Art & Cocktails – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this special episode of Art & Cocktails, artist Danielle Clough joins host Ekaterina Popova (Kat) to share her journey to becoming an internationally recognized embroidery artist. Known for her bold, painterly thread work and playful approach to fiber, Danielle opens up about finding her voice, building a creative career on her own terms, and embracing the power of intuition and process.

She reflects on the evolution of her practice—from sewing plush toys and experimenting with “thread sketching” to creating intricate embroidered portraits that feel like paintings. Danielle also discusses her breakout moment with Colossal, the inspiration behind her newest solo show Crewel Intentions at Paradigm Gallery, and how she reimagines vintage imagery through a contemporary lens.

This episode explores the value of craft in the art world, the importance of protecting what you love when working with commercial brands, and the joy of slowing down through hands-on making. Danielle offers heartfelt encouragement for emerging fiber artists and shares the story behind her iconic Instagram handle, @fiance_knowles.

If you're in Philadelphia, don’t miss her solo exhibition Crewel Intentions, now on view at Paradigm Gallery.

More info: paradigmarts.org/blogs/news/danielle-clough-crewel-intentions

Follow Danielle Clough:
Website: danielleclough.com
Instagram: @fiance_knowles

Apply to be featured in Create! Magazine’s 9-Year Anniversary Print Issue:
createmagazine.co/call-for-art

Subscribe to Create! Dispatch on Substack:
createmagazine.substack.com

Explore artist courses and resources at Create U:
createu.co

Follow us on Instagram:
@createmagazine

This episode is a dream come true. I sit down with bestselling author and poet Maggie Smith, whose viral poem Good Bones captured hearts around the world. We talk about navigating creative life with honesty and resilience—from managing unsupportive friends to staying grounded when the world starts watching.

We also dive into her newest book, Dear Writer, and how artists can protect their joy, set boundaries, and thrive in the AI era by getting weird, staying real, and honoring their process.

If you're a writer, artist, or creative soul trying to stay true to your work in a noisy world—this one's for you.

In this episode, we talk about:

• What happened when Good Bones went viral (14:40)

• Why you don’t need to monetize everything you make (18:25)

• Dealing with unsupportive family and friends (30:00)

• How to write personal stories safely and honestly (42:10)

• Maggie’s approach to creative rhythm vs. consistency (52:30)

• Why imperfection, eccentricity, and “making it weirder” matter now more than ever (1:02:00)

Guest Bio:
Maggie Smith is the author of You Could Make This Place Beautiful, Good Bones, Goldenrod, and Keep Moving. Her poems and essays have appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Paris Review, and Best American Poetry. A recipient of fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and Ohio Arts Council, her next book Dear Writer: Pep Talks & Practical Advice for the Creative Life will be released in April 2025.

Connect with Maggie Smith:
Website: maggiesmithpoet.com
Instagram: @maggiesmithpoet
Substack: For Dear Life

Presented by Create! Magazine
Submit to our open calls or subscribe to the digital edition at createmagazine.co

Let’s connect:
Instagram: @createmagazine
Host: @katerinaspopova

If you’ve ever thought, “Why am I not getting featured?”—this episode is for you. Whether your pitches are met with silence, you’re dropping “feature me” comments under open calls, or you’re simply unsure how to approach editors, this is the (loving) tough-love conversation you didn’t know you needed.

In this solo episode, Kat shares raw insight from her unique perspective as both a published artist and the editor of Create! Magazine. You’ll learn why some pitches get ignored (even when the art is strong), what editors are actually looking for, and how to approach press and media outreach with clarity, professionalism, and confidence.

She also pulls back the curtain on behind-the-scenes stories and common mistakes that hold artists back—like relying solely on social media comments, sending vague DMs, or coming off too self-promotional. You’ll leave with a grounded understanding of how to share your work in a way that actually resonates.

Kat also explores the energetic and mindset side of visibility—because getting featured isn’t just about tactics. It’s about believing you’re worthy of being seen, celebrated, and supported.

Want to take it further?

Grab Kat’s new mini course: How to Get Featured in Magazines and Press as an Artist at CreateU.co. It’s just $39 and includes a 40-minute video training, pitch templates, a press kit checklist, and Kat’s exact system that’s helped hundreds of artists land meaningful features.

New to juried submissions? Make sure you’re not skipping the basics—download our free guide: Essential Tips for Emerging Artists Before Submitting Their Work.

Your work deserves to be seen. Let’s make sure the right people find it.

Listen now, share with a fellow artist, and start visualizing your next feature—because it’s possible, and it’s closer than you think.

In today’s episode of Art & Cocktails, Kat introduces you to the life and art of James Razko, exploring his transition from military service to pursuing a career in art. Razko shares his personal journey, insights into his creative process, and experiences with his latest exhibition at Anna Zorina Gallery. This conversation reveals not just the evolution of an artist, but also the importance of personal growth, embracing change, and finding one’s unique voice.

Key moments include…

1. Military Service to Art: Razko reflects on his profound experience in the military and how it catalyzed his decision to become an artist, leading him to pursue painting and art education.
2. Evolution and 'Monomyth': A look into how Razko's art evolved from themes centered around his military experience to his current 'Monomyth' series, signifying his growth.
3. New Directions and Gallery Exhibition: Razko discusses the process of discovering his new artistic path, the positive response from Anna Zorina Gallery, and how journaling helped manifest his successful exhibition.
4. Work-Life Balance and Efficiency: Insights into Razko's daily routine, balancing art with family life, and how having limited time has made him more efficient in the studio.
5. Surfing as a Source of Inspiration: Razko shares his passion for surfing and how it serves as a creative outlet and source of relaxation, contributing to his overall well-being and artistic creativity.
6. Focus and Quality in Art: The importance of minimizing distractions in the studio, focusing on the present task, and how this approach has improved the quality of Razko's work.

The conversation in this episode provides an in-depth look at the challenges and triumphs of an artist’s journey, offering inspiration and practical advice for artists at any stage of their career.

Listen to the full episode and learn more about James Razko's work and his exhibition 'Casting Shadows' at the Anna Zorina Gallery here: www.jamesrazko.com.

Art: www.jamesrazko.com
Blog: www.memosmine.com
IG: @jamesrazko

Had a rough year? You're not alone. In this episode, Kat vulnerably shares her journey through a tough season. Learn how to overcome setbacks and emerge stronger on the other side!

What's Inside:

• Navigating Tough Times: Ekaterina delves into her personal struggle with difficult periods in life and business, illustrating the cyclical nature of our experiences.

• Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity: She emphasizes the importance of being genuine and open about the highs and lows we all face.

• Confronting Personal and Professional Challenges: From family conflicts to career hurdles like a near-canceled solo show, Ekaterina discusses how she navigated through adversity.

• Prioritizing Self-Care and Emotional Processing: She underscores the necessity of taking time to heal and process emotions after life's challenges.

• Shifting Focus and Embracing Rest: Learn about Ekaterina's decision to step back from exhibitions and find solace in painting at a relaxed pace.

• Setting Boundaries for Personal Wellbeing: Discover the importance of saying no to certain opportunities for the sake of mental health.

• Finding Joy in Simplicity: Ekaterina shares how engaging in simple pleasures, like painting everyday objects and spending time with her pet, brought joy.

• Seeking New Experiences to Grow: Hear about her solo adventures and new hobbies that helped push her boundaries and foster personal growth.

• Gleaning Lessons from Hardships: Reflect on quiet times in business and the value of staying calm and attuned to your inner voice during uncertainty.

• Building Strength through Community and Hobbies: The importance of a supportive network and engaging in activities that bring joy outside of work is highlighted.

• Committing to Sobriety and Mindfulness: Ekaterina talks about choosing sobriety to confront her emotions directly during challenging times.

• Understanding the Seasonality of Life and Business: She uses the metaphor of seasons to describe the fluctuating nature of life and business, encouraging listeners to embrace each phase.

• Offering Hope and Encouragement: The episode concludes with uplifting words and a belief in the power of resilience and growth.

• Invitation to the Artist Navigation Course: Ekaterina extends an invitation to her course, designed to aid artists in navigating their careers, especially through tough periods.https://artistnavigation.com/

Join us for an episode filled with raw insights, practical advice, and heartfelt encouragement.

https://artistnavigation.com/

In this episode of Art & Cocktails, host Kat (Ekaterina Popova) warmly welcomes back Sarah Potter, a renowned psychic medium, witch, and former curator. Sarah shares her unique insights on how to embrace our deeper talents and expand beyond our conventional fields. This episode delves into the fascinating intersection of art, business, and spirituality.

Key Topics:

1. Heeding the Call: Sarah discusses the importance of listening to our inner voice and expanding beyond our traditional roles.
2. Integrating Magic and Spirituality: Practical tips for artists and listeners on incorporating magical practices and spirituality into everyday life and studio routines.
3. Sarah Potter's Journey: An intimate look at Sarah's evolution from a curator to a celebrity psychic medium, Tarot reader, and professional witch.
4. Spiritual Guidance and Empowerment: Sarah's approach to providing bespoke magical experiences and drawing on her extensive occult knowledge during Tarot readings.

Sarah Potter is not just a psychic medium but a celebrity in her field, known for her extraordinary Tarot reading skills and profound occult wisdom. Her spiritual guidance has transformed the lives of thousands, including both private individuals and corporate clients. Each session with Sarah promises a tailor-made experience, blending magical practices with empowering advice.

https://iamsarahpotter.substack.com/

https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahpotter/

www.createmagazine.com/podcast

Hey artists! Have big dreams but don't feel supported by your friends and family? Feel like no one else believes in your vision? I've been there too. Join me, Kat (Ekaterina Popova) in this mini solo episode as I give YOU the permission slip to move forward boldly, regardless of who's cheering for you.

Plus, I extend an invite to join me for the final time in 2023 in my premium coaching program, The Artist Navigation Course. Let's embark on a journey to help you become the confident captain of your art career. Enroll by November 20, 2023 to join the fall/winter round. https://artistnavigation.com/

In this episode of 'Art and Cocktails', host Ekaterina Popova engages with the vibrant artist and muralist, Gabriela Sepulveda, The Ivory Bunny. They discuss the role of playfulness in self-expression and the critical impact of community involvement on an artist's career. Gabby opens up about her strategies for adapting to different social environments, utilizing dress-ups, and quirky personas to create unforgettable interactions. She also emphasizes the power of embracing our authentic, even eccentric, selves. Through her own narrative, Gabby illustrates the transition from struggling to make ends meet to thriving in the mural community, exemplifying the importance of passion, perseverance, and the ability to own one's uniqueness.

Podcast Notes:

• Strategies for becoming well-known within your art community.
• The benefits of celebrating your unique qualities and 'weirdness'.
• How attire can influence personal branding and leave a strong impression.
• The significance of embracing various facets of your personality and locating supportive communities that encourage genuine self-expression.
• Gabby's journey from striving to pay the bills with art to exceeding those aspirations and setting new objectives.
• Practical advice for emerging artists to display their work, engage with local art scenes, and obtain funding.
• The importance of establishing a robust artistic identity in-person and online, with a focus on impactful interactions over simply collecting followers.
• Effective methods for self-introduction and forging valuable connections in the art industry.
• Recognition of the art world's interconnectivity and the necessity of determination.

Tune in and be motivated to add flair and weirdness to your life and leave your unique imprint on the community!

Discover more about Gabby's work: https://www.theivorybunny.com/the-ivory-bunny

https://www.instagram.com/theivorybunny/

Enroll in the Artist Navigation Course: https://artistnavigation.com

This episode serves as an inspiring guide for artists and entrepreneurs on manifesting dreams and ambitions. The host, Kat, draws on her own experiences as an immigrant and artist to share insights on intro to manifesting your next chapter. Key points include:

• Manifestation as an active and purposeful process to achieve artistic dreams.
• A step-by-step approach: goal-setting, visualization, identity adoption, action, and trust in the process.
• Overcoming self-doubt and the critical role of perseverance.
• An emphasis on faith, celebrating small wins, and enjoying the journey.

Work with Kat Inside The Artist Navigation Course: https://artistnavigation.com

Free Masterclass for Artists: https://my.demio.com/ref/wIUe9JKwGZBHJ1jN

In this episode, we introduce you to Emily Stevens, affectionately known as Paz, the imaginative force behind Pazful Designs.

Join Kat and Em as they engage in a candid conversation about the dedication it takes to pursue a career in art, the delicate balance between day jobs and following one's dreams, and the transformative challenges that come with being an artist.

You'll get to explore Em's remarkable journey, from her roots in rural Pennsylvania to her thriving artist life in Denver. Uncover her deep passion for ceramics and her ambitious plans. Em also shares how her two rescue dogs, Bubba and Luna, serve as constant sources of inspiration in her creative pursuits.

Tune in to be inspired and motivated to pursue your dreams.

Additionally, if you'd like to support Em's dream of building her own studio, you can find her Kickstarter campaign at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pazfuldesigns/pazful-designs-kiln-studio-build.

https://www.pazfuldesigns.com/

https://www.instagram.com/pazfuldesigns

www.createmagazine.com/podcast