In this conversation, I take a break whilst Ruth welcomes guest Matt Jacob, photographer to our Art Alchemy Podcast. They explore the journey of transitioning from a corporate career to a creative life, discussing the challenges and resilience required in the art world. They delve into the importance of intuition in creativity, the necessity of marketing and community building for artists, and the role of failure in the creative process. Additionally, they emphasize the significance of journaling and self-reflection in finding one's voice and the peace needed for inspiration.Takeaways- Transitioning from corporate to creative life is challenging.- Financial risks are part of being an artist.- Resilience is crucial in the face of failure.- Intuition plays a significant role in creativity.- Marketing and community are essential for artists.- Journaling helps in self-reflection and growth.- Finding peace can enhance creativity.- Not everyone will connect with your work, and that's okay.- Embrace your unique artistic voice.- Building a supportive community is vital for artists.Sound Bites"Failure is a dirty word.""You have to find your audience.""Talent is a lot of hard work."🎨 Would you like to know more about Art Hub? Art Hub is an inspiring and supportive membership for artists to make more authentic art. Ruth and I run this friendly art community. Find out more information here… https://debbiechatfield.co.uk/pages/art-hub-community Where to Connect with Us: 🌟 Debs Chatfield Website: https://debbiechatfield.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debbiechatfieldartist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DebbieChatfieldArtist Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/debbiechatfieldartist 🌟 Ruth Egon Website: https://ruthegon.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruth_egon_artist/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RuthEgonArt/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/ruthegonart/🌟 Guest Matt Jacob https://mattjacobphotography.com/The Mood Podcast: The Art of Conversation One Frame at a Timehttps://www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ay🎵 Original Music by Tom Egginton Track: Best Of Jazz Instrumental 📖 Chapters of Our Chat:00:00 Introduction to Art and Photography01:17 The Journey into Photography03:00 Embracing Failure in the Creative Process07:34 The Role of Intuition in Photography10:49 Trusting Your Intuition14:02 The Importance of Authenticity in Art17:46 The Myth of Talent vs. Hard Work18:58 Transitioning from Corporate to Artistic Life21:41 Building a Sustainable Art Business24:00 The Importance of Community and Networking27:01 Navigating Social Media and Marketing as an Artist29:52 Finding Your Voice and Storytelling in Art33:42 The Role of Journaling in Creative Expression36:28 Seeking Peace and Inspiration in Creativity39:30 Exploring the Creative Process39:55 Art Hub Membership and Community Engagement

In this conversation, Ruth and Debs explore the theme of overcoming creative blocks, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, journaling, and community support. They discuss various methods to identify and address these blocks, including the role of feedback and the significance of celebrating small wins in the creative journey.

The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of creativity and mental health, advocating for a gentle approach to navigating challenges in artistic pursuits.

Takeaways

• Identifying creative blocks is the first step to overcoming them.

• Self-awareness is crucial in recognizing thoughts that hinder creativity.

• Journaling can help clarify thoughts and emotions.

• Community support is vital for artists to thrive.

• Feedback should be viewed as a tool for growth, not criticism.

• Celebrating small wins can boost confidence and motivation.

• Artistic journeys are unique and often require patience.

• Understanding the emotional triggers behind creative blocks is important.

• Creativity can be therapeutic and beneficial for mental health.

• Everyone has the potential to be creative in their own way.

Sound Bites

"Art isn't going to hurt you."

"We do need community."

"Acknowledge your little wins."

🎨 Would you like to join us in Art Hub?

Art Hub is an inspiring and supportive membership for artists to make more authentic art. Ruth and I run this friendly art community.

Find out more information here… https://debbiechatfield.co.uk/pages/art-hub-community

Where to Connect with Us:

🌟 Debs Chatfield Website: https://debbiechatfield.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debbiechatfieldartist/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DebbieChatfieldArtist

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/debbiechatfieldartist

🌟 Ruth Egon Website: https://ruthegon.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruth_egon_artist/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RuthEgonArt/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/ruthegonart/

🎵 Original Music by Tom Egginton Track: Best Of Jazz Instrumental

📖 Chapters of Our Chat:

00:12 Identifying Creative Blocks

10:46 Journaling and Meditation for Clarity

16:08 Observing and Noting Thoughts

21:44 Feedback and Resilience in Art

26:51 Listening to Yourself

32:03 Reflecting on Your Journey

37:15 The Importance of Community

44:06 Breaking Through Limiting Beliefs

This conversation revolves around the planning and execution of our upcoming art exhibition titled... 'Ethereal Encounters: A Journey Through the Wild' Please join us on the 3rd to 15th March, 2025 in Bear Steps Gallery, Shrewsbury, UK We are there all week with art demos, 'try out' mixed media art and watercolour workshops. All three of us will be there on the 8th of March when we will be having a 'Meet the Artists Event', if you are interested contact us on the details below to get a programme of events. You can add yourself to my mailing list here and get 20% off your first order.. https://debbiechatfield.myflodesk.com/gxoernzsuo We introduce ourselves (Debbie Chatfield, Claire Valentine and Sue Chatterton) and explain the differences in our art and similarities of inspiration. The discussion covers various aspects of organizing the exhibition, including logistics, audience engagement, and the importance of collaboration among artists. We share our experiences, challenges, and strategies for promoting our artwork and creating an immersive experience for visitors. We also explore unique exhibition spaces and future plans for community engagement. Takeaways • The exhibition is called 'Ethereal Encounters' and focuses on nature-inspired art. • Collaboration among artists enhances the exhibition experience. • Workshops will be held to engage the audience in the creative process. • Logistics, such as lighting and space allocation, are crucial for a successful exhibition. • Engaging with the audience can lead to meaningful conversations about art. • Unique exhibition spaces can create memorable experiences for visitors. • Marketing strategies are essential for promoting the exhibition effectively. • Community engagement is important for building a supportive art network. • The artists share their personal stories and inspirations behind their work. • Future plans include more exhibitions and community art initiatives. Where to Connect with Us: 🌟 Debs Chatfield Website: https://debbiechatfield.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debbiechatfieldartist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DebbieChatfieldArtist Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/debbiechatfieldartist 🌟 Sue Chatterton Website: https://www.suechatterton.co.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suechattertonartist/ 🌟 Claire Valentine Website: https://www.clairevalentineartist.com
Sign up: https://www.clairevalentineart.com/magiccircle YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@clairevalentineartist
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClaireValentineArt 🎨 Would you like to join us in Art Hub? Art Hub is an inspiring and supportive membership for artists to make more authentic art. Ruth and I run this friendly art community. Find out more information here… https://debbiechatfield.co.uk/pages/art-hub-community 🎵 Original Music by Tom Egginton Track: Best Of Jazz Instrumental 📖 Chapters of Our Chat: 00:00 Introduction to the Artists and Exhibition 02:46 The Concept of Ethereal Encounters 05:28 Personal Connections to Nature and Art 08:07 Building Relationships Through Art 10:56 Details of the Exhibition and Workshops 13:38 Advantages of Collaborative Exhibitions 18:10 Choosing the Right Venue 22:47 Marketing Strategies for Artists 27:22 Innovative Exhibition Ideas 30:28 Preparing for an Exhibition 33:05 The Importance of Lighting 35:32 Logistics and Setup Challenges 38:27 Curation and Placement of Artwork 43:24 Engaging with the Audience: Building Connections 46:13 Preparing Artwork for Exhibition: Framing and Presentation 51:28 Hanging the Exhibition: Techniques and Considerations 56:59 Logistics of Transporting Artwork 01:02:35 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

In this conversation, Ruth and Debs delve into the complexities of creative blocks, exploring how they manifest in the artistic process.

They discuss the importance of understanding one's artistic identity, the role of mindset, and the significance of finding a unique voice.

The conversation also touches on practical barriers artists face, the impact of external opinions, and the necessity of breaking traditional artistic rules to foster creativity.

Ultimately, they emphasize the journey of self-discovery and the deep connection art can create with audiences.

Takeaways

Creative blocks can take many forms and affect artists at different stages. Understanding your own creative blocks is essential for growth. Mindset plays a crucial role in overcoming artistic challenges. Finding your unique voice is a journey that requires exploration. Practical barriers, such as time and space, can hinder creativity. External opinions can influence an artist's confidence and direction. Breaking traditional rules can lead to innovative artistic expression. Art is a personal journey that reflects individual experiences. Connecting with your audience is about evoking emotions and memories. Self-discovery is a continuous process in an artist's life. Want to be part of Art Hub?

Art Hub is a nourishing, inspiring and supportive membership for artists to make more authentic art. Ruth and I run this friendly art community.

Find out more information here…

https://ruthegon.com/pages/art-hub-online-membership

https://debbiechatfield.co.uk/pages/art-hub-community

You can find Debs at

https://debbiechatfield.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/debbiechatfieldartist/

https://www.facebook.com/DebbieChatfieldArtist

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/debbiechatfieldartist

And Ruth at

https://ruthegon.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ruth_egon_artist/

https://www.facebook.com/RuthEgonArt/

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/ruthegonart/

Thankyou for the Original Music by Tom Egginton

Best Of Jazz Instrumental

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Creative Blocks

05:38 Common Hurdles in the Artistic Journey

11:20 Overcoming Resource Limitations

16:49 The Role of Space in Creativity

22:19 Finding Your Authentic Voice

26:43 Navigating Artistic Uncertainty

32:05 Exploring Nature and Personal Connection

37:12 Trusting the Creative Process

47:20 The Importance of Process in Art

53:14 The Impact of External Opinions

59:02 Breaking the Rules of Art

Hi everyone, and Happy New Year! 🎉 We’re Debs and Ruth, and on this fresh start to 2025, we’re sitting down to share our thoughts, intentions, and reflections with you. This conversation is all about the journey we’re on as artists—what we’ve learned, where we’re headed, and how we’re planning to grow creatively this year. We’ll talk about the lifestyle changes we’ve been making, the influence of seasons on our work, and how we’re finding balance between personal life and art. Join us as we reflect on 2024, set goals for the new year ahead, and explore ways to connect with our art community and deepen our creative practices. What You’ll Take Away from Our Chat: - The importance of setting intentions to guide your creative focus. - How lifestyle choices can transform your artistic practice. - Why experimenting with new materials and techniques can refresh your creativity. - Insights on working with the seasons and honoring natural creative cycles. - The value of connecting with a supportive art community. - How working in series can help ease the pressure on individual pieces. - Tips for finding clarity and decluttering your creative process. - Balancing personal life with the demands of being an artist. - Reflecting on the past to plan a meaningful and productive future.

🎨 Would you like to join us in Art Hub? Art Hub is an inspiring and supportive membership for artists to make more authentic art. Ruth and I run this friendly art community.

Find out more information here…

https://debbiechatfield.co.uk/pages/art-hub-community

Where to Connect with Us:

🌟 Debs Chatfield Website: https://debbiechatfield.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debbiechatfieldartist/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DebbieChatfieldArtist

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/debbiechatfieldartist

🌟 Ruth Egon Website: https://ruthegon.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruth_egon_artist/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RuthEgonArt/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/ruthegonart/

🎵 Original Music by Tom Egginton

Track: Best Of Jazz Instrumental

📖 Chapters of Our Chat:

00:00 New Year Reset: Setting Artistic Intentions for 2025

01:38 Ruth's Relocation: Embracing New Artistic Communities

03:52 Reflecting on 2024: Art and Lifestyle Choices

06:40 Setting Intentions: The Power of a Word for the Year

09:19 Integrating Art into Daily Life: A New Approach

09:29 Exploring Art and Personal Growth

14:58 Seasonal Influences on Creativity

20:38 The Impact of Environment on Artistic Expression

26:18 Personal Preferences in Artistic Themes

27:51 Navigating Creativity and Productivity

33:02 Balancing Art and Life

37:11 Project Management in Art

38:13 Finding Joy in Artistic Expression

38:52 Planning for the Future

42:39 Reflections and Takeaways for 2025 We’d love to hear from you—what are your intentions and creative goals for the year ahead? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share. Let’s make 2025 a year of growth and inspiration together! 🌟

In this episode we explore the creative process and the importance of reflection in artistic practice.

How do you evaluate the changes in your art, the significance of inspiration, and the challenges that artists face?

We believe that artists can define their own measures of success not connected to how much they sell but how authentic their art has become.

Learn our thoughts on moving forward with future artistic endeavours and how we use our reflections to feed this. We also reflect on how it’s important to make art a part of everyday life and how reflection can feed this to make it easier to incorporate it as such.

Takeaways Creative process can be likened to a recipe.

Reflecting on changes in art practice is essential.

Artists should give themselves permission to experiment.

Trusting the creative process can lead to growth.

Success in art should be measured by connection, not sales.

It's important to reflect on how art has changed over time.

Incorporating poetry can enhance artistic expression.

Exploring new materials can lead to exciting outcomes.

Art should be integrated into daily life for inspiration.

Quick sketches can capture the essence of a moment.

🎨 Would you like to join us in Art Hub? Art Hub is an inspiring and supportive membership for artists to make more authentic art. Ruth and I run this friendly art community.

Find out more information here…

https://debbiechatfield.co.uk/pages/art-hub-community

Where to Connect with Us:

🌟 Debs Chatfield Website: https://debbiechatfield.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debbiechatfieldartist/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DebbieChatfieldArtist

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/debbiechatfieldartist

🌟 Ruth Egon Website: https://ruthegon.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruth_egon_artist/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RuthEgonArt/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/ruthegonart/

🎵 Original Music by Tom Egginton

Track: Best Of Jazz Instrumental

📖 Chapters of Our Chat:

02:58 Measuring Success in Art

05:57 Exploring Changes in Artistic Expression

08:39 Navigating Creative Blocks

11:40 Intentions and Goals for the Future

14:26 Finding Inspiration and Connection

17:17 Integrating Poetry and Art

19:51 Experimenting with Materials and Processes

22:28 The Importance of Reflection

25:30 Incorporating Art into Daily Life

30:10 Understanding the Creative Process

34:44 Reflecting on Your Art Practice

40:49 Planning for the Future

This week we explore the significance of art education, the integration of creativity in STEM and STEAM, and our personal experiences in the art and education systems. We discuss how creativity is essential in various fields, the importance of critique and feedback in art education, and the processes involved in creative work. We also reflect on our own quite different educational journeys and the impact of different teaching methods on our artistic development. Through this we can help you to discover what the right path is for you... Do you need an Artist Education to be an Artist? Everyone is different, we tell you what we think, let us know in the comments below your own thoughts on this... Takeaways • Art education is often undervalued compared to traditional subjects. • Creativity should be integrated into STEM education to foster innovation. • Personal experiences in art education can shape one's creative process. • Critique in art education is essential for growth and development. • The education system often prioritizes exams over creativity. • Art can enhance understanding in scientific and technical fields. • Different teaching methods can significantly impact artistic development. • Creativity is a universal trait that everyone possesses. • The process of creating art involves both intuition and structured critique. • Art education can open doors to new perspectives and skills. 🎨 Would you like to join us in Art Hub? Art Hub is an inspiring and supportive membership for artists to make more authentic art. Ruth and I run this friendly art community.

Find out more information here…

https://debbiechatfield.co.uk/pages/art-hub-community

Where to Connect with Us:

🌟 Debs Chatfield Website: https://debbiechatfield.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debbiechatfieldartist/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DebbieChatfieldArtist

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/debbiechatfieldartist

🌟 Ruth Egon Website: https://ruthegon.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruth_egon_artist/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RuthEgonArt/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/ruthegonart/

🎵 Original Music by Tom Egginton

Track: Best Of Jazz Instrumental

📖 Chapters of Our Chat:

06:02 Personal Experiences in Art Education 11:18 Creative Processes and Techniques 13:09 Critique and Feedback in Art Education 19:21 Cultural Shock and Class Differences in Art Education 21:02 Navigating University Life and Class Differences 23:49 Gender Dynamics in the Arts and Education 26:59 The Value of Art Education 27:58 The Impact of Educational Support on Children 33:34 The Importance of Arts in Education 33:50 Understanding STEM and STEAM 36:16 The Importance of Creativity in Education 38:24 The Need for Creative Thinkers in Today's World 41:19 Neurodiversity and Learning Styles 43:06 The Journey into IT and Problem Solving 45:55 Education Systems and Their Impact 48:46 Cultural Differences in Education 51:21 The Role of Arts in STEM Education 51:30 Takeaways 53:15 The Impact of Art Education on Confidence 54:07 Interdisciplinary Influence on Artistic Expression

In this conversation, we delve into the nuances of artistic voice and style, exploring how artists can navigate their creative journeys while embracing authenticity and intuition.

We discuss the importance of experimentation with materials, the challenges of overcoming resistance, and the emotional aspects of the creative process.

The dialogue emphasizes the significance of trusting oneself and recognizing the cyclical nature of artistic inspiration and expression.

Takeaways

• Artistic voice is about personal expression, not just style.

• Experimentation is crucial for uncovering one's authentic voice.

• Reflecting on past work helps in understanding artistic growth.

• The creative process can be cyclical, with phases of excitement and calm.

• Trusting your intuition can lead to more authentic artwork.

• Overcoming resistance is part of the journey to authenticity.

• Art is deeply connected to personal motivations and experiences.

• Choosing materials can significantly impact the creative process.

• It's important to enjoy the process rather than focus solely on results.

• Emotions play a vital role in the artistic journey.

🎨 Would you like to join us in Art Hub? Art Hub is an inspiring and supportive membership for artists to make more authentic art. Ruth and I run this friendly art community.

Find out more information here…

https://debbiechatfield.co.uk/pages/art-hub-community

Where to Connect with Us:

🌟 Debs Chatfield Website: https://debbiechatfield.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debbiechatfieldartist/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DebbieChatfieldArtist

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/debbiechatfieldartist

🌟 Ruth Egon Website: https://ruthegon.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruth_egon_artist/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RuthEgonArt/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/ruthegonart/

🎵 Original Music by Tom Egginton

Track: Best Of Jazz Instrumental

📖 Chapters of Our Chat:

00:00 Techniques to Discover Your Voice

00:20 Defining Voice and Style in Art

03:55 The Journey of Finding Your Artistic Voice

07:29 Embracing the Creative Process

11:24 Navigating Resistance and Trusting the Process

17:12 Exploring Authenticity in Art

20:05 Motivations Behind Artistic Expression

22:56 The Creative Process: Sketchbooks and Collections

25:43 Intuition and Colour Choices in Art

30:00 Embracing Change in Artistic Voice

35:47 Navigating the Artist's Journey and Imposter Syndrome