Art Pays Me

Jenny Lea, Mikey J Blige and Amine Bouzaher of genre bending band, I M U R share how they fought through writer's block to create their latest album, My Molecules. They talk about their collaborative writing and producing process, playing shows and how they've grown during their 6 years of making music together. The trio also talk about the importance of taking the professional side of music seriously in order to get to the next level.

I M U R online

• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Twitter
• YouTube
• Apple Music
• Spotify

Photographer Amy Eaton gives some insight into her path to photography, her business and why she incorporated teaching online courses. We also talk about the importance of nurturing creativity in children and learn about Amy's podcast, Bold Company that features unscripted conversations with entrepreneurs and creators.

Amy Online

• Website
• Instagram
• Facbook
• YouTube
• Pinterest

Jenn talks about how the pandemic gave her a chance to learn new skills that have made her more independent as an artist and discuss why we wish we took more classes during our time at NSCADU. She also talks about her collection of covers of Canadian classics, her cover of Eye Of The Tiger being featured on multiple shows and her new variety show, Jenny Town.

Jenn Online

• Covers Playlist on Spotify
• Jenn on YouTube
• Website

UK based Jewelry designer and academic, Melanie Eddy talks about her work, her beginnings in Bermuda and how teaching at Central Saint Martins impacts her practice. We also talk about addressing social justice as a creative and why we think being Bermudian is a super power.

Melanie Online

• Instagram
• Website

Textile Artist and Printmaker Julie Rosvall discusses her process, her solo exhibition, Iterations, at Harvest Gallery and how Craft Nova Scotia supports crafters in Nova Scotia. We also talk about why it's ok to not have it all figured out and the importance of community.

Julie Online

• Website
• Textile Instagram
• Textile Twitter
• Textile Facebook
• Printmaking Instagram
• Printmaking Twitter
• Printmaking Facebook

Artist and Designer Tafui shares her journey from Jamaica to Canada, how culture influences her work and why her dad's lessons were so impactful. We also talk about why it's important to be open to diverse perspectives in art, design and life and how she's helping Black students pursue a creative education.

Tafui online

• Print Fundraiser
• Website
• Instagram

Visual Artist Christopher Webb talks about the meaning behind his paintings and how training in boxing taught him how fear can be productive for artists. We also talk about his business, Pavia Gallery - Espresso Bar & Café, his segment on Global Television called Visual Arts Abstract and his recent exhibition at Acadia University Art Gallery.

Christopher Online

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

I speak with artists Kris Reppas and Emily Sheppard about their recent exhibition of death shrouds called, Across the Fire and what it's been like as an art student during a global pandemic. We talk about "death positivity", how their latest project addresses mortality and how our cultures inform our relationship with grief.

On the final episode of the Craft Pays Me series, Artist and Jewellery Designer, K. Claire MacDonald talks about the symbolism in her work and the importance of sharing the stories that go with it. We also talk about how having secondary creative outlets can influence your primary pursuit, what she learns from going for a daily run, her experience doing an artist residency and the business behind being a jewellery designer. Thank you to Craft Nova Scotia for making this series possible and Arts Nova Scotia for the additional support.

K. Claire online

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

Award-winning musician/composer, sound and video designer, performer and theatre creator, Aaron Collier talks about why he loves to tell stories as both a performer on stage and a designer behind the scenes. We also talk about his experience playing in the Jimmy Swift Band and starring in and creating the live mixed reality show, Frequencies, presented by Heist.