We Are Artists – Details, episodes & analysis

In this emotional and empowering episode, Shannon Shine sits down with abstract painter and creative force Michael Carini, best known for his powerful colorful artwork and inspiring reminders to keep going as an artist.

Michael’s work fuses vibrant abstraction with deep emotional resonance… inviting viewers into a journey of transformation, vulnerability, and healing.Together, they explore:

• The impact of losing both parents and how grief reshaped his artistic path
• The power of daily discipline and creative motivation
• Why safe spaces for artists are crucial in today’s world
• Art as a tool for mental health, expression, and survival
• His passion for building community through connection, storytelling, and shared experience

Whether you’re an artist, a healer, or someone seeking creative connection, this episode is a reminder that art is more than a product — it’s a process, a purpose, and sometimes, a lifeline.🎧 Listen now and let this story move you.
📲 Follow Michael: https://www.instagram.com/acrylicalchemy/?hl=en
Website: https://cariniarts.com/pages/about

 In this powerful and intimate episode, I sit down with multidisciplinary artist Fierce Sonia to explore the intersection of creativity, grief, and rediscovered joy. 🌿 Together, we reflect on her current projects — from curating community sketchbook shows and hosting mixed media labs to preparing for local markets and connecting deeply with subscribers through zines and art mail. She opens up about the recent loss of her mother and how that experience has reshaped her relationship with art, rest, and joy. Through vulnerability, creative ritual, and community support, she’s navigating what it means to keep creating while healing. We also dive into:

• Monthly sketchbook meetups and the power of micro-lessons
• Attending a women’s songwriting retreat in Virginia
• The gentle magic of Muse Zoom sessions and creative breathing space
• Saying yes to slowness, reflection, and inspiration

This episode is a gentle reminder that creativity can hold space for both sorrow and celebration. ✨ 🎧 Listen now and let it move you.

📲 Follow 
https://www.instagram.com/fiercesonia/

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/fierce.sonia.2022 

Shannon Shine chats with Katelyn Buchan (Flow Kate of Mind) about transitions as an artist, showing up professionally, and the power of community. Katelyn shares insights on her new book release, upcoming art show, and how becoming a mom is shifting her creative path. They also dive into Van Life, festival culture, traveling safely as an artist, and blending art with healing. 🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation on growth, alignment, and thriving as a creative! 🔗 Connect with Katelyn: www.flowkateofmind.com

In this episode of We Are Artists Podcast, Shannon Shine kicks off a brand-new season with an important reminder: Support your favorite creatives! It takes courage to launch dreams, visions, and creations into the world. But what if artists stopped sharing out of fear that no one would care? Imagine a world without music, art, innovation, or entertainment—a world where creativity is silenced. Instead, we’re in a modern renaissance, where artists are encouraged to share but also face the challenges of social media, visibility, and support.

🔹 Why supporting artists matters now more than ever:
✅ Likes, comments, and shares help creatives be seen
✅ Word of mouth is still the most powerful form of support
✅ Creativity thrives in community—we must lift each other up!

This season, Shannon will be exploring artists from different communities, highlighting their journeys, and sharing insights to keep this movement growing. Tune in, share, and help spread the love for the arts! 🎨🎶 💡 How can you support creatives today? Let us know in the comments! 🎧 Listen now & join the movement!

In this heartfelt throwback episode of We Are Artists Podcast, Shannon Shine and Lacey Vilandry share their experiences navigating major life transitions as they move in new directions. Recorded in Fall 2024, this conversation captures the emotions, challenges, and wisdom that come with big changes. Shannon reflects on returning to her hometown in the Western Maryland Appalachian Mountains, adjusting after years of being surrounded by a thriving artistic community. Meanwhile, Lacey prepares for their move to Wilmington, NC, discussing how the pressure of figuring out the next chapter can activate fight-or-flight mode. Together, they explore the power of discernment in decision-making, the importance of aligning with the right opportunities, and the reality that it’s okay to say no, to move on, and to protect your energy. They also take a moment to honor the Asheville arts community after the devastating floods of 2024 and reflect on their plans for the fall and winter seasons. 🎧 Join us for this deep and insightful conversation on embracing change, trusting the journey, and finding clarity in transitions.

In this thought-provoking roundtable discussion that was actually recorded in 2024, we revisit a powerful conversation on universal basic income for artists and creatives. Originally featured on the Bring Me 2 Life Podcast, this episode includes insights from Shannon Shine, Selomon, Billy Morgan, Sam Phoenix, and Lacey Vilandry as they reflected on a workshop exploring the potential of guaranteed income in the arts. Inspired by Creatives Rebuild New York and CreativeStudy.com, and sparked by a discussion hosted by the RiffRaff Art Collective in West Virginia, this episode delves into the impact such programs could have on creative sustainability, local communities, and the broader economy. We explore topics like proof of income for artists, healthcare access, and the long-term benefits of financial support for creatives. Could guaranteed income revolutionize the creative world? Join us as we discuss the possibilities and challenges of supporting artists through economic stability. 🎧 Tune in and join the conversation!

In this episode of the We Are Artists Podcast, Lacey and Shannon sit down with Kaitlyn Page, a talented watercolor and mixed media artist based in Erie, Pennsylvania. Kaitlyn shares her journey from a young artist exploring her craft to becoming a sought-after creator known for her unique blend of realism and surrealism.The trio dives deep into festival season, offering invaluable advice on how to vend like a pro, from choosing the right festivals to mastering the art of booth setup. Kaitlyn provides tips for beginners, discusses her favorite watercolor materials, and introduces her new custom brush set. They also explore how to survive the elements at outdoor shows and what it's like to navigate the art world as a neurodivergent and autistic artist.The conversation flows into their shared love for mushrooms and music, offering a glimpse into the passions that fuel Kaitlyn's creative process. Tune in for a fun and insightful discussion on art, festivals, and embracing the unique paths that shape us as artists. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Kaitlyn's experiences and discover what it takes to thrive as an artist on the road and in the studio!


All Links: https://linktr.ee/theinnerobserver
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinnerobserver
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theinnerobserver
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinnerobserver 

Find Lacey At www.silverarrowart.com
Find Shannon At www.shannonshine.com

In this captivating episode of the We Are Artists Podcast, Shannon Shine and Lacey Vilandry sit down with Ashton Hill to explore the exhilarating adventures and insights gained from Ashton’s recent mastery training in Greece. As longtime "Artners," this trio shares a decade of experience navigating the ups and downs of professional artist life on the road and beyond.

Listen in as Ashton discusses the importance of community building, continuing education, and the transformative power of traveling abroad. Through stories of perseverance, loyalty, and mentorship, discover how they keep the light on for newcomers venturing into the world of live artistry. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about the triumphs and challenges of creative life!

Follow Ashton @Kettleheadart
Follow Lacey @SIlverArrowArt
Follow Shannon @ShannonShine.Official 

Shannon and Lacey are joined by Wilmington artist Rachel Rowse to talk all things art, murals, education, expansion and more! Tune in to learn about more adventures at Secret Dreams, managing festival galleries, and expanding with merchandise as the artists reflect after a wild weekend together at the latest festival. 


Artist Rachel Marie Rowse, grew up in Vancouver, Canada and graduated with her BFA and a minor in psychology from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC  in 2018. She is currently living and working in Wilmington, NC. Rachel has always looked to art as a form of education, exploration, and celebration. She was born with a visual impairment called Nystagmus, which she says is a fancy way of saying her eyes like to dance back and forth like she does. From a young age, Rachel has turned to art as a way to explore the world around her and celebrate how she experiences it: full of beauty and unseen details. Rachel continues to use art as a way to help herself and others explore and celebrate the world. Currently in her work, Rachel focuses on live painting and public art as ways to bridge the gap between artistic creation and communal experience. As she live paints and creates public artwork, whether it be at music festivals, comedy shows, or local businesses, she is hoping to build the appreciation of art to transform the perception of it from a distant, elite concept to a tangible, shared experience, enriching lives and communities by infusing creativity into the fabric of everyday existence.

Fine more about Rachel at : https://rmrarts.com/

Shannon and Lacey deep dive into the adventure to Secret Dreams festival, where Lacey created a mural and Shannon live painted with amazing artists from all over the country. The artist discussed the amount of magical artwork, installations, workshops, and professionalism at this unique art and music festival in Ohio.  You'll want to tune in to learn more about the artists journey and how far the live performance scene has grown over the last 10 years.

Big shout out to Art In Session, The Gallery Society and everyone else involved.

Follow Lacey @SilverArrowArt
And Shannon @Shannonshine.official 

Podcast updates @weareartists_podcast