Show Up or Shut Up with Wendy Solganik

Host Wendy Solganik welcomes longtime Fodder Schoolparticipant Cathy Watson, an artist in Christchurch, New Zealand, to discuss Cathy’s creative journey and how the global Fodder School community supports sustained making. Cathy describes growing up with creativity, learning to sew at age 10,loving art at school, and later becoming deeply involved in scrapbooking—working in stores, teaching classes, and navigating limited product access in New Zealand, including reliance on imported supplies and delayed magazines. She explains her transition into mixed media through influences, local classes, and conventions, and shares how Fodder Schoollessons—especially Angela Kennedy’s drawing and Karen Elaine’s Wild Watercolor—build her skills through step-by-step learning. Cathy talks about retirement routines, making art in focused windows, and running a monthly “crop and craft” gathering that supports creative wellbeing.

00:00 Meet Cathy Watson

01:24 Podcast Premise

02:46 Zooming From New Zealand

03:50 Fearless With Art

06:15 Sewing And Scrapbooking Roots

09:31 Life In Christchurch

14:50 Supplies And Access Limits

25:00 Mixed Media Enters Scrapbooking

29:32 Travel Albums And Memory Keeping

32:12 Trips Abroad And Family

37:45 Back To Art Skills

40:10 Wild Watercolor Breakdown

41:53 Watercolor Control Struggles

42:28 Learning Curve and Confidence

42:57 Memory and School Stories

44:23 What Creativity Feels Like

45:49 Retail Career and Retirement

50:55 Morning Routine and Cats

55:50 Fodder School Habits

56:37 Supply Hunting in NZ

58:02 The Pen That Worked

01:01:16 When Art Time Happens

01:04:38 Family Reactions to Art

01:06:56 NZ Friends and Immigration

01:10:21 Crop and Craft Community

01:15:59 Wrapping Up and Goodbye

Host Wendy Solganik interviews UK mixed media artist andlongtime Fodder School member Emma Hudson, first discussing the mixed feelings around AI art as a tool that won’t replace human making. Emma shares her path from studying textiles/fashion and working in London—teaching for years in a special needs school and later in a creative nursery team—to focusing on art after medical retirement, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune issues, caregiving for her mother-in-law with Alzheimer’s, and her daughter leaving for university. She describes lifelong sketchbooks, making cards and projects, anda childhood of “make do and mend,” plus early inspiration from the TV show Take Hart. After starting Instagram in March 2022, she joined Fodder School, posted daily, embraced process over perfection, found community, and now identifies as an artist, exploring collage, gel printing, embroidery on paper, watercolor, pattern, and an earthy sea-and-rust palette.

00:00 Meet Emma Hudson

03:28 AI Art Debate

13:48 Emma In England

14:16 From Seaside To London

17:25 Teaching And Family

20:29 Rheumatoid Arthritis Shift

22:21 Sketchbooks And Projects

26:26 Instagram To Fodder School

30:27 Finding Her Tribe

34:12 Early Art Roots

34:53 Scrap Collage Roots

36:10 Childhood Materials Memory

38:28 Take Hart Felt Tips

39:57 Sketchbooks Without Notes

43:58 Art Through Life Shifts

45:22 Finding Purpose as Artist

49:56 Online Community Connection

52:28 Art Shops and Access

58:49 Always Making Projects

59:39 Originality and Inspiration

01:04:03 Aging Into Freedom

01:06:21 Detaching From Doomscrolling

01:07:28 Workday Without News

01:09:34 Kids In The Rage Machine

01:10:31 Personal Art Practices

01:12:34 Learning Styles And Teaching

01:16:44 Altering Clothes For Comfort

01:21:44 Ancestors And Showing Up

01:24:44 Freedom Without Judgment

01:27:41 Finding Your Color Palette

01:29:51 Why We Love Decay

01:33:27 Final Push To Make Art

Host Wendy Solganik interviews longtime Fodder School participant Tina Lee-Cronkhite, an artist in Grand Rapids, Michigan, about her creative path and community. Tina grew up around her mother’s fine art (portraits, oils, landscapes) and shifted from mechanical engineering after a GM supervisor encouraged her to apply to the Center for Creative Studies, where she studied graphic design and later worked at ad agencies doing print design before the digital era. She became deeply involved in calligraphy—helping start a Kalamazoo guild, attending in-person workshops and conferences, exploring bookmaking, and valuing traditional tools—while also embracing looser, mixed-media approaches over time. Tina joined Fodder School in its first year during COVID, credits it as a lifesaver, works from a basement studio, displays art throughout her home, gives pieces away, and typically completes most monthly projects while adapting teachers’ processes to her own style.

00:00 Meet Tina Lee-Cronkhite

01:46 Show Intro Theme

03:07 Tina Background

04:46 Mom Artist Roots

08:02 Engineering to Art

11:44 Graphic Design Career

13:42 Calligraphy Discovery

15:41 Guild Workshops

23:42 Online Classes and Fodder

24:58 Studio Space Reality

28:16 Displaying Finished Work

29:40 Selling vs Making Joy

31:09 Gifting Art Without Fear

31:58 Keeping Up With Fodder School

34:16 UFOs From Loving Projects

36:34 Art Outside The Lessons

37:58 Pickleball And Productivity

39:37 Following Teachers Your Way

43:10 Master Boards And Style

46:20 Traditional Calligraphy Vs Trends

49:44 Guilds Aging And Craft Magic

53:06 Lefty Struggles And Imperfection

55:50 Calligraphy Guild Nostalgia

57:41 Postcards And Wrap Up

Host Wendy Solganik interviews mixed media and collage artistCrystal Marie (formerly Crystal Neubauer), author of The Art of Expressive Collage and a 2018 Racine Art Museum Artist Fellowship recipient, about her life, art, and teaching. Crystal describes moving into a Chicago Little Village live/work storefront to stay near the art scene on an artist’s budget andtraces her maker roots to a craft-filled childhood. She recounts attending a university-affiliated high school, becoming a teen parent, working up through printing-industry project management, and later burning out while raising sevenkids in a blended family. Her professional art career began in the early 2000s through eBay paper packs, Somerset Studio, blog/Flickr communities, early publications and the book A Charming Exchange, then teaching at Art & Soul. Crystal explains evolving from whimsical collage to more restrained work, discovering encaustic to preserve ephemera, coping with mold-related illness that forced her to discard her paper collection, shifting to online teaching during the pandemic, and planning Fodder School projects including a handmade hair calligraphy brush challenge and texture-based collage lessons.

00:00 Meet Crystal Marie

02:26 Podcast Premise and Subscribe

03:49 Crystal’s Chicago Studio Life

08:26 Finding the Perfect Live Work Space

13:10 Early Making Roots

15:35 Scholarship to University High

22:04 Teen Parenthood and Survival

30:06 Creativity Through Beads and Sewing

31:50 Printing Career and Moving to Chicago

36:51 Brady Bunch Burnout

39:36 eBay Paper Hustle to Collage

41:57 Somerset Studio Spark

46:59 Blog Era and First Teaching Gig

49:54 Discovering Encaustic Wax

53:59 Basement Studio Beginnings

55:29 Shifting to Abstract Collage

59:24 Selling Art Online Early

01:01:12 Finding the Old Work

01:04:00 Book and Name Change

01:06:15 Intuition and Altering Papers

01:10:45 Mold Loss and Rebuilding

01:16:25 Pandemic Online Teaching Boom

01:19:51 Where to Buy and Follow

01:28:11 Illness and Career Upside Down

01:38:30 Fodder Challenge Hair Brush

01:43:05 Texture Fodder Classes Wrap

Wendy Solganik introduces season six, episode six of theShow Up or Shut Up podcast with guest Connie Fong, a longtime Fodder School member now teaching in Fodder School six. Connie, a Bay Area native and retired computer science professional who worked at IBM and in e-commerce at WilliamsSonoma, shares her lifelong crafting journey through knitting, scrapbooking, bookmaking, and mixed media, plus her love of bold black-and-white contrast, typography, and grungy pops of color influenced by artists like Robin Marie Smith. They discuss how Fodder School’s variety, pacing, and supportive community helped Connie develop her distinctive style, and her surprise atbecoming a teacher. Connie previews her Fodder Challenge whimsical paper dolls (inspired by Mindy Lacefield) and her Fodder School project: a collage-style monthly calendar using ransom letters. She also talks about learning to film online classes with help from her daughter’s former YouTube setup, selling journals on Etsy (Artful Play), daily pickleball, and her shyness about posting publicly on Instagram (@myartfulplay).

00:00 Meet Connie Fong

02:01 Podcast Premise

03:23 Bay Area Roots

06:03 Early Crafting Life

07:39 Supplies And Shopping

10:25 Tech Career Path

13:57 From Crafts To Mixed Media

18:31 Finding Her Style

25:03 Becoming A Teacher

27:41 Why Fodder School Works

33:00 Her Fodder Challenge Dolls

35:07 Finding Your Own Style

36:03 Paper Dolls Project

36:30 Calendar Collage Plan

37:21 Ransom Letters Method

39:38 Why Make Art Calendars

43:54 Storing Cutout Letters

45:51 How Style Evolves

50:44 Teaching Online Leap

51:52 Daughter’s YouTube Journey

55:15 Etsy Shop and Instagram

58:49 Pickleball and Family Life

01:00:17 Confidence and Closing

Host Wendy Solganik introduces season six, episode five ofthe Show Up or Shut Up podcast featuring Stefanie Hunsaker, a mixed media collage artist in northeastern Washington whose vibrant, layered portraits combine acrylic paint, fabric, scrapbook paper, and occasional embroidery and beading to explore self-love, trust, and empowerment. Stefanie shares herupbringing in eastern Washington near the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, early creative influences including stained glass and sewing, and shift from high-school photography and marketing interests to a University of Washington visual arts degree spanning photography, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, and jewelry. After years running a natural-light portrait photography business, she phased it out as her kids grew and, after moving to Spokane, found a new creative outlet through online classes that led her into portrait painting and collage. She discusses developing her portrait style over seven years, sellingoriginals and some prints via her website, challenges with marketing, preferred surfaces (mostly canvas), local art markets, and interest in more gallery opportunities.

00:00 Podcast Intro and Guest

03:19 Growing Up in Washington

05:02 Hanford and Stained Glass

12:01 Early Crafty Roots

15:40 School to Art Degree

25:45 Motherhood and Scrapbooking

30:16 Photography Business Era

37:54 From Photos to Fine Art

41:21 Starting Art Instagram

42:00 Curating the Feed

43:25 Finding Her Genre

46:30 Seven Years of Style

48:21 Chuck Close Advice

51:00 ADHD and Hyperfocus

52:53 Selling Originals and Prints

57:25 Materials and Embroidery

59:46 Kids and Art School

01:04:26 Sewing Machine Renaissance

01:07:07 Galleries and Local Shows

01:09:38 Art Markets and Booth Setup

01:11:20 Wrap Up and Thanks

Host Wendy Solganik introduces UK mixed media artist, artjournaler, bookmaker, and new Fodder School Six teacher Lisa Goddard, who lives in Sheffield near the Peak District. Lisa describes studying fine art with a focus on textiles and sculpture, feeling lost after graduating in 2006, anddiscovering art journaling through artist Jen Worden, which became a daily practice for processing emotions, experimenting, and storytelling. While working for 18 years in University of Sheffield admin (including cybersecurity),raising two daughters, and teaching aerial hoops, she kept making art, built a social-media audience, taught in-person (and later online), and left her job just after COVID to focus on art. She discusses her studio setup, favorite techniques (collage, gesso, inky marks, stamping, textiles), thoughts on shifting social media, and previews her Fodder School projects: mixed mediamessage-in-a-bottle challenge and textile scroll books on vintage wooden spools.

00:00 Meet Lisa Goddard

02:06 Podcast Premise

03:28 Life in Sheffield

07:55 From Fine Art to Mixed Media

11:41 Art Kid Origins

13:45 Day Job and Family Balance

15:54 Aerial Hoop Surprise

18:45 Discovering Art Journaling

22:01 Finding Community Online

23:43 Daily Journaling Ritual

24:47 Go To Techniques

27:35 Sharing on Social Media

29:55 Teaching Beyond Journals

31:44 Process Versus Product

33:23 Life After Instagram

39:59 Fixing Your Instagram Feed

41:58 Teaching History and Family

43:13 Kids and Creative Talents

45:16 Fodder School Projects

47:28 Thrifting and Car Boot Sales

50:40 Scroll Books on Spools

53:15 Live Zoom Class Community

59:05 Retreat Dreams in Nature

01:02:26 Course Creation and Admin

01:04:35 Boundaries and Customer Support

01:10:13 DIY Course Platform Tech

01:12:50 Wrap Up and Thanks

Host Wendy Solganik introduces season 6, episode 3 guestGloria Gelo, a Cleveland-raised contemporary abstract mixed media artist now based in Calgary and a new Fodder School 6 teacher. Gloria shares her Croatian immigrant family background, early love of art and typography, and how adiscouraging community college instructor derailed her confidence and pushed her into business school and corporate roles, including foreign currency trading at Citibank in New York and a creative resume-led job at Universal Studios in Los Angeles. After moving to Calgary, raising three sons, and laterdivorcing and remarrying, she received a 2018 corporate payout that enabled her to return to art full time, experiment across media, and develop a layered, minimalist collage practice using self-made papers and asemic writing. She now teaches in person and online, is gallery-represented, and previews her Fodder School “Line to Layer” challenge and a concertina book project focused on creating personal collage papers blending analog and digital methods.

00:00 Meet Gloria Gelo

02:06 Podcast Intro and Format

03:44 Nerves and Zoom Setup

04:34 Life in Calgary

06:13 Cleveland Roots and Canada

10:17 Fodder School Connection

11:36 Immigrant Family Story

15:08 Croatian Traditions and Food

20:27 Early Art Spark

23:28 Art School Confidence Crash

28:13 Business Pivot and Corporate Life

32:13 Wall Street to LA Move

34:56 Universal Studios Creativity Win

36:59 LA Life and Cabinet Business

38:43 Life in the Valley

39:52 Business Sold Suddenly

40:33 Move Back to Calgary

42:16 Divorce and Remarriage

43:05 Layoff Sparks Art

45:00 Finding Mixed Media

49:36 From Process to Selling

52:33 Gallery Representation

55:50 Teaching Goes Online

01:00:19 Art as Communication

01:08:07 Typography Origins

01:13:58 Asemic Writing Tips

01:16:48 Fodder School Projects

01:20:49 Final Wrap and Goodbye

Host Wendy Solganik introduces Francine Dunigan as a newFodder School 6 teacher and mixed media artist known for vibrant, graphic collage using found papers, painted papers, and gel prints. Francine, based in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, shares her BFA background in communication design from Kutztown University, her shift toward fine art and fiber studies during a semester abroad in England, and how design principles shaped her visual style. She describes discovering gel printing through artists like Elizabeth St. Hilaire, creating marketable wall art and selling at local art shows, and designing stencils for Joggles. Francine discusses the complexity of resin finishing, her goals to teach more classes, and her experience navigatingendometrial cancer treatment, emphasizing self-advocacy and how art and journaling supported her during recovery. She previews teaching fussy-cut pear collage in Fodder School.

00:00 Meet Francine Dunigan

02:05 Podcast Premise

03:27 Joining Fodder School

06:51 From Gel Prints to Collage

08:33 Roots and Art School

10:56 Design Skills and Marketing

14:49 High School Art Foundations

19:52 Making Time as a Mom

21:42 Discovering Gel Printing

24:03 Selling at Art Fairs

31:56 Pricing and Originals

37:07 Health Scare and Advocacy

47:54 Art as Healing

48:49 Art Through Chemo

49:44 Hope After Clear Scans

50:20 Tennis During Treatment

51:48 Mindfulness Art Journals

52:42 New Stencil Line

55:48 Fodder School Pears

59:00 Using Tissue Layers

01:00:03 Resin Reality Check

01:06:00 Bigger Work Experiments

01:07:52 Color Inspiration Stories

01:10:39 Teaching Goals Ahead

01:17:23 Fodder School Live Event

01:19:34 Quilts From Your Designs

01:22:01 Closing Thanks

Season 6, Episode 1 of the Show Up or Shut Up podcastfeatures host Wendy Solganik interviewing mixed-media artist and designer Lori Siebert, a new Fodder School teacher. Lori shares early art training from age seven, her Cincinnati roots, and studying graphic design at UC’s DAAP with its co-op program. She describes founding her design firm in 1987, growing it to about 12 employees, and creating branding and illustration-based work for clients including Target, Bath & Body Works, Nickelodeon, and Universal Studios. Lori explains moving into art licensing over 20 years ago via SURTEX, how licensing works, and balancing client-driven themes with more personal work shown on Instagram. She discusses mentorship and community, building travel-teaching “street cred,” and upcoming retreats (Mexico City, Ireland, Provence, Waco, Vermont, Chautauqua, France, Connecticut). Lori previews her Fodder Challenge birds and a Fodder School fodder-flower bouquet project.

00:00 Meet Lori Siebert

02:36 Podcast Premise and Intro

04:50 Early Art Roots

05:59 Cincinnati and Staying Put

07:52 DAAP and Design Training

11:45 Family Influence and High School Art

16:06 From Design Firm to Big Clients

21:05 Burnout and Finding Licensing

22:24 How SURTEX Works

25:48 Licensing Reality vs Heart Art

28:24 Products in Stores and Samples

32:15 Turning 60 and Choosing Fun

33:08 Building Travel Teaching Retreats

37:21 Mexico City and Frida House Dreams

41:25 Mexico City Museums

42:32 Travel Health Tips

43:25 Language Barrier Hacks

44:39 Street Art Vibes

46:04 Starting the Design Firm

48:03 DAAP Fine Art Electives

49:45 Adapting the Business

52:49 Handmade to Digital Workflow

55:22 Ceramics Detour and Return

01:00:08 Clay Practice and Selling

01:01:44 Retreat Community Magic

01:03:01 Upcoming Trips and Chautauqua

01:05:11 Fodder Projects Birds Flowers

01:08:30 Wrap Up and Next Meet

Host Wendy Solganik interviews quilting instructor Heather Kojan, a modern quilter with traditional roots, founder of the Baltimore Modern Quilt Guild, and Willa Workshops instructor behind Threaded and Sewn, The Modern Improv Pillow, and the upcoming in-person retreat Fodder School Live (sold out; August 2026). Heather recounts growing up crafty (crochet, sewing), studying business, working in radio, restaurants, and a small catering business, then making her first quilt in late-80s colors and quilting casually while raising kids. She describes discovering modern quilting through blogs/Flickr, starting a guild to build community in Baltimore, and “faking it till you make it” into lecturing and national teaching, patterns, publications, and retreats (including a large Lancaster retreat). Heather explains her income streams, extensive travel, and plans to reduce travel while creating more Willa Workshops content that merges mixed media and textiles, including future collaborations and a planned co-taught Fodder School 7 lesson.

00:00 Meet Heather Kojan

02:05 Podcast Premise and Intro

03:39 Why Heather Now

04:44 From New York to Virginia

10:02 Early Craft Obsessions

12:46 College and Career Detours

16:26 Radio Restaurants and Catering

19:48 First Quilt and Family Life

23:03 Modern Quilting Awakening

25:06 Starting a Quilt Guild

28:23 First Lectures to Full Time

30:56 Income Streams and Recognition

33:35 How She Booked Teaching Gigs

34:32 Cold Email Breakthrough

35:53 Applying and Getting Noticed

37:04 Taking Over the Retreat

38:55 What Happens at Retreats

41:14 Finding Fodder School

46:13 From Student to Collaborator

50:57 Building Online Courses

59:08 Planning the Next Chapter

01:01:38 Travel Burnout and Ego

01:06:15 Slowing Down and New Hybrids

01:11:34 Recruiting Teachers and FS7

01:14:24 Wrap Up and Thanks

In this episode of the 'Show Up or Shut Up' podcast, host Wendy Solganik interviews artist, and Executive Producer of Willa Workshops, Evan Haley. Wendy really wanted to bring Evan onto the podcast to highlight an emerging opportunity for book artists within Fodder School: the opportunity to create truly unique artist books from lessons in Fodder School that aren’t specifically designed with a book as the end product in mind!

They discuss Evan's unique journey from studying pre-med sciences at Princeton University to becoming a mixed media artist, and delve into the creative processes and challenges that define his art-making experiences.

Wendy shares her insights on the evolution of Fodder School and the potential for members to adapt projects to suit their personal creative goals, emphasizing the importance of pushing artistic boundaries and overcoming fears. The episode also introduces a secret project focusing on learning the Procreate app, highlighting the significance of digital technology in modern art creation.

(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

(01:27) Wendy's Artistic Journey and Podcast Overview

(02:48) Meet Evan Haley: Background and Early Life

(04:12) Evan's College Experience and Shift to Art

(10:05) Evan's Artistic Development and College Projects

(18:56) Fodder School Projects and Creative Problem Solving

(22:32) Exploring Creative Potential and Bookmaking

(28:04) Fodder School Community and Off the Beaten Path

(28:41) Exploring New Projects in Fodder School

(29:24) Pushing Artistic Boundaries

(33:16) Overcoming Fear in Art Creation

(36:07) Taking Up Space with Your Art

(40:09) Letting Go of Unloved Art

(47:13) The Secret Project: Procreate Course

(52:27) The Challenges of Learning New Tools

(56:41) Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

In this episode of the Show Up or Shut Up podcast, Wendy interviews artist Jane Chipp, who is returning to Fodder School 5 as a teacher. They delve into Jane's artistic journey, from her early fascination with handmade crafts influenced by her family's Baltic heritage to her evolution into a mixed media artist specializing in collage, assemblage art, journaling, and textiles. Jane shares pivotal moments, including her participation in a three-year textile art program, her transformative experience with a found collection of personal artifacts, and her prolific work during the COVID-19 lockdown. Together, they discuss the benefits and challenges of teaching art online, the joy of crafting with found photos, and the intricate, layered techniques that define Jane's unique artistic style. Jane also offers a sneak peek into her upcoming lessons inspired by vintage lace for Fodder School 5.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

01:21 Meet Jane Chipp: Artist and Teacher

04:03 Jane's Early Life and Creative Beginnings

05:07 Family Influence and Childhood Creativity

08:59 Career Path and Creative Pursuits

15:35 Discovering Textile Art and Mixed Media

33:46 The Turning Point: Honoring a Stranger's Life

47:54 Struggles with Large-Scale Art

48:38 Exciting New Project in Fodder School

50:09 The Importance of Artistic Community

52:07 Impact of COVID-19 on Artistic Journey

52:23 The 100-Day Project and Instagram Journey

53:42 Writing and Publishing a Book

01:00:46 Meeting Lori Canner and the Collage Community

01:03:51 The Role of Instagram in Artistic Growth

01:09:35 Teaching and Creating Online Courses

01:13:04 Artistic Preferences and Techniques

01:15:56 Signature Colors and Artistic Style

01:29:55 Upcoming Fodder School Project

01:31:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the "Show Up or Shut Up" podcast, host Wendy Solganik interviews Columbus, Ohio-based mixed media artist Susan Rossiter. Susan shares her journey from growing up in Pennsylvania, studying fine art, and moving across the country, to establishing herself as a prolific artist with a disciplined practice. The conversation delves into Susan’s inspirations—particularly the colors, shapes, and patterns of the 1950s-1970s, her love for experimental materials, and her evolution from traditional art school techniques to vibrant, mid-century-inspired mixed media works. Susan discusses balancing a full-time day job with her art career, her involvement with Studios on High Gallery, and her role as an educator for GOLDEN Paints.

The episode is filled with insights on creative discipline, the realities of being a working artist, and the importance of making art that brings personal joy rather than simply following trends or market demands

(00:00) Introduction to the Show Up or Shut Up Podcast

(02:36) Meet Susan Rossiter: Mixed Media Artist

(03:39) Susan's Artistic Journey and Inspirations

(05:11) Early Art Experiences and Education

(08:49) College Years and Artistic Development

(17:07) Post-College Adventures and Artistic Growth

(22:12) Life in Minneapolis and Transition to Ohio

(25:32) Balancing Art and Life in Ohio

(30:58) Exploring Mixed Media and Collage Fodder

(40:49) Personal Life and Studio Setup

(47:18) Editing Video in Bed

(47:52) Exploring Columbus and Beyond

(49:00) Joining the Art Co-op

(52:21) Balancing Art and Fitness

(53:08) Golden Artist Educator Program

(56:15) Fodder School and Artistic Inspiration

(59:06) The Influence of Mid-Century Design

(01:07:51) Artistic Freedom and Day Jobs

(01:20:25) Quilting and Other Artistic Pursuits

(01:33:43) Future Plans and Manifesting Dreams

(01:36:23) Conclusion and Gratitude

In this episode of the Show Up or Shut Up Podcast, host Wendy Solganik interviews mixed media artist Roxanne Evans Stout. Wendy announces that Roxanne will be joining Fodder School 5 as a first-time instructor. The conversation delves into Roxanne's artistic journey which began in her childhood in Santa Monica and evolved through various stages, including her experiences growing up in different places due to her father's Air Force career, her education in the sciences at Humboldt State, and her eventual shift to a more free-form, mixed media art style. Roxanne talks about her teaching career, her close relationship with her mother who was also an artist, and how her mother’s passing intensified her commitment to art. The episode also explores Roxanne’s teaching experiences in locations like Santa Fe and her upcoming workshop in Italy. Wendy and Roxanne discuss the unique elements of Roxanne's art, including her use of neutral colors, texture, and inspiration from nature. Roxanne shares her excitement for the new projects in Fodder School 5 and drops hints about her plans for the artistic journey ahead.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

02:37 Roxanne's Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

04:04 Life in Santa Monica and Artistic Influences

07:48 College Years and Meeting Her Husband

13:23 Life in Northern California and Early Art Career

20:43 Teaching Career and Artistic Evolution

22:46 Developing a Unique Artistic Style

25:35 The Influence of Blogging and Artist Books

29:15 Collections and Inspirations

35:27 The Story Behind the Work Table

36:38 Challenges of Building a Custom Table

37:49 Creating an Inspiring Studio Space

39:35 The Evolution of My Art Journey

40:15 Teaching and Workshops

43:13 Artist Residencies and Their Impact

46:38 Upcoming Workshops and Inspirations

52:58 Exploring My Color Palette

58:31 Influence of My Mother's Art

01:06:03 Conclusion and Future Plans

In this episode of the Show Up or Shut Up podcast, host Wendy Solganik interviews contemporary mixed media artist Wendy Shragg. Wendy shares her artistic journey from Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, discussing her vibrant fine art collage work, color theory, and experiences in design. She recalls childhood influences, including her family's creative environment and early artistic endeavors. Wendy also talks about her diverse careers ranging from makeup artistry to travel consulting, and how she ultimately embraced her passion for art. The conversation delves into her love for gel printing, collage, and her innovative mixed media projects that combine personal and meaningful elements into fine art. Wendy also shares her experience with digital art on Procreate and her participation in Fodder School 5, where she will be teaching a comprehensive project on creating large-scale fine art pieces. Listeners can expect a deep dive into Wendy’s creative process, her views on social media's role in the art world, and her future projects.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

02:34 Wendy Shragg's Artistic Journey Begins

03:21 Childhood Influences and Early Art Experiences

09:16 High School and College Art Education

21:09 Post-College Career and Creative Ventures

42:19 Crafting Beginnings and Jewelry Making

42:44 Transition to Interior Decorative Painting

43:21 Becoming an Aesthetician

44:33 Exploring Intuitive Painting

45:29 Creating Imaginary Creatures

49:07 Pursuing Art Full-Time

53:01 Navigating the Art World and Social Media

56:58 Joining Art Co-ops and Community

01:00:36 Teaching and Gel Printing

01:20:18 Digital Art and Procreate

01:25:42 Conclusion and Future Plans

In this episode, Wendy Solganik interviews Cheiron Brandon, a mixed media artist specializing in greeting cards. Cheiron shares her journey from discovering a local stamp store to becoming a prolific maker with a deep expertise in Tim Holtz's distress line. The discussion covers her evolving art style, teaching workshops, and participating in design teams. She also talks about her recent personal transitions and how she integrates her creative life into her new surroundings. The episode delves into the intricacies of using various mixed media products and offers insights into the world of card making and mixed media art.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

02:20 Meet Cheiron Brandon: A Journey from New Jersey

03:40 Cheiron's Artistic Beginnings and Inspirations

08:17 Discovering Rubber Stamping and Card Making

16:08 From Hobby to Passion: Teaching and Creating

18:41 Exploring Mixed Media and Tim Holtz Products

22:24 The Evolution of Sharon's Art Style

28:44 Collaborations and Design Teams

37:30 Teaching and Online Classes

39:09 Joining Fodder School and Continuous Learning

39:39 Learning from Different Artists

40:56 Balancing Art and Life Changes

41:47 Becoming a Fodder School Teacher

42:49 Exploring Alcohol Inks

43:09 The Evolution of Alcohol Inks

45:19 Crafting with Alcohol Inks

50:48 Teaching and Sharing Knowledge

55:11 Relocating and Creating a New Routine

59:16 Crafting Community and Retreats

01:07:24 The Joy of Card Making

01:08:27 Looking Forward: Future Projects

In this episode of the Show Up or Shut Up podcast, host Wendy Solganik speaks with mixed media artist Dori Patrick. Together, they explore Dori's creative life, which includes owning a make-and-take art studio in Marion, Iowa, and moving on to focus on her personal artistic endeavors. Dory shares her childhood experiences growing up in Iowa, her artistic influences, and the pivotal moments that shaped her career, such as her inspirational trip to Oaxaca, Mexico. They delve into Dori's approach to making art, her distinctive colorful style, and how she navigates highs and lows as an artist. Dori offers insight into her business model, her process for creating and selling art, and her teaching experiences, including her role in Fodder School. The episode concludes with a discussion about Dori's upcoming lessons in Fodder School 5, where she will teach her unique 'split heads' project.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

00:39 Meet Dori Patrick: Background and Personal Life

01:41 Wendy's Artistic Journey and Podcast Overview

03:42 Dori's Early Life and Family Background

09:48 Dori's Creative Upbringing and Early Influences

15:05 Dori's Artistic Career and Personal Challenges

31:42 Transition to Professional Artistry

36:42 The Dreaming Bear: Dori's Store and Workshop

51:41 The Birth of a Creative Space

54:06 Transforming the Storefront

55:55 The Decision to Close

58:47 Life After the Store

01:02:03 Embracing Artistic Freedom

01:17:55 The Split Heads Project

01:26:22 The Joy of Creating

01:32:49 Current Projects and Future Plans

01:38:13 Final Thoughts and Farewell

In Season Five, Episode 3 of the Show Up or Shut Up podcast, host Wendy Solganik interviews artist Arlyna Blanchard. Arlyna, who resides in Singapore and runs her own design firm, will be joining Fodder School 5 as a teacher for the first time. The episode explores Arlyna's artistic journey, from her early influences in the Philippines to her expansive career in graphic design in Taiwan and now in Shanghai. They discuss her experiences with urban sketching, digital scrapbooking, and the challenges of teaching online art courses. Arlyna shares personal anecdotes about balancing a demanding career while raising twins, and how her art practice evolved post-divorce. The episode offers insight into her creative process and her love for vibrant colors, particularly neon pink. This inspiring conversation highlights Arlyna's dedication to continuous learning and artistic expression.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

00:21 Meet Arlyna Blanchard: Artist and Teacher

00:48 Wendy and Arlyna's Artistic Connection

01:55 Podcast Overview and Host Introduction

03:23 Arlyna's Background and Journey

05:43 Growing Up in the Philippines

07:23 Cultural and Linguistic Influences

13:22 Artistic Beginnings and Influences

21:29 Education and Career Path

22:52 Life in Taiwan and Move to Shanghai

33:47 Family Life and Artistic Exploration

36:11 Scrapbooking and Early Art Journaling

42:07 Struggles with Art Journaling

43:17 Finding Personal Style in Art

45:34 Balancing Art and Life

46:47 The Impact of Divorce on Creativity

48:40 Work-Life Balance and Art

54:09 Embracing Favorite Colors

01:02:19 The Joy of Learning and Teaching

01:10:25 Exploring Urban Sketching and Illustration

01:19:23 The Therapeutic Power of Art

01:21:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Show Up or Shut Up podcast, host Wendy Solganik continues Season Five with an inspiring interview with mixed media artist Kathy Nichols. Announced as a new instructor for Fodder School 5, Cathy shares her artistic journey from her early days in Huntington, New York, to becoming a prolific mixed media artist known for her vibrant floral and nature-inspired works. The discussion delves into Cathy's transition from various day jobs to full-time artistry, the impact of her grandmother on her color palette, and the importance of bravery and intuition in her career. Wendy and Cathy explore Cathy's experiences with cooperative galleries, her online presence, and her future teaching retreats in France. This episode offers a heartfelt and in-depth look into Cathy’s evolving artistry and life challenges, providing valuable insights for all mixed media art enthusiasts.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

00:54 Meet Cathy Nichols: A Journey of Bravery

01:18 Exploring Mixed Media Art

02:44 Cathy's Artistic Beginnings

04:25 High School Art Adventures

12:45 College Decisions and Career Path

24:34 Discovering Acrylics and Moving to Venice

36:40 Joining the 10 Women Gallery

46:04 Life in New York and Starting a New Co-op

49:19 Discovering the Firefly Artists Gallery

49:39 Balancing Art and Family Life

50:55 Transition to Full-Time Artist

51:34 Licensing Deal and Artistic Evolution

57:40 Moving to Asheville and New Beginnings

01:00:27 Developing a Unique Artistic Style

01:10:33 The Influence of Quilting and Textiles

01:15:59 The Power of Color in Art

01:30:23 Teaching and Retreats

01:35:45 Final Thoughts and Encouragement