Women United ART PODCAST

Mona Lerch
  • 5.0 (8)
  • ARTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Women United ART PODCAST, a show dedicated to women artists from all around the globe!Listen to our inspiring episodes in which we'll dive deep into all things art as well as mindset-related topics that will help you grow you art practice and your business. Stay tuned for empowering interviews with fellow artists, gallerists and curators who'll kindly share their experiences, advice, tips and tricks. This podcast is hosted by Mona Lerch, a visual artist, artist coach and founder of Art Mums United, Women United ART PRIZE and Women United ART MOVEMENT.

  1. On Identity, Impression & Artist Reinvention with Marish

    5D AGO

    On Identity, Impression & Artist Reinvention with Marish

    Welcome to another episode of Women United ART PODCAST. In this conversation, we’re joined by Marish, a New York–based visual artist whose journey is a powerful story of reinvention, persistence, and creative courage. Born in Czechoslovakia, raised in Ukraine, and now building her career in New York, Marish began her artistic path with no contacts, no shortcuts, and no guarantees—only vision, discipline, and an unshakable drive to create. Marish is known for her striking bas-relief oil portraits that merge realism with surreal, emotionally charged worlds. Using airbrush techniques and unconventional materials such as Preciosa crystals, epoxy, neon, and layered surfaces, she creates works that explore identity, inner states, and spiritual presence. Over nearly a decade in New York, she has shown her work at major international art fairs including Art Basel Miami, Spectrum Miami, and Artexpo New York, and recently celebrated a major milestone with her first solo exhibition. In this episode, we trace Marish’s journey from her early life in Eastern Europe to the realities of building an art career in one of the most competitive art cities in the world. We talk about the courage it takes to start over, the evolution of her distinctive visual language, and how she developed a practice that feels both technically daring and deeply introspective. Marish shares candid insights into navigating submissions, fairs, and visibility, as well as the challenges and rewards of committing fully to an artistic life later in life. This episode is an honest, inspiring look at what it means to build something from the ground up—layer by layer—through resilience, experimentation, and belief in your own vision. Whether you’re an artist in transition, dreaming of a new beginning, or looking for real-world insight into carving your own path, this conversation offers both clarity and encouragement. MARISH www.artmarish.com IG: @artmarish.nyc This show is brought to you by Women United ART MOVEMENT, a global platform highlighting women in the arts through a wide range of opportunities such as solo and group exhibits, annual art prize for women artists, and quarterly publication. www.womenunitedartmovement.com @womenunited_art_movement @womenunited_art_magazine

    33 min
  2. Translating Inner Worlds Into Space with Lidia Russkova-Hasaya

    DEC 2

    Translating Inner Worlds Into Space with Lidia Russkova-Hasaya

    In this episode of Women United ART PODCAST, we welcome Lidia Russkova-Hasaya, a Georgian-Russian interdisciplinary artist and director whose work transcends the boundaries of form, space, and geography. Through sculpture, sound, video, and immersive installations, Lidia transforms personal history, displacement, and emotion into tangible, sensory experiences — a language she calls “Emotional Architecture.” From the luminous door of Portal during the opening of the Venice Architecture Biennale to the introspective Homesick and Unfolding, Lidia explores belonging, vulnerability, and transformation, turning materials like glass, neon, and metal into metaphors for resilience. Drawing from her theatre background and personal experiences of denied citizenship, she creates worlds where fragility becomes strength and architecture becomes a vessel for emotion. Join us as we dive deep into Lidia’s journey, exploring the intersections of theatre, memory, and materiality. We discuss her unique approach to post-geographic spaces, the role of sound in her immersive installations, and how art can serve as both therapy and collective ritual. Lidia shares insights for artists navigating emotional authenticity, conceptual ambition, and the thresholds of creativity across disciplines and borders. Whether you’re an artist, curator, or simply curious about how art can translate the most intimate human experiences into space and light, this episode invites you to witness how emotion can be built, not just felt. LIDIA RUSSKOVA-HASAYA www.lidia.art IG: @saintlidia This show is brought to you by Women United ART MOVEMENT, a global platform highlighting women in the arts through a wide range of opportunities such as solo and group exhibits, annual art prize for women artists, and quarterly publication. www.womenunitedartmovement.com @womenunited_art_movement @womenunited_art_magazine

    48 min
  3. Reflections of Identity and Connection with Samara Couri

    NOV 9

    Reflections of Identity and Connection with Samara Couri

    In this episode of Women United ART PODCAST, Mona Lerch sits down with Samara Couri — a London-born, Hawai‘i-based artist whose luminous mirror paintings blur the boundaries between self and world, mythology and material, art and empathy. Samara’s journey has taken her from the studios of London’s City & Guilds Art School to the vibrant natural landscapes of Honolulu, where her work continues to evolve in dialogue with light, movement, and reflection. Painting directly onto mirrors, Samara transforms them from objects of vanity into portals of awareness — inviting viewers to quite literally see themselves inside the artwork. Together, we explore how her practice bridges the figurative and the spiritual, from cinematic influences that shaped her early experimentation to her current explorations of Akua, the Hawaiian deities she interprets as living reflections of nature’s cycles and human interconnectedness. Samara shares how her experiences of migration, identity, and belonging have informed her art, and what it means to build empathy and self-recognition through visual reflection. We also talk about the beauty and technical challenges of painting on mirrors, the vulnerability of immersive installations, and the role of mythology in healing our relationship with the Earth. This conversation is an invitation to look closer — at art, at nature, and ultimately, at yourself. 🎙️ Tune in to discover how Samara Couri turns reflection into revelation. SAMARA COURI www.samaracouri.com IG: @samara_couri This show is brought to you by Women United ART MOVEMENT, a global platform highlighting women in the arts through a wide range of opportunities such as solo and group exhibits, annual art prize for women artists, and quarterly publication. www.womenunitedartmovement.com @womenunited_art_movement @womenunited_art_magazine

    50 min
  4. On Courage, Authenticity, and Taking Up Space with Celine Gabrielle

    OCT 24

    On Courage, Authenticity, and Taking Up Space with Celine Gabrielle

    Celine Gabrielle returns to the Women United Art Podcast, revisiting her journey since her first appearance on Episode 19 in July 2022. From self-taught beginnings to bold, multidisciplinary explorations, Celine shares how her work has evolved into immersive, unapologetically brazen pieces that confront societal expectations of women, success, and self-worth. In this episode, we dive into her latest body of work, I’M A WINNER/LOSER BABY, a provocative series examining achievement, ego, and the absurdity of external validation. Through humor, satire, and spectacle, Celine reflects on what it truly means to be courageous as an artist—putting your authentic voice on display, experimenting fearlessly across mediums, and creating work that challenges, inspires, and resonates. Join us as we explore identity, cultural pressure, and the power of making work that refuses to shrink. CELINE GABRIELLE IG: @celinegabrielleart This show is brought to you by Women United ART MOVEMENT, a global platform highlighting women in the arts through a wide range of opportunities such as solo and group exhibits, annual art prize for women artists, and quarterly publication. www.womenunitedartmovement.com @womenunited_art_movement @womenunited_art_magazine

    49 min
  5. Art as Resistance: On Exile, Memory and Feminism with Maria Gvardeitseva

    SEP 30

    Art as Resistance: On Exile, Memory and Feminism with Maria Gvardeitseva

    In this unflinching episode of Women United ART PODCAST, I’m joined by Maria Gvardeitseva—an extraordinary Belarusian-born, London-based artist whose practice confronts political exile, memory, and feminism through performance, video, and installation. Maria’s art is both deeply personal and profoundly political. Born in Belarus, she carries the lived experience of displacement and exile, transforming it into work that refuses silence and challenges systems of violence. Her pieces often weave mythology, ritual, and the female body into visceral storytelling—altars of memory and resilience that echo the struggles of women navigating loss, identity, and transformation. Her work has been shown across Europe, from the Mark Rothko Art Centre to Venice’s Santa Maria delle Grazie, and in 2022 she was a finalist for the Belarusian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. In our conversation, Maria shares her journey of turning trauma into resistance, isolation into community, and silence into an artistic language that insists on visibility. This is a powerful reminder of how art can confront injustice, preserve memory, and create hope in even the darkest of times. Tune in to this episode to witness how Maria redefines the role of art as both resistance and healing. MARIA GVARDEITSEVA  www.mariagvardeitseva.com IG: @maria.gvard This show is brought to you by Women United ART MOVEMENT, a global platform highlighting women in the arts through a wide range of opportunities such as solo and group exhibits, annual art prize for women artists, and quarterly publication. www.womenunitedartmovement.com @womenunited_art_movement @womenunited_art_magazine

    37 min
  6. Finding Art, Finding Joy with Jocelyn Benford

    SEP 23

    Finding Art, Finding Joy with Jocelyn Benford

    In this inspiring episode of Women United ART PODCAST, I sit down with Jocelyn Benford, an abstract painter who took a bold leap from a 21-year career in elementary education to embrace her passion for art full-time. What began in 2020 as a creative outlet during the pandemic quickly grew into a daily practice—and a thriving career. Jocelyn shares how she built her artistic journey step by step: from her first solo show at Sweet Lorraine Gallery to exhibiting in prominent New York City spaces like Established Gallery, 440 Gallery, BWAC, and First Street Gallery. Now represented by Idea Gallery in Wisconsin, she has also participated in international residencies, joined vibrant artist communities, and begun teaching painting workshops that merge her love of art with her lifelong dedication to education. In our conversation, we explore: ✨ What it takes to walk away from a long-term career to pursue art later in life ✨ The unpredictable magic of watercolor and mixed media ✨ Using Instagram and calls for entry to grow visibility and opportunities ✨ The joy of building community—through residencies, teaching, and workshops ✨ How painting can become both a grounding practice and a source of resilience Jocelyn’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to start again, follow your creative instincts, and build a life rooted in joy, passion, and courage. JOCELYN BENFORD www.jocelynbenfordart.com IG: @jocelynbenford This show is brought to you by Women United ART MOVEMENT, a global platform highlighting women in the arts through a wide range of opportunities such as solo and group exhibits, annual art prize for women artists, and quarterly publication. www.womenunitedartmovement.com @womenunited_art_movement @womenunited_art_magazine

    49 min
  7. Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Art with Claudia Tong

    SEP 9

    Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Art with Claudia Tong

    In this episode, we sit down with London-based interdisciplinary artist Claudia Tong, whose work spans painting, illustration, mixed media, visual computing, photography, and music. Claudia brings a unique perspective to art, merging her background in computer science, psychology, and finance with her creative practice. She shares how knowledge from diverse fields can fuel originality, conceptual depth, and innovation in artistic work. Claudia discusses her approach to exploring cultural narratives, identity, and the human experience, bridging physical and digital realms—from urban landscapes and impressionist photography to generative computer graphics and original musical compositions. She also reflects on her experiences exhibiting internationally, speaking at events like Digital Art Week London and Stargaze, and contributing to communities such as ArtCan and Assemblage Collective. This conversation is packed with insights for women artists looking to expand their creative toolkit, integrate interdisciplinary thinking into their practice, and embrace new media. Claudia offers practical tips, lessons learned, and inspiration to help artists elevate their work by combining diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives. Whether you’re experimenting with different media, interested in digital art, or seeking inspiration to deepen your conceptual approach, Claudia’s journey shows how blending disciplines can unlock new artistic possibilities. CLAUDIA TONG www.claudiaxtart.wixsite.com/portfolio IG: @cxt.art Get The Sketchbook of Ordinary Wonders here: https://www.amazon.com//dp/B0FK3TQ64V/ This show is brought to you by Women United ART MOVEMENT, a global platform highlighting women in the arts through a wide range of opportunities such as solo and group exhibits, annual art prize for women artists, and quarterly publication. www.womenunitedartmovement.com @womenunited_art_movement @womenunited_art_magazine

    40 min
  8. The Healing Power of Art with Susie McColgan

    JUL 30

    The Healing Power of Art with Susie McColgan

    In this heartfelt episode of Women United ART PODCAST, host Mona Lerch welcomes celebrated artist Susie McColganfor a moving conversation about resilience, rediscovery, and the emotional power of painting. Susie shares how her lifelong relationship with art began in childhood, growing up in northern Michigan where nature, color, and light first stirred her creative soul. After earning a BFA from the University of Michigan and building a successful career in commercial art and illustration, Susie eventually made the bold decision to return fully to her passion for painting. Everything changed in 2019 when she experienced a near-death accident that left her with multiple injuries and a long period of recovery. It was during this time that art became more than a calling—it became her medicine. Painting again after trauma gave her a renewed sense of purpose, and her work has since evolved into a healing practice, both for herself and others. With a focus on light, color, and emotional storytelling, Susie’s paintings invite viewers into a safe, comforting space—what she describes as a “hug of comforting love.” Throughout the episode, Susie reflects on the spiritual transformation that shaped her post-recovery art practice, the intention behind the energy she brings into her work, and her mission to offer joy, calm, and hope through visual storytelling. She also shares her experiences painting for clients like General Motors and hospitals across Michigan, and speaks about her portrait work for notable figures including Tom Brady, Lee Iacocca, and Dave Thomas. Her story is a beautiful reminder that creativity can be a powerful balm, especially when it comes from the heart. Explore how art can heal, connect, and inspire in this unforgettable episode. Susie McColgan www.susiemccolgan.com IG: @mccolgansusie This show is brought to you by Women United ART MOVEMENT, a global platform highlighting women in the arts through a wide range of opportunities such as solo and group exhibits, annual art prize for women artists, and quarterly publication. www.womenunitedartmovement.com @womenunited_art_movement @womenunited_art_magazine

    1h 2m
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5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Welcome to Women United ART PODCAST, a show dedicated to women artists from all around the globe!Listen to our inspiring episodes in which we'll dive deep into all things art as well as mindset-related topics that will help you grow you art practice and your business. Stay tuned for empowering interviews with fellow artists, gallerists and curators who'll kindly share their experiences, advice, tips and tricks. This podcast is hosted by Mona Lerch, a visual artist, artist coach and founder of Art Mums United, Women United ART PRIZE and Women United ART MOVEMENT.

Information

  • Creator
    Mona Lerch
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    104
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Women United ART PODCAST
  • Show Website
    Women United ART PODCAST

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