The Create! Podcast

Ekaterina Popova
  • 4.9 (254)
  • VISUAL ARTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Create! Podcast (formerly Art & Cocktails) is your space for inspiration, encouragement, and practical insight at the intersection of contemporary art, creative business, and mindset. Hosted by artist, coach, and Create! Magazine founder Ekaterina Popova, the show is designed to help you grow your art career, expand your creative vision, and build a sustainable, joyful life. Through candid conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, writers, curators, and thought leaders—as well as empowering solo episodes—you'll find tools, ideas, and stories that remind you that life itself is your canvas, and you have the power to create a career and future that truly supports you. Find us at www.createmagazine.co/podcast — where the conversation about art and business starts.

  1. 6H AGO

    Finding Your North Star: For Artists Who Refuse to Compromise Their Vision with Jessica Libor

    What happens when you feel outside pressure to make work that doesn't feel like you? In this episode, Kat sits down with Philadelphia-based artist and curator Jessica Libor for a deeply honest conversation about identity, persistence, and building a creative life on your own terms. Jessica shares the story of applying to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts several times before getting in, navigating the tension between her love of fairy tales and beautiful imagery and an academic environment heavily influenced by postmodern aesthetics. She opens up about making dark, tortured paintings to fit in - and how she eventually found her way back to the work she was always meant to make. They also dig into how Jessica launched Era Contemporary, her own gallery and curatorial project, and why creating your own opportunities is sometimes the most powerful move an artist can make. You'll also hear about the mindset tools Jessica swears by - from attending high-end exhibitions and imagining yourself in the room as an exhibiting artist, to journaling and scripting her ideal creative life. She also shares the manifestation story behind getting into Spring Break Art Fair, one of New York's most exciting independent art events. This episode is full of honest reflection on imposter syndrome, developing a personal aesthetic under pressure, and what it really means to stay connected to your North Star as an artist. ABOUT JESSICA LIBOR Jessica Libor is a Philadelphia-based artist whose work explores feminine identity, storytelling, and personal mythology through a lens deeply rooted in global fairy tales and folklore. She holds an MFA from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and has pursued classical training at the Grand Central Atelier and the Florence Academy of Art. Her work has been exhibited internationally, including solo shows in Paris and Philadelphia, and she was selected for the prestigious SPRING/BREAK Art Show in New York in 2025. Her paintings are held in private collections worldwide and have been featured in American Art Collector, Beautiful Bizarre Magazine, and on WHYY/PBS. She is also the host of The Creative Heroine Podcast. Follow her work at jessicalibor.com and on Instagram at @jessicaliborstudio. ENJOYING THE SHOW? Leave a review on iTunes and share with a fellow artist or art lover. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and visit www.createmagazine.co/call-for-art to submit your work to our latest open call in partnership with Square One Gallery. Join our weekly newsletter: https://createmagazine.myflodesk.com/newsletter

    25 min
  2. You Might Also Like: Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

    6H AGO · BONUS

    You Might Also Like: Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

    Introducing "ChuckleHut 3000 On The Corner Of Butt And Ass" (w/ Sarah Sherman) from Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang. Follow the show: Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang There's a tonnage of laughter on this one as Sarah Sherman is back! Her special, Live + In The Flesh is streaming on HBO Max, so the child has popped by a get blackout drunk on about four sips of Martini and get through almost a whole a hand of topics. You will have several Big Osaka Laughs and be Sent Boots as a result of your listening experience.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. 5D AGO

    What Collectors Wish Emerging Artists Knew About the Art Market in 2026 with Sonia Borrell

    What does it actually take to build a sustainable, global art career in 2026? As the market shifts away from the high-octane speculation of the early 2020s, a new era of radical transparency and artist autonomy is emerging. In this episode, host Ekaterina Popova sits down with visionary curator, collector, and entrepreneur Sonia Borrell to pull back the curtain on what the world's top collectors are looking for right now. Sonia shares the inspiration behind her newest venture, StudiotoGallery, a platform designed to dismantle traditional gatekeeping and return control to the creator. From the importance of "positioning over visibility" to navigating the rapid growth of the Chinese art market, this conversation is a masterclass in modern art business. Whether you're an emerging painter or an established professional, Sonia's insights offer a refreshing, high-level perspective on thriving in today's selective ecosystem. Inside the Conversation The 2026 Market Recalibration: Sonia discusses why "hype" pricing is falling away and how artists can re-emerge by focusing on authentic connections and sustainable growth. The Sovereign Artist: A look at the StudiotoGallery model, where artists maintain full control over their pricing, inventory, and gallery representation. The Power of Positioning: Why your "human filter" and professional presentation matter more to a museum or serious collector than a viral Instagram reel. Global Expansion: Sonia shares her experience bridging the gap between Western creators and major corporate partners and institutions in China. Sustainable Partnerships: How to identify a "human-centric" gallery and why the future of the art world relies on collaborative, shoulder-to-shoulder work. Protecting Your Practice: Practical advice on avoiding scammers, managing mental health in the studio, and staying positive during market shifts. About Sonia Borrell Sonia Borrell is a prominent art world connector, collector, and founder of Art Belina and StudiotoGallery. With deep roots in the international market, she specializes in helping artists scale their businesses through IP collaborations, museum placements, and high-level mentorship. Sonia is a pioneer in the movement toward a more transparent and educator-led art market, providing artists with the tools they need to lead their own careers. Connect with Our Guest Website: soniabblondon.com Platform: studiotogallery.com Resources for Artists Create! Magazine

    39 min

  4. FEB 10

    Is Art the Missing Fifth Pillar of Health? Proving the Science of Creative Life Force with Daisy Fancourt

    What if I told you that making art literally changes your DNA? In a world that often treats creativity as a luxury or a hobby, the data is finally catching up to what artists have always felt: art is essential medicine. In this episode, Kat sits down with Daisy Fancourt, a professor of psychobiology and epidemiology at University College London, whose groundbreaking research provides the "validation ammunition" every creative needs. We dive into her new book, Art Cure, which presents decades of evidence showing that arts engagement is a vital clinical intervention.From reducing stress hormones like cortisol to slowing biological aging and influencing gene expression, we explore why creative engagement should be recognized as the Fifth Pillar of Health alongside nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management.   In this episode, we discuss: The "Fifth Pillar" Concept: Why creative engagement is as vital to your longevity as diet and exercise. The Biology of Art: How making and viewing art creates measurable health benefits that accumulate over time. DNA & Gene Expression: The fascinating science behind how creativity affects our bodies at a cellular level. Validation for Artists: Why your work is a necessity for your collectors and the world, especially during turbulent times. The Psychobiology of Art: Daisy's journey from professional pianist to leading researcher at UCL.   Resources & Links Mentioned: The Book: Art Cure by Daisy Fancourt Daisy's Research Group: SBPR Research Create! Magazine: www.createmagazine.co Newsletter: Join the Weekly Newsletter Community: Follow Create! Magazine on Instagram   Connect with the Guest: Daisy Fancourt is Professor of Psychobiology and Epidemiology at University College London where she heads the Social Biobehavioural Research Group, and Director of the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre on Arts and Health. She has published 300 scientific papers, won over two dozen academic prizes and is listed as one of the most highly cited scientists in the world. Daisy is also a multi-award-winning science communicator and has been named a World Economic Forum Global Shaper and BBC New Generation Thinker.

    20 min

  5. FEB 5

    Emi Avora: Mediterranean Light, Mythology, and the Art of Relocation

    In this episode, host Kat (Ekaterina Popova) is joined by painter Emi Avora, a London-trained and Singapore-based artist whose work blends architectural structure with lush, dreamlike abstraction. Drawing from her upbringing in Greece, Mediterranean light, mythology, and lived experiences across cultures, Emi creates immersive interiors that feel both opulent and quietly haunting. www.emiavora.com   In this conversation, we discuss:   Emi's journey: From growing up in her father's studio in Corfu to her formal art education. The influence of light: How Mediterranean light remains a primary tool for creating clarity in her work. Finding roots through relocation: How moving to Singapore drew her back to symbols and mythology in her subject matter. Building a sustainable practice: Insights on balancing motherhood with a dedicated studio life and trusting the slow unfolding of your work. Professional milestones: Her recent recognition as the winner of the Women in Art Prize and what that visibility has meant for her career.   Connect with us: Website: https://www.createmagazine.co/ Instagram: @createmagazine Substack: https://createmagazine.substack.com

    29 min

  6. JAN 30

    Mastering the Subconscious: Intuitive Painting and Global Art Career with August Vilella

    What happens when you stop obsessively planning and trying to control the outcome in the studio and start letting your subconscious lead the way? In this episode of the Create! Podcast, host Ekaterina Popova chats with August Vilella, a self-taught artist whose intuitive approach has landed his work in Art Basel and major galleries across Asia and Europe. August reveals how he abandoned sketches and rigid concepts to find a "direct language" that transcends cultural and language barriers. We explore his "happy accident" move to Japan, his upcoming 10th-anniversary chronological exhibition, and why he believes the best career investment you can make is simply showing up in person.  In This Episode, We Discuss:   The Intuitive Method: Why August starts with a completely white canvas and no prior ideas or sketches to allow the subconscious and past experiences to take a leading role.  The Self-Taught Advantage: How skipping art school allowed August to find his own unique style and "signature" before being influenced by a teacher's perspective.  Building a Career from Zero: The story of how a two-week trip for a show in 2020 turned into a five-year Japanese residency after a flight was cancelled during the pandemic.  Being Your Own "Bad Boss": The discipline required to be strict with gallery deadlines while maintaining a meditative, improvisational creative process.  The "Lottery" of Opportunities: Why traveling to openings and art fairs is essential for letting collectors and directors see your energy and story, not just the final work.  Milestone Exhibitions: A look at his massive 500-square-meter 10th-anniversary show in Shenzhen and upcoming solo exhibitions in Tokyo and Ginza.  Key Quotes: "All my past experience have some deep impact in my painting... my subconscious mind have a very important role in the creative process." — August Vilella "The best way to make an interesting career is to travel, to meet people, to talk with people... they not only see your work, they also see your energy." — August Vilella Connect with the Guest: Instagram: www.instagram.com/august_vilella_art/ Website: augustvilella.com About the Host: Ekaterina Popova is an artist and the founder of Create! Magazine. Explore more articles and opportunities for artists at www.createmagazine.co.

    19 min

  7. JAN 23

    Finding Your Collectors Without Galleries: Sharone Halevy on Commission Work, The Superfair, and Why Artists Need Hobbies

    In this episode, I reconnect with Sharone Halevy nearly a year after our collector talk at Superfine (now The Superfair) in San Francisco. Sharone is an abstract expressionist painter who's built her entire practice around commission work and selling directly to collectors without gallery representation. We discuss her transition from theater directing to painting, why she works on sliding scales to make art accessible, and how she uses sound and storytelling to create "tangible memories," paintings that capture how moments felt rather than every detail. Sharone shares her approach to building confidence, why friends and family are your first important collectors, and how she leveraged social media to create direct audience connection. As lead curator and operations manager at The Superfair, Sharone coaches every exhibiting artist on booth curation, pricing strategy, and selling techniques. We discuss the fair's rebrand and refocus on attracting the right buyers rather than massive crowds, and why in-person events matter for artists, especially those in rural areas. We wrap up with Sharone's challenge for the year: find a hobby. Not another income stream or content for social media, something tactile and creative you do purely for joy.   CALL FOR ART: CREATE! MAGAZINE 2026 WOMEN'S INTERNATIONAL EDITION  Deadline: January 31st, 2026 Submit: https://www.createmagazine.co/call-for-art   CONNECT WITH SHARONE:  Instagram: www.instagram.com/art_by_sharone/ Website: https://www.artbysharone.com   CONNECT WITH CREATE! MAGAZINE:  Instagram: @createmagazine Collective: https://www.createmagazine.co/collective Website: https://www.createmagazine.co   MENTIONED: The Superfair: thesuperfair.com  1000 Libraries coloring books

    33 min

  8. JAN 19

    The Sustainable Studio: Reality Transurfing, Pendulums, and Avoiding Burnout

    In this episode, Kat addresses the familiar "January tension"—the conflict between feeling ambitious about new goals while simultaneously exhausted from the past year. She explores what "sustainability" actually means for artists, moving beyond the buzzword to examine what emotionally and financially supports a creative career. Kat shares insights from Vadim Zeland's book Reality Transurfing, discussing the concept of "pendulums"—energy structures built on collective beliefs (like the pressure to post daily on social media) that feed off our energy. She explains why feeding these pendulums is a losing game and how true magic happens when you prioritize joy and flow over algorithms. Finally, Kat breaks down the difference between the "glamour" of the art world (museum shows, viral posts) and the reality of what actually pays the bills, encouraging listeners to conduct a "Sustainable Studio Audit" to track income, time, and energy costs. Key Takeaways: The January Tension: Navigating the split between wanting to force your career forward and acknowledging deep exhaustion Understanding Pendulums: How collective beliefs (like "real artists suffer" or "you must hustle 24/7") become energy vampires that distract us from our true desires Reality Transurfing: Insights from Vadim Zeland's book on how energy flows naturally when you do what you truly want, rather than what you think you should do Glamour vs. Reality: Why the things that look successful (fancy gallery representation, viral reels) are often not the things that pay the bills (print sales, teaching, direct sales) Imposter Syndrome: Overcoming the feeling that you aren't "legitimate" if your business is scrappy or doesn't fit the traditional art world model The Sustainable Studio Audit: A practical exercise to list your income sources, estimate time invested, and rate energy cost (low, medium, high) to eliminate what drains you Resources Mentioned: Reality Transurfing by Vadim Zeland Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Grapevine. The secondary market already exists around your work—it's just happening without you. When art reappears on eBay or Craigslist, it loses context, and so do you. Grapevine is being built to change that, helping artists turn resale energy into momentum and value. Grapevine gives artists a simple page of their own where collectors can resell work peer-to-peer, with your approval, your context, and optional royalties if you choose. Learn more and reclaim your secondary market at grapevine.market. Connect with Create! Magazine: Website & Magazine: createmagazine.co Education & Resources: createu.co Newsletter: createmagazine.substack.com  Instagram: @createmagazine

    25 min
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4.9
out of 5
254 Ratings

About

The Create! Podcast (formerly Art & Cocktails) is your space for inspiration, encouragement, and practical insight at the intersection of contemporary art, creative business, and mindset. Hosted by artist, coach, and Create! Magazine founder Ekaterina Popova, the show is designed to help you grow your art career, expand your creative vision, and build a sustainable, joyful life. Through candid conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, writers, curators, and thought leaders—as well as empowering solo episodes—you'll find tools, ideas, and stories that remind you that life itself is your canvas, and you have the power to create a career and future that truly supports you. Find us at www.createmagazine.co/podcast — where the conversation about art and business starts.

Information

  • Creator
    Ekaterina Popova
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    429
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Create! Magazine LLC
  • Show Website
    The Create! Podcast

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