Long time friend, co-collaborator, and all around inspiration, Iliana Contos joins me for a fruitful and heartfelt conversation exploring the intersection of creativity, presence, and authenticity – all as powerful healing forces. Illy shares her journey from acting to art therapy, working with vulnerable communities, and learning to embrace creativity without perfectionism. We discuss the power of presence — whether in a yoga class, a prison, or a creative space — and how art-making can regulate the nervous system and foster deep self-discovery.

We also touch on the challenges of navigating social media as a creative tool, the difference between creating and editing, and how perfectionism is rooted in control and fear. Illy specifically highlights transformative practices like The Artist’s Way and Morning Pages, emphasizing that creativity is not just for artists but a universal human language.

Lastly, at the end of our conversation we share a brief announcement for our upcoming workshop seriesArt & Astrology: Building Intimacy with Self Through Creativity – inspired by the upcoming Venus retrograde cycle.

For the folks looking to reclaim their creativity, quiet their inner critic, or deepen their connection to self, this conversation offers insights and inspiration for embracing the unknown with curiosity and openness.

Mentioned:

Elizabeth Gilbert'sBig Magic

Julia Cameron'sThe Artist's Way

Time stamps:

3:04 Who is Iliana Contos?

7:22 The power of a name

10:10 Iliana's journey into art therapy

20:31 Authenticity and belief in one’s work creating meaningful connections

23:29 Teaching and showing up as you are, rather than pretending to be perfect

29:07 Creativity in the age of social media

36:41 The difference between creating and editing

42:23 Perfectionism being rooted in control, while creativity thriving in the unknown

49:33 Who are you as an artist?

57:20 The Art & Astrology workshop

59:07 Creativity was our first language

1:05:35 The powerful self-revelation that comes with spontaneity and journeying into the unknown.