Art + Magic

Amanda and I get down on the TikTok strategies we've seen work, advice for finding your own formula, our successes and frustrations with social media, how we're relating to this platform and morrrre. Listen to ep 20 with Amanda Sandlin: Busting All the Artist Myths FOLLOW AMANDA www.amandasandlin.com IG: @amandasandlin www.gentlesentiments.com SUPPORT THE SHOW Visit patreon.com/devonwalz for exclusive episodes each month FOLLOW THE SHOW @artandmagicpodcast @devonwalzart www.devonwalz.com

The Andrea conversation continues! In this part we talk about: - getting out of isolation - financially setting yourself for ups and downs - how trauma and mental health issues have influenced our work - making art books - art openings and how to talk to new people - what to say no to - much more! FOLLOW ANDREA https://www.andreaguzzetta.com/ IG: @andreaguzzetta SUPPORT THE SHOW Visit patreon.com/devonwalz for exclusive bonus episodes  FOLLOW THE SHOW @artandmagicpodcast @devonwalzart www.devonwalz.com STUDIO SALE www.devonwalz.com/studio-sale JOIN MY NEWSLETTER https://forms.aweber.com/form/82/1951764982.htm

What didn't Andrea Guzzetta and I talk about? Nothing. And that's why this conversation is a two-parter! A bit of what we covered in part 1: -- Our mental health journeys as they relate to being working artists -- Moneyyyy -- Making feminine art in a masculine leaning art market --Seeking Validation -- Confidence -- Finding your people -- Pricing -- and much more Stay tuned for part 2 coming out next Thursday, 7/20. FOLLOW ANDREA https://www.andreaguzzetta.com/ IG: @andreaguzzetta SUPPORT THE SHOW Visit patreon.com/devonwalz for exclusive bonus episodes  FOLLOW THE SHOW @artandmagicpodcast @devonwalzart www.devonwalz.com JOIN MY NEWSLETTER https://forms.aweber.com/form/82/1951764982.htm

Starting back up by catching you up: why I took such a long break, imposter syndrome, TikTok, collaboration, having a hard time painting, business growth, mental health, playing the long game, working 3D and morrrre. Head to patreon.com/devonwalz for bonus episodes. FOLLOW THE SHOW @artandmagicpodcast FOLLOW DEVON IG: @devonwalzart TikTok: @devonwalz www.devonwalz.com

As it's one of our most popular episodes to date (and a personal favorite), I wanted highlight this conversation with Pennylane Shen. It's also excellent compliment to the the Artwork Development Series that we just wrapped up (check out the past 3 episodes if you haven't yet). Much of what we've been discussing is distilled nicely in this interview, and as well as given a totally fresh perspective by Pennylane. If you've heard this one before, re-listening is a GREAT check-in to see how you're relating to her points and suggestions now v. then. If you're coming across this conversation for the first time-- you're in for a treat! We talked about… -- The two overarching factors that make for strong artwork and how to know if you’re hitting the marks --Navigating experimentation and incorporating just the right dose of it -- Why you need to bulk up the “meat and potatoes” of your work and ways to bring meaning and substance to the forefront of what you make -- How to overcome the insecurity of being self-taught -- The things to become aware of in your own self (or continued!) art education -- Determining which way of selling your work is right for you: self-representation v. working with a gallery BIO Pennylane Shen is an artist consultant, curator and educator. Since 2006, her company Dazed and Confucius has offered personalized consultations, group workshops and business development with regular seminars held worldwide. Artist consultants Pennylane and David advise over 1000 artists each year. With a variety of services catered to the fine artist, Dazed and Confucius has quickly become the "one-stop shop" for artists navigating the fine art industry. Pennylane holds a Master’s Degree in Visual Culture Theory from New York University and has lectured at various forums throughout Canada, the US and the UK. Her teaching experience includes Langara College and the NYC Crit Club. For more than a decade, Pennylane has worked in commercial galleries such as the Bau-Xi Gallery, the longest standing commercial gallery in Canada. In her hometown of Vancouver, BC Pennylane has curated for the Vancouver Mural Festival. An avid supporter of art and wellness, she sits on the board for the Vancouver General Hospital and UBC Foundation, collecting notable art pieces for hospital walls. UNIQUE: a Style Development Workshop Series is open for enrollment through 10/6. Learn more and sign up here. Head to patreon.com/devonwalz for bonus episodes. FOLLOW PENNYLANE www.dazedandconfucius.com/ IG: @dazed.and.confucius FOLLOW THE SHOW @artandmagicpodcast FOLLOW DEVON IG: @devonwalzart Tittok: @devonwalz

For the final part in this series, we're looking at our work and taking some inventory. In this episode I break down five areas of our work and practice we can look at if we want to further develop our art and make it stronger. Some of these things may be obvious and some may not, but either way I find that a check-list analysis of our practice can be just what the doctor ordered when it comes to pushing our work forward, and ensuring that nothing is underdeveloped or overlooked. This is the third episode of the Artwork Development series. It's okay to listen out of order, but when you're done make sure you go back and listen to last week's episode, too! If you enjoyed this episode you'll dig my style development workshop series, UNIQUE, which is open for enrollment right now. Learn more here. Head to patreon.com/devonwalz for bonus episodes. FOLLOW THE SHOW @artandmagicpodcast FOLLOW DEVON IG: @devonwalzart Tittok: @devonwalz

While we can talk about all of the techniques for getting new ideas, ways to weed out our influences and different aspects of our work that might need attention, none of that will take us very far if we're being held up by any of these 5 blocks. Developing our work requires us to take risk, know ourselves well, and have the ability to show up day in and day out. Unfortunately, there are some common (yet, not always obvious reasons) why we might have a hard time doing that. In today's episode, I dig into the 5 main things that tend to stand between us and our best work and how you can address them. This is the second episode of the Artwork Development series. It's okay to listen out of order, but when you're done make sure you go back and listen to last week's episode, too! Get the 5 blocks email series for additional prompts and reflections that go with this episode here. If you enjoyed this episode you'll dig my style development workshop series, UNIQUE, which is open for enrollment right now. Learn more here. Head to patreon.com/devonwalz for bonus episodes. FOLLOW THE SHOW @artandmagicpodcast FOLLOW DEVON IG: @devonwalzart Tittok: @devonwalz

Today kicks off the first of a three part series all about Artwork Development. This is a vast and important topic and ultimately, I think, the core of what we should be focusing on as artists. In this episode I say more about what artwork development is and why it needs our attention, and dive into The 3 stages of Style Development.  Understanding the common points artists hit in their development allows us to identify where we're at in that cycle and take the next best steps for our work. I talk about feeling scattered, being overly influenced, feeling disconnected to our work and more-- as well as give you the behind-the-scenes story of my of style development. Stay tuned for part two, coming out next week! If you enjoyed this episode you'll dig my artwork development workshop series, UNIQUE, that's opening for enrollment next week. Join my newsletter here to stay in the loop. Head to patreon.com/devonwalz for bonus episodes. FOLLOW THE SHOW @artandmagicpodcast FOLLOW DEVON IG: @devonwalzart Tittok: @devonwalz NEW PRINTS www.devonwalz.com/shop-prints

If you're on social media at all, you're probably familiar with the incredible Sari Shryack. Acrylic and oil painter based in Austin, Texas, Sari is known for her disco ball paintings, still lifes and embrace of color and nostalgia. She's fascinating to watch from afar, which is why I was so excited to have her on the show and get the behind-the-scenes stories on her relationship to her work, social media, having her art widely copied and cultivating connections with her audience. We talked about... – Sari’s relationship to color, low bro media and kitsch, and the resistance to those things in the larger art world – 90s imagery as a common language among peers – Being taken seriously (or not) as an artist who's embraced social media, and Sari’s opinion on going this less traditional route – What’s worked best for her on social platforms and how she balances content creation and art making – The importance of relationships, connection and storytelling – The story of the disco balls! Having them blow up and become widely copied, and Sari’s journey through it all – Advice for creating your best work and growing your sales -- Much more! FOLLOW SARI IG: @not_sorry_art www.sari.studio SUPPORT THE SHOW Visit patreon.com/devonwalz for exclusive bonus episodes each month FOLLOW THE SHOW @artandmagicpodcast FOLLOW DEVON IG: @devonwalzart Tittok: @devonwalz www.devonwalz.com Join the newsletter here to hear about upcoming workshops, courses and new art.

If you resist writing your artist's statement, talking about your work with your audience or even just putting words to what you make for your own understanding A. you're not alone and B. I pretty much give you everything I have on the subject in today's episode. I cover... -- the different kinds of art writing -- the areas you may need to develop more in your practice in order to help your writing -- specific aspects of your work to consider writing about, or at the very least, understand for yourself -- general tips about language, truth telling and structure -- prompts to get you going This episode is basically a mini workshop with a lot of info, and for that reason, I created a free guide to go along with it that includes all the tips and writing prompts I mention.  Get the free episode guide at: www.devonwalz.com/resources If you enjoyed this episode, you'll probably really dig my artwork development workshop, UNIQUE, that will open for enrollment in a couple weeks. Join my newsletter here to hear about it, as well as the new limited edition prints dropping next week.  Head to patreon.com/devonwalz for bonus episodes, including *more* tips and thoughts on writing about your art. RESOURCES MENTIONED Pennylane Shen of Dazed and Confucious. Listen to her interview here. Art-Write by Vicki Krohn Amorose How to Write About Contemporary Art by Gilda Williams FOLLOW THE SHOW @artandmagicpodcast FOLLOW DEVON IG: @devonwalzart Tittok: @devonwalz www.devonwalz.com Print Shop Recommendation Pretty Good Printing

For all you working artists, this conversation is a dose of validation and a resourceful pep talk that you're gonna love. Andrea Guezzatta doesn't hold back re: her opinions about the perspectives in the art world she doesn't jive with and the things out there disguised as opportunities that really aren't. She's also extremely generous and transparent when it comes to her income streams, pricing, secrets to success on Patreon, cultivating an engaged collector base and how she feels about painting cute shit. She was SO fun to chat with and listen to, and is definitely the kind of guest that leaves you wanting a part II. We talked about... -- Her fine approach v. painting things because they're cute -- Viewing art as a skill set and a way to make money. And divesting from the often privileged perspective of academia. -- A break down of Andrea's income streams -- Charging a living wage and how to balance that with what your audience is buying -- How she makes Patreon work for her -- The need for more play and fun in the art world -- How doing stand up comedy has influenced her art practice and given her confidence in the world -- What to do when you feel stuck in your process -- How she approached her recent solo show, Stratosphere (and the time and cost it took) -- How she became a faster painter -- SO much more FOLLOW ANDREA https://www.andreaguzzetta.com/ IG: @andreaguzzetta "Stratosphere" solo show at Var Gallery SUPPORT THE SHOW Visit patreon.com/devonwalz for exclusive bonus episodes  FOLLOW THE SHOW @artandmagicpodcast @devonwalzart www.devonwalz.com Learn about + apply to the 14 week 1-on-1 mentorship program for artists here. 

I’ve been wanting to bring a curator’s perspective to this show for a long time and I’m so happy that I held out for Angelik Vizcarrondo-Laboy. Glitter-loving, down-to-earth and super fun to chat with, Angelik gives us some great insight into what it’s like on the curator's side of the exhibitions, the behind-the-scenes of putting together shows, how to connect with curators and navigate studio visits, and all things humor, cuteness and leisure. We talked about… What she does an an independent curator Being independent v. working at an institution Subjectivity, compromise and the ways that curators do and don’t have power Her process for curating a show The aesthetics of optimism: why it’s been marginalized in the past and why it’s having a moment now Minimalism and privilege How to connect with and develop a relationship with curators Do’s and don’ts of studio visits Tips for artists moving forward FOLLOW ANGELIK https://www.angelikvizcarrondo.com/ listen to Clay in Color: https://www.brickyardnetwork.org/clayincolor SUPPORT THE SHOW Visit patreon.com/devonwalz for exclusive bonus episodes each month FOLLOW THE SHOW @artandmagicpodcast @devonwalzart www.devonwalz.com

If you're an artist who makes stuff, chances are you're going to go through periods of not making stuff too. This can weigh on us heavily, because we often feel like we need to be making in order to be in artist (but listen in for reasons why that's certainly not true). In this episode I talk about the different reasons we might go through such periods, the external expectations that need to be addressed, coping with the big bullies like fear, comparison, self-criticism and perfectionism, and suggestions for easing your way back into making (if that's right for you at this time!). SUPPORT THE SHOW Visit patreon.com/devonwalz for exclusive bonus episodes each month FOLLOW THE SHOW @artandmagicpodcast @devonwalzart www.devonwalz.com

Today’s conversation with Marisa Avila Sayler is a collaborative jam session on all things WORLDBUILDING in visual art. While Marisa and I make work that is very different, one thing that we have in common in our work is that we are each creating our own-- and we have A LOT of thoughts on the subject.  For those of you who love all things fantastical, alternate reality, otherworldly, transcendent, surreal– this episode is for you. BUT even if this isn’t your home genre or main interest, this conversation gives way to a lot topics that are relatable to most any creative: the desire to create something new and better, to use art as a way grapple with the world around us, and to give ourselves a safe haven via our process. Whether we make otherworldly work or not, artists are constantly attempting to create their own world for themselves (the very cool and meta aspect of Worldbuilding that Marisa and I talk about!). In this episode we discuss... – How we each view and define Worldbuilding in the context of visual art -- Why we think there’s been an uptick in this kind of work and its current cultural relevance -- Why content for children tends to be otherworldly in nature – Worldbuilding as an act of freedom seeking and rebellion, and our personal reasons for engaging with this kind of work – The in’s and out’s of the worlds that Marisa and I build. Why we’ve chosen the characters and elements that we have to create our Cosms (worms, slime mold, nostalgia, lucky charms, oh my!) – How being self-taught v. formally trained has impacted the development of our worlds + work -- The importance of retrospect and the role that's played for each of us – The value of getting (the right kind) of feedback on your work -- much more! Love this episode? Join us Marisa and I for, "Worldbuilding: An Immersive Course in the Art of Cosm Construction for Visual Creators." More info here. Enrollment closes on April 1st and class begins on April 9th. https://marisaanddevon.wixsite.com/world-building Listen to Marisa's past Art + Magic episode: #17 Unlearning Art School + Full-time Realties FOLLOW MARISA www.marisasayler.org IG: @speaking_in_rainbows SUPPORT THE SHOW Visit patreon.com/devonwalz for exclusive bonus episodes each month FOLLOW THE SHOW @artandmagicpodcast @devonwalzart www.devonwalz.com

We're BACK and kicking off season four (finallyyyy!) with a discussion on the five main concerns I've been hearing about from artists recently. In having a lot of conversations with you all over the past month, there were some definite themes and struggles that came up on repeat. I wanted to put them all in one place so we could traverse the ground together and also to let you know: you're definitely not alone in these! In this episode where we cover a wide range of topics such as... How to understand your own work better and the three components of your work you should be able to identify What to do if you feel disconnected from what you're making or worried that it doesn't have meaning behind it All things talking, sharing and writing about your work. What is too personal? How can we come up with interesting things to say? A practice I recommend for when you feel "all over the place" Important ways to compartmentalize and structure your studio practice Different ways to connect with other artists and find creative community How to know when it's time to lean into the professional side of things or stay focused on developing your work A whole lot more! Recommended Reading: Art Write ANNOUNCEMENT The Small Group Mentorship Program for artists is currently open for applications. We begin on 3/19 and the deadline to apply is 3/16. Spots are limited. Learn more and apply here: www.devonwalz.com/small-group-mentorship SUPPORT THE SHOW Visit patreon.com/devonwalz for exclusive bonus episodes FOLLOW THE SHOW @artandmagicpodcast @devonwalzart www.devonwalz.com Want to request a topic or ask a question to be answered on the show? Send an email to devonleewalz@gmail.com

For this final episode in our mini series on style development, I wanted to talk about ways we might both: find new inspiration when we're feeling stuck *and* uncover substantial ideas that we'll actually be able to stick with (hi cohesion and consistency). I think pushing our work forward in unique ways requires a balance of playfulness and focused intention-- which I discuss in this episode. Where ever you're at in terms of finding your style, these 10 suggestions will surely bring you a lot closer to your next most honest and exciting work. Register for "UNIQUE: A Style Development Workshop Series": www.devonwalz.com/unique Enrollment close Friday, October 22nd at midnight PST SUPPORT THE SHOW Visit patreon.com/devonwalz for exclusive bonus episodes each month FOLLOW THE SHOW @artandmagicpodcast @devonwalzart www.devonwalz.com

In the age of social media, we're likely to experience either being copied, finding ourselves too influenced by other artists' work, or both. This is a sensitive topic on both ends. Being copied feels horrible (what do we do when it happens?), and trying to move away from the voices of other's when you're developing your own can be a big challenge. As part of our continued discussion on style development, I wanted to offer some nuanced thoughts for both positions with the hopes of validating the feelings those who have seen their work replicated and shine some light on how you can weed out any elements in your work that aren't really your own. I discuss... -- Thoughts on being copied, ways to handle it and possible perspectives -- The common things I see in work that is too influenced by others / how to tell if your work is too close to someone else's -- Ways to move away from your influences and make your work more your own (no shame here, just ideas) “UNIQUE: Style Development Workshop Series” is now open for enrollment! Learn more and register: www.devonwalz.com/unique SUPPORT THE SHOW Visit patreon.com/devonwalz for exclusive bonus episodes each month FOLLOW THE SHOW @artandmagicpodcast @devonwalzart www.devonwalz.com

If you feel caught between multiple styles and you’re craving cohesion or to solidify your “thing,” you’re not alone.  As part of the next three weeks where we’ll be digging into style development, I wanted to specifically address what to do when we feel scattered and without direction. In this episode I discuss… -- The 3 stages of style development -- When multiple styles can work for you and when it might be time to rein it in -- Obstacles that the “scattered artist” often faces -- Ways to identifying your “umbrella” and cultivate your style beyond just how it looks -- Remedies and practical ways to focus your style -- And more! “UNIQUE: Style Development Workshop Series” is now open for enrollment! Learn more and register: www.devonwalz.com/unique SUPPORT THE SHOW Visit patreon.com/devonwalz for exclusive bonus episodes each month FOLLOW THE SHOW @artandmagicpodcast @devonwalzart www.devonwalz.com

Muralists, aspiring muralists and any artist interested in doing client-based work: look no further than this episode with Roxy Prima and Phoebe Cornog of Pandr Design Co. and Ladies Who Paint.  These women have been my go-to resource for murals since I discovered them (and I WISH I would’ve known about them when I first started with murals). I really wanted to bring you a practical episode that got into the details of being a successful muralist and these ladies did not hold back one bit. We discussed getting your first mural, pricing, outreach, contracts, taking care of your body, the proper boots and equipment and SO much more. I love their perspectives on the abundance of work available in the mural world and their focus on empowering women muralists- so needed! We talked about…. All about Ladies Who Paint and being women in the mural industry How to get break into murals if you’re itching to start The importance of outreach: finding who to email, how to present yourself and more Normalizing 5 and 6 figure mural jobs The biggest mistakes they’ve made and learned from in doing so many projects Taking care of your body as a muralist: everything from equipment to proper shoes What to consider in your pricing, and all about discussing rates Much more! FOLLOW PANDR www.pandrdesignco.com IG: @pandrdesignco @ladieswhopaint @phoebecornog @roxyprima SUPPORT THE SHOW patreon.com/devonwalz FOLLOW THE SHOW @artandmagicpodcast @devonwalzart www.devonwalz.com

I love stories that showcase versatility in how humans find their way to art and make it their job. K’era is definitely one of those stories! Considering art her “second act,” she started with a career PR and later found her way to fine art, design and textiles. We get into what that journey has entailed, the practical side of licensing and getting her products into stores, owning the title of artist for herself and much more. I highly recommend this episode for that always-needed dose of “there’s no one right way to do it, there’s only your way.” Not to mention, if you’re interested in textiles, home decor and/or making functional products--you’ll learn a TON from K’era. We talked about… Her winding road from working PR to becoming a working artist The power of PR, awareness and getting your work in front of people The practical steps K’era took to get her products into stores How K’era got into licensing and what she’s learned in the process Claiming ownership over the title of “artist” + and balancing design and fine art in her brand Advice for carving out your own artist route Much more! FOLLOW K'ERA www.k-apostrophe.com IG: @k_apostrophe SUPPORT THE SHOW Visit patreon.com/devonwalz for exclusive bonus episodes each month FOLLOW THE SHOW @artandmagicpodcast @devonwalzart www.devonwalz.com