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Today on the Art Seeker Stories podcast, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Heidi Shedlock, a South African, Durban based artist and educator who paints from her studio in Durban North. Heidi grew up in a creative family of crafters and makers, running her own shop called Shedlock Interiors with her mother and she also spent many years teaching art. Now Heidi paints full time and is founder of the Creative Community Studio.  In this episode, Heidi tells me how she started out, originally not believing she could make a career as a full-time artist but now knows otherwise. We are both colour- lovers and love creating art for Joy, Heidi is well known for her large expressive flower paintings but tells me of her delightful ‘Painting in the Post’ project that are autobiographical and kept her creating for an incredible 568 consecutive days. She tells us about her Creative Community Studio where she has created a hub for artists to thrive. Heidi's book recommendations: Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert Your Inner Critic is an Inner Jerk, by  Danielle Krysa Art of Rivalry: Four Friendships, Betrayals, and Breakthroughs in Modern Art, by Sebastian Smee You can find out more about Heidi below. Website: www.heidishedlock.com Instagram: @heidishedlock Creative Community Studio Website: www.creative-community-studio.teachable.com Instagram:  @creative_community_studio

Today on the Art Seeker Stories podcast, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Becky Sheraidah, Founder and CEO of ARTHOUSE Unlimited,  a charity that represents a collective of artists living with complex neuro-diverse and physical support needs, including complex epilepsy. The artists' work alongside instructors to create artworks which are developed into designer products for sale. All artwork derives from the skills each artist brings and every contribution holds real value.  The charity provides a socially inclusive and safe environment for adults who are often susceptible to social exclusion. ARTHOUSE Unlimited believe that feeling a sense of social inclusion, feeling valued for individual skills and truly purposeful in daily life enhances emotional health and well-being.  Becky’s aim is for Arthouse Unlimited to be a platform for social change, as so many people living with similar conditions experience social isolation and are undervalued for skills in daily life. The artists have individual and expressive styles when creating artworks and have a unique way of seeing the world, offering an alternative view of society and enhancing other peoples’ lives with beautiful artistic offerings.  In this episode, Becky and I talk about our emotional connection to the sea and the wonder of nature. We dig deep into intuition and universal energy. We chat about Becky’s own artwork which echoes her own cycle of life. She paints portraits, feeling a deep connection with those she paints as they are invited to collaborate, although she hasn’t painted in a while, instead her true vision and focus is ARTHOUSE Unlimited. We chat about how ARTHOUSE Unlimited came to be and reminisce about the early days, and talk about the importance of value, purpose, and social inclusion for all.  You can find out more about ARTHOUSE Unlimited, below Website : www.arthouseunlimited.org Instagram: @arthouse_unlimited You are always welcome to visit the ARTHOUSE Unlimited shop: 96 Highstreet, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1DW Find me and sign up for my newsletter at: www.emmahill.co.uk Follow me on instagram @emma.hill_art

Today on Art Seeker Stories podcast, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Lisa-Marie Price, an environmentally focused  abstract artist working primarily with handmade watercolours sourced from natural earth pigments. Lisa-Marie is a London based painter who explores the connection between nature, people and place. The central purpose of Lisa- Marie’s work is to raise awareness of our delicate natural landscapes and the ever-worsening climate crisis. She uses sustainable and eco-conscious methods in her practice to highlight overconsumption and careless consumerism. The physicality of paint making with earth pigments forges a deep-rooted connection to the materials she uses, both from urban and rural settings. Although her paintings are subtle in their appearance, they examine big topics. Climate change, sustainability, ecology and our food systems are the main motivations behind her work.  In this episode, we talk about Lisa- Marie’s first art Fair experience and what she learned from it. She tells us of her unique painting process and the journey she takes to create it. Her artist business began primarily with teaching and now has switched to focus more on her own artwork, which has also seen her branch out into curation. We talk of good Karma and the value of sharing information and the importance of community.  Lisa- Marie's book recommendations: Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert Hope in the Dark by Rebecca Solnit Open Call info Open Call Guide / May 22  @lisapriceart Estila Voices : Open Call, Whats the Deal? @estila.co You can find out more about Lisa-Marie below. Website: www.lisamarieprice.co.uk Instagram:  @lisapriceart

Today on Art Seeker Stories podcast, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Marit Geraldine Bostad, an abstract artist from Horten, Norway. Her work investigates the themes that are central to her artistic research, the inner psyche, memories and human interaction.   Marit Geraldine's  a colourist and blends her colours by pouring paint directly onto the canvas using a variety of tools, seldom using the paintbrush - to create diverse, versatile effects with broad expressive strokes. She explores the Nordic Colour tradition in a bold new direction, blending tone to tone pastels with sparks of fluorescent, manifesting her own personal psychic state onto the canvas. Her expression sets the scene for the audience to bring their own meaning to her work.  In this episode, we talk about art fairs, the Other Art Fair where I met her and The Affordable Art Fair opening this week, where her art has become the image for their promotion, on busses, posters, underground and magazines. We discuss how an artist residency in New York gave her a valuable insight and self-study of her work and herself.  We talk of her stunning exhibition ‘Hope Island’ which inspired my original podcast concept and how she has kick started me in to creating, beyond my dreams.  The Affordable Art Fair runs 5-8th May @affordableartfairuk You can see Marit's Artwork with @mintart_gallery stand J6 To see more about Marit Geraldine and her work Website : www.geraldine.no Instagram :  @geraldines_galleri

Today, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Leila Vibert-Stokes, a digital collage artist and surface designer who grew up in the wilds of South of France surrounded in rugged nature. Later at 18 she moved to London to study fashion at Central St Martins, she then went on to working as a textile designer for about 10 years.   Now she run’s her own homeware, interiors, and art business, where she sells her work as artwork and products.  Of her artwork she says: "I'm finally able to bring back together my two great loves - nature and creativity - in a cacophonous explosion of colourful joy! My mission is to help you express your creativity so you can craft a home that truly reflects who you are; a vibrant, authentic, happy haven, an escape from the expectations and demands of this world. "  In this episode, we talk about a shift in Leila’s creativity which was born from design and has moved into art. We talk about the artistic process she has found in digital collaging whereby she creates her own visual language created combinations of over layering patterns in nature. We talk about our passion for art and connection with nature, stepping into flow and comparing cats with creativity. If you aren’t careful, they will go off to your neighbour!  Leila's book recommendations: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert The Growth Mindset by Joshua Moore and Helen Glasgow You can find out more about Leila below: Website: www.leila-vibert-stokes.com Instagram:@leila.vibert.stokes

Today, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Katie Hallam of The Beautiful Error, an artist photographer and digital explorer currently based in Edinburgh. Her practice explores the connections between new media, technologies and geology and considers the future legacy our digital culture will leave on our Earth. Work is created through a combination of media and techniques including photography and sculpture.  Of her artwork Katie says:  Technology can create visual problems. It is hard to see, it is difficult to understand the scale of or imagine as a physical infrastructure. It is also problematic to fully understand the environmental issues it can create beyond our personal devices. Technology is hidden in code, buried in tubes, stored in data centers and the ‘cloud’. As a visual artist and photographer, I am exploring ways of how to bring the digital into physical spaces through sculptural objects and site-specific landscapes, visualising how the technological sublime will disguise itself or fossilise within the Earth’s strata millions of years in the future.    In this episode we chat about the digital footprint and its  history  that leaves traces and remains suspended in time. What does it look like? Katie’s art speaks up and shows us. We talk about her exploration and use of rocks and how the landscape informs her work.   This is The Beautiful Error Visualising  imperfection in digital culture and exploring technology inspired by sculpture.   Katie's book recommendation: Navigating the Art World by Delphian Gallery @delphiangallery Geology of Media by Jussi Parikka You can find out more about Katie, and The Beautiful Error below: Website : www.thebeautifulerror.com Instagram: @the_beautiful_error Katie is a member of @artcanorg @waspsstudios @visual.arts.scotland @societyscottishartists

Today on Art Seeker Stories podcast, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Paul of The Finsbury Park Deltics,  a multi media artist, whose work references popular culture using written, drawn and photographic symbols, a world where light-heartedness reigns supreme (some of the time) and where rules are undermined, is then created.   And, lurking somewhere in the chaos, you will find signposts; signposts to a community now only ever seen through a blurred lens, enmeshed in hyperbole and ultraviolence; signposts to a country that maybe never existed.   In this episode we chat about fake news, the shifts between perspectives, ideas and thoughts constantly evolving and changing in time. From terrorism, social media and Covid and today with Russia at war in Ukraine. We talk about how a single image can be more powerful than words and how art has the power to change our future, creating community and essential for mental health and well being.  This is The Finsbury Park Deltics. Art. But not as you know it.  Paul's book recommendation: The Bulletproof Coffin Series by David Hine Crecy by Warren Ellis What Do Men Want by Nina Power You can find out more about Paul below. Website : www.thefinsburyparkdeltics.com Instagram : @thefinsburyparkdeltics  

Today on Art Seeker Stories podcast, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Joanna Gilbert a London based abstract artist creating expressive vibrant artworks that represent inner strength, courage and freedom.   Of her works she says: There is no RIGHT THING for ALL. There is the right thing for YOU….. Courageously stand strong in your own wilderness Have humility Have connection.  In this episode we chat about being the best version of ourselves, of stepping up and being the artist and person we were born to be. We talk about our thoughts and affirmations, how our art and the words express our truth, sharing belief, hope and joy.   Joanna tells me of her own faith, in herself and the universe. It is precisely in listening to her own voice, that she has became the artist she is today.  She tells me about her recent project, The Hidden Voice, A project that celebrates the voices of mum’s worldwide. To Be heard Be Empowered and Be You.  Joanna's book recommendations: A Radical Awakening by Dr Shefali Braving the Wilderness by Brene Brown You can see more about Joanna here. Website: www.joannagilbert.com Instagram: @joanna_gilbert_artist Twitter: @jogilbertNFT To buy a positive affirmation notebook follow this link. 

Today on Art Seeker Stories podcast, I have Part 2 of our chat, an  Art 2 HeArt with Éadaoin Glynn, a self-taught abstract artist from Cork, Southern Ireland. Éadaoin’s creative journey began with literature and acting. At the age of 17 she tossed a coin to go to Uni or Art college and Uni won.  Ah after an epic 3 hour chat I decided to split it in two for a double whammy episode, so here we have part 2.  In this episode we chat about the cycle of nature and our art making, working in series and exploring new territories and how our art echoes our life.  Éadaoin tells me of the early Irish women through history living in a matriarchal society as powerful warrior women, their essence remains in the landscape reflected in the curves of the landscape, within the mountains and coastline.  We talk about being shameless in believing in our art and how time and experience allows us to stretch towards the image of pictures that are just out of reach, in the space we can’t quite see, in the blind spot, in the corner of our eye, waiting timely show and tell. Éadaoin's book recommendation: The Artist Way by Julia Cameron  Meanwhile  you can find out more about Éadaoin here: Instagram: @eadaoinglynn Website www.eadaoinglynn.com To Buy the 'Navigator' print with all proceeds going to help Ukraine, buy here. As this episode is released Éadaoin has raised over a terrific 23,000 Euro for the Ukraine with all profits of her Navigator print  donated to the Red Cross and UNICEF to support Ukrainian families.

Today on Art Seeker Stories podcast, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Éadaoin Glynn, a self-taught abstract artist from Cork, Southern Ireland. Éadaoin’s creative journey began with literature and acting. At the age of 17 she tossed a coin, would she go to Univercity, or Art college -Uni won.  Ah after an epic 3 hour chat I decided to split it in two for a double whammy episode, so here we have part 1. In this episode we chat about the artist journey as a rollercoaster of highs and lows making the art and putting it out. We talk about mindset and manifestation and the act of giving. We also compare notes on our experiences of TV. Éadaoin also tells us about her fundraising. As this episode is released Éadaoin has raised over a terrific 23,000 Euro for the Ukraine with all profits of her Navigator print  donated to the Red Cross and UNICEF to support Ukrainian families. Éadaoin's book recommendation: The Artist Way by Julia Cameron  Part 2 of this conversation continues on Friday, a couple of day’s time so do tune in to catch the rest of our conversation. Meanwhile  you can find out more about Éadaoin here: Instagram: @eadaoinglynn Website www.eadaoinglynn.com To Buy the 'Navigator' print with all proceeds going to help Ukraine, buy here.

Today on the Art Seeker Stories Podcast, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Sarah Bird, a contemporary artist and teacher, working in collage , digital and photography, exploring a space between the virtual and real.  In this episode we chat about the idea of home and how rooms and belongings hold a residue, keeping memories, stories, and traces of human action over time: the layers of paint and wallpaper, or the marks on a bedsheet or folds of a curtain. Sarah’s pictures dance in abstraction and the painterly, in light and dark.  Of her work Sarah says: 'Windows, doorways, and curtains are common motifs that mark the tension between inside and outside, sanctuary and territory. My work depicts maze-like compositions of liminal spaces, portals and thresholds: the points of boundary and change.  The weave of a curtain dissolves into pixels while the view through a window reveals nothing. I use veils of vivid colour, distilled from the distorted pixels themselves, to blend the real with the imagined.'   Sarah’s book recommendations are: The Goldfinch by Donna Tart  Studio Voices by Michael Bird We also mention Succeeding as an Artist by Deborah Henry Pollard @fireworksdhp & The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp  Artists mentioned: Sain Fan, artist residency at the V&A Travel Bureau at the White Chapel Jock McFadyen at the RA Barbara Kasten at the Tate You can find out more about Sarah here : Instagram:  @sj8ird Website www,sarahbirdart.co.uk

Today on the Art Seeker Stories 22nd episode, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Holly Collier an art marketer from London who specialises in all things social media. Essentially Holly runs Instagram workshops, works with artists 1 to 1 and helps artists with their art marketing  In this episode we chat about Instagram and newsletters, Holly’s journey from studying languages to learning about their history and culture that took her to finding her passion in art. We also talk about our passion for creating community, Holly in co-creating the Artist walk in Lockdown and myself in creating this podcast. Holly also shares a few valuable tips for artists Holly’s book recommendation is  Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder You can find out more about Holly and find fab artist tips: Instagram: @_holly_collier_ Newsletter sign up: Get 'Creative Connection' Project : The Artist Walk