The Independent Artist Podcast

Douglas Sigwarth/ Will Armstrong
  • 4.9 (96)
  • Visual Arts
  • Monthly

Visual Artists! You are not alone! IAP gives voice to the working artist. Inspirational and entertaining conversations with successful road show artists. Every story delves into the process of self-discovery behind the work and the career path that creates financial success. Douglas Sigwarth is a glassblower, and Will Armstrong is a mixed-media artist. Both have been working as independent artists for over 20 years on the art fair circuit. As cohosts, their contrasting experiences and styles make for comical and relatable talks that affect today’s contemporary artists.

  1. 3d ago

    Remembering David Bjurstrom

    In Memoriam: David Bjurstrom — One More Conversation Some artists leave an impression. Others leave a legacy. David Bjurstrom did both. A giant in the art fair world, David was more than an extraordinary artist. He was a larger-than-life presence who elevated the art on the street, inspired those around him, and helped shape the community we know and love. For this special episode of The Independent Artist Podcast, we're reaching back to our very first season to revisit a conversation with David. We wanted to give our community the opportunity to hear his voice one more time, to enjoy his wit and wisdom, and to spend a little more time in his presence. David shares how he first found his way into the art world, how he caught the bug, and how his journey unfolded. He also reflects on his online presence and his approach to the occasional drama of the art fair world, offering one of his wonderfully memorable observations: "Not my monkeys, not my circus, but I sure love circuses." It's a conversation filled with the humor, candor, and personality that made David so unforgettable. We dedicate this episode with love to David's husband, William Bloodgood, and to everyone whose life was touched by David's remarkable spirit. So pour yourself a gin and tonic, settle in, and join us for one more conversation with David Bjurstrom. Here's to you, David. SHOW LINKS CHERRY CREEK ARTS FESTIVAL APPLICATION: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=12760 ARTIST BY ARTIST: https://artistbyartist.substack.com/ FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram https://www.instagram.com/independentartistpodcast/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/independentartistpodcast Website https://independentartistpodcast.buzzsprout.com/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@theindependentartistpodcast Email independentartistpodcast@gmail.com (contact us here about advertising on our show) PLEASE RATE US AND REVIEW US.......... and SUBSCRIBE to the pod on your favorite streaming app. SUPPORT THE SHOW VENMO/ username @independentartistpodcast or through PAYPAL.ME by clicking on this link https://paypal.me/independentartistpod?locale.x=en_US Sponsors The National Association of Independent Artists (NAIA). http://www.naiaartists.org/membership-account/membership-levels/ ZAPPlication https://www.zapplication.org Support the show

    Remembering David Bjurstrom

  2. Oct 26

    Good, Big, Red, and Sexy!

    Good, Big, Red, and Sexy! Another summer on the art fair circuit is in the books—or at least it is for some of us! This week on The Independent Artist Podcast, Will and Douglas look back on a season filled with unexpected challenges, memorable moments, and the kind of stories that only life on the road can produce. From mechanical breakdowns and extreme weather to finding inspiration amid chaos, it's all part of making a living as an independent artist. For some artists, the season is finally winding down. For others, the calendar is backloaded with shows that keep the wheels turning well into fall. Will shares the story of his van's engine failure and the battle to get it covered under warranty, while we revisit the sweltering heat of the St. Louis Art Fair and the challenges of keeping yourself going when life on the road takes its toll. Meanwhile, Douglas looks for a little normalcy on the art fair circuit while his world back home has been turned upside down by a complete home renovation. Sometimes, the familiar chaos of an art show is a welcome escape from the chaos waiting for you at home. But this conversation goes well beyond the logistics of making a living as an artist. We explore the different ways artists tap into their creativity, including a fascinating glimpse into songwriter Linda Perry's creative process in the documentary Let It Die Here. We also reflect on the passing of a dear friend who built an extraordinary career on the art fair circuit and, before his passing, had the rare opportunity to see just how deeply the community loved him. And as another season comes to a close, we ask a bigger question: How do we get off the hamster wheel of stress and worry long enough to reset, rewire our thinking, and make room for creativity again? Finally, we revisit an old piece of creative advice that might just be the perfect philosophy for artists everywhere: Make it good. If you can't make it good, make it big. If you can't make it big, make it red. And if you can't make it red, make it sexy! This episode is about resilience, friendship, creativity, and finding humor and inspiration in a life spent making art. SHOW LINKS CHERRY CREEK ARTS FESTIVAL APPLICATION: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=12760 ARTIST BY ARTIST: https://artistbyartist.substack.com/ FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram https://www.instagram.com/independentartistpodcast/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/independentartistpodcast Website https://independentartistpodcast.buzzsprout.com/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@theindependentartistpodcast Email independentartistpodcast@gmail.com (contact us here about advertising on our show) PLEASE RATE US AND REVIEW US.......... and SUBSCRIBE to the pod on your favorite streaming app. SUPPORT THE SHOW VENMO/ username @independentartistpodcast or through PAYPAL.ME by clicking on this link https://paypal.me/independentartistpod?locale.x=en_US Sponsors The National Association of Independent Artists (NAIA). http://www.naiaartists.org/membership-account/membership-levels/ ZAPPlication https://www.zapplication.org Support the show

    Good, Big, Red, and Sexy!

  3. Aug 10

    How's Your Summer Season Going? (part 2)

    How's Your Summer Season Going? – Part 2 We're back with Part 2 of our summer catch-up. After months of traveling to art fairs on different schedules, Douglas and Will reconnect to compare notes on how the season has unfolded. What starts as a conversation about recent shows—including Madison's Art Fair on the Square—quickly branches into some of the biggest topics artists are talking about this summer.  We unpack Madison's fortuitous relationship with Epic Systems' renowned art-buying program. If you've ever heard an artist say they had an "epic show," this episode explains why that phrase has become part of the art fair lexicon The conversation also explores what happens when collectors try to pressure artists into making a deal, practical strategies for handling discounts without devaluing your work, the effects of Canadian wildfire smoke on shows like Ann Arbor, the ever-evolving debate over reproductions, and whether inkjet printers blur the line between hand-crafted and automation. We wrap up by reflecting on the mentors, friends, collectors, and supporters whose encouragement gave us the confidence to keep creating and build sustainable careers as artists. Settle in and enjoy Part 2 of How's Your Summer Season Going? Evan Reinheimer's new tool for artists https://artshowplus.com/Wrapping up our summer art fair seasonMadison Art Fair on the Square and what artists mean by an "epic show"When collectors try to bully you into a dealNegotiating without devaluing your workWhen—and how—to offer discountsThe impact of Canadian wildfire smoke on shows like Ann ArborRevisiting the reproduction debateHow evolving inkjet technology is changing fine artThe people who gave us the confidence to pursue an art careerLessons learned from another summer on the roadCOCONUT GROVE ARTS FESTIVAL https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=14788 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram https://www.instagram.com/independentartistpodcast/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/independentartistpodcast Website https://independentartistpodcast.buzzsprout.com/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@theindependentartistpodcast Email independentartistpodcast@gmail.com (contact us here about advertising on our show) PLEASE RATE US AND REVIEW US.......... and SUBSCRIBE to the pod on your favorite streaming app. SUPPORT THE SHOW VENMO/ username @independentartistpodcast or through PAYPAL.ME by clicking on this link https://paypal.me/independentartistpod?locale.x=en_US Sponsors The National Association of Independent Artists (NAIA). http://www.naiaartists.org/membership-account/membership-levels/ ZAPPlication https://www.zapplication.org Support the show

    How's Your Summer Season Going? (part 2)

  4. Aug 3

    How's Your Summer Season Going? (part 1)

    Welcome to The Independent Artist Podcast with your hosts Douglas and Will — the show where we pull back the curtain on the real life of working artists.  How's Your Summer Season Going? (Part 1 of 2) After months of traveling on separate schedules, Douglas and Will finally sit down to catch up on how the summer art fair season has really been going. In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, they discuss the severe storms that have disrupted art fairs and threatened artists' livelihoods, along with the personal life changes that can make it difficult to stay focused while running a creative small business. They swap stories about memorable (and sometimes harrowing) show setups, navigating dangerous weather on the road, getting the call off a waitlist, and what it takes to think fast and go all in when opportunity arrives with almost no notice. The episode also features a conversation with fellow artist Evan Reinheimer, who shares a practical new tool he's developed to help artists and exhibitors better manage their art fair businesses. https://artshowplus.com/ Whether you're a veteran exhibiting artist, just beginning the festival circuit, or simply curious about what life on the road is really like, this episode offers an honest look at the challenges, surprises, and resilience it takes to build a career in the arts. Settle in and enjoy the ride. Topics covered: Summer art fairs and festivalsStorms, weather, and their impact on artistsPersonal challenges behind the scenesWaitlist opportunities and last-minute decisionsTraveling to shows and surviving difficult setupsEvan Reinheimer's new tool for artists https://artshowplus.com/COCONUT GROVE ARTS FESTIVAL https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=14788 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram https://www.instagram.com/independentartistpodcast/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/independentartistpodcast Website https://independentartistpodcast.buzzsprout.com/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@theindependentartistpodcast Email independentartistpodcast@gmail.com (contact us here about advertising on our show) PLEASE RATE US AND REVIEW US.......... and SUBSCRIBE to the pod on your favorite streaming app. SUPPORT THE SHOW VENMO/ username @independentartistpodcast or through PAYPAL.ME by clicking on this link https://paypal.me/independentartistpod?locale.x=en_US Sponsors The National Association of Independent Artists (NAIA). http://www.naiaartists.org/membership-account/membership-levels/ ZAPPlication https://www.zapplication.org Support the show

    How's Your Summer Season Going? (part 1)

  5. Jun 1

    Art Fair Bingo: Stories You Can't Make Up

    Welcome to The Independent Artist Podcast with your hosts Douglas and Will — the show where we pull back the curtain on the real life of working artists.  Art Fair Bingo: Stories You Can't Make Up What do threatening storms, celebrity sightings, unsolicited business advice, and tens of thousands of customer interactions have in common? They all happened during our recent whirlwind through some of the country's biggest art events. In this episode, Douglas and Will unpack the wild, funny, frustrating, and occasionally surreal moments from a stretch that included Main Street Fort Worth, New Orleans Jazz Fest, Southlake, Brookside Art Annual, and Artisphere. From keeping one eye on the radar as storms threatened to upend entire weekends, to navigating the feeling of losing control when circumstances refuse to cooperate, the road delivered no shortage of stories. Along the way, we talk about the customers who generously offered their suggestions on everything from booth design to business strategy, unexpected celebrity encounters, and the challenge of processing the overwhelming amount of information gathered from thousands of conversations with a constant stream of humanity. What do all of those interactions tell us about the shows, the art, and ourselves? Pull up a chair as we play a round of Art Fair Bingo and share the stories you simply couldn't make up—even if you tried. Every square on the card got marked during this run. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram https://www.instagram.com/independentartistpodcast/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/independentartistpodcast Website https://independentartistpodcast.buzzsprout.com/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@theindependentartistpodcast Email independentartistpodcast@gmail.com (contact us here about advertising on our show) PLEASE RATE US AND REVIEW US.......... and SUBSCRIBE to the pod on your favorite streaming app. SUPPORT THE SHOW VENMO/ username @independentartistpodcast or through PAYPAL.ME by clicking on this link https://paypal.me/independentartistpod?locale.x=en_US Sponsors The National Association of Independent Artists (NAIA). http://www.naiaartists.org/membership-account/membership-levels/ ZAPPlication https://www.zapplication.org Support the show

    Art Fair Bingo: Stories You Can't Make Up

  6. Apr 13

    Juggling Act

    Welcome to The Independent Artist Podcast with your hosts Douglas and Will — the show where we pull back the curtain on the real life of working artists.  As spring show season ramps up, co-hosts Douglas Sigwarth and Will Armstrong dive into the real-life balancing act of being a working artist on the road. Fresh off a demanding Florida circuit and gearing up for a run of Texas art festivals, they unpack what it takes to juggle family life, studio production, and the nonstop pace of travel. This candid conversation explores the often unseen side of an artist’s career—managing responsibilities at home, caring for loved ones, and staying present for family while being pulled into the intense focus required to create and sell work at a high level. It’s a season where the pressure is real, the calendar is full, and keeping all the balls in the air becomes both an art and a challenge. If you’ve ever struggled to balance your creative ambitions with the people and priorities that matter most, this episode will hit home. Episode tags: Art Worth: A Festival at Clearfork- https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=14014 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram https://www.instagram.com/independentartistpodcast/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/independentartistpodcast Website https://independentartistpodcast.buzzsprout.com/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@theindependentartistpodcast Email independentartistpodcast@gmail.com (contact us here about advertising on our show) PLEASE RATE US AND REVIEW US.......... and SUBSCRIBE to the pod on your favorite streaming app. SUPPORT THE SHOW VENMO/ username @independentartistpodcast or through PAYPAL.ME by clicking on this link https://paypal.me/independentartistpod?locale.x=en_US Sponsors The National Association of Independent Artists (NAIA). http://www.naiaartists.org/membership-account/membership-levels/ ZAPPlication https://www.zapplication.org Support the show

    Juggling Act

  7. Mar 9

    Manifestation of the Soul/ Nathalia Toledo Barcia

    Welcome to The Independent Artist Podcast with your hosts Douglas and Will — the show where we pull back the curtain on the real life of working artists.  Fresh off winning Best in Show at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, Ecuadorian artist Nathalia Toledo Barcia joins us for a deeply moving conversation about culture, soul, and the stories embedded in her work. Nathalia’s art lives at the intersection of painting and porcelain—where delicate surfaces become artifacts of memory and identity. Drawing from her Ecuadorian heritage, her paintings carry the visual language of her culture while her porcelain forms feel like relics of something timeless, as if they’ve been unearthed from a personal mythology. In this conversation, Nathalia shares a belief that resonates with many artists: every piece of art carries a piece of the maker’s soul. For her, art isn’t just an object—it’s a manifestation of spirit, a form of nourishment for both the creator and the viewer. We talk about what it means to create outside the corporate system, to live with the courage—and sometimes the naïveté—of believing that art can sustain a life. Natalia reminds us that artists are constantly evolving, constantly transforming, and that staying open to change is essential to a creative life. In a world that often measures value in productivity and profit, artists quietly become something else entirely: a form of resistance. This episode is a reminder that making art is more than a profession—it’s a way of keeping the soul alive. Episode tags: Art Worth: A Festival at Clearfork- https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=14014 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram https://www.instagram.com/independentartistpodcast/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/independentartistpodcast Website https://independentartistpodcast.buzzsprout.com/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@theindependentartistpodcast Email independentartistpodcast@gmail.com (contact us here about advertising on our show) PLEASE RATE US AND REVIEW US.......... and SUBSCRIBE to the pod on your favorite streaming app. SUPPORT THE SHOW VENMO/ username @independentartistpodcast or through PAYPAL.ME by clicking on this link https://paypal.me/independentartistpod?locale.x=en_US Sponsors The National Association of Independent Artists (NAIA). http://www.naiaartists.org/membership-account/membership-levels/ ZAPPlication https://www.zapplication.org Support the show

    Manifestation of the Soul/ Nathalia Toledo Barcia

  8. Feb 9

    Art That Speaks to This Moment/ Erin Curry

    Welcome to The Independent Artist Podcast with your hosts Douglas and Will — the show where we pull back the curtain on the real life of working artists.  Visual artists Douglas Sigwarth (https://www.sigwarthglass.com/) and Will Armstrong (http://www.willarmstrongart.com/) co-host and discuss topics affecting working artists. In this episode, we sit down with Erin Curry (https://erincurryart.storenvy.com/), an artist whose work is deeply informed by both science and lived experience. With a background in biology and a childhood shaped by parents who collected fine art and brought her to art fairs from an early age, Erin’s creative language is grounded in observation, systems, and an intimate understanding of how form, pattern, and meaning emerge over time. Our conversation moves squarely into the present moment—one marked by political tension, the rise of fascist ideologies, and the ever-present weight of ICE and state power pressing into daily life. Erin speaks candidly about how these forces inevitably seep into the studio, and why making art that responds to now is not only unavoidable, but necessary. This episode is a thoughtful reflection on inherited art worlds, scientific ways of seeing, and the responsibility—and risk—of creating work that bears witness to the time we’re living in. Episode tags: Art Worth: A Festival at Clearfork- https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=14014 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram https://www.instagram.com/independentartistpodcast/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/independentartistpodcast Website https://independentartistpodcast.buzzsprout.com/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@theindependentartistpodcast Email independentartistpodcast@gmail.com (contact us here about advertising on our show) PLEASE RATE US AND REVIEW US.......... and SUBSCRIBE to the pod on your favorite streaming app. SUPPORT THE SHOW VENMO/ username @independentartistpodcast or through PAYPAL.ME by clicking on this link https://paypal.me/independentartistpod?locale.x=en_US Sponsors The National Association of Independent Artists (NAIA). http://www.naiaartists.org/membership-account/membership-levels/ ZAPPlication https://www.zapplication.org Support the show

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4.9
out of 5
96 Ratings

About

Visual Artists! You are not alone! IAP gives voice to the working artist. Inspirational and entertaining conversations with successful road show artists. Every story delves into the process of self-discovery behind the work and the career path that creates financial success. Douglas Sigwarth is a glassblower, and Will Armstrong is a mixed-media artist. Both have been working as independent artists for over 20 years on the art fair circuit. As cohosts, their contrasting experiences and styles make for comical and relatable talks that affect today’s contemporary artists.

Information

  • Creator
    Douglas Sigwarth/ Will Armstrong
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    110
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Independent Artist Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Independent Artist Podcast

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