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artchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George100 - pivotal momentsGahhhhh it’s the 100th episode of artchatter. Who knew? So here we are doing something a little different in celebration. Three-ish years, two artists and one question for four (technically five, but for aesthetics) people who inspire us… What’s the question? Simple. Did you have a pivotal moment in your career?A significant moment where something clicked, you grabbed an opportunity or had a realisation that you were on to something. Conversely, when you finally decided things had to...2025-04-2351 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George95 - the dirty wordIt’s such an icky word to many artists - selling. Why? We need to get over ourselves and let people who like our work, admire our ethos or want to start collecting see it, know it’s for sale and actually have the opportunity to buy it! But how, you ask? Karen has seen some inspiring stuff lately, and Gaynor has opinions. So here are some ideas to start off your thoughts process. Sign up to receive Karen’s Studio News  https://www.karengeorgeart.co.uk/ and Gaynor’s emails aka The Rippl...2025-02-1248 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George94 - comfort zonesIt’s easy to play it safe, to always rely on routine, but what if we feel the niggle to change things up? When we start to feel stale in life, in work, in paintings… how do we step outside of our comfort zone without traumatising ourselves?  As always you’re invited to join the conversation on social media @artchatterpodcast or comment on the podcast wherever you listen.  Sign up to receive Karen’s Studio News  https://www.karengeorgeart.co.uk/ and Gaynor’s emails https://gaynorljart.com/pages/contact Li...2025-01-2950 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George93 - word of the yearWe’re starting 2025 gently. Instead of signing up for all the workshops, courses and reinventing ourselves, (which, lets face it, are all incredibly tempting) we’re merely choosing a word to guide us, provide a reminder of what we want and pull us back to our chosen path when we get sidetracked.  What did we choose? It’s not a surprise that they’re very different, but maybe our intentions are similar.  Have you selected a word of the year? Tell us what it is, and why. As always you’re inv...2025-01-1546 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George92 - habits! and which ones are serving youHow many things do you do out of habit? What are you missing out on because you always do something that doesn’t serve you? Who do you want to see more of… let’s make good habits together, build resilience, build great self-care and become creatures of fabulous habits, not victims of our dodgy ones. So, tell us what you think! As always you’re invited to join the conversation on social media @artchatterpodcast or comment on the podcast wherever you listen. Sign up to receive Karen’s Studio New...2024-12-1845 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George91 - trusting your instinctsSometimes it can be easy to jump into things with FOMO driving us, sometimes we see others doing ALL the things on social media and love it all and want to be just like them. The trouble is, it’s not our thing. Do we plough on regardless, or do we reflect, learn what’s right for us and learn to trust our own judgment? Gut reaction, the click moment, the internal nod are all signs we’re on the right path for us and don’t need to follow the herd. Experience and confiden...2024-12-0453 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George90 - the right questionsHabits, tried and tested, keep us safe. We’re in our comfort zone and we know what to expect. Karen and Gaynor are noticing patterns - and questioning why they’re doing what they’re doing!  Are you in a rut of habits, too? Let’s reevaluate together!  Both Karen and Gaynor send out regular emails to subscribers - do sign up if you would like to receive them.  Links and mentions: Photo by Maxime Doré on Unsplash @societycafe Cam Valley...2024-11-2047 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George89 - with intention@karengeorgeart and I spend a lovely amount of time with other artists, so get to learn tons of great stuff from them. One amazing thing that we’ve realised lately is that those who do well consistently, are those who do things with intention.  Actions have consequences and all that…so let’s make our actions count.  Whatever and whenever we do things towards our art businesses, let’s do it with purpose, knowing why we’re doing it… let’s go forward with intention.  Links and menti...2024-11-0646 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George88 - what is it you need?Are you like us having regular accountability calls, creating a to-do list and rushing to get it all done?  Well, hold on a second…here’s a thought; are you caught up in a cycle of doing but not achieving? Are your accountability calls lovely chatty catch-ups with lots of encouragement but no action.  Is it time to reevaluate, ask some difficult questions and see if what you’re actually doing counts towards your goals and dreams?  It’s certainly time for @karengeorgeart and I to give ourselves a...2024-10-2343 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George87 - events within eventsArt exhibitions and trails are always worth a visit, there’s so much talent around, so many choices to be made. The difficulty arises when there’s so many exhibitions to see and schedule clashes for local art trails (it’s the season).  So, how can an artist add a little something to engage visitors, explain their work and encourage interaction. Gaynor and Karen have differing approaches (as always!) but experience has taught them both what can work for them and ideas to share.    Links and mentions: Photo Credit: Highlight ID on Unsp...2024-10-0945 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George86 - i am cringe but i am freeOkay… you’ve done thing. Now to promote it. We have to let people know, right?  Instagram: do a reel, a still, a carousel, onto Pinterest, email, Facebook, a quick Instagram live, and then onto stories. Oh and maybe YouTube. Phew. All done. Don’t make me tell people again… but algorithms. What if no one sees any of it? Hmmmm… Did the email go to ‘junk’?  So, we all get onto social media again and post the thing. Again. Then again. Maybe once more. Cringe. Do we post again? Cringe. Maybe another email. *breaks out in hives*  What if people get sick of...2024-09-2645 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen GeorgeOops! No Episode Today!Apologies! We’ll be back tomorrow with episode 86. Sometimes things happen and we’re a little delayed, but tomorrow we talk about the cringe factor. See you there, K & G xx 2024-09-2500 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George85 - getting honest with yourselfOkay. Phew. We did summer…and survived. Kids, families, holidays, down time… and now we have to find our footing again. Let’s get into some sort of routine, get our practice back, post on the socials, gather our harvest and display it to the world. Well, maybe just book in some rl events and get selling.  We’ve got this. Planners ready… Let’s go!  As a bonus, our wonderful editor (Ben Leverett-Jaques) collaborated with the rather amazing textile artist Sarah Joy Ford to provide a unique soundscape to accompany S...2024-09-1139 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George84 - biscuit theoremWho decides what’s good and what’s not worth looking at - who are the gatekeepers? Why does some work sell for tens of thousands, and others hold no value to the curators, historians and galleries?  Why do artists of one genre openly dismiss another?  What triggers you?  This week Gaynor and Karen were triggered by opinions stated as facts. Do join the conversation as we’d love to know what you think - also what triggers you?!  This week’...2024-08-2851 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George83 - the commitmentsDoes summer throw you a curveball, does it disrupt your art when other family members are around? How easy do you find it to block off time for your work during holidays, when trips abound, the sun shines or friends offer coffee dates?  This week Karen and Gaynor find ways to protect their creative time, although suggestions are always welcome.  Links and mentions: Photo by Gonard Fluit on Unsplash @ginabelfordart @johounsomephotography Jacqueline Ford  About the podcas...2024-08-1436 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George82 - social media dependenciesArtists need to be on Instagram daily, apparently. Oh and Facebook. Maybe chuck in some threads, Substack and X for good measure. We HAVE to be seen. Anyone else exhausted?  Who is making the rules? What if we just go with the flow, find our own rhythm and natural online home?  This week Karen and Gaynor tease out what is working for them and how to accommodate the pressures of social media expectations. Shout out to our friend, Harry Martel for the inspiration. Links and men...2024-07-3149 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George81 - letting goDeclutterring our studios highlighted all sorts of things we’d been holding onto, physically and metaphorically! Both realised old practices, old beliefs, old habits needed to be shown the door too. Time for a rethink! We’d once again like to thank the adorable @annafmacdonaldart for her help, guidance and sense of humour!  Links and mentions: Photo by The Jopwell Collection on Unsplash Anna F MacDonald About the podcast Gaynor Leverett-Jaques and Karen George are both ful...2024-07-1748 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George80 - being braveIs brave being ‘gung-ho’ or stepping back and trusting intuition?  Let’s give ourselves some credit. We all do something most people aren’t courageous enough to… we open up our souls to be judged. Too dramatic? What about risking criticism, earning a living in a challenging climate, facing our own self-doubt… or just showing up on social media on the daily? If you enjoy the podcast, please do give us a follow and share with everyone you know ;) This week’s links and mentions:  Anna F MacDonald 27th July workshop Amy McNee @inspiredtowrite @unpublishedpodcast Elizabeth Gilbert Big Magic Kellee Wynne The Big Shi...2024-07-0447 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George79 - declutter it allAs we dance merrily into our studios and sing happily opening our sketchbooks, loading our easels or mixing paint, there’s something joyous about studio time *sighs happily à la Snow White*. Except if you haven’t tidied. If you have your rubbish scattered on the floor, dirty brushes and erm where’s the cad red I love so much?! Can we ever really create in a space that isn’t clear enough for us to think? Ugh. Karen and Gaynor are taking stock and doing the thing we don’t want to do, but feel so much bet...2024-06-1948 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George78 - a balanced approachWe natter about self-worth, valuing ourselves, valuing our work, pricing and mindfulness… all as a result of attending an event with Alice Sheridan we’re both considering alllll the things - and invite you to do the same.  This week’s links and mentions:  Photo by Gustavo Torres on Unsplash Alan Partridge  Soul Made -  Alice Sheridan  Kellee Wynne  BS9 arts trail https://www.bs9arts.co.uk Beyond Boundaries  Footprint Gallery https://www.footprintgallery.co.uk Ironb...2024-06-0538 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George77 - stall wars: showing art in real lifeHow to show? Hang it all, go solo or team up with beautiful collaborators? Whatever you do, do it with generosity of spirit and a smile on your face! This week’s links and mentions: Image by Photo by Brigitta Schneiter on Unsplash Maya Angelou: “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Luke Holcombe https://www.lukeholcombestudio.com Ruth Thorpe https://www.ruththorpstudio.com Beyond Boundaries exhibition at the Footprint Gallery - 21st May to 2nd June https://www.footprintgallery.co.uk About t...2024-05-2248 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George76 - focusing upWhat are we all trying to achieve? We have so many to-do lists, time pressures, work pressures, life pressures… and so many of us are spinning.  Can we take time to breathe? Focus, prioritise and just let ourselves be for a few minutes..? This week’s links and mentions:  Photo by Rowan Freeman on Unsplash Kellee Wynne Studios https://www.kelleewynnestudios.com Stu McLaren Cam Valley Arts Trail About the podcast Gaynor Leverett-Jaques and Karen George are both full time artists, living and working in South West of the UK, sharing experiences and the ups and downs of living the painting...2024-05-0835 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George75 - walks of shame and worthy failuresHow do we all handle failure? How many rejections can we deal with - do they make you stronger or knock your confidence? Do we learn or feel dejected? There’s always something to learn and we grow-so let’s do it together!  Luckily (well, maybe not!) Karen and Gaynor have experienced it all… so here we go, let’s all hold hands and fail spectacularly together!  This week’s links and mentions:  Image by 青 晨 on Unsplash @ginabelfordart https://www.ginabelfordart.co.uk https://www.starvinga...2024-04-2450 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George74 - why bother?Sometimes life is a bit of a slog. We drag ourselves to the studio, to events, …to no avail! What to do when everything is an effort, nothing is going quite to plan and we hit a patch of despondency. Luckily, your friends, Karen and Gaynor have had those moments and have ideas about how to switch up the plan, lift the mindset and get back on the horse (enough clichés for you?). We’d like to thank each of you for listening, this is our way of giving to the art commu...2024-04-1047 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George73 - controlLet’s be honest, there are some things we all like to “manage” and “steer”. We want events -and artwork- to go a certain way, can any of us actually relax and go with the flow? Do you have lots of chaotic moments, but need to control the end results? Are you a genuine collaborator or do you tweak the final edit to your own liking?  In this week’s episode Gaynor and Karen realise they aren’t at completely opposite ends of the spectrum and definitely learn lots from each other!  Everl...2024-03-2749 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George72 - am I an artist?Do you consider yourself an artist? Do you get to call yourself an artist even when you’re not painting, taking a break or working in paid employment as well? This week’s podcast was inspired by an Instagram Post by Harry Martell - he got us thinking about why when artists have a paid job too they may consider their artist credentials “less than”. What qualifies the word and our work?  As two people who embrace the title and champion other artists, Karen and Gaynor discuss the confidence it takes to be oursel...2024-03-1353 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George71 - bouncing ideasWe can all have those racing thoughts and going-nowhere ideas, but when you’re a solo artist, hiding away in your studio space, who do you turn to? Who do you share and bounce ideas off?  Sometimes it takes a friend, accountability partner or mentor to hold a mirror up to us to realise just how much we’re capable of. Are you part of a mastermind group, do you love your mentor? Who’s championing you?  Finding someone or something that works can be as easy as asking. @karengeorgeart and @gaynorljart have experienced the different support networks and share what’s w...2024-02-2849 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George70 - when you don't know what to doEveryone else is doing ALLLL the stuff, they’re all great, but how do we get back into the groove when our mojo mosies off? As always, Karen and Gaynor have some ideas to share!  Thanks for listening, do follow on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to be notified when each episode drops (and let us know what you think with a review) Episode Links:  Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash @karenvenio_art  Extra Heavy Matt Gel from...2024-02-1444 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George69 - what's stopping you?When you think of a big challenge, do you revel in the idea? Do you rub your hands together and relish the task … or do you fight self-doubt, second-guess yourself and tell yourself everyone else is better than you anyway?! This week we ponder why we don’t see ourselves as others do. Why do they see us as braver than we sometimes feel - and how do we take the leap of faith? Thanks millions to our lovely community - we really love hearing from everyone. If you know someone you think may enjoy the artchatter podc...2024-01-3149 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George68 - social media madnessKaren went VIRAL!!! What does this mean? Is she now a superstar with a millionty billion followers?? Yeah…nooooooo. Not so much.  In a keeping it real (as opposed to reel) chat we look at the benefits and downsides of the socials.  Thank you for your patience during our tech hitch, and as always, thanks for listening. Do follow the podcast to avoid any future slightly delayed episodes! Episode Links:  Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash @taraleaver Creative Peptalk @the.travel.project Nigella Lawson  Caen Hill Locks  White Chalk Gallery, Devizes  About the podcast Gaynor Leverett-Jaques and Karen George are both full t...2024-01-1841 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeuh oh! a schedule goof-up storyOops! Unfortunately dear friends, there’s a technical issue so please pop back tomorrow for the real thing!2024-01-1700 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George67 - new year ready?How lucky are we that we get the chance to do this all again… but with the benefit of hindsight! What happened last year that lit you up? Which events felt like fun, what’s on the ‘loved it’ list and what went on the ‘never ever ever again in my whole life’ list? Join us as we talk about doing more of what lights us up. Let's make 2024 your success because it’s full of the good stuff. Episode Links: Photo by Millo Lin on Unsplash 2024-01-0340 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George66 - doing what it takes“Nothing that is meant for you will pass you by” a great reminder to us from a younger artist we shared space with recently: things will happen if you can keep the faith, keep going and remember to do whatever it takes to maintain a positive attitude to your art practice, finding your audience and community. Episode Links: Photo by Abbat on Unsplash @studio44AD @ruththorpestudio @easyframe @gemmasfunkyart @ginabelfordart About the podcast Gaynor Leverett-Jaques and Karen George are both full time artists, living and working in South West of the UK, sharing experiences and the ups and downs of living the...2023-12-1937 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George65 - are you having fun yet?We all do things out of obligation, make ourselves do things we’d really rather not and keep going regardless of our heavy hearts! But, should we? Do we have to? Why not choose to do the things that are fun-which immediately improves the chance of success. What if (this is radical-so hear us out!) we ONLY did things that light us up, make us happy and bring some fun into our work time? Wouldn’t that be the best? Episode Links: Photo by Xavi Cabrera on Unsplash @studio44AD @ruththorpestudio @joannahawker @gemmasfunkyart @ginabelfordart About the podcast Gaynor Leverett-Jaques and Karen...2023-12-0638 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George64 - slumpsBusy! Busy! Busy! Rushing to all the art events, open houses, open studios, art trails, Christmas things: prep, selling, posting out, updating the website, posting on insta (reels… carousels… oh and heck did I do story thing?)  …and then… Post Event Collapse Syndrome (it’s a thing) PECS or a blinking great SLUMP…  Let’s get through this together!!  Episode Links: @studio44AD About the podcast Gaynor Leverett-Jaques and Karen George are...2023-11-2243 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George63 - people pleasing“You DID NOT say yes to THAT” seems to be on repeat in our heads… is it just us that can’t say no?! While it’s lovely to step in to help, sometimes priorities have to be acknowledged, work needs to get done and “not today” “no thank you” and “I’m busy” become well rehearsed mantras! If you enjoy artchatter, please give us a like and share 💕 Episode links: Photo by Camylla Battani on Unsplash Anna F MacDonald - 30 day challenge Virginia Kerr - People Plea...2023-11-0848 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George62 - on finding successes, and learning how to handle themThe guilt of success. It’s a real thing…like survivors’ guilt but the whole doing well when someone else in the room isn’t. Do you cringe either when an arts trail is going great for you, or when it isn’t… Veering off track a little and giving tips on engagement, being present and generally having fun at real in-person events, because, let’s face it, it’s That Season! Episode links: Photo by Fotos on Unsplash @peacockartstrail  @abigail.leachceramics @littlespearfineart @clareduguidart @karengeorgeart @gaynorljart @galleryno56 About the podcast Gaynor Leverett-Jaques and Karen George are both full time artists, living and workin...2023-10-2552 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George61 - comparisonitisThere’s a chronic condition many artists suffer from-and it’s contagious. Do you, or someone you know suffer from comparisonitis?  Do you have insta-fatigue, art trail alarm, everyone’s-doing-better-than-me-attack, or I-can’t-do-this malaise? Here at the artchatter podcast emergency room we may not have a cure, but we do have some great ideas to prevent it and some tips to help assuage the rising panic. Mainly because both Karen and Gaynor (mainly Gaynor, let’s face it) have had moments of all of the above.  Together we can beat it… or at least give it a go! If you...2023-10-1139 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George60 - trials and collaborationsLet’s talk collabs.  Working together, working together but apart, sharing space, exhibiting with friends, inspiring each other… can it work? Why does it work? …and would you risk your arty friendships to stretch yourself?  We’ve watched our lovely friend artist Bron Jones collaborate with more than one other artist…all hands on engagement and sky high talent. She’s kindly shared her thoughts on the process.  Then good friends of the artchatter podcast, inspirational Sue Bulmer and Sam Waters share sketch books across the miles… so we thought we’...2023-09-2738 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George59 - risk assessments of an artist: a summer in reviewThe life of an artist can be very complicated. It sounds like a breeze doesn’t it, happily painting, but reality is there’s lots to consider - not limited to health and safety! We also chat free courses, paid courses, online learning and when to just stop signing on to everything! (Maybe that’s just Gaynor).  Episode Links: Photo by Rob Wicks on Unsplash Combe Down Arts Trail http://www.cdarttrail.com Peacock Art Trail https://www.peacockartstrail.co.uk Cam Valley Arts Trail h...2023-09-1345 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George58 - how to build your audienceWhile many of us can rely on family to LOVE that we’re creative, the ones we love often aren’t the audience for our work. They’re not our buyers. Sometimes they’ll buy a small piece or two as we step into the abyss of social media, galleries, websites, art trails and all the other scary unknowns. Then we’re on our own. Where to find our people…the ones who fall in love with our work? Once we’ve found them, how do we find more? Some things that work for other artists may not work for all. We ne...2023-08-3150 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George57 - the boatAre you too late? Too late to start something new, to jump onto the new thing, is everyone else doing what you thought of a few years ago, but didn’t get around to and now you feel you just can’t? Ugh. Right? Actually, no. You do you. When you’re ready. Anytime could be your right time to get on board, jump in or get to paddling. Warning: this episode contains mixed metaphors. Do leave us an honest review, share if you like us, and follow us on the socials if you’d like to know what we’re up to...2023-08-1645 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George56 - christmas in... august(?)🎶🎵“It’s beginning to look a lot like… 🎄” 🎶🎶 Erm… soooo this is awks BUT hear us out! All the big conglomerates and high street chains will be dragging out their tinsel with no shame as soon as the next month hits. They have mega expensive plans and goals and targets and all those things that make many an arty type cringe. But… what about us? Flailing to catch up as November screeches in?! Ohhhhh noooooo… Not this time! Let’s all think about what we’d like the next few months to look like. As you’d expect, we have id...2023-08-0251 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George55 - intergenerational pan-global summer art revolutionHow do you summer? Are you basking in pools, drinking exotic cocktails and completely switched off, … or manically wrangling children, grandchildren, dogs, cats and longingly eyeing your pencils and paint? Or are you able to embrace your sketchbook and sit, people watching, sketching and looking super bohemian? (The last one is my dream 😉) Maybe you’re all of the above, or non of those things… and that’s perfect, but without the guilt! Whatever you’re up to, as usual, we have ideas… let’s see how this goes! Fancy joining us on  #ar...2023-07-1942 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George54 - techniques for stepping back inWe all know that feeling (not just us, surely?) when we can’t move a painting forward… worse-can’t start a painting, or worst thing ever-can’t even face stepping into our studio space.  Gahhhhhhh WHAT TO DO? Worry not, dear friend, we’ve got ideas. We’ve got ideas because we have been there…  As always, if you enjoy spending time with us, do let your friends know… share on the socials and follow us wherever you listen to podcasts. Thanks ;)    Episode links:  Photo by Carlos...2023-07-0542 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George53 - what works for usIt’s always interesting to us to see how artists work, their inspiration, studios, how they do their thing… and we’ve been asked what we do. So, in the spirit of sharing (you know we love it!) we compare and contrast our practices… same same but ohhh so different!  What do you do? Share your practice, someone may well find a nugget that inspires them too 😊 As always, we would love you to leave an honest review, if you enjoy the podcast share with others you think may like it too...2023-06-2149 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George52 - finding the timeBusy, busy, busy… while it’s a great problem to have, how do we find the time to prioritise what we want to do most? Finding our way through the to-do lists to get some peace with our paints.  Episode links:  Photo by Lukas Blazek on Unsplash Lori Mirabelli Big Monthly Planner Bath Society of Artists annual Open Exhibition  Christine Lawes Gina Belford  Wild Escapes Exhibition at The Square Club Sketchbook to painting wo...2023-06-0748 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George51 - confidence, confidence, confidenceAll the talk of confidence and resilience in Epic Epi #50 gave us pause for thought. So many of our (amazing) contributors wished they’d been more confident when they were younger or starting out in their art careers. YES! US TOO! We get it.  But how? How do we gain confidence? It’s all very well thinking it, but doing it is a different thing altogether. Luckily we have some ideas… if you have some too, we’d love to hear them.  Episode links:  Photo Credit by Robert E...2023-05-2440 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George50 - fifty!Ever wished you’d been given the benefit of great advice from amazing artists, maybe ahead of you on their art career path?  Well, to celebrate our 50th episode (FIFTIETH 😳 ) we invited artists we admire and love to do just that… tell us all something that they perhaps wish they’d known way back when.  We have been blown away by the generosity of the contributing artists and offer them a huge thank you for their kindness and words of advice. All are thought-provoking, inspiring, and speak to their experiences. We hope you gain insight and carry their words with you long afte...2023-05-101h 04artchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George49 - what if?What would you do if… this week we wonder if the grass is greener in another other field. Remembering what we’ve done in past lives, and why we do art (at whatever level we choose or aim). We wander through alll the thoughts, but yet again, agree, in conclusion, that art is the best field…and we mix our own shade of juicy green. @stiffybags @sarahboden Connected artist club https://alicesheridan.com/artists/ United artspace https://www.unitedartspace.org Louise Fletcher https://www.louisefletcherart.com Róisín O’Farrell https://roisinofarrell.com Visual Artist Association https://visual-artists.org @official_lepetit...2023-04-2642 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George48 - putting your art out there (and how to stay safe about it)Okay, you’ve done the work, painted your socks off, set up on social media, prepped allll the things, booked a venue and you’re ready to chat to the public about it… and ohhhh my crikey, however lovely, they can be an odd bunch. What NOW? This week Karen and Gaynor share the highlights, pitfalls and the *sideeye* moments they’ve experienced… tell us yours?! If you enjoy our chat, please do leave us a review, hit the follow button and share us on social media… thank you ;) 2023-04-1247 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George47 - game plansWhat’s your game plan? Soooooo are you just going with the flow, manifesting like a master or do you meticulously follow a structured plan that’s guiding your every move? Karen and Gaynor are on different sides of the spectrum… Karen has it all written down and while Gaynor appears to be winging it, there are actually some similarities after all. Tell us your plan-what’s working for you? As always, many thanks for listening, we’d grateful if you’d follow the podcast and share on social media if you’ve enjoyed our...2023-03-2943 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George46 - on critiques and criticismsAre you your own worst critic? Ever asked for an opinion and instantly regretted it? This week Karen and Gaynor discuss the critical eye…when it’s useful and when it’s a confidence zapper, with thanks to our lovely listener and friend @helengrace.artist for the question… what a subject! If you enjoy artchatter let others know by sharing, or hitting the follow button on the podcast- and in keeping with this week’s subject, you get to critique or criticise if you review ;) Episode links: Photo credit Nick Fewings on Unsplas...2023-03-1548 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George45 - joining inAre you a course junkie, a joiner-in, a membership lover, have a love of alllll communities? This time we work out what works - Karen, as you’d maybe guess, is a considered member of groups, is the founder of an arts trail which is in its 10th year and offers sell out in-person workshops. Conversely Gaynor joins everything, but has a reluctance to engage fully…  Which are you? Do you value community? Do you WANT community? One thing is for sure artists by nature are very giving and generous.  Episode Links:  Image c...2023-03-0148 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George44 - books, covers, artists and othersDo you make assumptions? Do people make assumptions about you?  Can you tell who someone is and what they do at first glance? Okay, so this week we chat about lots of things we consider fact, but in reality, we’re not our own market, maybe we should chat to everyone without prejudging… and you’ll never know what could happen. Let us know what you think!  As alway, please do subscribe, share and leave us a comment!  Episode Links:  Image credit goes to Kenny Eliason on Unsplash Catherine Beale 2023-02-1541 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George43 - overcoming overwhelmSometimes we slip. Sometimes we slip up. Our creative time gets disrupted and we slide into the ditch. It’s about finding our way out to overcoming the banana skins life throws in our way.  We had an absolutely amazing annual planning session in our accountability group. It was great, we were all fired up, raring to go on little steps to grow big leaps - except Karen is in painting mode. She lost her focus and got lost in coffee and cake. We find out how she dealt with it, overcame it and found her painting moj...2023-02-0134 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George42 - work in progressWhilst Karen is tucked away in her studio splashing all the paint around, ready for a solo show, Gaynor is planning and thinking and collecting thoughts. We have different motivations - in fact we are such opposites we really do complement each other! Which are you… How do you work?  Do you follow us on Instagram? Have you signed up for Karen’s studio news or Gaynor’s monthly newsletter?  Maybe there’s a topic you’d like us to chat about… get in touch we’re always happy to hear from you. Episode Links...2023-01-1843 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George41 - first steps into 2023Woo hoo 2023 here we come. Challenges. Goals. Plans. Oh dear lawd we’re exhausted already! How about small steps? Shall we be gentle and steady? Yeah, you with us… phew! ;) Episode Links: Image credit to: Miguel A Amutio on Unsplash Gina Belford Art About the podcast Gaynor Leverett-Jaques and Karen George are both full time artists, living and working in South West of the UK, sharing experiences and the ups and downs of living the painty life! You can find more about them on their websites or by f...2023-01-0435 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George40 - it takes a village to raise an artistSo much love to share in this episode as Karen and Gaynor float along from the wonderful experience of taking part in an artist event in the beautiful city of Bath. Tired and cold but happy and full of Christmas cheer..!2022-12-2134 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George39 - change!Ch Ch Ch Changes! Whether it’s a deliberate plan to Move On or a gradual evolution, we all make changes. To our practice, to our selves, to the way we see things. It’s interesting to look back and assess how far we’ve travelled-what’s worked… what hasn’t! Do we plan it, or do we just flit like butterflies until we find what suits us? Episode Links Photo by Sigmund on Unsplash Studio44ad Bath Humbug The Square Club Totterdown The Kane Gallery About the podcast Gaynor Leverett-Jaques and Karen George are both full time artists, living and working...2022-12-0743 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George38 - winningIn this world of harsh realities some things are universally true. Like small victories. They may be small but they be mighty to misquote the great man himself (Shakespeare not a deity!). Every little win matters... they stack up to huge and often monumental moments. so let's count 'em all.  Make them all matter. Tick those boxes. Give yourself a pat on the back. You're here. We're here. That's the first win! Episode Links Artwork: by jevens julian on Unsplash Helen Perry (Just Bloody Post It Podcast) Blue Peter2022-11-2447 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George37 - we can do whatever we can doLife as an artist is one big circle of fun, amirite? yeah. Nope. Let's face it, sometimes life can be a bit of a slog. Are we really failing, or do we feel like we're failing? Is there a difference? This week we get real about the down times, finding the good in how rotten or ridiculous life can be! We explore the best ways to find the way back to creativity, good times and companions to help pick us up. We're all in this together, after all.  If you enjoy our company please do hit the + follow button wherever y...2022-11-0949 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George36 - adventures in motivationAnother day, another to-do list. Where to begin? Does it really matter? Another cup of coffee first?  As artists, creatives, makers, most of us work alone. We have studio space, a kitchen table, a spare room to use. It's all set up nicely and we Go For It. To start with it's all very exciting, then we discover that other tasks grab our time... so how do we stay motivated? What keeps us in some sort of routine when we have no one to check we're working? What happens when we're tired, below par? We keep on keeping on.  In th...2022-10-2645 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George35 - versatility“Oh, you’re an artist?” they say. “Must be nice, playing with paint all day” 🤐  Shall we explain the things we do? The prepping, the social media, the art fairs, the networking, the accounting, the… everything.  One thing we do know: Artists are amazing and creative AND versatile! Let's discuss how we navigate ALL the things without becoming overwhelmed or giving up.  Episode links: Cover credit - Sandie Clarke on Unsplash Ottelein Hucken Trello Art Juice Julie Forrester Clark  About the podca...2022-10-1250 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George34 - reset, refresh, refocusOkay, summer is well and truly over... autumn (the pretty season) is officially here. Rich golds, falling leaves, bracing walks, hygge, fresh thinking, new plans. Fresh thinking? New plans? Ohhhh yes. This back to school vibe brings the opportunity to have a little rethink, update schedules and plan work as we scurry to our studios or hit the art trails. It's time to consider what we want from the last quarter of the year and building new practices into our routines if we need to. How exciting! Join Karen and Gaynor as we consider what...2022-09-2845 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George33 - putting yourself forwardCollaborate, cooperate, group exhibitions… or fly solo? Can you do both..? when do we get to just prioritise ourselves, our work and what’s right for us? Things to consider!2022-09-1432 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George32 - inspirationRecently when Karen was playing catch up on Laura Horn, she had a moment of realisation... she needed to check out her mood board. First question: Mood board or inspiration board? Next question, where to keep it, what to put on it? Colours, postcards, sketches... oh yeah we thought it through. Refresh time = fun! Episode Links:  Photo by Elena Baidak on Unsplash https://www.camvalleyartstrail.co.uk/ http://www.clevedonartclub.co.uk/ https://www.susannahcrookart.com/ https://www.laurahornart.com/ https://www.art2life.com/ab...2022-08-3142 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George31 - artists abroad (& closer to home)We are giddy as the proverbial kippers today! Karen's been sketching, holidaying and dancing at a wedding (there may have been wine). Gaynor has been painting...finally there's a little gap to focus and really enjoy the studio time. SO, what are we prepping for? Art trail season... we dare you to get involved wherever you are! Photo Credit: Ilnur Kalimullin on Unsplash Links: Helen Swan Artist (yarn bomber) Cam Valley Arts Trail Stick Man Theft Combe Down Art Trail Bath Museum of Art 2022-08-1742 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George30 - summer plansIt’s hot, it’s steamy… what shall we doooo?!2022-08-0336 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George29 - finding the lessonYou've done the work, turned up to the event, set up in the searing heat or the pouring rain. Your display, exhibition, stand (tick appropriate) looks amazing. Your chest swells with pride that you've made it, you charge up your payment machine, check your phone speaks to it.   YOU ARE READY, open up the doors ...and wait.   So, after all that, what do you do when the sales are a bit slow, footfall is quiet - or non-existent?  Well, let's talk about that. Good or sloooooow, there's always something to do better for next time; it's...2022-07-2040 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George28 - a hammock of one's ownPhew! Well, we're back. We hope you enjoyed the recommedations we offered last week. While we're on the subject, do let us know if you have any tips on what we should all be listening to (as  well as artchatter of course!).  So, thiiiiiis week, Karen and I are chattering on the back of taking part in an arts trail in Bristol. Good lawwwd our (my!) insecurities rose to the fore, (the smack of imposter syndrome hit hard and OMG everyone else is soooo talented!) and we really had to take it one step at a time an...2022-07-1335 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen GeorgeOooops!Gah... technical difficulties have led us to postpone for week. What techincal difficulties, you ask? Well, our talented editor, Ben, is halfway up a mountain in the USA celebrating the wedding of Robert and Eliazbeth (woo hoo, congratulations and all the lovliest wishes to them both) however, wi-fi is not all we'd wish for. So, this week's episode will play out NEXT week (13th July) and the following week normal service will resume (20th July). Phew!  We do, however have some sweet, sweet recommendations for you.  Helen Perry - Just Bloody Post It  https://www.helen-perry.co.uk/the-just-bloody-post-it-podcast/ The Sav...2022-07-0602 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George27 - works that grabWe all seriously love having a good old scroll through social media. As artists instagram can be addictive... very addictive as we see all the reels and pretty pics go floating up on our screens. But, what makes you stop? Who halts you in your tracks and grabs your attention? For us, it can be something so very different to what we would paint ourselves.  Episode Artwork - Rodion Kutsaev on Unsplash.com  Episode Links Hemali Modha Caryn Vainio Tewkesbury Art Studios (Jane Clatworthy) Ca...2022-06-2239 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George26 - the paths we take to get thereIs it serendipity? The people we meet, the roads we cross all lead to where we are now. Friends guide us, our heart strings tug us and we dance our way, somehow, to where we’re meant to be. If we're lucky. Many artists find their way back to working in a creative space after taking a ‘sensible option’ at some point. How did you get here or is it still a long-held dream? We decided to have a little think about the moments that pushed us forward, the times we were braver than our 15-year-old-selves ever though...2022-06-0835 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George25 - the red thread of fateFellow artists, how do you feel about a day in public, showing your work, talking about it, explaining processes and the joy your work brings you? Now imagine a week of that; smiling beatifically. Okay. Now visualise a whole month of showing, talking and selling. Tired yet? :) It's what we have done during May, the whole month and boyyyy have we discovered lots! One thing is for sure, people are nicer, kinder and more open than you think. This is an acurate account of the life of a pop up gallery, however, like childbirth we may forget the bad bits...2022-05-2547 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George24 - the eye of the beholderA blog by the Stephanie Gibson, posted on Instagram prompted a question and conversation. Why buy original art? It's worth taking a look at Stephanie's original blog post, as its so considered and insightful. Understanding the reasons could lead to us to understand our clients and potential clients more clearly. We’ve pondered and chatted, of course, but you may well have other ideas.  Links:  Episode Image Credit: Laura Louise Grimsley on Unsplash  With thanks to Stephanie Gibson Art  Jo Eddleston Glass   Celia Smith   Juliet Fleming   Polly Goug...2022-05-1137 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George23 - the art of wild abandonAre you free and wild, is work fun and spontaneous? Or are you uptight and too controlled? What are you doing, is your journey an easy one, (is it ever?!) or do you change direction often? It’s good for us to push ourselves, take the path less travelled and out of our comfort zone. Maybe. We talk experimenting, experiences, the value of mistakes and the lessons we can learn from children. Image credit: Artem Maltsey on Unsplash.com Laura Horn https://www.laurahornart.com/podcasts Karen George www.karengeorgeart.co.uk Gaynor Leverett-Jaques www.gaynorljart.com Original Music: ‘Strangler Fig’...2022-04-2736 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George22 - flex & flexibilityJust how flexible do we need to be as artists? There's a LOT to adapt to on a regular basis. Things change, times change, we change, hopefully we learn and grow. But how? Usually we have people who inpsire us, whether we know them or not! Are we reactive or proactive..? Well, that depends. Sometimes we just have to be flexible and make the most of things, sometimes we want to change things up. How do we get along in this solitary business? Well, we celebrate others, we flex, we grow, we support and oh boyyyy do we need...2022-04-1334 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George21 - pop-up plansWhat to do when things don’t go to plan? Be grateful for the upgrade of course!  Things that go wrong can turn easily to opportunity, giggles or happy mistakes. Don’t believe us? There’s a lovely cliché about silver linings which we reckon is just how lovely life can be. ( No one’s turned into Pollyanna!) let us know what you think. If you’re enjoying artchatter don’t forget to subscribe!  Episode Cover Photo credit: Jessica Ruscello on Unsplash https://unsplash.com Links: Kare...2022-03-3031 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George20 - the brand that feeds you“I don’t need branding-I’m not a cow!” ha!! But a little bit of recognition and continuity would go amiss, right? Where to start, what to do? As always, we have ideas, some of which may even be good!! Also, Karen had a photoshoot… 😎 Episode Cover Photo credit: insung.yoon on https://unsplash.com Links: https://www.thedesigntrust.co.uk Karen George www.karengeorgeart.co.uk Gaynor Leverett-Jaques www.gaynorljart.com Original Music: ‘Strangler Fig’ Ben Leverett-Jaques https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/BnJ845vPByXFhCJX6 Editing: (with thanks always) Ben Leverett-Jaques @low_cinnabar on Twitter Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/artcha...2022-03-1639 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George19 - olympian goals and mentorshipEver get stuck in the mud…too much thinking, too little thinking, frozen or frantic? We’ve all been there. We need a way to break the cycle before it becomes a spiral. Find a path out, seek a guide, stand back up. You know all the clichés. We have some ideas that could help.2022-03-0345 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George18 - challenges and inspirationWhat inspires you? People, artists, workshops, landscape…all of the above? Hopefully some of what gets us painting inspires you too. Stepping out of our comfort zones definitely helps, and we find other people doing well gives us something to smile about.  Image credit : Yannis Papanastasopoulos on Unsplash.com.  Links: Art2Life free workshop (Nicholas Wilton)  Bron Jones  The 100 Day Project   Felicity Bowers  Clare Wood   Image Transfer Tips   Your artchatter hosts, Karen and Gaynor are working artists who live in th...2022-02-1642 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George17 - money mattersMoney. We LOVE it, but we all too often squirm when the subject comes up. Ohhh the discomfort of talking prices with clients, asking for the true value of a piece, or just making it easier to buy. *sigh* Let's face it, most of us need a rethink. We've got some ideas. Cover image credit: Fabian Blank on Unsplash Links: Stratton-on-the-Fosse Karen George Worshops Klarna Your co-hosts of artchatter are Karen George and Gaynor Leverett-Jaques, two living, breathing, and happily working artists in south west England. If...2022-02-0245 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George16 - visibilityStop hiding? Noooo. We’re artists, darling. Hmm, time to be brave, come out of our caves, um, I mean studios and interact with the big wide world! Luckily we have been inspired by a whole host of wonderful people who can show us how. Gently does it, maybe, but there’re lots of lovely people out there to discover.  Okay, put on your dancing shoes and sing it with me… 🎵🎶🎼 Let’s get visible, visible, let’s get visible… 🎶🎵🎼🎤 (it’s bad when you need a youtube ref for young ‘uns to get the joke!) The Man in the Arena  "It is not the critic who count...2022-01-1938 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George15 - new year's juicy targetsNew year new… nope. No dreaming here! We’re on a (moveable) track based on plans and baby steps forward. Keep on truckin’ etc ;) Some reflection and looking to our best year yet. 2022, bring it on!  Episode Cover Photo credit: Markus Winkler on Unsplash Links:  Susan McCreevy Artist  Karen George www.karengeorgeart.co.uk Gaynor Leverett-Jaques www.gaynorljart.com Original Music: ‘Strangler Fig’ Ben Leverett-Jaques https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/BnJ845vPByXFhCJX6 Editing: (with thanks always) Ben Leverett-Jaques @low_cinnabar on Twitter      •     Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/artchatter/id1577548411?uo=4 •    Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes15775484112022-01-0536 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George14 - value and evaluationWhat did we learn this year? Somethiiiiiinggg… maybe?! In reality, more than we all think. Time to take stock and celebrate every little thing. Links:  Virginia Kerr - Instagram Expert https://instagram.com/thisisvirginiakerr?utm_medium=copy_link Gareth Edwards Artist Róisín O’Farrell https://roisinofarrell.com Episode Cover Photo credit: Nick Page on Unsplash Karen George www.karengeorgeart.co.uk Gaynor Leverett-Jaques www.gaynorljart.com Original Music: ‘Strangler Fig’ Ben Leverett-Ja...2021-12-2236 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George13 - 44AD, exhibition prep & communityWhen your podcast editor writes the note “there's a bunch of artists' names in this one, have fun lol” you know it’s a goodie! What can we say? We’re suckers for an artist community! Also, we chat about our thoughts, attitudes and plans for showing in a group.  44AD artspace http://www.44ad.net/ Episode Cover credit: Katie O’Brien at 44AD artspace Polly Gough Printmaker Shuya Cheng Silversides Glass Judith Cole Gina Belford Art Ottelein Huc...2021-12-0831 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George12 - painting abstract landscapes - gareth edwards and kate reeve-edwardsA book, you say?! Yup. Yup. It’s a gem, you’ll want to know what you’re missing and get your hands on a copy!  “Painting Abstract Landscapes by father-and-daughter-duo Gareth Edwards and Kate Reeve-Edwards. This haunting book draws on the technical, historical and psychological aspects of abstract painting to help the reader develop their own intensely personal paintings.” Gareth Edwards has been a professional abstract landscape painter for over twenty-five years and has developed an effective and individual approach. He is an elected RAW academian, a long-term resident of St Ives' historic Porthmeor Studios, an...2021-12-0136 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George11 - the joy of paintingArt, painting, creating. Why can’t everyone do it? Why can’t everyone enjoy it? Well, we think anyone can, everyone should. To quote a famous* “We can do whatever we can do”  Let‘s see if we make sense to you too!  *famous maybe only to his family Nathan Lawrence Esq 😉 links that decided not to work… so do copy and paste!  44AD artspace http://www.44ad.net/ Episode...2021-11-2436 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George10 - home is where the art isSoooo, where do you art? The hard won corner of a kitchen table, a beautiful sunlit studio overlooking the rooftops of an exotic city… or in a custom-built garden room? Nothing is ever perfect, but they’re all precious.  We’re artchattering about the benefits of our spaces, no matter what they look like. Where’s yours?  Cam Valley Arts Trail https://www.camvalleyartstrail.co.uk/2021-arts-trail.html Regular Links artchatter.blog https://artchatter.blog artchatter on YouTube https://yo...2021-11-1033 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George09 - state of the artIs it really all about painting, creating, drawing… what do we actually need to be artists or creatives? Talent, dedication, passsssion… yeah. But more. It can be quite disconcerting to realise we may now need to be accountants, teachers, orators, publicists…blah blah and only then can we Do The Thing and sell the work.  Maybe, just maybe, we know more than we realise. We can do it ;) We all have past experiences we can piece together to make it all work.  Links:  artchatter.blog artchat...2021-10-2726 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George08 - finding a balanceOhhh boy… if you’re anything like us life is a constant whirl of to-do lists and maybe even ‘oh no, I’m late again lists‘ (reference: Gaynor). Think finding a work/life balance is sooo 90s? Think again. Let’s get our hammocks out, find a way through the daily chaos, shall we? Join Karen and Gaynor as they try to stop and smell the roses (irl and metaphorically!).  Find out more about Gaynor Leverett-Jaques and Karen George.  Links: artchatter.blog  artchatter archives on YouTube   Karen George   G...2021-10-1338 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George07 - inspirations & adviceSo many delicious books around to be inspired by, others to kickstart our mojo… how could we keep them to ourselves?! Links Design Trust https://www.thedesigntrust.co.uk Big Magic - Elizabeth Gilbert https://www.elizabethgilbert.com/books/big-magic/ How to be an Artist - Jerry Saltz https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-to-Be-an-Artist/dp/B0859NGV9M/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=How+to+be+an+Artist+-+Jerry+Saltz&qid=1632930457&qsid=262-6288132-9870428&sr=8-1&sres=178157782X%2C1780747756%2C1989025013%2C1781577099%2C1473620910%2C0008378231%2C1540092437%2C8381881323%2CB08P3QWNNQ%2C0141194626%2C0141982543%2CB00T3UIYFG%2CB08JVLXNRG%2C1782213988%2C1907184287%2C1480350591&srpt=ABIS_BO...2021-09-2933 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George06 - a post-exhibition retrospectiveaka what went wrong, what went well-and will we ever learn? ;) It’s always interesting to have a constructive conversation about the things we could have done better-so we did! After a lovely week long exhibition, it’s been fun to reflect. We’ve definitely gained valuable experience and, of course, we’re happy to share. Episode Links: 44AD artspace http://www.44ad.net/  Episode Cover Photo credit: Hello I'm Nik on Unsplash  Links:  artchatter.blog https://artchatter.blog  artchatter archives on YouTube https://youtube.com/channel/UCg5dY70okTJZLLkWGwbJY_g  Karen George www.karengeorgeart.co.uk  Gaynor Leverett-Jaques www.gaynorljart.co...2021-09-1533 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George05 - making the best of ithttps://www.russellhughesart.co.uk -Russell Hughes Instagram   instagram Yorkshire Moors pineapple weed  Links:  artchatter.blog https://artchatter.blog artchatter archives on YouTube  https://youtube.com/channel/UCg5dY70okTJZLLkWGwbJY_g Karen George www.karengeorgeart.co.uk Gaynor Leverett-Jaques www.gaynorljart.com Original Music:  ‘Strangler Fig’ Ben Leverett-Jaques https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/BnJ845vPBy...2021-09-0134 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George04 - planning exhibitionsAs real life begins to flourish again and we prepare for an in person exhibition together, hopefully our prep and panic will help others too! artchatter standard links Links: artchatter.blog https://artchatter.blog artchatter archives on YouTube https://youtube.com/channel/UCg5dY70okTJZLLkWGwbJY_g Karen George www.karengeorgeart.co.uk Gaynor Leverett-Jaques www.gaynorljart.com Original Music: ‘Strangler Fig’ Ben Leverett-Jaques https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/BnJ845vPByXFhCJX6 Editing: (with thanks always) Ben Leverett-Jaques @low_cinnabar on Twitter • Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/artchatter/id1577548411?uo=4 * Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes15775484112021-08-1832 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George03- accountabilibuddies*Accountability? but we’re artists! Artists work alone (mostly) so how do we all find a way of staying motivated, keeping on task, which we, as a collective, by reputation, aren’t always the best at... ugh bad grammar, but you get the point! This week you get to eavesdrop on a real life accountability call. We’d like you to meet Gina, the third amigo!  accountabilibuddies* fans of the Simpsons will understand.  Gina Belford Art Laura Horn Podcast Zöe Dean @zoezoestudios Simon Carder Photography Jac...2021-08-0429 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George02 - arty types are so supportiveThe artist community is a large, wonderful and welcoming place to be. But where to start…how to find your clan? Karen and Gaynor chatter about how they access support to help work, rest and learn. Arty types really are the best of us! Links:  44AD artspace Cam Valley Artists Art Fair Buddies Tracey Emin artchatter.blog artchatter vlog archive on YouTube   To see what we’re up to or view our work: Karen George...2021-07-2130 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen George01 - from blog to vlog to podcastSo… from blog to vlog to podcast. Why? There are good reasons. This week Karen and Gaynor chatter about how they keep track of life, business and fit a bit of painting in, too. Of course, they also explain why they’re here. Links: priormade The Design Trust Karen George Art Sketchbook workshops Brooklyn Sketchbook Challenge  artchatter.blog artchatter on YouTube Karen George Gaynor Leverett-Jaques Original Music: ‘Strangler Fig’ Ben Leverett...2021-07-0732 minartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgeartchatter with Gaynor Leverett-Jaques & Karen Georgewelcome to artchatterWelcome to the artchatter podcast, a fortnightly window into the working lives of two artists, Karen George and Gaynor Leverett-Jaques. Join us for our chats as we mix up friendship and art; an inspiration for artists and art lovers alike.2021-07-0600 min