Art, Parenthood, and Beyond

Miwa Gardner
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Art, Parenthood, and Beyond

"Art, Parenthood, and Beyond with Miwa Gardner" is where I share my journey as a watercolor artist and, well, a mom too. In this podcast, I explore the unspoken emotions that come with creating art and navigating parenthood, exploring into how these two worlds mingle.I’ll share insights into my artistic process and the inspirations behind my paintings, along with various resources that have influenced my journey. Whether you're a fellow parent, an art lover, or simply curious (like I often am:), join me as I explore the complex layers of life through my experiences.

Episodes

  1. Artistic Challenges: Lessons in Persistence from Origami with My Son | #ArtisticJourney Ep. 012

    2 DAYS AGO

    Artistic Challenges: Lessons in Persistence from Origami with My Son | #ArtisticJourney Ep. 012

    In this episode, I share my experiences of spending quality time with my three-year-old son, focusing on our recent foray into origami. Through the delicate art of folding paper, I discover valuable lessons about patience, creativity, and the importance of balancing persistence with enjoyment in my artistic process. Mentioned:16 Personalities Test MBTI Matt Gabler's blog, which discusses how overcoming challenges can lead to thriving in artistic pursuits . My website: ⁠MiwaGardner.com Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@miwagardner_art

    9 min
  2. Transitions Between Art and Life: Finding Balance Through Change | #CreativeSwitch Ep. 011

    OCT 30

    Transitions Between Art and Life: Finding Balance Through Change | #CreativeSwitch Ep. 011

    In this episode, I explore the challenges of transitioning between my artistic pursuits and administrative duties amidst significant life changes. Drawing from my personal experience of moving from Munich to Washington State, I reflect on the emotional complexities of balancing creativity with everyday responsibilities. I share insights into practical strategies such as time blocking, mindfulness rituals, and setting boundaries to help ease these transitions and find equilibrium in our lives. Mentioned:The Laura Horn Podcast: The Art vs. Admin Battle - Managing Overwhelm and Tricky Transitions My website: ⁠MiwaGardner.com Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@miwagardner_art

    10 min
  3. How Opening Up Can Bring Unexpected Support | #OpeningUp Ep. 010

    OCT 23

    How Opening Up Can Bring Unexpected Support | #OpeningUp Ep. 010

    In this episode, I share a deeply personal moment of opening up to a close friend before leaving Munich. What started as an honest conversation about past suicidal thoughts unexpectedly led to practical support in the form of a unique, grounding technique: spicy candy. I reflects on how vulnerability can bring unexpected help and connects this experience to grounding techniques for emotional regulation. The episode ties these ideas to parenting and creativity, exploring how openness can foster support in both areas. Mentioned: On Grounding Techniques: Here My website: ⁠MiwaGardner.com Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@miwagardner_art

    9 min
  4. Last Time Moments: How Noticing Helps Our Creativity | #CreativeNoticing Ep. 009

    OCT 16

    Last Time Moments: How Noticing Helps Our Creativity | #CreativeNoticing Ep. 009

    In this episode of Art, Parenthood, and Beyond, I reflect on the power of 'noticing' and how it's shaped my creativity and life. After my recent move from Germany to Washington, I found myself embracing a 'last time' mentality, which helped me see the beauty in everyday moments—from cycling through familiar streets to sharing final moments with friends. I'll share how this mindset impacts my creative process and how noticing small details can fuel both your art and your life. Stay with me as we explore the beauty in these fleeting moments and how they can inspire us. Mentioned: The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity -book by American author Julia Cameron. The Skillshare class on Enso: Enso: Create Japanese Meditative Watercolor My website: ⁠MiwaGardner.com Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@miwagardner_art

    7 min
  5. How I Projected My Childhood on My Son|#ArtAndParenthood Ep. 008

    OCT 9

    How I Projected My Childhood on My Son|#ArtAndParenthood Ep. 008

    Introduction: Overview of the episode and its focus on the intersection of childhood and parenting. Personal Story: My son’s transition to a new daycare and the challenges it presented. Projection of Insecurities: Realizing how my own childhood experiences influenced my perceptions of my son. A Moment of Clarity: Observing my son’s resilience during his first days at daycare. The Painting: The creation of my artwork titled "Womb" and its significance in processing emotions. Lessons Learned: Finding the balance between protection and independence in parenting.

    7 min
  6. Creative Balance: Embracing Art and Motherhood | #GuiltAndCreativity Ep. 007

    OCT 2

    Creative Balance: Embracing Art and Motherhood | #GuiltAndCreativity Ep. 007

    In this episode of Art, Parenthood and Beyond, I dive into the challenges of balancing motherhood with my personal creativity. I share a personal story that highlights the guilt I often feel when pursuing my artistic passions. Drawing on research, I reveal how taking time for my creative outlets is essential not only for my well-being but also for my family’s happiness. Join me as I explore how to embrace my creativity without guilt and become a more fulfilled parent.

    9 min
  7. What Do People Want? Lessons from Giving Away My Art in the Streets #GivingAwayArt | Ep. 006

    SEP 25

    What Do People Want? Lessons from Giving Away My Art in the Streets #GivingAwayArt | Ep. 006

    In this episode, I dive into my unique experiment of giving away 56 paintings in the streets of Munich. Join me as I reflect on the surprising lessons learned about public taste, the value of my art, and the joy of creating what I love, regardless of others' opinions. Discover how this journey has reshaped my artistic perspective and ignited my passion for painting.

    8 min
  8. The Alien Gaze of Newborns: Surreal Moments in Sleep-Deprived Parenthood| Ep. 005

    SEP 18

    The Alien Gaze of Newborns: Surreal Moments in Sleep-Deprived Parenthood| Ep. 005

    In this heartfelt and humorous (I hope) episode of Art, Parenthood, and Beyond, I share my surreal experience of navigating the newborn phase. From the struggles of breastfeeding in the middle of the night to the alien-like gaze of my newborn son, I reflect on how these early parenting moments influenced my art. I draw a surprising connection to The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, exploring the mystery of life’s stages and how my son’s blurry vision inspired a unique painting that blends exhaustion, wonder, and love. Tune in for a mix of touching stories, artistic inspiration, and a reminder that both parenting and art help us make sense of life’s most profound experiences.

    10 min
  9. Caught Off Guard: The Unexpected Moments of Motherhood | #CaughtOffGuardParenting Ep. 004

    SEP 11

    Caught Off Guard: The Unexpected Moments of Motherhood | #CaughtOffGuardParenting Ep. 004

    Welcome to Episode 4 of Art, Parenthood and Beyond! I’m Miwa Gardner, and in this episode, I dive into those unexpected moments of parenthood that can catch us completely off guard. I share a touching story about my son, who surprised me by expressing empathy in a way I never expected. It made me realize how deeply connected we are and how those little moments can inspire our creativity as artists. I also explore how my experiences as a parent influence my artwork and vice versa. I want to hear from you, too! Have you had those surprising moments with your kids that made you stop and think? Or as an artist, has an unexpected emotion ever shaped your work? Let’s celebrate those precious moments together, reminding ourselves to embrace the chaos and find joy in it all. So grab a seat, relax, and let’s reflect on these beautiful connections between art and parenthood!

    8 min
  10. Capturing the Feeling: The Urgency to Create| #CreativeForce Ep. 003

    SEP 4

    Capturing the Feeling: The Urgency to Create| #CreativeForce Ep. 003

    In this episode, I dive into the urgency we feel as artists when inspiration strikes—like a bolt of lightning—and how that led me to paint a piece deeply connected to a friend's sad story. I reflect on whether great art always has to come from pain, or if we can find just as much power in joy, beauty, and the simple moments that make life meaningful. Join me as I explore what it means to create from a place of raw emotion and the importance of seizing those fleeting opportunities to express ourselves.

    9 min
  11. How Can I Protect You? Exploring Parenthood's Challenging Feelings | #EmotionsInParenting Ep. 002

    AUG 28

    How Can I Protect You? Exploring Parenthood's Challenging Feelings | #EmotionsInParenting Ep. 002

    In this episode, How Can I Protect You? Exploring Parenthood's Challenging Feelings, I dive into the complex and often bittersweet emotions that come with parenthood. I reflect on the delicate balance between joy and sadness that many of us experience after welcoming a child into our lives. I'll share personal anecdotes from my journey as both a parent and an artist, and how creative expression has become a powerful tool for self-reflection. You'll hear how each challenge we face can open up new opportunities to appreciate the joyful moments that often follow. Join me as I explore the dualities of parenthood and creativity, and pose the question: 'How do the challenges you face help you appreciate the joyful moments in your life?' Let's tune in together for a conversation that reminds us that joy can only exist because of pain. Check out my blog where I share the painting here. Also, I love the School of Life YouTube channel, though I couldn’t locate the exact post I mentioned—probably because it’s from 2-3 years ago!

    9 min
  12. Creative Blocks: How can you get unstuck as artists? | #creativeblocks Ep. 001

    AUG 22

    Creative Blocks: How can you get unstuck as artists? | #creativeblocks Ep. 001

    In this episode of Art, Parenthood, and Beyond, I dive into the often-frustrating world of creative blocks. I’ll share my personal journey of overcoming self-doubt and rediscovering my passion for painting after not painting at all for 2 weeks. You’ll discover practical strategies that helped me break free from a creative block, like revisiting what I love and embracing playfulness in my art. I’ll also share insightful quotes from renowned artists that remind us that creative challenges can lead to transformative breakthroughs. Join me as we navigate the ups and downs of creativity together!

    10 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

"Art, Parenthood, and Beyond with Miwa Gardner" is where I share my journey as a watercolor artist and, well, a mom too. In this podcast, I explore the unspoken emotions that come with creating art and navigating parenthood, exploring into how these two worlds mingle.I’ll share insights into my artistic process and the inspirations behind my paintings, along with various resources that have influenced my journey. Whether you're a fellow parent, an art lover, or simply curious (like I often am:), join me as I explore the complex layers of life through my experiences.

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