Off the Easel

Off the Easel

By Skye Becker-Yamakawa & Catherine MooreEducationArtsVisual Arts
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Off the Easel episodes

  • Episode 160: How To Deal With Artist Burnout

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    This week on Off the Easel Podcast, Skye Becker-Yamakawa and Catherine Moore delve into the challenging topic of artist burnout. What is artist burnout? What causes it, and how can you tell if you're experiencing it?

    In this episode, we tackle these questions and offer hopeful, practical tips for avoiding or recovering from burnout. We also share a list of helpful resources, including books and other podcasts, to support artists facing this struggle.

    To wrap up, we lighten the mood with a funny story about the iconic Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz. Don’t miss this informative and entertaining episode—tune in this week on Off the Easel Podcast!

    Check out Skye's and Catherine's work at:

    Skye Becker-Yamakawa

    • IG: https://www.instagram.com/skyesartshop/
    • Web:  http://www.skyesart.com/

    Catherine Moore

    • IG: https://www.instagram.com/teaandcanvas/
    • Web: http://teaandcanvas.com/

    Polka Dot Raven

    • IG: https://www.instagram.com/polkadotraven/
    26 min
  • Episode 159: Interactive Portals with Martin Wittfooth

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    This week on Off the Easel Podcast, Skye Becker-Yamakawa and Catherine Moore sit down with the extraordinary Martin Wittfooth. Known for his breathtaking large-scale oil paintings that explore themes of nature and the environment, Martin shares his inspiring artistic journey, detailing how key opportunities shaped his education and career.

    In this insightful conversation, Martin walks us through his creative process and reveals the innovative software he uses to master light and shadow in his work. Whether you're an artist or a collector, this episode is packed with valuable tips and inspiration.

    Tune in this week wherever you listen to podcasts!





    Check out Skye's and Catherine's work at:

    Skye Becker-Yamakawa

    • IG: https://www.instagram.com/skyesartshop/
    • Web:  http://www.skyesart.com/

    Catherine Moore

    • IG: https://www.instagram.com/teaandcanvas/
    • Web: http://teaandcanvas.com/

    Polka Dot Raven

    • IG: https://www.instagram.com/polkadotraven/
    1 hr 6 min
  • Episode 158: Website Help for Artists

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    This week on Off the Easel Podcast, Catherine Moore and Skye Becker-Yamakawa dive into the world of artist websites. Are websites still essential for artists? What are the pros and cons of having one? How can you make your site stand out? And what are some alternatives or complements to a traditional website?

    To wrap things up, we share a quirky and humorous art news story about ice cream and unexpected accidents. This episode is packed with practical advice for artists and ends with a delightful twist. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts!



    Check out Skye's and Catherine's work at:

    Skye Becker-Yamakawa

    • IG: https://www.instagram.com/skyesartshop/
    • Web:  http://www.skyesart.com/

    Catherine Moore

    • IG: https://www.instagram.com/teaandcanvas/
    • Web: http://teaandcanvas.com/

    Polka Dot Raven

    • IG: https://www.instagram.com/polkadotraven/
    27 min
  • How to Help Artists in Los Angeles Wildfires

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    The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have devastated communities, including many artists who have lost their homes, studios, and livelihoods. These creators need our support now more than ever.

    Here’s how you can help:

    • Donate to relief funds: Organizations like the California Arts Council, CERF+ (Craft Emergency Relief Fund), and local wildfire relief efforts are providing crucial aid to artists in need.
      •  https://cerfplus.org/ 
      • Adolph & Esther Gottlieb Foundation Emergency Grant 
      • Artists’ Fellowship One-Time Emergency Aid
      • Foundation for Contemporary Arts Emergency Grant
    • Mutual Aid Resources For artists who need art supplies, and places to work here are some additional resources
      • Superchief Gallery is hosting an art supplies drive at their Chinatown gallery, contact  [email protected] more info
      • Thinkspace Projects is collecting supplies to donate to Red Cross LA and is also distributing N95 masks at their gallery space
      • Chinatown bookstore and gallery The Fulcrum Press is offering its space to those in need of internet, electricity to charge devices, filtered air, and space to store belongings. Reach out to them on Instagram to coordinate.
    • Purchase their work: Many artists are selling their remaining pieces or creating new works to rebuild. Supporting them directly can make a significant impact.
    • Share their stories: Spread the word about artists in need through social media to connect them with resources and buyers.

    Together, we can help these artists recover and continue to share their creative gifts with the world. Visit our website or social media for links to trusted resources.

    Let’s come together to support our artistic community.



    Check out Skye's and Catherine's work at:

    Skye Becker-Yamakawa

    • IG: https://www.instagram.com/skyesartshop/
    • Web:  http://www.skyesart.com/

    Catherine Moore

    • IG: https://www.instagram.com/teaandcanvas/
    • Web: http://teaandcanvas.com/

    Polka Dot Raven

    • IG: https://www.instagram.com/polkadotraven/
    1 min
  • Episode 157: Summer of '65 with Bennett Slater

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    Kick off 2025 with the first Artist Interview of the year on Off the Easel Podcast! Hosts Catherine Moore and Skye Becker-Yamakawa welcome the talented Bennett Slater, who joins us from Canada. 

    By day, Bennett is a designer, and by night, a fine artist creating stunning contemporary oil paintings. His work draws inspiration from the nostalgic colors and toys of the 1960s, reimagined with a modern twist.

    In this episode, Bennett shares his artistic journey, the sources of his inspiration, and so much more. Tune in this week to explore the creative world of Bennett Slater!


    Check out Skye's and Catherine's work at:

    Skye Becker-Yamakawa

    • IG: https://www.instagram.com/skyesartshop/
    • Web:  http://www.skyesart.com/

    Catherine Moore

    • IG: https://www.instagram.com/teaandcanvas/
    • Web: http://teaandcanvas.com/

    Polka Dot Raven

    • IG: https://www.instagram.com/polkadotraven/
    39 min
  • Episode 156: Photo Reference Help for Artists

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    This week on Off the Easel, Skye Becker-Yamakawa and Catherine Moore explore the essential topic of photo references for artists. Whether you use references daily or occasionally, this episode offers valuable insights into their fascinating history, tips for ethical usage, and where to find free resources—plus advice on creating your own.

    Stay tuned until the end for a fun art news story featuring two icons: Cyndi Lauper and the "Polka Dot Princess" herself, Yayoi Kusama. 

    Don’t miss this informative and entertaining episode!



    Check out Skye's and Catherine's work at:

    Skye Becker-Yamakawa

    • IG: https://www.instagram.com/skyesartshop/
    • Web:  http://www.skyesart.com/

    Catherine Moore

    • IG: https://www.instagram.com/teaandcanvas/
    • Web: http://teaandcanvas.com/

    Polka Dot Raven

    • IG: https://www.instagram.com/polkadotraven/
    30 min
  • Episode 155: The Magic of a Paintbrush with Animalitoland

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    This week on Off the Easel, join Catherine Moore and Skye Becker-Yamakawa for an enchanting interview with the exceptionally talented Grace, also known as Animalitoland. 

    Based in Los Angeles, California, Grace is currently channeling her creativity into fine art, but her journey is anything but ordinary.

    From painting a mural in a snowstorm to other incredible adventures, Grace shares her stories, challenges, and inspirations. 

    Tune in for a delightful and motivational conversation that’s sure to spark your imagination!


    Check out Skye's and Catherine's work at:

    Skye Becker-Yamakawa

    • IG: https://www.instagram.com/skyesartshop/
    • Web:  http://www.skyesart.com/

    Catherine Moore

    • IG: https://www.instagram.com/teaandcanvas/
    • Web: http://teaandcanvas.com/

    Polka Dot Raven

    • IG: https://www.instagram.com/polkadotraven/
    51 min
  • Episode 154: End of Year Roundup

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    Join Skye Becker-Yamakawa and Catherine Moore for a compelling wrap-up of Off the Easel's third year! 

    In this special episode, they dive into intriguing statistics from past episodes and artist interviews, reflecting on the highlights and lessons learned over the year.

    What insights have shaped their journey this year, and which artists left a lasting impression? Stick around until the end for a delightful art news story to close out the season on a high note!



    Check out Skye's and Catherine's work at:

    Skye Becker-Yamakawa

    • IG: https://www.instagram.com/skyesartshop/
    • Web:  http://www.skyesart.com/

    Catherine Moore

    • IG: https://www.instagram.com/teaandcanvas/
    • Web: http://teaandcanvas.com/

    Polka Dot Raven

    • IG: https://www.instagram.com/polkadotraven/
    30 min
  • Episode 153: Making Marks Every Day with Kevin Sloan

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    Join hosts Catherine Moore and Skye Becker-Yamakawa for an engaging and insightful conversation with the exceptionally talented Kevin Sloan. 

    Hailing from Denver, Colorado, Kevin works in the historic Globeville neighborhood, where he transforms a beautifully converted church into his awe-inspiring studio space.

    Kevin’s surreal acrylic paintings masterfully blend elements of nature, animals, and landscapes, creating thought-provoking interactions that captivate the imagination. A highly educated and dedicated artist with a wealth of life experiences, Kevin shares his journey and creative process in this week’s episode of Off the Easel. 

    Don’t miss this opportunity to step into his extraordinary world!


    Check out Skye's and Catherine's work at:

    Skye Becker-Yamakawa

    • IG: https://www.instagram.com/skyesartshop/
    • Web:  http://www.skyesart.com/

    Catherine Moore

    • IG: https://www.instagram.com/teaandcanvas/
    • Web: http://teaandcanvas.com/

    Polka Dot Raven

    • IG: https://www.instagram.com/polkadotraven/
    1 hr 3 min
  • Episode 152: Clay Sculpting Success with Bob Doucette

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    Join Catherine Moore and Skye Becker-Yamakawa as we dive into the tactile world of clay with our expert guest host Bob Doucette. 

    We explore different types of clay, techniques, tools, and creative processes for artists working with this versatile medium. Whether you're a seasoned sculptor or just curious about getting your hands dirty, we’ll discuss tips, challenges, and inspirations from the world of clay to help you sculpt your artistic journey with confidence. Perfect for artists of all levels looking to expand their skills and learn more about working with clay.  

    We end the episode with an Art News story about a bust of Oscar Wilde that went wrong.



    Check out Skye's and Catherine's work at:

    Skye Becker-Yamakawa

    • IG: https://www.instagram.com/skyesartshop/
    • Web:  http://www.skyesart.com/

    Catherine Moore

    • IG: https://www.instagram.com/teaandcanvas/
    • Web: http://teaandcanvas.com/

    Polka Dot Raven

    • IG: https://www.instagram.com/polkadotraven/
    48 min

About Off the Easel

From the publisher's feed

Calling all Creatives! Let’s go off the easel and talk about the ins and outs of the art world and how to survive life as a working artist. 

Join Skye Becker-Yamakawa and Catherine…