The Create! Podcast

In this episode of Art & Cocktails, Kat Popova sits down with art historian, author, and podcast host Jennifer Dasal to talk about her latest book, The Club: Where American Women Artists Found Refuge in Belle Époque Paris (Bloomsbury, 2025).

Jennifer shares the little-known story of the American Girls' Club in Paris—a home-away-from-home for women artists during the late 19th century that became a vital hub for creativity, education, and connection. We dive into her passion for art history, her research process, and why community was just as important for artists in Belle Époque Paris as it is today.

We also discuss:

• How Jennifer uncovers forgotten stories in art history

• Why Paris was a critical destination for American women artists

• The parallels between the struggles of 19th-century women artists and today's ongoing inequities in the art world

• The importance of building supportive communities for artists at every stage

✨ Learn more about Jennifer and her work at jenniferdasal.com

✨ Order Jennifer's new book The Club here: Bloomsbury

✨ Join the waitlist for the Art Queens Society, Kat's community for ambitious women artists: createmagazine.myflodesk.com/aqsociety

Kristy returns to Art and Cocktails to share the inspiring story behind writing and publishing her book. We talk about the dream that began in childhood, the process of bringing it to life, and the milestones that followed. These include holding the finished copy in her hands, receiving an endorsement from Jerry Saltz, and seeing her work translated into Taiwanese. Kristy also addresses the myths that hold artists back from writing, why you do not have to identify as a "real writer" to publish a book, and how to navigate both traditional and self-publishing while keeping your vision intact.

She shares details about her upcoming Essential Publishing Bootcamp with Frannie, a live two-day workshop that helps artists and creatives turn their book ideas into reality. Participants will learn about the different publishing paths, receive a step-by-step workflow for bringing a book to life, and review examples of real winning pitches that secured book deals. Whether you are interested in traditional publishing, indie presses, or self-publishing on Amazon, this workshop will provide the tools to make it happen.

Kristy Gordon is a Canadian-born artist based in New York City whose paintings have been exhibited internationally, including at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Uris Center, the European Museum of Modern Art in Barcelona, and the National Academy Museum in New York City. She is a three-time recipient of the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Grant and earned her MFA from the New York Academy of Art, where she now teaches. Her work appears in more than 600 collections worldwide and has been featured in Vogue, Hyperallergic, and Fine Art Connoisseur. She is represented by Garvey|Simon, Blumka Contemporary, and Grenning Gallery.

Learn more about Kristy's Essential Publishing Bootcamp and sign up at https://www.down2art.com/Write-Your-book.

Create! Magazine is now accepting submissions for our upcoming issue. Apply to the current call for art at https://www.createmagazine.co/call-for-art.

Publish your own art catalog: https://www.createmagazine.co/art-catalog

Hello friends, and welcome to Art & Cocktails. In this solo episode, I'm Ekaterina Popova ( Kat), inviting you to return to the joy, curiosity, and grounding that comes from showing up for your art without overcomplication or pressure.

This summer, I started a 100-day painting challenge that has completely reignited my love for the process. I share how working small, limiting my decisions, and committing to consistent daily practice has kept me inspired and overflowing with ideas. We discuss why slowing down and simplifying can help you create more, how to eliminate decision fatigue in your practice, the power of small daily creative commitments, using challenges to build confidence and spark inspiration, and how to protect your joy in art while still pursuing professional goals.

Whether you've been in a creative rut or simply want to fall in love with making again, this episode will remind you why you started.

Join the 100-Day Painting Challenge & Course. We start August 18, 2025. Learn alla prima techniques, get weekly demos, safe material tips, and join a supportive community committed to creating every day. Perfect for oil or acrylic painters.

👉 Enroll here: https://www.katerinapopova.com/100-day-painting-challenge-course

Mentioned in this episode: Emergency Exit group exhibition at Cole Gallery, Menorca — available works on Artsy: www.artsy.net/show/cohle-gallery-emergency-exit

Read on Substack: https://ekaterinapopova.substack.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and leave a review on iTunes. It helps us reach more creatives like you.

In this special episode of Art & Cocktails, artist Danielle Clough joins host Ekaterina Popova (Kat) to share her journey to becoming an internationally recognized embroidery artist. Known for her bold, painterly thread work and playful approach to fiber, Danielle opens up about finding her voice, building a creative career on her own terms, and embracing the power of intuition and process.

She reflects on the evolution of her practice—from sewing plush toys and experimenting with "thread sketching" to creating intricate embroidered portraits that feel like paintings. Danielle also discusses her breakout moment with Colossal, the inspiration behind her newest solo show Crewel Intentions at Paradigm Gallery, and how she reimagines vintage imagery through a contemporary lens.

This episode explores the value of craft in the art world, the importance of protecting what you love when working with commercial brands, and the joy of slowing down through hands-on making. Danielle offers heartfelt encouragement for emerging fiber artists and shares the story behind her iconic Instagram handle, @fiance_knowles.

If you're in Philadelphia, don't miss her solo exhibition Crewel Intentions, now on view at Paradigm Gallery.

More info: paradigmarts.org/blogs/news/danielle-clough-crewel-intentions

Follow Danielle Clough: Website: danielleclough.com Instagram: @fiance_knowles

Apply to be featured in Create! Magazine's 9-Year Anniversary Print Issue: createmagazine.co/call-for-art

Subscribe to Create! Dispatch on Substack: createmagazine.substack.com

Explore artist courses and resources at Create U: createu.co

Follow us on Instagram: @createmagazine

In this episode, I speak with artist, illustrator, and author Samantha Dion Baker, whose work has inspired thousands through her books Draw Your Day, Draw Your World, and most recently Draw Your Adventures. We discuss the evolution of her creative practice, how she reignited her love of drawing after years in the design industry, and how she built a sustainable, joyful approach to daily artmaking.

Highlights from our conversation include:– Returning to art after years away and starting small– Choosing simplicity over overwhelm when selecting materials– Building a sketchbook habit that supports creative and emotional well-being– Turning a personal practice into published books and teaching opportunities– Navigating visibility on platforms like Instagram and Substack– Preserving the joy and purpose of making art in a professional context

This conversation is both practical and deeply inspiring for anyone looking to recommit to their creative work or reconnect with the joy of drawing.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform.More about Samantha: sdionbaker.comInstagram: @sdionbakerdesignSubstack: samanthadionbaker.substack.com

About the Host:Ekaterina Popova is an artist, coach, and founder of Create! Magazine.

Sponsored by Create! Magazine:Discover new artists, inspiring features, and career-building opportunities in each issue. Use the code NEWREADER for 10% off your first digital issue or subscription at createmagazine.com.

Additional Resources:

* Submit to our open calls: createmagazine.co/call-for-art

* Subscribe to the magazine: createmagazine.co/subscribe

* Learn with Create U: createu.co

* Follow us on Instagram: @createmagazine

In this episode of the Create! Podcast, artist, illustrator, and author Samantha Dion Baker joins host Ekaterina Popova to talk about building a sustainable art practice, finding joy in the everyday, and growing an authentic audience through her sketchbooks and writing.

Originally trained as a designer, Samantha spent over two decades in the art world before reconnecting with her creative voice through daily sketchbook drawing. That personal practice became the foundation for her successful books, including her latest release Draw Your Adventures.

This conversation explores the intersection of discipline and pleasure in creative work, and how consistency, simplicity, and presence can lead to powerful personal and professional transformation.

In this episode, we cover: – How Samantha transitioned from designer to full-time artist and author – Why a sketchbook is a powerful tool for growth, memory, and meaning – Building a sustainable daily practice without burnout – Using drawing to stay present and connected to your life – Growing a community and creative platform through Substack

Resources & Links: • Samantha Dion Baker's website: www.sdionbaker.com • Samantha's Substack: https:https://samanthadionbaker.substack.com • Read Create! Magazine: www.createmagazine.com • Submit your work: www.createmagazine.co/call-for-art • Explore our courses: www.createu.co • Join us on Substack: createmagazine.substack.com

Hosted by: Ekaterina Popova, artist, author, and founder of Create! Magazine and Create! U

In this episode of Art & Cocktails, I sit down with Lauren E. Peters, a Delaware-based visual artist whose powerful self-portraits explore themes of identity, gender, performance, and creative evolution. Lauren reflects on her return to painting after a long hiatus, how she uses costumes and color to construct personas, and the deep emotional and intellectual layers behind her work.

We talk about what it means to be both an artist and arts professional, how to navigate creative slow seasons without guilt, and the mindset behind sustaining a meaningful, long-term practice. Lauren’s story is a reminder that growth in the studio—and in life—rarely happens on a straight timeline.

Lauren was also featured in Issue 51 of Create! Magazine.

About the ArtistLauren E. Peters is a visual artist based in Wilmington, Delaware. Working in self-portraiture, she explores identity and gender through costuming, vibrant color, and narrative references. She was awarded both Emerging and Established Artist Fellowships from the Delaware Division of the Arts and has attended residencies including the Vermont Studio Center and Soaring Gardens. Lauren is currently a studio artist at The Delaware Contemporary.

Topics Discussed

* Returning to art after a break and discovering self-portraiture

* Costumes as armor, persona, and storytelling devices

* Balancing artistic practice with a day job in the arts

* Using Greek mythology, vintage textiles, and color to build visual language

* The importance of creative seasons and rest

* Personal reflections on community, burnout, and sustainability

* Building a body of work over time without rushing the process

Connect with Lauren E. PetersWebsite: www.laurenepeters.comInstagram: @lauren.ed.petersNewsletter: Subscribe via her website

Featured InLauren was featured in Create! Magazine Issue 51.View the issue at www.createmagazine.co

More from Create!To explore artist features, open calls, and resources, visit www.createmagazine.co or subscribe to this Substack for thoughtful conversations and insights from today’s contemporary artists.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed, awkward, or drained by art openings or networking events, this episode is for you. Host Ekaterina Popova (Kat) shares supportive and practical advice for introverted artists who want to show up with authenticity and confidence without sacrificing their energy.

You'll learn how to prepare, what to say, and how to care for your emotional well-being before and after events. From conversation tips to grounding practices and confidence, this quick solo episode offers a gentle guide for navigating the social side of the art world in a way that honors your personality.

Whether you are just beginning to attend shows again or want to expand your network while staying true to yourself, this conversation will help you feel less alone and more empowered.

Learn more about the podcast.

Topics Covered: • Mindset reframes for introverts • How to prepare for gallery events and conversations • Conversation starters and meaningful ways to connect • How to feel good in your body through wardrobe choices • Boundaries, exit strategies and post-event grounding • Alternatives to traditional networking

Helpful Questions to Ask at Openings: • What brought you out tonight? • Are you one of the artists in the show? • Which work stood out to you? • I follow your work. It's so nice to see it in person. • I'm new to this space. Do you come here often?

Recommended Resources: How to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes Presence by Amy Cuddy The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron CreateU.co — online courses and community for artists

Connect: If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow artist and tag @createmagazine or @katerinapopova on Instagram. We would love to hear what resonated with you or how you're learning to show up in your own way.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, awkward, or drained by art openings or networking events, this episode is for you. Host Ekaterina Popova (Kat) shares supportive and practical advice for introverted artists who want to show up with authenticity and confidence without sacrificing their energy.

You’ll learn how to prepare, what to say, and how to care for your emotional well-being before and after events. From conversation tips to grounding practices and confidence, this quick solo episode offers a gentle guide for navigating the social side of the art world in a way that honors your personality.

Whether you are just beginning to attend shows again or want to expand your network while staying true to yourself, this conversation will help you feel less alone and more empowered.

Learn more about the podcast.

Topics Covered:• Mindset reframes for introverts• How to prepare for gallery events and conversations• Conversation starters and meaningful ways to connect• How to feel good in your body through wardrobe choices• Boundaries, exit strategies and post-event grounding• Alternatives to traditional networking

Helpful Questions to Ask at Openings:• What brought you out tonight?• Are you one of the artists in the show?• Which work stood out to you?• I follow your work. It's so nice to see it in person.• I'm new to this space. Do you come here often?

Recommended Resources:How to Talk to Anyone by Leil LowndesPresence by Amy CuddyThe Artist’s Way by Julia CameronCreateU.co — online courses and community for artists

Connect:If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow artist and tag @createmagazine or @katerinapopova on Instagram. We would love to hear what resonated with you or how you're learning to show up in your own way.

In this episode of Art & Cocktails, host Ekaterina Popova meets with artist and art handler Orlando Saverino-Loeb to uncover the hidden labor behind art presentation—and the creative mindset needed to thrive in both making and supporting art.

Meet Orlando Saverino-Loeb

Orlando is a Philadelphia-born artist with a BFA from Tyler School of Art at Temple University, where he won the Senior Painting Award. He launched Philadelphia Art Handling LLC in 2021, applying over six years of experience moving, shipping, installing, and hanging artwork. As Technical Director at HOT•BED gallery since 2019, Orlando helped curate over 23 exhibitions and worked closely with appraisers at PALL MALL Art Advisors (now The Fine Art Group), gaining expertise in the fine art business and valuation processes.

His creative background spans technical theater, industrial design, construction, and art—all of which inform his precision and care. Orlando has handled pieces for organizations like Art Guard Art Security Solutions, Center for Emerging Visual Artists, Michener Museum, University of Pennsylvania, University of the Arts, and numerous galleries, interior design firms, and collectors.

As an artist, his surreal-inspired work combines Romantic 19th-century composition with extended stays in Italy. He builds immersive environments with characters, symbols, and visual metaphors. His art has been shown at Tyler Gallery, InLiquid Gallery, Fleisher Art Memorial, DaVinci Art Alliance, and internationally. In 2018, he spoke at a symposium in Ulassai, Italy, and during the 2020 pandemic, participated in an international exhibition in Paris. Recent shows include OFF THE WALL Gallery and the National Apartments via InLiquid. Explore his portfolio at orlandosaverinoloeb.com.

About Philadelphia Art Handling

Philadelphia Art Handling offers expert art installation, packaging, storage, and transportation across the East Coast and Canada—for private clients, museums, nonprofits, and commercial institutions. Services include:

* Stretching canvas for artists

* Custom crate building

* Residential and institutional art transportation and installation

Orlando launched the business to solve challenges he faced as a working artist—like moving large-scale paintings without access to a suitable vehicle. His vision focuses on creating a bespoke, caring approach for individuals, artists, and organizations. He and assistant Ivan facilitate bookings via email ([email protected]) or phone (215-901-8003). They take pride in asking the right questions, being intentional in every detail, and delivering equal care to private and large-scale projects.

🎧 What You’ll Hear

* Why art handling deserves more attention—and what usually goes unseen

* Orlando’s transformation from artist to art-handling entrepreneur

* How to sustain an art career when the career path isn’t clear

* Balancing creative practice with running a service-based business

* Real-world installation and shipping challenges, including international customs and museum-scale projects

* The value of craftsmanship, experimentation, and writing your own creative career playbook

🔗 Resources & Connect

* Learn more about Orlando’s work: orlandosaverinoloeb.com

* Schedule a project with Philadelphia Art Handling:

* Site: philadelphiaarthandling.com

* Email: [email protected]

* Phone: 215‑901‑8003

* Instagram: @orlandosaverinoart

* Create! Magazine

* CreateU Mini-Courses