I Love Your Stories- Conversations with Artists and Creatives with Hava Gurevich

Hava Gurevich
  • 4.9 (31)
  • VISUAL ARTS

I Love Your Stories is a soulful conversation series hosted by artist and creative guide Hava Gurevich, where art meets authenticity. Each episode invites you into an intimate dialogue with artists, makers, and visionaries who are courageously crafting lives rooted in creativity, purpose, and self-expression. From painters and poets to healers and community builders, these are the stories behind the work—the moments of doubt, discovery, grief, joy, and transformation. Through honest, heart-centred conversations, Hava explores how creativity can be both a healing force and a path to personal truth. If you’re an artist, a dreamer, or someone drawn to a more intuitive and intentional way of living, this podcast will remind you that your story matters—and that the act of creating is a sacred, revolutionary act.

  1. MAY 12

    Episode #21 Victor Sotomayor on Poetry, Healing, Performance and Finding Your Voice

    In this episode of I Love Your Stories, Hava is joined by poet Victor Sotomayor, who performs under the name Italo. Based in Los Angeles and raised in Peru, Victor is also the co-founder of Theria Magazine and Theria Radio, platforms dedicated to supporting independent artists and creative voices outside the mainstream. The conversation explores poetry as a form of healing, emotional release, and self-discovery. Victor shares how performance allows him to fully embody his work, the story behind creating the persona of Italo, and why some poems are meant to be shared while others remain deeply personal. He also reads two of his poems during the episode, offering a glimpse into the emotional intensity and theatricality of his work. Hava and Victor discuss his two published books of poetry, including No Se Habla Español, an anthology centered around discrimination and identity, and The Oz Monologues, inspired by the characters of The Wizard of Oz. The latter went on to inspire an award-winning stage production. This is a conversation about art as transformation, creating space for authentic voices, and the ways poetry can help us process what is otherwise difficult to say. Website: https://www.theriaentertainment.com/   Theria Radio: google store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.TheriaRadio&hl=en_CA   apple store:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/theria-radio/id6468251515 Shownotes01:00:07 — Introduction to Victor Sotomayor, also known as Italo 01:02:28 — Victor shares how he came to poetry 01:03:51 — Growing up in Peru and returning to Los Angeles 01:07:40 — Poetry as healing and a way to process trauma 01:12:14 — Victor performs “Dear Dorothy” from The Oz Monologues 01:17:17 — How The Oz Monologues led to a theatre production and Russia 01:20:53 — Theria Radio and supporting independent artists 01:21:38 — The beginning of Theria Magazine 01:24:15 — Inviting artists to submit music and poetry 01:33:37 — Victor’s definition of success 01:38:55 — Friday night poetry on Theria Radio Memorable Quotes“Poetry is healing.”“We’re all storytellers.”“I was a poet back when I didn’t know what poetry was.”“We wanted to have a platform that caters to independent artists only.”“Sometimes I write poetry for me that I will never share.”“Your poetry doesn’t have to rhyme.”“Many people don’t realize they’re poets too.”“We are all artists, we are born artists.”“The more personal it is, the more universal it becomes.”

    41 min

  2. APR 20

    Episode #20 Janavi Folmsbee: Where Art, Science, and Ocean Advocacy Meet

    In this episode of I Love Your Stories, Hava Gurevich is joined by Janavi Mahimtura Folmsbee, a multimedia artist and marine conservation advocate whose work exists at the intersection of art, science, and ocean storytelling. The conversation explores Janavi’s journey from growing up in Mumbai to studying at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and how her first scuba diving experience in the Lakshadweep islands in 2008 transformed both her life and artistic practice. Janavi shares how she integrates scientific research into her work, collaborating with marine scientists on projects ranging from public art installations to scientific publications, all aimed at deepening connection and awareness around ocean ecosystems. The episode also highlights her exhibition Magic Water at the Rockport Center for the Arts in Texas, featuring underwater photography, oil paintings, and porcelain sculptures inspired by marine life from around the world. A thoughtful conversation on purpose, interdisciplinary creativity, and redefining success through meaningful connection and impact. New ExhibitionMagic Water at Rockport Art Center, April 18 - June 7, 2026https://www.rockportartcenter.com/exhibitions/janavifolmsbee Website: www.janavimfolmsbee.com   IG:https://www.instagram.com/janavimahimturafolmsbee/ Shownotes  00:00 Introduction to Janavi Folmsbee 01:05 Janavi’s work at the intersection of art and science 02:10 Sponsor message: Art Storefronts 03:25 Janavi’s background and growing up in Mumbai by the Arabian Sea 05:10 Becoming an artist and first solo exhibition at 16 06:40 Studying at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago 08:15 Interdisciplinary art practice, pigment theory, and materials 10:20 First dive experience and connection to the ocean 13:00 Recreating calm, meditation, and emotional connection through art 15:10 Becoming a scuba diver and ocean advocate 16:45 Working with divers and marine scientists 18:30 Art for scientific papers and collaboration with marine labs 20:15 Art as advocacy and education 22:10 Ocean optimism and ocean abundance 24:20 Why hope matters when communicating environmental issues 26:00 Art vs science: translating data into emotion 28:10 Installation work and the Lockett series 30:00 Current research: coraline algae and reef systems 32:15 Bioabundance and ecosystem balance 34:10 Invasive species and anthropogenic change 36:30 Questioning science and pushing new ideas 38:10 Exhibition Magic Water overview 40:20 Exhibition structure: photography, paintings, sculptures 42:30 What viewers will feel and experience 44:10 Concept of one ocean and global connection 46:00 Definition of success 48:20 Art, connection, and human response 50:30 Where to find Janavi online 51:20 Closing remarks and sponsor message

    37 min

  3. MAR 31

    Episode #19 Photographing Dreams and Memory with Susan Burnstine

    Award-winning fine art photographer Susan Burnstine joins this episode to discuss her journey from Hollywood film production to becoming a full-time artist whose haunting dreamlike photographs are created with cameras she built herself.In this conversation, Susan shares how childhood night terrors and her mother’s artistic guidance shaped her creative process. She reflects on her years working in the film industry, the turning point that brought her back to photography, and the moment she first captured the aesthetic she had been searching for.The discussion explores her approach to symbolism, intuition, and dream imagery in photography, the experience of building her own cameras, and the importance of creating from the heart rather than technical perfection. Susan also talks about mentoring artists, teaching creativity, and how her definition of success has changed over time. Website: http://www.susanburnstine.com/ *Shownotes*Growing up in Chicago and studying photography in high school Being inspired by films shot at her school and developing an interest in visual storytelling Early experience working for a professional photographer Choosing filmmaking and moving to Hollywood A personal tragedy that shifted her perspective and led her back to photography Childhood night terrors and using art to cope with fear Recreating dreams through photography as a form of healing Discovering toy cameras like the Holga and learning to photograph intuitively The challenge from her father that led her to build her own cameras Developing a prototype camera and capturing the first successful image Using dream imagery, symbols, and metaphor in photography Creating photographs that allow viewers to form their own interpretation Teaching photography and helping artists discover their own creative voice Working with students online around the world Building a career as a full-time artist for over twenty years Publishing monographs and exhibiting work internationally Embracing imperfection as an essential part of creativity The influence of impressionism and pictorialism on her photography Defining success through self-expression and living life on her own terms *Memorable Quotes*“Toy cameras teach you to shoot differently — to shoot from your heart, not your head.” “When you’re looking through a view camera, you’re not seeing what you’re really shooting, so you have to go with your instinct.” “I wanted to recreate the dream world in a positive light rather than the negative night terrors.” “Imperfection is perfection to me.” “Life is so messy. Life is so imperfect.” “Once I put the image out in the world, it should be your own experience.” “Sometimes when I hit the shutter, I just know.” “I teach what you know. I help people discover what is unique about them.” “The essence of creativity just happened in front of me.” “Success is about achieving self-expression on my own terms.” “I’ll leave this life and say I lived the life I wanted to live.”

    42 min

  4. MAR 11

    Episode #18 Chasing Rare Moments with Dark Sky Photographer Jeff Pfaller

    Photographer Jeff Pfaller joins host Hava Gurevich to talk about dark sky photography and rare natural phenomena—aurora, the Milky Way, comets, eclipses, and more. Jeff shares how he moved from writing and advertising into photographing what cameras can reveal beyond human night vision, why he cares less about technical perfection than capturing the feeling of being there, and what it’s like to chase events where so much can go wrong. They discuss planning versus unpredictability, learning to embrace imperfect conditions, guiding trips for photographers and non-photographers alike, doing art fairs, and Jeff’s evolving definition of success—finding fulfilment in making the work, with selling as a way to keep doing more. Websitehttps://jeffpfaller.com/  Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/pfallerj *Shownotes* Jeff explains what “dark sky” means and how it relates to night conditions and environments without sunlight. How long exposures allow cameras to capture light and detail beyond what the human eye can see at night. Jeff’s background in writing and advertising, and how storytelling shaped his approach to photography. His early struggle to capture the feeling of travel experiences in photos rather than just documenting places. The moment he first photographed the Milky Way and became fascinated by what exists beyond normal perception. His experience seeing Yosemite’s firefall and the emotional impact of witnessing rare natural events. Why he focuses on capturing how a moment feels instead of technical perfection or photo-realism. The challenges of photographing rare phenomena such as eclipses, comets, and unpredictable weather conditions. The importance of embracing imperfect or unexpected conditions and finding beauty in them. Planning ahead by scouting locations in daylight and using apps to predict where celestial objects will appear. His perspective on gear and why he believes smartphones can be powerful tools for night photography. Balancing photography with a full-time remote role as a UX writer at Mozilla. Selling prints and wall art online, along with guided trips as a way to share experiences with others. Encouraging people to experience moments with their eyes first rather than focusing only on the photograph. The value of guided trips and witnessing others experience rare natural events for the first time. His focus on family, sharing these experiences with his children, and creating meaningful memories together. Why he chose art fairs as a way to connect with people and build relationships in person. Lessons from art fairs, including humility, rejection, and the importance of personal connection. How photography can trigger personal memories and emotions in viewers. His evolving definition of success, focusing on enjoyment of the creative process rather than outcomes. Viewing sales as a way to continue creating rather than as the primary measure of success. His journey from writing novels and scripts to making art for personal fulfillment. How people can find his work online and meet him at art fairs in the Midwest.

    36 min

  5. FEB 16

    Episode #17 Two Beautiful Mistakes: Gary Zuercher and The Glow of Paris

    Photographer and author Gary Zuercher joins host Hava Gurevich to share the story behind his signature series, The Glow of Paris: The Bridges of Paris at Night.  What began as an accidental overexposed photograph of the Alexander III Bridge became a five-year, winter-only project to photograph every bridge in Paris at night, followed by a year of historical research. Gary discusses the technique that shaped the work, the solitude of photographing along the Seine in winter, the book’s publication and awards, major exhibitions in Paris, and the chance encounter in Mexico City that first brought him to Paris and eventually to his wife. The conversation also explores his dual career in business and photography, how he defines success, and why he believes photographers should experience shooting and developing film in a darkroom. Gary Zuercherhttps://www.parisbridges.com/ The Glow of Paris Podcast:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXoyu1A_mQ4 SHOWNOTESHow an accidentally overexposed photograph of the Alexander III Bridge sparked the Paris Bridges Project Using overexposure and under-development to create luminous nighttime images The “two beautiful mistakes” that shaped the project Photographing every bridge in Paris at night over five years Spending an additional year researching the history of each bridge for the book Early experiences with photography through a Boy Scouts merit badge and a basement darkroom Studying at Ohio State University and the Parsons School of Design in Paris The chance meeting in a Mexico City airport that led to Paris and meeting his future wife Why the project was shot only in winter Photographing alone at night along the Seine Publishing The Glow of Paris in English and French Winning a gold medal at the annual New York Book Convention The work entering permanent collections including the Library of Congress Major exhibitions in Paris, including the Hôtel de Ville and public outdoor displays Defining success as an artist versus success in business Advice for photographers to learn film and darkroom techniques alongside digital

    33 min

  6. JAN 28

    Episode #16 Creative Evolution: Building a Sustainable Life in the Arts with Lindsay Peyton

    Artist, curator, and writer Lindsay Peyton joins host Hava Gurevich for a wide-ranging conversation about what it takes to build a lasting life in the arts. Lindsay shares her path from acreatively rich childhood into painting and photography, her time studying photojournalism, and the many hats she’s worn along the way—teaching, curating, running galleries, doing PR forartists, and returning to graduate school later in life. They talk about the realities of sustaining anart career, including the invisible business and promotional work behind getting art seen, howcreativity moves across disciplines, and Lindsay’s perspective on AI as a tool for writing andbeyond. Lindsay's website:  https://www.lindsaypeytonart.com/ Lindsay's IG account: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaypeytonart

    34 min

  7. JAN 5

    Episode #15 Michael Gurevich: Creativity as a Core Need: Play, Flow, and Letting Go of Outcomes

    In part two of Hava Gurevich’s conversation with Michael “Misha” Gurevich, they explore the idea that creativity isn’t optional—it’s a core human need. Misha shares how an existential crisis during the dot-com era led him from software development in San Francisco to meditation and creative exploration in Fairfield, Iowa, including discovering morning pages through The Artist’s Way and building a writing tool called Ilys. They discuss creativity as process over outcome, the role of play, how expectations block flow, and how “permission” opens the gates for expression. Misha also describes how he practices play through riding an electric unicycle, training to become a kiteboarding instructor, and preparing for a 1,800 km kiteboardingexpedition in Brazil—using these activities as real-world flow training. www.instagram.com/michaelgurevich777/    Discover Ilys: https://www.ilys.com/ Memorable quotes “Creativity isn’t optional… a core human need, right after food and sex.” “I was living the dream… until I had an existential crisis when my grandfather died and I began asking questions.” “I really felt a deep, meaningful internal shift… when I allowed myself to do that with no outcome other than just having the experience.” “The only requirement for it to be successful is that you just do it.” “You have to let go of the need to create in order to actually create.” “There’s this level of mental overseer that’s looking and judging…” “We might not recognize it when it comes up… it won’t be until later… to look at the mess that we’ve made and inside that mess where are the gems.” “Any supermarket is as spiritual as any holy temple.”

    43 min

  8. 12/17/2025

    Episode #14 Carmen Davailus: Creativity, Courage, and Finding Your Voice at Any Age.

    In this crossover Halloween episode, host Hava Gurevich sits down with photographer, podcaster, and former nurse practitioner Carmen Davailus. They talk about creativity, vulnerability in sharing art, how people connect emotionally with images, and what it means to step into your voice later in life. Carmen reflects on her journey from 40 years in healthcare to photography and storytelling, and shares a powerful full-circle moment when she reconnected with the family of her first neonatal patient after 40 years. Hava discusses patterns in art, personal growth, and how creativity ties together different parts of life. Together, they explore passion, meaning, and why it’s never too late to say thank you or share a story.https://www.carmensfineart.com/  https://www.instagram.com/carmensfineart/  Carmen's podcast: The Art of a Meaningful Life: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLytsm2Q-CHzaUIxZbrUkZbivL0p1-xa-l&si=cTmvlLtgX9nxYzHz

    45 min
See All (21)

4.9
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

I Love Your Stories is a soulful conversation series hosted by artist and creative guide Hava Gurevich, where art meets authenticity. Each episode invites you into an intimate dialogue with artists, makers, and visionaries who are courageously crafting lives rooted in creativity, purpose, and self-expression. From painters and poets to healers and community builders, these are the stories behind the work—the moments of doubt, discovery, grief, joy, and transformation. Through honest, heart-centred conversations, Hava explores how creativity can be both a healing force and a path to personal truth. If you’re an artist, a dreamer, or someone drawn to a more intuitive and intentional way of living, this podcast will remind you that your story matters—and that the act of creating is a sacred, revolutionary act.

Information

  • Creator
    Hava Gurevich
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Hava Gurevich

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