The Creative Kind

In this episode I’m talking to Melbourne based miniatures artist Robyn Rich, whose work captures intimate, tiny worlds in reused and recycled objects. We talk about what it’s like to create art while living with chronic illness, and how limitations have shaped both her practice and her perspective.Robyn shares how art became a way to find her voice, to connect with others, and to make sense of her own experiences. We discuss the emotional power of small objects, the beauty of creating in a contained space, and the ways she’s built community through projects, Instagram, and her own miniature gallery.We also explore resilience, the lessons that come from rejection and illness, and how she navigates the tension between pushing herself creatively and taking care of her health. Robyn talks candidly about the challenges of sharing her work, asking for help, and finding ways to stay connected while honouring her own limits.You can Robyn’s website here and on instagram hereYou can find the podcast hereThanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with Jenni Stringleman and Frank Gordon to talk about painting, illness, and the practical realities that shape an artist’s work. Jenni shares how her ovarian cancer was discovered, and how it’s changed the pace and priorities of her studio life.Jenni chatted about how that experience changed her priorities: she moved quickly to paint what she wanted to paint, reduced studio output at times because of physical limitations, and now chooses projects with more personal meaning.We discussed some of the coping strategies, everyday rituals and practical support that helped Jenni through this time and the complicated path of finding her new normal.You can find Jenni here and her newsletter here and her earlier interview episode here:You can find Frank Gordon here, and my previous episode with him here:You can find the podcast hereThanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak with Kate Owen about the process of finding your market as an artist. Kate shares how trial and error has shaped her approach, from choosing the right galleries to refining the way she communicates with collectors. She talks about the importance of asking questions, and recognising when a particular avenue isn’t the right fit.We also look at the practical tools that support this process, including cataloguing artwork, building a mailing list that rewards collectors with early access to new work. Kate reflects on experimenting with newsletters, giveaways, and social media, and how paring things back over time has helped her focus on what really works. We chat about how her experience has required some experimenting and trying different strategies, seeing what sticks, and honing in on the things that align with her practice and life.Find Kate Owen website here and on instagram hereYou can find the podcast hereResources & LinksGreenhouse InteriorsCory (Corey) Huff — author / The Abundant Artist — Maggi / Maggie McDonald (artist / creative coach) —Louise King — Arlington Milne+1Bluethumb ArtArt Lovers Australia Artwork Archive Artlogic Bravery Co.Jumbled Paper PearThanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Creative Kind I speak with Laura Brinin from Side Gallery in Brisbane, who also works at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Laura shares insights into what it really means to approach a gallery, from making contact in a thoughtful and personal way to understanding what galleries actually do for artists. She talks about the importance of fit, the role of community and the value of supporting your gallery as much as they support you.We also dive into the realities of confidence and perfectionism and why action builds momentum. We dip into the logistics too- Laura and I chat about contracts and deadlines. What stood out for me is her reminder that there’s no single formula for building a career, and that the work itself should always remain at the centreFind the Side Gallery website here and their instagram here:You can find the podcast hereThanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the showMentioned in the show:Laura Brinin & Side GalleryDesign Front Last episode with Laura Brinin & Andrew Sleeman:Jessica Nothdurft, Kitty horton & Carolyn V Watson'The Gap' quote from Ira Glass Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I chat to Salma Price- Nell, also known as the Salsa Creative. Salma is a UK-based Cape Malay, South African artist and parent. We delve into the challenges and intersections of motherhood and maintaining an art practice. Salma discusses her primary medium of ink on paper and how her artwork, which often features organic forms like trees, has evolved since becoming a mother. We talk about the difficulties of finding time for art amidst parenting, the shift in priorities, and the therapeutic nature of creating art. Salma shares how she managed her creative practice while caring for her newborn, the importance of self-care, and the need to stay focused and present. We also touch on the impact of social media oand the lessons learned from navigating identity and productivity as a parent. Resources & LinksYou can find Salma’s website here and on instagram hereLetting Go by DavidHawkinsArt of Accomplishment by Jo HudsonYou can find the podcast hereThanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the showIf you've got a question you'd like me to explore- you can ask it here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I talk with artist Cindy Rizza about the realities of having a creative career while parenting. We cover how becoming a mother shifted her perspective on time, discipline, and the need to treat her practice as a career. Cindy speaks about the pressures that come with both roles and how comparison and stereotypes can be hard to shed and often get in the way when every artist’s circumstances are so different.We also talk about asking for help and why that can feel so difficult, the role of community and support, and how boundaries can protect space for making. Cindy shares her thoughts on managing expectations, both internal and external, and the importance of small, consistent steps.We talk about the guilt, uncertainty, and Cindy reflects on the parts of her practice are grounding and why art-making is “that one space that is mine.”Resources & LinksYou can find Cindy’s website here and on instagram hereYou can find Cindy’s episode with the Artist/Mother podcast hereYou can find the podcast hereThanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the showIf you've got a question you'd like me to explore- you can ask it here: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we dive into the topic of taking breaks, exploring the 'whens,' 'whys,' and 'hows' of stepping away from work. Joined by returning guests Anna Gibbs, Michael Fox, and Brandy Salmon, we discuss various perspectives on breaks, including the importance of planning downtime, financial and tax considerations, and personal strategies for recognising when it's time to pause. From mental and physical self-care to the impact of breaks on creativity and productivity, this episode highlights how artists balance their professional commitments with the need to recharge. We also explore practical advice on transitioning back to work post-break and the evolving landscape of the art world.Find Anna’s website here and on instagram hereYou can find Michael Fox's Accountant and Art Valuation website here and the Fox Galleries hereFind Brandi here on her website or here on instagram Find her wedding painting instagram page hereYou can find the podcast hereThanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This podcast episode discusses taking breaks. This season's guests Laura Brandon, Sally Bulling, and Maria Stoljar share their different perspectives & experiences, including the differences between planned and unplanned breaks, and their impacts on professional and personal well-being. The conversation delves into the necessity of taking intentional breaks to avoid burnout, the benefits of physical and mental rest, and practical strategies for reengaging with work after a hiatus. The guests share personal anecdotes and how they manage their time and breaks. We talk about the importance of recalibration, and how breaks can lead to renewed creativity and productivity. Find Laura Brandon’s website here and on instagram hereFind Sally here and on instagram hereIf you want to find out more about Maria Stoljar & Talking with Painters, go and check out:her instagram or website  Podcast on apple, spotify (plus all the others) And her You Tube channelYou can find the podcast hereThanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I chat with Brandi Salmon, a Wiradjuri and Tongan artist based in Lutruwita Tasmania about commissions. We talk about the ups and downs of working on commissions, from pricing and client expectations to protecting your creative energy and building long-term confidence.Brandi shares how she approaches work including landscapes, murals, portraiture to live wedding painting, and how the mix of commission and personal work has helped her grow artistically. She also opens up about the emotional and logistical sides of working with clients, why written boundaries are essential, and how she uses forms and automation to stay sane. We also dig into the impact of mentorship and the importance of finding peer support, especially as a young or emerging artist.Mentioned in this episodeArts Law- Artists in the BlackNgarrimili Find Brandi here on her website or here on instagramFind her wedding painting instagram page hereYou can find the podcast hereThanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I’m talking about commissions with NZ artist Sally Bulling, who specialises in mirror paintings incorporating a variety of materials like paint, resin, and stickers. We discuss the delicate balance between commissioned work and personal pieces,and the ways commissions can push an artist’s practice in unexpected and rewarding directions. We talk about the financial upside of a commission and how they can allow experimentation with new materials and ideas. We also chat about the importance of maintaining relationships with galleries alongside commissions and Sally shares insights on managing client expectations, communicating clearly, and the benefits of taking time with commissioned pieces.Find Sally here and on instagram hereYou can find the podcast hereThanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Creative Kind, I talk with Michael Fox, an experienced Australian arts accountant and director of Fox Galleries, about tax and accounting issues specifically for artists. We discuss the importance of treating an artistic practice as a business for tax purposes. Michael clarifies the tax reporting requirements for artists in different circumstances, including when activities transition from hobbyist to business status. The conversation also touches on common mistakes artists make in tax reporting, the significance of claiming expenses correctly, and the practical steps for managing receipts and bookkeeping. Michael emphasizes the critical role of good record-keeping and timely submission of tax returns to avoid penalties. We also explore topics like superannuation for self-employed artists and the nuances of GST for artists. We talk about the importance of clear communication between artists and galleries about financial transactions and practical advice on navigating the complexities of tax systems tailored to the arts sector.You can find Michael Fox's Accountant and Art Valuation website here and the Fox Galleries hereYou can find the podcast hereThanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Creative Kind, I speak with Sydney-based art consultant and educator Laura Brandon about artist opportunities beyond the gallery wall. With over 20 years of experience across public art, education, archiving, and exhibition development, Laura brings deep insight into how artists can meaningfully connect with new platforms, spaces and collaborators.We talk about everything from public art projects and artist statements to grants, residencies and building your own art ecosystem. Laura offers practical tips for tailoring applications, finding your own voice in written materials, and identifying the opportunities that are actually a good fit for you and your work.We also talk about what makes a strong application, and how to make the most of mentors, peers, and support systems around you.Find Laura Brandon’s website here and on instagram hereResources & LinksHere are a few useful organisations and platforms mentioned in this episode:ArtsHubMuseums & Galleries of NSWCreative AustraliaNational Association for the Visual ArtsArtSupport AustraliaArt Prizes (@artprizes) • Instagram Art Prizes PlannerCouncil websites such as:Opportunities for artists - Inner West CouncilArts opportunities | Bondi PavilionArts & culture - Waverley CouncilYou can find the podcast hereThanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I’m joined by British-born, New Zealand-based artist Anna Gibbs, whose detailed oil paintings of native birds draw attention not just for their beauty but for what they represent — a deep love for the natural world and a quiet invitation to care more deeply for it.We talk about how emotional connection can lead to change, and why Anna chooses to focus on hope, wonder, and care rather than guilt or shock when addressing environmental issues through her work. Anna shares how her parents sparked her fascination with New Zealand’s birds, the stories behind some of her most impactful pieces and why she’s committed to using real, ethically sourced gold in her art — not just for its visual warmth, but for what it symbolises.Find Anna’s website here and on instagram hereLearn more about Banks Peninsula Conservation TrustYou can find the podcast hereThanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Creative Kind, I chat to UK based artist Frances Featherstone on the realities of entering art prizes. We explore the opportunities prizes can open up, as well as the importance of keeping them in perspective.Frances shares practical advice on choosing the right prizes for your work, how to photograph your submissions, and the hidden costs artists often forget to factor in. We also talk about how to handle rejection, what really happens once a show opens, and why believing in your work matters more than any shortlist.Frances reminds us that prizes do have some great benefits and one of the big ones is the community built through participating in them.The connections they can help build and what that gives your practice in ways a prize never could on its own. Resources & LinksRoyal Academy Summer Exhibition Green and StoneThe Gallery HoltSouth East Open StudiosJackson’s Art Open Painting Prize You can find Frances Featherstone’s website here and on instagram hereYou can find the podcast hereThanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I chat to Maria Stoljar, a painter, YouTuber & host of the acclaimed Talking with Painters podcast. We discuss Maria’s experience with interviewing hundreds of art prize winners, and also as a painter herself having been an entrant and a judge. We talk about the significance of art prizes in an artist's career and Maria shares her insights on the motivations behind entering art prizes, the benefits of being shortlisted, and the importance of exposure. We also discuss the role that art prizes play in elevating artists' profiles, the impact of social media, and how to handle rejection. We also chat about the balance between authentic creation and catering to judges, gender balance in the art scene, and the broader implications of art prizes for the art community.If you want to find out more about Maria Stoljar & Talking with Painters, go and check out: her instagram or website   Podcast on apple, spotify (plus all the others)And her You Tube channelDiscussed in the podcast:art-prizes.comThe National Emerging Art Prize & Amber Cresswell BellCountess Report Ross Jones episode on Creative Conversations podcastJohn McDonald’s : Everything the Art World Doesn’t Want You To KnowTalking with Painters episodes: Every episode seemed relevant to this chat! But I had to limit it to those we referenced!Ep 115: The Archibald WinnersEp 120: Robert MalherbeEp 110: Robin EleyEp 65: Nicholas HardingEp 80 : Ben QuiltyEp 45 : Wendy SharpeEp 41: Megan Seres Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the season finale of The Creative Kind, we’re joined by Sarah Jane Moon, Rita Stella, Petrina Jose, and Sarah Lubcke, who all share their perspectives on understanding and identifying an audience., We chat about the nuances of ‘audience’ versus ‘market,’ the importance of showing up in person, and how social media and online platforms fit in. We talk about how we each navigate our creative paths while thinking about who connects with our work and how we communicate our work effectively. Find out more about this episodes guests:You can find Sarah Jane Moon’s website hereSarah Jane Moon, has an upcoming show called ‘Nature/Nurture’ 16th - 21st July (10am - 5pm) PV: Tues 15th July (6 - 9pm) Downstairs, The Department Store, 248 Ferndale Rd, London SW9 8FRYou can find Rita Stella’s work through Art to Art GalleryYou can find Petrina Jose’s artwork here and her Branding & Design page Hearts & Eyes hereYou can find Sarah Lubcke here & here website hereYou can find the podcast hereThanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Studio session I’m joined by Jenny Stringleman and Amanda Billing for another casual and varied discussion. We talk about our evolving work routines, differences in working styles, and the concept of chronotypes. We touch on online art criticism, & explore the impact of social media on artists and the differences, connections and reasons behind the art we create and the art we collect. Recommendations :Bianca Bosker's book 'Get the Picture' The contemporary British Contemporary Portrait Painters group, Mark Fennell’s podcast  No One Saw it Coming and film ‘The Mission.Mentioned in this podcast:Sarah Jane Moon’s episode on The Creative KindEverything The Art World doesn’t want you to knowJustin Bua’s instagram pageAndrew SalgadoCharlotte RobinsonYou can find Amanda here, her newsletter here and her earlier interview episode hereYou can find Jenni here and her newsletter here and her earlier interview episode hereYou can find the podcast hereThanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the showxJB Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I’m joined by Mandy Jakich—artist, educator and founder of Creative Matters & Creative Connections Podcas—to talk about the role of community in a creative life.Mandy shares how her need for connection as a self-taught artist led her to start building her own audiences early on, from hosting exhibitions at home to developing wider educational initiatives. She reflects on her time at Auckland Art Gallery, the role of the Muriwai Artists Collective, and the evolution of her podcast and art education business—all of which have centred around creative connection.We talk about how artist communities can provide accountability, emotional support and practical motivation, and how small acts of collaboration can create unexpected ripple effects. Mandy also shares how she’s carving out time to return to her own art practice, and the balance between leading others and holding space for herself.You can find the Creative Connections podcast (previously Creative Matters) here, here on apple and here on spotify Creative Connections show at Kumeu Arts From June 23- July 19thMentioned in this podcast:Interview with Sara Langon on Creative ConnectionsInterview with Sefton Rani on creative ConnectionsYou can find the podcast hereThanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with Richelle Byers & Liz Fraser from Gallery De Novo in Dunedin. Richelle and Liz reflect on how a gallery space can create community and connection when it’s open, conversational, and unintimidating.We chat about the idea of community and connection and how that can be built and shared through a commercial gallery—what they look for in artists, how relationships form between artists, gallerists and collectors, and how taste, instinct and storytelling shape the work they choose to represent. We talk about what it means to truly “fall” for an artwork, how personal and emotional that process can be for collectors. There’s also reflection on what it means to see work in the flesh — why scale, texture, and presence can’t always be captured on a screen — and how that in-person experience helps galleries stay grounded in community.You can find Gallery De Novo here and here on instagram - Their 20th anniversary show opens on the 28th &29th of June so go along and congratulate them if you can!Mentioned in this episode:- Ana Teafilo- Lee Byford-Daynes- Ewan McDougal- Jasmine Middlebrook- Maria Kemp- John Badcock- Marilyn WebbYou can find the podcast hereThanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

n this episode, we dive into the powerful intersection of art, culture, and community with Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole, the duo behind Wharenui Harikoa. From creating spaces that encourage introspection and connection, to collaborating across cultures, Lissy and Rudi share the deeply personal and healing process behind this transformative art installation. We explore the impact of Wharenui Harikoa as a vessel for emotional release, where visitors share their most intimate wishes—a practice that calls to mind the ancient Matariki rituals of letting go and releasing energy into the universe.We also talk about the ongoing evolution of their work, including a new vision for future Wharenui installations and their upcoming projects, like an international exhibition at the De Young Museum in San Francisco. The conversation also touches on the importance of community involvement and the meditative power of crochet, which is central to their practice.This episode is a deep exploration of art’s ability to create bridges of understanding, foster dialogue, and invite both the artist and viewer into spaces of healing and connection.You can Buy a Ball & support to Lissy & Rudi hereYou can find their website here: and their instagram here:Lissy & Rudi Have a Show  on from June 12 - July 5 with Time Melville Gallery in Auckland, Whiria Ngā Kanorau – Weave the Many Colours/Seeds You can find the podcast hereThanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.