Cowgirl Artists of America

🎙 Episode Summary:

This podcast episode delves into the profound significance of cowgirl culture within the broader narrative of Western art, as articulated by two esteemed artists, Donna Howell-Sickles and Barbara Van Cleve. The discussion revolves around the multifaceted identity of cowgirls, emphasizing their roles as both competent individuals and integral contributors to ranch life. Throughout the dialogue, the speakers reflect on the historical underrepresentation of women in the portrayal of the West, advocating for a more inclusive understanding that recognizes their enduring contributions. The artists share personal anecdotes, underscoring their artistic journeys and the deep connections they maintain with the land and the traditions of ranching. Ultimately, this episode serves as a celebration of the resilience, strength, and joy inherent in the lives of cowgirls, inviting listeners to appreciate the richness of their stories and the artistry that captures their essence.

📌 In This Episode, We Discuss:

• (00:00:02) – Introductions and a warm welcome to Donna and Barbara
• (00:01:19) – What does it mean to be a cowgirl? How both artists define it in their work
• (00:03:12) – The historical erasure of women in the West and why their stories matter
• (00:06:26) – Barbara’s book Hard Twist and her mission to document real ranch women
• (00:10:32) – The role of joy, confidence, and independence in western women’s art
• (00:19:03) – The balance of femininity and grit in ranch life and how it’s portrayed in art
• (00:26:23) – Overcoming challenges: Pursuing an art career despite early discouragement
• (00:33:47) – The moment each artist realized their career had truly taken off
• (00:39:39) – Barbara’s transition from film to digital photography and shooting on horseback
• (00:44:18) – How Donna works with models to create her iconic cowgirl imagery
• (00:46:10) – Final thoughts on storytelling, legacy, and inspiring future generations
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✨ Key Takeaways:

• Women have always been a vital part of Western history, and artists like Donna and Barbara are bringing their stories to the forefront through their work.
• Joy and confidence are as powerful as hardship and struggle in defining the cowgirl experience.
• Authenticity matters—whether through photography or painting, capturing the spirit of the West is just as important as the details.
• Challenges in the art world exist, but persistence and passion drive success.

💡 Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Cowgirl Artists of America (CGA): www.cowgirlartistsofamerica.org
• Donna Howell-Sickles: https://www.donnahowellsickles.com/galleries
• Barbara Van Cleve: https://www.barbaravancleve.com/
• CGA Open Enrollment: https://cowgirlartistsofamerica.org/become-a-member

📢 Support the Podcast:

If you enjoyed this episode, please:

✅ Rate & Review on your favorite podcast platform

✅ Share with friends who love western art and history

✅ Follow CGA for more inspiring stories

🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on western art, history, and the incredible women shaping the American West!

Join us for a spine-tingling exploration of art business horror stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat! We dive into the chilling experiences shared by artists Paige Weber and Priscilla Patterson, who recount their real-life encounters with unexpected challenges in their careers. From lost artworks to contracts gone awry, these tales reveal the importance of protecting oneself in the art world. You’ll learn valuable lessons on the necessity of contracts, how to handle difficult clients, and the significance of being discerning when showcasing your work. As we share these haunting anecdotes, we hope to equip you with the tools to navigate your own artistic journey with resilience and resourcefulness.

Today's podcast brings to light the often-overlooked challenges that artists face in their careers, particularly in navigating the business side of art. This episode serves as a timely reminder of the potential pitfalls that can arise in the creative profession, inviting listeners to learn from the experiences of others rather than facing their own gruesome misadventures.

Featuring guests Paige Weber and Priscilla Patterson, both artists share personal anecdotes that highlight the importance of contracts and clear communication in the art world. Paige recounts a distressing experience with a portrait commission for a grieving mother, where a lack of a formal agreement led to misunderstandings and ultimately losing her work without compensation. This story underscores the necessity of having a solid contract, complete with clauses for revisions and deposits, to protect both the artist and the client. Meanwhile, Priscilla reflects on her early career, sharing a tale of lost artwork and untrustworthy galleries, which emphasizes the need for artists to be discerning about where they showcase their work.

As the discussions unfold, listeners are encouraged to view these stories not just as horror tales but as valuable lessons in resilience and resourcefulness. The episode concludes with practical advice on how to better manage art business dealings, including the importance of inventory tracking and maintaining strong professional boundaries. In a friendly and engaging tone, the podcast aims to empower artists to navigate their careers with confidence, turning potential nightmares into opportunities for growth and success.

Takeaways:

• Always use a contract when taking on commissioned work, even with local clients.
• Be cautious of red flags when clients can't provide necessary materials or good photos.
• It's acceptable to say no to projects that don't fit your artistic style or scope.
• Maintain an inventory list of your artwork to track where it is at all times.
• If a gallery sells or changes ownership, ensure your contract covers what happens to your work.
• Learn from past experiences to refine your approach and protect your art business.

In this episode of Cowgirl Artists of America's podcast, Megan Wimberly, founder of Cowgirl Artists of America, shares 14 essential wellness and self-care tips for artists. Listen to the complete podcast to dive deep into all the tips and apply them to enhance your well-being and enjoy a more fulfilling life along with your art career.

Do not forget, Cowgirl Artists of America's enrollment opens on August 1st. Make sure to follow us:

Website: Cowgirl Artists of America

IG: @cowgirlartistsofamerica

For any questions, reach out to us at [email protected]

In this episode of Cowgirl Artists of America's podcast, we talked with CGA board member Jackie Sever, custom cowboy boot maker Morgan Booker, and rancher Andrea Wilson. Jackie, a talented mixed media artist, shares her insights on indigenous representation in Western art. Morgan and Andrea discuss their collaborative project for the Women's Work 2024 exhibition, highlighting the integration of modern ranching practices and artistic expression. This episode is filled with inspiring stories and valuable advice for artists and ranchers alike.

Find more about the "Women's Work" exhibition and Cowgirl Artists of America at www.cowgirlartistsofamerica.org.

Instagram: @cowgirlartistsofamerica

Follow our CGA Members:

Morgan Buckert: @morganbuckertcustomboots

Jackie Sevier : @npstudio4

Andrea Vargas: @andrea_isabel_vargas

Don't miss the "Women's Work" exhibition opening on August 2nd and 3rd, 2024, at the AR Mitchell Museum of Western Art in Trinidad, Colorado. For more details and to support the exhibition, visit our website or follow us on Instagram.

In this podcast episode, Megan Wimberley interviews Misty Shaw, who comes from the leather working and western retail industry. They discuss the importance of celebrating and sharing the work of female Western artists, as well as the need for artists to be open to feedback and continually develop their craft. Misty also talks about the evolution of the industry, with more independent artisans entering the market and consumers valuing products with a personal connection and a story behind them. Misty encourages women to love what they do, find a balance that works for them, and have confidence in their skills and abilities.

Introduction:

Welcome to a special episode where we unravel strategies of intentional living and productivity in the context of the Slow December Challenge. Join us as we delve into the art of slowing down, breaking free from chaos, and dedicating time to self-care and quality times with loved ones during this festive season.

Key Takeaways:

1. Disruptive Habits: Discover the power of recognizing and breaking unproductive habits. Learn how to set boundaries, leverage tools like App Blocker, and regain control over your time, especially in the fast-paced world of social media.
2. Intentional Planning: Dive into the importance of intentional planning for December. Explore effective scheduling, prioritize tasks, and make room for self-care activities and quality time with loved ones. Uncover the secrets to a more fulfilling and peaceful holiday season.
3. Delegating and AI Tools: Explore smart delegation strategies and ethical use of AI tools. Whether involving family members or utilizing AI for content refinement, find ways to enhance productivity without losing your unique touch.
4. Flexibility and Progress: Embrace the flexibility to evolve plans. Shift your mindset from perfectionism to progress, ensuring a December that aligns with your goals and priorities, leaving room for rest and rejuvenation.

Conclusion:

As we conclude, remember that the Slow December Challenge is your invitation to create meaningful space for yourself, your art, and your loved ones. Slow down intentionally, savor the joy of the season, and share your experiences on Instagram by tagging us @cowgirlartistsofamerica.

Closing Message:

Wishing you a serene and joyous holiday season filled with self-care, quality time, and cherished moments. Take advantage of the opportunity to join Cowgirl Artists of America as an official member through December. For any questions, reach out to us at [email protected].

This December, prioritize rest—it's the secret sauce for doing your best work. Happy listening!

In today's episode, we talk with Denice Erway, owner of @Wildfire Gallery on the Paseo in Oklahoma City. Denice is a passionate supporter of the arts and the Paseo Arts District, and she even currently serves as the Merchant Committee Chairperson for the Paseo Arts District.

There are many fantastic galleries of all sizes that can be an asset to your career and growth, but unfortunately, there are also galleries that don't have it together, aren't a good fit, or worst case scenario, behave unprofessionally or unethically. Today we will get Denice's perspective on working with a gallery.

We'll ask her for a little sneak peek behind the scenes to get the perspective of a gallery owner and things to look forward to make sure you are finding the right gallery to work with so that you make sure you're building a great partnership because great partnerships with galleries really can be a great asset to your career.

Instagram

In today's Episode we talk with Anna Przybylski who coined the phrase, "it's called manifesting look it up." Anna has such a unique and fun way of encouraging the world, and it's clear by her followers and the response that her message is something we all need.

Originally we wanted to talk to Anna about "manifesting" creativity, but this conversation naturally took another direction. We discuss a lot, from how she got started, to self-kindness, and burnout. While burnout isn't a fun topic it is oh so important. As art business owners, trying to run a business and wear many hats, the work can get exhausting and overwhelming. We think this is a timely episode, especially as we continue to hear that artists are in a very busy season and struggling to keep up. We hope you enjoy today's episode with Anna. Make sure to follower her at:

Instagram

Tiktok

Cowgirl Artists of America spoke with juror, Lisa Staudohar from Art of the West Magazine about her experiences being a juror for the Wildflower Show. Make sure to follow Art of the West on Instagram @artofthewestmagazine

And, don't miss an incredible opportunity to participate in the upcoming workshop "Cottonwood Ranch Equine Photography Experience" by Cowgirls with Cameras in August Month. This workshop is led by Phyllis Burette (@phyllisburchettphoto), Cara Taylor Swift (@fasthorsephotography), and Kim Beer (@kimberlybeer)

To learn more about the workshop visit https://cowgirlswithcameras.com/events

Find us on Instagram at @cowgirlartistsofamerica and join our waitlist at cowgirlartistsofamerica.org

IG: @cowgirlartistsofamerica

Cowgirl Artists of America spoke with Signature Member, Alice Leese about her journey as an artist, getting into National Park Art Residencies and cowgirl grit. Check out Alice's work at https://www.aliceleese.com/ or on instagram @aliceleese

And don't forget that the call for Art for The Cowgirl Gathering in the heart of the Ft. Worth Stockyards closes soon! March 15th! To apply visit https://cowgirl-gathering-2023.artcall.org/

cowgirlartistsofamerica.org

IG: @cowgirlartistsofamerica