Windowsill Chats

Margo Tantau
  • 4.9 (360)
  • Arts
  • Updated Weekly

Windowsill Chats is a podcast for artists and creatives who are curious about what it's like to live, work & walk a creative path. You'll find honest stories, refreshing tips, artistic business advice and real conversations with global artists & makers just like you. Host Margo Tantau, a 30+ year Creative Director, Product Designer & maker, is a cheerleader for your success. Come grab a cuppa & join her in her sunny windowsill.

  1. 1d ago

    Art for Everyone: How Liz Lidgett Combines Her Curiosity, Desire for Accessibility, and Storytelling to Promote Great Art (Replay)

    In this re-aired episode Margo is joined by art advisor, curator, and gallery owner Liz Lidgett. Liz's passion for art allowed her to see that competent art consulting for private companies and corporations was a need that wasn't being filled. With that in mind, she began her art consultation business, Adore Your Walls, in 2013. Since then, her business has grown and she recognized once again that online and national consulting – the type that exists for furniture and interior design – was completely absent for the world of art and has expanded her services, including a gallery space. With her developed expertise, Adore Your Walls has evolved into her new brand: Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design. Within the rebrand, Liz continues to consult, partner with artists and regularly contribute to design publications across the country. She represents 50 unique artists from around the world—with a commitment to always represent at least 50% women and/or BIPOC artists. Although her gallery is located in Des Moines, Iowa, they have an international reach, shipping 80% of the work they sell, and have sold to clients in 45 states and 7 countries.    It was important for Liz to create a gallery that operated in a way she felt galleries should operate, where artists were paid fairly and quickly, and where an approachable, non-pretentious experience is created for clients. Her mission is "Art For Everyone." Although they represent some very well-known artists like Hunt Slonem, Liz wants people to know that you don't have to be a millionaire to be an art collector. Liz has gained a huge following on social media by showcasing the art in her gallery, the artists, and fun facts about art.   Margo and Liz discuss: What led Liz to start her own gallery The important of creativity and adorning your walls with art How she has changed the landscape of Des Moines and surrounding cities with murals  Why art collecting can be accessible for anyone, not just millionaires How to find your personal style in art and how to find art that fits with the design of your space (size, color palette, spacing with furniture, etc.) How she helps clients in being socially conscious with the art pieces — who the artist is, how they create, the reasoning behind a piece of art, etc. Her approach to buying and selling art   Connect with Liz: https://www.lizlidgett.com/ https://www.instagram.com/lizlidgettgallery/ https://www.instagram.com/lizlidgett/ Ten Minute Masterpieces with Liz Lidgett

  2. Jul 15

    Curiosity Over Talent: Reigniting Artistic Joy in The Kindest Corner of the Internet with Lisa Bardot

    Margo is joined by Lisa Bardot, an illustrator, author, and Procreate educator who has spent the past decade helping people discover the joy of drawing digitally. She's the founder of Art Maker's Club, a thriving online membership for Procreate artists, creator of the Making Art Everyday drawing challenge, and the artist behind Bardot Brush, known for its popular Procreate brushes and tutorials. Lisa is making her second appearance on Windowsill Chats, and this time she's digging into what she's learned after years of building online creative communities — and why consistency and connection matter more than raw talent. Margo and Lisa discuss: What Lisa has learned after years of running Making Art Everyday and Art Maker's Club, two of the most active creative communities in the Procreate space Why people join Art Maker's Club thinking they're there to learn Procreate — and why they actually stay for the consistency, encouragement, and friendships Why so many adults stop making art as they get older, and what it takes to reconnect with that creative side of themselves How small, sustainable creative habits can have a bigger impact than sporadic bursts of inspiration Why curiosity is often more valuable than talent when it comes to building a lasting creative practice Reflections on Founder's Month and four years of Art Maker's Club — what's changed, what's stayed the same, and what Lisa's most proud of Practical encouragement for anyone who's been wanting to try Procreate but doesn't know where to start A look at what's coming up during Art Maker's Club's Founder's Month celebration, including live tutorials, community events, and creative challenges Connect with Lisa Bardot: Art Maker's Club: https://artmakersclub.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/lisabardot Procreate Brushes: https://bardotbrush.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/@BardotBrush Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

  3. Jul 8

    The Continuous Evolution of Creativity: Reese Emry on Growth Over Perfection, Finding Your People, and Never Settling for One Story

    Margo is joined by artist and entrepreneur Reese Emry for a heartfelt conversation about creativity, resilience, and following the unexpected twists of life. From humble beginnings in Spokane, Washington, through adventures in Waco, Round Top, and Austin, Texas, then North Carolina and Connecticut, Reese has woven creativity into every chapter of her life—flipping a "hoarder house," opening an antique shop, building a candle business, and ultimately finding her way to ceramics. Reese shares how she's learned to trust her own timing, embrace imperfection, and let her art evolve slowly and honestly, even when it doesn't fit a tidy narrative. Margo and Reese discuss: How raising kids in a creatively infused home shapes their resilience, adaptability, and creative spirit The leap from the Pacific Northwest to Texas, opening (and later closing) a beloved antique shop in Waco to prioritize family Falling in love with ceramics, building a practice around what sells and what inspires, and living in a camper to keep the dream alive The courage to pivot, move, and explore without apology—including gap years and creative breaks Taking a chance on a booth at the Round Top Antique Show and the joy of finally connecting with the right audience Pushing back against the pressure for fast, algorithm-driven art in favor of slow, intentional creative evolution The influence of artists like de Kooning and Joan Mitchell, and finding inspiration in local makers and unexpected encounters Trusting your gut over outside perceptions of what a "clean" creative story should look like Connect with Reese: ReeseEmry.com www.instagram.com/reeseemry Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

  4. Jul 1

    Creativity Machine: Building Better Ideas Through Practice, Process, and Play with Scott Dikkers

    Margo is joined by comedy writer, creator, and entrepreneur best known as the founder of The Onion, Scott Dikkers. Scott served as editor-in-chief and co-owner during its first two decades, helping shape one of the most influential satire publications of all time. In this episode, Margo sits down with Scott to explore the surprising mechanics behind creativity and why inspiration isn't something you wait for—it's something you build. Drawing from decades of experience creating successful entertainment, Scott shares practical insights on developing creative habits, embracing constraints, overcoming self-doubt, and creating work that connects with people. Margo and Scott discuss: Why creativity is less about talent and more about building repeatable systems and habits. How constraints, deadlines, and structure often produce stronger creative work than unlimited freedom. The importance of creating lots of ideas instead of waiting for the perfect one to appear. How humor can become a powerful tool for resilience, connection, and making sense of difficult experiences. Practical strategies for quieting your inner critic and separating the creative process from the editing process. Why sharing your work, seeking honest feedback, and surrounding yourself with a creative community are essential ingredients for long-term growth. His new book, Creativity Machine Connect with Scott: https://www.instagram.com/itsscottdikkers/ https://scottdikkers.substack.com/ Creativity Machine: How to Innovate, Brainstorm, and Hatch Great Ideas on Command Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

  5. Jun 24

    The Art of Beginning Again: Lessons in Healing, Growth, and Horses with Jade Chen

    Margo is joined once again by Jade Chen, a healer, guide, and space-holder whose work centers on helping people navigate transformation, uncertainty, and growth. With over a decade of experience in somatic and lineage-based healing practices, Jade helps others reconnect to their inner voice and creative resilience. Living on Hawai'i Island, her work is deeply inspired by the rhythms of nature, the wisdom of ancestry, and the quiet courage it takes to begin again. In this returning conversation, Jade shares the profound changes that have unfolded since her last appearance on the podcast, including her move to the island, her work with a herd of horses at a healing sanctuary, and the unexpected ways life can transform when we learn to trust our intuition. Margo and Jade discuss: The concept of the "dreams behind the dreams" and how unexpected opportunities emerge when we follow our intuition Why beginning again often requires letting go of identities, comforts, and plans that no longer fit The role of courage in both life-changing decisions and everyday choices Simple practices for reconnecting with your inner voice through breath, mindfulness, and intention What living on Hawai'i Island has taught Jade about change, surrender, and transformation How horses became an unexpected part of her healing work and what they teach about presence, empathy, and connection Why discomfort is often a necessary part of growth and creating space for what's next How nature, water, and stillness can help us reconnect with our own wisdom Connect with Jade: www.mudlotuslife.com www.instagram.com/mud.lotus.life Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

  6. Jun 17

    Stitched in Memory: Symbolism, Color, and the Hidden Stories in Greek Folk Art with Ariadne Kritonos

    Margo is joined by designer and storyteller Ariadne Kritonos, whose work brings centuries-old Greek folk motifs into contemporary life. Drawing inspiration from historic embroideries, textiles, and museum archives, Ariadne shares how studying the creative traditions of the past has shaped her approach to design, color, and inspiration today. Together, they explore the hidden stories embedded in traditional folk art, the value of looking beyond digital culture for creative inspiration, and what we can learn from the women whose stitches carried meaning across generations. Margo and Ariadne discuss: How Greek folk embroidery became the bridge between Ariadne's love of art, design, and cultural heritage The hidden symbolism and storytelling woven into traditional textile motifs Why researching archives, museums, and historic objects offers a different kind of inspiration than online algorithms The remarkable women behind these textiles and what their work reveals about creativity, community, and everyday life What traditional embroidery can teach us about imperfection, resourcefulness, and finishing our work The bold use of color in historic Greek textiles and why modern creatives should be less afraid to experiment How Ariadne is reimagining centuries-old motifs through contemporary design and wearable art Why preserving cultural traditions isn't about nostalgia, but about creating meaningful connections between past and present Connect with Ariadne: Website: https://ariadnekritonos.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariadnekritonos/ Newsletter: https://ariadnekritonos.com/newsletter-sign-up Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

  7. Jun 10

    Coming Home to Tradition: Sashiko, Storytelling, and the Art of Preservation with Atsushi Futatsuya

    Margo is joined by Sashiko artisan, educator, and storyteller Atsushi Futatsuya for a conversation about creativity, cultural heritage, and the stories carried through handmade work. Born into a family deeply rooted in the Japanese tradition of Sashiko, Atsushi shares his journey from resisting the craft he grew up around to becoming one of its most passionate advocates and teachers. Through his work with Sashi.Co, Sashiko Story, and Upcycle Stitches, he helps people understand that Sashiko is far more than a stitching technique—it is a living cultural practice woven together by history, community, and care. Margo and Atsushi explore the role of rhythm, repetition, and mindfulness in creative practice, as well as the challenges of preserving cultural traditions in a rapidly changing world. They discuss the difference between cultural appreciation and appropriation, the responsibility that comes with sharing inherited knowledge, and why stories matter just as much as skills. Margo and Atsushi discuss: What Sashiko is and the cultural history behind the traditional Japanese stitching practice Growing up in a Sashiko family and why Atsushi initially resisted the craft How the 2011 earthquake in Japan became a turning point in his relationship with his heritage The importance of sharing cultural traditions so they can continue to evolve and survive Why rhythm, repetition, and handwork can become powerful forms of mindfulness The distinction between visible mending and the deeper cultural context of Sashiko Navigating conversations around cultural appreciation, appropriation, and acknowledgment The stories, values, and human connections woven into every stitch How creativity helps us connect with history, identity, and community Why letting go of control is often an essential part of both stitching and life Connect with Atsushi: Website: https://sashikostory.com Instagram: @sashikostory Instagram: @upcyclestitches Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

  8. Jun 3

    The Case for Curiosity: Creativity, Awe, and Lifelong Learning with Lauren Henkin

    Margo is joined by Lauren Henkin, founder of The Humane Space, a mindfulness and lifelong learning app designed to boost wellbeing and reduce stress by sparking curiosity, wonder, and awe. In this conversation, Lauren shares her journey from architecture and fine art photography to tech founder, and how following her own curiosity led her to create a platform built on the belief that wonder, awe, and lifelong learning are just as essential to our wellbeing as physical health. Together, they explore the role curiosity plays in creativity, personal growth, and human connection. They discuss how our environments shape the way we think, why many modern systems discourage curious thinking, and what we lose when we outsource our voices and ideas to technology. Lauren also shares the values that guide The Humane Space, including intellectual integrity, collaborative creativity, and a commitment to creating content made by humans, for humans. Margo and Lauren discuss: Lauren's unconventional path from architecture and photography to founding The Humane Space Why curiosity is a lifelong practice that supports wellbeing, creativity, and resilience How physical and digital spaces can be designed to inspire wonder and exploration The mission behind The Humane Space and its alternative approach to social media and technology The role of intellectual integrity, collaboration, and human-made creativity in an AI-driven world Practical ways to cultivate more awe, wonder, and curiosity in everyday life Connect with Lauren The Humane Space App: https://www.thehumane.space/ Lauren Henkin: https://www.instagram.com/laurenhenkin/   Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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4.9
out of 5
360 Ratings

About

Windowsill Chats is a podcast for artists and creatives who are curious about what it's like to live, work & walk a creative path. You'll find honest stories, refreshing tips, artistic business advice and real conversations with global artists & makers just like you. Host Margo Tantau, a 30+ year Creative Director, Product Designer & maker, is a cheerleader for your success. Come grab a cuppa & join her in her sunny windowsill.

Information

  • Creator
    Margo Tantau
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    330
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    Windowsill Chats

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