Curious Kirby Podcast

"If something weird is going to happen, it is going to happen to a Tenwalde" Something delightfully weird happened to Carol Tenwalde when Cate Blanchett wore a statement necklace that looks remarkably similar to Carol's Twisted Sister design. Carol's phone and inbox lit up with messages from friends, family, and followers of her newsletter. Newsletters are a key way for photographer Judith Rothenstein-Putzer to stay in touch with the community surrounding her alcohol transfer artwork, too. While Carol and Judith have unique perspectives about how to publish an artist's newsletter, they both love to reconnect with old and new friends through the art and stories featured in their newsletters.

Listen to our latest podcast for creative insight about what it takes to build a newsletter following and how valuable a newsletter can be for every artist.

Carol Tenwalde

A lifelong crafter, Carol has a bold style and likes to create and wear unique one-of-a-kind jewelry that stands out from the crowd. From creating her family's Halloween costumes to decorating for the local dance club, Carol found a passion for creativity. "As I got older, I fell in love with giving my creations to the people I cared most about. There is no better gift to give or receive than that of something you have created." Now, Carol takes beading to the next level, creating beautiful one-of-a-kind statement necklaces using interesting combinations of gemstones, beads, and fibers and inventing a special twisted wire technique she calls "The Twisted Sister." It makes a beautiful statement piece. Every necklace is original!

Judith Rothenstein-Putzer

Judith retired from a successful Occupational Therapy career about ten years ago and returned to her roots as an art major. A juried member of the Sonoran Arts League and the Arizona Art Alliance, she has exhibited in several galleries in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. Rothenstein-Putzer and her husband love to travel, which provides many photo opportunities in addition to the ones she finds in her own backyard. At school Judith explored a variety of media, but “was smitten by the magic of photography the first time I set foot in the darkroom.” She moved from film to digital and kept pushing the envelope more, discovering the technique of Alcohol Transfers through local art workshops.  Rothenstein-Putzer describes the process as a "hybrid between photography and printmaking."  With additional experimentation, she discovered that adding pen and ink to the final image makes the colors pop and images more 3-dimensional. Each image is one-of-a-kind.

Contact Carol

Bling Beaded Baubles

Etsy Shop

Instagram

Facebook

Contact Judith

Artworks by Judith

Instagram

Facebook

Please enjoy the podcast and don't forget to join my art chats on Monday and Friday mornings 8 Pacific/11 Eastern and for Wednesday Happy Hour at 4 Pacific/7 Eastern. Monday chats have a topic, Friday is Zen Art Zoom, and Happy Hour is open to anything. To join, message me on Instagram (@curiouskirby or @kirbyplessasart) or join my Curious Kirby Creatives Facebook Group.

Song: A Sweet Suspicion

This week, Kirby and Kyle discuss the value and application of brand kits. What are brand kits? How do you make a brand kit? Why do you need one? Tune in and find out!

The Curious Kirby brand kit resources will be available through our blog next week. Be sure to check it out!

Next up, we announce the NFT Challenge! Are you excited to develop your first Non-Fungible Token? Join us and we will walk step-by-step with you through the whole production process. An overview of the challenge is described in the podcast. More details will be available through the Curious Kirby Instagram where you can follow along with Kirby's progress on her first NFT, too.

Links

Curious Kirby's Instagram

Curious Kirby Blog

Curious Kirby Facebook

Coinbase

Open Sea

Average Ethereum Gas Prices

Please enjoy the podcast and don't forget to join my art chats on Monday and Friday mornings 8 Pacific/11 Eastern and for Wednesday Happy Hour at 4 Pacific/7 Eastern. Monday chats have a topic, Friday is Zen Art Zoom, and Happy Hour is open to anything. To join, message me on Instagram (@curiouskirby or @kirbyplessasart) or join my Curious Kirby Creatives Facebook Group.

Song: A Sweet Suspicion

This week, Ann Narcisian Videan (book shepherd, editor, author) and Albert Monreal Quihuis (author, speaker, Arizona historian, Hispanic community advocate) discuss effective storytelling through consistent and innovative use of social media. Ann and Al use their talent and experience to connect with their audiences and support other writers, too.

Ann Narcisian Videan

A multi-talented maven of creative ideas, Ann guides peers through the writing, editing, publishing, and marketing of both fiction and non-fiction titles. A professional writer since 1981, she opened her own award-winning home-based marketing firm, vIDEAn Unlimited, LLC, in 1996. She served as an editor for corporations, visionary entrepreneurs, and national publishers. She is also a novelist and co-founded the business, Absolutely Wild! Enchanted Faerie Portals & Other Whimsy—inspired by the Fae characters in her Song of the Ocarina novel. She composed and recorded an original music soundtrack to accompany her first novel Rhythms & Muse. Ann's books are available on Amazon.com.

Contact Ann:

Albert Monreal Quihuis

Inspiring storyteller Albert Quihuis is an award-winning author who wrote his first children’s book to honor his parents and family tradition. At that time he realized the need for multicultural books and became passionate about writing books that motivate and inspire children to learn about their traditions, culture, history and being proud of their heritage. Albert reads aloud in schools, libraries, museums and gives presentations to educators and organizations. Albert's books are available on Amazon.com.

Albert's books include:

Contact Albert:

Please enjoy the podcast and don't forget to join my art chats on Monday and Friday mornings 8 Pacific/11 Eastern and for Wednesday Happy Hour at 4 Pacific/7 Eastern. Monday chats have a topic, Friday is Zen Art Zoom, and Happy Hour is open to anything. To join, message me on Instagram (@curiouskirby or @kirbyplessasart) or join my Curious Kirby Creatives Facebook Group.

Music: Michael Shynes

This week, Pat Isaacson (Pats Glass Studio) and Sandy Ashbaugh (Contemporary Ceramic Artist) discuss how to display and marketing three-dimensional art through social media and in galleries. There are some special considerations and techniques to keep in mind when translating the dimension of space through flat images. 

Pat Isaacson - Pats Glass Studio

Pat Isaacson was a programmer and systems analyst for many years, working for IBM in Salt Lake City and Honeywell in Chicago and finally starting her own business. “There was always something new to learn when working with computers. It was a creative and rewarding vocation for me.”

In the early 90's Pat developed a love of glass art and started collecting glass pieces. A few years ago she decided to try her hand at creating glass and purchased a small kiln.  Little did she know how it was going to take over her life!  She has now added a second kiln and any available funds are spent on classes, glass, and tools. (and her electric bill!)

“I enjoy selecting the color schemes and combinations for my glass pieces, and strive to create patterns and shapes that please my eye based on years of experience in making and appreciating art, and influenced by my love of architecture and mathematics.” 

Pat is a juried member of the Sonoran Arts League and Arizona Designers and Craftsmen.

Sandy Ashbaugh - Contemporary Ceramic Artist

Ceramic artist Sandy Ashbaugh has been working in clay for over 30 years. She uses a traditional hand-building method of slab construction and sgraffito, yet achieves a modern aesthetic. Among her best-known pieces are those from her uniquely designed and handcrafted, sake set collection, as well as her lidded vessel series. The latter was published in Lark Craft’s “500 Raku,” juried into various shows, and purchased by public and private institutions.

Sandy draws inspiration from architectural and interior design elements, like those from the Bauhaus movement, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Frank Gehry. She obtained her BFA from Florida Atlantic University and has worked in clay ever since.

Residing in Arizona, she is passionate about art education and has been involved with local schools and communities, teaching art as well as coordinating art programs and shows since 2004. 

Find Pat's Work:

The JoyEful Gallery at El Pedregal - http://www.joyefulgallery.com

On the Edge Gallery (Scottsdale, AZ) - https://www.ontheedgegallery.com/home

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pats.glass.studio

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/PatsGlassStudio

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/patsglass

[email protected]

Find Sandy's Work:

Vision Gallery (Chandler, AZ) -  https://www.visiongallery.org

San Tan Artists Guild - https://www.santanartistsguild.com

Artists of the Superstitions - http://www.artistsofthesuperstitions.com

Ocotillo Artists Group - https://www.facebook.com/ocotilloartistsgroup

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sashbaugh4

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sandyashbaughceramics

https://sandyashbaugh.com

[email protected]

Please enjoy the podcast and don't forget to join my art chats on Monday and Friday mornings 8 Pacific/11 Eastern and for Wednesday Happy Hour at 4 Pacific/7 Eastern. Monday chats have a topic, Friday is Zen Art Zoom, and Happy Hour is open to anything. To join, message me on Instagram (@curiouskirby or @kirbyplessasart) or join my Curious Kirby Creatives Facebook Group.

Music: Michael Shynes

Song: A Sweet Suspicion

This week, branding mavens Jacki Cohen and Julie Bergman discuss brand development - how-to, elements to consider, why branding is so important, and how to get the most out of your brand to grow your small business. Jacki Cohen of Jacki Cohen Glass Art Designs and Julie Bergman of Coyote House Design share their knowledge and experience with us. When considering your brand, Julie points out, "There's a lot to think about with that. Who am I? What am I trying to sell? ...A lot of people want to know about you, your story along with your art."

jackicohenglassartdesigns.com

Call 928-814-6401 or email [email protected] to get started!

coyotehouse.com

This week, fine art creatives and gallery owners Joye DeGoede and April Howland join the Curious Kirby crew to discuss how to establish a new art gallery. With recent knowledge of how to accomplish this challenge in the middle of a global pandemic, Joye and April share their success stories and encouragement. As April puts it, "Don't be afraid to ask... the worst they can say is no and that doesn't change anything... where can I find a yes. I'm going to find one eventually."

Joye DeGoede (pronounced Joy Dee-Good)

April Howland

Instagram -  instagram.com/joyesart

34505 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, Arizona 85266    (480) 223-2411

Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 10 AM - 4 PM

Facebook - facebook.com/aprilhowland

Howland Studios | howlandstudios.com

Instagram - instagram.com/howlandstudios_gallery

Please enjoy the podcast and don't forget to join my art chats on Monday and Friday mornings 8 Pacific/11 Eastern and for Wednesday Happy Hour at 4 Pacific/7 Eastern. Monday chats have a topic, Friday is Zen Art Zoom, and Happy Hour is open to anything. To join, message me on Instagram (@curiouskirby or @kirbyplessasart) or join my Curious Kirby Creatives Facebook Group.

Fine art creatives John Gates and Casey Cheuvront join Curious Kirby in the Zoom studio to discuss plein air painting and highlight some outstanding art programs, including the Yosemite Conservancy Art Programs. Be sure to listen to our teaser at the end of the episode about an upcoming conversation about non-fungible tokens.

Casey Cheuvront is an impressionist oil painter who makes Southwest-themed nature and wildlife come to life, inspired by years spent hiking, exploring, mountain biking, and even hang gliding. Her favorite shoes are hiking boots. "I believe we are incomplete without a connection to, and appreciation of, the natural world, and that we should cherish and protect it... I want to promote deeper respect and connection with our vanishing wild places and the creatures that call them home."

John Gates is a watercolorist who paints in a mosaic or stained glass style to evoke a healing message about human brokenness. "Brokenness -- whether pieces of clay, glass, or in our lives-- can be overcome, and we can be put back together to be beautiful souls with meaningful lives.  My art is a reminder and encouragement to focus on recovery, peace, and being whole, even if you feel like you are broken into pieces."

Mentioned in the podcast:

Desert Foothills Land Trust

Project Wet

Yosemite Conservancy

Reach out to Casey Cheuvront:

www.caseycheuvront.com

instagram.com/cheuvrontcasey

facebook.com/casey.cheuvront

Contact John Gates: 

instagram.com/johngatesart

www.johngatesart.com

twitch.tv/johngatesart

www.facebook.com/John-Gates-Art

Please enjoy the podcast and don't forget to join my art chats on Monday and Friday mornings 8 Pacific/11 Eastern and for Wednesday Happy Hour at 4 Pacific/7 Eastern. Monday chats have a topic, Friday is Zen Art Zoom, and Happy Hour is open to anything. To join, message me on Instagram (@curiouskirby or @kirbyplessasart) or join my Curious Kirby Creatives Facebook Group.

Music: Michael Shynes

Song: A Sweet Suspicion

Mystery writers Laurie Fagen and Cheryl Cocroft join the Curious Kirby team in the Zoom studio for a dynamic discussion about multi-tasking versus time management, project management versus visualization, and outlining versus flying by the seat of one's pants. The values and practices of these creatives are a joy to learn about - picture Laurie as the consummate juggler and Cheryl keenly focused with creative writing flowing from her fingertips. What can we learn from how they do what they do?

Cheryl Cocroft is the author of mysteries featuring unusual characters and strange situations inspired by past encounters and present settings. Cheryl lived and worked in London for twenty-five years until she moved to Cave Creek, Arizona. Her books, Spokane Words: A Twisted Tale from Luna's Attic, and its sequel, Twice Dead, are available on Amazon. See Cheryl's photography on her Instagram page, too!

Connect with author Laurie Fagen through one (or more!) of her many media. A prolific multi-media creative, Laurie's books are available on Amazon - a special shoutout to Fade Out and Dead Air, available on Audible- and on ReadLaurieFagen.com. The award-winning fiber artist designs and creates contemporary fiber art and wearable art, designs jewelry, and sculpts in polymer and fiber clay. Laurie's work has been seen in galleries and exhibits in Arizona, California, Iowa, and North Carolina. Laurie teaches a variety of classes and workshops and is a member of the Sonoran Arts League, Arizona Quilters Guild / Mavericks Chapter, Arizona Polymer Clay Guild, and Arizona Production Association.

Reach out to Cheryl Cocroft:

Contact Laurie Fagen:

Please enjoy the podcast and don't forget to join my art chats on Monday and Friday mornings 8 Pacific/11 Eastern and for Wednesday Happy Hour at 4 Pacific/7 Eastern. Monday chats have a topic, Friday is Zen Art Zoom, and Happy Hour is open to anything. To join, message me on Instagram (@curiouskirby or @kirbyplessasart) or join my Curious Kirby Creatives Facebook Group.

Music: Michael Shynes

Nicolette Maguire Bonnstetter and Jan Downey join the Curious Kirby team in the Zoom studio to discuss the values and how-tos of lifelong learning programs in community centers such as the Holland Center. Located in Scottsdale, AZ the Holland Center is a unique partnership dedicated to enriching the Desert Foothills community by celebrating arts and culture, treasuring the desert environment, assisting those in need, and encouraging lifelong learning. Engaging their skilled talents for fine arts and instruction, Jan and Nicolette support the Holland Center with educational programs for lifelong learners.

Jan Downey is a contemporary gourd artist and anthropologist. Her studio is online at ZolioArts.com and Jan's gourd art may also be found at On the Edge Gallery in Scottsdale.

In addition to a career as an art history and art methods instructor, Nicolette Maguire Bonnstetter works in vanitas and wood sculptures. Visit Nicolette's portfolio or schedule a tour of her studio at NicsArt.com.

Meet Jan and Nicolette through one of the Holland Center programs such as the monthly Art, Coffee & Conversation (first Fridays) or annual Arizona Sage Market (April 10, 2021, from 10 AM to 4 PM). Also, be sure to join them for Sonoran Arts League's annual Hidden in the Hills (November 19-21; 26-28).

instagram.com/jan.downey

ontheedgegallery.com

Contact Nicolette Maguire Bonnstetter:

nicsart.com

instagram.com/nicolettebonnstetter

Mentioned in our conversation:

hollandcenter.org

hiddeninthehills.org

sonoranartsleague.org

projectwet.org

manhattanarts.com/herstory-2020-exhibition

Nancy Breiman and Bob Hogan join the Curious Kirby team in the Zoom studio to discuss the how-to's of setting up galleries in storefronts, resorts, and other non-traditional marketing opportunities to boost sales and grow an artist's following. These surprisingly effective ways to meet new patrons and art fans require some preparation and collaboration with the businesses that serve as hosts. Nancy and Bob recommend doing your homework prior to approaching the space owner and find these cooperative efforts very rewarding.

Nancy Breiman is an accomplished fine art oil painter with an emphasis on florals following a career with IBM. An Industrial Arts Education major in college, Nancy spent a career in corporate America and returned to oil painting a few years before retiring. Nancy shares her passion for art through volunteering, teaching art workshops, and providing one-on-one instruction in oil painting. Nancy was elected to the Board of Directors with The Sonoran Arts League in December 2020.

After a career in radio and marketing, Bob Hogan shifted his creative focus to acrylic landscape paintings inspired by travels and near his home in Anacortes, Washington. Displaying his paintings in hotels, vacant storefronts, microbreweries, marinas, restaurants, and office spaces, Bob finds new clients with shared interests and insights into the demographics of his fans.

Please enjoy the podcast and don't forget to join my art chats on Monday and Friday mornings 8 Pacific/11 Eastern and for Wednesday Happy Hour at 4 Pacific/7 Eastern. Monday chats have a topic, Friday is Zen Art Zoom, and Happy Hour is open to anything. To join, message me on Instagram (@curiouskirby or @kirbyplessasart) or join my Curious Kirby Creatives Facebook Group.

Music: BenjHeard Artlist