The Creative Explorers

Community is about finding people that like you and encourage you to be you.  What you might forget is that this means you need to face who you are to find the people that support the full and real you.  Laumee and Rachael do a meandering dive into what community means to them and also how this search for external validation is a distraction for knowing yourself.  Enjoy the conversation.  Announcement:  This podcast will no longer have a set schedule.  We will still try to publish a podcast twice a month but we are going to make room for creative flow and inspiration.   Questions to reflect on: What do you really want? What would make you feel energized?  What does a safe person look like? How can you be safe for yourself and others? What feels depleting? Resources mentioned:    Book to read:  Who you were meant to be by Lindsay Gibson https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/who-you-were-meant-to-be-a-guide-to-finding-or-recovering-your-lifes-purpose_lindsay-c-gibson/550386/#edition=57324559&idiq=41557158 Thrive Together Network: https://thrivetogethernetwork.com/

How do you find freedom beyond what happened?  Trauma affects our world, our responses, how we relate to each other, and how we see ourselves.  It’s time to get to know who you are and what motivates you.  As Laumee says, “It’s time to be as weird as you are and be ok with it.” Start by paying attention to what brings you joy and curiosity. Pay attention to what drops your energy. “You cannot fight what you prefer.”  Resources mentioned: Who you were meant to be by Lindsay Gibson https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/who-you-were-meant-to-be-a-guide-to-finding-or-recovering-your-lifes-purpose_lindsay-c-gibson/550386/#edition=57324559&idiq=41557158 Maria Brophy business advice for artists https://mariabrophy.com/ Question for today:  What does your authentic self want? Come and comment on our Instagram post:  https://www.instagram.com/sparrowshand/ https://www.instagram.com/laumee_art/

Creativity is a safe place to express yourself, to get to know yourself, to see your shadow, to contribute.  Laumee and Rachael talk about the difference of creating for the joy and discovery vs how art is usually portrayed as something special to be scrutinized.  Hopefully, this episode will encourage you to create and better understand yourself.  Find the post on Instagram and share your thoughts on the question: What if you could trust yourself?  https://www.instagram.com/sparrowshand/

Laumee and Rachael are back from their summer break.  Now they are sharing insights, new projects, and steps towards community. The reminder today is that life is not a superhero journey.  There isn’t one savior to fix it all. You are not responsible for the world but you can heal yourself, you can do your best, and you can still make a difference in ways you might never see.  Q What does it mean to be authentic to you?  Q How would you have a friendship with yourself?  Resources listed: Christin’s Stay Hype Podcast  https://youtu.be/kMxeCBQ1d_k?si=x33euXJ4Pu8FOs2E

In this episode, Rachael and Laumee talk about playful creativity - and how to teach art without focussing on technique only. Follow along as they explore exciting new ideas and discuss ways to initiate creative projects and workshops.

Do you use social media - or is it the other way around? In this episode, Rachael and Laumee discuss how artists can benefit from social media instead of wasting their time and energy by creating an endless stream of content.

Laumee and Rachael share their art and experiences of discovery.  This is a winding episode full of inspiration, resources, and meandering creative ideas.  Enjoy the journey.

How do we take care of ourselves while the world needs changing? How do we work towards change? What even makes a difference?  There isn’t really answers, mostly questions.  Laumee and Rachael discuss the struggles of trying to do more, self-care and preservation and what can be done.  Resources: The Way Out Is In: A Zen podcast episode about healing transgenerational trauma and hatred https://open.spotify.com/episode/0XmhX76zRnYv2RghXxN9Ic Combatants for Peace is a grassroots movement of Israelis and Palestinians working together to bring peace, equality and freedom. https://cfpeace.org/

Changing “should” to “could”.  Laumee and Rachael continue off of the theme of the last episode to share some clarity and ideas for self care. “Calling back your energy” to give focus to your goals and yourself. What is taking too much attention? Setting up routine for the bare minimum.  Rachael shares how her outlook shifted when she brought art into her scheduling challenges.  Some suggestions discussed: A line drawing a day Automatic drawing Draw what your intention for your day Q What are 5 things you can do for yourself today to help you shine?  Book mentioned: The Glass Castle Memoir https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7445.The_Glass_Castle?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_16 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the_creative_explorers_podcast/ https://www.instagram.com/sparrowshand/ https://www.instagram.com/laumee_art/

Today we have a guest! Saehee Chang returns to talk a little bit about kimchi but also goals for this year. We’re feeling fresh and ready for exciting possibilities.  Self care is the key to focusing on your passions.  We’re asking the big questions.  What do you really want? What do you deserve? How are you regulating your nervous system and creating time for yourself?  Recommended resources: The Book of Korean Self Care https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Book-of-Korean-Self-Care/Isa-Kujawski/9781800652040 Finch app for habit tracking  https://finchcare.com/ Gentle Pilates https://www.youtube.com/@JessicaValantPilates Book: Myung Sung the Korean art of living meditation https://neobooksandcoffee.com/products/myung-sung-the-korean-art-of-living-meditation Book: Wabi Sabi the gift of imperfection https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/56058947 Free Facebook group for Weirdos https://www.facebook.com/groups/weirdwomen/ Lauren of Love podcast for inner healing and awareness https://www.laurenoflove.com/podcast

Today we are brainstorming artists that have collabed, are doing community building and cross promoting for art and products.  Get ideas, be inspired, get motivated to build your creative community.   Questions for you to consider Where will you show, sell, see your art?  Where are people already meeting/gathering that your art could contribute to?  What’s a cause you believe in and would like to influence?  What lights you up?  What’s a product that you enjoy? Could you put your art on it?  Artists and Resources mentioned:  Erica Helder https://www.ericahelderstudio.com/ Lisa Middleton https://lisa-middleton.pixels.com/ Start a conversation/leave feedback on our latest IG post:  Rachael https://www.instagram.com/sparrowshand/ Laumee https://www.instagram.com/laumee_art/

Let’s discuss mutual aide, collaboration, community building, world changing ideas.  Laumee and Rachael compare notes, share resources and lessons they have been diving into.  The nervous system co-regulates.  As you heal yourself you can help others heal. There are so many people out there sharing a message, openly learning and growing as an example to others.  How will you show up?  What can you freely give right now? What can you give from abundance? Resources mentioned:  RevolutionTV  https://www.youtube.com/@RevolutionTV_official/videos Deb Dana - lots of videos on youtube, here’s a 10 min one https://youtu.be/1OajE2e8CDY?si=ZjRKCLeTypDMkw4J Braiding Sweetgrass audio book https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_BYbAshB4A&list=PLfls6OzMkf8KwDszavfbXJWbB4JnTpttT Project Insideout https://projectinsideout.net/getting-started/ Neighbors United https://neighboursunited.org/who-we-are/ Threading Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/1yHni8CgvD17QgKJvhlrCr?si=102285d3299b4435 Almost Awakened Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/59vB23bBAvNvdP74vIO3UT?si=507cacb380264173 Start a conversation/leave feedback on our latest IG post:  Rachael https://www.instagram.com/sparrowshand/ Laumee https://www.instagram.com/laumee_art/

Laumee shares a wealth of information based on the newly published German book “Being Human.” It’s a fascinating read about what was natural for humans for more than 300,000 years vs the systems that have recently come into power.  This is a call to creatives to figure out how to bring back the old ways you used to survive - through collaboration, cooperation, and community. It’s time to invest in social connection.  Be open to possibilities.  You’re not wrong that something feels “off”.   In this video, the two authors of the book talk about their research (in German, but there's a setting to automatically translate the subtitles into English.): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpLob9R3azk

This is Rachael's and Laumee's review of celebrations of the week, inspirations, and learning moments.  Have you heard of “underearning” to describe a trauma response and how that can affect a person’s relationship with money? Two broke artists reflect on their belief systems and what parts of this checklist they fit.  Do you resonate with this struggle? The Tree that set healthy boundaries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezH-SnJfxgc  Underearning as a trauma response: https://crappychildhoodfairy.com/2023/11/10/underearning-is-a-trauma-symptom/

What is your story? What are you passionate to talk about? Connection is about collecting.  This conversation covers gifts, the collections we make, the effort of understanding.  This is your reminder to keep sharing your story.  Your people will find you.  In this episode, Rachael and Laumee talk about their creative plans and how creativity can help us make sense of the world - at least a tiny bit. Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/the_creative_explorers_podcast/ https://www.instagram.com/sparrowshand/ https://www.instagram.com/laumee_art/

There are so many physical needs for our demanding bodies.  Laumee and Rachael talk about stress, difficult jobs, the little accomplishments and how to nourish ourselves with food and good thoughts.  Be gentle on yourself.  This world is a demanding place.   Ursula K. Le Guin: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ursula_K._Le_Guin Optional Assignment:  write your perfect world.  Let’s start dreaming up solutions  Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/the_creative_explorers_podcast/ https://www.instagram.com/sparrowshand/ https://www.instagram.com/laumee_art/

Winter is coming. It’s time to prepare for lower energy.  We are getting selective in where to put our energy.  Laumee and Rachael take a look at the season they are in and give advice for building energy, saving energy, and how to keep creating. Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/the_creative_explorers_podcast/ https://www.instagram.com/sparrowshand/ https://www.instagram.com/laumee_art/ Laumee's webseite: www.laumee.net

Do you need a little boost for your dreams and creativity? Laumee and Rachael had a really fun time on this episode, talking about some of their own creative projects, what they’re currently working on, some ideas, some struggles, and the little things that add up to bigger ideas.   We hope you come along and get inspired to look at your work in a new way as artists talk about building community. Let’s relish in the process. How might you collab?   Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/the_creative_explorers_podcast/ https://www.instagram.com/sparrowshand/ https://www.instagram.com/laumee_art/

Here's your encouragement for the week to go create, find your people, and share what you do.  We make art for ourselves, for our expression, and then some of us are called to share it with the world.  The difficulty is turning passion and self expression into a commodity.  Laumee and Rachael acknowledge the struggle and the questions, offering reminders and tips. Instead of “what pain point are you solving for your audience?” Ask yourself “What space are you creating and who are you inviting?” Question: How can I be brave today?  Resources mentioned:  Kelsey Rodriguez, Artist, making her living on YouTube, teaching artists about social media https://youtu.be/srI86rEkxVs?si=ReNI19K9O7WvK-4K  Accidental Gypsy, an artist sharing her life on youtube. Here's a Q&A about how she does it  https://youtu.be/sXGzdJtQaZk?si=YlWiHEqAY31Iqg5n Jonna Jinton wanted to find a way to live in the wilderness in Norway and support herself. She used YouTube to share her life and makes an income from it.  https://youtu.be/3IK17uouSNE?si=RHjKTMojOm1xxGaC Caren Magill is an ADHD coach. Here's how she'd launch her online business. It can apply to artists.  https://youtu.be/OOdGcNx-1Gg?si=odGD8o5NoFJBS4Fn Mimimoo Illustration, an introvert artist teaching us how to be an artist on social media https://youtu.be/Nfc4l_jHqLU?si=oX3XDycUoX1OJcj_ Beckadoodles, supported herself and her son as a single mom with her art https://instagram.com/beckadoodles?igshid=MWZjMTM2ODFkZg== Kim Diaz Holm, another art style and artist making a living from his art, here he talks about being a "crazy artist".  https://youtu.be/1vHnp4hvgeY?si=dGAhXVDVkY6FbMrw Follow us on Instagram:  Rachael - https://www.instagram.com/sparrowshand/ Laumee - https://www.instagram.com/laumee_art/

What is an artist? What makes a successful artist? We explore this on almost every podcast.  What is supportive to you? Laumee and Rachael are your accountability partner.  Today they talk about what is supportive to you, morning routines, bringing new things into your everyday life to keep the creative mind engaged.  Resources Mentioned:  The Struggle Care podcast for low energy days https://open.spotify.com/show/12JQfDpAVaE7MKJ357Ofts?si=ad193775cdfe477e A to Zen Life, a Youtube channel for simple living  https://youtube.com/@AtoZenLife?si=ljcVzx6Tc9NHLplR Artist inspiration: Erica Helder is sharing her life on tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@erica_helder?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Follow us on Instagram:  Rachael - https://www.instagram.com/sparrowshand/ Laumee - https://www.instagram.com/laumee_art/ IG Question:  What would you like your healing journey to look like?