tales of resilience, from my transition to abstract art to Megan’s harmonious dance with online launches, providing a beacon of encouragement for every artist striving to carve out their unique space in the art world.

Connect with Megan Here and on Instagram Here

Connect with Lea Ann Here and on Instagram Here