
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


Margo is joined by Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker—two powerhouse painters, illustrators, authors, and beloved art teachers whose friendship and creative partnership has taken them (and their students) around the world. Jennifer and Gayle each spent years in fast-paced industries—Jennifer as a textile designer in NYC, Gayle as a fashion illustrator and editorial artist—before embracing slower, more intuitive practices rooted in daily sketchbooking, storytelling, and teaching. Together, Jennifer and Gayle lead collaborative retreats and online workshops that encourage creative exploration and self-expression. Their work is joyful, bold, and filled with heart—and they're deeply committed to helping others find their voice. In this rich and honest conversation, they talk about letting go of "shoulds," walking away from stale opportunities, and trusting their own timing—whether that meant leaving agents behind, stepping into teaching, or creating space for personal transformation. Margo, Jennifer, and Gayle discuss:
How daily sketchbook practice became their creative anchor
Why process is more important than perfection
How their retreats have opened doors for their students—and for themselves
The power of artistic community and creative friendship
Why five minutes a day can change everything
How their individual journeys led them to a shared mission in teaching and creating
Mentioned in this episode: July 27th Class: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/painting-faces-florals-and-pattern-play-with-gayle-jennifer-registration-1459034243699
Portugal Retreat: https://uptrek.com/retreat/transformative-sketchbook-retreat-artists-jennifer-orkin-lewis-gayle-kabaker-portugal
Chloe Ward Yoga: https://www.chloeward.yoga/
Zig Markers: https://www.markersupply.com/zigartgrtwma.html?srsltid=AfmBOop1y1ZX-zYJX7i3b7ByZnqncJPHQ7NZ9tRDzucQ3KLAc-YukjFU
Tombow Markers: https://www.dickblick.com/products/tombow-dual-brush-pens/?srsltid=AfmBOorG6HNbBOGAP7igbmAxApp9GwjjeT6vqaJn0B7EBkt-IFO7SS5j
Connect with Jennifer:
https://www.augustwren.com/
https://augustwren.substack.com/subscribe
https://www.instagram.com/augustwren/
Connect with Gayle:
www.gkabaker.com
https://gaylekabaker.substack.com
https://www.instagram.com/gaylekabake
Connect with Margo:
www.windowsillchats.com
www.instagram.com/windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry
By Margo Tantau4.9
332332 ratings
Margo is joined by Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker—two powerhouse painters, illustrators, authors, and beloved art teachers whose friendship and creative partnership has taken them (and their students) around the world. Jennifer and Gayle each spent years in fast-paced industries—Jennifer as a textile designer in NYC, Gayle as a fashion illustrator and editorial artist—before embracing slower, more intuitive practices rooted in daily sketchbooking, storytelling, and teaching. Together, Jennifer and Gayle lead collaborative retreats and online workshops that encourage creative exploration and self-expression. Their work is joyful, bold, and filled with heart—and they're deeply committed to helping others find their voice. In this rich and honest conversation, they talk about letting go of "shoulds," walking away from stale opportunities, and trusting their own timing—whether that meant leaving agents behind, stepping into teaching, or creating space for personal transformation. Margo, Jennifer, and Gayle discuss:
How daily sketchbook practice became their creative anchor
Why process is more important than perfection
How their retreats have opened doors for their students—and for themselves
The power of artistic community and creative friendship
Why five minutes a day can change everything
How their individual journeys led them to a shared mission in teaching and creating
Mentioned in this episode: July 27th Class: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/painting-faces-florals-and-pattern-play-with-gayle-jennifer-registration-1459034243699
Portugal Retreat: https://uptrek.com/retreat/transformative-sketchbook-retreat-artists-jennifer-orkin-lewis-gayle-kabaker-portugal
Chloe Ward Yoga: https://www.chloeward.yoga/
Zig Markers: https://www.markersupply.com/zigartgrtwma.html?srsltid=AfmBOop1y1ZX-zYJX7i3b7ByZnqncJPHQ7NZ9tRDzucQ3KLAc-YukjFU
Tombow Markers: https://www.dickblick.com/products/tombow-dual-brush-pens/?srsltid=AfmBOorG6HNbBOGAP7igbmAxApp9GwjjeT6vqaJn0B7EBkt-IFO7SS5j
Connect with Jennifer:
https://www.augustwren.com/
https://augustwren.substack.com/subscribe
https://www.instagram.com/augustwren/
Connect with Gayle:
www.gkabaker.com
https://gaylekabaker.substack.com
https://www.instagram.com/gaylekabake
Connect with Margo:
www.windowsillchats.com
www.instagram.com/windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

875 Listeners

1,991 Listeners

3,324 Listeners

283 Listeners

12,746 Listeners

345 Listeners

731 Listeners

311 Listeners

719 Listeners

542 Listeners

307 Listeners

57 Listeners

598 Listeners

431 Listeners

186 Listeners