Cause of Craft: Why We Create Jon Tilton

Have you ever wanted to create something but felt intimidated by trying a new craft? On this week’s episode I talk with Melissa Schwenk who has dabbled in a variety of creative endeavors. She describes herself as a non-professional crafter, and she’s explored everything from pottery to gardening. We discuss the interconnectedness of creative activities, advice for trying new things, and how we can all make the world a more beautiful place with the right mindset.
Topics Covered:
Satisfaction in creating physical artCreating as an adult compared to as a kidArt as creative recreationCreative communitiesInterconnectedness of creative endeavorsMaking the world a more beautiful placeAdvice for trying new creative thingsLinks:
Melissa’s Instagram: @melissa.tries.things

We often wish we could make things with a simple snap of our fingers—but it takes a lot of work to create and improve our craft. Mixed Media Artist Amanda Spence joins the show to discuss her journey. She shares how consistent practice and reflection helped her grow as an artist.
Topics Covered:
Inspired by NatureBalancing Simplicity with ComplexitySimilarities Between CraftsBecoming an Artist on AccidentGetting Out of Your Comfort ZoneArt is Work Not MagicFinding Your Voice Over TimeLinks:
Amanda’s Website: www.betweenelmandoak.comAmanda’s Instagram: @betweenelmandoakAmanda’s Facebook: @btwnelmandoak

Brittney Jackson creates beautiful character illustrations—both original ones and others that you’ll recognize from your favorite franchises (from the office to Star Wars). We discuss fan art, traveling to conventions, why nature inspires, and how we can tackle new challenges, even when they’re intimidating.
Topics Covered:
Self-Taught ArtistsFan Art and Fan FictionTraveling to ConventionsAdvice for Taking on New ChallengesOutdoor InspirationGetting Unstuck CreativelyLinks:
Brittney’s Website: www.brittneyannart.comBrittney’s Instagram: @brittneyannartBrittney’s Twitter: @BrittneyAnnArtInterview with Chrissie Murphy Designs
www.jontilton.com
Read Jon's short story "Doomed Dune" for FREE here.

This is a rebroadcast of Episode 23 with Miller Mark Fischer. New episodes will now release on a monthly basis, with Episode 45 premiering on July 4. Thanks so much for supporting the podcast!
Food production has changed drastically over the years, and not always for the better. But is there any hope for returning to the old ways of doing things?
This week’s guest, Miller Mark Fischer runs Castle Valley Mill — a stone ground mill where he uses machines that are hundreds of years old to produce quality flour, cornmeal, and more. By using age-old techniques on local grain, Castle Valley is able to produce a product that’s not only better for you, but tastes better too.
Mark shares how it all works in our conversation, and I’m excited to share this episode with you. I think it’s both incredibly interesting and incredibly important. These things not only impact our health, but also our local economies and the environment. So if you enjoy this episode, please consider sharing with a friend, because the more people who understand the value of how our food is made and where it comes from, the healthier we’ll all be in the future.
Topics Covered:
The Story Behind Castle Valley MillWhy Modern Flour isn’t GreatGerm, Bran, and Starch: The Proper Components of FlourThe Process of MillingUsing 150 Year Old Milling EquipmentDiscovering the Demand for Stone Ground Wheat1800’s Stone Milling as an Achievement of American IngenuityScalability and LegacyThe American DietCovid Flour ShortageHow to Buy Castle Valley Mill’s ProductLinks:
Castle Valley Mill Website and Store: www.castlevalleymill.com
Instagram: @cvmllc
Facebook: @CastleValleyMill
No Kneed Overnight Bread Recipe: No Kneed Bread

My guest this week is Artist Amy MacHale. Over the years she’s been involved in a variety of artistic endeavors, from graphic design to even creating a dress out of paper—but recently her focus has been in painting, both with oil and alcohol ink. She shares the unique process of creating art with moonshine, the joy of creating with other people, and raising awareness about epilepsy through her art.
Topics Covered:
Painting with Alcohol InkFinding Your Own TechniquesA Family of Creative EntrepreneursCreating Art TogetherArt for Epilepsy AwarenessFinding New Creative OutletsLinks:
Amy’s Website: amymachaleart.myportfolio.comAmy’s Instagram: @pageandmasonGallery with Amy’s work: @thestudio276Amy’s family’s Distillery: @cedarmountainmoonshine

My guest this week is Ashley Wellman, an author and owner of the aMUSEd gallery in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. We talk about what goes into producing a quality book, finding a creative process that works for you, and, of course, the reason behind why she creates.
Topics Covered:
Writing a Children’s BookGetting “Permission” to be CreativeRunning and Art GalleryWhat Makes a Quality BookFinding a Process that Works for YouLinks:
Ashley’s Website: www.ashleywellman.comMy Friend Fresno: www.myfriendfresno.comGhosts of the Abbey: AmazonAshley’s Instagram: @MyFriendFresnoaMUSEd Art Gallery: www.amusedfineart.comaMUSEd Instagram: @amusedfineart
www.jontilton.com