Episodes

Megan Woodard Johnson builds up dense layers of different materials, including acrylic paint, oil pastels, graphite, charcoal, vintage papers, colored papers, and whatever else is within reach. Megan explores memories and personal histories and transforms these experiences into the hidden layers of her work. Listen as we talk schnibbles, her striped shirt, and all the tiny details.

Abigail Bowen is an artist living in Brighton, UK who paints at ‘The Edge of The Rainbow’. The term comes from Donna Tartt’s novel, The Goldfinch as she describes a space that sits just beyond reality, where all beauty, magic and art exists. Our conversation covers loss, road races, and dogs, and how important it is to identify that thing that you want to express and take out into the world.

Jes Zange is inspired by colors and textures found in nature and uses yarn to create unique textured fiber paintings. She lets the days energy and emotions guide her work, and chooses materials based on her mood. The results are awe-inspiring! We talk about kindness, living slowly and simply, and her obsession with coffee mugs and texture.

Laurie Pearsall is a voracious learner and passionate educator whose work promotes dialogue about identity within the framework of mental health. She uses stories of moving house or country to explore what we leave behind and what we take with us on the journey of finding home.

Mel Kolstad is an artist, speaker, instructor and arts advocate who uses her art life to raise money, teach and protest.  As a printmaker, collagist and papermaker specializing in tiny art, Mel has participated in many artist residencies and teaches classes throughout Wisconsin. In part 2 of our conversation we talk about kindness, the Postal Service, and saying yes!

Mel Kolstad is an artist, speaker, instructor and arts advocate who uses her art life to raise money, teach and protest.  As a printmaker, collagist and papermaker specializing in tiny art, Mel has participated in many artist residencies and teaches classes throughout Wisconsin.

Mindy Sue uses sewing and stitching techniques to create soft sculptures and textiles inspired by the intangible phantom of nostalgia. This episode is all about comfort and security, childhood memories, and time travel.

Deb is a scientist by day, and artist by night and weekend. She works with a variety of media, using film and photography, metalwork and encaustic to scratch her creative itch. We talk about the connection between art and science, not taking things too seriously, and finding time to recharge.

Ben Seaman’s midcentury abstraction paintings contain signage, contemporary design motifs and color palettes that reference 20th Century printed materials. Ben talks about potatoes, monkeys, and watching the breakthroughs in your thought patterns.

Shannon Amey is a Canadian contemporary abstract artist currently living in Finland along the Baltic Sea. Shannon’s immersion and exploration of the places and people she interacts with deeply influence her work, translating human connection, memories, and story into vibrant gestural abstract paintings.

Mary combines blown glass and fabricated steel elements into captivating sculptures that evoke natural and built landscapes of the rust belt and the Midwest. She says that the physical nature of a traditional craft helps her clear and create mental space. Mary shares her experience working 5 days a week, 8 hours a day, in 120 degree heat, and her passion for arts education and recess in the schools. You’ll need a cold drink after this episode!

Krista Allenstein paints retro neon road signs onto her collection of vintage maps, changing the wording into positive and encouraging messages. Krista shares her journey from wardrobe mistress and shoe coordinator to a full time working artist. You will be inspired by this Midwestern optimistic artist who digs the past and feels good about the future.

Paula is a Milwaukee based artist, educator, co-founder of a non-profit arts organization, and director of The Arts Mill gallery and arts boutique. Paula shares the joy of unpredictability and potential sense of discovery and how working in different mediums lets her respond to what’s happening in her emotional and mental life. Listen and be inspired by this curious and brave and engaged artist.

I believe that creativity flourishes when we are brave, when we practice compassion and when we engage in meaningful human connection. Each week we talk to curious, unapologetic, and engaged artists about this messy creative journey we’re on. They have the courage to let go of who they think they’re supposed to be and embrace who they are. They listen to the whispers deep inside and they make the choice to show up every day and do the work. They acknowledge the mess and keep going. I hope you will too.