In this episode, we chat about:
our friendship and work history
transition to working in communications and branding for small businesses and nonprofits
the role of the Monastery in supporting and showcasing artists, hosting events and workshops.
Charith’s experiences in Bali, Indonesia, and the impact of travel on her perspective and creativity
the process of creating art that transcends visual representation to connect deeper with personal stories
the importance of emotional connection in their friendship and professional dynamics
the challenges and support in transitioning to self-employment
therapeutic aspects of creating art
Charith and her husband’s art residency in India focusing on human dignity
overcoming personal challenges and societal expectations around creativity
how non-artists can engage in creative processes
the role of community in fostering creativity and providing support for artists
the importance of supporting and compensating artists for their work
Resources + Links:
Explore more about Denson Creative Agency at densoncreative.art
Learn more about The Monastery and check out their upcoming events and workshops at atthemonastery.com
Follow Denson Creative Agency on socials
Instagram: @densoncreative
Facebook: DensonCreative
Follow The Monastery on socials
Instagram: @themonasteryaz
Facebook: The Monastery
Connect with Charith
Instagram: @charithdenson
LinkedIn: Charith Denson, PMP
Grow your brand, income, and impact!
Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com
Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative
For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot
Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot
Show Notes:
In this episode of The Chicks Who Give a Hoot podcast, I have the pleasure of chatting with my bestie, Charith Denson. We dive into our unique friendship that blossomed in a working context, managing each other at different points, and how our lives became deeply intertwined. She shares her journey through photojournalism—traveling the world and capturing stories that transcend cultural barriers. We discuss the significance of art in conveying human dignity and empathy, her transformative experience at an art residency in India, and the importance of fostering creativity in everyday life. She also talks about her new venture, The Monastery, an art space in Peoria dedicated to supporting artists and creating a vibrant community.
With over a decade of communications and creative leadership experience, Charith has visited 29 countries, capturing impactful stories and creating campaigns that drive change. As a mixed media artist, her work is showcased in galleries and through commissioned projects for brands and businesses, reflecting a passion for storytelling and cultural inclusivity. Her career highlights include managing multimillion-dollar budgets, leading creative teams, and developing strategies that have increased engagement, elevated brands, and driven impactful campaigns. As the owner of Denson Creative Agency and Co-Founder of The Monastery, Charith channels her creativity and vision to empower communities and support female entrepreneurs, aligning with her mission to inspire growth, dialogue, and shared humanity. Tune in to hear about the profound impact art has on our lives and how it shapes our understanding of the world.
00:00 Welcome to the Show
00:59 Meet Charith Denson
01:45 The Unique Bond of Friendship
04:29 Professional Journeys and Shared Experiences
06:11 Launching Creative Ventures
06:55 The Monastery: A Dream Realized
13:49 Exploring Global Perspectives
20:17 Art as a Language and Identity
24:43 Emotional Connection and Creativity
27:45 Navigating Control and Creativity
30:05 Art Residency in India
31:09 Michael's Residency in India
32:37 Experiencing the Trash Picker Community
34:12 Joining the Art Residency
35:46 Creating the Identity Series
37:49 The Power of Art and Artists
42:42 Engaging with Art as Non-Artists
46:36 The Therapeutic Nature of Art
54:47 The Monastery and Community Workshops
