Art, Parenthood, and Beyond

In this reflective episode, I reflect on 2024, guided by Laura Horn’s approach to setting intentions and asking meaningful questions about what worked, what didn’t, and what to let go. My word for 2024 was emerge, inspired by both wanting more growth as an artist and from the intuitive nature of watercolor with how it seems to always emerge from the paper. For 2025, my word is mission—a way to stay grounded while allowing room to explore. What will your word for the year be?

Mentioned:

Laura Horns Podcast Episode on planning and trello guides! https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/115

Medusa Painting Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/m1BPlW8a-FA
Myerrs Briggs: https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test

My website: ⁠MiwaGardner.com

Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@miwagardner_art

In this episode, Aine Divine shares how trusting your inner voice can guide you through creative challenges, from embracing pauses during blocks to following sparks of inspiration. She reflects on transforming dark times into cathartic art, staying true to her instincts, and finding joy in the process. Talking to Aine makes me feel better that even renowned artists face obstacles. Her advice to focus on what we authentically feel reminds us that 'bodily listening-in' can be a powerful source of meaningful and inspiring creativity.

Topics covered:

Navigating Creative Blocks

Emotional Connection to Art

Staying True to Inspiration

Artist Friend. An Uninteded Collaboration

Parenthood & Creative Energy

Power of Movement

Intentionality in the Creative Process

Surrendering to Imperfectionin Art

Finding the Flow in the Creative Process

Exatitude is not Truth

Space/Order for Creativity

Balancing Chaos and Order

Carving out time for Creativity

Schedule of Workshops

Qs from listeners

Lighting rounds!

Images from the interview below :
https://www.miwagardner.com/podcast/019

Mentioned:

Podcast on the Summer School Experience

Youtube Video on the Summer School Experience

Blog on My Summer School Experience

I’ve also was given the privilege to interview:

Aine Divine: Listening In: Aine Divine on Art as Catharsis, Following Sparks, Surrendering to Creative Blocks, and Fully Occupying Your Body in the Creative Process| Ep.19

Join me in my art journey!: MiwaGardner.com

Imagine 5 days of JUST PAINTING—learning and rediscovering creativity with Aine Divine. Set in the inspiring Willow Room at Cockenzie House in Edingburgh, this summer school new ways of approaching watercolor, from embracing bold brushstrokes to painting live models. I’ll share the challenges, breakthroughs, and what I will be taking with me forward from this unforgettable experience. Don’t miss my explanation of Aine’s unique teaching style and what it means to truly let go and let intuitive creativity guide you!

Mentioned:

Aine Divine Website: https://www.ainedivinepaintings.co.uk/who-i-am.html

Youtube Video on the Summer School Experience : https://youtu.be/u9vcHlGjrN8

Blog on My Summer School experience: https://www.miwagardner.com/blog/aine-divines-summer-school-in-edinburgh

I’ve also was given the privilege to interview: Aine Divine: Listening In: Aine Divine on Art as Catharsis, Following Sparks, Surrendering to Creative Blocks, and Fully Occupying Your Body in the Creative Process| Ep.19

Join me in my art journey!: MiwaGardner.com

In this episode, we explore what it means to be an artist and the journey of owning that title. Inspired by my own experiences and the story of a close friend, we dive into questions around identity, self-worth, and the desire for validation. I share insights on the distinction between “artist” and “professional artist,” as well as the armor we sometimes wear to feel secure in our creativity.

Mentioned:

Rick Ruben: The Creative Act: A Way of Being

My website: ⁠MiwaGardner.com

Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@miwagardnerart

*Links are affiliate links, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you :)

In this episode, I share my journey of how I first started making money with my art back in April 2023. From my first commissioned work with mothers in a Singapore-based WhatsApp community, to my first Etsy sale, and even launching a Kickstarter campaign, I reflect on the lessons I’ve learned about pricing, communicating with clients, and building a brand.

I also talk about how I’m now rebuilding my art business from scratch in the U.S. after moving and how I’m using my podcast, YouTube, and Instagram to build a new community. It hasn’t been easy, but I’m learning, and I want to encourage others who are also struggling to build their creative careers.

Mentioned:

My website: ⁠MiwaGardner.com

Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@miwagardnerart

Mentioned:
Sky Portrait Artist of the Year

Aine Divine

My youtube video on how to make painting a ritual

My website: ⁠MiwaGardner.com

Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@miwagardnerart

Mentioned:

Eli Miklavcic

Agnes Cecil

A good resources on what defines style: https://massart.edu/app/uploads/legacy-files/Principles%20and%20Elements.pdf

Pablo Picasso not pink period, Rose Period
Landscape artist mentioned by Eli is Allie Dattilio.

Lisa Congdons Book Here

*This is an affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you :)

My website: ⁠MiwaGardner.com

Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@miwagardner_art

Mentioned:

Birds: https://www.miwagardner.com/buyart/p/ill-take-my-time

My website: ⁠MiwaGardner.com

Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@miwagardner_art

In this episode, I share my experiences of spending quality time with my three-year-old son, focusing on our recent foray into origami. Through the delicate art of folding paper, I discover valuable lessons about patience, creativity, and the importance of balancing persistence with enjoyment in my artistic process.

Mentioned:
16 Personalities Test MBTI

Matt Gabler's blog, which discusses how overcoming challenges can lead to thriving in artistic pursuits .

My website: ⁠MiwaGardner.com

Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@miwagardner_art

In this episode, I explore the challenges of transitioning between my artistic pursuits and administrative duties amidst significant life changes. Drawing from my personal experience of moving from Munich to Washington State, I reflect on the emotional complexities of balancing creativity with everyday responsibilities. I share insights into practical strategies such as time blocking, mindfulness rituals, and setting boundaries to help ease these transitions and find equilibrium in our lives.

Mentioned:
The Laura Horn Podcast: The Art vs. Admin Battle - Managing Overwhelm and Tricky Transitions

My website: ⁠MiwaGardner.com

Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@miwagardner_art