Explore every episode of the podcast TOTALLY F#@!ING NORMAL
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 21: Grief and Creativity w/ Jennifer Allnutt | 25 Nov 2024 | 00:48:06 | |
In this episode Maggie is joined by this year's Beautiful Bizarre People's Choice Award finalist, oil painter Jennifer Allnutt of Queensland, Australia to talk about the nuances and intricacies of moving through grief as an artist. Jenny is the first of four artists in this series of episodes on grief to discuss their experience with grief and loss; the changes that resulted in her creative practice as a result of grief; the biggest hardships that emerged as she moved through loss; and the degree to which she is still impacted by grief years later. In this episode Jenny also considers the surprising ways she was able to reconnect with joy and purpose in the wake of her grief. Show notes: ARTICLE: 'In the Studio With Jennifer Allnutt' ARTICLE: 'A Short History of the Sublime' | |||
| Episode 20: Beyond the Mount: The Art of Preservation w/ Matt Klope | 28 Oct 2024 | 01:13:00 | |
In this episode Maggie is joined by award winning Taxidermist and retired Federal Wildlife Biologist Matt Klope of Whidbey Island, WA to talk taxidermy. Matt discusses accessing the flow state and how to recover when you lose it; the role of creative vision in the art of preparation; real-world applications for taxidermy in research, conservation, and beyond; and the steep decline in the taxidermy community as it loses favor in the eye of John Q. Public. In this episode Matt also considers what else we stand to lose if taxidermy should become a lost art. Show notes: Whidbey Island Taxidermy Website INSTAGRAM: See how taxidermy is helping humans rehabilitate 'Ingo' for release in Germany ARTICLE: 'Why Are Ducks Thriving as Other Birds Decline? Three Words: Investments by Hunters' ARTICLE: 'What is Taxidermy? An Intimate Relationship Between Death and Maker' Precious Creature Pet Taxidermy Instagram | |||
| Episode 11: Art in the Digital Age w/ Josh Stebbins | 03 Mar 2023 | 01:48:00 | |
In this episode Maggs is joined by Josh Stebbins of Enid, Oklahoma to talk about making art in the digital age. Josh discusses playing the "social media game"; the issue with ai art; the importance of literature and the written word for the preservation of our humanity in an increasingly digital future; how inaccessible it is for a good many artists to even be in a position to create; and being inspired by the creations of other writers, musicians, performers, etc. including Twin Peaks and all things David Lynch. Josh also shares his opinion on the age-old question of whether or not an artist must suffer for their art. Show notes: Josh's work @ La Luz de Jesus Gallery Josh's "No Stars: A Twin Peaks Tribute Exhibition" @ Stephen Romano Gallery TOTALLY F#@!ING NORMAL Instagram | |||
| Episode 8: CATASTROPHE: Creating Art in the Wake of Tragedy | 11 Feb 2023 | 00:22:37 | |
In light of the major earthquake that rocked Turkey and Syria this week, Maggs dives into art inspired by natural disasters in this special bonus episode. We first examine eyewitness accounts from survivors of natural disasters, look at why depictions of natural disasters are of continued interest to the scientific community, examine three specific paintings portraying natural disasters for their relevance in art history, and give a couple examples of masterpieces created in the wake of disaster that you may not have been aware of. Maggs also considers what art means to an artist and to humanity, being that nothing is permanent in this world where we live in a constant state of near-apocalypse. Show notes: The Guardian Article: Turkey and Syria Earthquake: Where to Donate in the US to Help Victims Art UK Article: Having A Blast: The Science Behind Paintings of Volcanoes Hamburger Junsthalle Exhibition: Nature Unleashed: The Image of Catastrophe Since 1600 Smithsonian Article: How Paintings of Sunsets Immortalize Past Volcanic Eruption "Pele" by D. Howard Hitchcock, 1927 "Eruption of Vesuvius" by Sebastian Pether, 1825 "Vesuvius From Portici" by Joseph Wright of Derby, ca. 1775 TOTALLY F#@!ING NORMAL Instagram | |||
| Episode 7: Making Your Living w/ Shayla Jolley | 03 Feb 2023 | 00:43:59 | |
Maggs is joined by Athabascan Maker + Entrepreneur Shayla Jolley from Alaska to talk about her business babies. Shayla discusses how the focus on music & art in Alaska's vibrant communities contributed to the opening and evolution of The Happy Hippie, how she got her start in business, reconnecting with her ancestors through the creation of beaded jewelry, and what inspires her in business and beyond. Shayla also touches on the notion of whether creativity is something you're born with or something that can be learned. Show notes: Design Your Life With Sandi Website Design Your Life With Sandi Instagram Design Your Life With Sandi Podcast Anchorage Daily News Article: "Old Art of Athabascan Quillwork Rediscovered" TOTALLY F#@!ING NORMAL Instagram | |||
| Episode 6: Sacrifice Is A Certainty w/ Shane Izykowski | 27 Jan 2023 | 00:49:10 | |
Maggs is joined by Shane Izykowski of Los Angeles, California to talk about the many sacrifices that creatives make for the sake of their art. Shane talks about taking a leap of faith by moving across the country from PA to CA in pursuit of developing his art career, how he was shaped in his early life as a creative by criticism, and how this resulted in cultivating a plethora of skills that now all play a role in his creative process. Shane also shares his hot take on a controversial opinion in the art world that creatives that work "day jobs" aren't as dedicated to their art practice as creatives who are full-time creators. Show notes: Drawing From Experience Podcast Website Drawing From Experience Podcast Instagram HuffPost Article: "11 Things Highly Creative People Sacrifice For Their Art" TOTALLY F#@!ING NORMAL Instagram | |||
| Episode 5: Artists with Mental Illness w/ LauraAmy Patterson | 16 Dec 2022 | 00:53:49 | |
Maggs is joined by LauraAmy Patterson of LAMP Photography Studio from San Jose, California to talk about a massive documentary series she has undertaken which she refers to lovingly as her "Artists with Mental Illness Series." LauraAmy discusses what set this project in motion for her, the profound honor and responsibility that come with creating a safe space for voices from this marginalized group of "outsider" artists, how she's funding such a huge and costly project, and what she plans to do with these sacred stories once they've all been collected and catalogued. LauraAmy also shares what it's been like for her to view images for the first time from cameras sent to every corner of the United States for artists to capture their own images of what their mental illness feels like to them. Show notes: LauraAmy's IG post w/ Maggs' photos for the AWMI Series Maggs' IG post w/ photos by LAMP Photography Studio for the AWMI Series TOTALLY F#@!ING NORMAL Instagram | |||
| Episode 4: BIRDY MAGAZINE: Print Isn't Dead! w/ Krysti Jomei & Jonny DeStefano | 02 Dec 2022 | 01:00:58 | |
Maggs is joined by Krysti Jomei and Jonny DeStefano, co-founders of Denver, Colorado's premier indie publication, Birdy Magazine, to discuss the ins and outs of print; Birdy's humble beginnings, the role of print in society, how Birdy Magazine brings new life to a "dying" art form, and how to make it through the highs and the lows (especially the lows) as an artist. Krysti & Jonny also share their best advice on how to dream big with limited resources. Show notes: TOTALLY F#@!ING NORMAL Instagram | |||
| Episode 3: The Niche: A Symptom of Social Media w/ Jenny Allnutt | 06 Nov 2022 | 00:49:17 | |
Maggs is joined by Jenny Allnutt, a remarkably talented figurative surrealist painter from Adelaide, Australia to discuss the subject of niching down; how important it is (and how important it isn't), how to do it organically, the importance of working outside of your comfort zone, and some of the reasons that artists can paint, draw or otherwise create the same things over and over again without tiring of it. Jenny also shares what she took away with her from art school and talks about what we may expect to see from her in the future. Show notes: Jenny's Work at Beinart Gallery Jenny's Episode of DFE Podcast TOTALLY F#@!ING NORMAL Instagram | |||
| Episode 19: Forging Tradition: Re-Kindling the Ancient Art of Coppersmithing w/ Evelynn Combs & Gerad Smith | 30 Sep 2024 | 01:16:32 | |
In this episode Maggs is joined by Evelynn Combs & Gerad Smith of Alaska, both Archaeologists as well as artists, to talk about how they're re-conceptualizing the ancient art of coppersmithing. Gerad and Evie discuss the cultural and historical significance of coppersmithing in the Tanana Valley of interior Alaska; what it's like to work with a creative collaborator; the joys and hardships of time away from the forge; and the value of creative diversity. Evie & Gerad also consider cyclical time and the profound and incredible ways humans have been living the same experiences as our ancestors for millennia through the lens of Traveler and his stories in the Dene oral traditions. Show notes: TOTALLY F#@!ING NORMAL Instagram | |||
| Episode 18: Brushstrokes & Boundaries: Art, Censorship & Shame w/ Jeff Troy | 26 Aug 2024 | 01:24:02 | |
In this episode Maggs is joined by Jeff Troy, a multimedia erotic artist from Seattle, WA to talk about how his current body of work began from a spilling over of long-repressed shame. Jeff discusses finding community in unlikely places; how online censorship is impacting figurative and erotic artists; and how despair is an old friend and constant companion throughout his creative practice. Jeff also considers whether creativity is positively or negatively impacted when we have limits imposed on what we are able to do. Show notes: TOTALLY F#@!ING NORMAL Instagram | |||
| Episode 17: The Dawn of Dystopia w/ Arianè Kamps | 26 Jul 2024 | 01:36:30 | |
In this episode Maggs is joined by Arianè Kamps, a watercolor and oil painter from Alberta, Canada to talk about how art has evolved alongside humanity over the last several thousand years and how these observations manifest in her work. Arianè discusses the struggle of making art for the content machine; how she tries to cope with burnout while working a non-creative primary job to stay afloat; how her work ended up on the moon; and how being an artist is to constantly grapple with rejection and failure. Arianè also considers the question of whether being an artist is who you ARE or what you DO. Show notes: TOTALLY F#@!ING NORMAL Instagram | |||
| Episode 16: Constant Like the Midnight Sun w/ Melissa Clements | 28 Jun 2024 | 01:15:51 | |
In this episode Maggs is joined by Melissa Clements, an oil painter from Perth, West Australia to talk about how her travels in the Arctic and beyond influence her views on the human condition and thus inform her artwork. Mel discusses the challenges of existing in the world as a portrait artist & how anguish is laced throughout her works as well as her creative process; what makes art "good"; and how phenomenology makes us all inherently creative. Melissa also considers the overlap between our current global crises & the deeply personal inner struggles of the artist.
Show notes: Melissa's Blog: "Word and Image" TOTALLY F#@!ING NORMAL Instagram | |||
| Episode 15: Speaking in Symbols: Exploring Universal Human Experiences w/ Paul Ogunlesi | 24 May 2024 | 00:36:30 | |
In this episode Maggs is joined by Paul Ogunlesi, a painter from Lagos, Nigeria to talk about his unique form of visual storytelling and how his paintings specifically explore universal human experiences and identity through the lens of Yoruba adages. Paul discusses his early experiences with art; how he uses both fashion and facelessness as tools to weave a story in his works; and whether he believes an interpretation of the symbolism in any given piece can be "right" or "wrong". Paul also talks about the experience of creating artwork that begins to form its own personality separate from what he set out to create as it comes into being through his hands. Show notes: TOTALLY F#@!ING NORMAL Instagram | |||
| Episode 14: SALVAGE ARTS: A Recycled Art Movement w/ Bruce Rivera | 20 Apr 2023 | 00:22:01 | |
In this episode Maggs is joined by Bruce Rivera, artist and founder of Salvage Arts from Edmonds, WA to talk about the official launch of the non-profit organization centered around creating art from recycled materials. Bruce discusses how Salvage Arts came to be; the All Decks On Hand show happening this weekend (April 20th-22nd) at Graphite Art Center in Edmonds; and how to get involved in future community art projects like this one. Bruce also talks about the dangers of comparison, and how important it is to never give up on being a learning artist. Show notes: TOTALLY F#@!ING NORMAL Instagram | |||
| Episode 13: The Art of Living w/ Adera Gandy | 31 Mar 2023 | 01:21:06 | |
In this episode Maggs is joined by actor and fine art model Adera Gandy of Seattle, WA to talk about the art of simply being alive as a contemporary creative. Adera discusses how the artist must realize that they are ALSO the masterpiece; how important it is to have a good relationship with your body as a creative; and how her relationship with creativity coincides with her relationship with the divine. Adera also suggests that there is a shift happening in the long standing archetype of the tortured artist. Show notes: TOTALLY F#@!ING NORMAL Instagram | |||
| Episode 12: The Unseen Artist w/ Tasha Kay Newell | 17 Mar 2023 | 01:09:50 | |
In this episode Maggs is joined by multi-talented actor Tasha Kay Newell of Seattle, Washington to talk about the art life and the struggles of pursuing a path that the mainstream has deemed "impossible." Tasha discusses battling imposter syndrome; taking opportunities that feel risky or uncomfortable; her disinterest in fame; and what it's like to be a member of the "unseen artist club". Tasha also answers the tough question of whether or not she views herself as an artist. Show notes: TOTALLY F#@!ING NORMAL Instagram | |||
| Episode 22: Grief & Creativity w/ Devon Walz | 30 Dec 2024 | 00:56:23 | |
In this episode Maggie is joined by Devon Walz of Santa Ana to talk about the nuances and intricacies of moving through grief as an artist. Devon is the second of four artists in this series of episodes to discuss her experience with grief and loss; the changes in her creative practice as a result of grief; the biggest hardships that emerged as she moved through loss; and the degree to which she is still impacted by grief. In this episode Devon also considers the struggle over how to spend our time in the wake of a big loss. Is it weird to go to dance? Show notes: | |||
| Episode 27: Art Marketing Magic w/ Michelle | 28 Jul 2025 | 01:02:51 | |
In this episode Maggie is joined by Michelle ( @littleredheartart / @mmarketingbroward ) to talk about common places that artists are largely missing the boat in the world of business and opportunities. Michelle discusses places where all artists need to be putting themselves out there, even when that's asking us to step outside of our comfort zone; the easiest way to take back your time and energy in content creation; how to stand out online and in person as an artist; and the biggest mistake Michelle sees artists make that turns into lost opportunities (hint: it isn't competition!). In this episode Michelle also considers who is really in charge in the Art World™️. Listen today to hear her thoughts on these topics and more! Show notes: Michelle's Marketing Instagram | |||
| Episode 26: My Cross to Bear w/ Heidi Lustig | 30 Jun 2025 | 01:16:55 | |
In this episode Maggie is joined by Heidi Lustig of New South Wales, Australia to talk about how her decade-long art gap and corporate burnout were really part of the process all along. @violet_portrayal discusses a common block in finding one's unique artistic voice; the importance of doing bad work; how to avoid becoming a carbon copy of the shitty corporate boss you hated; and what it REALLY looks like making your first steps back to a "lost" art practice. In this episode Heidi also considers whether or not it's possible to separate the art from the artist. Listen now to hear her thoughts on this and more. Show notes: Heidi's feature in the Beautiful Bizarre Artist Directory | |||
| Episode 25: Spiritual Motion w/ Maggie Fedorov | 26 May 2025 | 00:46:19 | |
Join Maggie Fedorov to talk about the experience of moving through her creative practice as a spiritual endeavor just as much as an artistic endeavor. Maggie dissects the Hermit archetype and what she means by "spiritual movement"; who would benefit from adding a spiritual element to their creative practice; and the ways that her unique spiritual care routines are now a fully enmeshed and invaluable part of her work acting not entirely unlike a creative catapult. In this episode Maggie also poses some very pointed questions for you about your spiritual hygiene and your spiritual & creative goals. What are you doing to propel your work forward? Listen now to hear Maggie's thoughts on all this and more. P.S. Stick around for bloopers! xo "By 'Spiritiality' I mean first and foremost that a person be inquisitive regarding what is referred to as 'the meaning of life.' That's at least a first step. A person who has asked that question can no longer fall below that level. They will already begin to improve. And secondly: The beautiful is hidden from the eyes of those who are not searching for the truth, for whom it is contra-indicated. But the profound lack of spirituality of those people who see art and condemn it, the fact that they are neither willing nor ready to consider the meaning and aim of their existence in any higher sense, is often masked by the vulgarly simplistic cry, 'I don't like it!', 'It's boring!' It is not a point that one can argue; but it like the utterance of a man born blind who is being told about a rainbow. He simply remains deaf to the pain undergone by the artist in order to share with others the truth he has reached. And finally: art must must carry man's craving for the ideal, must be an expression of his reaching out towards it; that art must give man hope and faith. And the more hopeless the world in the artist's version, the more clearly perhaps must we see the ideal that stands in opposition - otherwise life becomes impossible! Art symbolises the meaning of our existence." -Andrei Tarkovsky Show notes: TOTALLY F#@!ING NORMAL Instagram Youtube: Huberman Lab Podcast "Rick Rubin: How to Access Your Creativity" Huberman Lab Podcast "Robert Greene: A Process for Finding & Achieving Your Unique Purpose" Huberman Lab Podcast "A Science-Supported Journaling Protocol to Improve Mental & Physical Health" | |||
| Episode 24: Grief & Creativity w/ Maggie Fedorov | 24 Feb 2025 | 01:26:16 | |
We're flipping the script! Guest hosted by Sam Fedorov, today's interview gives us deeper insight into the inner workings of your usual host, Maggie Fedorov, of Seattle, WA to talk about her experience with moving through grief as a working artist. Maggie is the last of four artists in this series of episodes to discuss her experience with loss; the changes in her creative practice as a result of grief; the biggest hardships that emerged as she moved through loss; and the degree to which she is still impacted by it. In this episode Maggie also dissects what true strength in the face of grief looks like. Is it "weak" to be broken by your grief? Listen now to hear Maggie's thoughts on this. "Death is the great equalizer of human beings. Death is the boundary that we need to measure the precious texture of our lives. All people owe a death. There is no use vexing about the inevitable degeneration and death because far greater people than me succumbed to death's endless sleep without living as many years as me." -Kilroy J. Oldster Show notes: Boone's Solace Candle Co. Instagram YOUTUBE: In Memoriam: Darla Anne Boone-Durrant ARTICLE: Burien Teen Drowns In Wenatchee River | |||
| Episode 23: Grief & Creativity w/ Shane Izykowski | 27 Jan 2025 | 01:16:10 | |
In this episode Maggie is joined by another old friend of the podcast, Shane Izykowski of Los Angeles, CA to talk about his experience with moving through grief as a working artist. Shane is the third of four artists in this series of episodes to discuss his experience with loss; the changes in his creative practice as a result of grief; the biggest hardships that emerged as he moved through loss; and the degree to which he is still impacted by it. In this episode Shane also considers what it's like to use the grief experience to step outside of 'The Matrix' and live a more intentional and meaningful life and what that looks like in the scope of his creative practice. But the question I'm still thinking about?... "Will I ever fully process my grief? Is there an ending? A resolution?" Listen now to hear Shane's thoughts on this. Show notes: Leviathan Goth Night's Instagram ARC Gallery: Joshua Coffy In Memoriam | |||