Hello! I'm excited to introduce you to the first episode of a brand new collaborative podcast with my friend Heather Doyle Fraser over on our new substack, The Spacious Creative. In this limited series podcast, we'll explore the topic of creativity from all sorts of angles. If you are a creative person or especially if you are a creative person "in hiding," I know you'll get great value from listening to our conversations on creativity. In this episode, we break down our histories of being creative, including times when we both went into hiding as creatives. We'll be releasing episodes every Thursday through the end of August! Also be sure to register for our upcoming workshop on July 24! Click here to register.

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In Episode 1 of Spacious Creative, Cindy Ingram and Heather Doyle Fraser explore how creativity has shaped and shown up in their lives. For both, being creative isn’t something that “happened” to them; it is an identity that has been with them as far back as they can remember: early childhood. During this time, creating wasn’t hard or challenging—it was a joy and a comfort and a place of freedom.

This beginning place of ease and contentment didn’t remain static. After exploring these beginning experiences with creativity, Heather and Cindy walk us through how they navigated being creative over their lives: the natural ebbs and flows and the imposed expansions and contractions that we all experience as creatives, artists, and writers.

What we experience in our early lives is often indicative of the passions and pursuits that enthrall us as adults, though, if we can allow ourselves to follow and trust those inclinations. We all have a story of creativity and how we began our creative journey, and although Heather and Cindy’s journeys might have different details, the broad brushstrokes might bear a striking resemblance to your experiences. Here are some of the brushstrokes these two creatives explore in their conversation:

• Early childhood creativity had a clear impact on lifelong artistic pursuits.

• Inspiration came in many forms and there are clear and distinct childhood memories, like drawing, painting, making up stories, “writing” before you could write, and arranging spaces to feel comfortable and safe.

• The influence of encouragement and discouragement on sharing creativity and artistic endeavors.

• Navigating perfectionism and its effect on the creative process.

• Using art to process emotions and experiences during adolescence

• Personal stories and reflections on the role of creativity in self-expression and growth.

• We sometimes stop creating for ourselves when our society deems it impractical, but we can come back to these endeavors over time when we begin to trust ourselves and our creativity again.

To register for our workshop on July 24, Trust Your Why: Your Creative Comfort Zone Needs You, click this link!

Click here to subscribe to our substack!

In this engaging podcast episode, Melissa Cox joins me to discuss the artwork Coping by Nicole Eisenman. 

Here's a bulleted list of what we discussed in this episode, thanks to our friend Chat GPT.

• The feeling of being worn down by internal struggles or long-term challenges
• Reflections on hope and despair, and the isolation it can bring
• The importance of representation and seeing possibilities for different choices
• Personal anecdotes illustrating the impact of representation on decision-making
• Discovering one's neurodiversity and the journey of self-acceptance and accommodation
• The need for radical acceptance and compassion for oneself and others
• Coping mechanisms and harm reduction strategies in facing life's challenges
• Externalizing internal struggles through creative mediums like art and fan fiction
• The evolving nature of long-term friendships and the acceptance of change
• The therapeutic value of art and conversation in processing emotions and experiences
• The role of verbal processing and receiving feedback in personal growth and problem-solving
• Understanding the dynamics of evolving friendships and accepting change over time
• Embracing compassion for oneself and others, and reframing past judgments
• Using art as a medium for self-reflection, externalizing internal struggles, and seeking new perspectives
• Recognizing the importance of community in reducing isolation and realizing shared experiences
• Setting explicit boundaries and needs for personal well-being

• Watch this episode on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/artandselfcindy/videos/471458611941506/
• Watch this episode on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/events/podcastlivestreamwithmelissacox7198400028728573952/comments/
• Watch this episode on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAIpKTn3yCo
• Join Art Church - https://cindyingram.com/art-church/
• Enroll in the Art Connection Circle - https://cindyingram.com/circle
• Buy my Book - Art Is About Being Whole: A Memoir - https://geni.us/ArtIsAboutBeingWhole
• Art and Self on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube 
•  

Melissa Cox's Contact Info

• Facebook: Melissa Cox - https://www.facebook.com/melissa.cox.7549 
• Facebook Page: Living With Disaster - https://www.facebook.com/livingwithdisasterArtist 
• Facebook Group: Living With Disaster - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2154024138072188/ 
• Instagram: living_with_disaster

After interviews, I often say "wow that was my favorite one" and looking back I have a lot of favorites, but this one may be THE favorite. My conversation with artist and musican, Geoffa Fells, about art and emotion and neurodiversity and music and how all of those intersect still give me chills when I think about it a month after having this conversation. I am so excited for you to hear it!

For links to all of the artworks featured as well as Geoffa's contact links, head over to the shownotes at this link. 

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Want to connect?

• Join the Art Connection Circle
• Follow me on Facebook
• Follow me on Instagram
• Join my email list 

This episode is part of the former Art Class Curator podcast and is targeted specifically for art teachers. 

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Art is the perfect subject to battle xenophobia.

The fact that we even call it ‘Non-Western’ art points to how ingrained Western bias is in art education. An entire planet’s worth of cultures and artistic traditions are defined by what they aren’t instead of by what they are.

The only way to change the paradigm is to do the hard thing, the right thing: Introduce our students to artworks by artists from across the world, even if we never learned about them, and have classroom discussions about how art historians have traditionally labelled and discriminated against art from other cultures.

When I teach Non-Western art, I always start the unit with a lesson on cultural sensitivity and ethnocentrism. Students may call something "weird" or laugh at a work by someone from a different culture. When our students (and we do it too sometimes; I don’t think anyone is really immune from this) make judgements about the artworks of other cultures using their own Western perspective, they are deepening the divide between cultures and people.

It’s vital that we address the subject with our students and there are ways to do so across grade levels. When we teach art in a thoughtful, inclusive way, our students learn to recognize and combat bias in themselves and others.

In this episode, I share the lesson that I go through to introduce my students to these concepts! 

In this episode, Cindy comes to the realization that exposing students to works of art is not for the end goal of "appreciation." It is much, much bigger than that. 

Where is the passion, the delight, the wonder, the heart-pounding experience with art? Where is the feeling in your heart, that drop in your gut, that makes you a CHANGED PERSON? Let's keep talking about THAT.

In this episode of the Art Class Curator podcast, Cindy talks about why art matters and what makes art connection so very important for our students and for the world. From creating more connected and empathetic humans, to understanding and connecting with the past, to learning how to slow down and become comfortable with uncertainty, meaningful connection with works of art hands-down just creates better people.

This episode is part of the former Art Class Curator podcast and is targeted specifically for art teachers. 

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In this episode, Cindy discusses how to engage students’ natural born curiosity as well as how to spark a curiosity mindset through modeling, exciting artworks, and more.

This episode is part of the former Art Class Curator podcast and is targeted specifically for art teachers. 

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Whether you're a new teacher, an old pro, or you've just run into a particularly difficult set of students, it's vital to have a solid classroom management strategy in place. Cindy talks about the importance of experimenting, finding support, protecting your energy in the classroom, firm routines and procedures, and making sure you and your students are engaged.

Visit the show notes at artclasscurator.com/31 for the links and resources mentioned in this episode.

This episode is part of the former Art Class Curator podcast and is targeted specifically for art teachers. 

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How is perfectionism stopping you from being the best art teacher you can be? Cindy shares her thoughts on how to get over having to do everything little thing right and why perfection=failure.

Visit the show notes at https://artclasscurator.com/30 for the links and resources mentioned in this episode.

This episode is part of the former Art Class Curator podcast and is targeted specifically for art teachers. 

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If you’ve ever found yourself on the edge of breaking down in the classroom, today’s show is especially for you. There is hope and there are so many resources to help you - today’s guest is one of those resources!

Anna Nichols had lots of experience outside of teaching before she became a teacher at age 31. Being an outsider to the public education system, since then she’s feels like she’s been trying to figure out what makes students tick! 

Anna runs the blog - Managing the Art Classroom. She started the blog after finding out that the number one issue for teachers was classroom management. She talked to many teachers and they felt like it was a struggle to even get children to a space where they could actually learn.

Show Highlights:

• Anna’s dream job teaching everybody is the job she has now!
• Once a month elementary art isn’t ideal for the kids or the teachers
• Anna’s biggest challenge for elementary art classes
• How Anna’s blog was created to help teachers.
• Ways that Anna’s consulting business is providing oxygen for teachers.
• Advice for teachers who are on the verge of breaking down.
• Classroom management was the #1 variable in student achievement.
• Anna is the last person she ever thought would influence other teachers in the classroom.
• Warm/strict is how Anna describes her classroom management style.
• Being a teacher is a psychological mine field!
• The power stance can be a secret weapon against fear and anxiety.
• The power of “decide first” as a mindset practice.

Resources:

Episode 3 - Michael Linsin

Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People by Vanessa Van Edwards

Dream Class by Michael Linsin

artteacherhelp4@gmail.com

Managing the Art Classroom Website

Managing the Art Classroom on Facebook

This episode is part of the former Art Class Curator podcast and is targeted specifically for art teachers. 

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Balancing education and artistic expression can be a difficult task in todays’ school system. Finding ways to incorporate art into students’ daily lives and help them find relevance in artistic structure in the world is important. Ilona Szekely is passionate about helping students understand the technicalities of art but also the dynamics of creativity. She has worked in various professional settings, including colleges and public schools, along with being a practicing artist herself. Tune into this episode of Art Class Curator to learn more about balancing your classroom education and helping students cultivate personal expression in art. 

Show Highlights:

• Background and experiences 
• Finding your right place in the education system 
• Shifting focus and utilizing visual experiences 
• Incorporating art projects that students think are important 
• Art Ilona likes to make and materials to use 
• Translating every day issues to art 
• Balancing being an artist and an educator 
• Using art to spend time with your kids 
• How parents can influence creativity  
• Validating art experimentation 
• Body image in the art room 
• Being introspective in terms of our own beauty 
• How to tactically address insecurity in the classroom 
• How to teach technique and personal expression in art 
• The key to discipline issues in a classroom 
• Lifechanging artwork 

Resources: 

Facebook: Ilona Szekely 

http://www.ilonaszekely.com

https://art.eku.edu/people/szekely

Artclasscurator.com 

Artclasscurator.com/28 

This episode is part of the former Art Class Curator podcast and is targeted specifically for art teachers. 

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This episode is part of the former Art Class Curator podcast and is targeted specifically for art teachers. 

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I’m so excited to welcome Phyllis Brown on the show today! Phyllis has taught art for 36 years, and she’s here to share her experiences, her invaluable advice, and lessons she’s learned in her career. She’s passionate, realistic, and brings a fresh perspective to teaching art, i.e. pre-technology in the classroom. 

Show Highlights

• Phyllis tells how she "accidentally” ended up teaching art 
• The benefits of running an art blog
• Cindy and Phyllis discuss how teaching has changed since she started
• The passionate feelings surrounding kids, technology, and art
• The quiet skills that art classes teach kids
• How seasoned art teachers can discourage new art teachers
• Why it’s important to consider what message you put out, to students and future teachers
• Phyllis shares her strong feelings on unions and why she encourages them
• Phyllis’ number one rule in her classroom

Resources

http://plbrown.blogspot.com/

This episode is part of the former Art Class Curator podcast and is targeted specifically for art teachers. 

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School can be tough, but it can be even tougher on kids with special needs. Teachers are there to help their students, but what are the best ways to help those who need extra assistance? Today Heidi and Melissa join me to share their experiences as teachers and as parents of a child with special needs. 

Show Highlights

• What Heidi considers to be key when it comes to teachers and parents of kids with special needs
• Melissa explains why she’s a “little extra” with her daughter’s teachers
• Heidi shares how having a kid with special needs has affected her teaching
• Why incidents sometimes happen and how they could have been prevented
• School performance and whether a kid is right-brained or left-brained
• Why art is the answer for allowing kids to communicate
• The power of noticing your students
• Ways teachers can model compassion to their class

Resources

http://talesfromthetravellingartteacher.blogspot.com/ 

hohanley@ios.org 

@sweetlyvoiced

Melissa Bayland Lee on Facebook

After episode 117 with Kate Wurtzel, we realized we had been looking at a cropped image, and because of this we had more to say! In this episode, we have a blast geeking out about art philosophy, the idea of the artist as genius, the artist as a healer, following intuition, experimentation, and much more. I had so much fun talking to Kate again, and I hope you enjoy this conversation with her as much as I did.

This episode is part of the former Art Class Curator podcast and is targeted specifically for art teachers. 

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Not everyone is lucky enough to get to teach an intimate group of students who are passionate about art, but Marcia Beckett is one of those lucky few. Marcia teaches at a school for gifted students, so not only do her students have higher artistic abilities, but her class size is smaller as well. Join me in today’s podcast as we hear an experience outside of the public school setting. 

Show Highlights

• Marcia shares how she started her own art blog
• What makes Marcia’s school different from most 
• How Marcia and her fellow teachers work together to reinforce lesson plans
• Marcia shares examples of how her school is “hands on”
• Tips for making art projects from other cultures relate to students
• Marcia shares a few collaborative projects her students have been a part of
• The importance of growth mindset in the classroom
• Why some students may not put in as much effort

Resources

https://www.artisbasic.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/ArtisBasic 

This episode is part of the former Art Class Curator podcast and is targeted specifically for art teachers. 

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When most of us think back to our previous art teachers, most likely we’re picturing a favorite art class in high school or an art camp of some sort. Fortunately, times are changing and art teachers have more possibilities now than we have in the past. Tim Bogatz joins me today to discuss the opportunities and possibilities the Internet makes possible. Tim is here to share his experiences and how he can now reach more people than when he was teaching in a classroom setting.

Show Highlights

• Tim discusses teaching in the classroom versus writing and podcasts
• The topic that Tim enjoys teaching and why people struggle with it
• Why it’s important to exchange ideas and perspectives with other art teachers
• What Tim doesn’t miss about teaching in the school system
• Tim shares why he’s not a fan of Picasso
• Tim and Cindy discuss the influence of an art teacher’s opinions on their students
• How Tim makes art history entertaining for his students
• Learning more about an artist’s life can change your relationship to the artist and his/her work

Resources:

The Art of Ed

Art Ed Radio Podcast

Twitter: @TimBogatz  

This episode is part of the former Art Class Curator podcast and is targeted specifically for art teachers. 

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Could anything be better than art and creative expression? Maybe if it involved a group of people traveling foreign countries appreciating that art together. Today, Alex Thorniley joins me to share her experience of attending this last art trip. It can be intimidating stepping out of your comfort zone to enjoy something you’re passionate about, especially when you don’t know anyone. So, join us in this podcast as Alex shares her worries, the highlights of her trip, and advice for those who need a little encouragement.  

Show Highlights:

• Alex shares what appealed to her most about going on the Art Trip
• Learn what Alex’s biggest worry was
• Why Alex got annoyed when she heard people speaking English on the Trip
• The art that excited and reminded her of home most
• The most memorable museums and art pieces she experienced
• Alex shares some advice on those hesitant to sign up for an Art Trip
• The great thing about going on a trip and not knowing anyone
• Alex talks about how the trip changed her opinion on a certain art piece

This episode is part of the former Art Class Curator podcast and is targeted specifically for art teachers. 

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It’s October, so we’re going to get a little spooky! Today’s guest runs his very own haunted house. He takes this unique experience into his classroom by creating a one-of-a-kind special effects class for his high school students. Listen in to today’s show to get inspired to take your unique skills into your classroom.

Show Highlights

• Chris shares details about his career and his current teaching position in Alabama.
• In addition to teaching general art classes, Chris shares about the special effects class he teaches where he incorporates prosthetics, prop-making, set design, make-up application, and costume-making.
• Chris tells about how he allows his students to create their own presentations to showcase in front of judges.
• Chris uses many project-based lessons in preparation for the students’ showcase.
• Learning new process ahead of the students is something Chris shares with us.
• Beginning in October, Chris’ students narrow their focus for the April showcase, including writing proposals and creating characters.
• Students were allowed to develop their characters and ideas for months leading up to the showcase, sometimes in a team situation.
• Chris discusses how he grades students including their active participation.
• Chris shares his pride for how well the students prepared for the showcase last year, including making some very intricate prostheses.
• Students may take the special effects class year after year.
• Chris shares how haunted house design and filmmaking overlap
• Allen Hopps is a YouTube sensation Chris has his students study because of his great tutorials. Stiltbeast Studios
• Todd Debreceni wrote a special effects book Chris uses with his students.
• Chris discusses supplies how supplies are funded.
• Behind the scenes tours vs. going through the haunted house for those afraid
• Chris shares ideas for inexpensive  materials to use with students on a smaller scale. 
• Chris shares how/where he shares his personal love of teaching mask-making.
• Chris shares about the artists who inspired him.

Resources:

Allen Hopps’ YouTube Channel

Todd Debreceni books on Amazon

Monster Clay on Amazon

Insanitarium Haunt

Instagram page

Facebook page

Neal Adams

Rick Baker’s transformation scene from An American Werewolf in London

This episode is part of the former Art Class Curator podcast and is targeted specifically for art teachers. 

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When it comes to school, students are taught young to go for the A. Period. So when students get to Art Class they freak out when you tell them not to worry about the grade. Clara Lieu is here with me today to talk about that and other differences Studio Art offers. 

Show Highlights

• Clara shares her passion about the art making process
• Why Clara felt it to be critical to put her art column into videos
• The effect of the physicality of art
• The part of the art process that you should learn to embrace
• How art can teach us how to fail and to be vulnerable 
• The misconception a lot of Clara’s students have made about her taste in art
• Clara talks about how a work of art makes you feel
• The component of art that her students think about least
• Ways to get students to think about art on a deeper level
• Advice for art teachers who lack confidence in their Studio Art

Resources

http://claralieu.com/ 

Art Prof

Art Prof on Instagram

This episode is part of the former Art Class Curator podcast and is targeted specifically for art teachers. 

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Most teachers know that when they leave school their work is not finished. Sometimes there are papers to grade, lessons to plan, and evaluations to give, etc. Devon and Tiffany are two examples of teachers sharing their passion for the arts. Outside of being art teachers in the classroom, they’re both actively involved in the Wisconsin Art Education Association. Listen to how they advocate art in any given situation and how you can too. 

Show Highlights

• Devon and Tiffany share their roles in planning and graphic design
• How to get involved with the Wisconsin Art Education Association (WAEA)
• The election process to becoming a member of the board
• The importance of networking with other art teachers
• The opportunities the WAEA’s annual fundraiser provides
• How Devon and Tiffany’s art leadership carries over to the school level
• Ways to be an advocate for Art Education
• The art pieces that inspired Devon and Tiffany most
• Ways to get others to take art, and your artwork, seriously

Resources:

http://devoncalvert.weebly.com/ 

Wisconsin Art Education Association 

This episode is part of the former Art Class Curator podcast and is targeted specifically for art teachers. 

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As teachers, as coworkers, and even as humans, we want people to know that we’ve got it together, that we don’t need any help. “No, thank you, I’m fine. “ One thing we don’t talk about enough is anxiety, especially in highly-sensitive introverts. Today, Monica Wright & Amber Jordan are here to share their experiences with anxiety and the classroom. Coping mechanisms can be anywhere from the way the lights are adjusted in the classroom to having marked personal space between you and student. Join us as we share and connect through being highly-sensitive introverts. 

Show Highlights

• How to deal with a highly-sensitive introvert with anxiety
• Amber shares how she’s able to hide her introvert tendencies in public
• What exactly does “highly-sensitive person” mean?
• How to deal with constant noise in the classroom
• How to set the mood/tone of your classroom from the first day
• What you should do the first 3 weeks of school that will help in the long run
• The biggest thing that’s helped Amber the most
• Embrace change in order to find where you truly fit
• Monica shares her coping mechanisms at public events
• Giving students the space to be heard

Today on the Art Class Curator Podcast, Cindy Ingram will share a personal story about a recent art encounter that called her to action and helped her cope with a profound tragedy. Please join her in considering how art can console and restores us. Find out what you can do to help our students utilize art to connect, heal and take action. If you want to see how art can change your life then you must listen to this episode.

Cindy Ingram is a dedicated teacher that strongly believes that art can help people deal with the tragedies that we see in today’s society. She wants to help children use art as a way to feel less alone in this world. She feels that children need more exposure to art in order for them to make a personal connection to art.

More in this episode:

• The recent tragedies that schools are facing in today’s society. How has it affected schools, art teachers and students?
• How art can help people through these situations and how art provides solace.
• Her trip to see Hamilton in Houston after the tragedy in Santa Fe, Texas and the description of the musical and its impact on her.
• Cindy talks about the podcast “Harry Potter and the Sacred Text” and how it connects to some tragedies that are happening today. 
• Art can be a comfort tool and we can teach children to use art in this way.
• Finding ways for non-artistic kids to connect with art, find deeper meaning in art, and see themselves in a work of art.
• How to use art to cope with tragedies, release stress and how to connect art in your life.
• The need for teachers to talk to students about these tragedies and issues and the idea that using art is a safe way to do this. 
• Special Guest Speaker, “Jim O’Donnell” will talk about his experience with a school shooting and how he spoke to the students about it and how art affected him through all of this.

Resources Mentioned in the Show:

Hamilton Broadway Hip Hop Musical

Harry Potter and the Sacred Texts the podcast

The Soup of Europe painting by Miguel Barcelo

This episode is part of the former Art Class Curator podcast and is targeted specifically for art teachers. 

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If taking art trips with your students seems like a daunting and unachievable dream, you won’t want to miss today’s episode. There are ways to get your students out into the world to experience art first hand by seeing it and touching it. You’ll want to learn some of the tips that have allowed Kristen Wilcox to consistently expose her students to art first-hand!

Kristen Wilcox is an art teacher that teaches different levels of art classes at Samuel Clemens High School in Texas. Much of Kristen’s art centers around her love for photography, but she dabbles in as many mediums as it takes to get the creative process started. She loves to travel and she tries to inspire her students to travel in order to learn art through the experience of seeing it in person. She helps her students earn the money and helps them plan their trips in order to facilitate this amazing hands-on exposure to art. She believes that students need to travel in order to get the full experience of learning art.

More in this episode:

• Steps that you can take to get a group together in order to travel with your students 
• People and organizations that will help students go on this adventure
• The benefits of going on these educational trips 
• Ideas to help students raise money for their trip
• Differences between Go Ahead Tours and EF Tours
• Kristen shares her travel experiences in Europe and her favorite places
• Tips for students on preparing for the trip and getting them ready for a successful trip
• The artwork that changed Kristen’s life

Resources Mentioned in the Show:

Go Ahead Tours (adult tours)

EF Tours (for students)

Art Class Curator the podcast

This episode is part of the former Art Class Curator podcast and is targeted specifically for art teachers. 

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Today’s guest is an elementary art teacher who writes a regular column for Arts and Activities Magazine, and his blog, Shine Brite Zamorano, where he shares his student’s projects. He masterly infuses contemporary art into his school and community in exciting and relevant ways. He contributes so much inspiration, motivation, and support to art teachers everywhere.

Don Masse grew always interested in art. Teaching at a creative art camp 3 summers in a row called Buck Rock Creative Art Camp, is where he found passion in working with children. When Don met his wife and they moved out to San Diego where he then went back to school to become certified and got an education background. Masse began to work at Zamorano and has worked there since. Masse started his blog around 2010, after starting to use the internet more for researching. Taking a trip, studying abroad in Ravenna Rome, in his undergrad is one place he will never forget. He went to the mausoleum of Galla Placidia which was full of mosaics. One section in particular, spoke to him the most and he still uses them to this day, as it stuck with him.

Show Highlights:

• Background on Don Masse
• Working at Zamorano teaching kids art
• Masse’s Blog when and why he started it
• Started to use the internet to build his curriculum
• Masse’s blog is mostly based on Contemporary artists 
• Masse uses his blog to help focus for his curriculum
• Masse tells us some of the main internet search places he used
• Tips on how to have projects based on artists but still be unique
• How to incorporate writing and reflection in Masses lessons
• Masse tells us about some of his favorite lessons
• How Masse approaches talking to the kids about their work
• How you need to embrace the silence
• The artwork that changed Masse’s life

This week I've gotten the delightful experience to witness the joy of creation through my 13-year-old daughter. That, plus my musing on the book Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey, have made me think more about the ways in which I am not following my own advice and how I can give myself a deeper permission to create without the burden of capitalism on my shoulders. For links discussed on today's episode, visit the show notes at this link.

Get Involved

• Join the Art Connection Circle -- Now enrolling for summer sessions! 
• Art and Self on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

This episode is part of the former Art Class Curator podcast and is targeted specifically for art teachers. 

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As teachers, not only do we strive to make an impact on students, but we also strive to continue learning. Sometimes this means trying new methods to see what works best for us as well as the students. George Szekely is with me today to talk about his hands-on approach with teaching art, and how to expand your students’ exposure to art. 

Show Highlights:

• Why George says that Show & Tell should never die
• The difference between Art and Lecture
• The one method George could never get rid of
• The benefits of teaching Adult Art with Kids Art
• How to integrate more art into lesson plans
• Why it’s important to give kids art they can physically handle
• Advice to Art Teachers about options for showcases
• George shares his thoughts on teaching art in high school
• Techniques on how to connect with teenagers
• The importance of letting students know they’re artists

Resources:

http://www.georgeszekely.org/ 

This episode is part of the former Art Class Curator podcast and is targeted specifically for art teachers. 

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Today I’m doing something I’ve never done before, and instead of having a guest, I’m going solo today. Join me as I answer frequently asked questions from listeners and students. 

Show Highlights:

• Art Making versus Art Looking
• How to facilitate discussion during Art History 
• Techniques to try so your students will know you’re listening
• How to keep students engaged
• Why you learn to find comfort in the silence
• How to deal with insecurities of your knowledge of an art piece
• The versatility of teaching Art History
• Advice on how to teach art when nudity is involved 
• Why we need to embrace being uncomfortable
• How to avoid copycat artwork from students 

Social Media Pull Quotes:

Cindy:

“You are modeling curiosity. You are modeling excitement about art. They are learning from you and your delight.”

“Even if you don’t know the answers immediately, you have the skills and techniques to get them.”

“There are things in life that are worth not avoiding. Learn to be okay with being uncomfortable.”

Resources:

Resource Library 

This episode is part of the former Art Class Curator podcast and is targeted specifically for art teachers. 

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Eric Gibbons joins Cindy on the podcast today to share his passion for teaching art. While in college, a professor noticed Eric’s talents in art and teaching, and encouraged him to become an art teacher. Eric says he may have been the first student at his college to switch majors from pre-law to art education, but he has no regrets. Eric has nearly 30 years of teaching experience and has been able to carry his love for art to both Egypt and Japan, where he was able to teach art. Currently, Eric teaches high school art in New Jersey, and was recognized by the state for his excellence in art education in 2015. His classroom lessons have been featured by Davis Publications and other books on art and education through Firehouse Publications of Bordentown, NJ. Eric’s best-known book is If Picasso Had A Christmas Tree.

Eric’s work has been featured in international exhibitions and in many publications. Additionally, Eric is a blogger on his website, Art Ed Guru, and his blogs are appreciated by educators worldwide. 

Show Highlights:

• Eric shares how his love of art began at an early age.
• Cindy and Eric discuss components involved in teaching art in a public school
• Eric shares why there has been some push-back to his philosophy of teaching art.
• Students find relevance in art when they have a personal connection to it.
• Cindy discusses how art can give students a method to express their emotions. 
• Eric tells about how he has his art students partner with students at other schools for a project.
• Eric discusses how he uses a universal rubric for 2D and 3D artwork in his classroom.
• Eric shares how he has his students reflect on their work.
• Eric shares tips for ensuring uniqueness and individuality in student work.
• Cindy and Eric discuss incorporating art history in the classroom.

Resources:

Art Ed Guru

Firehouse Publications

Art Grading

Tips for Ensuring Individuality

Tips and Tricks in the Art Room

Eric’s Philosophy Diagram

Ken Vieth

As most Art Teachers may know, it can be easy to fall into catering to what students and administrators want and need, but in turn, we lose sight of what we need ourselves. Lana Jelenjev is with us here today to share the importance of “checking in”. Join us and learn the questions to ask yourself in order to figure out your own needs and the imperativeness of doing so.

Show Highlights:

• Lana’s method of making thinking visible
• In the entrepreneurial world, how to know when to pivot or pull the plug
• The powerful tool of “checking in”
• What the concept of Reverse Mind Mapping has to offer
• The questions to ask in order to identify your personal needs
• The danger of becoming too attached to the idea of an end product
• The practice that can help teachers and students in the classroom
• The importance of defining what you need
• What is compassionate communication and how it can benefit you
• The difference in being selfish and being self-full that society doesn’t tell us

Resources:

Blog: Dream See Do

Lana's Interactive Learning Site

90 Day Action Planner

The Power of Full Engagement

Essentialism: Mastering the Art of Less  

This episode is part of the former Art Class Curator podcast and is targeted specifically for art teachers. 

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We’re following up with art class teacher Holly Bess Kincaid from Episode 5. Holly Bess is changing the world within the walls of her classroom. Her students make up a strongly diverse community of learners, so different languages, cultures, and life experiences are something she not only plans for but leverages to create powerful learning moments, using art as the conduit.

In this episode, Holly Bess shares her experiences and practical tips on how she has found success in getting grant funding for projects and resources that enrich her students’ learning.

Show Highlights:

• Why an art teacher might need a grant
• Holly Bess’s shares her favorite grant she’s ever received
• How Holly Bess has used grant money she earned
• Tips from Holly Bess on how to find and apply for grants
• Places within your community you can seek grant funding for projects
• How to tailor your grant to potential grant funders
• • What is your goal?
  • What are you going to do with your funding?
  • What’s the impact to students of completing your project or using your resources?
  • How will you share updates of what you do with the product or finish the project?
  • How will you give recognition to your donor(s)?
  • Tell a good story and include a budget
• Effective tips for thanking donors
• Whether or not you should re-apply to grants you’ve already received
• Why Holly Bess uses her voice recording feature on her phone often

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Donors Choose

Holly Bess on Instagram - @artladyhbk

Holly Bess on Twitter - @artladyhbk

Capitol of Creativity

National Art Education Association (NAEA)

Art Class Curator

This episode is part of the former Art Class Curator podcast and is targeted specifically for art teachers. 

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Amy Bultena and Danette Albino are here to talk about their experience in teaching at Title 1 Schools, lower-income students. These ladies hit on a variety of topics from the importance of actually respecting your students as people to taking time to prioritize yourself. If you’re a soon-to-be-teacher wondering what to expect or a seasoned Vet looking for reassurance you’re not alone, this podcast is for you!

Show Notes:

• How to teach low-income kids when their most basic needs aren’t met
• The most important thing kids need in the classroom in Title 1 schools
• Why the Public Education System doesn’t necessarily know what’s best for its students
• The skills teachers were not prepared for, to nurture students
• The key to connecting with students in the classroom and cultivating those relationships
• The benefits of treating kids as people and not just as students
• Why it’s important to prioritize yourself alongside teaching
• Alternatives to self-help and therapy for Title 1 Teachers
• The thing we lose in stressful jobs, such as teaching low-income schools, that’s important to get back
• How to address your own “privilege” in the classroom
• The importance of talking about race, in and out of the classroom

This episode is part of the former Art Class Curator podcast and is targeted specifically for art teachers. 

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The rigidity of rules may be hindering creativity for young artists.

Jim O’Donnell didn’t take his first art class until he was almost graduated from high school. Jim is proof that you’re not doomed if you didn’t learn the technicalities at a young age.  Listen to him share his experience with how his art painted its way into his life and, in return, has done the same for his students. Jim shares his pedagogies of inspiring and teaching future Elementary Education majors, the importance of failure, and how to get find balance with a school system focused on a grade letter. 

Show Highlights:

• How Jim traded Advertising for Art
• Jim explains the idea behind his blog Kill Your Color Wheels
• How assessing art in the classroom isn’t as easy as a multiple choice test
• Why perfectionism is the enemy of creativity
• Why it’s important to encourage kids to fail more
• Learn how art teachers can find the balance between imposing letter grades and nourishing growth
• How art teaches us to slow down in a fast and furious society
• The non-academic way of grading that’s difficult to measure
• Jim talks about how he handles the difference between naturally talented artists vs. those who work harder
• The importance of relaxing into what’s uncomfortable
• Impactful artwork for Jim: Abbott H. Thayer Winged Figure, 1889 - http://www.artic.edu/aic/collections/artwork/59798?search_id=1

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Kill Your Color Wheels

Walking on Water by Derrick Jensen

Why I Hate the Elements and Principles of Art

Stephen Krashen, Linguist

Sheila Kriemelman

Grading on Standards for Achievement - Brookhart

This episode is part of the former Art Class Curator podcast and is targeted specifically for art teachers. 

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Art competitions are actually beneficial for teachers and their students.

Brad Le Duc, an Art Educator, is here to share his passion for art and educating the young artists of the future. Brad has taught 2D art in several states across the country for the past 17 years. Brad here to talk about the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, the positive effects of art competitions, and how art teachers can get involved in helping their students submit their art pieces. 

Tune in for a refreshing and inspiring interview with Brad, and walk away with new insights on art, competitions, passion, and vulnerability. 

Show Highlights: 

• Brad explains what the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is and their mission
• Learn what the Discovery Award Competition and ArtEffect Project are
• How students discover their “Unsung Hero”
• How to get students involved with the Lowell Milken Center
• How to reach kids who lack motivation
• Brad tells a story of a former student whose artwork brought him to tears
• Brad and Cindy discuss the importance and impact of passion
• Two questions that Brad asks his students to initiate conversation
• A free 10 Step Lesson plan to help art teachers get started
• Brad shares one of his personal favorite art influencers from Brazil 

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Lowell Milken Center

Brad LeDuc"s Blog

ArtEffect Project

Wasteland - Vik Muniz

Irena Sendler

Alice Seeley Harris

The Art the Brought Brad to Tears

Kara Walker

Ai Weiwei

10 Step Lesson Plan

This episode is part of the former Art Class Curator podcast and is targeted specifically for art teachers. 

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Susan Riley is bringing it all together through art. Her website, EducationCloset is the go-to resource for teachers working to integrate art into other disciplines and create STEAM programs. In an educational climate that places a high value on standardized testing, art integration is an effective method to engage students and teachers alike and has helped to infuse creativity and critical thinking back into the classroom.

Tune in to hear Susan’s passion come through as she shares stories, tips, and reflections on how to work art integration into your lessons, and how it can add to your classroom environment.

Show Highlights:

• Why you shouldn’t be afraid of arts integration
• The inspiring way EducationCloset got its start
• How arts integration retains and reinvigorates teachers
• Susan shares some examples of her favorite art integration lessons
• How to incorporate peer reviews and partner work in art integration activities
• Addressing the meeting of educational standards for all disciplines involved
• How to be an advocate for both arts and arts integration 
• Tips for building relationships with other teachers in your school that overlap with your integrated content
• Why you should never say, “That’s not my job”
• Susan shares her first experience falling in love with art

Links Mentioned in the Show:

EducationCloset

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

Art Class Curator

This episode is part of the former Art Class Curator podcast and is targeted specifically for art teachers. 

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It turns out that comics are good for kids. 

Dr. Katie Monnin is here to tell you that art and language belong together, more than ever. She’s spent her career creating books on both how and why incorporating new graphic novels enhance visual learning and writing skills in students. More than that-- she’s also worked hard with a community of teachers to develop resources so teaching with graphic novels feels attainable and accessible to anyone.

Tune in for an energizing interview with Katie, and walk away with a plethora of tips and resources to bring into your first graphic novel lesson.

Show Highlights:

• Katie explains what Pop Culture Classroom is and what it does
• Why it’s important to let kids read graphic novels
• What students learn from graphic novels
• Kate shares a powerful story of how the 9/11 attack changed her perception of the need for graphic novels
• How graphic novels are different from traditional cartoons
• Tips for developing quality lessons plan for graphic novels
• Katie shares about panels, gutters, and balloons, and their place in the classroom
• How to find the balance of art and language in the study of graphic novels
• The graphic novel artists and publishers Katie recommends for teachers starting out
• A bit about the Denver Comic Con and why it’s worth attending
• Ways to get started teaching in your own classroom using graphic novels

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Pop Culture Classroom

Email Katie: katie.monnin@popcultureclassroom.org 

Find books by Katie Monnin

Diamond Bookshelf Lesson Plans

Toon Books

Sara Varon

As The Crow Flies by Melanie Gillman

Lion Forge Books

Brave by Svetlana Chmakova 

Maus by Art Spiegelman

Blankets by Craig Thompson

Spill Zone by Alex Puvilland

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

Denver Comic Con 2018

Art Class Curator

Amanda Koonlaba is a blogger and art teacher who has been running her blog “Party in the Art Room” for more than a decade. In this episode, Amanda and Cindy discuss One Woman Show by Celeste Rapone through our lenses as mothers, educators, and creatives. As former art teachers, we talk about the importance of arts integration and how art can help face uncertainty. 

For links to all of the artworks featured as well as Amanda's contact links, head over to the shownotes at this link. 

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Want to connect?

• Join the Art Connection Circle
• Follow me on Facebook
• Follow me on Instagram
• Join my email list 

This episode is part of the former Art Class Curator podcast and is targeted specifically for art teachers. 

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Art class teacher Holly Bess Kincaid is changing the world within the walls of her classroom. Her students make up a strongly diverse community of learners, so different languages, cultures, and life experiences are something she not only plans for, but leverages to create powerful learning moments, using art as the conduit.

From practical tips on how to work with a variety of native languages in one classroom, to what projects have created the most excitement with students of all backgrounds, Holly Bess provides insights so that you can help students learn more about the world by learning from one another.

Show Highlights:

• How to adapt your learning environment to a multilingual classroom
• The way art lessons can bring out cultural lessons between students
• Holly Bess shares an anecdote of celebrating Holi with a student’s family
• Ways teachers can get to know their students’ communities better
• Holly Bess shares about a particularly successful kite art project
• Tips on managing students’ behavioral issues related to trauma
• How to address tough conversations and fear with art lessons
• The ways social media can isolate us from forging connections with others
• How Holly Bess tailors her curriculum to her student’s needs
• Why reading, writing or speaking are included every day in art class
• How Holly Bess created a weekly lesson to critique art
• The art that scared Holly Bess 

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Google Arts & Culture app

T.H.I.N.K. About Art - Weekly Lesson Guide

Holly Bess on Instagram - @artladyhbk

Holly Bess on Twitter - @artladyhbk

Capitol of Creativity

National Art Education Association (NAEA)

Art Class Curator

Art that scared Holly Bess: Ann Hamilton's Offering (1991) https://www.mattress.org/archive/index.php/Detail/Collections/71

This episode is part of the former Art Class Curator podcast and is targeted specifically for art teachers. 

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Michael Linsin knows that positive classroom moments don’t just happen magically. In fact, a well-run classroom makes teaching-- and learning-- fun. His practical guides and tips come from years of experience and have culminated in his own online resource called Smart Classroom Management. In this episode, we dive deep into the how’s and why’s of best practices in classroom management, with a focus on art classrooms.

Tune in and be ready to mix up your classroom management style, so you can have more fun with your job and create a learning environment that transforms the lives of your students.

Show Highlights:

• How Smart Classroom Management got its start
• Michael shares his tips on having a well-run classroom
• The importance of having a classroom management plan
• Why it doesn’t really matter what consequences you use in the classroom
• The most effective way to model behaviors you want students to emulate or avoid
• How to create an engaging lesson on classroom management for your students
• Why Michael doesn’t like reflection forms
• Misconceptions other teachers have about having a well-managed classroom
• Tips on how to build rapport with students
• How old is too old for time outs
• Types of consequences that work well for older students
• How reward and points systems in your classroom can be ineffective
• The importance of follow-through with your classroom management plan

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Smart Classroom Management

Facebook - Smart Classroom Management

Book - Classroom Management for Art, Music, and PE Teachers

Art Class Curator

Sometimes our most challenging moments are the times that create the biggest spark. For Megan Hildebrandt, one of those chapters of her life was while she was earning her Masters Degree in Studio Art at the University of South Florida and was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. 

This experience completely changed the way she views art, community, and remaining present.

In this episode, Megan dives into how her art transformed during her cancer treatment and how, now that she is in remission, she finds more and more ways to bring art students to communities in need of healing, inspiration, and consistency.

Show Highlights:

• How cancer changed Megan’s perspective on art
• Her evolution as an artist through cancer and the different mediums that captured her attention
• Megan explains an artistic series that she produced while undergoing chemotherapy
• How Megan got her experience as an art teacher
• The story behind Megan’s course, “The Aesthetics of Health”
• How cancer care experiences are enhanced with art in the waiting room
• Anecdotes from figure drawing cancer patients
• The difference between sympathy and empathy
• Megan explains the importance of consistency in serving communities with art
• How Megan sees her art programs scale to other schools and communities
• The freedom and shared ownership of interpreting art
• Megan shares 2 artists who have inspired her

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Megan Hildebrandt

This episode is part of the former Art Class Curator podcast and is targeted specifically for art teachers. 

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For over 15 years, Nic Hahn has worked with students of all ages in various schools and districts around the Midwestern US-- and if there’s one thing she’s discovered, it’s the importance of community in teaching art. 

She started a blog called Mini Matisse in 2010 to connect parents to the art projects that were coming home in the hands of their children, but the online connection was just the beginning.  Her quest to bring people with interest and experience with students thirsty to try new forms of art has sparked local, nationwide, and international interest and participation-- demonstrating that the invitation to create is universal and that we all have a lot to learn from one another.

Show Highlights:

• What prompted Nic to create her blog, Mini Matisse
• How often she creates blog posts, and what her philosophy on blogging is like
• The ways blogging has impacted Nic’s teaching
• Nic shares her favorite community art projects, and why they’re important
• Ways to proactively manage emotionally challenging art lessons with students
• Tips for engaging families and volunteers in art class support
• How to find and support classroom volunteers
• Unexpected benefits of having volunteers come in to support students
• Tips and advice for teachers starting a community-driven art learning program
• Nic explains what an Artist’s Trading Card is
• How Nic’s classrooms began trading art with schoolchildren in Japan
• Nic shares her artistic inspirations
• Why Nic named her daughter Matisse

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Community Project from Mini-Matisse

Bit-O-Bios on Teachers Pay Teachers

Artist Trading Card Project on Mini-Matisse

Lisa Congdon Art Project on Mini-Matisse

Mini Matisse

Instagram - @minimatisseart

Twitter - @minimatisse

RSVP

Welcome to Art Class Curator! This podcast is something that’s been in the back of my mind for years and I’m excited that it’s finally happening. Each episode will dive deep into different aspects of teaching art - from passionate art teachers sharing their work, to mini trainings on art appreciation strategies that you can use in your classroom, to conversations about the highs and lows that come with being a teacher.

Show Highlights:

• We’re launching-- the Art Class Curator podcast is happening!
• What the Art Class Curator podcast will be about
• Hear highlights of a few upcoming interviews
• The one telling question I ask guests at the end of every episode
• A personal story of how host Cindy Ingram came into studying and loving art

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Art Class Curator

I've been talking about it for a while, but I'm finally sharing my painting I made! In this episode, I talk about the vulnerable process of sharing and creating this painting as well as what benefits I get from knowing myself better.

Click here to visit the shownotes to view my painting! 

Get Involved

• Join the Art Connection Circle -- Now enrolling for summer sessions! 
• Art and Self on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

Daniel Popper's Chasm is one of my favorite works of art as there are sooooo many rich, personal connections to be found. I was delighted Dr. Charryse Johnson, therapist and author of Expired Mindsets: Releasing Patterns That No Long Serve You Well, chose it as the artwork to focus on. We talked about a lot in our discussion from how we change and grow as we age, to how we adopted stories from a variety of sources that aren't really who we are, how we can explore our own inner selves, and how we can  break away from any 'expired mindsets' that may be holding us back.

For links to all of the artworks featured as well as Dr. Johnson's book and social media, head over to the shownotes at this link. 

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Want to connect?

• Join the Art Connection Circle
• Follow me on Facebook
• Follow me on Instagram
• Join my email list 

We flip the script on the podcast this week as my guest, Dr. Kate Wurtzel, chooses and presents the art choices. t was so fun to have it flipped on me, and the artworks she chose are right up my alley. I absolutely loved this delicious conversation about painting through the lens of Byzantium by Jenny Saville. Kate definitely made me want to paint during this conversation! See all of the art choices and links to things we discussed over at the shownotes on artandself.com.

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Want to connect?

• Join the Art Connection Circle
• Follow me on Facebook
• Follow me on Instagram
• Join my email list 

In this episode, I talk about how I am working to overcome my perfectionism in my art, writing, and business--taking inspiration from Simone Seol's Garbage Post Challenge (Joyful Marketing Podcast Episode #160) and Anne Lamott's "Shitty First Drafts" (in her book Bird by Bird) 

Perfectionism stops creativity in its tracks. In this episode, I discuss how I have taken these messages to heart by taking time to experiment, to play, and to create without any expectations of the outcome. When we let go of our need to be perfect, we open ourselves up to our authentic selves, and this is where the magic lies.

For links and more info about the Art and Self podcast, check out the shownotes at https://artandself.com/116-create-garbage

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Want to connect?

• Join the Art Connection Circle
• Follow me on Facebook
• Follow me on Instagram
• Join my email list 

In this episode, photographer Kelly Ferguson and I discuss the artwork Desire by Miss Meatface aka Kat Toronto. This artwork captures the complexities of identity in a single photograph. In the conversion, we discuss the layers of influence a person goes through as they express their identity, themes of blending in and standing out, how to capture a person’s true essence on camera, and the freedom of expression of womanhood across generations. 

Get more episodes and information on the show notes at https://artandself.com

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Want to connect?

• Join the Art Connection Circle
• Follow me on Facebook
• Follow me on Instagram
• Join my email list 

There are moments in life that you walk away from forever changed. One of the most magical, forever changed moments in my life happened thanks to my guest today, Lyn Carpenter.

Lyn is an Equine Gestaltist who helps women discover their authentic selves and recover from people pleasing through coaching and a healing environment filled with a herd of horses.

The majesty of horses and their connection with humans has been captured in artwork for generations. It's easy to understand why when you experience their incredible ability to sense when the words you say do not match your heart.

See the artwork we discussed and learn more in the show notes.

• Watch this episode on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/artandselfcindy/videos/765619205553447 
• Watch this episode on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/video/live/urn:li:ugcPost:7197299338065186817/ 
• Watch this episode on YouTube -  https://youtube.com/live/xuN9_FL93U0 
• Join Art Church -  https://cindyingram.com/art-church/
• Enroll in the Art Connection Circle -  https://cindyingram.com/circle
• Buy my Book - Art Is About Being Whole: A Memoir -  https://geni.us/ArtIsAboutBeingWhole 
• Allison Crow
• Eisley Hallows Shadow Study
• No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz ** affiliate link

Word of the Year Update #3 - In this episode, I share about a few powerful conversations that cracked me open and helped me tap into parts of my creative identity that I had long forgotten.

Also, check out the beginning of the episode for some updates about the podcast moving forward and my availabilty for coaching!

Interested in checking out coaching, schedule a free discovery call at https://artandself.com/discovery 

There is so little in the world that we can control. All we really have power over is our own actions, reactions, and the thoughts inside our head. That doesn't seem like much in a world moving at the speed of scrolling screens with opinions and expectations at every turn.

But it's everything we need and more.

The covid pandemic changed all of us. Some in big ways. Some in small ways. For Michelle Gordon, life before 2020 looks very different to life now. She left a career in medicine and discovered who she was beneath society's shoulds and shouldn'ts.

In this episode, we discussed the power of perspective through the artwork When We Return You Won't Recognize Us by Glen Brown. 

How do you get your voice back? How do you get rid of shame? How do you learn to love yourself?

What changes when you realize everything you need is already inside of you?

Get links and more in the show notes.