Welcome to The Independent Artist Podcast with your hosts Douglas and Will — the show where we pull back the curtain on the real life of working artists. Before we dive into today’s conversation, Will and Douglas kick things off by talking about the whirlwind of doing the One of a Kind Show—the highs, the hustle, and what it takes to say yes to an opportunity before it slips away. They reflect on the importance of moving quickly when the window opens, trusting your instincts, and learning to spot the difference between real opportunity and distraction. The intro wraps with a timely reminder for artists: how to recognize and ward off a scam email before it costs you time, money, or peace of mind.

Today’s episode is titled “Am I the Artist, or Am I the Art?”—and it’s a deep, unfiltered conversation with mixed media artist Elissa Brown  (http://www.thefreckledarmy.com/p/mina-page.html)

Elissa is a storyteller first, even when the story begins with crippling anxiety, sweating through her shirt, and stepping straight into the void. In her work, she creates entire worlds—layered, constructed realities that blur the line between facade and truth, between an impenetrable exterior and what’s breaking underneath. She openly embraces the unreliable narrator, questioning whether we ever fully control the stories we tell about ourselves.

We talk about the commonality of the banal, the necessity of invention, and why, sometimes, if you can’t teach, you have to do. We talk about choosing your hard, about becoming a better version of yourself, even though you know full well it doesn’t say “asshole” on the check.

This is a conversation about identity, anxiety, and the uncomfortable honesty of making art from necessity rather than comfort. Elissa’s work isn’t just something you look at—it’s a place you step into. And once you’re there, the question becomes unavoidable: where does the artist end, and the art begin?

Visual artists Douglas Sigwarth (https://www.sigwarthglass.com/) and Will Armstrong (http://www.willarmstrongart.com/) co-host and discuss topics affecting working artists.

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Email [email protected] (contact us here about advertising on our show)

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VENMO/ username @independentartistpodcast or through PAYPAL.ME by clicking on this link https://paypal.me/independentartistpod?locale.x=en_US

Sponsors
The National Association of Independent Artists (NAIA). http://www.naiaartists.org/membership-account/membership-levels/

ZAPPlication https://www.zapplication.org

Music  "Walking" by Oliver Lear
Business inquiries at

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Welcome to The Independent Artist Podcast with your hosts Douglas and Will — the show where we pull back the curtain on the real life of working artists. In the intro of this episode, we’re talking about what it means to recharge your creative batteries after a long, exhausting season of art shows.

We’ll share how we find inspiration and motivation when burnout creeps in, and tell a story about serendipity — one of those unexpected moments that reminds us why we chose this path in the first place.

Guest: Janine DeCresenzo (https://www.janinedecresenzojewelry.com)

What do you do when everything you’ve worked for is suddenly gone? In this episode, we sit down with jeweler Janine DeCresenzo , who faced every artist’s nightmare — the theft of her entire inventory after a show. Janine opens up about the emotional and professional impact of that moment, and how she found the strength to rebuild her career from the ground up.

This is a raw, insightful conversation about resilience, vulnerability, and recovery. Janine shares the concrete steps she took to move forward, the support systems that helped her heal, and practical advice for other jewelers to protect themselves before disaster strikes.

If you’ve ever faced loss, setback, or the fear of starting over — this episode will remind you that it’s possible to pick up the pieces and create something even stronger.

Whether you’re packing up from your last show or just trying to find your spark again, this conversation is all about slowing down, refocusing, and reconnecting with what drives your art.

Visual artists Douglas Sigwarth (https://www.sigwarthglass.com/) and Will Armstrong (http://www.willarmstrongart.com/) co-host and discuss topics affecting working artists.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/independentartistpodcast/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/independentartistpodcast
Website https://independentartistpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@theindependentartistpodcast
Email [email protected]

PLEASE RATE US AND REVIEW US.......... and SUBSCRIBE to the pod on your favorite streaming app.

SUPPORT THE SHOW
VENMO/ username @independentartistpodcast or through PAYPAL.ME by clicking on this link https://paypal.me/independentartistpod?locale.x=en_US

Sponsors
The National Association of Independent Artists (NAIA). http://www.naiaartists.org/membership-account/membership-levels/
ZAPPlication https://www.zapplication.org

Music  "Walking" by Oliver Lear
Business inquiries at [email protected]

Support the show

Working Artists! You are not alone! Listen to these entertaining and inspirational podcast conversations with working artists.

When the art show season wraps up, the podcast season renews! Back on their mics, Will and Douglas catch up over topics from this year's art fairs. Somehow, these guys incorporate the following topics together into a conversation that only art fair artists can: Booth shots, food poisoning, reproductions, Plaza Art Fair, artist "collaborators," taxes, Devo, tricky installs, personal style, incestuous art collections, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and being an "Art Cop."

Visual artists Douglas Sigwarth (https://www.sigwarthglass.com/) and Will Armstrong (http://www.willarmstrongart.com/) co-host and discuss topics affecting working artists.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/independentartistpodcast/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/independentartistpodcast
Website https://independentartistpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@theindependentartistpodcast
Email [email protected]

PLEASE RATE US AND REVIEW US.......... and SUBSCRIBE to the pod on your favorite streaming app.

SUPPORT THE SHOW
VENMO/ username @independentartistpodcast or through PAYPAL.ME by clicking on this link https://paypal.me/independentartistpod?locale.x=en_US

Sponsors
The National Association of Independent Artists (NAIA). http://www.naiaartists.org/membership-account/membership-levels/
ZAPPlication https://www.zapplication.org

Music  "Walking" by Oliver Lear
Business inquiries at [email protected]

Support the show

Working Artists! You are not alone! Listen to these entertaining and inspirational podcast conversations with working artists.

We are thrilled to return to the mics to record our podcast conversations, and we are touched by the love and encouragement from our listeners. With all the chaos that surrounds us, we hope to continue to share the conversations that inspire us and make us laugh. But ultimately, we hope to foster meaningful connections with fellow members of our artist community. Please help us spread the word that The Independent Artist Podcast is back on the air for your listening pleasure.

Visual artists Douglas Sigwarth (https://www.sigwarthglass.com/) and Will Armstrong (http://www.willarmstrongart.com/) co-host and discuss topics affecting working artists.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/independentartistpodcast/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/independentartistpodcast
Website https://independentartistpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@theindependentartistpodcast
Email [email protected]

PLEASE RATE US AND REVIEW US.......... and SUBSCRIBE to the pod on your favorite streaming app.

SUPPORT THE SHOW
VENMO/ username @independentartistpodcast or through PAYPAL.ME by clicking on this link https://paypal.me/independentartistpod?locale.x=en_US

Sponsors
The National Association of Independent Artists (NAIA). http://www.naiaartists.org/membership-account/membership-levels/
ZAPPlication https://www.zapplication.org

Music  "Walking" by Oliver Lear
Business inquiries at [email protected]

Support the show

Working Artists! You are not alone! Listen to these entertaining and inspirational podcast conversations with working artists.

Visual artists Douglas Sigwarth (https://www.sigwarthglass.com/) and Will Armstrong (http://www.willarmstrongart.com/) co-host and discuss topics affecting working artists.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/independentartistpodcast/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/independentartistpodcast
Website https://independentartistpodcast.buzzsprout.com/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@theindependentartistpodcast
Mailing List  http://eepurl.com/hwQn7b
Email [email protected]

PLEASE RATE US AND REVIEW US.......... and SUBSCRIBE to the pod on your favorite streaming app.

SUPPORT THE SHOW
VENMO/ username @independentartistpodcast or through PAYPAL.ME by clicking on this link https://paypal.me/independentartistpod?locale.x=en_US

Sponsors
The National Association of Independent Artists (NAIA). http://www.naiaartists.org/membership-account/membership-levels/
ZAPPlication https://www.zapplication.org

Music  "Walking" by Oliver Lear
Business inquiries at [email protected]

Support the show

Working Artists! You are not alone! Listen to these entertaining and inspirational podcast conversations with working artists.

Marina Terauds (https://www.marinaterauds.com/) has always loved to draw. When she was a child, her parents would sneak her sketchpad, and while she slept, they created drawings for her to find when she awoke. She enrolled in an arts academy in 5th grade and continued her art education, earning a master's in printmaking at The Latvian Academy of Arts. She worked as a key animator for many years before she emigrated to the United States with her husband Uldis. In this conversation, Marina describes her experiences adapting to rural life in a different country without being fluent in the language. Her nature walks became the source of inspiration, which ultimately fueled her body of work.

#printmaking #intaglio #etching #watercolor #naturestudy  #originalprint #handpulledprint #artbyhand #roadwarrior #art #artist #workingartist #podcast #artistconversation #positiveattitude #artistlife #independentartist #independentartistpodcast #artfair #artfairartist #emergingartist #sketchbook #journal #visualdiary #sketch #drawing #ink #inkdrawing #inkillustration #naturestudy #naturesketchbook #mushroomsketchbook

Visual artists Douglas Sigwarth (https://www.sigwarthglass.com/) and Will Armstrong (http://www.willarmstrongart.com/) co-host and discuss topics affecting working artists.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/independentartistpodcast/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/independentartistpodcast
Website https://www.sigwarthglass.com/independentartistpodcast.html
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@theindependentartistpodcast
Mailing List  http://eepurl.com/hwQn7b
Email [email protected]

PLEASE RATE US AND REVIEW US.......... and SUBSCRIBE to the pod on your favorite streaming app.

SUPPORT THE SHOW
VENMO/ username @independentartistpodcast or through PAYPAL.ME by clicking on this link https://paypal.me/independentartistpod?locale.x=en_US

Sponsors
The National Association of Independent Artists (NAIA). http://www.naiaartists.org/membership-account/membership-levels/
ZAPPlication https://www.zapplication.org

Music  "Walking" by Oliver Lear
Business inquiries at [email protected]

Support the show

Working Artists! You are not alone! Listen to these entertaining and inspirational podcast conversations with working artists.

Cali Hobgood (https://www.photographsbycali.com/) is a traditional photographer who uses 35mm film and develops her black-and-white images in a darkroom. She finishes her work using oil paints to add color. Her imagery reflects the sensory pictures she sees in her mind's eye that depict beautiful memories from her life. These images celebrate their essential, ordinary functions yet trigger a wealth of emotional resonance from their symbolism. Cali talks about her intuitive process and recounts a story about when her work sparked controversy at an art festival that nearly threatened her safety.

#roadwarrior #art #artist #workingartist #podcast #artistconversation #positiveattitude #artistlife #independentartist #independentartistpodcast #artfair #artfairartist #emergingartist #film #darkroom #calihobgood #photgraphsbycali #photographer #fineart

Visual artists Douglas Sigwarth (https://www.sigwarthglass.com/) and Will Armstrong (http://www.willarmstrongart.com/) co-host and discuss topics affecting working artists.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/independentartistpodcast/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/independentartistpodcast
Website https://www.sigwarthglass.com/independentartistpodcast.html
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@theindependentartistpodcast
Mailing List  http://eepurl.com/hwQn7b
Email [email protected]

PLEASE RATE US AND REVIEW US.......... and SUBSCRIBE to the pod on your favorite streaming app.

SUPPORT THE SHOW
VENMO/ username @independentartistpodcast or through PAYPAL.ME by clicking on this link https://paypal.me/independentartistpod?locale.x=en_US

Sponsors
The National Association of Independent Artists (NAIA). http://www.naiaartists.org/membership-account/membership-levels/
ZAPPlication https://www.zapplication.org

Music  "Walking" by Oliver Lear
Business inquiries at [email protected]

Support the show

Working Artists! You are not alone! Listen to these entertaining and inspirational podcast conversations with working artists.

Settle in and get to know Su Abbott (https://www.susustudios.com/), an abstract painter currently residing in Atlanta, GA. She grew up in a military family and developed her sense of humor to adapt socially to that transient life. She even parlayed those talents into a career as a stand-up comic before she picked up a paintbrush. Su describes her entry into being a festival artist and her path to a successful career. Thanks for listening!

#roadwarrior #art #artist #workingartist #podcast #artistconversation #positiveattitude #artistlife #independentartist #independentartistpodcast #artfair #artfairartist #emergingartist #atlantaart #suabbott #susustudios #susustudiosart #abstractpainter

Call for Entry:
Rittenhouse Fine Art Show:
June 6-8, 2025 https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=12933
September 19-21, 2025 https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=12935


Visual artists Douglas Sigwarth (https://www.sigwarthglass.com/) and Will Armstrong (http://www.willarmstrongart.com/) co-host and discuss topics affecting working artists.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/independentartistpodcast/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/independentartistpodcast
Website https://www.sigwarthglass.com/independentartistpodcast.html
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@theindependentartistpodcast
Mailing List  http://eepurl.com/hwQn7b
Email [email protected]

PLEASE RATE US AND REVIEW US.......... and SUBSCRIBE to the pod on your favorite streaming app.

SUPPORT THE SHOW
VENMO/ username @independentartistpodcast or through PAYPAL.ME by clicking on this link https://paypal.me/independentartistpod?locale.x=en_US

Sponsors
The National Association of Independent Artists (NAIA). http://www.naiaartists.org/membership-account/membership-levels/
ZAPPlication https://www.zapplication.org

Music  "Walking" by Oliver Lear
Business inquiries at [email protected]

Support the show

Working Artists! You are not alone! Listen to these entertaining and inspirational podcast conversations with working artists.

Have you ever dreamed of opening a brick-and-mortar gallery location to offset your time on the road? Today's guests, Chris Jackson and Laura Junge (https://lleejunge.com/), did just that when they opened the Jackson Junge Gallery (https://j2gallery.com/) in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago. In this conversation, they talk about how the gallery allows Laura the time she needs to create her work, the nuances of running a gallery, and their next giant leap of faith regarding gallery shows in Miami's world-famous Art Week! Thanks for listening!

#roadwarrior #art #artist #workingartist #podcast #artistconversation #positiveattitude #artistlife #independentartist #independentartistpodcast #artfair #artfairartist #emergingartist #j2gallery #jacksonjungegallery #brickandmortar #artgallery #chicagoart


Visual artists Douglas Sigwarth (https://www.sigwarthglass.com/) and Will Armstrong (http://www.willarmstrongart.com/) co-host and discuss topics affecting working artists.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/independentartistpodcast/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/independentartistpodcast
Website https://www.sigwarthglass.com/independentartistpodcast.html
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@theindependentartistpodcast
Mailing List  http://eepurl.com/hwQn7b
Email [email protected]

PLEASE RATE US AND REVIEW US.......... and SUBSCRIBE to the pod on your favorite streaming app.

SUPPORT THE SHOW
VENMO/ username @independentartistpodcast or through PAYPAL.ME by clicking on this link https://paypal.me/independentartistpod?locale.x=en_US

Sponsors
The National Association of Independent Artists (NAIA). http://www.naiaartists.org/membership-account/membership-levels/
ZAPPlication https://www.zapplication.org

Music  "Walking" by Oliver Lear
Business inquiries at [email protected]

Support the show

Working Artists! You are not alone! Listen to these entertaining and inspirational podcast conversations with working artists.

Do you ever feel like that creepy, awkward person trying to "break the ice" with a potential collector? When you're off your game, you just are!  In this episode, Douglas and Will deliver their take on the most recent art fair "hot topics." They discuss Memphis, being a civilian, doing a show during the week of an election, creative ways to clean your tent and money laundering. There's just enough nauseating banter to keep you thoroughly entertained in the studio or on the road. Thanks for listening!

#roadwarrior #art #artist #workingartist #podcast #artistconversation #positiveattitude #artistlife #independentartist #independentartistpodcast #artfair #artfairartist #emergingartist #nofriendsatbreakdown


Visual artists Douglas Sigwarth (https://www.sigwarthglass.com/) and Will Armstrong (http://www.willarmstrongart.com/) co-host and discuss topics affecting working artists.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/independentartistpodcast/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/independentartistpodcast
Website https://www.sigwarthglass.com/independentartistpodcast.html
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@theindependentartistpodcast
Mailing List  http://eepurl.com/hwQn7b
Email [email protected]

PLEASE RATE US AND REVIEW US.......... and SUBSCRIBE to the pod on your favorite streaming app.

SUPPORT THE SHOW
VENMO/ username @independentartistpodcast or through PAYPAL.ME by clicking on this link https://paypal.me/independentartistpod?locale.x=en_US

Sponsors
The National Association of Independent Artists (NAIA). http://www.naiaartists.org/membership-account/membership-levels/
ZAPPlication https://www.zapplication.org

Music  "Walking" by Oliver Lear
Business inquiries at [email protected]

Support the show