Make Something 365 & Get Unstuck

Foreground/Background podcast episode 22: Jennifer Egan

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Coordinator) — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0000

4/13/2022

In this episode, I interview Jennifer Egan. Jennifer is the Pulitzer prize winning author of the novel A Visit from

the Goon Squad, she also wrote Manhattan Beach, which won the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in

Fiction and many other multi-award winning books. Her work has appeared in The New Yorker, Harper's Magazine,

Granta, McSweeney's, and The New York Times Magazine. And Her new book The Candy House, a sibling novel

to A Visit from the Goon Squad, came out from Scribner on April 5, 2022.

In this hour long conversation we discuss:

Pursuing a career in writing
The process of publishing novels
And so much more!

Jennifer Egan’s site: jennifergan.com

Jennifer Egan’s IG: @jennifereganwriter

Noah on Patreon: patreon.com/noahscalin

Music by Jantrax

Foreground/Background podcast episode 21: Hamilton Glass

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Coordinator) — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 15:59:00 +0000

3/9/2022

In this episode, I interview Hamilton Glass. Hamilton, AKA Ham, is a Richmond, Virginia based artist with a background in architecture and design. Ham is a prolific painter and muralist, who is well known for using his art as a tool for inspiration and healing in the community. In 2020, Ham founded the influential large-scale public art project: Mending Walls which was created to bring about healing through public art while adding to the conversation of Black Lives Matter.

In this hour long conversation we discuss:

The power of public art
Shifting career paths
And so much more!

Hamilton Glass’ site: whosham.com

Hamilton Glass’ IG: @hamglass

My Patreon: patreon.com/noahscalin

Music by Jantrax

Patreon Anniversary Special Offer!

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Coordinator) — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 18:13:00 +0000

2/14/2022

I'm celebrating my fifth year on Patreon this month!

In honor of this milestone, I'm running a special offer for new and existing patrons! Starting today if you pledge $10 or more you'll get a limited edition print of my piece #Still_Life. This archival 9 x 9 in. print is signed and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. In addition you'll become part of my exclusive Team Art community of supporters who get access to content available nowhere else. Folks who pledge $25 or more will also get a surprise item of my choice from my archive! This special offer will be available to claim only until MIDNIGHT Eastern Time on Monday, February 28th.

Why sign up to be my supporter on Patreon?

Patreon is a way for creators to make more meaningful direct relationships with fans of their work. As the social media landscape becomes more fractured and difficult to navigate I'm putting my focus on sharing my process and inspiration with my supporters through this more intimate platform. On my Patreon page I have an exclusive feed, where you get behind-the-scenes look at the work I'm making as well as other content available nowhere else!

Here's what one of my supporters had to say about his experience:

“I’ve been following Noah since his Skull-A-Day website days, and it’s wonderful to continue to access his art through Patreon. I really enjoy seeing and reading about his creative process, but seeing Noah’s art installed is the biggest thrill. It removes that feeling of distance and disappointment that I am never likely to see his art work in the flesh, when I can interact with Noah and his work online.”

– Beck Archer

Don't miss out on this limited time offer, find out more HERE.

Foreground/Background podcast episode 20: Kate McKean

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Coordinator) — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 11:00:00 +0000

1/26/2022

In this episode I interview Kate McKean. Kate is a literary agent at the Howard Morhaim Literary Agency in

Brooklyn, NY. She is also an adjunct professor at New York University. Her work has appeared in Electric

Literature, Catapult, Racked, Popula, and in SCRATCH: Writers, Money, and the Art of Making a Living.

She writes the fantastic substack newsletter Agents & Books about, you guessed it, literary agents and books.

In this hour long conversation we discuss:

What exactly a book publishing agent does (and why you might need one)
As well as the reality of what it means to get a book published.
And so much more!

Kate McKean’s site: morhaimliterary.com

Kate McKean’s substack: katemckean.substack.com

Kate McKean’s IG: @kate_mckean

Noah on Patreon: patreon.com/noahscalin

Music by Jantrax

#Still_Life

noreply@blogger.com (Noah) — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 12:58:00 +0000

I was invited to participate in an all skull art show at Blockfort Gallery in Columbus, Ohio, so I decided to create a special new sticker art piece just for the exhibition.

As with my other sticker art work I just overlap the stickers without altering them in any way. My goal with this one was to get as much detail in as possible.

The piece is on a wooden 20 x 20 inch panel and the background is painted on after the piece is sealed. The piece is for sale and will be available through the gallery during the exhibition which runs October 1-31st.

p.s. FYI my Patreon supporters got an exclusive first look at this piece with additional background information I've shared nowhere else. They also get first dibs on my art, including discounts on new prints, and have access to an art savings account to buy pieces, including commissions. You can join up for as little as $5 a month. Find out more HERE.

Foreground/Background podcast episode 19: Talking with Freehand Profit about NFTs

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Coordinator) — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 16:19:00 +0000

4/19/2021

In this episode I interview Freehand Profit. Freehand is an LA based multi-disciplined artist who’s infamous for destroying coveted sneakers to make unique masks - a body of work stemming from a year long, daily project called MASK365 (inspired by own Skull-A-Day project!) Since 2010 he has made more than 200 one of a kind sneaker masks, working with brands like Nike, adidas, Puma, Cadillac, Converse and more. Freehand was also my very first podcast interviewee and I’m excited to have him back for the 2nd time to specifically talk about the world of NFTs.

In this hour long conversation we discuss:

Navigating Non-fungible tokens as an artist
The pros and cons of this new digital space
and more!

I couldn’t have made this podcast without my Patreon supporters! If you enjoyed this podcast please leave a comment and let me know what resonates with you and give it a thumbs up or 5 star review wherever you listen to it. And of course if you’re not already a Patreon supporter I hope you’ll check it out at Patreon.com/NoahScalin. For as little as $5 a month you get access to my studio and practice including content available nowhere else.

Foreground/Background podcast episode 18: Michael-Birch Pierce

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Coordinator) — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 17:00:00 +0000

3/11/2021

In this episode I interview Michael-Birch Pierce. Michael-Birch is a fiber artist and fashion designer who has interned for Diane von Furstenberg, embroidered Christmas decorations for the Obama White House, and designed an exclusive collection for Levi’s. They have performed their embroidered portraits at Oscar and Super Bowl events, Design/Miami, and SXSW, and worked with clients such as Visa, Target, Amazon, Delta, NBCUniversal, and Airbnb. And they have exhibited in numerous galleries and museums both domestically and abroad.

In this hour long conversation we discuss:

Surviving as an artist during a pandemic
Collaborating with corporations
Dealing with scam inquiries
and more!

Check out my interview on the podcast series Sidewalk Ghosts

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Coordinator) — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 19:47:00 +0000

2/5/2021

I recently spoke with Richard Radstone for an episode of his Sidewalk Ghosts podcast. You can listen here below, on the website, on Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ARTIST PODCASTER SPEAKER (@richardradstone)

Based on life found experiences and interviews of diverse strangers, Richard’s short stories and observations entertain as they share ideas for appreciating the worth of yourself and others. Real-life stories and openhearted dialogues that can enhance your consideration of just how far your individual influence can reach.

I originally met Richard many years ago while he was doing a daily project about interviewing strangers! To read about 365 Strangers/365 Days, click HERE.

Making Art for 365 Days

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Coordinator) — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Eric Rhemrev of Louisville, Kentucky created daily art based from the prompts in the Daily Creative Journal as well as suggestions and ideas from other people.

Why did you decide to do this project? The simplest answer would be to prove to myself that I could do it. The long answer is that I was depressed, only I didn't realize it. I thought being depressed meant feeling sad, but I didn't feel sad, I felt stuck.

Thankfully I came to the realization that if I wanted things to change, I would need to change the way I approach things. And one of the things I wanted to change was my lack of follow through, and what better way to test myself than a yearlong project.

How has doing a yearlong/daily project affected your life? Doing a yearlong daily project has affected my life in many different ways. From getting my creative juices flowing to giving me the confidence to call myself an artist.

I have gone back and finished a few projects that have been long abandoned as well as completed new ones. It has helped build discipline when it comes to everyday things such as making my bed and keeping my home organized. This project really has changed my life.

To see more of Eric's art, follow @arikmakesart on Instagram!

Catch my interview on the podcast, Artivism NOW!

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Coordinator) — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 15:31:00 +0000

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Kyle Roman for his latest episode of Artivism NOW!⁠ Have a listen to our conversation where we chat about my non-traditional methods and media, the impact of public art in the southern US, and how @alrcreates is impacting the minds of corporate America.⁠⠀

Artivism NOW! discusses the intersection between art and activism and how artists all over the world are making a statement with their work. Politics, culture, and current events inform and carry forward the work of artists. These interviews tell the story of people who are dedicated to truth telling and compassion in a cynical world.

Show art made by @megheimanart.

Find Out What Day of the Week It Is, During The Pandemic

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Coordinator) — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Janet Scagnelli of Richmond, VA is sending out daily texts to subscribers, an activity she calls VeriDay.

Why did you decide to do this project? Back in April I was having trouble remembering what day of the week it was, and even if I figured it out, I’d forget a few hours later. So I wrote the day on a business card and left it on my counter all day. It worked, so I made a week’s worth. I texted a photo to a friend, who laughed and said I needed to send this to her every day.

Of course, I couldn’t just shoot the card, I had to add a tomato or a leaf to the photo. Fast forward, 7 months later—I have over 20 subscribers (through texting). I call my service VeriDay. Sometimes I make videos, I use 5 languages some days, and I haven’t missed a day. I called upon guest hosts for the week I was away.

How has doing a yearlong/daily project affected your life? I think it has created a (daily 6am-7am) meaningful connection among us. Some of the smaller subscriber groups react to the prompts with deep conversations (The rise of the Nazi movement in NYC in the 1930’s, Baptist hymns, Russian children’s book illustrations from the 1950’s, crop circles).

It seems to make people smile. I’ve gotten to know some subscribers so much more intimately, even though I’ve known them for decades. And it keeps me making art daily.

I recently read this article from the NYTimes and it dawned on me—this is VeriDay’s mission! (The entire article is worth reading.)

Excerpted from the NYTimes article:

"The key to coping during this, or any, time of upheaval is to quickly establish new routines so that, even if the world is uncertain, there are still things you can count on...

Luckily, there is a vast repertoire of habits you can adopt and routines you can establish to structure your days no matter what crises are unfolding around you. [VeriDay!]

The truth is that you cannot control what happens in life. But you can create a routine that gives your life a predictable rhythm and secure mooring. This frees your brain to develop perspective so you’re better able to take life’s surprises in stride."

Foreground/Background podcast episode 17: Mim Golub + Chuck Scalin

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Coordinator) — Tue, 25 Aug 2020 20:19:00 +0000

For this very special episode I’m interviewing my own parents, Mim Golub and Chuck Scalin! Both Mim & Chuck are artists and art educators and were of course fundamental in my own foray into the art world. It’s always a pleasure for me to hear the stories of their career arcs and I’m so glad to have captured this conversation in my studio earlier this year, before the Covid-19 Pandemic hit the United States. Thankfully both of my parents are healthy and continuing to stay safe through this unusual time.

In this hour long conversation we discuss:

Growing up in immigrant households
Being first-generation college graduates
Sexism in the education system
Creating art internationally
And more!

I couldn’t have made this podcast without my Patreon supporters! If you enjoyed this podcast please leave a comment and let me know what resonates with you and give it a thumbs up or 5 star review wherever you listen to it. And of course if you’re not already a Patreon supporter I hope you’ll check it out at Patreon.com/NoahScalin. For as little as $5 a month you get access to my studio and practice including content available nowhere else.

Foreground/Background podcast episode 16: Jesse Smith

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Coordinator) — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 18:40:00 +0000

The latest episode of my Foreground/Background podcast is out now! Give it a listen below or subscribe on your favorite streaming service (including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Anchor, Breaker, Overcast, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts and Radio Public) to get new episodes as they come out.

In this episode I interview Jesse Smith. Jesse is an internationally known artist whose goal has always been to translate his skewed perspective of the world onto paper, canvas, concrete or skin. He has been published in almost every tattoo magazine, has won a ton of awards for his unique use of color and even found his way onto the reality TV show Ink Master. He currently works in Richmond, Virginia where he runs his own studio called Loose Screw Tattoo.

In this hour long conversation we discuss:

Running a creative business
Collaboration
Tattoo art
Reality TV
and more

This interview was recorded prior to the COVID-19 pandemic so be sure to listen through our entire conversation to hear a follow-up with Jesse about the many things that happened to him since we talked earlier in the year (including multiple rounds of quarantine AND the birth of his first child!)...

Foreground/Background podcast episode 15: Terry Border

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Coordinator) — Tue, 26 May 2020 15:14:00 +0000

The latest episode of my Foreground/Background podcast is out now! Give it a listen below or subscribe on your favorite streaming service (including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Anchor, Breaker, Overcast, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts and Radio Public) to get new episodes as they come out.

In this episode I interview Terry Border. Terry worked in the commercial photography industry for a dozen years before leaving it to follow more artistic ambitions. He began his world famous Bent Objects project in 2006 and since then he has published many, many books of his art He also speaks about and exhibits his work internationally and lives with his wife and cat in Indiana.

In this hour long conversation we discuss:

Finding humor and inspiration in our current political climate
Blogs and social media
Working with everyday materials
and more

Also be sure to stay through the entire talk to hear a follow up conversation about how COVID-19 has impacted Terry and his work since our original conversation was recorded before the global pandemic had reached the United States.

I couldn’t have made this podcast without my Patreon supporters! If you enjoyed this podcast please leave a comment and let me know what resonates with you and give it a thumbs up or 5 star review wherever you listen to it. And of course if you’re not already a Patreon supporter I hope you’ll check it out at Patreon.com/NoahScalin. For as little as $5 a month you get access to my studio and practice including content available nowhere else.

Foreground/Background podcast episode 14: Kat Roma Greer

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Coordinator) — Tue, 05 May 2020 17:52:00 +0000

The latest episode of my Foreground/Background podcast is out now! Give it a listen below or subscribe on your favorite streaming service (including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Anchor, Breaker, Overcast, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts and Radio Public) to get new episodes as they come out.

In this episode I interview Kat Roma Greer. Kat is based in Hong Kong and works as an urban disruptor and curator of public art interventions for positive social change. She is the founder and artistic director of Micro Galleries, curator of Urban Nasty, and was named as one of Australia’s 100 Women of Influence for 2015, for her work in the cultural sphere.

In this hour long conversation we discuss:

The global impact of COVID-19

Increasing the accessibility of art

The power of street art

and more

Foreground/Background podcast episode 13: Sarah Cameron Sunde

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Coordinator) — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 20:21:00 +0000

The latest episode of my Foreground/Background podcast is out now! Give it a listen below or subscribe on your favorite streaming service (including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Anchor, Breaker, Overcast, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts and Radio Public) to get new episodes as they come out.

In this episode I interview Sarah Cameron Sunde. Sarah is an interdisciplinary artist and director working at the intersection of performance, video and public art, including her project 36.5 /A Durational Performance with the Sea, which is an ongoing work spanning seven years and six continents.

In this hour long conversation we discuss:

Finding your artistic direction
Running a creative business
Applying for grants
and more

Foreground/Background podcast episode 12: Alfonso Pérez Acosta

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Coordinator) — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 11:30:00 +0000

The latest episode of my Foreground/Background podcast is out now! Give it a listen below or subscribe on iTunes or Spotify to get every new episode as soon as it comes out.

In this episode I interview Alfonso Pérez Acosta. Alfonso is a Colombian artist who received a Fine Arts Degree as well as a Masters in Education in Bogotá. Since 2007, he has been actively involved in art education as a teacher for elementary, middle and high school groups at various schools and non-profit organizations. He is now the Art Program Director with Sacred Heart Center in Richmond, VA.

In this hour long conversation we discuss:

Finding comfort in art making
Teaching art
Changing perspectives
and more

Foreground/Background podcast episode 11: Mica Scalin

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Coordinator) — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 14:42:00 +0000

The latest episode of my Foreground/Background podcast is out now! Give it a listen below or subscribe on iTunes or Spotify to get every new episode as soon as it comes out.

In this episode I interview Mica Scalin. Mica is an innovator in the use of art and media for community engagement and creative development. She also happens to be my sister! She was among the first producers hired by NBC Universal Digital Studios, she launched social media strategy at Showtime Networks and consulted on CBS Interactive marketing. She has produced documentary films, art exhibitions and cultural events including being one humans behind dOGUMENTA: America’s First Art Show For Dogs. She is also co-author, with me, of the book Creative Sprint: Six 30-day Challenges to Jumpstart Your Creativity and she is the managing partner of our art and innovation consultancy Another Limited Rebellion.

In this hour long conversation we discuss:

Creative activism
Pioneering digital media
Strategizing a career plan
and more!

Coffee Art

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Coordinator) — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 11:30:00 +0000

Quintin Watkins of Atlanta, GA is exploring the many ways to portray themes of energy, conversation, and late night studies in his year-long, daily challenge to create a wide range of coffee art.

Why did you decide to do this project? It is a project that has been on my mind for years as inspired by Noah Scalin. At first, I wanted to do flowers, but I am not good at drawing flowers, so I was not confident at the time to go through with it. Over time and completing three years of Inktober, I felt more confident to commit to a longer challenge.

The theme of coffee was inspired by my love for it and how it got me through so many late night art sessions in college. Not to mention, coffee is a wonderful beverage with its wide range of flavors and brew techniques.

How has doing a yearlong/daily project affected your life? I know that doing the daily Inktober challenge in October is usually super hectic especially with so much going on that month. I find a greater appreciation for time management and finding ways to think quick for a daily prompt executing an idea.

To see more of Quintin's Coffee 366 project, follow him on Instagram @quimawa!

Special Anniversary Offer!

noreply@blogger.com (Noah) — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 17:00:00 +0000

I'm celebrating the start of my third year on Patreon this month!

In honor of this milestone I'm launching exclusive special offer starting today. The first 75 people who sign up as my one of my patrons before February 29th will get a rare signed & numbered limited edition letterpress print of my Ornament(al) Skull, which was created as part of my original Skull-A-Day project!

Why sign up to be my supporter on Patreon?
Patreon is a way for creators to make more meaningful direct relationships with fans of their work. As the social media landscape becomes more fractured and difficult to navigate I'm putting my focus on sharing my process and inspiration with my supporters through this more intimate platform. On my Patreon page I have an exclusive feed, where you get behind-the-scenes look at the work I'm making as well as other content available nowhere else!

Here's what one of my supporters had to say about her experience:

"I have absolutely loved backing Noah on Patreon. First and foremost, I was able to support him month-to-month to create a work of art that I would never have been able to afford otherwise. I highly recommend that those who crave original art and might not have enough funds to go out and buy the piece of their dreams consider the monthly commission option. For the cost of a meal out (with wine :–) for two once a month, you can own a first-class work of art after a year and a half. Good for the waistline and the soul! Second, I love seeing how creative people think. I enjoy watching Noah at work and listening to him interview other artists. I believe that creative approaches will yield important answers to the world's problems. I am, therefore, most happy to support the blossoming of creative thinking and actions."

– Constance Del Nero

Don't miss out on this limited time offer, find out more HERE.

p.s. When I hit 100 supporters on Patreon I'll also be giving away an original piece of art to one randomly selected Patron!

A Pastel A Day

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Coordinator) — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Susan Singer of Richmond, VA is creating a pastel painting (at 6" x 9" or 9" x 6") daily for her project A Pastel A Day...

1. Why did you decide to do this project?

I had several reasons for deciding to do this project, some of which are very personal, some financial, some impulsive. When I decided to begin the project, I was 4 weeks into a 10-week separation process from my husband. I was exhausted, run down, drained, chronically angry and frustrated and resentful - you know, the reasons people separate from their previously beloved spouses. Anyway, I needed something to help me get my energy back. I have always been an incredibly energetic person, full of enthusiasm and projects and ideas and creativity, but my marriage had sapped that out of me, and I wanted it back. When thinking about what I could do besides the project I was already working on (The Eyes Project which Noah modeled for), I thought about a Pastel a Day. It could be good because it would give me something to focus on, something simple and concrete to do each day to get me into the studio and make me draw. It would be a commitment to myself which I would also make public so I would be forced to do it. And perhaps I could even sell some pieces and make some much needed money. So on January 1st, I began putting the pieces in place for it to happen, and on January 3rd I published the first one.

2. How has doing a yearlong/daily project affected your life?

The reality of doing a Pastel a Day has been a bit different than my idealization of it was. First, it's more work: I do the artwork (sometimes I do 3-4 at one sitting, but shhh! don't tell anyone!), then I photograph it, crop it, etc. Then, I post it on eBay where I also write a little story to go with it. Afterwards, I go to Mailchimp where I create a post to send out the next morning to my mailing list (which has grown from 0 to 43 over the course of a month! Very proud! Though I'd really like it to be 100 times that large!). Mailchimp automates sending to Facebook and Instagram as well so that helps a bit, though in the morning I have to post to my personal FB account as Mailchimp only posts to my art account. During the day I sometimes have to answer people's questions about the piece or like their comments - i.e. social media maintenance. I would say I spend between 1-2.5 hours a day on the project between creating the piece (the quickest part) and marketing it. When it sells, I have to package it and take it to the post office as well, which is another 45 minutes. That's a lot of work for $65! But I assume that over time the auctions will get heated and the pieces will sell for more, so I'm in it for the long term.

The project has given me the energy and drive I was looking for when I started it. The night my husband moved out, I wasn't exactly in the mood to draw, but I was really glad to feel the need to do so. It took me out to the studio and got me in front of the easel which was the absolute best place for me to be at the time.

I've also really appreciated the feedback I've gotten. I've sold over half the pieces and have gotten 3 commissions so far because of the work I've done. That's very helpful! And each time I hear the eBay whoosh on my phone, I get a thrill knowing someone has bid on a piece! It's fun and makes me happy!

I love that I'm getting my work out into the world in a way I haven't done so before. I've shown and sold lots of work, but doing it daily and posting it every day is a different thing than building up to a huge show once a year; one night's huge opening then the attendant crash afterwards as all the hard work is over and done! And people seem to be enjoying it. Friends comment frequently that they enjoy opening the emails and seeing beauty first thing in the morning.

In July I'll be spending a month in Iceland and am hoping to create small landscapes from there each day as a way to memorialize my travels. That's one of the greatest things about this project - I decided at the start that I wouldn't just stick with subjects that were "more likely to sell". Instead I decided to do whatever the heck I wanted to and to not worry about whether they sold or not. As a consequence, I've done some abstracts I might not have tried before and used colors I wouldn't have thought to use if I were commercially motivated. It's fun and exciting and daring and I'm really glad I'm doing it!

See more of Susan's project on Facebook!

Are you part of my team?

noreply@blogger.com (Noah) — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 20:43:00 +0000

Just a reminder, that if you like the work I make (including the interviews I do for this site) you should really check out what I'm doing over on my Patreon page. It's a private community where I share my process and practices, most of which is totally exclusive content! Find out more HERE.

Join us for our February Creative Sprint!

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Coordinator) — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 17:45:00 +0000

'The Inspiration is Everywhere' February Creative Sprint Challenge kicks off today!⁠⠀

Join Michelle, your February Creative Sprint host, as she takes over our Instagram stories and brings us along as she works through the first prompt of the month!⁠ Follow her creativity @michelle.genders.

What Inspires Me?

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Coordinator) — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 19:03:00 +0000

Michelle Genders of Port Macquarie, Australia is creating work daily based on what inspires her.

Why did you decide to do this project? My theme for the October 2019 Creative Sprint was "What inspires me?" I thought I only had a small amount of time and energy to devote to it. I was surprised to find that even when there was very little time, there were still some decent outcomes. Even if the outcome wasn't that great on a particular day, the creative act helped move me to a new place for the next day and sometimes lead to something great on a future day.

Then there were days when there actually was quite a bit of time and space to unleash the muse! I so enjoyed stepping back into the creative flow and making it a priority. It is so compelling once I have the urge to make something, I just can't stop till it's done. My current daily practice is often experimental drawing, but it is also really fun to mix it up by opening up to any material or medium according to the idea I get in response to the prompt.

I'm continuing on to complete a 365 project on the “What inspires me?” theme. I found there has been so much wisdom in contemplating this question. I felt like each time I answered it, I uncovered another layer. I want to know what's underneath all the layers! I've experienced the momentum that gets built up with Creative Sprint for one month and I've long wanted to see how that evolves when sustained for a 365 project.

Noah recently posted that he did 365 skulls because "it just came to me!" I’ve had the same experience, and following what comes to me has lead to some fantastic places. I’ve completed monthly themes of 'public art', 'blues', 'change is the only constant', 'spirals' and 'inside outside'. Although these were good while they lasted, I was ready to let them go at the end. I've been waiting for a theme that I can commit to for a whole year – and it has finally come!

How has doing a yearlong/daily project affected your life? I've had a daily creative practice since 2016 when I first became involved in the Creative Sprint community. I've completed eight Creative Sprints as well as Skull-A-Day. I also completed more than 365 sticky note drawings and put them out into the world.

It has really entrenched my daily art making. Previous to that, I was making art regularly, but it was quite separate from daily life. I would generally do paid work on some days and do art making on the other days. I would carefully select materials then spend months and months on one work and kept it in my studio until it was exhibited.

Creative Sprint led to the collapse of the boundaries between art and life – now I can make art anywhere at any time using anything I can get my hands on! You are forced to consider the world around you and the resources that you have available to quickly implement solutions and effectively communicate them visually within 24 hours. That leaves little room for perfectionism and a lot of room to follow curiosity. Taken alone, what I make each day might be either a meh or yeah! Taken together, it keep me creatively fit. I make surprising discoveries every day when I approach the world in the way that a Creative Sprint prompt helps cultivate. If I hold the prompt lightly and look out for the "sparks" and follow them, the world becomes a place of play and possibility. It is exciting to see what might happen on any given day!

Sometimes when I read the prompt, I know immediately what I want to do. Mostly, it takes a couple of hours for an idea to coalesce. Occasionally I’ll draw a complete blank and it doesn't get resolved until the 11th hour. In any case, I have learned to trust that something will fall into place that is right for me on that day, given the resources that I have access to.

I’ve completed daily projects while on vacation. It’s inspired me to do more than just look at and take photos of things. Creatively responding to the new places I’m visiting makes the experience of travelling even more fun! When there is downtime, for example while waiting for a train connection, it is great to have something to do. When the day is full of activities, it forces spontaneous and unexpected decisions.

I completed the Skull-A-Day project because I disliked skulls. I challenged myself to work with something I felt was ugly and scary. At the end of the project, I had less fear of them than when I had started and a greater acceptance of my mortality. I saw their value in being a symbol that could be easily constructed and communicated using pretty much any material.

From watching the creations made by the Creative Sprint community, I have come to strongly believe that every single human being is inherently creative. Not just some people. Every single one of us. We all get the same prompt and we end making different things. Every single day! It’s truly beautiful. One of the best ways to build community is by practicing creativity together.

I’ve learnt to enjoy the journey and bring creative energy to any situation I find myself in. Art can get pretty serious, but art can be enjoyable to make and enjoyable to view. No one owns creativity. Practice it because you can and no one can take that away from you. Try out a new process, see a weird idea crystallize, express a feeling that has been bottled up inside, re-figure a mundane material that you normally wouldn’t give a second thought. Because LIFE can get pretty serious, but LIFE can also be fun!

See more of Michelle's project on Instagram @michelle.genders!

Foreground/Background podcast episode 9: Taraka Larson

noreply@blogger.com (Noah) — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 20:24:00 +0000

The latest episode of my Foreground/Background podcast is out now! Give it a listen below or subscribe on iTunes or Spotify to get every new episode as soon as it comes out.

In this episode I interview Taraka Larson. Taraka is most well known for the band Prince Rama, a collaborative, decade-long project made up of herself and sister, Nimai. Her visual art practice, an extension of her music, has garnered her opportunities to show internationally, including exhibitions at the Whitney Museum of Art, Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art, and Brooklyn Museum. Since Nimai’s departure from the band, Taraka has recently released Rage In Peace a solo Prince Rama album as a farewell EP.

In this hour long conversation we discuss:
Growing up in creative families
Entrepreneurship
Creating music
Following your passions
The Spirituality of Creativity
and more!

I couldn’t have made this podcast without the support and encouragement of my Patreon supporters! If you enjoyed this podcast please leave a comment and let me know what resonates with you and give it a thumbs up or 5 star review wherever you listen to it. And of course if you’re not already a Patreon supporter I hope you’ll check it out at Patreon.com/NoahScalin. For as little as $2 a month you get access to my studio and practice including content available nowhere else.