The Art Elevator

In this episode of The Art Elevator, host Larissa Wild sits down with Emily McCulliss to explore a creative path shaped by curiosity, science, and lived experience. With a background in biology, neuroscience, and psychology, Emily shares how her journey, from marine research and global travel to endurance athletics and deep-ocean encounters, ultimately led her to photography as a way of seeing, understanding, and engaging with the world.

This conversation moves beyond gear and technique to examine what it truly means to become a photographer: listening to intuition, responding to moments of awe, and allowing curiosity to guide both creative practice and life decisions. Emily reflects on transformative experiences across the globe, the courage to follow unlikely paths, and how art can emerge when we align with what calls us forward.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The role of curiosity in creative becoming

• Bridging science, observation, and visual storytelling

• Letting intuition guide artistic evolution

• How profound experiences in nature reshape perspective

• Redefining success through alignment and purpose

This episode is an invitation to consider how creativity unfolds, not as a destination, but as a continuous act of becoming.

To see more about Emily McCullis and sign up for her email list, go to: https://www.emilymcculliss.com/

To sign up for our podcast mailing list go to: https://larissawild.com/podcast-signup

🎙 Episode Summary: In this powerful episode, internationally recognized appraiser and thought leader Alvah Beander returns to The Art Elevator to discuss how families can preserve cultural memory, personal property, and intergenerational wealth through art. Alvah is the founder of Legacy of Value: Art Across Generations, and the first African American fellow in arts and antiques of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. With her deep knowledge and passion, she offers transformative insights into the often-overlooked emotional and cultural significance of collections—and how to plan responsibly for the future.

💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why "value" is about more than price—it's about history, impact, and meaning.
• How to start involving the next generation in preserving family collections.
• The biggest misconceptions about legacy, inheritance, and what families truly value.
• Why personal property like art and quilts requires different estate planning approaches than stocks or real estate.
• How race, culture, and community histories shape legacy and the stewardship of objects.
• The critical role of qualified appraisers in legacy planning and estate management—and why DIY doesn't cut it.
• Steps you can take today to document your own collection.

🛠 Practical Takeaways:

• Start by photographing your collection and recording stories orally.
• Involve your children or grandchildren in the process—they bring tech-savvy and fresh perspective.
• Assemble a team of professionals: appraisers, estate attorneys, wealth advisors, and accountants.
• Don't wait—legacy planning is an act of love and clarity.

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Legacy of Value: Visit Alvah Beander's Website
• Stay informed and inspired: Join the Art Elevator Email List
• Follow Larissa Wild Fine Art on Instagram
• Follow Artifactual History on Instagram

📢 Special Thanks:

This episode is brought to you by Artifactual History and Larissa Wild Fine Art—bringing meaningful stories and artworks to collectors and communities alike.

Today we are delighted to welcome Dr. Erin Smith and Dr. Timothy Imafidon Jr, passionate art collectors and owners of Goldsboro Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics.

Originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, Dr . Erin Smith completed her undergraduate education at Duke University in Durham. After her graduation she earned her Doctorate from Howard University before heading south to continue her training at Jacksonville University School of Orthodontics, earning certification in Orthodontics and Maxillofacial Orthopedics. Professionally, Dr . Smith is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, and the National Dental Association. Personally, she is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Dr. Timothy Imafidon Jr . is a Board Certified pediatric dentist who was born in High Point, North Carolina. Growing up, he called North Carolina, Ohio and Indonesia home before heading off to Guilford College in Greensboro where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Following college, Dr. Imafidon completed four additional years of dental school at Howard University in Washington D.C. before completing a two-year residency program at Jacobi Medical Center, a teaching hospital affiliated with Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. While in N.Y . he received extensive training in treating special needs and medically compromised children at the Rose F. Kennedy Center for Developmental Disabilities. He is a member of the North Carolina Dental Society, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association. He is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi.

In this episode of The Art Elevator podcast, Sarah Reeder and Larissa Wild speak with Dr. Erin Smith and Dr. Timothy Imafidon Jr. about their journey in collecting art. I

Topics discussed:

- How to start educating yourself on the type of art you are interested in

- Their tips on how to start a collection

- How their collecting focus on African American art has influenced their friends, family and clients

- The importance of supporting artists whose work speaks to you

- The joy of living surrounded by art

You can read more in the show notes here: https://larissawild.com/post/13416-the-art-elevator-episode-48---insights-on-collecting

Podcast Show Notes Makeba Boateng is a cultural strategist and the founder of Fashion Forum Africa, dedicated to preserving and promoting Ghana's rich textile heritage and fostering sustainable fashion practices. With over three decades of experience in public relations, appraisal, and curation, she has worked on globally recognized projects, including the Victoria & Albert Museum's Africa Fashion exhibition, now touring internationally. Makeba is reshaping the narrative around African heritage and creativity for a global audience.

Makeba is an Accredited Public Relations Practitioner, a USPAP-Compliant Personal Property Appraiser leading her company Boaten Appraisal Service, and a passionate advocate for indigenous African design. Her work bridges Ghana's textile traditions with global innovation, inspiring a sustainable future for African fashion and design.

Her work celebrates the intersection of history and modernity, blending storytelling with advocacy to elevate indigenous African textiles and design. A champion for sustainability and cultural preservation, she collaborates with artisans, designers, and institutions to create meaningful projects that honor tradition while inspiring innovation. By promoting indigenous techniques and fostering cross-cultural dialogue, she aims to inspire the next generation of creators to embrace their roots while shaping a global impact.

Makeba's work is a testament to the power of tradition in driving contemporary relevance, making her a trailblazer in the world of fashion and cultural advocacy.

Links:

Fashion Forum Africa: https://fashionforumafrica.com/

Makeba on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/makeba-boateng/

Boaten Appraisal Services on LinkedIn

Makeba's ISA Profile

Fashion Forum Africa Instagram

Fashion Forum Africa Facebook

Makeba's main garment worn during the interview: Hand-Batiked Silk Long Kimono by: Studio 189

Join the Conversation:

We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Don't forget to subscribe to The Art Elevator on YouTube for more behind-the-scenes stories from the art world.

Sponsor Shoutout:

This episode of The Art Elevator is brought to you by Appraisal Scribe, where you can optimize your appraisal process with their all-in-one platform. Learn more here!

To stay inspired and informed, join our email list today! You'll receive updates about our latest creations, valuable tips, and a deeper look into the art world.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE FUN!

Podcast Show Notes:

In this episode of The Art Elevator Podcast, we are joined by Lucy Walter, Head of Small Business Partnerships at Artsy, the world's largest online marketplace for discovering, buying, and selling fine art. Lucy shares her journey from finance to her current role at Artsy and discusses how the platform is revolutionizing the art market for small and emerging galleries.

From strategies for increasing visibility to the importance of diversifying sales channels, Lucy provides invaluable insights into how galleries can thrive in the digital art world. She also introduces Artsy's exciting new partnership with ArtCloud, which simplifies gallery operations and empowers them to focus on what they do best: connecting collectors with incredible art.

Whether you're a gallery owner, an art collector, or simply fascinated by the intersection of art and technology, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• What is Artsy? An introduction to the platform and its mission to expand the global art market.
• Challenges for Small Galleries: How Artsy helps galleries grow visibility, reach global collectors, and manage operations efficiently.
• Online Art Sales Trends: Why 80% of collectors are buying art online and how Artsy is leveraging this shift.
• The Power of an Online Presence: Tips for galleries to integrate in-person events with online platforms for maximum impact.
• Artsy x ArtCloud Partnership: How this integration is transforming inventory management and sales for galleries.
• Why Artsy is a Game-Changer for Collectors: A seamless journey from discovery to purchase and beyond.

Key Highlights:

• Artsy has seen a 40% increase in sales this year despite a broader market downturn.
• Galleries on Artsy gain global visibility, which is essential for emerging artists with regional demand.
• Artsy's tools and analytics help galleries save time, optimize their operations, and grow their businesses.
• The ArtCloud partnership streamlines inventory and sales management, saving galleries up to 80% of time on administrative tasks.
• Collectors can explore curated collections, discover emerging artists, and purchase works from galleries worldwide with ease.

Resources and Links:

• Register interest in Artsy: https://partners.artsy.net/gallery-partnerships/
• Explore the ArtCloud Partnership: https://partners.artsy.net/artcloud/
• 2024 report on collector behavior: https://partners.artsy.net/resource/art-collector-insights-2024/
• Artsy Viewing Rooms: https://www.artsy.net/viewing-rooms

Sponsor Shoutout:

This episode of The Art Elevator is brought to you by Artifactual History and Larissa Wild Fine Art. To stay inspired and informed, join our email list today! You'll receive updates about our latest creations, valuable tips, and a deeper look into the art world.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE FUN! - https://larissawild.com/podcast-signup

In this special Winter Solstice episode, recorded while basking in a welcome sunbeam, Sarah Reeder reflects on the transformative power of creativity and its role in shaping our lives. As 2024 comes to a close—a year full of challenges, growth, and connection—she shares insights on why creativity is essential, not as a luxury but as a daily source of light and inspiration. Sarah explores how the act of creating, regardless of outcome, opens new doors in our imagination and connects us to our kindred spirits, enriching our lives in profound ways. Join Sarah in reimagining creativity as an empowering force, a way to generate our own light, and a means to find joy and purpose.

Click here to join the fun: https://click.artcld.com/podcast-signup?sub=d275c822-5184-46fa-afa0-5cf0cfd35367

Join us as we dive into the world of Kelsey Rose Williams, a design scholar, historian, photographer, and American living in France. With a passion for modern architecture, archival preservation, and cross-cultural exploration, Kelsey shares her journey through art history, her work with iconic institutions like the Eames House, and her inspirations behind her captivating Substack, Absolument. We explore her love of connecting seemingly unrelated artists, stories from her travels, and the joy of weaving together influences from art, architecture, and culture into a vibrant creative tapestry. Don't miss this intimate and inspiring conversation on The Art Elevator podcast!

Links Mentioned:

Substack: https://kelseyyrose.substack.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseyyrose/

Website: https://www.kelseyrosewilliams.com/

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/kelseyyrose

This episode is brought to you by Sarah and Larissa of Artifactual History Appraisal and Larissa Wild Fine Art. To help support us in our efforts to bring you free educational and inspirational content about art, design, collecting, appraising and creativity, we invite you to consider purchasing one of our paid product offerings listed below:

Larissa Wild Larissa Wild Fine Art Gallery: https://www.larissawild.com/ Book an Art Consultation Session by emailing: [email protected] WILD & Wild Ceramics: https://www.etsy.com/shop/WILDandWildcurates?ref=seller-platform-mcnav Understanding Prints - a mini course: https://www.larissawild.com/offers/u7jBzNCR

Sarah Reeder

SILVER 101 course: https://artifactualhistory.teachable.com/p/silver-101

Ray Eames book: https://www.amazon.com/Ray-Eames-1930s-New-York/dp/B09PHBWT17/

In this episode we speak with returning guest Tanzy Ward, who is a scholar, book author, educator, antique jewelry dealer, & historic preservationist. Her book publications include Hidden Legacies: African Presence in European Antiques and Unsung Portraits: Anonymous Images of Black Victorians and Early 20th Century Ancestors. Her second historical non-fiction book Unsung Portraits was selected as a 2022 Contingent Book List Award for Historian Authors.

Tanzy's passion for Black material culture and heirlooms has presented her with the opportunity to be featured in critically acclaimed exhibits, including Yale University's 2022 show Allegories, Renditions, & A Small Nation of Women.

Tanzy's connoisseurship training includes the Asheford Institute of Antiques and she is a proud member of the Asheford Associate Membership Program & The American Society of Jewelry Historians. Her expertise and scholarship have been featured in various decorative arts and jewelry publications, including National Jeweler.

In this episode we discuss:

- The inspiration and process of writing her second book

- Tanzy's scholarship, and how she actively engages with artifacts of self-representation in portraits, in fashion, and in jewelry to illuminate and give voice back to individuals who haven't always been included in historical scholarship

- Tanzy's philosophy about being a conduit to steward the perspectives of "unnamed ancestors" as she describes them in her book

- How she utilizes modern platforms like Instagram for positive educational impact, creating beautiful content that also shares hidden stories

- How Tanzy's work has expanded into new historical eras such as Mid Century Modern with her "Modern Black Glamour" themed posts

Links mentioned in the interview:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanzyward_antiques/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanzyward/

Books: https://zanathiajewelry.com/collections/tanzy-ward-books

Zanathia Jewelry: https://zanathiajewelry.com/

Tanzy's first episode on The Art Elevator Podcast: https://www.larissawild.com/podcasts/the-art-elevator/episodes/2147617546

In this episode of The Art Elevator Podcast, Sarah Reeder and Larissa Wild speak with Vanessa and Alexander Wendl of Toad Atelier on their exhibition at Larissa Wild Fine Art: Selections from the Toad Atelier Collection. This show will feature 35 rare artifacts from their collection of over 3,000 objects that highlight the history and impact of mid-century modern design.

Through this discussion, Vanessa and Alexander delve into their collecting journey, share their collecting philosophy which centers on three core principles: preservation, sharing, and enjoyment, and highlight how sharing their collection brings joy and fosters connections with like-minded individuals.

The episode is rich with anecdotes about specific pieces in the collection, such as the large-scale photograph of a New York scene and the Herman Miller Collections prototype catalogue. Alexander shares his profound connection to Irving Harper's work, explaining that Harper's creative process and the calming nature of his paper sculptures serve as a source of inspiration for Alexander's own artistic pursuits. The Wendls emphasize the therapeutic nature of creation and the importance of engaging with art for personal fulfillment and relaxation.

Alexander and Vanessa's story serves as an inspiring example of how passion, preservation, and creativity can come together to create a rich and fulfilling journey in the world of art and design.