In this emotional and empowering episode, Shannon Shine sits down with abstract painter and creative force Michael Carini, best known for his powerful colorful artwork and inspiring reminders to keep going as an artist.

Michael’s work fuses vibrant abstraction with deep emotional resonance… inviting viewers into a journey of transformation, vulnerability, and healing.Together, they explore:

• The impact of losing both parents and how grief reshaped his artistic path
• The power of daily discipline and creative motivation
• Why safe spaces for artists are crucial in today’s world
• Art as a tool for mental health, expression, and survival
• His passion for building community through connection, storytelling, and shared experience

Whether you’re an artist, a healer, or someone seeking creative connection, this episode is a reminder that art is more than a product — it’s a process, a purpose, and sometimes, a lifeline.🎧 Listen now and let this story move you.
📲 Follow Michael: https://www.instagram.com/acrylicalchemy/?hl=en
Website: https://cariniarts.com/pages/about

In this powerful and intimate episode, I sit down with multidisciplinary artist Fierce Sonia to explore the intersection of creativity, grief, and rediscovered joy. 🌿 Together, we reflect on her current projects — from curating community sketchbook shows and hosting mixed media labs to preparing for local markets and connecting deeply with subscribers through zines and art mail. She opens up about the recent loss of her mother and how that experience has reshaped her relationship with art, rest, and joy. Through vulnerability, creative ritual, and community support, she’s navigating what it means to keep creating while healing. We also dive into:

• Monthly sketchbook meetups and the power of micro-lessons
• Attending a women’s songwriting retreat in Virginia
• The gentle magic of Muse Zoom sessions and creative breathing space
• Saying yes to slowness, reflection, and inspiration

This episode is a gentle reminder that creativity can hold space for both sorrow and celebration. ✨ 🎧 Listen now and let it move you.

📲 Follow 
https://www.instagram.com/fiercesonia/

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/fierce.sonia.2022 

In this episode, I sit down with visionary artist and designer Josh Audiss, whose work gracefully bridges the worlds of fine art, murals, apparel design, and immersive installations.We dive into Josh’s artistic evolution — from his early roots in Omaha, Nebraska, to his cross-medium explorations in acrylic, oil, graphic art, and decorative design. His art dances between Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Surrealism, creating rich, dreamlike experiences filled with balance, mystery, and hidden symbolism.Josh shares stories from over a decade in the festival circuit, including his stunning murals and walk-in installations. Shannon and Josh share memories made at Secret Dreams Festival, and reflect on how live art settings continue to inspire new creative directions. We also explore his innovative work on the Benson Theatre restoration, the integration of laser and CNC technology into his decorative work, and the joy of seeing his designs come to life through Curbside Clothing.  you're a painter, performer, designer, or dreamer, this episode is filled with insights on creative sustainability, artistic experimentation, and how to keep your spark alive across changing mediums and environments.🎧 Listen now for a journey into the surreal, sacred, and playful corners of one artist’s path.
🔗 [Insert link]

📲 Follow Josh:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100060740651922

Website : https://www.joshaudissart.com/ 


📲 Follow The Host Shannon Shine:@ShannonShine.official - Instagram

@ShantasticShine - TikTok

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with the luminous multidisciplinary artist and tattooist Calypso, whose work bridges fine art, tattooing, performance painting, and product creation. 🌈 We dive into her unique creative process, from how nature, music, and personal transformation guide her hand, to the way she weaves symbolism, bold color, and emotional storytelling into everything she creates — whether it’s a large canvas, a wearable piece, or an immersive workshop. Calypso shares her experience as a festival artist and workshop facilitator, and how being in community spaces fuels her inspiration and allows her to hold space for others to express themselves. She opens up about her love for using resourced materials, crystals, chakra themes, and how she brings intention to every layer of her work. This conversation is full of creative wisdom, grounded spirituality, and pure artistic passion. If you’ve ever felt called to mix mediums, deepen your message, or share your art in more interactive ways, you won’t want to miss this one. ✨
📲 Follow Calypso: @calypso_the_artist
#WeAreArtistsPodcast #ArtistInterview #VisionaryArt #TattooArtist #PerformancePainter #CreativeHealing

Shannon shares a heartfelt update on what she’s been up to as a multidisciplinary artist. From large-scale paintings to intuitive jewelry-making, she reflects on how her style has developed over time and which supplies she’s loving most right now. We also talk about some of her recent favorite art pieces that found their forever homes, and how that exchange of creative energy keeps her inspired. She also gets real about juggling multiple creative passions—balancing painting, jewelry, sessions, and storytelling. Is she still offering spiritual guidance and healing sessions? Yes, but with more discernment and intention. She even drops some hints about a new book in the works that will explore creativity, healing, and emotional resilience. Looking ahead, Shannon shares her dreams for the future: more meaningful art, more heartfelt connections, and more opportunities to shine. 📚 Selomon’s Path of Purpose Meanwhile, Selomon opens up about his return to school and what it’s been like diving deeper into the world of computer science. But don’t worry—he’s still very much connected to his roots in healing and creativity. He shares how meditation and intentional practice continue to play a role in his life, even if he’s not putting out as many public recordings. Plus, we explore exciting future plans for the Bring Me 2 Life Network and what’s next for Selomon’s personal evolution. This episode is both a check-in and a celebration of growth. It's about honoring the seasons we move through as artists, healers, and humans—giving ourselves space to evolve while staying true to our creative cores.

In this heart-expanding episode, Shannon sits down with the radiant Jen Dragonfly for a deep and playful conversation about what it truly means to paint with the universe. Together, they explore the beautiful chaos of the creative process—letting go of perfection, embracing the messy parts, and learning to quiet the doubt demons that whisper “you’re not good enough.” Jen shares how her journey through trauma has led her to reconnect with her inner child, using art as a tool for healing, self-expression, and freedom.

This episode touches on: 🎨 Letting art take on a life of its own
🌀 Healing through creativity and intuitive expression
🌬️ Smoke cleanse and fresh air studio rituals
⚡ Setting intentions with symbols, sigils, and runes
🌈 Making space for joy and experimentation
💬 Working through self-doubt and releasing control
📚 Reflections on training at the Milan Institute Whether you’re an artist, healer, or soul on a journey of self-discovery, this conversation is a gentle nudge to trust the process, try new things, and make art that moves your spirit—even if it gets a little messy.

🎧 Tune in and let your creativity breathe.

Follow Jen on TikTok @Jendragonfly5

In this episode of the We Are Artists podcast, Shannon sits down with artist Summer Blake, whose intricately detailed two-dimensional creations vibrating with symbolism, movement, and light. Summer shares her artistic origin story, diving into the meditative nature of her creative process and how her work becomes a mirror for transformation and spiritual alchemy. From working with sacred symmetry and intuitive symbolism to channeling personal epiphanies and inner evolution into linework, her art becomes both a practice and a message. We explore: ✨ The healing nature of creative expression
🌀 How life’s deepest challenges can lead to self-realization
🃏 Her exciting upcoming oracle deck project
🌍 Her mission to create meaningful change through art
💫 Why her artwork is an invitation to believe in our power to transform.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that art isn’t just something we make it’s something that makes us, shapes us, and helps us reconnect with our truest selves. 🎧 Tune in now and let your spirit be moved.

Explore Summer's work at: summerblake.com
Learn More about Host Shannon Shine at: ShannonShine.com
Support the Network and check out BringMe2Life.com for more uplifting content!

In this heart-centered episode, we sit down with the incredibly talented Michelle "Meish" Claus of Made by Meish to explore the magic woven through her art. From the textures of tree bark to the quiet inspiration of fungi, Meish shares how nature, identity, and healing intersect in her creative world. We dive into the stories behind her whimsical characters, many of which emerge from the grief of losing beloved animal companions—transforming sadness into soulful expressions of love and connection. We also talk about the joy of watching people interact with her art at local events, what it was like participating in the Fayetteville Art Showdown hosted by Love Hope Arts, and how being a queer artist in Appalachia shapes her mission of inclusivity and visibility. This episode is a celebration of presence, playfulness, and the power of art to spark meaningful connections. ✨ Whether you're an artist, a nature lover, or someone navigating grief and creativity—this conversation is sure to resonate.

🎙️ We Are Artists: Sassa Wilkes – Art as Liberation, Connection, and Community In this rich and inspiring episode, we sit down with Sassa Wilkes, an Appalachian artist whose work ranges from surreal oil portraits to large-scale public murals that bring people together. Sassa shares their creative journey—from sculptural beginnings to their intuitive, layered painting process that blends oil, graphite, gold leaf, and more. We dive into the role of art in shaping communities, the magic of collaborative creation, and how embracing one’s true identity can lead to deeper, more authentic expression. As a transgender, queer artist living in West Virginia, Sassa speaks candidly about the power of visibility, vulnerability, and staying rooted in purpose through creativity. Whether you’re an artist, an ally, or simply curious about the intersection of art and belonging, this conversation is full of warmth, insight, and inspiration. 🎨 Follow Sassa @sassawilkes
🗣️ Tune in and explore how art can be both deeply personal and radically communal.

In this episode of the We Are Artists Podcast, we sit down with Serina Chowdhury, a Bangladeshi-born artist who moved to the United States at the age of 10. Her journey to embracing her true passion for art offers profound insights into:​

• Cultural Shock & Identity: Serina shares her experiences of adapting to a new culture and how these shifts influenced her artistic voice.​
• Discovering Your Artistic Style: The transition from viewing art as a hobby to recognizing it as a path to self-discovery and authentic expression.​
• Exploring and Learning New Styles: The significance of experimenting with various mediums and techniques to uncover one's unique artistic identity.​
• Embracing Authentic Creation: Moving beyond imitation to genuine self-expression, and the liberation found in releasing the need for comparison.​

Serina's work is deeply influenced by her Bengali heritage and a love for folk art, characterized by intuitive processes and organic compositions. Her mission emphasizes becoming a vessel for creativity, allowing art to flow naturally without constraints.​ Join us as we explore the power of embracing your true self in art and life, and learn how to navigate the journey from cultural adaptation to authentic creation.​ Listen to the full episode now!

Connect with Serina:

• Website:
• Instagram: @serinachowdhuryart

Subscribe to the We Are Artists Podcast for more inspiring stories and insights into the creative journey.