For the final episode of season 1, Christine Mace speaks with Dawn Delikat, the executive director of Pen and Brush Gallery, about her deep connection to art and its significance in today's chaotic world. They reflect on the historical context of women's contributions to art, the role of creativity in expressing human experiences, and the challenges faced by artists and galleries in the current landscape. Dawn shares her vision for the future of Pen and Brush, emphasizing the importance of community, support for artists, and the need for continued advocacy in the art world. The discussion also touches on the evolving nature of art and its ability to resonate with audiences across different contexts.

This conversation was recorded in July of 2024. During the conversation Dawn discusses working with Bina Sarkar Ellias on the group exhibition “Free, Fearless, Fantastical” which is on view at Pen and Brush Gallery until April 5th 2025. She also talks about Michela Martello’s solo exhibition “Just Love” which has since shown in Italy and will be on display in Tibet this summer. If you want to learn more about Michela, her episode “A Journey Through Cultures” is also a part of this season of Life As a Creative with Christine Mace.

You can learn more about Dawn and Pen + Brush on their social media links below:

Website: www.penandbrush.org

Instagram: @penandbrushnyc, @dawnoftheart

In this conversation, Christine Mace speaks with filmmaker Frédéric Tcheng. They discuss his transition from engineering to filmmaking, the importance of humanizing the fashion industry through storytelling, and the impact of his environment on his creative identity. He reflects on mentorship, the evolving definition of success, and the role of art in maintaining creativity. Tcheng emphasizes the significance of vulnerability and connection in his work, and shares insights on nurturing the next generation of filmmakers.

You can learn more about Fred on his social media pages below:

Instagram: @frederic.tcheng

Vimeo: Frederic Tcheng

In this conversation, Christine Mace speaks with Savannah Garr, an Associate Photo Director with over a decade of experience in photography, particularly in e-commerce. They discuss Savannah's journey into the world of photography, the challenges of balancing commercial work with personal creativity, and her evolving definition of success in the creative industry. Savannah shares her aspirations for the future, including her desire to work on personal projects and capture the beauty of the world through her lens.

You can learn more about Savanna on her social media pages below:

Website: www.savannagarr.com

Instagram: @savraeg

In this conversation, Christine Mace speaks with Michela Martello, a Brooklyn-based artist, about her artistic journey, the influence of Eastern and Western philosophies on her work, and her evolving definition of success. They discuss the impact of nature on creativity, the incorporation of ceramics into her practice, and the philosophical depth that informs her art. Michela shares her experiences traveling and how these journeys have shaped her perspective, as well as her thoughts on the importance of allowing viewers to interpret her work freely.

You can learn more about Michela on her social media pages below:

Website: www.michelamartello.com

Instagram: @michelamartello

In this conversation, Christine Mace speaks with Mark Jared Zufelt, a Seattle-based visual storyteller, about the complexities of working in the creative industry. They explore themes such as overcoming creative roadblocks, the role of family in fostering creativity, the ethics of street photography, and the impact of art on society. Mark shares his personal journey, including his struggles with imposter syndrome and the influence of technology on art. The discussion also delves into Mark's personal projects that address mental health and social justice, highlighting the importance of empathy and connection in art.

You can learn more about Mark on his social media pages below:

Website: www.markjaredzufelt.com

Instagram: @mjzufelt/

In this conversation, Christine Mace speaks with Hall Rockefeller about the concept of matronage, the importance of supporting women artists, and how art plays a crucial role in society. They discuss the barriers women artists face, the significance of representation in art institutions, and how success in the art world is defined. Hall emphasizes the need for a more inclusive art community and the impact of collectors in shaping the future of art.

You can learn more about Hall on her social media pages below:

Website: ⁠www.lessthanhalf.org ⁠

Instagram:⁠ @all.the.lady.artists⁠

In this conversation, Christine Mace speaks with visual artist Antonia Bara about her journey as a creative, the challenges she faces in the art world, and how her personal experiences shape her work. They discuss the importance of art as a form of communication, the impact of societal issues on creativity, and the role of collaboration in artistic endeavors. Antonia shares her aspirations for the future and reflects on what success means to her as an artist.

You can learn more about Antonia on her instagram linked below:

Instagram: @antonia.bara

In this enlightening conversation, Christine Mace and Lola Flash discusses her journey as a photographer and activist, focusing on the intersection of art, identity, and social justice. She reflects on her early inspirations, the importance of representation in photography, and her experiences with activism during the AIDS epidemic. Flash shares her thoughts on the significance of having her work included in major museum collections and the impact of her iconic Kissing Doesn't Kill poster. She offers valuable advice for emerging photographers and shares her personal reflections on success and the importance of good health and positive relationships.

In this conversation, Christine Mace speaks with artist and photographer Dane Manary about his creative journey, the impulse to create, and how he defines success. They explore the challenges of overcoming creative roadblocks, the influences that shape his work, and his ongoing projects, including the Apophenia series and sculptural books. Dane shares his perspective on the art world, the importance of authenticity, and how he measures success beyond monetary value.

You can also learn more about Dane on his social media pages below:

Website: www.danemanary.com

Instagram: @undertonecommunication

In this fun bonus episode, Christine Mace and Savanna Garr discuss their frustrations with certain behaviors on New York City sidewalks, including bikers on the sidewalk and slow walkers. They express concern for their safety when encountering fast-moving bikers and criticize the lack of awareness from other pedestrians. The conversation also touches on the impact of smartphones on people's navigation skills and the growing reliance on technology for directions.