Shows
The Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellThanksgiving ThoughtsIt seems to be true for us as humans who sometimes struggle in our lives that identifying the good things in life--what you feel grateful for-- is a practice that leads to more contentment and joy. Thanskgiving in the United States is a traditional time to count one’s blessings and share time with family and friends. Today, Rebecca and Ross share a few things they are feeling gratitude for in their own lives and hope their conversation inspires listeners to think of what has been good in the past year for each of you.
Gratitude for fa...
2022-11-2735 min
Let Me Tell You SomethingHigh SchoolWhat was high school like as a .÷ girl? What do I wish I knew in high school? In this episode, my friend Whitney joins me to reminiscence on our high school days. We explore the challenges teen girls experience and the role social media has played toward how life as a teenager has changed over time. Thank you to our show patrons for making this episode and continued episodes of let me tell you something possible: Kylie Csukor, Jenny Combs, Ross Ticknor, Laura Youngblut, Michaela Bradley, and Ashley Sarver, To become a show patron, visit patreo...
2022-10-0551 minLet Me Tell You SomethingBeing ChildfreeWhat is it like to be a woman without children? In this episode, we discuss women who don't have children, whether they are "childfree by choice" or unable to be a mother. Join guests Meredith and Ali as they discuss the common assumptions about women who don't have children and how society reacts to those who have failed to meet the expectations surrounding procreation. We also discuss the top things to never say to childfree women. Looking for more information on this episode's topic? Check out the book, "Childfree by Choice: The Movement Redefining Family and Creating a Ne...
2022-08-2552 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellDealing with Hard TimesWe are really happy to be bringing this podcast episode to you this week, the first one after a long hiatus due to a very difficult situation in Ross's personal life. Today we’ll be talking about how the past few months have gone for us and offering some thoughts about how reconnecting with your creative practice is a solid and healthy step toward getting your life back on track.
Since late January, Ross has devoted all his time and energy to caring for his wife Kara during a long, difficult illness as well as caring for hi...
2022-06-0433 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellJason Matias Interview - The Art of Selling ArtToday we are excited to welcome Jason Mathias to the Messy Studio. Jason is an experienced professional artist, an author, and an educator, who lives in a loft in the woods outside Seattle, Washington. Following seven years of military service, Jason pursued a bachelor's degree in business and a master's in organizational leadership and began to apply what he learned to his passion for photography. These days, in addition to his creating his own artwork, Jason runs the online teaching platform The Art of Selling Art, a membership site that teaches business skills, strategies, and practical approaches to the...
2022-01-1539 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellThe Messy StagesWe named our podcast The Messy Studio for a reason that goes beyond the physical working space. We also mean to imply that the creative process itself is rarely neat or clearly defined. It is more often confusing and convoluted. This aspect of creativity can be frustrating, but it’s necessary each time we find a new path in our work. Today we talk about the importance of the messy stages of creativity and how clarity can be achieved as we move forward.
One of our listeners, Max McConkey, recently commented that the stages of a painting ca...
2021-10-0930 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellInterview with Jim ScherbarthJames Edward Scherbarth was a dear friend, colleague, and teacher, and artist who developed profound and personal ways of working in just a few years following his retirement in his mid-60s. Today we share our interview with Jim near the end of his life in which he discusses his life, work, and teaching philosophy. Jim passed away a few days aftert this recording, on June 22, 2021. We are very honored to have had this opportunity to hear what he wished to share with our listeners.
Thanks to everyone who has been sharing the show and donating! If...
2021-09-2540 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellWe're Back!Those of you who follow the Messy Studio know that we have taken time off this summer because each of us was involved in a major move from the family home in Wisconsin. The process of moving is no fun, as anyone who has done it knows—it’s hard work physically and emotionally and there is plenty of stress. But now that we are each settled in we’re happy to be back with producing the podcast. Today we join you with thoughts about changing situations and what Rebecca has been seeing in her current work in the studio...
2021-09-1830 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellRole Reversal: Interview with Ross TicknorAs artists --engaged for the most part in fairly traditional and long-established ways of working—it may be hard to understand or embrace new technologies. Yet artists have always been involved in revolutionary advances in culture and technology. Today we will discuss some technologies that have liberating potential for artists. In a bit of role reversal, our guest today is Ross Ticknor, and his focus is on the uses of 3-D printing for artists.
New technologies are always evolving and gradually becoming accepted and expected aspects of our lives. Many of us remember the time before microwaves, ce...
2021-07-1736 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellApproaching Galleries and More: Interview with Jason Horejs:We interview Jason Horejs of Xanadu Gallery and RedDotBlog.com on the best way to market yourself and your work to galleries. This interview was conducted using Streamyard and went out live on Facebook. Once again we aren't able to produce the highest quality audio right now due to the move, but we still want to put out some great content. This is one of the most valuable interviews we have ever done, so don't skip it! Thanks again to all of the well wishes from listeners pertaining to the move and recent announcment that Ross's wife is pregnant.
2021-07-0541 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellAsk Me Anything LIVE #1This is the audio recording of our very first Ask Me Anything on Facebook Live. We opened up the session to listeners who had questions and chatted about the challenges of moving. Rebecca also talked a little about her background as an artist, and we touched on returning to normal life post-Covid including travel), and simplifying and downsizing. We hope to do more session slike this in the future as a way to get to know our listeners and engage in an interactive way.
Thanks to everyone who has been sharing the show and donating! If you...
2021-06-2735 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellCreative FrustrationIt’s an all-too familiar situation in the studio, coping with a work of art that seems to fight against you at every step, making each day with it a struggle. It’s so easy to become obsessed with a piece like this, trying to persuade it to cooperate, just as you might with a stubborn person. It can feel like an exhausting contest of wills, made all the more frustrating by your awareness that you are actually fighting with yourself. Today we’re going to talk about those pieces that make you want to tear out your hair or thr...
2021-05-2230 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellSparking Creative PassionPassion is a vital ingredient to staying motivated and focused on our creative work. It helps us find our own direction and voice and keeps us going even under hard personal circumstances or times when the outside world is failing to provide validation. Passion is a source of creative energy that sustains and revitalizes us. But is creative passion something we just have as an innate part of our personality? Or can it be nurtured and developed if we lack it? Today we talk about creative passion, and how to nurture and honor its role in our lives as...
2021-05-1535 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellSearching for StoriesSince the beginning of time, artists have told stories with their work. Sometimes the messages are straightforward and other times open to interpretation. Stories can be told with recognizable imagery, with symbols, and even with purely abstract elements. At the heart of telling stories is our desire to communicate and the human love of narrative. Do you think of your work as telling stories? In today’s discussions, we hope to open your mind to the narrative aspects of your work and perhaps enable you to mine your stories for new ideas.
Throughout art history, storytelling has be...
2021-05-0835 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellVisual IdeasArtists often worry that their work is derivative of another artist’s work and may be very concerned about being overly influenced by someone else’s style or technique. This problem certainly does exist in the art world and is something to guard against because most of us do want our work to be original and unique. But in every field of endeavor, people build on and respond to the work of others, and this is no different for artists. Today we talk about building on, rather than appropriating, other people’s ideas.
Being authentic in our work d...
2021-05-0137 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellAuthenticityThe artist’s life is challenging in ways that go beyond producing strong work, as difficult as that may be. An art practice also makes huge demands of us on a personal and emotional level. Although we love what we do, all of us sometimes feel overwhelmed by these demands, which include the need for constant self-examination, brutal honesty, and being willing to push through difficulties. Yet we know that these challenges come with the territory and are the path to true personal expression. Today we will focus on the challenge and rewards of being authentic and honest with ou...
2021-04-2526 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellThe Messiest Studio... EVER!Did you know there was a well-known artist whose studio was so impressive for its mess that the entire place was reproduced piece by piece in a museum after his death? We are talking about British painter Francis Bacon, famous for his expressionistic figurative work, and whose reproduced studio is permanently housed in a museum in Dublin, Ireland. Today we’re going to look at the story of his studio chaos –and offer words of encouragement for those whose studios may not be famous, but perhaps almost as messy as Francis Bacon’s.
It's easy to think that u...
2021-04-1734 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellKeeping Records: The Stress and MessThere probably are a lot of artists who are able to keep accurate, up to date records of their inventory, sales, expenses, materials, and contacts. They have systems that are efficient and neat, and any information they need about their art careers can be easily retrieved from a file. Then there are those who fail miserably at organization, and whose records--if they exist--are in total confusion. A question about the location of a certain painting, or the need to put together images of work for a presentation is cause for panic. Are you somewhere in between these extremes, or...
2021-04-1031 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellBuilding A ConnectionCreating art is a way to share our thoughts, the ways we see the world, and experience life. This communication is vital-- even when we’re immersed in our process, thinking only of the next step ahead--our unseen, largely unknown audience is with us. Very few artists work in total isolation, with no desire to connect or communicate with viewers. Yet artists are also encouraged to follow their own vision, to not let other people’s reactions pull them off track. Today we’ll toss around some thoughts about the desire to connect with our viewers, and what this means...
2021-04-0331 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellFinding DowntimeAs much as we may appreciate living an entrepreneurial lifestyle, juggling its many demands can be exhausting and challenging. Artists who are also involved in the business of art can easily feel scattered and stressed by all the tasks needed to stay productive and on track. But one of the most challenging demands may be stepping away from all of that on a regular basis. Today we will toss around some ideas for the type-A personalities among us who find it hard to relax.
As self-employed people, we can easily feel that we need to work all...
2021-03-2041 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellOverworking ItArtists are often cautioned not to overwork their pieces, especially when the medium is drawing or painting. This advice is meant to prevent work that is too fussy or refined, or otherwise lacking energy. But many artists place importance on fine-tuning their work, and on paying close attention to detail. The art-world advice against overworking may not apply to everyone’s approach. Today we’ll take a closer look at how this advice can sometimes get in the way of creating your best work.
Often instructors and other artists will tell someone, “don’t touch it, it’s done.” I...
2021-03-1329 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellYour Body Of WorkAs artists, we need ways to organize our work in our minds, on our websites or in our presentations. Where do logical connections exist and how can grouping certain pieces together aid in understanding them? Thinking of your output as “bodies of work” is a useful approach. But this is also one of those vague art terms that means different things to different people. What constitutes a body of work? How many pieces does it include? Is it the same as a series? Today we’ll be examining this term in the hopes of providing some insight into how it app...
2021-03-0634 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellThe Power Of IntentionsA work of art created with intention is compelling--we intuitively recognize when something is done with purpose and inner direction. Yet as artists we are also seekers and explorers in our work. Our creative path is often wandering rather than straight, and it may seem false or against our nature to state a clear intention or meaning behind our work. How can we work with intention yet remain open and flexible? What are the advantages of clarifying intentions?
Knowing what is most meaningful to you in your work and applying that knowledge in a flexible way is...
2021-02-2737 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellReinventing YourselfMany of go through times in our lives when we make radical changes—either by choice or because of something imposed on us by circumstance. But even if the big change is something, we want to make mixed feelings are inevitable and stressful as we let go of the old and step into the new. Big changes challenge the very idea of who we are and how we operate in the world. How can an art practice help us through a time when we either need --or want--to reinvent ourselves?
Sometimes our art changes as a result of...
2021-02-2032 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellCreating A Daily SeriesWorking in series is usually an involved process in terms of both time and focus. Artists are often known for series that explore ideas in a sustained, deep way. But the intriguing aspects working in series can also happen in a quicker, more spontaneous way, with a new piece each day. Today we’ll look at working in series with a sketchbook, or using other small or quick formats, and explore how this can be an important part of an artist’s practice.
Series of any kind generate and develop new ideas, grow technical ability, and help to o...
2021-02-1433 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellAbstraction and Your Inner ChildWe all drew, painted, and made things out of playdough and construction paper as little children, in spontaneous and unselfconscious ways. Some of us retain those memories, and we may also have children or grandchildren whose artwork we love. The art of children affords an intriguing view of a very different way of seeing and thinking than we have as adults, and many abstract artists have found it a source of inspiration. Today we look at some special qualities of child art and how it may feed our abstract ideas.
Many contemporary artists find kid’s art in...
2021-02-0837 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellAbstracting With SymbolsAbstract artists find many ways to bring meaning to their work. For some, this may be purely an investigation of color, line, or other elements. For others—it is the expression of emotion or evoking aspects of the visual world. Today we’re going to look at another powerful way that artists can bring meaning to abstraction—through the use of symbols, whether personal in origin or more universally recognized.
We recognize and use many symbols in daily life—every company religion, government, and organization adopts symbolic iconography, and written language and numbers are symbols also. In art, sym...
2021-01-3133 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellWhen Is It Finished?Every time we make a piece of art, we reach the point of deciding if it’s finished --yet as common as this moment is in studio life, it is often one of doubt and second-guessing. What are some meaningful criteria for when something is done? Are there questions to ask ourselves in declaring something finished? Do we have to finish everything, or is it OK to abandon certain pieces? Today we will look at this ordinary but complex process of deciding a work of art is done.
Many times, artists look to others for an opinion ab...
2021-01-2335 min
The Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellSuccessAlthough most of us wish for success with our work and art careers, defining what that means is tricky, changeable, and very personal. Does success mean selling your work, recognition in the art world, or simply your own satisfaction with what you create? How do our ideas of success shift over time? Can we be satisfied with our current level of success or do we always want more? Today, as we look ahead to a new year, we’ll toss around some ideas about success and what it means for working artists.
The dictionary definition of success is...
2021-01-1643 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellLessons From 2020At the end of 2020, we’re overloaded with reflections in the media about how society has navigated this strange and difficult pandemic year. On a personal level, we all have stories of struggles, loss, insights, and changes. Today we are especially interested in what this time has meant for us as artists. Last week, Rebecca posed the question to our listeners “How did 2020 impact your work?” and today on our first podcast of 2021, we’ll share some of the responses we received as well as our own thoughts.
The responses we received aligned with the same pattern we saw e...
2021-01-0438 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellAbstracting with EmotionAbstract artists are sometimes stereotyped as uninhibited people who slap paint down in direct response to strong emotion. But this idea is far from accurate. While many abstract painters do aim to express emotion and mood, their approaches vary widely --from spontaneous to highly controlled. And even the most intuitive artists need to thoughtfully consider their use of the visual elements and design principles. Today we will look at painting abstractly as an expression of emotion, mood, remembrance, or other states of mind.
While we may think of abstract expressionist painters of the mid-20th c. as...
2020-12-2639 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellAbstracting with Lines and MarksLines and marks in a work of art connect the viewer very directly with the hand of the artist. They can express individuality, add structure, and show evidence of the artist’s process. Perhaps because these visual elements can reveal so much, many artists are self-conscious about using them and when they do, the results can appear contrived, awkward, or random. How can we use lines and marks in purposeful ways that feel right to us? What might more intentional use of lines and marks bring to our work?
Similar to the urge to view a Rembrandt or...
2020-12-1233 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellWhat Other Artists Teach UsAs artists, we are also appreciators and often consumers of art. We not only buy and trade for art, we also study the art of others through art books, documentary films, exhibits, and lectures. What can we gain from looking deeply at the art of others?
It’s often said that artists are sponges, in the sense that we look to other artists and their work as sources of ideas and inspiration. We soak up ideas and wring them out in our own unique ways. If we are sponges, what are we soaking up?
One of...
2020-12-0541 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellThe WOW FactorWords like “wow,” “stunning,” and “amazing” are music to the ears of many artists. We all create plenty of art that elicits no more than a passing glance or Instagram “like” and that’s fine—it’s part of the process. If we are making art constantly, what we make includes a range of qualities and ideas. But what is it about those special pieces that makes them stand out and really engage the viewer? What can we learn from them and what questions do they raise?
If art is communication, our work that really engage people is telling us somethin...
2020-11-2832 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca Crowell2020 Thanksgiving Spectacular!2020 has been a rough year so far for many of us. We don’t need to go into all the ways we’ve experienced anxiety, loss, and other struggles. But today, Thanksgiving Day in the US, is a good day to think about the things we are grateful for and have helped us make it through this difficult year. For many of our listeners that includes gratitude for family and friends, appreciation of nature, and of course, our art practices.
Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate it in whatever ways possible this year. This year we may feel...
2020-11-2633 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellAbstracting Our Visual ExperienceAbstraction takes many forms for artists—from working with the visual elements for their own sakes to using emotion and mood as a starting point, to interpreting what they see in the world around them. Many artists combine these approaches to find their own personal voice in abstraction. Today we are going to examine the path favored by many artists who are inspired by the figure, the landscape, or other subjects in the visual world while avoiding literal depiction. What are some things to consider if this is your own direction, or intrigues you with its possibilities?
A...
2020-11-2136 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellBreaking The RulesThe limitations and parameters we place for ourselves in the studio can have both positive and negative effects on our work. Like so many aspects of art practice, the challenge is to find a personal balance that suits us—in this case somewhere between being too rigid and too scattered. What rules do we set for ourselves and how well do they serve us? Are there rules that we accept from other people that don’t suit us, personally? Can our own helpful boundaries shift over time?
We use many words to describe these boundaries, including focus, inte...
2020-11-1439 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellStudio Tips, Tricks, and HacksOnce again, our listeners have come through with answers to our Facebook query about ideas for storage, worktops, unusual tools, and other studio tips to make our spaces and processes more efficient and yes neater and more organized. Even those of us who happily work in messy conditions like to be able to locate our supplies and to use our available space in the best ways. Today we’ll talk about some of the tips people gave us for improving their studio spaces and working methods and add a few of our own.
The enthusiasm shown for th...
2020-11-0637 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellNature's Art SuppliesA trip to the art supply store or website is something most of us enjoy. We’re not just stocking up, but entertaining possibilities, wondering what a new color of paint or kind of brush or sculptural tool could bring to our work. Exploring new materials is part of what we do as artists. But there’s also a world of art materials and processes available at no cost, outside in nature. What can be done with sticks, dirt, rocks, feathers, bones, and other bits of nature? Today we’ll toss around some ideas for using natural objects as art ma...
2020-10-3132 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellThoughts on Creative ProcessWith all of the ups and downs that we go through in the studio, it may be helpful to know that the creative process involves stages that are fairly predictable and universal--some of which are challenging. Although these stages or steps are usually described as taking place as a linear progression --from initial idea to finished work--most of us find our own process to be more complex. Today we’ll discuss these creative stages as a reminder of what we all go through as artists, while at the same time acknowledging that few things can be described neatly and si...
2020-10-2431 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellConfidenceConfidence often seems to go along with success in the art world—when talking about the business side of things, qualities like self-assurance, decisiveness, and the ability to speak well about your work are important. In the studio, confidence may take a more private form—the ability to try new things, or to carry through with major projects. While there’s no doubt that confidence is a good thing, many artists feel they fall short of having it. Today we’re going to talk about confidence in a somewhat philosophical way that may help see it more broadly.
In thi...
2020-10-1834 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellOlder and Wiser: Creativity in Later YearsIn many ways, art is a great leveler of personal differences among those who create it. Along with other personal factors like gender and ethnicity, the age of an artist often has little or no impact on the pure, wordless first encounter between viewer and art. On the other hand, as artists we know that many aspects of our personal lives do affect the content of our work and how we go about making it. Today we are going to talk about some effects of aging on artists and their studio practices.
There are many benefits of...
2020-10-0938 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellExploring CollageA couple of weeks ago we did an episode about working in mixed media, and collage figured prominently among the artists who responded to our Facebook question about the topic. Collage interests many artists because of its potential to bring various materials, images, and processes together in surprising and expressive combinations. Today we’ll look at some of the approaches that artists use who work in collage, and why they are drawn to this way of working.
Collage refers to joining bits and pieces of various sources together-- images, materials, processes, and ideas. The term usually refers to...
2020-10-0246 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellCooking Up Something GoodIn our almost three years of recording podcasts, we have often found ourselves comparing cooking and art in terms of process and outcome. Since our podcast description includes “life in general” we thought it would be fun to move away from the messy studio and into the messy kitchen for an episode that explores the ways that cooking and creating art share aspects of creativity.
Many artists excel at cooking and enjoy it as a relaxing and creative activity. The parallels to making art include the sensory aspect of working with materials, the need for creative innovation, bala...
2020-09-2648 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellMaterial WorldThe materials an artist uses are one of the first things we notice when looking at art—we may see paint, clay, wood, paper, pencil, or intriguing combinations of many materials and processes. Beyond their visual impact alone, materials can also evoke feelings and ideas that add to the meaning of the work. Today we’re going to talk about materiality in art—its impact and the decisions involved in choosing art materials.
As an art term, materiality refers to the importance placed on the physical aspects of a work of art, what it is made with and th...
2020-09-1234 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellHow Others See YouWe create our art and conduct our art careers mostly from within the bubble of our own point of view. But our reputations are important to our success and they are defined by the way other people see us. From within our own perspectives, we can lose sight of how we come across to our colleagues, collectors, students, galleries, and others who define us in the outside world. Today will be talking about shaping your reputation as an artist, and why it is important.
Reputation can be a fraught topic, especially for the introverts among us who...
2020-09-0550 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellSeeking ValidationAs artists, we love knowing that our work is appreciated by other people—whether that comes to us via exhibits, sales, awards, positive comments on social media, or simply from friends and family who respond to what we do. And even though many artists would say that recognition and validation are secondary to making the work, it can be still hard to stay motivated without some positive input. Today we’ll talk about the desire for validation alongside the pure need to create and how they can complement each other in our art practices.
Many artists would make...
2020-08-2936 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellThose Awkward MomentsIn a recent podcast, we talked about the remark often made about abstract artists --” my kid could paint that.” But there are lots of other things people say to and about artists that show a lack of understanding or even hostility toward art. When these happen in conversation, they can create some awkward moments. Most of us tend to feel defensive when this happens, and we can miss an opportunity to elevate the conversation. Today we’ll talk about some of these common remarks, consider why people make them, and ways to handle them gracefully.
As artist...
2020-08-2242 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellMy Kid Could Do That!Saying that an abstract painting is something a preschooler could do sounds like the ultimate putdown for abstract art. It implies that abstraction is a scam, meant to fool the viewer into thinking it has actual importance and ridiculing the fact that it is sold for thousands of dollars. It also denies that it takes effort, skill, or seriousness to make the work. But can that same remark be viewed in a positive light instead? What do we lose as adult artists that children have naturally, before becoming self-conscious about their work? And is child art really the equivalent...
2020-08-1537 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellRoughing It: All About TextureAlong with color, texture is one of the most evocative visual elements, engaging not only our eyes but our sense of touch—as well as our memories and associations. Many artists seek out ways of creating texture and consider it one of the most important aspects of their work. Yet because it is such a powerful element it needs to be used thoughtfully, and often with restraint. How can we use texture most effectively in our work, allowing it to take its place with other visual elements without overpowering them? What are the special qualities of texture that can be...
2020-08-0829 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellGrowing Pains and GainsA theme in all of our podcasts over time has been encouraging artistic growth. To us, growth is a given, something all of us strive as artists and as people. But what does it really mean to grow artistically and why is it important? What can you look for in your work to know if it is growing? Today we will look at what growth means in our studio practices and share thoughts about its importance.
The need for growth is embedded in our human psyches, and we all experience immense growth as children and as young...
2020-08-0136 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellAre You Curious?We were all curious as children and many artists retain that trait as vital to dynamic art practice. Yet curiosity can be fragile, disappearing in the face of information overload or the desire to seem knowledgeable and in control. To be curious, to wonder, to explore –all are aspects of ourselves that keep us young, with room to grow. Today we will look at how to nurture curiosity in your art practice and the importance of exploring and wondering, in art and in life.
During our current COVID-related shut-down, many artists are feeling free of gallery pressures an...
2020-07-2535 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellEditing with EnergyArtists need to edit, too!. Of course, we’re all familiar with the idea of editing as it applies to writing. It is often said that every author needs an editor to make sure that their writing is technically correct, cohesive, and impactful. But as visual artists we don’t typically involve anyone else in that kind of role --it's up to us to do it ourselves. Today we will talk about editing our work for stronger and more consistent results and point out that it need not be a chore or necessary evil.
Why is editing so i...
2020-07-1838 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellCreative CollectionsWhen artists collect, it’s often --but not always --related to our art practices. We tend to collect works of art that we’ve bought or traded for, art books, memorabilia like announcements and posters, and of course, art supplies. But what about the more unexpected things we gather in our homes and studios? What do our collections tell us about ourselves and our attraction to certain kinds of objects? Today we’ll report on what some artists had to say when Rebecca posed the topic on Facebook, along with our own musings about the meaning of collections.
Coll...
2020-07-1138 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellSurrounded By AdviceAs artists, we all want to grow and improve our own work, and we are often surrounded by the advice and opinions of other people. While some advice is helpful, it can sometimes undermine our unique, personal voice. It can be hard to sort the good advice from the bad. It is also important to realize that our own accepted opinions may need to be challenged in order for our work to advance. Unfortunately, we may hear more bad advice than good. A mentor of Ross’s once told him “if you follow the advice of 90% of the people you...
2020-02-1529 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellIdeas For Your BookshelfWe talked last time about the role that art-related books play in the lives of artists, and the importance of continuing to educate ourselves in various ways. This week we turn our attention to the specific titles and authors recommended by Rebecca, as well as other artists who weighed in on our Facebook poll asking for input about significant art-related books. Many artists are very passionate about their books and recommendations, which were wide-ranging. Here is the complete list of the titles discussed in the episode:
Art History/Art Movement related
Kiki’s Paris: Artists an...
2020-01-2533 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellSharing Studio SecretsRebecca and Ross discuss why sharing your process and techniques with others helps to advance your own work and career.
Intro:
An artist’s creative process is not always easily accessed by others—it may include technical secrets as well as approaches that are simply hard to convey to others even if there is a desire to share. Do the art practices of others seem mysterious to you? Do you guard some of your own studio secrets, and why? In this episode we’ll look at the pros and cons of keeping studio secrets and how transp...
2019-09-2131 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellWorking On Your Website Part 2Rebecca and Ross continue their discussion on building your artist website.
Create an artist website on Wix today!
Episode mentioned: https://messystudio.fireside.fm/55
www.messystudiopodcast.com
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.squeegeepress.com
2019-09-1230 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellWorking On Your Website Part 1Rebecca and Ross discuss common pitfalls in artist websites and why your website is important.
Create a website today with Wix! It is fast, easy, and free to get started.
www.messystudiopodcast.com
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.squeegeepress.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
2019-09-0835 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellSurgical Abstraction, Interview with Steve ImmermanIn this week's episode, Rebecca and Ross join Steve Immerman, a Wisconsin artist working in fused glass. Steve discusses his beautifully designed intricate glasswork, how he developed his art practice, his creative process and the relationship between his art and his day job as a general surgeon.
https://immermanglass.com/
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.squeegeepress.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcastSpecial Guest: Steve Immerman.
2019-06-2226 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellKeeping It Goingwww.rebeccacrowell.com
www.squeegeepress.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
Notes:
PODCAST—Keeping it Going
Intro:
Several listeners have asked us to talk about how to stay motivated and on track
with work in the studio. Maybe it is a reflection of the winter doldrums (which we
talked about last week) but blocks and down times can happen any time of year.
How do you cope with feelings of boredom and frustration that make it hard to
keep working?
A big topic with no ri...
2019-03-1626 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellGetting Through WinterRebecca and Ross discuss the difficulties of dealing with the extreme winter that many artists are experiencing.
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.squeegeepress.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
Podcast notes:
Getting through Winter
Intro: A lot of our listeners live in places that have had a very difficult winter this
year with lots of snow, below zero temperatures, and bad roads, and all of this
means added stress, challenges and time-consuming chores that can interfere
with the more creative aspects of life.
Last week Rebecca asked...
2019-03-0925 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellMerging Art and LifeWhat activities, passions, or interests do you pursue outside your studio (art related or otherwise)? Do you think they feed your main work or focus? Rebecca and Ross discuss answers submitted on Facebook, as well as their own thoughts on the subject.
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.squeegeepress.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
PODCAST notes: merging art and life
Ross Intro: A while back Rebecca posed this question on Facebook,
what activities, passions, or interests do you pursue outside your studio (art
related or otherwise)? Do you think they feed...
2019-02-1633 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellPacing YourselfRebecca and Ross talk about how to pace yourself to be efficient and avoid burnout... skills that they haven't actually mastered themselves.
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.squeegeepress.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
PODCAST—Pacing yourself
In the big picture and more specifically…
Managing your art life can be overwhelming.
How to avoid burnout?
Burnout=losing motivation, feeling discouraged, exhausted, trapped by demands,
negativity
PACING In the big picture—the need to maintain creative energy—what do you
need to nurture that?
Many of...
2019-02-0930 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellPreparing For An ExhibitRebecca is preparing for an upcoming exhibit in Atlanta, Georgia. She talks with Ross about her process and shares tips for artists preparing for a first show.
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.squeegeepress.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
Podcast notes—exhibit prep
Focus for the podcast on a show where you have 8+ pieces; a small group,
two person, or solo show
Getting a show:
Are you ready??
Request from your gallery if not asked
Proposal to non-commercial space = find out requirements, write
proposal/statement
Co...
2019-02-0249 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellIncrease Your Income with Creative Problem SolvingRebecca and Ross apply the Creative Problem Solving process to finding possibilities for increasing your art income.
Follow along the CPS steps at http://www.innovationmanagement.se/imtool-articles/the-basics-of-creative-problem-solving-cps/
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.squeegeepress.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
2019-01-2638 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellWriting Artist StatementsRebecca and Ross discuss how to write a good artist statement and why they are important.
art statement generator: https://www.artybollocks.com/generator.html
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.squeegeepress.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
2019-01-2040 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellWriting About ArtEvery artist is expected to write about their work--including emails, artist statements, and proposals. Rebecca and Ross share some tips to improve your writing and also thoughts about more personal writing to enhance your creative process or as an art blog.
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.squeegeepress.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
2019-01-1237 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellSelecting A WorkshopRebecca and Ross discuss choosing a workshop and how to get the most out of the workshop experience.
www.squeegeepress.com
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
2019-01-0535 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellCelebrating Our First YearRebecca and Ross review their first year of producing the Messy Studio Podcast and extend thanks to their listeners. It's been fun and successful! They discuss past guests and topics, and their goals and plans for the future.
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.squeegeepress.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
2018-12-2228 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellDealing With Older WorkRebecca and Ross discuss how to deal with older work, slides, and current technologies for storing and organizing images of older work.
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.squeegeepress.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
2018-12-1534 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellThe Importance Of TitlesRebecca and Ross discuss how and why to title your work.
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.squeegeepress.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
2018-11-2428 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellCreating On A BudgetThis episode is a sneak peak at the new Messy Studio video series! Rebecca and Ross talk about creating art with a limited budget. Video will be available soon...
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.squeegeepress.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
2018-11-1729 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellScams and SchemesRebecca and Ross discuss common scams and schemes in the art world.
www.squeegeepress.com
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
www.artbusiness.com/artist-pay-to-play-list
http://newamericanpaintings.com
http://studiovisitmagazine.com
2018-11-0327 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellThe Price is Right...or Maybe WrongRebecca and Ross discuss ther tricky business of how to value and price your work, unofficial rules of the art world and tricks of the trade.
www.squeegeepress.com
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
2018-10-2729 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellAbstracting From Place Part 2Rebecca and Ross dive into the nuts and bolts and explore the process of bringing experiences from unique settings into the studio.
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.squeegeepress.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
2018-10-2027 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellAbstracting From Place Part 1Rebecca returns from Spain and sits down with Ross to discuss the process of absorbing new places and experiences which can later be incorporated into artwork.
www.rebeccacrowell
www.coldwaxbook.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
2018-10-1327 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellThe Creative PullRebecca and Ross discuss what draws people toward particular forms of expression and how to choose your own path.
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.coldwaxbook.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
2018-09-1532 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellCreating in SeriesRebecca and Ross talk about important ways that working in series can enhance the creative process.
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.squeegeepress.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
2018-09-0727 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellSelf AssuranceRebecca and Ross talk about building self assurance and confidence, especially for artists just starting out, or when creative blocks occur. .
Previous episode mentioned:
https://messystudio.fireside.fm/24
Books Mentioned:
Free Play: Improvisation in Life and Art-- by Stephen Nachmanovitch
Trust the Process: An Artist's Guide to Letting Go-- by Shaun McNiff
The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Creativity--by Julia Cameron
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.coldwaxbook.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
2018-09-0130 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellSelf CritiqueWhat do you envision for your best work and what should your focus be in order to improve your work? Rebecca and Ross discuss looking at your work with a critical eye while treating yourself like a friend and enjoying the process.
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.squeegeepress.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
Book mentioned, Trust the Process by Shaun McNiff
2018-08-2528 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellCreative PersonalitiesAnother listener suggestion! What personality traits do artists tend to have in common? Rebecca and Ross discuss some typical characteristics of creative people.
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.squeegeepress.com
www.facebook.com@messystudiopodcast
Articles referenced:
The Creative Personality by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi/ Psychology Today
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/199607/the-creative-personality
18 Things Creative People Do Differently by Carolyn Gregoire/ Huffington Post
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/04/creativity-habits_n_4859769.html
Books Mentioned:
Free Play: Improvisation in Life and Art-- by Stephen Nachmanovitch
Trust the Process...
2018-08-1831 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellThe Car ShowRebecca has recently purchased a new car, and her Facebook post on the subject generated over 100 comments--suggestions, questions and testimonials. Who knew artists were so passionate about their cars? On today's episode, Rebecca and Ross give practical advice on choosing and buying both new and used cars.
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.coldwaxbook.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
2018-08-1140 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellCrafting An Online PersonaRebecca and Ross discuss the positives and negatives of living in the digital social media age, and the importance of curating your online presence.
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.coldwaxbook.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
2018-08-0427 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellThe Fortress Of SolitudeRebecca and Ross discuss the importance of alone time and the role it plays in the creative process.
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.coldwaxbook.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
2018-07-2825 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellThe Artist Residency ExperienceRebecca and Ross discuss her experiences at various artist residencies, their importance to her work, and tips for people thinking about attending a residency.
Website mentioned:
http://www.resartis.org/en/
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.squeegeepress.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
2018-07-2128 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellParenting As An ArtistRebecca and Ross discuss the challenges of balancing parenting with an art career, both from the perspective of the artist and the child.
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.coldwaxbook.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
2018-07-1433 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellCompetitionRebecca and Ross follow up their conversation on collaboration with a discussion on competition. They describe the positive and negative aspects of competition and how artists should judge their own success against others.
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.coldwaxbook.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
2018-06-3029 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellCollaborationRebecca and Ross give advice and discuss their experiences in collaborating with others both in art and in business.
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.coldwaxbook.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
2018-06-2332 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellCleaning Up Your Mindset and AttitudeRebecca and Ross talk about maintaining a healthy attitude and mindset. Stay positive!
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.coldwaxbook.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
2018-06-0232 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellFinding Personal PathRebecca and Ross talk about finding your personal path in the art world and life.
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.coldwaxbook.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
2018-05-2632 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellFinding Personal VoiceRebecca and Ross discuss personal voice in painting, what it is and how to find it.
www.rebecccacrowell.com
www.coldwaxbook.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
2018-05-0532 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellSurviving Travel HellRebecca's return trip from Ireland did not go quite as planned. She discusses her travel troubles with Ross and shares what she learned as a result.
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.coldwaxbook.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
2018-04-2132 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellBeing ProfessionalRebecca and Ross discuss how to enter the art world and present yourself as a professional.
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.coldwaxbook.com
www.facebook.com/MessyStudioPodcast/
2018-04-1435 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellDiving Into Abstraction, Part 2Rebecca and Ross discuss various approaches to abstraction, transitioning into abstraction from realism, and what can be gained by pushing the boundaries of abstraction.
www.coldwaxbook.com
www.rebeccacrowell.com
The Messy Bulletin Board
Paula Roland...
Paula Roland is a Santa Fe, New Mexico artist known for her works in monotype and painting, for her teaching, and for developing the Roland HOTbox™, a heated palette and monotype/monoprint surface for encaustic.
Roland has also developed the Carbon Lab Mash-up, a workshop she teaches which includes carbon-based media such as graphite, bi...
2018-03-2437 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellDiving Into Abstraction, Part 1Rebecca and Ross have their first of two discussions focusing on abstraction, based on a listener request. Rebecca talks her personal evolution into non-representaional work, a path that has spanned many years.
http://www.rebeccacrowell.com
https://www.coldwaxbook.com
2018-03-1756 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellFinishing Your WorkRebecca Crowell and co-host Ross Ticknor discuss completing a painting, how to tell when it is finished, how to select a title (Ross objects to untitled work) and how to prepare it for going out into the world.
http://www.rebeccacrowell.com
https://www.coldwaxbook.com
2018-03-0338 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellAll About Teaching, Part 2: The Workshop ExperienceRebecca and Ross continue their discussion on teaching. This episode focuses more on workshops, and the intense and highly focused personal interaction that takes place during a workshop. Ross and Rebecca clash over minimalism. During the discussion they shockingly confuse the work of one color field minimalist with another. The piece Ross was thinking of was "Red, Yellow, Blue II" by Ellsworth Kelly which can be seen at the Milwaukee Art Museum (http://collection.mam.org/details.php?id=8007), and not "Who's Afraid of Red, Yellow, and Blue IV" by Barnett Newman. It hangs at the Berlin Nationalgalerie and...
2018-02-1732 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellBalancing Work, Travel, and Family TimeThis is an episode that Rebecca and Ross recorded while Rebecca was in Wisconsin for the holidays. They discuss balancing a family and personal life with an art career, and new developments in Rebecca's work. Rebecca has two upcoming shows, as well as a return trip to Ireland in the Spring. She also discusses working thematically adapting to various working conditions.
2018-01-2736 minThe Messy Studio with Rebecca CrowellLeaving for IrelandRoss interrupts Rebecca's preparations for her trip to Ireland to discuss creating art while traveling! Topics discussed include the TSA and how best to pack the art essentials. Rebecca also discusses networking in the art world, getting into a gallery, and selling work outside of the gallery system.
2018-01-0731 min