ArtsvilleUSA

Art and culture are essential elements that keep communities healthy, vibrant, and connected. Artsville founder Louise Glickman even thinks of art as the glue that holds communities together. With this in mind, artists in Biltmore Lake, Candler, NC, have partnered with Artsville to produce a studio tour with a twist! Introducing BLISS, the first-ever Biltmore Lake’s Imaginative Studio Stroll, where 25 artists plus several guest artists will show and sell their art from their Biltmore Lake homes on Saturday, May 6th, 2023. In today’s episode of the Artsville Podcast, co-hosts Louise and Scott “Sourdough” Power are joined by fellow art enthusiast and BLISS volunteer team member, Elaine Scherer, to talk about the important role this world-class event plays in positioning Candler as a creative outpost and how it will broaden, strengthen, and acknowledge creative networks within the surrounding communities. To learn more about how you can join Biltmore Lake’s artists for their first annual studio tour, what you can expect to see on the day, and what you can do to contribute, be sure to tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Louise offers some context for this “fun, different, and imaginative” event.
• How the action-oriented Elaine became involved in BLISS.
• Why art is fundamental for any well-connected community, functioning like a glue.
• A look at what art means to Elaine as a registered nurse.
• Visitor attractions and the artists that are participating in BLISS.
• What makes BLISS a studio tour with a twist (and how we came up with the name).
• The spirit of service that drives Elaine’s unique style of leadership.
• Louise explains what attracts people to Biltmore Lake, including professional talent.
• How you can contribute to BLISS and become one of our volunteers.
• Some of the small and local businesses that are getting involved in the event.
• Why BLISS is a family-friendly event and an excellent learning opportunity for kids.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

BLISS: Biltmore Lake's Imaginative Studio Stroll — https://www.biltmorelakeartists.com/

BLISS on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/BLArtStroll/

Elaine Scherer on Twitter — https://twitter.com/AVLRN

Elaine Scherer Email — [email protected]

Katrina Chenevert Gallery — https://www.katrinachenevertgallery.com/

Fractured Atlas — https://www.fracturedatlas.org/

Artsville — https://www.artsvilleusa.com/

Artsville Podcast — https://www.artsvilleusa.com/tag/podcast/

Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.notarealartist.com/

Louise Glickman — https://www.louiseglickman.com/

Daryl Slaton — http://www.tailsofwhimsy.com/

Crewest Studio — https://creweststudio.com/

Sand Hill Artists Collective (SHAC) — https://sandhillartists.com/

If you’re listening to this podcast, you already know that there are so many reasons that art is important. It not only beautifies our surroundings, but it is a reflection of the world around us. For Mary Farmer, an artist with a long history as a women’s rights and social justice activist, art is liberation from the stresses of the world. Mary is a renowned encaustic painter based in Asheville, whose paintings create a portal into a timeless and transcendent state of being. It’s easy to get lost in Mary’s tranquil landscapes and travel to a more peaceful place in your mind, which is exactly what she hopes to achieve. At the center of her practice lies a much more quiet activism, a call to take some much-needed refuge from the onslaught of negativity that surrounds us. Referring to some of her more abstract landscape paintings as ‘soft landings’, Mary’s work is created to help you slow down and take time to decompress. Ultimately, rest is a radical and intentional act of resistance in a world that has no pause button. By looking after our physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional wellbeing, we can gather the energy we need to keep fighting for the causes we believe in. So, sit back, relax, and let Mary Farmer take you on a journey of creative self-care!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The quiet activism at the heart of Mary’s practice.
• Ways that Artsville offers healing, friendship, and comfort.
• How art provides opportunities for deeper connection.
• The ‘mental vacation’ that art offers us in a post-COVID world.
• Important causes that Mary and Louise have advocated for together.
• Insight into Mary’s decision to reincorporate activism into her artwork.
• When Mary’s commitment to women’s rights began.
• Using art to translate the spiritual connection with nature that one feels in Asheville.
• Where Mary gets the energy to keep fighting for the causes she believes in.
• The importance of speaking loudly and clearly about social justice through art.
• An understanding of Mary’s focus on comfort, shelter, and beauty.
• Why we have to make time for rest and self-care in today’s world.
• Attracting attention to the arts as a form of activism.
• Mary’s approach to marketing as a “mutual exchange of pleasure.”
• A look at the global community of International Encaustic Artists.
• Nurturing a mass market for original art to give artists a better livelihood.
• The responsibility that artists have to put their work out there.
• Bringing art, education, and activism under one umbrella with Artsville.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Mary Farmer — https://www.maryfarmer.com/

Mary Farmer on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/MaryFarmerArtist/

Ep. 12: Looking at the World Differently with Kenn Kotara — https://www.artsvilleusa.com/looking-at-the-world-differently-with-kenn-kotara/

International Encaustic Artists — https://www.international-encaustic-artists.org/

Thrive Asheville — https://www.thriveavl.org/

Artsville Podcast — https://artsville.captivate.fm/

Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.notarealartist.com/

Louise Glickman — https://www.louiseglickman.com/

Daryl Slaton — http://www.tailsofwhimsy.com/

Crewest Studio — https://creweststudio.com/

Sand Hill Artists Collective (SHAC) — https://sandhillartists.com/

Textile-based products are often an underappreciated art form that does not receive the recognition it deserves and leaves many artists struggling to earn a living. What is needed is an organization that facilitates the demand for textile-based art forms and helps artists monetize their products. This is the perspective of today’s guest, Judi Jetson, who has been helping drive the recognition and economic development of textile-based local artists. Judi has a deep passion for textiles and regards herself as a fiber activist known for her love of building communities. Judi combines her experience as a business developer with her adoration for textiles to help grow the industry she cherishes so dearly. For the last 10 years, she has been leading Local Cloth, a nonprofit organization helping develop the fiber economy in North Carolina. Local Cloth achieves this through education, inclusive programming, and creating services by leveraging local farmers, artists, makers, and designers. In our conversation, we learn about the vital work that Local Cloth is doing, the challenges the industry faces, and the future vision for the organization. She also provides insight into the role of supply and demand within the textile industry, how the approach to textiles can help other art forms, and why some artists leave the industry. She also shares her approach to building relationships between artists and farmers, and reasons why this is the foundation of her vision. Tune in to learn about the textile industry and why it deserves to be recognized, with Judi Jetson!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Background about Judi and how she enables artists. 
• The motivation behind Local Cloth and what it aims to achieve.
• How Judi’s experience in economic development informed her vision.
• Why she chose textiles as her art medium and focus of her work.
• She explains the relationship between supply and demand concerning art.
• Ways in which Judi is helping to increase the demand for textile-based art.
• Outline of how her approach to textiles can be applied to other art forms.
• What her long-term plans are for Local Cloth and her overall vision.
• Hear about an exciting project she has recently started.
• The benefits of developing local and handmade textile-based art.
• Discover the role of farmers in helping drive textile-based products.
• Why handmade and local products are appealing to people.
• Judi explains her pricing strategy for products from local artists.
• We discuss the challenges regarding pricing in the current market.
• An explanation of why some artists decide to leave the industry.
• She shares her plans to scale the production of her current vision. 
• Learn about the resources Judi leverages to help grow Local Cloth.
• Whether she specifically mentions Asheville when marketing her products.
• Judi shares her opinion on the textile business in North Carolina. 
• What she loves most about Asheville and why she chooses to live there.
• Learn about the moment she fell in love with textiles. 
• The challenges of using platforms like Esty for textile-based products. 
• Details about an upcoming show that Judi has planned with Artsville. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Judi Jetson on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/judijetson/

Judi Jetson on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/judi1jetson/

Local Cloth — https://localcloth.org/

Local Cloth on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/LocalCloth/

Local Cloth on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/localclothinc/

Handmade in America — http://www.handmadeinamerica.org/

Fibershed — https://fibershed.org/

Etsy — https://www.etsy.com/

Artsville Podcast — https://artsville.captivate.fm/

Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.notarealartist.com/

Louise Glickman — https://www.louiseglickman.com/

Daryl Slaton — http://www.tailsofwhimsy.com/

Crewest Studio — https://creweststudio.com/

Sand Hill Artists Collective (SHAC) — https://sandhillartists.com/

Art collector and entrepreneur Merrily Orsini moved to Asheville so she could be within walking distance of her four grandchildren. The fact that she and her husband have a glass art collection of over 200 pieces has necessitated some well-thought out house designing and strict enforcement of the “don’t touch the art!” rule (although, she sometimes breaks this rule herself). In today’s episode, Merrily shares the story of the artwork that brought her and her husband together, some of her favorite glass artists, how the glass art industry has changed during this century, and how she hopes to change the world for the better through her Art2025 project. If you’re interested in becoming a glass art collector, Merrily also has some valuable advice for getting started! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Merrily explains what drew her to Asheville.
• The value that glass art brings to Merrily’s life.
• What the Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass is, and the role that Merrily has played in the organization over many years.
• How art brought Merrily and her husband together.
• The size of Merrily and her husband’s art collection.
• Advice for anyone interested in becoming an art collector.
• Different types of glass art that exist.
• Some of Merrily’s favorite glass artists.
• Where Merrily’s love of glass art began.
• Merrily’s involvement with the James Renwick Alliance.
• How the glass art world is changing and the intention behind the Art2025 project.
• The piece of glass art that Merrily would love to acquire (and why she can’t).

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Merrily Orsini Website — https://merrilyorsini.com/ 

Merrily Orsini on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/merrilyorsini/ 

Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass — https://contempglass.org/ 

Blue Spiral 1 — https://bluespiral1.com/ 

Blown Away — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9908860/ 

Karen Lamont — https://www.karenlamonte.com/ 

Baldwin Guggisberg — https://www.baldwinguggisberg.com/ 

Lino Tagliapietra — https://linotagliapietra.com/ 

James Renwick Alliance — https://www.jra.org/ 

Penland School of Craft — https://penland.org/ 

Hoss Haley — https://www.hosshaley.com/ 

Artsville Podcast — https://artsville.captivate.fm/

Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.notarealartist.com/

Louise Glickman — https://www.louiseglickman.com/

Daryl Slaton — http://www.tailsofwhimsy.com/

Crewest Studio — https://creweststudio.com/

Sand Hill Artists Collective (SHAC) — https://sandhillartists.com/

Rapid growth has its benefits, but it can also have major downfalls. Kate Pett, the Executive Director of Thrive Asheville, joins us today to explain how her organization is helping her beloved community confront the latter. The lack of high paying jobs, low levels of social mobility, and increasing gentrification in Asheville are causing a decline in the diversity that is part of what makes this place so special. During this episode, Kate explains how Thrive is addressing the interlinked issues of affordable housing and sustainable tourism in order to preserve the arts-and-culture wonder that is Asheville. Complex problems like these require a lot of thoughtfulness to solve, and Kate’s long-term approach to community building through improving communication amongst all sectors is one that cities across the world can benefit from! Tune in today to learn more.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Major problems that artists in cities across the United States are currently facing.
• Comparing Asheville 20 years ago to Asheville today. 
• Kate explains the mission of her organization, Thrive Asheville.
• The importance of working across sectors in order to achieve community wide goals. 
• How Kate’s experience of working in the Peace Corps influenced the work she does today.
• Thrive’s approach to addressing the affordable housing issues in Asheville. 
• Various elements of the affordable housing provision that Thrive focuses on.
• The role that Thrive plays in enhancing sustainable tourism. 
• Thrive’s biggest challenge right now. 
• An overview of the year-long conversation that Thrive convened. 
• A new perspective on tourism. 
• The three elements that make Asheville a stand-out city!
• Kate’s thoughts on how tourism money coming into Asheville should be redirected.
• A run-through of a typical working day in the life of Kate Pett.
• Some of the people who are helping to bring Thrive’s mission to life. 
• A look at Thrive’s origin story.
• The complexity of tourism in Asheville, and how Thrive makes it work for city residents.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Thrive Asheville — https://www.thriveavl.org/ 

Kate Pett on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-pett-7b82aa7/ 

Artsville Podcast — https://artsville.captivate.fm/

Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.notarealartist.com/

Louise Glickman — https://www.louiseglickman.com/

Daryl Slaton — http://www.tailsofwhimsy.com/

Crewest Studio — https://creweststudio.com/

Sand Hill Artists Collective (SHAC) — https://sandhillartists.com/

Today, we welcome ceramic artist, Jim McDowell, to the Artsville Podcast! Jim, known to many as the Black Potter, is a ceramicist based in Weaverville, North Carolina, who specializes in stoneware face jugs, a type of vessel that bears the likeness of the human face. Through his work, he honors the origins of these culturally rich vessels and reflects on the experience of being Black in America, in order to call out the racism and injustice endemic to this country. As you’ll discover in this episode, Jim believes that it is important to uncover the histories we don’t want to hear about, and retrieve the knowledge and skills that have been buried by centuries of oppression in order to move forward and make positive progress. This personal excavation and vulnerability is central to his work, which embodies the principles of ‘sankofa’, a Ghanaian word that means “it is not taboo to fetch what is at risk of being left behind.” Tuning in, you’ll learn how Jim honors his ancestors through his vessels and gain some insight into the history of Black potters. Jim also offers a glimpse into his process and shares some poignant words of wisdom for artists, plus so much more! You won’t want to miss today’s powerful conversation with the Black Potter, the one and only Jim McDowell!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Jim speaks to the spiritual nature of his work and how his face jugs honor his ancestors.
• The significance of the Ghanaian word, ‘sankofa’, and bringing forth knowledge and skills from the past in order to move forward.
• Making the distinction between folk potters and Jim’s work as an artist.
• What sparked his passion for throwing clay, which he says he has been drawn to all his life.
• Understanding the practical differences between an electric kiln and a wood-fired one.
• The wealth of knowledge that our guest has accumulated over his 40 years of experience.
• Insight into the history of Black potters like David Drake, who Jim sees as a personal hero.
• How he ensures this spiritual tradition is kept alive through storytelling.
• Where he garners inspiration for his face jugs and the words he inscribes on them.
• Honoring Jim’s mother and father, who instilled in him a strong work ethic and tenacity.
• How he draws inspiration and his entrepreneurial spirit from his grandparents.
• Why Jim says that his kiln is a testament not only to his parents but his ancestors too.
• A glimpse into what it feels like for our guest to receive recognition for his face jugs.
• The community he is building in Weaverville based on the principles of sankofa.
• Jim takes us through the process of creating one of his face jugs, from start to finish.
• Hear the story of how he came to call himself the Black Potter.
• How Jim channels his anger and acts of resistance into his artworks.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jim McDowell — https://blackpotter.com/

Jim McDowell on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TheBlackPotter/

David Drake: ‘The Enslaved Artist Whose Pottery Was an Act of Resistance’ — https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/17/arts/design/-enslaved-potter-david-drake-museum.html

Roots — https://www.amazon.com/Roots-American-Family-Alex-Haley/dp/030682485X

Artsville Podcast — https://artsville.captivate.fm/

Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.notarealartist.com/

Louise Glickman — https://www.louiseglickman.com/

Daryl Slaton — http://www.tailsofwhimsy.com/

Crewest Studio — https://creweststudio.com/

Sand Hill Artists Collective (SHAC) — https://sandhillartists.com/

Today’s guest on the Artsville Podcast is the one and only Kenn Kotara, a contemporary mixed-media abstract artist based in Asheville, North Carolina. Kenn’s practice has been shaped by his lifelong fascination with architecture, philosophy, and literature, and he masterfully expresses himself on canvas, paper, and Mylar, as well as braille, Polaroids, and site-specific installations that evoke a powerful emotional response from those who view them. In this episode, Kenn offers some insight into the evolution of his practice as he shifted from representational to abstract work and we discuss the impact that the ‘nurturing environment’ of Asheville has had on him as an artist. We dive into his work with braille and Kenn emphasizes the empathy he believes he has gained from it, as well as what it has taught him about being present and mindful in the moment. Ultimately, Kenn has devoted his career to looking at the world differently and embracing a myriad of inspirations, and his remarkable braille pieces reveal the thoughtful, multidimensional side of his practice. He also has a strong focus on education and he speaks to the power of art for bridging divides in a world where so many seek to widen them. If you’re looking for a dose of inspiration and, perhaps, a different perspective on life (and art), this is the episode for you! We hope you’ll join us.

For our full show notes, please visit: https://www.artsvilleusa.com/looking-at-the-world-differently-with-kenn-kotara/

Key Points From This Episode:

• Kenn’s upbringing, his French Cajun heritage, and the Polish origins of his name, Kotara.
• The story of what brought Kenn to Asheville more than 20 years ago.
• What he loves about living and working in the ‘nurturing environment’ of Asheville.
• The evolution of his work, from representational to abstract, and the impact Asheville has had.
• Understanding the influence of architecture, graphic design, and technology on his work.
• How Kenn cultivates discipline as an artist and navigates what he calls the chaos of creation.
• A glimpse into Kenn’s work with braille and the perspective he says it gave him on perfection.
• The relationships he has built within the visually impaired community as a result.
• What working with braille taught him about truly being present in the moment.
• Insight into the process of writing in braille and the tools and methodologies that he uses.
• One of the major literary influences on Kenn’s work: Henry David Thoreau’s Walden.
• Reflecting on the significance of his braille work for those who aren’t visually impaired.
• The power of art to bridge gaps rather than create them, like so many politicians seek to do.
• How Kenn’s site-specific installations encourage conversation and facilitate education.
• Find out how and why Kenn came to be so articulate about his artwork.
• Why Kenn is so devoted to his work in education, even as he formally retires from teaching.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Kenn Kotara on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenn-kotara-1a74274/
• Kenn Kotara on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/kennkotara/
• Kenn Kotara on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/kenn.kotara
• Kotara Studio — https://www.kotarastudio.com/
• Walden — https://www.amazon.com/Walden-Henry-David-Thoreau/dp/1619493918
• Artsville Podcast — https://artsville.captivate.fm/
• Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.notarealartist.com/
• Louise Glickman — https://www.louiseglickman.com/
• Daryl Slaton — http://www.tailsofwhimsy.com/
• Crewest Studio — https://creweststudio.com/
• Sand Hill Artists Collective (SHAC) — https://sandhillartists.com/

Creating spaces for art to thrive is becoming more and more important as the world goes digital. Marquee is one such space in Asheville that was borne of the vision of lighting designer, antique dealer, entrepreneur, and real estate developer, Robert Nicholas. In this episode, we find out all about how the grand exhibition space that is Marquee came to be, the spirit it represents, how it works in terms of curation and transaction, and so much more! Robert shares his love for seeking value in things others would discard, as well as his excitement for discovering new styles and techniques. We learn about the magnetism of antiques, the Artist Support Pledge, and the bright future ahead for the magnificent Marquee! Tune in to find out more about the institution that is sure to become one of Asheville’s major sightseeing destinations.

For our full show notes, please visit: https://www.artsvilleusa.com/robert-nicholas/

Key Points From This Episode:

• The wonderful new Marquee development in Asheville, founded by Robert Nicholas.
• What sparked his vision for Marquee and the process of turning it into what it is today!
• The challenges of Robert’s undertaking and how Covid spurred him on.
• What his studio and gallery, Splurge, specializes in and how it began.
• Robert’s curation process for Marquee.
• The size of the space and how many exhibitors (“cast members”) are currently exhibiting.
• How to make purchases at the Marquee.
• Robert’s journey from being a youth pastor to becoming a real estate developer and an antique dealer.
• The value in the discarded.
• The philosophy behind the eclectic mix of artists, artisans, and aesthetics at Marquee.
• What inspired the name, “Marquee” and the spirit Robert wanted the space to represent.
• How much space Splurge has in the Marquee.
• How the Artist Support Pledge kept Robert creative during the lockdowns.
• Robert’s vision for the future of Marquee.
• Robert explains the magnetism of antiques.
• What gave him the idea for Uncommon Market in Asheville.
• Why he encourages originals over prints at Marquee.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Splurge Design — http://www.splurgedesign.com/

Splurge by Robert Nicholas on Instagram — @splurgedesign

Splurge by Robert Nicholas on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/splurgedesign/

Splurge by Robert Nicholas on Twitter — https://twitter.com/splurgedesign

Marquee — https://marqueeasheville.com/

The Greatest Showman — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1485796/

Water For Elephants — https://www.amazon.com/Water-Elephants-Novel-Sara-Gruen/dp/0340962720

Artist Support Pledge — https://artistsupportpledge.com/

Uncommon Market — https://uncommonmarketasheville.com/

Artsville Podcast — https://artsville.captivate.fm/

Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.notarealartist.com/

Louise Glickman — https://www.louiseglickman.com/

Daryl Slaton — http://www.tailsofwhimsy.com/

Crewest Studio — https://creweststudio.com/

Sand Hill Artists Collective (SHAC) — https://sandhillartists.com/

Most artists know their calling from a young age and enter into the creative world in early adulthood with little to no savings. This was not the case with one of the legends of the art world, Viola Spells. Viola was working as a librarian and investing in properties when she attended her daughter's parent evening where she fell in love with the idea of creating jewelry. Join us today as we hear how she was forced to put her passion on the backburner while trying to raise a family, and how she moved into the creative world full-time in her 60s! As an African American woman in the segregated South, Viola's experiences growing up in the 1950s shaped who she is today. She has returned to her childhood home of Asheville where she runs her Pink Dog Studio, and we hear all about her creative process, where she learned to make jewelry, and her advice to young artists. For all this, and so much more, tune in today!

For our full show notes, please visit: https://www.artsvilleusa.com/finding-your-calling/

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why the team is so inspired by Viola and her road to success!
• What Viola wants people to know about her work: the lightness and the tactility. 
• Viola’s family history and what she learned from her parents and her grandparents.
• How growing up in Asheville in the 1950s influenced Viola’s network and perceptions about race and society. 
• Viola’s experience as a librarian, and moving from a small town to a big city. 
• Why art took a back seat when Viola was working as a librarian. 
• Viola’s lightbulb moment: when she realized making jewelry was her calling. 
• How Viola became interested in the concept of the line.
• The difference between knitting and crocheting, and how practice made perfect. 
• Viola's process: inspirational vs sketching, and her color palette. 
• Teaching kids to make art and how Viola brings out their artistic side. 
• Her work schedule, from night owl to preparing for success!
• The Chitchat fashion show, and approaching a fashion event with an open (or a librarian’s) mind. 
• Viola’s experience coming back home to Asheville, and making her move into entrepreneurship with Pink Dog. 
• The advice she would give to other artists: you have to have plans in place and manage both time and money. 
• The changes in the "Segregated South" from the 1950s to the present day, and how Viola coped with these. 
• What the artistic community is like in Asheville, and how it’s still segregated. 
• Viola's suggestions for young Black artists to break into the community and build a platform. 
• Where you can find out more about Viola Spells’ work!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Viola Spells on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/viola-spells

Zenobia Studio on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/zenobiastudio

Pink Dog Creative — https://www.pinkdog-creative.com/

Textile Techniques in Metal: For Jewelers, Textile Artists & Sculptors — https://www.amazon.com/Textile-Techniques-Metal-Jewelers-Sculptors

Grind — https://grindavl.club/

Marquee — https://marqueeasheville.com/

Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.notarealartist.com/

Louise Glickman — https://www.louiseglickman.com/

Daryl Slaton — http://www.tailsofwhimsy.com/

Crewest Studio — https://creweststudio.com/

Sand Hill Artists Collective (SHAC) — https://sandhillartists.com/

Today’s guest lived and worked in many exotic parts of the world before finding her way to Artsville, where she is currently very happily residing and exhibiting her work. Whether in India, Indonesia, or Ghana, Rhona Polonsky has always sought out beauty and surprise, and therefore she has always been surrounded by inspiration for her art. Rhona describes herself as a maker and a teacher, rather than an artist, and in today’s episode, she shares what her journey as a creative has looked like, including the moment she discovered her love for clay, her experience with sgraffito, her tendency to steer towards simplicity, and some of the challenges and failures that she has gracefully dealt with along the way.

For our full show notes, please visit: https://www.artsvilleusa.com/the-beauty-of-surprise/

Key Points From This Episode:

• Appreciation for today’s guest, Rhona Polonsky, who is currently exhibiting at Artsville.
• Mentors who have helped Rhonda on her journey as an entrepreneurial artist. 
• An overview of Rhona’s professional background.
• Rhona’s first introduction to clay, and what she immediately loved about the medium.
• The many places around the world where Rhona has lived.
• Where Rhona started doing pottery.
• Sgraffito; what this type of art is, and Rhona’s experience with it.
• How the places Rhona has lived have inspired her art.
• Surprise; how Rhona incorporates this element into her work. 
• Rhona’s journey from complex to simple. 
• How Rhona approaches rejection and imperfection.
• An explanation of the Batik method. 
• What motivated Rhona to begin selling her artworks, and the challenges that she faces with pricing her pieces.
• Why Rhona refers to herself as a maker rather than an artist.
• How Rhona feels about living in Artsville and exhibiting her work at the Marquee.
• Some of the many different types of clay. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.notarealartist.com/

Louise Glickman — https://www.louiseglickman.com/

Daryl Slaton — http://www.tailsofwhimsy.com/

Crewest Studio — https://creweststudio.com/

Sand Hill Artists Collective (SHAC) — https://sandhillartists.com/