Arts To Hearts Podcast

On this week's Arts to Hearts Podcast, we sit down with Philemona Williamson, a painter whose work has explored adolescence, gender, and identity for decades. Her paintings carry layers of symbolism and narrative that have developed over a long career of making art that matters to her. In this conversation, Philemona talks about how motherhood, her child's transition, and her experiences with miscarriage have all found their way into her paintings. She discusses what it means to be open about these experiences in her work and why that vulnerability has made what she creates feel more real and necessary. Through her story, we see how the things we live through directly shape what we make. Philemona shows us that staying true to yourself, even when life gets complicated or painful, can lead to work that resonates because it comes from a place of truth. This interview offers a look at how an artist doesn't separate her life from her canvas, and how the hardest moments can become the most important ones to paint. Philemona Williamson shares thoughtful perspectives on how life and art feed into each other, and why authenticity matters more than perfection. Listen to the full episode to hear her full story.

On this episode of the Arts to Hearts Podcast, host Charuka Arora, founder of the Arts to Hearts Project, talks with Sara Glupker, a Michigan-based fine artist whose work is inspired by nature, florals, colour, and the Midwestern landscape. Sara shares her experience of creating and running art workshops, including moments when turnout was low and plans didn't work out the way she expected. She speaks honestly about how she kept going by staying focused on the work rather than on numbers or quick results. The conversation also explores how artists can shape workshops using everyday life experiences, interests beyond art, and practical skills. Sara explains how bringing these elements together can help workshops feel more inviting and meaningful for both the artist and the audience. This episode is a thoughtful and honest conversation about hosting art workshops, staying consistent, and building creative spaces where people can come together to make art.

In this episode of the Arts To Hearts Podcast, Ocki Magill, founder of Blue Shop Cottage in London, talks about her journey from advertising and fashion to building a gallery that supports emerging artists. She shares practical advice on presenting your work, building community, and staying adaptable in a changing art world. Ocki explains how small steps, genuine connections, and a clear online presence can help artists move forward in their careers. This conversation is filled with helpful insights for anyone trying to find their place in the art world.

In this episode, Kim Hamburg talks with Charuka about how she found her way into making collages later in life. She shares how her kitchen became her studio, how she learned to let go of guilt, and how starting fresh in her fifties opened up a whole new chapter. Kim talks about learning technology, stepping into social media, raising kids, and giving herself the freedom to try something new. Their conversation is warm, honest, and encouraging for anyone who wants to begin again, no matter their age or background.

In this solo Thanksgiving episode, Charuka talks about gratitude, the lessons this year brought, and her wish to stop shrinking when life asks for more courage. She opens up about loss, change, and the people who helped her through it. A gentle and real conversation to close out the year.

On this week's Arts to Hearts Podcast, young curator Natasha opens up about her journey in the ever-changing world of contemporary art curation. She talks about how the role of curators has evolved from traditional methods to more collaborative partnerships with artists. Natasha compares the art scenes in America and Paris and highlights how online galleries are changing the game for art access. She stresses the importance of forming real connections and crafting inclusive art experiences that speak to a wide range of people. Come along as we explore the challenges she encounters and her dreams for a more accessible and culturally vibrant art world.

This episode follows Katie Rodgers as she talks about what it means to take risks by being real in her work. After years in fashion, she chose to step away and start again in New Mexico. Katie shares how change tested her, what she learned about letting go, and why staying true to what feels right is worth the risk.

In this episode, Charuka sits down with Beulah Van Rensburg, co-founder of a quiet and inspiring artist residency in the French countryside. They talk about carving out time to create while juggling life's responsibilities, why artists often feel guilty stepping away, and how being around other creatives can rebuild confidence. Beulah shares her journey from exhibiting around the world to building a space where artists can breathe, work, and feel supported. If you've been dreaming of taking time for your work or wondering when it's the "right moment" to do something for yourself, this conversation will feel like a gentle nudge to say yes.

In this episode of Arts to Hearts, Charuka talks with Delia LaJeunesse about helping people find art that suits their space and values, how social media affects artists, and why collecting can be more meaningful and approachable than most people think.

In this episode of the Arts to Hearts Project, host Charuka speaks with artist and community builder Diana Weymar about how her Tiny Pricks Project turned simple stitching into a global act of expression. They talk about making art in uncertain times, how creativity and activism can meet, and why slowing down to make something by hand still matters in a world that moves too fast. Diana opens up about protest, grief, and the small daily choices that turn fabric and thread into a record of our times.

In this episode of the Arts To Hearts Project, Charuka sits down with painter and educator Amirah Rahim for a warm, open conversation about what it's really like to be an artist today. They talk about how marketing has changed, why it doesn't have to feel forced, and how artists can share their stories in a way that feels natural. Amirah talks about the ups and downs of building a creative career, how she stays consistent, and the importance of rest and community. Charuka also shares her own experiences with loss, change, and finding new ways to keep creating through life's unpredictable seasons. It's a conversation filled with honesty, laughter, and a lot of understanding for what every artist goes through.

In this episode of the Arts to Hearts Project, Charuka talks with Emily Jeffords about the real side of being an artist today. From losing momentum after personal loss to balancing family life and business, they share how art becomes a steady anchor through change. Emily opens up about creating safe spaces in the studio, simplifying the business side, and focusing on small consistent steps rather than chasing trends. This conversation is a guide for anyone trying to keep their practice alive while managing the many roles life demands.

What does it take to go from dreaming about art to living fully in it? In this episode, Sonia Borrell shares how she started collecting, why she champions women artists, and how she turned her passion into curating museum shows. From her first purchase to lending works to major institutions, Sonia opens up about following instinct, building real connections with artists, and creating space for art in everyday life.

In this episode of the Arts to Hearts Podcast, Charuka Arora talks with Shaleen Wadhwana about building stability and growth as an art professional. From curating shows to navigating sustainability in the arts, Shaleen shares insights for artists seeking direction in today's creative landscape.

Former teacher turned artist, Kim Hamburg, joins Charuka on the Arts to Hearts Project Podcast to share how she began making art in her 50s, tackled imposter syndrome, balanced motherhood, and slowly found her way into the online art world.

In this episode of the Arts to Hearts Project, Charuka talks with illustrator Sarah Walsh about building a creative career that balances client work, side projects, and long-term goals. Sarah shares how she went from working in greeting cards to freelancing full-time, why she keeps her shop small on purpose, and how making zines opened the door to writing a graphic novel. Together, they break down the value of starting small, staying consistent, and keeping more than one lane open as a freelancer.

Polish artist Monika Marcheska joins Charuka to share her journey from animation to painting, exploring themes of memory, the sea, and the faces of women. In this candid conversation, she talks about balancing creative work with life's demands, the value of patience, and why staying true to your vision matters most.

In this episode, Charuka sits down with Australian painter and Boom Gallery co-director, Ren Inei, to talk about his journey from making art to creating a gallery space with his wife Kate. Together, they explore what it really takes to run a gallery, the balance between creative work and business, and the small opportunities that can shape an artist's path.

In this conversation, writer and historian Aanchal Malhotra joins Charuka on the Arts to Hearts Project podcast to talk about the stories hidden in everyday objects. From her own family's silence around Partition to her work archiving heirlooms in the Museum of Material Memory, Aanchal shares how objects become carriers of memory, intimacy, and history. Charuka adds her personal story of wearing her late mother's sarees, and together they reflect on how things stop being just "things" once they're infused with memory.

In this episode of the ATH Podcast, host Charuka Arora (founder of Arts to Hearts Project) sits down with Maria Brophy to talk about the real money side of being an artist — from pricing with confidence, selling art and prints, to making small but bold moves that actually build your dream career. If you've been wondering how to turn your art into a steady income without second-guessing yourself every step of the way, this is for you. No fluff. Just fundamental strategies and stories you can put into action.