Advertise on podcast: Show Up or Shut Up with Wendy Solganik

In this episode of the 'Show Up or Shut Up' podcast, host Wendy Solganik interviews artist, and Executive Producer of Willa Workshops, Evan Haley. Wendy really wanted to bring Evan onto the podcast to highlight an emerging opportunity for book artists within Fodder School: the opportunity to create truly unique artist books from lessons in Fodder School that aren’t specifically designed with a book as the end product in mind! They discuss Evan's unique journey from studying pre-med sciences at Princeton University to becoming a mixed media artist, and delve into the creative processes and challenges that define his art-making experiences. Wendy shares her insights on the evolution of Fodder School and the potential for members to adapt projects to suit their personal creative goals, emphasizing the importance of pushing artistic boundaries and overcoming fears. The episode also introduces a secret project focusing on learning the Procreate app, highlighting the significance of digital technology in modern art creation. (00:00) Introduction to the Podcast and Guest (01:27) Wendy's Artistic Journey and Podcast Overview (02:48) Meet Evan Haley: Background and Early Life (04:12) Evan's College Experience and Shift to Art (10:05) Evan's Artistic Development and College Projects (18:56) Fodder School Projects and Creative Problem Solving (22:32) Exploring Creative Potential and Bookmaking (28:04) Fodder School Community and Off the Beaten Path (28:41) Exploring New Projects in Fodder School (29:24) Pushing Artistic Boundaries (33:16) Overcoming Fear in Art Creation (36:07) Taking Up Space with Your Art (40:09) Letting Go of Unloved Art (47:13) The Secret Project: Procreate Course (52:27) The Challenges of Learning New Tools (56:41) Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

In this episode of the Show Up or Shut Up podcast, Wendy interviews artist Jane Chipp, who is returning to Fodder School 5 as a teacher. They delve into Jane's artistic journey, from her early fascination with handmade crafts influenced by her family's Baltic heritage to her evolution into a mixed media artist specializing in collage, assemblage art, journaling, and textiles. Jane shares pivotal moments, including her participation in a three-year textile art program, her transformative experience with a found collection of personal artifacts, and her prolific work during the COVID-19 lockdown. Together, they discuss the benefits and challenges of teaching art online, the joy of crafting with found photos, and the intricate, layered techniques that define Jane's unique artistic style. Jane also offers a sneak peek into her upcoming lessons inspired by vintage lace for Fodder School 5. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 01:21 Meet Jane Chipp: Artist and Teacher 04:03 Jane's Early Life and Creative Beginnings 05:07 Family Influence and Childhood Creativity 08:59 Career Path and Creative Pursuits 15:35 Discovering Textile Art and Mixed Media 33:46 The Turning Point: Honoring a Stranger's Life 47:54 Struggles with Large-Scale Art 48:38 Exciting New Project in Fodder School 50:09 The Importance of Artistic Community 52:07 Impact of COVID-19 on Artistic Journey 52:23 The 100-Day Project and Instagram Journey 53:42 Writing and Publishing a Book 01:00:46 Meeting Lori Canner and the Collage Community 01:03:51 The Role of Instagram in Artistic Growth 01:09:35 Teaching and Creating Online Courses 01:13:04 Artistic Preferences and Techniques 01:15:56 Signature Colors and Artistic Style 01:29:55 Upcoming Fodder School Project 01:31:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the "Show Up or Shut Up" podcast, host Wendy Solganik interviews Columbus, Ohio-based mixed media artist Susan Rossiter. Susan shares her journey from growing up in Pennsylvania, studying fine art, and moving across the country, to establishing herself as a prolific artist with a disciplined practice. The conversation delves into Susan’s inspirations—particularly the colors, shapes, and patterns of the 1950s-1970s, her love for experimental materials, and her evolution from traditional art school techniques to vibrant, mid-century-inspired mixed media works. Susan discusses balancing a full-time day job with her art career, her involvement with Studios on High Gallery, and her role as an educator for GOLDEN Paints. The episode is filled with insights on creative discipline, the realities of being a working artist, and the importance of making art that brings personal joy rather than simply following trends or market demands (00:00) Introduction to the Show Up or Shut Up Podcast (02:36) Meet Susan Rossiter: Mixed Media Artist (03:39) Susan's Artistic Journey and Inspirations (05:11) Early Art Experiences and Education (08:49) College Years and Artistic Development (17:07) Post-College Adventures and Artistic Growth (22:12) Life in Minneapolis and Transition to Ohio (25:32) Balancing Art and Life in Ohio (30:58) Exploring Mixed Media and Collage Fodder (40:49) Personal Life and Studio Setup (47:18) Editing Video in Bed (47:52) Exploring Columbus and Beyond (49:00) Joining the Art Co-op (52:21) Balancing Art and Fitness (53:08) Golden Artist Educator Program (56:15) Fodder School and Artistic Inspiration (59:06) The Influence of Mid-Century Design (01:07:51) Artistic Freedom and Day Jobs (01:20:25) Quilting and Other Artistic Pursuits (01:33:43) Future Plans and Manifesting Dreams (01:36:23) Conclusion and Gratitude

In this episode of the Show Up or Shut Up Podcast, host Wendy Solganik interviews mixed media artist Roxanne Evans Stout. Wendy announces that Roxanne will be joining Fodder School 5 as a first-time instructor. The conversation delves into Roxanne's artistic journey which began in her childhood in Santa Monica and evolved through various stages, including her experiences growing up in different places due to her father's Air Force career, her education in the sciences at Humboldt State, and her eventual shift to a more free-form, mixed media art style. Roxanne talks about her teaching career, her close relationship with her mother who was also an artist, and how her mother’s passing intensified her commitment to art. The episode also explores Roxanne’s teaching experiences in locations like Santa Fe and her upcoming workshop in Italy. Wendy and Roxanne discuss the unique elements of Roxanne's art, including her use of neutral colors, texture, and inspiration from nature. Roxanne shares her excitement for the new projects in Fodder School 5 and drops hints about her plans for the artistic journey ahead. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 02:37 Roxanne's Early Life and Artistic Beginnings 04:04 Life in Santa Monica and Artistic Influences 07:48 College Years and Meeting Her Husband 13:23 Life in Northern California and Early Art Career 20:43 Teaching Career and Artistic Evolution 22:46 Developing a Unique Artistic Style 25:35 The Influence of Blogging and Artist Books 29:15 Collections and Inspirations 35:27 The Story Behind the Work Table 36:38 Challenges of Building a Custom Table 37:49 Creating an Inspiring Studio Space 39:35 The Evolution of My Art Journey 40:15 Teaching and Workshops 43:13 Artist Residencies and Their Impact 46:38 Upcoming Workshops and Inspirations 52:58 Exploring My Color Palette 58:31 Influence of My Mother's Art 01:06:03 Conclusion and Future Plans

In this episode of the Show Up or Shut Up podcast, host Wendy Solganik interviews contemporary mixed media artist Wendy Shragg. Wendy shares her artistic journey from Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, discussing her vibrant fine art collage work, color theory, and experiences in design. She recalls childhood influences, including her family's creative environment and early artistic endeavors. Wendy also talks about her diverse careers ranging from makeup artistry to travel consulting, and how she ultimately embraced her passion for art. The conversation delves into her love for gel printing, collage, and her innovative mixed media projects that combine personal and meaningful elements into fine art. Wendy also shares her experience with digital art on Procreate and her participation in Fodder School 5, where she will be teaching a comprehensive project on creating large-scale fine art pieces. Listeners can expect a deep dive into Wendy’s creative process, her views on social media's role in the art world, and her future projects. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 02:34 Wendy Shragg's Artistic Journey Begins 03:21 Childhood Influences and Early Art Experiences 09:16 High School and College Art Education 21:09 Post-College Career and Creative Ventures 42:19 Crafting Beginnings and Jewelry Making 42:44 Transition to Interior Decorative Painting 43:21 Becoming an Aesthetician 44:33 Exploring Intuitive Painting 45:29 Creating Imaginary Creatures 49:07 Pursuing Art Full-Time 53:01 Navigating the Art World and Social Media 56:58 Joining Art Co-ops and Community 01:00:36 Teaching and Gel Printing 01:20:18 Digital Art and Procreate 01:25:42 Conclusion and Future Plans

In this episode, Wendy Solganik interviews Cheiron Brandon, a mixed media artist specializing in greeting cards. Cheiron shares her journey from discovering a local stamp store to becoming a prolific maker with a deep expertise in Tim Holtz's distress line. The discussion covers her evolving art style, teaching workshops, and participating in design teams. She also talks about her recent personal transitions and how she integrates her creative life into her new surroundings. The episode delves into the intricacies of using various mixed media products and offers insights into the world of card making and mixed media art. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 02:20 Meet Cheiron Brandon: A Journey from New Jersey 03:40 Cheiron's Artistic Beginnings and Inspirations 08:17 Discovering Rubber Stamping and Card Making 16:08 From Hobby to Passion: Teaching and Creating 18:41 Exploring Mixed Media and Tim Holtz Products 22:24 The Evolution of Sharon's Art Style 28:44 Collaborations and Design Teams 37:30 Teaching and Online Classes 39:09 Joining Fodder School and Continuous Learning 39:39 Learning from Different Artists 40:56 Balancing Art and Life Changes 41:47 Becoming a Fodder School Teacher 42:49 Exploring Alcohol Inks 43:09 The Evolution of Alcohol Inks 45:19 Crafting with Alcohol Inks 50:48 Teaching and Sharing Knowledge 55:11 Relocating and Creating a New Routine 59:16 Crafting Community and Retreats 01:07:24 The Joy of Card Making 01:08:27 Looking Forward: Future Projects

In this episode of the Show Up or Shut Up podcast, host Wendy Solganik speaks with mixed media artist Dori Patrick. Together, they explore Dori's creative life, which includes owning a make-and-take art studio in Marion, Iowa, and moving on to focus on her personal artistic endeavors. Dory shares her childhood experiences growing up in Iowa, her artistic influences, and the pivotal moments that shaped her career, such as her inspirational trip to Oaxaca, Mexico. They delve into Dori's approach to making art, her distinctive colorful style, and how she navigates highs and lows as an artist. Dori offers insight into her business model, her process for creating and selling art, and her teaching experiences, including her role in Fodder School. The episode concludes with a discussion about Dori's upcoming lessons in Fodder School 5, where she will teach her unique 'split heads' project. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 00:39 Meet Dori Patrick: Background and Personal Life 01:41 Wendy's Artistic Journey and Podcast Overview 03:42 Dori's Early Life and Family Background 09:48 Dori's Creative Upbringing and Early Influences 15:05 Dori's Artistic Career and Personal Challenges 31:42 Transition to Professional Artistry 36:42 The Dreaming Bear: Dori's Store and Workshop 51:41 The Birth of a Creative Space 54:06 Transforming the Storefront 55:55 The Decision to Close 58:47 Life After the Store 01:02:03 Embracing Artistic Freedom 01:17:55 The Split Heads Project 01:26:22 The Joy of Creating 01:32:49 Current Projects and Future Plans 01:38:13 Final Thoughts and Farewell

In Season Five, Episode 3 of the Show Up or Shut Up podcast, host Wendy Solganik interviews artist Arlyna Blanchard. Arlyna, who resides in Singapore and runs her own design firm, will be joining Fodder School 5 as a teacher for the first time. The episode explores Arlyna's artistic journey, from her early influences in the Philippines to her expansive career in graphic design in Taiwan and now in Shanghai. They discuss her experiences with urban sketching, digital scrapbooking, and the challenges of teaching online art courses. Arlyna shares personal anecdotes about balancing a demanding career while raising twins, and how her art practice evolved post-divorce. The episode offers insight into her creative process and her love for vibrant colors, particularly neon pink. This inspiring conversation highlights Arlyna's dedication to continuous learning and artistic expression. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 00:21 Meet Arlyna Blanchard: Artist and Teacher 00:48 Wendy and Arlyna's Artistic Connection 01:55 Podcast Overview and Host Introduction 03:23 Arlyna's Background and Journey 05:43 Growing Up in the Philippines 07:23 Cultural and Linguistic Influences 13:22 Artistic Beginnings and Influences 21:29 Education and Career Path 22:52 Life in Taiwan and Move to Shanghai 33:47 Family Life and Artistic Exploration 36:11 Scrapbooking and Early Art Journaling 42:07 Struggles with Art Journaling 43:17 Finding Personal Style in Art 45:34 Balancing Art and Life 46:47 The Impact of Divorce on Creativity 48:40 Work-Life Balance and Art 54:09 Embracing Favorite Colors 01:02:19 The Joy of Learning and Teaching 01:10:25 Exploring Urban Sketching and Illustration 01:19:23 The Therapeutic Power of Art 01:21:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Show Up or Shut Up podcast, host Wendy Solganik continues Season Five with an inspiring interview with mixed media artist Kathy Nichols. Announced as a new instructor for Fodder School 5, Cathy shares her artistic journey from her early days in Huntington, New York, to becoming a prolific mixed media artist known for her vibrant floral and nature-inspired works. The discussion delves into Cathy's transition from various day jobs to full-time artistry, the impact of her grandmother on her color palette, and the importance of bravery and intuition in her career. Wendy and Cathy explore Cathy's experiences with cooperative galleries, her online presence, and her future teaching retreats in France. This episode offers a heartfelt and in-depth look into Cathy’s evolving artistry and life challenges, providing valuable insights for all mixed media art enthusiasts. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 00:54 Meet Cathy Nichols: A Journey of Bravery 01:18 Exploring Mixed Media Art 02:44 Cathy's Artistic Beginnings 04:25 High School Art Adventures 12:45 College Decisions and Career Path 24:34 Discovering Acrylics and Moving to Venice 36:40 Joining the 10 Women Gallery 46:04 Life in New York and Starting a New Co-op 49:19 Discovering the Firefly Artists Gallery 49:39 Balancing Art and Family Life 50:55 Transition to Full-Time Artist 51:34 Licensing Deal and Artistic Evolution 57:40 Moving to Asheville and New Beginnings 01:00:27 Developing a Unique Artistic Style 01:10:33 The Influence of Quilting and Textiles 01:15:59 The Power of Color in Art 01:30:23 Teaching and Retreats 01:35:45 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of the 'Show Up or Shut Up' podcast, Wendy Solganik interviews mixed media artist Kate McCurrach. Kate, who has been an inspiring participant and leader in previous Fodder School years, will now join as a teacher for Fodder School 5. Wendy and Kate delve into Kate's harrowing life story, which includes a pioneering family history, a battle with multiple chronic illnesses including lupus, and a radical career shift from science to art. Kate shares her experiences of crafting scientific-themed creations, running a successful Etsy shop, and participating in high-end craft shows. She talks about her creative process, the therapeutic role of art in her life, and her journey into art journaling. This episode is a deep dive into the resilience and creativity of an artist who finds joy and solace in making, against all odds. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 01:37 Meet Kate McCurrach: Artist and Fodder School Teacher 03:09 Kate's Background and Early Life 04:17 Growing Up in British Columbia 05:12 Family History and Heritage 15:30 Crafting and Creativity in Kate's Family 19:20 Kate's Artistic Journey in School 28:33 University Life and Science Studies 35:17 Health Challenges and Life Changes 41:58 Starting a Craft Business on Etsy 49:45 Starting a Button Business 50:55 Expanding the Product Line 51:34 Personal Life and Health Challenges 54:05 Craft Shows and Market Experiences 57:07 Living with Chronic Illness 01:05:30 Pregnancy and Motherhood 01:20:55 Rediscovering Art and Joining Fodder School 01:26:39 Reflections and Future Plans

In this episode of the Show Up or Shut Up podcast, host Wendy interviews iconic Australian mixed media artist Laura Horn. They discuss Laura's journey in the art world, the impact of her online courses, and the challenges of balancing art creation with the demands of running an art business. Laura talks about the transition from art to business tasks, managing stress, and the importance of embracing different life phases. Wendy shares her struggles with space for creating art and the guilt associated with balancing family and work responsibilities. The conversation reveals insights into the evolving roles and expectations of women artists and business owners, touching upon the importance of intuition, adaptability, and self-care. 00:14 Meet Laura Horn: Mixed Media Icon 01:07 Wendy's Artistic Journey and Inspirations 03:11 The Impact of Laura's Work 08:58 Balancing Art and Business 33:13 Navigating Social Media as an Artist 50:13 Struggles with Artistic Self-Criticism 51:09 Phases of Intensity and Stress in Business 52:11 The Hidden Stress of Running a Tech Business 56:34 Balancing Gratitude and Frustration with Technology 59:10 The Intersection of Art and Business Metrics 01:05:13 Creating a Harmonious Art and Business Life 01:08:26 The Journey to Finding a Dedicated Art Space 01:20:58 The Challenges of Balancing Family and Work 01:25:58 The Importance of Seeking Help and Self-Care 01:28:31 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

In this episode of the 'Show Up or Shut Up' podcast, Wendy Solganik interviews Carrie Smith, an artist and new instructor in Fodder School 4. Carrie reflects on her 12-year teaching career, her evolution into a collage artist inspired by her daughter, and her global travels that deeply influence her art. The discussion covers Carrie's experiences with adult ADHD, its late diagnosis, and its impact on her life and family's dynamics. They explore her journey of teaching world culture art classes to children, and the significant role that Fodder School played in her artistic development. The episode emphasizes the blend of creative freedom and structured guidance, highlighting Carrie's excitement about joining as a Fodder School teacher. This heartfelt conversation showcases the inspiring interplay of art and teaching. 00:37 Carrie's Background and Artistic Journey 04:30 Carrie's Childhood and Family Life 06:52 Growing Up Near the Mexican Border 13:48 College Years and Early Career 16:26 The Life-Changing World Trip 25:53 Teaching Around the World Art Classes 34:06 Homeschooling and Creative Education 52:10 ADHD Diagnosis and Personal Insights 54:08 A Lifetime of Business Ideas 55:01 The Importance of Focus 56:07 ADHD as a Superpower 57:01 Family Dynamics with ADHD 58:05 Challenges in Education 01:02:14 Understanding ADHD 01:13:15 The Journey into Art 01:21:10 Joining Fodder School 01:24:07 The Value of Fodder School 01:36:24 Teaching and Learning 01:41:01 Conclusion and Gratitude

In this episode of the 'Show Up or Shut Up' podcast, host Wendy engages with artist Stephanie Lee in an enlightening discussion about her life, creative process, and personal evolution. Growing up in Southern Oregon, Stephanie speaks about balancing her artistic passion with life on a mini farm, and her unique use of Plaster of Paris. They explore deep themes such as dealing with jealousy, the rewards and struggles of being an artist, and discovering one's true purpose. The conversation also examines the impact of Instagram on artists, emphasizing personal fulfillment and setting goals beyond social media metrics. Stephanie's transition as a jewelry artist, challenges with idea ownership, and contributions to the art world reveal the continuous evolution inherent in an artist's journey. Stephanie's candid storytelling offers valuable insights into both her artistic and personal path. 04:10 Life in Southern Oregon 06:17 Family and Moving Stories 13:45 Early Artistic Influences 18:36 Discovering the Art Community 22:32 Teaching and Artistic Growth 27:23 The Role of Plaster of Paris 42:09 Embracing Newcomers' Success 43:45 Coping with Others' Success 46:18 Jealousy and Self-Reflection 48:51 Navigating Social Expectations 51:44 Understanding Personal Struggles 56:47 The Role of Art in Personal Growth 01:03:42 Instagram and Artistic Authenticity 01:07:18 The Reality of Social Media Algorithms 01:12:41 Balancing Art and Social Media 01:24:14 Deciding What Matters Most 01:24:40 Balancing Art and Social Media 01:26:02 Navigating Personal and Artistic Boundaries 01:27:52 The Impact of Social Media on Creativity 01:29:50 Finding Peace in Creative Practices 01:32:07 The Joy of Gardening and Art 01:43:33 Embracing Imperfection in Jewelry Making 01:52:22 Reflecting on Creative Journeys 02:02:23 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

In Season 4, Episode 7 of the Show Up or Shut Up Podcast, host Wendy Solganik sits down with mixed media artist and former teacher Tracey Wozniak. They explore Tracey's extensive background in art, her role as a homeschooling mother, and her re-engagement with Fodder School as an instructor. The discussion covers Tracey’s creative evolution towards mixed media and textile art, her dynamics with social media, home renovation projects, and the intersection of her personal and professional life. Wendy and Tracey also share their insights on blending art with business, managing creative shifts, and the importance of community support in the digital art world. The episode provides valuable perspectives on balancing artistic pursuits with family duties and the continuous journey of personal and professional growth. 03:08 Tracey's Instagram Journey 05:23 Life in Florida and Home Renovation 14:07 Tracey's Artistic Beginnings 31:34 Homeschooling and Family Life 39:43 Discovering Instagram and Building Community 54:49 Exploring the World of Color 55:27 Navigating the Shift to Video 56:02 The Fragile Thread of Community 56:27 The Evolution of Instagram 57:29 The Role of Video in Art 01:13:03 Creative Shifts and Personal Growth 01:22:02 The Challenges of Running an Art Business 01:31:42 The Importance of Staying Connected 01:32:09 Home Renovation and Creative Projects 01:40:48 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

In this episode of the Show Up or Shut Up podcast, host Wendy Solganik engages in a deep conversation with artist Amanda Trought, who is joining Fodder School 4 as an instructor. Amanda shares her diverse art journey, encompassing mixed media projects and large sculptural works displayed at Queen's Park Gallery in Barbados. She delves into the therapeutic and emotional aspects of art, recounting her personal experiences and the nurturing of creativity in daily life. The discussion also touches on her ventures in poetry, children's book writing and illustration, and her family life, including her husband's screenplay writing career. Amanda talks about her creative routine and balancing art production with content sharing across various platforms like YouTube and podcasts. This insightful exchange highlights the intersection of art, healing, and self-expression, revealing the profound impact of creativity on well-being and self-discovery. 00:08 Meet Amanda Trought 10:23 Amanda's Artistic Journey 27:52 Discovering Mixed Media 30:06 Art and Health 36:23 Finding Creative Voice 52:42 The Responsibility of Sharing Your Art 54:55 Emotional Intelligence and Creativity Coaching 55:59 The Venn Diagram of Artists 57:52 Art as a Healing Practice 01:01:30 Creating Art for Yourself and Others 01:04:13 Exploring and Experimenting in Art 01:20:27 The Impact of Art on Well-being 01:26:00 Amanda's Creative Routine 01:34:10 Prolific Content Creation 01:37:14 Final Thoughts and Inspirations