Artist, teacher, and printmaker Hague Williams joins me for an inspiring deep dive into his creative journey—from a childhood marked by constant moves and collecting objects for a sense of place, to discovering art through early sketching.

We explore his time at Black Mountain College and the influence of legends like John Cage, Robert Rauschenberg, and Jasper Johns. Hague shares pivotal moments in his life, including a six-month backpacking trip that became five years living in Europe, earning his MFA from the Art Institute of Chicago, and a chance encounter with a rock in Victor’s Waysculpture garden in Ireland—etched with the words “Create or Die.”

This episode touches on the transformative power of art, meditation as a daily creative ritual, and how artists like Bill Viola evoke deep emotional resonance. We talk about how teaching is not just something Hague does—it’s how he grows. He learns from his students as much as they learn from him, often creating art alongside them during the day. For Hague, teaching and making are inseparable.

He reminds us to stay open to life’s unfolding, saying, “How can you expect the unexpected if you expect?” and “Making plans makes God laugh.” For him, life is something to be traveled through, not tightly mapped.

It’s a conversation about how creativity helps us record what we feel—and how it might just change the world.

Find Hague:

https://www.haguewilliams.com

https://www.instagram.com/haguewilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hague-williams-77436736/

In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of art therapy with abstract expressionist Michael Norsk, an artist who bets everything on the connection between creativity and mental health. Michael has developed a unique daily scripting practice—one that fosters emotional clarity, self-awareness, and balance. His 'life creative script' allows him to stay present, focus on what matters most—his family and support system—and navigate life with intention.

For Michael, painting isn’t just an artistic pursuit; it’s a therapeutic outlet that provides structure and relief in an often chaotic world. Together, we explore the ways art therapy can help manage mental health through practical tools like:

• Sleep
• Daily check-ins
• Medication management
• Creative outlets
• Exercise & meditation
• Cold/hot exposure
• Building a strong support system

If you’ve ever considered how art therapy could impact your daily life, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable knowledge to support anyone struggling with mental health.

Connect with Michael Knorsk: https://michaelanorsk.com"**

Join me as I sit down with my long-time friend and collaborator, Sebastian Kowalski—a freelance photographer and journalist whose lens captures the heart of nature, culture, and humanity. Sebastian’s portfolio spans breathtaking landscapes and vibrant communities across Brazil, Costa Rica, Egypt, Morocco, Greece, Jamaica, Poland, and beyond. Together, we’ve worked on several meaningful projects, including the impactful “Art For Health” initiative.

In this inspiring conversation, we explore:

Buckle up for a thought-provoking journey through stories, insights, and moments that celebrate creativity and exploration.

Discover Sebastian’s work:
Instagram
Website
Photography Instagram
LinkedIn

In this episode, I sit down with the inspirational Janice Ferrante, Founder and Creative Director of Oblique Design. Join us as we explore the transformative power of travel and how living in twelve countries over twelve months can fuel creativity in unexpected ways. Janice shares her incredible journey—from leading teams of up to 15 employees to traveling the globe and working solo on awe-inspiring creative projects.

With a career rooted in NYC and NJ, Janice honed her expertise as a Senior Art Director for global brands like Sony, HBO, Pfizer, Nickelodeon, Fox News, Ricola, PSE&G, and AT&T. Now, as a lifelong learner and avid traveler, she seamlessly weaves international influences into her bold design work.

When Janice isn’t standing at her desk, she’s either cruising on her Vespa, blazing mountain bike trails, practicing yoga, or embracing her latest passion—pickleball.

This episode is packed with invaluable insights and practical lessons, especially for those with dreams of exploring the world. It's a conversation I wish I had heard when I was starting out.

You can connect with Janice at:
Oblique Design
LinkedIn
Instagram
Email: [email protected]

In this inspiring episode, we welcome Paul Lukes, an American-born, Czech-blooded designer, fine artist, and graffiti writer currently residing in Fort Collins, CO. Paul’s life has been a journey across diverse landscapes, growing up between Taos, NM, and various locations in California. These experiences immersed him deeply in hip hop culture, graffiti, gang culture, and the low rider scene.

Paul's professional path began after art school, where he worked at a type foundry while navigating the challenges of street life and earning his degree. He founded his own design shop, Smart Minds, in college and has been a pivotal figure in the music industry for nearly 20 years, creating album art and branding for the hip hop community. His passion for combining design and music is evident in every project he undertakes.

For almost 15 years, Paul has been married to a prolific music journalist, allowing them to collaborate on projects whenever possible. However, beyond his professional achievements, Paul's personal journey as a recovering addict with 11.5 years of sobriety has profoundly influenced his life and creativity. Getting clean and sober not only saved his life but also enriched his artistic vision and personal relationships.

Paul's recovery journey is deeply intertwined with his creativity, providing a therapeutic outlet and grounding him in the present. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, both in life and in his creative career, and believes in the profound impact design can have on the world. His daily routines, both morning and pre-bed, help him stay focused and balanced.

In our conversation, Paul shares candidly about the pivotal moments in his life, including meeting his wife, his mother's death, and how these events have shaped him. He discusses the stark difference between creating art while numb versus with a clear mind and stresses that there are no negative reasons to being sober. Paul's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the transformative potential of recovery, and the boundless possibilities when passion meets purpose.

Tune in to hear Paul's inspiring story of redemption and artistic triumph, offering valuable insights into the intersection of creativity and recovery.

Find Paul:

Smart Minds

Culture Conservationist

LinkedIN

In this episode, Diego Dominguez and I delve into the profound impact of artificial intelligence on our daily lives. We'll explore whether A.I. will enhance our creativity and guide us toward new artistic horizons. Diego, a pioneer in digital art for many decades, offers his invaluable perspective on the transformative potential of A.I.

We'll discuss the advantages and challenges of A.I., covering topics such as security, creativity, the evolution of a new generation of artists, workforce implications, and the role of human society in nurturing A.I. development. Just as a baby learns from the knowledge we provide, A.I. depends on us to shape its growth. Join us for an insightful conversation on the future of A.I. and its role in our world.

Where to find Diego Dominguez:

PLAF.com

LinkedIN

Instagram

Canvas Rebel

His influences:

Richard Avedon

Irving Penn

Susan Meiselas

Welcome to our podcast! I'm thrilled to have you join me and creative director Kerry LaCoste as we dive deep into the pros and cons of running our own creative studios. Ever wondered how to keep your studio thriving? How to choose the right work and clients? Or even how to handle health insurance as an independent creative?

We'll explore whether too much freedom can be a double-edged sword and share insights on finding the right balance. With over 40 years of combined experience, we promise you'll walk away with valuable knowledge and a fresh perspective. Buckle up and join us for this enlightening ride—I wish I had access to this kind of wisdom when I first started my solo journey!

Find Kerry LaCoste:

LaCosteDesign.com

LinkedIN

Instagram

Andy Zenz and I engaged in a conversation emphasizing the significance of spending time outdoors, embracing stillness, and how immersing ourselves in nature can enhance our creativity.

Andy and I reflected on our recent experiences while driving down from the mountains after an early morning ski trip. We emphasized the importance of taking breaks from our studios to seek inspiration in nature.

Although you may hear the faint hum of tires rolling down I-70 in the background, we believe our conversation will inspire you to explore the outdoors and discover the creative benefits it can offer.

More on Andy Zenz:

Experienced Art Director with a demonstrated history of working in the graphic design industry. Skilled in Brand Strategy, Corporate Identity, Packaging, Visual Communications, Vector Illustration, Adobe Creative Suite. Strong arts and design professional working closely with individuals and executive teams in a B to B service setting.

Where to find him?

LinkedIn

Instagram

Welcome to an insightful conversation with the esteemed designer & author, Eveline Horelle Dailey. In this episode, we explore the intricacies of creativity, self-discovery, and personal growth. Join us as we discuss navigating the labyrinth of creativity, finding your true self, and thriving in Mexico.

Eveline shares her unique perspective on recognizing and nurturing talent in others, even when they may not see it themselves. Prepare for a transformative discussion that will challenge your understanding of creativity. Join me as we embark on this enlightening journey with Eveline, where she will undoubtedly inspire you with her insights and experiences.

Find Evelin's Books here!

Samples of labyrinth's in Sedona

Find her on Social!

Author:  

Lessons from the Lakeside              

The Canvas             

The Drum Made from the Skin of my Sisters               

Let's Go for a Short Walk             

My Journey to the Cosmos with Numbers

Join me for an incredible conversation with the multitalented musician, author, creative force, and my good friend, Jonathan Davis. In this episode, we explore the challenges of juggling multiple creative outlets, the impact of our first mentors like Stephen King, uncovering the truths of humanity, and finding balance in life's extraordinary journey. Get ready, because this is one fantastic second episode you won't want to miss!

Where to find Jonathan Davis and his work?

Books

Music

Creative Business