134 episodes

Art is more than a creative outlet or something to study in art history. Art is a catalyst for self-improvement, a tool for understanding the human spirit, and a way to find your path. Through reflections, art conversations, and in-depth explorations of artworks, this podcast might just change your life.

Join your host, Cindy Ingram—the founder of Art Class Curator, the Curated Connections Library, and the Art and Self Connection Circle—as she explores the life connections waiting to be discovered in works of art.

We live in a world that overstimulates our senses but often ignores our needs. With an unending feed of bright lights, loud noises, and information both true and false, it feels like the scroll never ends. Despite the fact that our feeds are constantly live and updating, our souls are not being fed. We need creative thinking, true communication, and genuine connection to ourselves and others—that’s where art comes in.

Art and Self is both an art and a self development podcast about using art as a way to find your truth, know yourself, and discover the path you were meant to walk in life. Remember, the most important part of an artwork is you.

Art and Self with Cindy Ingram Cindy Ingram

    • Arts

Art is more than a creative outlet or something to study in art history. Art is a catalyst for self-improvement, a tool for understanding the human spirit, and a way to find your path. Through reflections, art conversations, and in-depth explorations of artworks, this podcast might just change your life.

Join your host, Cindy Ingram—the founder of Art Class Curator, the Curated Connections Library, and the Art and Self Connection Circle—as she explores the life connections waiting to be discovered in works of art.

We live in a world that overstimulates our senses but often ignores our needs. With an unending feed of bright lights, loud noises, and information both true and false, it feels like the scroll never ends. Despite the fact that our feeds are constantly live and updating, our souls are not being fed. We need creative thinking, true communication, and genuine connection to ourselves and others—that’s where art comes in.

Art and Self is both an art and a self development podcast about using art as a way to find your truth, know yourself, and discover the path you were meant to walk in life. Remember, the most important part of an artwork is you.

    on coping, compassion, and accommodation with Melissa Cox

    on coping, compassion, and accommodation with Melissa Cox

    In this engaging podcast episode, Melissa Cox joins me to discuss the artwork Coping by Nicole Eisenman. 

    Here's a bulleted list of what we discussed in this episode, thanks to our friend Chat GPT.
    The feeling of being worn down by internal struggles or long-term challenges Reflections on hope and despair, and the isolation it can bring The importance of representation and seeing possibilities for different choices Personal anecdotes illustrating the impact of representation on decision-making Discovering one's neurodiversity and the journey of self-acceptance and accommodation The need for radical acceptance and compassion for oneself and others Coping mechanisms and harm reduction strategies in facing life's challenges Externalizing internal struggles through creative mediums like art and fan fiction The evolving nature of long-term friendships and the acceptance of change The therapeutic value of art and conversation in processing emotions and experiences The role of verbal processing and receiving feedback in personal growth and problem-solving Understanding the dynamics of evolving friendships and accepting change over time Embracing compassion for oneself and others, and reframing past judgments Using art as a medium for self-reflection, externalizing internal struggles, and seeking new perspectives Recognizing the importance of community in reducing isolation and realizing shared experiences Setting explicit boundaries and needs for personal well-being Links:
    Watch this episode on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/artandselfcindy/videos/471458611941506/ Watch this episode on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/events/podcastlivestreamwithmelissacox7198400028728573952/comments/ Watch this episode on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAIpKTn3yCo Join Art Church - https://cindyingram.com/art-church/ Enroll in the Art Connection Circle - https://cindyingram.com/circle Buy my Book - Art Is About Being Whole: A Memoir - https://geni.us/ArtIsAboutBeingWhole Art and Self on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube   
    Melissa Cox's Contact Info
    Facebook: Melissa Cox - https://www.facebook.com/melissa.cox.7549 
    Facebook Page: Living With Disaster - https://www.facebook.com/livingwithdisasterArtist 
    Facebook Group: Living With Disaster - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2154024138072188/ 
    Instagram: living_with_disaster

    • 1 hr 4 min
    exploring internal parts and shadows in Naudline Pierre's painting

    exploring internal parts and shadows in Naudline Pierre's painting

    In this episode, I chat about what I have been up to, tell you about the new(ish) format for the show, and explore a work by my favorite artist, Naudline Pierre, through the lenses of Internal Family Systems and Shadow Work.

     
    Links:
    Watch this episode on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/artandselfcindy/videos/765619205553447  Watch this episode on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/video/live/urn:li:ugcPost:7197299338065186817/  Watch this episode on YouTube -  https://youtube.com/live/xuN9_FL93U0 
    Join Art Church -  https://cindyingram.com/art-church/
    Enroll in the Art Connection Circle -  https://cindyingram.com/circle
    Buy my Book - Art Is About Being Whole: A Memoir -  https://geni.us/ArtIsAboutBeingWhole 
    Allison Crow Eisley Hallows Shadow Study No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz ** affiliate link

    • 49 min
    How Art Teaches Us to Embrace the Discomfort of Vulnerability with Dr. Jamie English

    How Art Teaches Us to Embrace the Discomfort of Vulnerability with Dr. Jamie English

    In this episode, Dr. Jamie English, a licensed professional counselor who specializes in body acceptance, and I engage in a deep exploration of two artworks side-by-side: Self-Portrait Naked with my Mother II by Chantal Joffe and The Opening by Aleah Chapin. Both artworks are featured in my new book, Art Is About Being Whole: A Memoir. The conversation delves into body image, vulnerability, and the relationship between a mother and daughter portrayed in the art. We analyze the body language, symbolism, and emotions conveyed in each painting, drawing connections to personal experiences and societal expectations. The discussion unfolds into a reflection on self-acceptance, the journey toward embracing one's flaws, and the power of art in facilitating introspection. 
    To sign up for the Art as Oracle workshop, visit this link.
    To join the next Art Connection Circle, visit this link.
    To see the artworks and links for the episode, visit the show notes at this link.

    • 1 hr 6 min
    The Sacredness, Duality, and Symbolism of Nature: A Exploration of Night with Madalyn Gregory

    The Sacredness, Duality, and Symbolism of Nature: A Exploration of Night with Madalyn Gregory

    Before I transitioned the podcast to its new format as Art and Self with Cindy Ingram, some of my all-time favorite episodes were the ones where I had captivating art conversations with my dear friend, Madalyn. We'd dive deep into a single piece, exploring its intricacies, and unraveling the layers that make art truly fascinating. The goal was to not just talk about art but to show the depth and complexity it holds, offering listeners a glimpse of the incredible possibilities within the world of art. It's all about the power of showing rather than telling—a theme that's been resonating with me lately, especially in connection to my new book.
    To mark the book's release, I brought Madalyn back to the podcast after a two-year hiatus, and it was an absolute joy. We delved into the enchanting painting Night by Natalie Wadlington, one of the artworks featured in my new book, Art Is About Being Whole: A Memoir.
    In this episode, we explore:
    The sacredness, duality, and symbolism of nature Themes of curiosity, authenticity, wholeness, and joy in simple moments A journey back to childhood wonder and the importance of embracing our true selves Reflections on societal expectations, productivity, and the art of resistance through self-care For links to the artworks and other resources we mention, head over to the shownotes at this link.
    also be sure to get my new book, Art Is About Being Whole: A Memoir!

    • 1 hr 11 min
    How a Boring Textbook Transformed into a Courageous, Artistic Memoir with Heather Doyle Fraser

    How a Boring Textbook Transformed into a Courageous, Artistic Memoir with Heather Doyle Fraser

    The creation of my new book, Art Is About Being Whole: A Memoir, was a pretty epic journey from start to finish. When I first started the book, it was going to be an art education book, but somewhere along the way, in both little and big moments, the book morphed into what it is now, which is a soulful, poetic, artistic exploration of not only the story of my growth but of the basic human emotions and experiences that so many of us share.
    I could not have ever created such a heart-wrenching and incredible work of art without the help of my amazing publisher and book coach, Heather Doyle Fraser of Compassionate Mind Collaborative. I recently sat down with Heather, and we reminisced on the whole creation process as we highlighted those big, transitional moments that sent the book from a research-based textbook to a poetic, artistic memoir.
    Here are just some of the highlights of our conversation:
    the importance of compassion in the writing process
    what it was like to relive and reprocess all of the emotions of my past
    how the books I read during the writing process influenced this book
    how poetry can express deep emotions without explanation getting in the way
    how the addition of poetry unlocked creative expression and creative freedom in ways I never could have ever predicted
    a reminder to stay true to and to always start with the art
    the resistance to and then acceptance of including my own art in the book
    This conversation with Heather was so fun, and it was so great to sit and outline the entire process. Because, you know, with every artwork, with every poem, with every book, with every theater production, with every dance, there is always a story of its creation, the support systems, and creator. 
    But what’s so exciting is—this book’s story? It’s not over. It now continues with you, the reader. I can’t control the process from here on out, but I can’t wait to see what happens as this creation touches lives across the globe, starting with you.
    To continue the magic of Art Is About Being Whole in your own life, get the book at this link. I know there are treasures, insights, and wholeness waiting for you between the lines of this book.
     

    • 1 hr 6 min
    A Soulful Glimpse Inside Art Is About Being Whole's 'The Two Fridas' Chapter

    A Soulful Glimpse Inside Art Is About Being Whole's 'The Two Fridas' Chapter

    I'm excited to announce that my new book, Art Is About Being Whole: A Memoir, is now live and ready to buy! Click this link to get your copy.
    Today, I’m thrilled to give you a sneak peek into one of my favorite chapters! Okay, it’s tough to pick a favorite chapter of the book as each one took me on such an emotional journey, but my interpretation of Frida Kahlo’s The Two Fridas, in conjunction with my shame, social anxiety, and discovery of my power as a teacher holds a very special place both in my heart and in the development of this book. 
    In this special episode, I read both The Two Fridas chapter. I teared up many times when recording this, so I hope when you listen, you’ll feel the love that went into the creation of this book. 
    Click here to see The Two Fridas by Frida Kahlo.
     
     

    • 29 min

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