This podcast is a body of work—a collection of words distilled from looking through my viewfinder. Each episode explores the meaning of different concepts, themes, ideas, and subjects floating around in the liminal spaces of my creative practice. A place to collectively explore the themes that enter the creative realm.

Episode Introduction

I’ve catered to the idea of doing a podcast for a long time now. And yes, I use the word cater with intention because sometimes an idea needs more than just a simple acknowledgment or doing. It needs time to be nurtured and molded into a shape where we can coexist. I do my best to stay open to my ideas, to observe and process them. To find it has an opportunity to become more curious about them. And find myself in them over time. I’ve played around with voice recordings as a medium to slowly build the courage to embrace this way of working. And I think I’m there — I think I am ready to enter a conversation with this idea in real life.

Why viewfinder? This year, as I continue to find presence and navigate life with chronic rumination, I rekindled with my paper viewfinder—a tool I often used in high school to learn how to frame things interestingly. I found myself using this tool both literally and metaphorically. In a literal sense, it’s a piece of paper with a square or rectangle cut from the center to frame scenes. In a metaphorical sense, it’s helping me narrow my attention, to tune in, and learn how to frame my values—themes that come up regularly in my creative practice. It’s encouraged me to ask more questions about these consistencies. To go deeper with things that I place great reverence on in my creativity.

While I view this podcast as a body of work, I hope this body of work can inform your creative practice. I see it as a vessel to explore ideas collectively. For creative people looking for inspiration and support in their studio. That is—to accept the invitation to go deeper with the subjects, concepts, themes, and ideas present in your creative practice to help develop both honesty and quality in your work.

Episode Resources

If we haven’t had the pleasure of meeting - I’m Lauren Sauder, a visual artist and creative mentor. If you enjoyed this post, here are a few more ways you can connect with me:

* Download Your Viewfinder—Print it, cut it, and carry it with you.

* The Artist Mixed Tape—a mix of books, playlists, and residencies to provide inspiration and company in the studio.

* Receive letters from me—bi-weekly letters from me about what I’m working through in my creative practice and life.

* Enlist me as your mentor—if you are interested in unlimited support and guidance to grow your creative practice.

* Get in touch with me directly—send an email to [email protected].

Get full access to Lauren Sauder at laurensauder.substack.com/subscribe