This week we're catching up (chickens and travel) and also talking about spontaneity and making space. You'll hear why there has been a bit of longer gap - and why there is no jaunty music this time. We would say this was a hard episode to record, but the truth is it was just as easy as always. We have appreciated our conversations as much we know you do - and we will miss them. We have appreciated our guests and all of you who have listened, messaged and shared the podcast over the last 6 years. It's truly been a joy. Thank you from both of us and we hope you keep in touch - and continue to share the message ... creativity counts, your creative life matters and just go and make it happen!Alice and Louise xFind our websites and sign up for our newsletters at:www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.comFollow us on Instagram:@alicesheridanstudio@louisefletcher_artCredits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we're discussing all things studio. Both Alice and Louise recently completed major studio clean-upn projects, while Louise is overseeing the construction of a new workspace. What does it mean to set up a productive studio space? Is your space cosy or utilitarian? Is it helpful to get 'outside' help with planning or reorganising your space? And when is it time to make a change to your environment?Hopefully, our conversation will inspire you to take a fresh look at your own space - and maybe even have your own studio clear-out :)Find our websites and sign up for our newsletters at:www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.comFollow us on Instagram:@alicesheridanstudio@louisefletcher_artCredits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, Louise is joined by special guest Sally-Anne Ashley for a discussion on how to develop and nurture ideas within our art practice. This is a topic that we are both passionate about and, while we approach it in slightly different ways, our end goal remains the same. We both seek to find a focus that sustains us, while also staying open and experimental. During our conversation, we cover the importance of play, the need for self-acceptance, and the vital role that ideas play in our work. Sally-Anne's website: https://www.sally-anneashley.com/Sally-Anne's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sallyanneashleyart/?hl=en-gbFind our websites and sign up for our newsletters at:www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.comFollow us on Instagram:@alicesheridanstudio@louisefletcher_artCredits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This is a podcast about belief, embracing risk as a business owner and being open to creative opportunities despite lingering imposter syndrome. Today we bring you an inspiring conversation with muralist Daren Todd who transitioned in to art after his boss told him to go and follow what made him happy. From painting fences for free to a collaboration with IKEA there are plenty of ideas here to help you think more expansively about how your art can impact people around you, your community, and why it really matters. Key takeaways: keeping a short line from idea to implementation, continuing to experiment with new ideas and ways to bring your art to people, the importance of referrals and getting known for one thing and why 4hrs spent on SEO could really be am afternoon well spent. MentionedYou can find Daren's website here: https://www.artlargerthanme.com/Or follow on Instagram @thedailydarenIKEA collaboration: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/ideas/design-collab/daren-todd-safe-haven-puba94785e0/Find our websites and sign up for our newsletters at:www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.comFollow us on Instagram:@alicesheridanstudio@louisefletcher_artCredits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week we're diving into the challenges of making art when times get tough. Many people are worried about global issues such as wars, climate change and geopolitics, and these massive issues can feel overwhelming. Others are struggling with personal challenges, which can also make creativity feel impossible. So how do we keep creating in difficult times? How do we restore our equilibrium after we have been triggered into strong emotions? And how do we deal with feelings of guilt about doing something we love when others are suffering?We hope our personal experiences and challenges help anyone who is struggling with their own creativity due to external pressures.MentionedDish PodcastFind our websites and sign up for our newsletters at:www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.comFollow us on Instagram:@alicesheridanstudio@louisefletcher_artCredits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we're talking creative capacity. What's the ideal environment for creativity to flourish? And when should we simply accept that there is no space left for new ideas? We suspect this is different for everyone, but in this episode, we do our best to unpack the issue as we see it, and hopefully offer some support to anyone who is struggling at the moment. Mentioned Bookworm podcast Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty Find our websites and sign up for our newsletters at: www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.com Follow us on Instagram: @alicesheridanstudio @louisefletcher_art Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
If you've got paintings stacking up, and you're either excited about what you're working on, or wondering where to go next, this episode is for you. It can be tempting to think we have to re-invent the wheel with our art work, but truth is in following the clues from where you've already been... Today we have a few questions for you which will help you unearth and mine your own art history and build your confidence going forward because you realise all the things that you've already figured out! We hope you enjoy this and would love to see you share your favourite question from today's episode. Mentioned: Paula Hawkins novel The Blue Hour Find our websites and sign up for our newsletters at: www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.com Follow us on Instagram: @alicesheridanstudio @louisefletcher_art Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
We're back, and this week we're responding to a listener message all about reflecting on and recording your life (art and otherwise). Our conversations covers journaling, annual planning, and hopes/dreams for the new year. Yes we know it's an arbitrary date in the calendar, but there is something about winter that encourages us to slow down and take stock ... if you feel the same way, this is the episode for you. Mentioned Find our websites and sign up for our newsletters at: www.alicesheridan.com www.louisefletcherart.com Follow us on Instagram: @alicesheridanstudio @louisefletcher_art Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Have you ever felt frustrated about how best to showcase your art so that collectors can see it in the best light? Today's guest is an expert at it - in fact she's made a second career out of bridging the gap between artists, art collectors, or just people who want a colourful home full of personality. Alice welcomes Emily Hadley to Art juice and we talk about career transitions, staying flexible and remembering you get to create this in a way that suits you. We also cover how you can style your art and see how you present your work as an overall part of your expression that collectors love to see Mentioned: Explore the art and blog on Emily's website at www.emilyhadley.co.uk/ Find Emily on Instagram @emuplops Find Alice Sheridan at: www.alicesheridan.com @alicesheridanstudio Find more about Louise Fletcher: www.louisefletcherart.com @louisefletcher_art Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we're talking all about collaboration. In response to two listener questions, we discuss the pros and cons of working with others, whether they be galleries, businesses or fellow artists. Collaborations can offer great rewards - as long as you ask some smart questions before committing. Find Alice Sheridan at: www.alicesheridan.com @alicesheridanstudio Find more about Louise Fletcher: www.louisefletcherart.com @louisefletcher_art Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
In this episode, we dive into the joys of using mixed media—a playground for curiosity and creativity. We explore the fun (and challenges) of mixing materials, textures, and techniques, from graphic edges paired with loose lines to playful contrasts of smooth and rough textures. But it’s not all carefree: many artists find themselves relying on external materials, like magazine clippings or vintage photos, which can sometimes raise the question, "Am I enough without this?" So, when is mixed media a tool for experimentation and trust-building? And when does it become a safe zone, holding us back from bolder artistic leaps? Mentioned Instagram Reel: dancing across the finish line: https://www.instagram.com/p/DBMAkx1t5iS/ Saunders Waterford hot press watercolour sketchbook “Shrinking” on Apple TV Find Alice Sheridan at: www.alicesheridan.com @alicesheridanstudio Find more about Louise Fletcher: www.louisefletcherart.com @louisefletcher_art Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, we answer a question from Cherrie, who is curious about the benefits and downsides of teaching. This is something we have both thought about over the years and in this chat we share our perspectives. Our conversation spans both the positives (inspiration, realisations, variety in our days) and the negatives (do we lose out on our creativity because we give time and energy to others?) If you have ever thought about teaching, either online or in person, we hope this chat helps you consider your options. And if you currently teach, maybe some of what we say will resonate.
Today Louise chats with British artist Annie Tempest about her life and work. Annie is an award-winning cartoonist whose work has appeared in many newspapers and magazines, and has been a staple of Country Life magazine for over 30 years, but she is also a talented sculptor who is now exploring painting. Annie has found real freedom in her art practice, and her enthusiasm is infectious. In this conversation, Annie shares stories of her fascinating life, discusses the challenges of weekly deadlines, and explains the joy of making art just because you love it. Mentioned Annie's Instagram Annie's sculpture (video) Tottering by Gently Find Alice Sheridan at: www.alicesheridan.com @alicesheridanstudio Find more about Louise Fletcher: www.louisefletcherart.com @louisefletcher_art Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Do you love the process of building up layers in your painting? Or perhaps you're wondering why layering is necessary and feeling frustrated with how long your paintings are taking you. Today we are talking all things layering; from glazing to different substrates. Even if this isn't the way you work, they'll be something her for you as we veer into your role as an artist to orchestrate your painting or to follow your intuition. Is layering the ultimate way to learn to 'let go'...? Mentioned Alice's paintings in 'The Essence' show at The Sanctuary Gallery www.thesanctuarygallery.com Carol Marine 'Daily Painting' book Laura Horne podcast ep 178 Find Alice Sheridan at: www.alicesheridan.com @alicesheridanstudio Find more about Louise Fletcher: www.louisefletcherart.com @louisefletcher_art Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, Alice and Louise ponder the need for carving out time and space for our creativity. Perhaps it's even broader than that - perhaps it's about the idea of consciously designing your life; about creating an environment in which ideas can grow and flourish, and about making the necessary decisions to create that environment. We hope you enjoy this chat and perhaps it will spark some thoughts about your own priorities. Mentioned Kaos The Bear Find Alice Sheridan at: www.alicesheridan.com @alicesheridanstudio Find more about Louise Fletcher: www.louisefletcherart.com @louisefletcher_art Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week we are having a post-summer catch up on ongoing projects from tractors to tab guns. But beyond the required kit for any creative project, we're talking about striving vs spaciousness, and why having longer term projects which require long term effort are actually beneficial for your health! Find Alice Sheridan at: www.alicesheridan.com @alicesheridanstudio Find more about Louise Fletcher: www.louisefletcherart.com @louisefletcher_art Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week, Alice and Louise discuss the process of making art, and ponder the question of control. Do our paintings come from us, or from somewhere else? Why do some paintings come together quickly while others seem to involve real struggle? During the course of our chat we cover the frustration of the messy middle, the idea of conversing with our work, and the constraints of time and other responsibilities on our creative process. Mentioned Rachel Davis https://www.racheldavisstudio.com Rachel's online workshop https://www.racheldavisstudio.com/online-workshop Find Alice Sheridan at: www.alicesheridan.com @alicesheridanstudio Find more about Louise Fletcher: www.louisefletcherart.com @louisefletcher_art Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Working on a collaborative project can feel a bit daunting - but can also be a joyous creative (and logistical!) challenge that will progress your output and lead to all sorts of opportunities. Today we hear from Claire Hankey and Shilpa Agashe who share the outcomes and learnings from their common love of plants - and a mixing of their different approaches which lead to a new collection of work, and also a rather unique exhibition. See the collaborative artwork here: https://www.clairehankeyartist.com/post/summer-nature-postcards-a-creative-exchange-between-2-artists-art-on-a-postcard Listen to Claire’s Podcast Where the Art Began Instagram: @clairehankeyartist Find more about Shilpa Agashe and see the Reach Out project here: https://www.shilpaagashe.com/reach-out/ Instagram: @agasheshilpa Other creative collaborations: Joan Mitchell - Poem collaboration https://www.joanmitchellfoundation.org/journal/celebrating-national-poetry-month Basquiat/ Louis Vuitton collaboration https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/warhol-x-basquiat-exhibition-fondation-louis-vuitton-1234663168/ Supplies mentioned: Pink Ink here Noodlers fountain pen in here Find Alice Sheridan at: www.alicesheridan.com @alicesheridanstudio Find more about Louise Fletcher: www.louisefletcherart.com @louisefletcher_art Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
As artists we all stand on the shoulders of giants. Like magpies, we pick up inspiration and ideas as we move through the world. Hopefully we alchemise these ideas into something new and original to us ... but where do we draw the line between inspiration and emulation. When are we turning an idea into something new, versus simply lifting it wholesale. And what happens when someone takes your idea or artwork and markets it as their own? Find Alice Sheridan at: www.alicesheridan.com @alicesheridanstudio Find more about Louise Fletcher: www.louisefletcherart.com @louisefletcher_art Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
This week Alice is joined by two UK gallery owners to discuss Open Call exhibitions - from the inside! When artists can sometimes feel submissions are a waste of time, two gallerists share why they choose to use this as part of their offer for artists, and the relationships which build from it. They let us in on some of the behind the scenes set-up, and what it really takes to organise and run an open call, and what an ideal submission looks like. We also push them on the tricky topic of costs and pricing - is this just a money-making scheme or after listening do you consider this a good investment. Let us know! With thanks to Luke Tarpey from www.tarpeygallery.com and Joanna Myles from: www.thesussexcontemporary.co.uk You can find both guests on Instagram @tarpeygallery and @sussexcontemporary You can listen to the Artist View episode ... and the situation which kick-started this whole subject back on Episode 256. Find Alice Sheridan at: www.alicesheridan.com @alicesheridanstudio Find more about Louise Fletcher: www.louisefletcherart.com @louisefletcher_art Credits: "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Alison Wilson
I loved the discussion. Thank you.
Jenny Lovatt
I feel I (and maybe others?) say no to things mentally because you feel you only have a limited amount of time ( lifetime or hours in the day!) and so a new thing feels like you are going to need to invest time in something which you are not sure will pay off...so your precious time has to be used in developing existing knowledge.
Anna Cade
Enjoying listening about your travels and experiences - I’m on my sofa feeling useless with a migraine so it’s good to listen to life and art stuff and feel I’m absorbing something useful! Good luck with your trip, Louise.
Laura Gibbs
I am enjoying the new format just as much as I did before. Both of you are great and I'll gladly listen to one or both of you, with or without guests. Very happy that Art Juice is continuing on, it is my favorite.
Louise Horton
Brilliant episode again. I've been listening for a while now and taken many pieces of advice on board. It has helped me so much with my website which I always put last on my list. Thank you both, your doing an amazing job. all the best, Louise