Back to the Drawing Board

I wanted to wrap up the podcast by sitting down with my friend Jana, and giving her the reins. As somebody without an art background, Jana interviewed me about the past 3.5 years, including difficult moments, my favorite episodes and what my plans for the future are. Enjoy and thank you for following along for the journey! Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

And here it is: the final episode of the Back to the Drawing Board podcast. It seems so fitting to end off on a topic that originally was the reason why I started the podcast: community! I was at a place where I felt like I lost my creative community and connecting with likeminded people and talking about all things creative through the podcast was my answer to this. In this last episode, I chat with Megan Sjuts, a graphic designer, educator and creative coach about all the challenges young creatives face, such as comparison and lack of community. I hope you enjoy it! Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

In this episode I'm chatting with Pascale Côté, a business and creativity coach, about all things creative process, reframing the sensitivity of creatives as something that makes them excellent at their work, and the vicious cycle of overworking and being underpaid. Pascale finishes the episode with offering some awesome tips that you can implement today, so make sure you stick around until the end! Read more about Pascale's work here: https://www.changeyourlatitude.co/ Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Ready for another solo episode? Inspired by a suggestion from a listener, I take the time here to present the case of Strike MoMA and my thoughts on what this means for me. Strike MoMA is a movement challenging the institutions of the art system today to do better in terms of both their actions and words. I hope you enjoy! Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

After a two month break, I am happy to return with a conversation about graphic novels, journalism, facts and observation. Listen to my chat with artist Alex Bodea to find out more about her graphic novel 'The Fact Finder.' Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Purchase the graphic novel here: https://bit.ly/3yhTEkt

This week I'm chatting with Michael and Brian Thibodeau, brothers and creators of the project 'Quarantined Portraits': a record of the different ways creatives deal with the pandemic. The book features portraits that Brian created of all of the 51 participants, alongside a QR code that allows the reader to listen to each interview session. We are 'reading' 'Quarantined Portraits' on The Bookshelf in June! Get your own copy here: https://bit.ly/3hwBSo8 Music: https://www.purple-planet.com  

The guest this week is UK based artist Emma Smith. We chat about what social practice means to her, working with large multidisciplinary teams, and the more subtle ways of communication, such as sound. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

In this episode you get a peak at my conversation with Karran Sahadeo, Creative Director at Business / Arts, a Canadian organization that cultivates partnerships between business and arts organizations. Karran and I chat about how Business / Arts got started way back in 1974, and how organizations have been adapting their programming and funding models in the last rainy year. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Help bring the episodes of the podcast to a weekly basis:Become a supporter: Є25: https://bit.ly/3fyuFD1 Become a best friend: Є60: https://bit.ly/3uarchU Become a devotee: Є200: https://bit.ly/3u9cbgl

In this episode I am chatting with Kent artist Molly Lambourn, whose interests include womanhood, mundanity and the self. We chat about her exhibition "Women in Protest," what role art can play in gender issues and what it means to be a woman in the arts. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Help bring the episodes to a weekly basis: Become a supporter: Є25: https://bit.ly/3fyuFD1 Become a best friend: Є60: https://bit.ly/3uarchU Become a devotee: Є200: https://bit.ly/3u9cbgl

It's the three year anniversary of the Back to the Drawing Board podcast and to celebrate I collaborated with Paul Gewuerz, the founder of Made to Order Audio for a personalized audiobook that tells the story of the podcast. I hope you enjoy this episode and if you'd like to support the Birthday Campaign and get the podcast back to a weekly release schedule click on the links below: Birthday Campaign Є25: https://bit.ly/2QSJsOG Birthday Campaign Є60: https://bit.ly/3uarchU Birthday Campaign Є200: https://bit.ly/3u9cbgl Get your personalized audiobook at www.madetoorderaudio.com

This episode's guest is architect and author Donald M. Rattner. Inspired by his book My Creative Space: How to Design Your Home to Stimulate Ideas and Spark Innovation, we chat about his motivation for writing the book, why it was important for him that the techniques in the book were backed by science and he even gives a sneak peak into the book by sharing one technique with you! Music: https://www.purple-planet.com My Creative Space is April's book on The Bookshelf! Purchase the book here (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3lI9QWI

It's time for me to share the love and share with all of you my current favorite creative podcasts. I list four of them and why I love each of them in this episode. They are the perfect podcasts for those looking to live inspired, curious and creative lives! Join us in reading on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3tcxXiJ Use code SPRING25 for $25 off classes on Creative Live: https://shrsl.com/2uivv Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

This is probably one of the most important episodes I have ever released and it's with author Alice Rivard. We talk about gatekeeping, the people 'keeping the gates shut' and power dynamics in the art world. If you ever felt like there were random rules or codes in the art world that you didn't understand or didn't fit into, then you'll love this episode! Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Let's talk about mentors! In this episode I sat down with Esma Kirim, creativity coach and business mentor to discuss all things mentorship, the challenges that creatives struggle with (including MONEY!) and the step-by-step approach she takes to help her clients. Esma's website: www.esmakirim.com  Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Shop ARTEZA art supplies: https://shrsl.com/2sgfn

On this episode I'm joined by photographer and video artist Jay Sullivan to chat about the intersection between memory, psychology and the creative process. We chat about how the creative process helps him shift his narrative around his past, if the final artwork matters, and whether the public can relate to artwork build around such personal experiences and memories. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Join me in reading this month: https://bit.ly/2YqG91J

Time to learn about the practice of Henna! Join me in this episode, where I sit down with Canadian artist Anoosh Ahmed to discuss the history and origins of henna, the way its used today and how she uses it in her drawings. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com This episode is sponsored by Shape & Foster: https://www.shapeandfoster.com/

Let's talk more about the Tibetan Buddhist perspective on art and it's role in society! For this episode, I am talking to Carmen Mensink, a painter and teacher with over 13 years of training. We touch on aspects such as what drew her to tangka painting, the history and tradition of this practice, and her opinion on the contrast between 'Western' and 'Eastern' approaches to art. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com This episode is sponsored by Shape and Foster: www.shapeandfoster.com

On this episode I am chatting with Jip Heijmerink, who's back on the podcast, this time to tell me more about Thuismuseum, an initiative that brings the museum to your home. We chat about the future of art institutions, the insights those without an art background can bring to the field, and the differences between online and offline art viewing. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Thank you to Construction Specialties for sponsoring this episode: https://www.c-sgroup.com/

Since recording the last solo episode on my Master's thesis, I realized that I never shared with you my work and research for my Bachelor's thesis. It's on the topic of photography, art as therapy, the memory of the body, and how art can help the creator go beyond the analytical mind. I hope you enjoy! Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Thank you to Construction Specialties for sponsoring this episode: https://www.c-sgroup.com/

In this week's episode I am talking with Paula de Wijs, the co-founder of the Maitreya Institute in the Netherlands. We are talking about the practice of sand mandalas, why and how their made, the role of art in the practice of Buddhism and why the monks and nuns would spend days creating an artwork just for it to be destroyed in the end. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Learn for only $15 a month on Creative Live: https://shrsl.com/2mtw4 Use code ENJOY to save 20% on your art supplies: https://shrsl.com/2mtw7

This episode is with returning guest Chantal Hassard. We follow up on our previous conversation (ep. 49) to talk about how the paint bombs project has turned into a thesis. We also consider the world of art within academia and what artistic research means to us. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Join us in reading on Instagram: https://bit.ly/38nknCe Use code DRAW to save $25 on a personalized podcast episode: www.allevox.com

How wonderful would it be to receive a new art print at your doorstep every month? In this episode I am chatting with Kirsten McCrea, the founder of Papirmass, an art subscription service. We chat about how she started the project, the intimacy of receiving art at home, and how Papirmass made art fun and affordable. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Use code DRAW to save $25 off your personalized podcast episode: www.allevox.com Visit ARTEZA to purchase your art supplies at discount prices: https://bit.ly/35qmUZc

How does a creative exploration help bring awareness to mental health in students? In this episode Abhirami and I chat about White Lines Collective, an initiative she began in order to encourages conversations about mental health in the student community through artistic practices. We chat about why and how creative practices can do that, as well as why mental health is of utmost relevance to students. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com ​Join us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/backtothedrawingboardpodcast Purchase the CREATOR pass for 50% off: https://shrsl.com/2jj8r

You guys asked for it and here it is! It's a solo episode where I summarize my master's thesis from the University of Amsterdam. I wrote (over 50 pages!) about community art projects, narrative and how artists can create 'art' AND engage the community. I hope this episode gives you something interesting to think about! Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Get your personalized night sky map from My Sky Moment: https://bit.ly/2RVafqQ

In this episode I sat down with artist Margaux Smith and writer Tatum Dooley to learn more about their project Canadian Art in Isolation: an initiative that connects arts and seniors in long term care homes through artwork. We chat about some practical things, such as who donates the work, and some more philosophical things, such as how can art combat isolation? Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Learn something creative FREE every day on Creative Live: https://bit.ly/3k80ykV

In this episode I am talking to Sean Smith, an illustration artist and member of the security department at a museum in Washington D.C. We talk about what it's like to spend so much time around the same artworks, why looking at artwork is vulnerable, and what institutions can do to make the process of engaging with artworks better. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Join me in reading this month's book: www.instagram.com/backtothedrawingboardpodcast

This is the first episode of the podcast where we talk about architecture! Exciting! I sit down with Ana Mirea, a PhD student in London studying neuroarchitecture. We cover what neuroarchitecture is, where it comes from, and she gives us some real life examples. Enjoy! Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Use code DRAW for $25 off your personalized podcast from Allevox: www.allevox.com

In this episode I sit down with artist and teacher Maksims Kacanovs to talk about the attention mechanism: what it is, why it is flawed, and how we can 'fix' this. Stay tuned until the end, because Maksims gives you one task that you can start doing today to improve and become more aware of your attention mechanism! Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Episodes begin again on Monday, August 3, 2020. Listen to this trailer to find out my intentions with the podcast, as well as get a glimpse of the episodes that are to come! Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

This is a fun one! I sat down with Joris Burla and Eline Kersten to talk about their artistic curatorial project where they ask artists to send them a love letter addressed to an artwork they love. We talk about the traditional understanding of love, the characteristics of artists' relationship to an artwork and the sense of nostalgia in their project. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com  Save $25 off your personalized podcast episode with code DRAW: www.allevox.com

In this episode I get the chance to talk to Paul Gewuerz, the founder of Allevox, a personalized podcast service. With a background in audiobook narration, Paul creates a funny and insightful podcast orientated around the person you decide to gift this to. Besides his motivation story, we talk about the audio versus visual medium, and the personalized touch that the gifting industry is missing. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Paul has provided $25 off for the BTTDB listeners! Use code DRAW at checkout! www.allevox.com

For this episode I sit down with Ingrid Koenig and Randy Lee Cutler, associate professors at Emily Carr University, to chat about the Leaning Out of Windows project. Besides explaining the goals, and giving examples, Ingrid, Randy and I chat about how in this project they are exploring the relationship between science and art. How can artists respond rather than illustrate? Listen to find out! Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Want to learn something new? Check out Creative Live: https://bit.ly/39oCpko

On April 23, 2018 I released the first three episodes of the Back to the Drawing Board podcast. To celebrate the upcoming second year birthday, in this solo episode I talk about the five things I have learned in my two years of podcasting. I talk about what it's like having conversations with people I've never met before, being curious when talking to all sorts of different people, and even what this journey has taught me about art. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Get 50% OFF The Creator Pass and learn from unlimited online videos: https://bit.ly/39oCpko

In this episode I sit down with artist Hili Greenfeld to chat about her interest in personal memory and public history, why she calls her installations 'environments,' and whether she borrows objects from 'real people' to use in her work. Enjoy! Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Get 50% OFF The Creator Pass and learn from unlimited online videos: https://bit.ly/39oCpko

In this episode I sit down with Berber Meindertsma from Het Hem, an institution in the Netherlands that strives to create a playful and open approach in creating and experiencing art. Berber and I talk about showing things that others may not consider to be 'art,' the array of individuals they collaborate with, and the Human Library Project, where humans are the books! Enjoy! Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Watch FREE on-air classes on Creative Live: https://bit.ly/2qAFhde

For episode 59 of the podcast, I feature an Amsterdam based organization called See You @ Art. Sitting down with Cathelijne Mulders, the founder, and Anoushka, one of the volunteers, we chat about engagement, the loneliness of an artist's career and how as an exhibition space they train artists to talk about their work. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Watch FREE on-air classes on Creative Live: https://bit.ly/2qAFhde

In this episode I sit down with Jip Heijmerink, the founder and owner of My Daily Shot of Culture, an organization that strives to encourage young people to engage with arts and culture in the Netherlands. We talk about the aura surrounding cultural events and institutions and how to bring the fun back into a sector that often prefers to take themselves overly-seriously. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Get FREE SHIPPING on order over $150 at the Met store: https://bit.ly/2OEc8Go

You loved listening to Shinobu and Matt in episode 27 where we talked about their project: Residency for Artists on Hiatus. They are back on the podcast today, and we have more time to delve in deeper into society's need for structure, the relationship between life and art, and we get personal with Shinobu's 2019 year. Music: https://www.purple-planet.comUse code LOVE20 at the MET Store for 20% off: https://bit.ly/2OEc8Go

It's time for another solo episode and in this one I share with you some of my thoughts that I formulated in an essay for my philosophy class last semester. But don't let that scary you away! I explain everything, even for people that don't have a philosophy background. The theme: the practice of drawing can bring art back into balance. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Watch FREE classes on Creative Live: https://bit.ly/2qAFhde

What can art contribute to the mental health conversation? In this episode I sat down with Fleur Kuypers, project manager of Beautiful Distress, a foundation striving to create awareness and acceptance in society for the mentally ill. In this episode we talk about how art makes heavy topics approachable, and what conclusions we come to if we approach this field through art. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Thank you to Podcorn for sponsoring this episode. Start monetizing your podcast or finding the right niche for your brand by signing up here: https://podcorn.com/podcasters/

When was the last time you drew something? In this episode I have a conversation with D.B.Dowd about some of his ideas on the practice of drawing in his book Stick Figures: Drawing as a Human Practice. We talk about the difference between drawing and painting, how drawing is not used to its full advantage and how we can improve our relationship with it. As an artist passionate about drawing, I am very excited to share this episode with you! Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Learn on Creative Live with their FREE classes: https://bit.ly/2qAFhde

I sat down with artist Juul Sadee for this episode, to learn more about the Moluccan community and their history, Sadee's interest in working with the group and how the medium of art can open up a conversation. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Shop BOGO 50% off holiday cards at the MET store: https://bit.ly/2OEc8Go

What's the link between art and charity? In this episode I sit down with Stefano Labbia, an Italian author and screenwriter, to talk about graphic novels, the link between art and charity and what the process of letting others visualize your words is like. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Join me on The Bookshelf: www.amazn.to/34ioBpg BOGO 50% off holiday cards on the MET online store: https://bit.ly/2OEc8Go

For this episode I sit down with Janine Vangool, the publisher, editor and designer at Uppercase, which publishes books and magazines to spark the imagination and inspire creativity.We talk about publishing in a digital world, paying attention to details, and her love for everything vintage. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Join me on The Bookshelf: www.amazn.to/34ioBpg Watch FREE on-air classes on Creative Live: https://bit.ly/2qAFhde

It's time for another solo episode! In this one I share with you my latest thoughts on 'community.' More specifically, I establish two types of communities, and introduce some psychoanalysis. I believe that the boundary between self and the other can teach us a bit about how we relate to others and on a larger scale, to the 'community.' This theory, I hope to connect, sometime in the future, and bring it back full circle to the art context. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Shop the MET Store with BOGO 50%: https://bit.ly/2J7PTUo

Can a 'protest,' or an action of dissent, be colorful and clownish? In this episode I am talking with my friend Chantal Hassard. She did a research project on the squatter movement in Amsterdam and specifically, the paint bombs they create and use in 'protest' of authority. I also share a snippet of her video work at the end of the episode. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Learn on Creative Live: https://bit.ly/2YIqBUw

Do you consider your local museum as YOUR museum? For this episode I sat down with Jeremy Diamond, the CEO at Myseum, a museum with engaging programs and experiences that showcases the stories of Torontonians. We chat about inclusivity, accessibility, and the struggle of staying relevant and addressing current issues as an institution. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Get creative at Creative Live: https://bit.ly/2YIqBUw

What's up with art education anyways? For this episode I sat down with Dallas Nachtigall, the founder and brain behind Bestowing the Brush. We chat about art education, how to learn in relation rather than from a textbook and the amazing Fesole Club. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Starting learning with Creative Live: https://bit.ly/2YIqBUw Get creative with LEGO: https://bit.ly/2yHIHvf

You loved listening to Katerina from Way Back Home on episode 32, so I invited her back on the podcast! We talk more about creative invitations in shinrin-yoku, nature vs. culture, all of our senses (yes, there's more than 5) and we also answer listener's questions. There's a lot of information packed in this one. Enjoy! Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Shop magazines at Artists Network: https://bit.ly/2IMkmXW Watch FREE instructional videos at Creative Live: https://bit.ly/2wzLju0  

In this episode I talk to artist and entreprenuer Kanika Gupta about 'stories' in art, how to not let them become the focus, and of course, diversity, disability and representation in the arts. Understanding the viewpoint of an artist is of utmost importance at a time when the arts are rallying for values such as these. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Check out this week's free classes at Creative Live: https://bit.ly/2YIqBUw Become a MET museum member today: https://bit.ly/2sAOX4A

What is a virtual gallery and how does it work? I sat down with Lady Pheonix, an inspiring curator and entrepreneur of Yes Universe. We talked about how the digital is affecting the art world, the sense of community around a virtual gallery, and how digital art can serve to inspire and envision a beautiful future. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Learn art skills on Creative Live: https://bit.ly/2YIqBUw Shop Lego: https://bit.ly/2yHIHvf