Art + Magic

Today I have a super real talk for you all about the realities of working your way into being a full time artist (one of our favorite topics here-- I know!).  Our guest of honor is Marisa Avila-Sayler.

Marisa has been an artist and navigating the journey of being full time for 20 plus years. As such she brings a refreshing dose of realness when it comes to the practicalities of being a working artist, how to discern what's right for your own path, and what’s happening in schools and in the art world. We also jam on failure, process, permission to make what you love and much more. This one was as informative as it was mega inspiring.

About Marisa Avila Sayler

Marisa Avila Sayler is a Los Angeles native who works in drawing, painting, and sculpture using both traditional and experimental media. She earned a BFA from the Atlanta College of Art in 2005, and an MFA from California State University, Fullerton in 2009. An artist since childhood, Marisa has always supported her art practice with more traditional career paths, namely education. Her teaching and educational field experience ranges from art exploration

with special needs preschoolers, to traditional undergraduate drawing and painting instruction, to doctorate-level lecture, curriculum design, and administration. Since 2018, Marisa has focused solely on her studio practice with occasional guest teaching, workshops, and visiting artist lectures. She has exhibited in numerous Los Angeles galleries, institutions such as the Torrance Art Museum and the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach, CA, and her work is in private collections all over the world. Outside of the studio, Marisa and her spouse of 16 years are guiding their two exceptional young children in the art of being explorers of this universe.

FOLLOW MARISA

@speaking_in_rainbows

marisasayler.org

RESOURCES

Artists Report Back study (by BFAMFAPHD)

TED Article: “How do artists make a living? An ongoing, almost impossible quest” 

ArtNet Analysis on the Income of Artists

LA Review of Books: Chances of Artist Success in the 21st Century

Hope for a new kind of education and art world reshaping: Black Arts Residency

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@artandmagicpodcast

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@devonwalzart

Taylor Lee Nicholoson is BACK and I’m honored to have her be the first return guest on our show. It’s no coincidence that I keep coming back for convos with this woman-- she puts a ton of thought and intention behind her process and the evolution of her work, and it shows. This time around we’re diving into all things sculpture, performance, anxiety as a playmate, pivoting your business model as needed, the difference between content and style, and so much more.

WE TALKED ABOUT…

About Taylor

Taylor Lee is an artist that draws attention to anxiety and hyperreality through exaggerated kitschy/campiness. She juxtaposes laughter and pathos to create mood-whiplash, challenge perceptions of reality, and offer anxiety-ridden millennials like herself the catharsis of feeling “seen.”

Taylor creates surreal content such as stop-motion GIFs and microfilms, sculpture, illustrations, performances, and installation for immersive experiences in both digital and physical spaces. When she's not building a paper-mache TV or another face vase, you can find her telling ghost stories…but more on that in October.

LINKS

Follow Taylor

@taylorleenicholson

taylorleenicholson.com

MENTIONS

Kat Sanchez Standfield -- @fiberess

Andy J. Pizza 

CJ Hendry

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@devonwalzart

www.devonwalz.com/podcast

DAN LAM. What a pinch-me-moment it was to have her on the show. SO many interesting topics got touched on in this conversation: how and why beauty is easily dismissed in art, Dan’s thoughts on a recent negative comment and the issue of gatekeeping in the art world, the stigmas she’s protesting (like fun! and psychedelic use!), how she’s dealt with copying, advice for creating strong work and tons more.

It was powerful to talk to someone with so much experience who’s holding down very healthy and important perspectives for the whole art community. In fact, I almost titled this episode “Dan Lam is Awesome,” (true story) because that was how I walked away feeling from our chat. I know you all are going to appreciate it as much as I did.

WE TALKED ABOUT…

BIO

Dan Lam’s work straddles the line between numerous dichotomies. By navigating the

Known for her bold and unique sculptures, she rose to popularity and prominence

Lam was born in the Philippines while her family was immigrating from Vietnam to the

Lam currently resides and works in Dallas, TX, USA.

FOLLOW DAN

www.bydanlam.com

Dan on IG: @sopopomo

MENTIONS

“Playing to the Gallery” by Grayson Perry

The Botany of Desire (documentary)

“How to Change Your Mind” by Michael Pollan

Meow Wolf

Martin Creed

FOLLOW THE SHOW

@artandmagicpodcast

@devonwalzart

www.devonwalz.com

I’ve been wanting to weave plant medicine and psychedelics into the conversation for a while now and I can’t think of someone I would’ve rather done this with than Erin Loree (who’s luscious abstract paintings are to DIE for, by the way). I’m eternally grateful for her openness and wisdom. Not to mention, I had the BEST time talking with her.

In our conversation, Erin shared about what it’s been like for her to speak about ayahuasca publicly, how she’s navigated the topic within the exhibition world, the correlations she’s found between healing, ceremonies and the creative process itself, how she uncovers meaning in her work and tons more. Whether you’re interested in plant medicine or not, there are beautiful perspectives for all artists in what she shares-- and some fascinating stories about her adventures in the jungle, too.

About Erin

Erin Loree is Canadian painter based in Toronto. Her work explores themes of transformation, inversion, and duality, with an emphasis on the process as a journey of discovery. She completed her BFA at OCAD University in 2012 and has since exhibited nationally and internationally in Toronto, Montreal, New York, San Francisco, and the UK, with a recent solo exhibition at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery in Owen Sound. Loree was awarded the Robert Pope Artist Residency at NSCAD University in Halifax and has participated in residencies in Toronto and in the Peruvian Amazon Jungle. Loree’s work has been featured in YNGSPC.ca, MOMUS.ca, CBC Arts, the Toronto Star, Beautiful Decay, Booooooom, and Huffington Post. She is represented by Peter Robertson Gallery in Edmonton.

LINKS

Follow Erin

www.erinloree.com

@erin_loree

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@devonwalzart

www.devonwalz.com/podcast

In this first Q+A, we're talking all things career advice, winding roads, navigating multiple gigs while being highly sensitive and much more. 

If you're itching to make the leap from day job to artist or want advice on how to fast track your growth and progress, I think you'll find solace in this discussion. You'll also get the behind-the-scenes of my own (non-linear and highly risky) path to being in biz.

A huge thank you to everyone who sent in questions! If yours didn't get answered, it's been saved for future episodes. 

For this episodes Q's, big shoutout to:

Beate Munch

Rachel Noble @rachelkatenoble

Julia Gomez @juligomexdesign

If you'd like to write in a question, topic or wondering for a future episode you can send an email to [email protected] with the subject "Podcast Question." Q+A's will come out on the regular!

LINKS

Episode 4: 5 Keys to a Sustainable Art Business

@artandmagicpodcast

As an astrology fanatic myself, I’ve been dying to bring you an episode where creativity and meets the stars. In this episode, astrologer, writer and artist, Emmalea Russo, shares how she sees astrology as an art in and of itself. We also discuss how she approaches astrology through a lens of divination, and the areas of the birth chart that are particularly ripe with creative fodder (my favorite!). I’m hoping this conversation can serve as inspiration for your explorations--there’s tons to jump off of here!

We talked about…

-- Emmalea's journey to astrology

-- Ancient astrology vs Modern astrology

-- Engaging with astrology as divination

-- Specific houses and planets that might be of particular interest to artists

-- Much more!

About Emmalea

Emmalea Russo is an artist, writer, and astrologer. Her interdisciplinary work focuses on edge spaces in human consciousness and art. Her books are G(2018) and Wave Archive(2019). She received an MFA in Sculpture from Pratt Institute, an MFA in Poetry from Vermont College and has studied ancient and modern astrology for several years. She has taught classes and workshops through Northeastern University, Parsons School of Design, The Art Institute of Cincinnati, and her Arthouse Astrology School and keeps a weekly newsletter. Her work has appeared or been written-up in Artforum, BOMB, The Brooklyn Rail, Bust, Cosmopolitan, Granta, SF MOMA’s Open Space, The Yale Review and many more.  She lives between NYC and the Jersey shore.

LINKS

*Emmalea is offering a special 20% OFF any kind of session to listeners of this podcast with code ARTIST at checkout

emmalearusso.com

@arthouse.astrology

Arthouse Astrology Newsletter: https://emmalea.substack.com/

Download Classes: https://emmalearusso.com/arthouse-downloads

Astrology Readings: https://emmalearusso.com/bookreading

SKY ORACLE: https://emmalearusso.com/skyoracle

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 @artandmagicpodcast

Follow Devon

@devonwalzart

www.devonwalz.com/podcast

I invited Jaclyn to be on the show not just because she’s one of my best IRL art friends, but because she’s a wonderful example of how to make a living as an artist by diversifying your offerings and income streams. Jac has embraced the fact that she loves so many styles, projects and mediums, and made that work FOR her. From live art and wedding invitations, to chalk board signs and digital art, to custom portraits and luscious oil paintings-- she literally does it all.  You’ll love this conversation if you feel limited by picking just one style or offering (or want to get creative with your cash flow!).

We talked about….

About Jaclyn

Jaclyn Florescio is an eclectic artist from Southern California.   She considers herself a “Jac of all Trades,” because of her deep love for all art! Her work incorporates a mixture of illustration, graphic design, and lettering which is the perfect combination for any kind of project from wedding invitations to logo design.   She is known for her colorful, story-telling  illustrations, and is inspired by everything: music, food, nature, culture and people. Her versatility has given her opportunities to work with different clients, from couples to corporate businesses to celebrities.

LINKS

Follow Jaclyn

IG: @yellowandlace

http://www.yellowandlace.com/

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Be sure to check out the show's *brand new* IG page: @artandmagicpodcast

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Follow Devon

@devonwalzart

www.devonwalz.com/podcast

I kind of pinched myself when Maya agreed to this interview.  I first came across Maya Freelon with the release of her Art on Fire video, which she released in response to the murder of George Floyd (and countless other black lives). I then rapidly dove into her colorful world of tissue paper artwork, and became fascinated with her messages and the deep history behind her medium.

In this convo we get a behind the scenes look at her experience of the art world, how she stuck to her guns in her work despite discouragement from professors, and we unpack her powerful video that calls out racism, by which I found her. Maya came fully equipped to this chat with experience and wisdom, and made room for zero BS. This one is guaranteed to light a creative fire under you in more ways than one.

We talked about….

-- Maya’s current thoughts on the galley system in the time of COVID

-- Super real talk on the pro’s and con’s of the artist/gallery relationship

-- Ways for artists to build their own “cred” outside of the system

-- Anger and isolation stemming from injustices and racial tensions

-- Maya’s identity as a black artist

-- Using accessible materials to challenge racism in the art world

-- Advice for artists to stay true to themselves and their art

About Maya:

Maya Freelon is an award-winning visual artist who creates  striking abstract sculptures and installations from tissue paper and water stains. She’s been featured in Garden & Gun magazine, Cosmopolitan Magazine called her one "of the most badass female artists in the biz,”  Miami New Times selected her as one of “five Young Artists to Watch During Miami Art Week 2019” and her work was described by the late poet Maya Angelou as "visualizing the truth about the vulnerability and power of the human being." Her unique tissue paper art, praised by the International Review of African American Art as "a vibrant, beating assemblage of color," has been exhibited internationally, including shows in Paris, Jamaica, Madagascar, and Italy.

LINKS

Follow Maya

IG: @mayafreelon

www.mayafreelon.com

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Be sure to check out the show's *brand new* IG page: @artandmagicpodcast

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Follow Devon

@devonwalzart

www.devonwalz.com/podcast

If you’ve been wondering how someone might make the leap from their day job and land celebrity buyers and big time collaborations while being wildly unapologetic in following their joy, look no further than this conversation I had with artist and designer, Rachel Burke of @imakestagram. I loved getting the back story on her unique, nostalgic and joyful creations and the long journey she’s been on with them. And I especially loved hearing her approach to brand, story, repping her own creations and what it’s been like for her to switch it up with painting, too.

We talked about….

--How Rachel built up her fashion line +  how wearing one of her own pieces in public started it all

-- Taking the leap from her design job to going all in on her own business

-- What Rachel credits to big celebrities like Kesha and Drew Barrymore finding and buying her pieces

-- The BTS details of collaborating with Disney

-- Navigating saying “no” to big offers

-- Killer advice for styling, branding and storytelling

-- The vulnerable update on her first ever series of paintings

-- And more!

LINKS

Follow Rachel

IG: @imakestagram

www.shoprachelburke.com

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Be sure to check out the show's *brand new* IG page: @artandmagicpodcast

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Follow Devon

@devonwalzart

www.devonwalz.com/podcast

I found that what Lanecia shared about choosing life, moving through grief, being honest and claiming art for herself was exactly what I needed to hear in this moment.  I’m in love with the depth of thought behind her work (which you’ll get to hear!) as well as her perspective on the ways art makes us better humans in the world.

We talked about…

-- How Lancia creates with patience and mindfulness, and let’s her work “become” in it’s own timing (and the practicality of working with deadlines within this process)

-- What led to her transition from minister to artist, and how her background plays out in her vocation now

-- How Lanecia moved through the grief of losing her daughter, both on and off the canvas, as well as advice for others working through grief.

-- How both creating art and engaging with art makes us better humans

-- How Lancia has fiercely directed her own art education and her favorite resources for doing so

-- much more!

And! Be sure to check out the show notes on this one. Lancia shared a WEALTH of educational and inspirational resources, and I linked them all up for you.

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Links and Mentions:

--  Creative Process by James Baldwin

-- On Joy and Sorrow by Kahlil Gibran

--  Living With Art by Mark Getlein

-- Menil Collection in Houston

-- Art Institute in Chicago

-- Romare Bearden, Sam Gilliam, Ed Clark, Toni Morrison, Audre Lorde, Frank Bowling, Elma Thomas

Additional resources from Lanecia:

MOMA Online classes (they are FREE!)

 Four Generations: The Joyner / Giuffrida Collection of Abstract Art

 Ninth Street Women by Mary Gabriel.

Follow Lanecia:

Recent Installation at Project Row

http://www.larartphotography.com/

https://www.instagram.com/larartstudio/

Follow Devon + the Podcast:

https://www.instagram.com/artandmagicpodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/devonwalzart/

www.devonwalz.com