We Are Artists

In this episode of the We Are Artists podcast, Shannon sits down with Sonya Sparks, founder of the Gateway to Galleries program and owner of Sparks Gallery, to explore what it really takes for artists to break into the gallery world. Sonya shares her journey from artist to gallery owner and educator, and the insights she’s gained from years of working with artists and curators inside the professional art market. Together, Shannon and Sonya dive into the realities of gallery representation, the biggest mistakes artists make when approaching galleries, and the strategies that can help artists position themselves for success. Throughout the conversation, Sonya explains how her Gateway to Galleries program helps artists develop stronger portfolios, craft professional submissions, and build the confidence and systems needed to approach galleries in a thoughtful and strategic way. If you’ve ever wondered how galleries actually discover artists, what curators are really looking for, or how to move your art career into the next level of professionalism, this episode offers practical insights, honest advice, and encouragement for artists navigating the business side of creativity. Whether you're an emerging artist looking for your first gallery opportunity or a seasoned creative hoping to expand your reach, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on building a sustainable and empowered art career.Sign Up with Shannon as a reference at this link:  https://www.gatewaytogalleries.com/a/2148118593/4XRzuNQy Use Code: SHANNON

On this episode of the We Are Artists Podcast, host Shannon Shine is joined once again by abstract artist and creative advocate Michael Carini for a heartfelt, honest, and empowering conversation.  Michael shares how he’s turned personal grief and life experience into creative fuel — not just to express emotion, but to connect, advocate, and inspire. Together, Shannon and Michael explore what it truly means to use your art as a platform — to speak truth, to build connection, and to empower both the artist and the audience.🎧 In This Episode, We Dive Into:How grief and personal loss shaped Michael’s art and deepened his sense of purpose — including the recent loss of a close friendWhen it’s okay to work for free, and how to discern whether an opportunity truly supports your long-term creative visionThe importance of self-promotion and learning to be your own advocate as an artist in an evolving industryGalleries vs. going solo — the risks, rewards, and how to align your work with spaces that match your energyMental health and artistic expression — how art can be a lifeline for those navigating dark or difficult emotions📲 Follow Michael Carini: @acrylicalchemy | cariniarts.com🎨 Hosted by Shannon Shine: shannonshineart.com | @shannonshine.official

In this powerful episode of We Are Artists, host Shannon Shine sits down with Amy Funderburk, a visionary artist known for her emotionally rich painting installations and explorations of the spiritual and emotional realms through art. Together, we explore:The intense creative and emotional labor behind large-scale installationsHer latest projects Excavations and The Portal, both supported by North Carolina arts councils and driven by themes of emotional archeology and transformationThe process of revisiting and revising older works, and why not dating your art can give it new lifeThe evolving journey of visionary art, and how Amy blends 2D and 3D experiences to bridge the physical with the fluidThoughts on longevity in creative careers and making space for deeply emotional bodies of work to unfold over timeAmy’s art invites us to step into the threshold between worlds — the tangible and the unseen, the personal and the collective, the wounded and the transformed. 🎧 Listen now: [Insert Spotify or podcast link]🌐 Visit Amy’s website: www.AmyFunderburkArtist.com

In this vibrant and down-to-earth episode of the We Are Artists Podcast, host Shannon Shine sits down with multidisciplinary artist Chaz Heiber to talk about the beauty of creating — not just alone, but together. Chaz shares his experience working across different mediums, with a special love for pastels, and reflects on how much inspiration he finds through collaborative spaces, music festivals, and live art events. Whether painting alongside friends or vibing with the creative energy of a festival crowd, his process is all about connection, expression, and staying inspired. Together, they explore:Making time to create art in a busy lifeThe joy of sharing space with other creatorsHow community events and gatherings fuel artistic momentumSome of Chaz’s favorite pieces and personal artistic milestonesTips for staying grounded and expressive using accessible materials like pastelsThis episode is a celebration of creative community — a reminder that art doesn’t always have to be solitary. Sometimes the most meaningful pieces are born in the company of others, with music playing, ideas flowing, and hearts open.

Episode Highlight – Anya Amador on Professionalism, Murals, and Empowered ArtistryThis Episode on We Are Artists, we had the immense pleasure of interviewing Anya Amador—a powerhouse muralist, educator, and co-founder of Art in Session, a creative resource hub helping artists build their careers with confidence.🎨 Professionalism in PracticeAnya shared a wealth of real-world insight about what it means to take yourself seriously as an artist. From showing up on time to knowing your rates and boundaries, she emphasized how professionalism isn't about “selling out”—it’s about honoring your craft, building trust, and making a sustainable life from your art.She offered tips on:The three must-have materials every artist should bring to eventsWhy signage and display matter more than you thinkHow to present your work so that people understand who you are at a glance“If someone lands on your Instagram and can’t tell what you do in 30 seconds, they’re probably going to move on.”📱 Your Instagram = Your PortfolioWe dug deep into the role of social media in today’s art world. Anya shares why your Instagram should be curated like a portfolio—and not just a scrapbook of your personal life. Potential clients, galleries, and collaborators are often making decisions based on your feed alone. So clarity, consistency, and professionalism are key.🤝 The Power of Collaboration & Following UpFrom mural collabs to co-creating platforms like Art in Session, Anya spoke about how working with others has expanded her opportunities and audience. But she also reminded us: Collaboration doesn’t replace follow-through. Reaching out, following up, and building relationships are essential for turning opportunities into action.🎨 Murals, Magic, and Personal MissionWe also talked about murals and how transformative public art can be. For Anya, large-scale work is not only fun—it’s deeply fulfilling. She shares stories of her own journey, her inspirations, and what she hopes to see more of in the evolving art world: equity, access, and empowered self-expression.📌 Listen now on your favorite podcast app and visit AnyaAmador.com🎧 Listen now and let it move you.🔗  -> SPOTIFY <-  https://open.spotify.com/show/7kDor1rPUMmLMvDzLYXIEu?si=5de81300f1bc4121📲 Follow Ania https://www.facebook.com/AniaAmadorArthttps://www.instagram.com/aniaamador/https://www.instagram.com/deliberatecreation/?hl=enhttps://aniaamador.com/📲 Follow The Host Shannon Shine:@ShannonShine.official - Instagram@ShantasticShine - TikTok 📲 Follow The Network:@BringMe2LifeOfficial - Instagram@Bring Me 2 Life Network - Facebook Community Facebook Group! -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/bringme2lifecommunity/