How do Artists Create Lasting Emotional Impact? 

From a simple haiku to a sprawling saga, a nursery rhyme to a concerto, from the Sistine Chapel to a single flower. In any art form, there’s a wide range of complexity. Some audiences—and artists—are drawn to the intricate and complicated, while others find power in simplicity. In this episode, Feral and Fawcett talk about the sublime and teeny-weeny versus the knock-your-socks-off extravaganzas. Which is more interesting? Which could you see yourself creating? Which are YOU drawn to?

Identity, Authenticity, and The Labels We Give Ourselves

For an artist, making the choice to go by a name other than the birth name can be a difficult one. For example, where did the name Feral Nifty come from? And why was Fawcett on the verge of being quashed?

However, having a name that aligns with true identity and allows creativity to blossom can bring inner peace.

In this episode, Feral and Fawcett talk to Rowan Jetté Knox, a bestselling author, speaker and LGBTQ2S+ inclusion and mental health awareness advocate. Hear how his journey from Amanada to Rowan was supported by his agent, publisher and readers, and how his name and gender transition allowed him to live into his full creative self.

Feral Nifty

Katherine Fawcett

Rowan Jetté Knox

Creative Inspiration on Vacay

Travelling, whether to a different part of town or a different part of the world, can be a game-changer in the artistic process. Tune in as Feral and Fawcett talk about creative escapes, and how to use downtime to enhance your imagination. Get some ideas for soul-inspiring and wallet-friendly vacations.

Cat Madden has been described as a cross between an opera singer and a Husqvarna chainsaw. Her voice, her songwriting, her stage presence and her vocal coaching draw attention for being loud, bold, and heartbreakingly beautiful. In this episode, Cat opens up to Feral and Fawcett about karaoke, stage fright, her style, and being homeless in Whistler.

Geeks and goddesses and How to be Both

When it comes to imposter syndrome and other barriers to creativity, it’s all about having a mindset that welcomes curiosity and dispels fear. Easier said than done? Perhaps. In this episode—part 2 of their deep dive into creativity and fear—Feral and Fawcett talk about having a scarcity mindset and overcoming the fears that freeze us. They explore letting go of expectations and becoming a channel for art.

Feral Nifty

Katherine Fawcett

Creativity involves making decisions and taking actions based on curiosity rather than fear. But does anyone really live fearlessly? In this episode, the first in a two-part conversation, Feral and Fawcett dig into things that go bump in the night AND day. 
Judgement. Stage fright. Fear that creativity is a finite resource. Fear of expectations. Of failure. And even fear of success.

How to Give and Receive Feedback Without Bursting into Tears.  Creative work is like breathing. 

We exhale our ideas, our stories, our paintings, puppet shows, and fancy cakes. They leave our minds,  hearts and sewing machines and enter the world as art. 

But first, we must inhale: Inspiration, education, and feedback. How that feedback is used is highly personal. And often its usefulness depends on how it’s delivered. 

In this episode, Feral and Fawcett discuss giving and receiving feedback with one of BC’s foremost literary cheerleaders. Stella Harvey founded the Whistler Writers Festival in 2002 and was its artistic director for 20 years. She is the author of three novels, a creative writing instructor at Simon Fraser University, and a mentor to countless authors.

⁠Feral Nifty⁠

⁠Katherine Fawcett⁠

⁠Stella Harvey⁠

⁠Whistler Writers Festival⁠

The Blushing Episode.

Whether pining from afar or ogling up close, creative crushes can inspire and motivate artists. In this episode, Feral and Fawcett fess up to their infatuations, drop a few names, and talk about why adoring (and sometimes imitating) other artists can be incredibly powerful.

How to do more than just one thing with the one thing you just love to do. 

Feral and Fawcett, in conversation with painter/teacher Gabriel Lipper. Explore how Lipper approaches the canvas and his classes with an open mind and a loose brush. Listen in as we discuss authenticity, imposter syndrome, balance, spontaneity and little clay dwarves. 

⁠Gabriel's Free 3 day online workshop⁠

Feral Nifty's Website

Katherine Fawcett's Website