unchARTed Creative Communities Network

Pull up a chair for this honest conversation about knowing when to let go. Tim opens up about his decision to retire Art Around Town after 10 years, wrestling with algorithm fatigue, the toxic cesspool that Facebook has become, and the realization that spending hours daily scrolling for content was no longer serving him or the community he set out to help.We dive deep into the authenticity trap of social media - how chasing trends as an artist can leave you with a catalog of work nobody cares about, and why the "me versus we" perspective matters more than you might think. The conversation weaves through DragonCon reflections, the difference between making beef barley soup because you have to versus making art because you want to, and how getting older means choosing your energy investments more carefully. It's part midlife reckoning, part creative philosophy, and entirely authentic - no algorithms required.Topics covered: Retiring projects gracefully, algorithm fatigue, authentic vs. trend-chasing art, me vs. we business perspectives, midlife creativity shifts, energy management, social media toxicity, knowing when to quitConnect: This episode captures the real conversations artists have when processing major life transitions - the kind you'd overhear at a coffee shop table if we were all figuring this out together.Rate & Connect:If this conversation resonated with you, please give us a 5-star rating on your podcast platform - it helps other artists find these authentic discussions about the creative life.Have thoughts on this episode or want to share your own story of knowing when to let go? We'd love to hear from you at podcast@unchartedayton.comJoin us next time as we continue exploring what it really means to live and work as an artist in today's world - no scripts, no agenda, just real conversations at the table.Remember: You're not alone in figuring this out. We're all just artists trying to make sense of it together.

Grant Writing with REN of Culture WorksIn the unchARTeDeepDive series, we offer tips and advice on specific topics of interest to the creative community.This episode features highlights from our conversation with REN of Culture Works in Dayton, Ohio, originally featured in unchARTeDayton. While you can find our complete interview with REN in the full episode, this focused deep-dive concentrates specifically on advice for writing grants as an artist.Connect With RENTo contact REN with questions about art grants in Montgomery County Ohio, she can be reached through the Culture Works website at [cultureworks.org/about](https://cultureworks.org/about/)Connect With UsHave topics you'd like us to explore in future episodes of unchARTeDeepDive? Contact us at:* Email: podcast@unchartedayton.com

unchARTeDiscussion: Concert Comedowns and Motorcycle MagicIt's been a few weeks since Tim and Craig have had a chance to sit down and catch up properly. Tim's been off gallivanting through Colorado with a detour to San Francisco for Dead & Company's 60th anniversary concerts, while Craig's been deep in his "slow down cowboy" world, working on his stuff. And boy, does Craig have some motorcycle news that catches Tim completely off guard.Pull up a chair - we're diving deep into the beautiful mess of expectations vs. reality, and how the same damn thing can be pure magic or total misery depending on where your head's at.The stuff we get into:Tim thought he wanted the full Grateful Dead experience until he got body-checked by dancing 20-somethings and realized his relationship with Jerry's music is way more intimate than stadium-sized. Meanwhile, Shakedown Street turned out to be less hippie bartering paradise and more "cash or credit card?" We're talking about why our fantasies rarely match reality and what to do when they don't.Craig drops the wild story of selling motorcycle parts to mysteriously afford buying his old bike back from the universe (or Facebook Marketplace - same energy). Tim had no idea this motorcycle plot twist was coming, and honestly, neither did we. Craig's living proof that the difference between deprivation and conscious choice is all in your head and your bank account.We get real about perspective - how Craig's motorcycle shop looked like paradise to everyone else while he felt like he was drowning, and how Tim's epic Dead weekend looked amazing on Instagram but felt like sensory overload in person. Turns out the grass isn't greener; it's just different grass.Plus: What counts as "creating" when you're not making visible art? Craig's been rebuilding his entire existence like a 10-year art project, while Tim wrestles with whether artists owe their audience understanding or if "figure it out yourself" is fair game.And because we can't help ourselves, we dive into dreams so big you can't quite reach them, the difference between spiritual bypassing and actual manifestation, and why the best burrito of your life always happens in a parking lot when you're slightly altered.For anyone who's ever wondered if they're living their dream or someone else's idea of what their dream should be.

June 25, 2025 Episode What happens when two friends refuse to follow the script everyone else is reading from? Episode HighlightsThis week, Tim and Craig dive into the phenomenon they're both experiencing: a massive personal purge happening alongside what feels like a collective awakening. Are more people stepping off traditional paths right now, or are we just finally paying attention?What We're Actually Talking About:- The Great Purge: Tim's ongoing two-year transformation and why so many people seem to be questioning everything at once- Breaking Generational Patterns: How our grandparents survived the Depression and wars by working constantly, our parents inherited that trauma-response as "normal," and why we're the generation saying "wait, I don't have to do it like that"- The Privilege of "Enough": What it looks like when you step off the material accumulation treadmill and everyone thinks you've lost your mind- Wednesday Afternoon Philosophy: Why having deep conversations at 11am on a Wednesday IS work, even when society says you should be "productive"- Manifestation as Real Work: Moving beyond vision boards to understanding manifestation as "co-creation of your human and your spirit" and what your human actually needs to DO- Finite vs Infinite Games Applied: From chess to marriage to motorcycle handlebars, how understanding which game you're playing changes everythingThe Raw Moments:- Craig's confession about putting "imperfect" handlebars on Instagram without explanation and getting unexpected love- Tim processing closing his five-year Indiana studio and what it means to walk away- The discomfort of explaining "what you do" when your job is just being yourself- Why Craig would rather suffer from having less stuff than suffer from working 100 hours a weekThe Quote That Landed: "Manifestation is a co-creation of your human and your spirit at the same time. What is your human doing to get the things that you want that your spirit already told you is here for you?"This isn't polished self-help content. It's two people figuring out how to live authentically while everyone around them follows scripts they never agreed to. Raw, unfiltered, and probably exactly what you need to hear.Warning: This conversation might make you question why you're doing half the things you think you "have to" do.We'd appreciate your giving us a five-star review! If you have any comments or questions about this episode or unchARTed Creative Community Network, you can email Craig and Tim at podcast@unchartedayton.com

Grab your coffee and pull up a chair – we're having one of those conversations that starts nowhere and ends up everywhere, the kind that happens when two artists actually have time to think out loud together.Craig's wearing a white shirt today. Why? Because he's giving himself permission to not get dirty, to not work in his usual way, to just... be. It's a small rebellion that opens up a much bigger conversation about what happens when you spend a decade systematically getting rid of everything you own, achieve your goal of "nothing," and then find yourself building motorcycle handlebars again – but with completely different energy.Meanwhile, Tim's in the middle of packing up five years of creative life, turning his studio closure into a "project" instead of a loss, and discovering that reframing everything changes... well, everything.Today's meandering covers:The weird economics of creative life (spoiler: $100 can be life-changing or pocket change, depending)Why 20 broken motorcycles in your yard won't get you to work, but one running bike willThe difference between manifestation and delusion (hint: one involves actual doing)Laundromats as unexpected community spacesThat moment when you realize you're walking against the crowd in New York City – and you're good at itThe art of celebrating finished work when there are always 30 more projects waitingThis is the kind of conversation that happens when you're not trying to be profound – you're just two friends figuring out how to build sustainable creative lives while the world keeps spinning around you.No agenda, no script, just real talk about the space between ambition and contentment, the courage it takes to keep reinventing yourself, and why sometimes the most radical thing you can do is absolutely nothing at all.Fair warning: Craig's in full philosopher mode today, complete with reader sunglasses and thoughts about spirit guides. Tim's questioning everything from monopoly board collections to whether contentment is actually the goal. You've been warned.We'd appreciate you giving us a 5 star rating and sharing our podcasts with your family, friends, and neighbors. If you have any comments or questions, feel free to contact Tim and Craig at podcast@unchartedayton.com

Ever wondered what happens when vintage comic aesthetics meet local landmarks and cryptid monsters? Join us at the table with Autumn Walsh, the creative mind behind PopWater Studio, as she takes us through her artistic journey from theater kid to digital illustrator with a flair for the delightfully weird.Autumn's work combines Cincinnati landmarks with cryptid creatures in a distinctive vintage comic book style that will make you laugh and look twice. Her artistic evolution is a testament to finding your voice by creating what genuinely amuses you, then discovering your tribe of fellow weirdos who get it.How her pandemic-era pivot from baking to digital illustration led to discovering her unique artistic styleThe story behind her Roebling Bridge artwork featuring cryptid monsters that accidentally launched her artistic directionHer thoughtful approach to intellectual property that led to creative freedom rather than limitationThe joy of selling work at art fairs and building temporary but meaningful communities with fellow vendorsWhy she maintains affordable price points across her products to make her art accessible to everyoneThe meditative pleasure she finds in drawing tedious details like bricks and tentaclesHow maintaining a separate studio space helps her balance creative work, family life, and a full-time career in brand managementWhether you're dreaming of printing your own artwork, figuring out how to balance artistic passion with practical life, or just wondering what happens when the Florence Y'all water tower meets monsters, this conversation offers insights, laughs, and reminders that art should, above all, bring joy.Find Autumn on Instagram @popwaterstudio or check out her work at PopWaterStudio.com.If you have any comments or questions about this episode or unchARTed Creative Community Network, you can email podcast@unchartedayton.com.And remember to give us that 5-star rating!

Join us at the table for our conversation with Bally Raven, the cryptid field researcher who's chronicling monsters one illustration at a time!Ever wondered what happens when scientific curiosity meets folklore? Grab your field journal and join us as we venture into the fascinating world of cryptid illustration with Kristen Cox (a.k.a. Bally Raven). From her meticulously crafted festival booths complete with specimen crates and nature sounds to her encyclopedic knowledge of obscure regional monsters, Kristen blends scientific precision with folkloric wonder to bring mythical creatures to vibrant life.In this episode, we explore how she transforms her Mothman Festival booth into the headquarters of the "Bally Raven Cryptid Wildlife Protection Agency," dedicated to preserving endangered monsters before they disappear forever. Discover how she researches each creature's anatomy and habitat, her approach to balancing creative work with business necessities, and her clever fusion of environmental education with cryptid lore ("Plant milkweed to make Mothman happy!").Whether you're curious about the creative process, fascinated by folklore, or simply want to know what an "Apple Devil" is (hint: it's a short, fat Bigfoot with a taste for stolen fruit), this conversation illuminates the rich intersection of art, storytelling, and community that defines Kristen's unique creative path. Don't miss her insights on festival life, artistic perfectionism, and making your passion sustainable in a world that doesn't always understand what artists really do.You can find Kristen online atinstagram: Ballyraven_folklore (her instagram feed also lists the events she will be visiting)Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BallyravenPreorder the book Cryptid Creatures: Learn How tp Draw Mysterious Beasts from Around the WorldAs always, Craig and I love what we are doing and sharing with the world. And would greatly appreciate your support through 5 star rating and comments. If you have any questions or comments, or would like to a guest on our podcasts, contact us as podcast@unchartedayton.com

Join us at the table (well, virtually this time) as Tim sits down with Kristin Larsen from Nerd Power Media to unpack the often-mysterious world of digital marketing for artists. Pour yourself a cup of something nice as they chat about how SEO, websites, and online presence can actually become extensions of your creative expression.Ever met someone who could demystify the digital world for artists without making your eyes glaze over? That's Kristin Larsen of Nerd Power Media. In this conversation around our virtual table, Kristin unpacks how she helps creatives translate their unique spark into a powerful online presence - without losing their soul in the process.We explore the psychology behind effective artist websites, why your online space should reflect your artistic DNA (not some template's idea of what art should be), and practical approaches to digital marketing that won't drain your creative energy. Kristin explains why cookie-cutter websites fail artists and how authentic storytelling can transform how people connect with your work.From Burning Man's immersive installations (complete with pink-tutu-wearing cowboys!) to the surprisingly effective comeback of physical mail in our digital age, Kristin offers insights that bridge technology and creativity. Her reporter background brings a refreshing perspective on how to capture attention in meaningful ways.For artists struggling to balance studio time with online promotion, Kristin shares actionable strategies that respect your natural communication style while building genuine connections with your audience. After all, your website should be as unique as the art you create!Whether you're a gallery artist, photographer, or creative entrepreneur, this conversation offers practical wisdom for navigating the digital landscape without sacrificing your artistic integrity or spending hours wrestling with algorithms.Want to learn more about Kristin's work? Find her at ⁠nerdpowermedia.com⁠.If you have any comments or questions about this episode or unchARTed Creative Community Network, you can email Craig and Tim at ⁠podcast@unchartedayton.com⁠And remember to give us that 5-star rating!

Ever met someone whose conversation is like a jazz improvisation – weaving through seemingly unrelated topics only to find they were connected all along? That's REN. Starting with the tale of how she moved from her biblical name Rachel to become REN ("free as a bird"), she takes us on a wild ride through the unexpected intersections of life, art, and communication.Hold onto your seats as we bounce from nuclear meltdowns to zombie apocalypses (turns out they're terrifying for reasons you'd never expect), and discover how REN's journey from theater stages to ivory towers to nonprofit corridors shaped her unique view of human connection. These aren't just random tangents – they're pieces of a puzzle that reveal how we really communicate with each other.For the artists in our audience, REN drops some serious knowledge about grant writing that you won't find in those $100 webinars. Spoiler alert: AI isn't your secret weapon, but your voice recorder might be! Her fresh take on storytelling and authenticity might just change how you approach your next funding application.Whether you're a theater buff, a struggling grant writer, or just someone who enjoys conversations that zig when you expect them to zag, this episode is a master class in what it means to truly connect – whether you're on stage, writing a proposal, or just trying to pick the perfect emoji (yes, they're more important than you think).Want to learn more about arts funding in Montgomery County? Find REN and information about Culture Works' grant opportunities at cultureworks.org.If you have any comments or questions about this episode or unchARTed Creative Community Network, you can email Craig and Tim and podcast@unchartedayton.comAnd remember to give us that 5 star rating!

In this episode of unchARTeDialogue, cohosts Craig Tirey and Timothy Wells sit down in Craig's living room and discuss how sometimes it's better to know what you don't want to do than to know what you want to do.unchARTeDialogue is part of the unchARTeD Creative Community Network of podcasts which also include unchARTeDayton, where Craig and Tim have unscripted conversations with visual artists from Dayton, Ohio and unchARTeDiscussion, where Craig and Tim have unscripted conversations with artists beyond Dayton, Ohio, creative thinkers, and entrepreneurs. unchARTeDayton and unchARTeDiscussion podcasts can also be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast sites.If you'd like to be interviewed on our podcasts, you can email Craig and Tim and podcast@unchartedayton.com

unchARTeDialogueThis series captures Craig and Tim having conversations about life, art, and the podcasts. After weeks of illness forced Craig into a transformative cocoon, he emerges to share profound insights with Tim about creative identity and authentic living. Watch as these two artists discuss how illness can reshape priorities, why their different approaches to life complement each other perfectly, and how Craig's reconnection with his motorcycle handlebar business taught him the difference between compromising for money and honoring his true value. This raw conversation explores the spiritual dimensions of creativity, the challenge of accepting praise, and why relationships remain at the heart of everything worthwhile.

Ready for an Adventure? Meet Tom Helbig, the Fun-loving Force Behind Tomfoolery Outdoors! 🚐✨ Get ready to be inspired! We sat down with Tom Helbig, and wow - his enthusiasm for life and adventure is absolutely contagious! This conversation will light up your day and might just inspire you to add more outdoor fun to your life. What's This Episode All About? Picture this: A guy with an incredibly colorful van who's made it his mission to help people rediscover the joy of outdoor adventure. That's Tom for you! For the past 11 years, he's been creating amazing experiences and building communities through Tomfoolery Outdoors. His approach? Pure, authentic fun with a dash of childlike wonder! Tom's energy is unlike anything else - he's that friend who reminds you how awesome it is to play outside and try new things. Whether he's: - Creating unforgettable outdoor adventures - Building community through epic events - Teaching people how to rediscover simple joys like rock skipping (yes, really!) - Spreading smiles from his eye-catching painted van Why You NEED to Listen to This Episode If you're: - Looking to add more adventure to your life - Wanting to connect with nature in new ways - Curious about how passion can fuel positive change - In need of a massive dose of inspiration and good vibes Then this episode is YOUR ticket to adventure! Tom's infectious energy and genuine love for bringing people together outdoors will leave you excited to explore and play. The Good Stuff You'll Learn - How to tap into your natural sense of wonder and play - Why connecting with nature makes life more vibrant - The power of building community through shared adventures - How following your passion can create ripples of positive change Catch More Tom Adventures! Want more of this incredible human? Follow his adventures: - Instagram: @tomfooleryoutdoors (Warning: May cause severe wanderlust!) - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@tomfooleryoutdoors Show Some Love! ❤️ If this episode gets you fired up (trust us, it will): - Smash that 5-star rating button on your podcast app - Leave us a review telling us how much you loved it - Share it with your friends who need some adventure in their lives! Let's Connect! Got questions? Want to share your story? Ready to be our next guest? Hit us up at: podcast@unchartedayton.com Thanks for joining us. Catch you on the next adventure! ✌️

Shadow Girls Cult: Where Shadow Puppetry Meets Cinematic Dreams Sit down with us as we chat with Zane and Cass of Shadow Girls Cult, a shadow puppetry duo from Seattle who are crafting immersive visual stories through a fresh, cinematic lens. When most of us think of shadow puppets, we remember casting shadows of bunny rabbits on our bedroom walls. But Shadow Girls Cult takes this familiar medium into advanced storytelling well beyond casting bunny rabbits, creating intricate performances using multiple projectors, carefully crafted puppets, and masterfully coordinated movements that bring stories to life through analog technology and live performance. Shadow Girls Cult emerged from a perfect storm of creative interests. Zane's background in sculpture and printmaking merged with Cass's theater and lighting design experience, leading them to discover shadow puppetry as their ideal medium. Starting in 2017, they've grown from performing at local puppet slams to touring nationally with their full-length production while conducting workshops and nurturing local performance communities across the country. Their current production, "Unraveling," explores themes of personal and societal transformation through a series of surreal vignettes that challenge our understanding of what puppet theater can be. Through their work, they invite audiences to explore complicated characters and worlds that can transform in an instant. Beyond creating their own work, Zane and Cass are passionate about growing the puppet arts community. They co-produce Seattle's Fussy Cloud Puppet Slam, teach workshops, and actively work to show people that puppetry extends far beyond their preconceptions. Their advice for fellow artists? Find your community - the people who will support you and grow with you. Follow the fun and joy in your creative process. Create from authentic personal experience. Remember that not everyone will connect with your work - and that's okay. Want to dive deeper into the world of contemporary shadow puppetry? - Website: shadowgirlscult.com - Instagram/Facebook/TikTok: @shadowgirlscult - Email: shadowgirlscult@gmail.com Join their growing "cult" of shadow puppet enthusiasts and discover how this age-old art form is finding new life through innovative artists willing to play in the shadows. If you have any questions or comments about the podcast, feel free to contact Craig and Tim at podcast@unchartedayton.com. We'd appreciate your support of our podcast by giving us a 5 star rating on the podcasting site you listen to unchARTeDayton. *Recorded for unchARTeDiscussion, a series of interviews with creative thinkers, entrepreneurs, and artists outside the Dayton area. Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts.*

In this episode, we sit down with Ed Dixon, the visionary behind the Edward a Dixon Gallery, to uncover the untold stories and unexpected twists that have shaped his path as an art patron and champion of the local creative community. The gallery's annual "We're Doing It All Wrong" exhibition, now in its fourth year, is a thought-provoking exploration of the societal issues and systemic challenges that plague our world. Through this exhibition, Ed aims to foster crucial conversations and inspire action, using art as a powerful medium to confront the uncomfortable truths we often overlook. Over the course of our conversation, we'll delve into Ed's motivations for opening the gallery, which stemmed from his desire to provide more outlets and opportunities for art to be seen in Dayton. His innovative approach to programming and exhibitions like "We're Doing It All Wrong" reflects his relentless pursuit of the unconventional, as he seeks to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what a gallery can achieve. From his personal evolution as a vegan foodie to the serendipitous connections that have brought international artists to his doorstep, Ed's story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a commitment to elevating the arts in his community. Join us as we explore the uncharted territories of creativity, where Ed's unwavering dedication has transformed not just the gallery, but the very fabric of Dayton's cultural landscape. Prepare to be inspired, enlightened, and perhaps even compelled to rethink the way we're "doing it all wrong."

Get ready for an exciting new chapter in the unchARTeDayton podcast journey! We're thrilled to introduce unchARTeDiscussion, a fresh series that dives deep into the minds of creative entrepreneurs and innovative thinkers from all walks of life. We're breaking boundaries and venturing beyond Dayton, Ohio, to bring you inspiring stories from across the globe. Kicking off this electrifying series is our conversation with the multi-talented George Bryant. He's not just an entrepreneur and coach; he's a podcast maven, author, and even has a secret past life as a photographer! With over two decades of entrepreneurial wisdom under his belt, George brings a treasure trove of insights to our discussion. Buckle up for a rollercoaster ride through a dizzying array of topics! We're talking about finding your authentic artistic voice, mastering the art of customer retention, and unlocking the secrets to attracting new clients. We dive into the power of mindset, especially when you're venturing into uncharted waters and developing new skills. George also shares his expert take on leveraging social media effectively, boosting visibility, nurturing leads, and converting prospects into loyal customers. Plus, he drops some truth bombs about the dangers of getting too comfortable when your business is on the rise. But it's not all serious business talk – we also uncover why George believes chocolate chip pancakes reign supreme in the culinary world! For all you book lovers and movie buffs out there, George drops some must-read and must-watch recommendations: 1. "The Comfort Crisis" by Michael Easter 2. "Get Different" by Mike Michalowicz 3. "The Power of Positive Thinking" by Vincent Norman Peale 4. Jonah Berger's book on the customer journey 5. "Holy Frit" (an eye-opening documentary) Hungry for more of George's wisdom? You're in luck! Dive deeper into his expertise on the customer journey and the four levels of competency by tuning into his podcast, "The Mind of George Show," available on all major podcast platforms. For a full immersion into George's world, including info on his mastermind group The Alliance and his coaching services, head over to mindofgeorge.com. We'd be over the moon if you could spare a moment to leave us a glowing 5-star review on Spotify, Apple, or your preferred podcast platform. Your support helps us continue bringing you these electrifying conversations! Got thoughts? We'd love to hear them! Drop us a line at podcast@unchartedayton.com. Let's keep the conversation going!

# unchARTeDayton Podcast - S1E14: Reinventing Art in Retirement with Bob Coates Get ready for a wild ride through the imaginative world of Bob Coates in this episode of unchARTeDayton! Bob isn't just an artist; he's a creative powerhouse who expertly works across multiple mediums including painting, drawing, ceramics, and sculpture. Oh, and did we mention he's also an educator with 25 years of art teaching under his belt? But don't let the word "retired" fool you. Since stepping away from the classroom a few years ago, Bob has been busier than ever, diving headfirst into his own art projects. And boy, does he have a story to tell! Picture this: a 16-year-old Bob looking at photos of sunbathers and thinking, "Hey, these people look like lizards!" Fast forward to today, and that quirky observation has blossomed into a full-blown creative odyssey. Bob's been crafting ceramic lizard men and building an entire world around them, set in a future version of Earth. Intrigued? You'll have to tune in to hear Bob spin this tale himself – trust us, it's worth it! It's fascinating to see how Bob's teaching experience has influenced his personal work. Throughout his career as an educator, Bob consistently challenged his students with assignments designed to help them see and understand their work from different perspectives. One such approach involved taking individual works and combining them into a cohesive piece. Now, in a beautiful full-circle moment, Bob finds himself applying these same principles to his own creations. It's a testament to how the techniques used to inspire students can continue to shape an artist's practice long after leaving the classroom. The conversation takes an exciting turn as we dive into the practical aspects of bringing Bob's vision to life. Bob and our very own Craig have already been collaborating on building and welding display stands for the ceramic lizard men and cocoons. But that's just the beginning! We couldn't resist a lively brainstorming session, exploring innovative ways and potential venues for Bob to showcase this captivating new body of work. It's a perfect example of how the art community comes together to problem-solve, create, and push the boundaries of exhibition possibilities. Curious to see what happens when a lifelong educator unleashes his full creative potential? You won't want to miss this episode. Bob's journey from teaching art to fully immersing himself in his professional practice is sure to inspire artists of all ages and stages. Ready to dive into Bob's lizard-filled world? Check out his work at BobCoatesArt.com and prepare to be amazed! Tune in to this episode of unchARTeDayton for a glimpse into the boundless creativity that can flourish after retirement. Bob's story proves that when it comes to art, the best may be yet to come! As always, if you have questions or comments about this episode, feel free to contact us at podcast@unchartedayton.com. And we would greatly appreciate you giving us a 5 star rating on the podcast app.

# unchARTeDayton Podcast - S1E13: A Journey Through Nature's Lens with Ryan Taylor Step into the world of nature photography as we welcome Ryan Taylor to unchARTeDayton. Ryan isn't just a photographer; he's a podcast host, YouTuber, and artist who's carved out a unique niche in capturing the beauty of the natural world. Our conversation with Ryan takes us back to his roots, where a first-grade teacher's words sparked a lifelong passion for photography. It's amazing how a simple piece of advice can shape a person's entire career! We also learn that Ryan comes from a family of business owners, which instilled in him a strong work ethic from an early age. This background of hard work and entrepreneurship clearly shines through in his approach to his art and career. As Ryan shares his experiences, we get a glimpse into the challenges of nature photography. Ever wondered what happens when you drop your expensive camera in water? Ryan's got a story or two about that! He also opens up about the interesting dilemma of photographing familiar places and how it's pushed him to seek out the roads less traveled (and photographed) in his local area. But it's not all smooth sailing in the world of nature photography. Ryan candidly discusses his bout with burnout a few years back and how he's navigating his way out of that creative rut. It's refreshing to hear about the ups and downs of an artistic journey and the new ideas and goals that can emerge from challenging times. His family's background in business ownership seems to have equipped him with the resilience needed to push through these tough periods. Of course, we couldn't chat with an artist today without touching on the hot topic of AI in art. Ryan shares his thoughts on this technological revolution and its impact on the creative world. One of the most inspiring parts of our conversation revolves around finding authenticity in artwork. Ryan emphasizes the importance of creating art for oneself rather than for social media likes – a valuable reminder in our connected world. Though, ironically, he admits his April Fools videos have sometimes garnered more attention than his regular content – and not always the kind he was expecting! For those inspired by Ryan's journey and wanting to see more of his work, you can find him at: - www.ryanltaylor.com - YouTube: @ryanltaylorphoto - Podcast: All Outdoors Photography - Instagram: @ryanltaylorphoto - Facebook: Ryan Taylor Photo Tune in to this episode of unchARTeDayton for a deep dive into the world of nature photography, artistic authenticity, and the evolving landscape of creative expression. Ryan's story of blending a strong work ethic with creative passion is sure to inspire both budding photographers and seasoned artists alike!

The Art of Teaching and Breaking Rules with Robin Dakin In this episode of unchARTeDayton, we welcome artist and educator Robin Dakin, who recently left teaching high school ceramics after 27 years. Episode Highlights: Robin's journey from military family to artist The reciprocal learning process between teachers and students Exposing the boundaries between art, craft, and folk art Robin's influences, from MAD Magazine to Appalachian artists The philosophy of "casual vs. sloppy" in art-making Robin's unique approach to art education and personal expression Join us for a fascinating conversation that weaves through ceramics, folk art, MAD Magazine to Norman Rockwell to Andy Warhol to Patti Smith to Taylor Swift, and the ever-evolving definition of what constitutes "art." Robin shares insights from his Masters degree focus on folk art and Appalachian artists, and how these influences inspire his work. Discover how Robin's background in a military family influenced his artistic journey, and hear his reflections on being "outside the herd" in the art world. From his painted art truck to his advocacy for low brow art, Robin's story is one of constant evolution and creative exploration. Connect with Robin: Instagram: Robin Art Truck Email: robinarttruck@gmail.com Tune in for an inspiring discussion about breaking rules, embracing diverse art forms, and the lifelong journey of artistic discovery! If you have any comments or questions about unchARTeDayton, feel free to contact us at podcast@unchartedayton.com

In this episode of unchARTeDayton, we welcome Australian photographer Kelly Ingerson, who shares her unique journey from Dayton, Ohio to the beaches of Australia. Episode Highlights: Kelly's transition from Dayton resident to returning to her native Australia The 2015 beach photograph that sparked her passion for sand patterns Her experience capturing rare sand formations in Tampa Bay after Hurricane Ian in 2022 Kelly's adventurous 2020 cross-country US road trip in a bright blue rental car and jackalopes at Wall Drug The philosophy behind her fearless approach to life and art ("more afraid of not doing it than doing it") Kelly's future travel aspirations, including circumnavigating Australia and exploring Ireland Her participation in Art Basel and upcoming coffee table book project for 2025 An impromptu brainstorming session on using art to raise awareness about beach erosion in Adelaide Dive into Kelly's world of sand photography and wanderlust as we discuss everything from camera gear to community engagement through art. Find Kelly's work: Website: https://singlegrainofsand.tilda.ws/ Instagram: @singlegrainofsand Got questions or comments? Reach out to us at podcast@unchartedayton.com Join us for an episode filled with stunning visuals (described in audio), unexpected adventures, and the power of art to connect us to our environment.

Welcome to another episode of unchARTed! This time, we're thrilled to have Adair from OKO Studio in Dayton join us. In true unchARTed fashion, we dive into a variety of topics right from the start. So much so that we forgot to introduce Adair until the end of the recording—oops! Have you picked up on our unchARTed vibe yet? LOL Adair has a fascinating story. She's turned her home into a gallery, curating unique art experiences that blend visual, performing, and culinary arts. We delve into how her punk DIY youth has influenced her career and life. A Seattle transplant now rooted in Dayton, Adair shares what drew her to the city and why it feels like home more than any other place she's lived. As a cultivator of both plants and community, Adair offers great insights into living an art-inspired life. Some of the topics we cover include: - Pot pies - Pinball - Hand-poked tattoos (and how she got her first tattoo at age 11) - Plants and chasing groundhogs away from her garden - Creating and supporting community - Lifelong punk rock/DIY attitude - Learning to drive at 34 - And much more Settle in and enjoy our unchARTed discussion with Adair. You can find Adair’s work and studio at: - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561806664967) - [Studio Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/ok.oh.studio) - [Artwork Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/s.s._emerald) If you have questions or comments about the podcast, feel free to contact Tim and Craig at podcast@unchartedayton.com.