In this episode, Victoria explores the importance of trusting the timing of your artistic journey and embracing the present moment. She discusses the common fear of falling behind, how to reframe scarcity into abundance, and the power of protecting your creative time. Through personal reflections and practical advice, she highlights how art is both an act of self-love and a gift to the world. Tune in for inspiration on maximizing your studio time, valuing your work, and finding fulfillment in your creative practice.

To learn more about working with Victoria, visit visionaryartcollective.com/mentorship

About Victoria -

Victoria J. Fry is a New York City-based painter, educator, curator, and founder of Visionary Art Collective, New Visionary Magazine, and Warnes Contemporary Gallery. Fry has supported hundreds of artists globally, providing resources and opportunities to help them further their art careers. As part of her mission to increase visibility for emerging artists, Fry partners with renowned curators and gallerists to facilitate both in-person and virtual exhibitions, and to publish quarterly issues of New Visionary Magazine, a contemporary art publication showcasing artists globally. Fry has been a guest speaker for the Women’s Caucus for Art in Washington, D.C., Superfine Art Fair in NYC, Photo Trouvée Magazine, The Art Queens Society, and the Huron River Art Collective. She has curated exhibitions for organizations such as Create! Magazine, Arts to Hearts Project, and The Artful Collective, and has served as a juror for the Women’s United Art Prize. She also hosts the New Visionary Podcast.Fry holds a BFA from the School of Visual Arts (2012) and an MAT from the Maine College of Art (2014).

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Nicole James, a NYC-based painter and creative director, discusses her journey from advertising to fine art, exploring the intersection of commercial and personal expression. She shares insights on navigating the art world, time management, and the evolving nature of artistic identity. Nicole also reflects on her experience at the Spring Break Art Fair and the importance of community, collaboration, and resilience in an artist’s career.

Here’s what we discuss:

1. Overcoming societal pressures and the starving artist myth.
2. The role of time management in sustaining an art career.
3. How personal experiences shape artistic themes and narratives.

About Nicole-

Nicole James is a New York City based artist recognized for her intimate, cinematic paintings of celebratory moments gone wrong.

Foregrounding a dual interest in classical still life and modern narratives, James adopts on-screen aesthetics to create wildly saturated and quietly unsettling vanitas paintings that use the collective symbolism of familiar personal objects to tell stories that exist somewhere between the artist’s autobiographical experiences and the audience’s. Often focused on the fleeting, James’ work is characterized by a palpable tension between the emotional chaos of the subject matter and her meticulously devotional painting technique. She has exhibited widely in New York City, with presentations at SPRING/BREAK, O’Flaherty’s, IRL, Storage, Halsey McKay, Room57, and Harsh Collective, and is held in various private collections.

Website: www.nicolejames.nyc
IG: @nicolejames.nyc

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Follow us on Instagram: @visionaryartcollective + @newvisionarymag

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Johnny Thornton, an artist working in Brooklyn, NY, owner of Established Gallery, and Director of Arts Gowanus discusses his artistic journey, how art became a therapeutic outlet during his illness, and his evolving creative approach. He shares insights on community engagement through Arts Gowanus, emphasizing affordability and collaboration in building a thriving artist community in Brooklyn.

Here’s what we discuss:

1. Art as a therapeutic outlet and a catalyst for community building.
2. The importance of affordability and advocacy in the arts.
3. Navigating the commercial art world while fostering collaboration.
4. Future initiatives to support artists and create accessible spaces.

About Johnny -

Johnny Thornton is an artist, curator and art director that lives and works in Brooklyn, NY. Born in Connecticut, he spent his childhood in Johannesburg, South Africa, before moving to Tucson, Arizona, where he studied Fine Arts at the University of Arizona. He received his Masters of Fine Arts from Parsons the New School for Design in New York City. Thornton has had work exhibited throughout the United States and is part of several collections. Currently, Thornton works out of his art studio in Gowanus and serves as the Executive Director of Arts Gowanus. Johnny was the Head Curator/Gallery Director at Established Gallery for 2 years before becoming the co-owner in 2022.Thornton is also the Executive Director of Arts Gowanus, a non-profit organization working to support, promote, and advocate for local artists and a sustainable arts community in Brooklyn.

Website :https://johnnythornton.com/
IG: @johnnythornton / @establishedgallery_ / @artsgowanus

Visit our website: visionaryartcollective.com

Follow us on Instagram: @visionaryartcollective + @newvisionarymag

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