Viewfinder

Gather is defined as coming together; assemble or accumulating. To bring together, draw together, or toward oneself.Last year, around this time, I traveled to Cape Cod to retreat with the women from the mastermind group I shared about two weeks ago. It's a bit weird for me to refer to them as a mastermind group because after gathering with them last year, I know we are so much more than that. And marking one year since that trip, I am thinking a lot about the importance of gathering and what it means in my process.viewfinder is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Reflections* To gather is about the experience facilitated. It's both showing up AND being seen as an artist.* Gatherings don't have to be in a group setting. They can be as simple as two people intentionally coming together.Resources* The Art of Gathering, How We Meet and Why it Matters, Priya Parker* TED Talk, Priya Parker* Driving 8 hours northConnectIf we haven't had the pleasure of meeting - I'm Lauren Sauder, an artist, writer, and mentor. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider writing a review. Here are a few more ways you can connect with me:* Download your viewfinder—Print it, cut it, and carry it with you.* Download the artist mixtape—a mix of books, playlists, and residencies to provide inspiration and company in the studio.* Receive letters from me—bi-weekly letters from me about what I'm working through in my creative practice and life.* Enlist me as your mentor—if you are interested in unlimited support and guidance to grow your creative practice.* Get in touch with me directly—send an email to laurensauderstudio@gmail.com.Share Get full access to Lauren Sauder at laurensauder.substack.com/subscribe

A conversation is defined as a talk, especially an informal one, between two or more people, in which news and ideas are exchanged.Conversations have been on my mind recently because they are truly a tool in helping me move through my process. And I've been thinking about it a lot as I reflect on my break from my email newsletter, podcast, and mentoring — because I truly believe my time away could have gone in such a different direction if it weren't for conversations.viewfinder is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Reflections* Conversations allow my process to feel open.Resources* Ninth Street Women, Mary Gabriel* Just Kids, Patti Smith* Letters to a Young Poet, Rainer Maria Rilke* Voxer, a messaging platformConnectIf we haven't had the pleasure of meeting - I'm Lauren Sauder, an artist, writer, and mentor. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider writing a review. Here are a few more ways you can connect with me:* Download your viewfinder—Print it, cut it, and carry it with you.* Download the artist mixtape—a mix of books, playlists, and residencies to provide inspiration and company in the studio.* Receive letters from me—bi-weekly letters from me about what I'm working through in my creative practice and life.* Enlist me as your mentor—if you are interested in unlimited support and guidance to grow your creative practice.* Get in touch with me directly—send an email to laurensauderstudio@gmail.com.Share Get full access to Lauren Sauder at laurensauder.substack.com/subscribe

Resistance is the refusal to accept or comply with something; the attempt to prevent something by action or argument. An opposition.Within the first couple of days of my two-month break, I immediately felt myself resisting wanting to make any art, which felt funny to me. I felt this creative energy inside me, I intentionally made the space for it, then nothing. Like I suddenly was disinterested. I noticed how I immediately wanted to fill my attention with busy work. I thought about updating the SEO on my website (drag) and refreshing my welcome email (boring). Thankfully, I have an incredible community to lean on, and they graciously told me to let it go. And make art. So that's what I did—and I got to understand resistance a little bit better.viewfinder is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Reflections* Resistance can tell me a lot about who I am.* Resistance is a common response to change.* Resistance will always find a good excuse. It's important to know when that excuse is unreliable.* Resistance can show up in many different ways.Resources* Project Self, On Feeling Resistance* Episode 14, InterludeConnectIf we haven't had the pleasure of meeting - I'm Lauren Sauder, an artist, writer, and mentor. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider writing a review. Here are a few more ways you can connect with me:* Download your viewfinder—Print it, cut it, and carry it with you.* Download the artist mixtape—a mix of books, playlists, and residencies to provide inspiration and company in the studio.* Receive letters from me—bi-weekly letters from me about what I'm working through in my creative practice and life.* Enlist me as your mentor—if you are interested in unlimited support and guidance to grow your creative practice.* Get in touch with me directly—send an email to laurensauderstudio@gmail.com.Share Get full access to Lauren Sauder at laurensauder.substack.com/subscribe

An interlude is an intervening period of time. A short period when a situation or activity is different from what comes before and after it. A pause between two things.A few weeks ago, I recorded an episode on buoyancy, and in a lot of ways, I think the year is buoyant in itself. There are ups and downs. It follows its own cadence. I think this is experienced through holidays, seasons, nature, and what the ocean and sky are doing. And, to me, it only feels natural to let myself experience these ups and downs - which ultimately means my mood—my general disposition throughout the year is going to change, too. It's important for me to find time to pause different activities to focus on others as I experience these changes.viewfinder is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Reflections* I intentionally plan interludes into my year.* An interlude doesn't have to mean complete rest—but it does have to be an opportunity to make space for fulfillment.Resources* side-b—a pay-what-you-want digital and print publication and exploratory creative production. I am on the verge of creative energy and I am making in a lot of new ways. Join me this summer and see an inside look at my process →ConnectIf we haven't had the pleasure of meeting - I'm Lauren Sauder, an artist, writer, and mentor. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider writing a review. Here are a few more ways you can connect with me:* Download your viewfinder—Print it, cut it, and carry it with you.* Download the artist mixtape—a mix of books, playlists, and residencies to provide inspiration and company in the studio.* Receive letters from me—bi-weekly letters from me about what I'm working through in my creative practice and life.* Enlist me as your mentor—if you are interested in unlimited support and guidance to grow your creative practice.* Get in touch with me directly—send an email to laurensauderstudio@gmail.com.Share Get full access to Lauren Sauder at laurensauder.substack.com/subscribe

Source is defined as a place, person, or thing from which something comes or can be obtained. The technical definition is a body or process by which energy or a particular component enters a system. The electronics definition is a part of a field-effect transistor from which carriers flow into the inter-electrode channelSource is many different things. And I think this is because source is everything.To me, source is my content. It's material. the wisdom. an idea.It evolves into my subject, concepts, themes.And to see source — to experience it in some way, I must tune in. I must offer awareness, attention. Have a language to describe it. Collect and process it. Work from a foundation, and trust my knowing. Otherwise, it remains in the ether, something to perhaps notice, but all in all pass by.viewfinder is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Reflections* Source is what I build ideas with. It informs.* Source doesn't have to be one thing.* Source comes from the outside, and it's through process, it becomes internalResources* side-b—a pay-what-you-want digital and print publication and exploratory creative production. Come see what I found in my binder →* I was swimming in my dreams, experiencing source in my dreams* Buoyancy, viewfinder episodeConnectIf we haven't had the pleasure of meeting - I'm Lauren Sauder, an artist, writer, and mentor. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider writing a review. Here are a few more ways you can connect with me:* Download your viewfinder—Print it, cut it, and carry it with you.* Download the artist mixtape—a mix of books, playlists, and residencies to provide inspiration and company in the studio.* Receive letters from me—bi-weekly letters from me about what I'm working through in my creative practice and life.* Enlist me as your mentor—if you are interested in unlimited support and guidance to grow your creative practice.* Get in touch with me directly—send an email to laurensauderstudio@gmail.com.Share Get full access to Lauren Sauder at laurensauder.substack.com/subscribe

Buoyancy is defined as the ability or tendency to float in water, or air, or some other fluid. It's also an optimistic and cheerful disposition.Buoyancy is the ability to float. to move or hover slowly and lightly. I picture my body in water. And the ability to stay on the surface while my body moves as it needs over the water motions.In my creative practice, it's almost like the act of staying resilient but without the need to withstand or quickly recover. Instead, it's going with the flow. Ebbing and flowing as I check-in with myself and respond to what I'm thinking, what I'm feeling, what I'm needing, and what I'm desiring.viewfinder is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Reflections* Buoyancy allows me to stay responsive.* Buoyancy helps me to know that not everything is permanent.* Buoyancy is not transitioning. It's not a pivot. It's not needing to recover from something.Resources* side-b—a pay-what-you-want digital and print publication and exploratory creative productionConnectIf we haven't had the pleasure of meeting - I'm Lauren Sauder, an artist, writer, and mentor. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider writing a review. Here are a few more ways you can connect with me:* Download your viewfinder—Print it, cut it, and carry it with you.* Download the artist mixtape—a mix of books, playlists, and residencies to provide inspiration and company in the studio.* Receive letters from me—bi-weekly letters from me about what I'm working through in my creative practice and life.* Enlist me as your mentor—if you are interested in unlimited support and guidance to grow your creative practice.* Get in touch with me directly—send an email to laurensauderstudio@gmail.com.Share Get full access to Lauren Sauder at laurensauder.substack.com/subscribe

Seasons are defined as divisions in the year marked by particular weather patterns and daylight hours, resulting from the earth's changing position with regard to the sun. It's also added salt, herbs, pepper, or other spices to (food) - more on this later…For me, a season is defined as period of time that offers the chance to lean into current circumstances, intentions, feelings, and needs. It's a daily check-in. It's permission to know nothing is permanent.viewfinder is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Reflections* A season should reflect me and only me.* A season length can vary.Resources* Embracing Creative Seasons, blog post* Trust Your Creative Practice, workbook* Creative Mantas for Winter Season, blog postConnectIf we haven't had the pleasure of meeting - I'm Lauren Sauder, an artist, writer, and mentor. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider writing a review. Here are a few more ways you can connect with me:* Download your viewfinder—Print it, cut it, and carry it with you.* Download the artist mixtape—a mix of books, playlists, and residencies to provide inspiration and company in the studio.* Receive letters from me—bi-weekly letters from me about what I'm working through in my creative practice and life.* Enlist me as your mentor—if you are interested in unlimited support and guidance to grow your creative practice.* Get in touch with me directly—send an email to laurensauderstudio@gmail.com.Share Get full access to Lauren Sauder at laurensauder.substack.com/subscribe

Knowing is defined as being done in full awareness or consciousness. The state of being aware or informed. Intentional. Sureness.When I think about knowing, I think of my gut first. A knowing in my body, in my chest, in my mind - it's a feeling. An internal instinct. A self-trust.I view my knowing as a place to make decisions - as I am thinking about this it's almost like a mentor, something guiding me towards my most honest self. Helping me stay connected to myself, fulfilled with myself.viewfinder is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Reflections* I use my foundation to help me stay grounded in my knowing.* Being self-aware helps me stay in relationship with my knowing* Finding and listening to my knowing requires patience.* If I am quiet enough, I believe I hold every single answer.Resources* Viewfinder—find quiet and your knowingConnectIf we haven't had the pleasure of meeting - I'm Lauren Sauder, an artist, writer, and mentor. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider writing a review. Here are a few more ways you can connect with me:* Download your viewfinder—Print it, cut it, and carry it with you.* Download the artist mixtape—a mix of books, playlists, and residencies to provide inspiration and company in the studio.* Receive letters from me—bi-weekly letters from me about what I'm working through in my creative practice and life.* Enlist me as your mentor—if you are interested in unlimited support and guidance to grow your creative practice.* Get in touch with me directly—send an email to laurensauderstudio@gmail.com.Share Get full access to Lauren Sauder at laurensauder.substack.com/subscribe

A foundation is defined as an underlying basis or principle. It can also mean a justification or reason. And my favorite definition is the lowest load-bearing part of a building, typically below ground level.When I first graduated with my BFA becoming an artist seemed so flashy. Work for myself, make what I wanted, and sell it. Yet, the truth is, all of that requires so much more—and I forgot to consider myself. My human self.I think there is incredible value in learning from other people and trying new things outANDI think it's equally important to know myself and the motivations behind why I am trying something. I have to know damn well that I am considering my motivations.Appointing a foundation establishes a place to root my creative identity and practice. It also helps support and guide my process as I grow and develop artistically.viewfinder is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.ReflectionsExploring my foundation; I am going to share my creative values here. Please take these as examples only. I never want to plant ideas that aren't yours, or share blueprints for one way of doing it. But I also am aware of how beneficial examples can be. To understand what roots a value and how you can use it as a tool. And I believe in knowing my truths and sharing what has worked for me.* Curiosity* Process* Intention/Reflection* Multi-disciplinaryResources* Viewfinder, an audio class that literally and metaphorically explores the paper viewfinder as a tool to find your creative practice foundations* Artist mentorship, month-to-month mentorship to explore your foundation together* Building the House, Mary Oliver (download the essay from the artist's mixtape)ConnectIf we haven't had the pleasure of meeting - I'm Lauren Sauder, an artist, writer, and mentor. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider writing a review. Here are a few more ways you can connect with me:* Download your viewfinder—Print it, cut it, and carry it with you.* Download the artist mixtape—a mix of books, playlists, and residencies to provide inspiration and company in the studio.* Receive letters from me—bi-weekly letters from me about what I'm working through in my creative practice and life.* Enlist me as your mentor—if you are interested in unlimited support and guidance to grow your creative practice.* Get in touch with me directly—send an email to laurensauderstudio@gmail.com.Share Get full access to Lauren Sauder at laurensauder.substack.com/subscribe

Threshold by definition is a point of departure and transition. A place or point of entering a beginning. The outset. It can also mean your limit or boundary.Two weeks ago, I released a new class called Process Class. Process class was an idea I had in December of last year. I gathered my notes and continued to collect new research as I filled out this creative form. I'm always quick to act on new ideas, and I find it quite easy to be in the gathering stage.I then went idle. I couldn't decide between creating the class as a prerecorded experience or a live one. I worked through the decision (something I will probably talk about in a later episode), recorded the class, and released it for sale.Check, mark, done.But then I was met with many feelings - proud, excited, tired, nervous, anxious, restless, avoidance - I wanted to close the chapter and have the next one waiting for me.The truth is, I don't quite have the next one waiting for me. Sure, I have projects I am working on that feel ongoing - a body of work about atmospheres, and daily writing, but nothing that felt like a sure start, end, and middle.And I began to think - I have to quickly move onto my next idea.Yet - my next idea isn't ready yet. It's still incubating. I am still reflecting on what I want from it and if it's really for me.I realized I am in a threshold. I am in between. And this place can be beautiful, too.viewfinder is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Reflections* I can look at thresholds as an in-between moment, much like I look at the beauty of in-between moments in daily life.* I need to move through thresholds to make my creative process dynamic.* I have to sustain my mindset.Resources* Process Class, a 90-minute class is your gateway to tune into your life, trust your curiosity, and unlock your full creative potential.* Finding the in-between, Lauren SauderConnectIf we haven't had the pleasure of meeting - I'm Lauren Sauder, an artist, writer, and mentor. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider writing a review. Here are a few more ways you can connect with me:* Download your viewfinder—Print it, cut it, and carry it with you.* Download the artist mixtape—a mix of books, playlists, and residencies to provide inspiration and company in the studio.* Receive letters from me—bi-weekly letters from me about what I'm working through in my creative practice and life.* Enlist me as your mentor—if you are interested in unlimited support and guidance to grow your creative practice.* Get in touch with me directly—send an email to laurensauderstudio@gmail.com.Share Get full access to Lauren Sauder at laurensauder.substack.com/subscribe

The word process means a series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular end. A natural and intentional series of changes.Process is one of my favorite words to talk about. Because I feel like when I cracked mine—when I realized and accepted what worked for me, I felt like I achieved a superpower. A level up. A way of working that I completely trusted and had unwavering confidence in.viewfinder is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.ReflectionsIn this episode, I give an inside look at my process.* Collect: I let myself observe and participate in imagination.* Process/Reflect/Understand: I write, read, research, conversate, think about, and find mentors in my ideas.* Make: I explore the creative output.Resources* Join the waitlist + get early bird pricing for my new class, Process, releasing next Tuesday, February 27* Building the House, Mary Oliver (download the essay from the artist mixtape)* Rick Rubin — Magic, Everyday Mystery, and Getting Creative, On BeingConnectIf we haven't had the pleasure of meeting - I'm Lauren Sauder, an artist, writer, and mentor. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider writing a review. Here are a few more ways you can connect with me:* Download your viewfinder—Print it, cut it, and carry it with you.* Download the artist mixtape—a mix of books, playlists, and residencies to provide inspiration and company in the studio.* Receive letters from me—bi-weekly letters from me about what I'm working through in my creative practice and life.* Enlist me as your mentor—if you are interested in unlimited support and guidance to grow your creative practice.* Get in touch with me directly—send an email to laurensauderstudio@gmail.com.Share Get full access to Lauren Sauder at laurensauder.substack.com/subscribe

The word mentor means a trusted guide. They typically give influence, guidance, or direction to someone with less experience in a particular topic.I find mentorship in a lot of different places. Back in 2023, I wrote about how I don't think we are meant to hold creativity alone. And I still think about this notion. Creativity encompasses a lot—it's both internal and external and I find it incredibly helpful to look to others to help guide me in areas I feel less sure about.This looks different in any given season—depending on my current circumstances and what I need. I ebb and flow and move in and out of looking to mentors for support and guidance.viewfinder is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Reflections* I search for mentors to guide me in how to BE.* I find mentors in different seasons, depending on what I need.* My mentors don't have to be physically present and in conversation.Resources* We aren't meant to hold creativity alone* Artist StudyConnectIf we haven't had the pleasure of meeting - I'm Lauren Sauder, an artist, writer, and mentor. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider writing a review. Here are a few more ways you can connect with me:* Download your viewfinder—Print it, cut it, and carry it with you.* The artist mixtape—a mix of books, playlists, and residencies to provide inspiration and company in the studio.* Receive letters from me—bi-weekly letters from me about what I'm working through in my creative practice and life.* Enlist me as your mentor—if you are interested in unlimited support and guidance to grow your creative practice.* Get in touch with me directly—send an email to laurensauderstudio@gmail.com.Share Get full access to Lauren Sauder at laurensauder.substack.com/subscribe

The word collect means to bring together things, typically scattered or widespread things. To Gather, accumulate, assemble, stockpile, store.For a long time, I have considered myself an avid collector. And I realize that's sort of a different word to use inside of creative practice. In this episode, I want to talk about the act of collecting—what it means for me to be in process. Because I think it's the act of collecting, and deciphering what I collect, to turn it into material that is process.viewfinder is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Reflections* My process for collecting isn't linear.* I collect what I am curious about.* I don't only collect ideas, I also collect visual information.* I let myself be the researcher.ResourcesFor note-taking* Notion* Moleskin sketchbook* Notebook (this one was gifted to me)* Softcover notebook* Pocket notepad* Everyday notepad* Spiral notebook* Sticky notes (

Language defined is the principal method of human communication. It consists of words used in a structured and conventional way and conveyed by speech, writing, or gesture. It's a system of communication used by a particular community.Language is communicating with others and also how I communicate with myself. The language I choose to use is a large part of how my reality is shaped - and it's within this reality that I find - become aware - of my source.viewfinder is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Reflections* I use language as a tool in my creative practice.* Language can also hold me back.* Language challenges me to stay curious - a value deeply engrained in my creative practice.Resources* On Being, Clint Smith What We Know in the Marrow of Our Bones, Krista Tippet, * Clint Smith, more onConnectIf we haven't had the pleasure of meeting - I'm Lauren Sauder, an artist, writer, and mentor. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider writing a review. Here are a few more ways you can connect with me:* Download your viewfinder—Print it, cut it, and carry it with you.* The artist mixtape—a mix of books, playlists, and residencies to provide inspiration and company in the studio.* Receive letters from me—bi-weekly letters from me about what I'm working through in my creative practice and life.* Enlist me as your mentor—if you are interested in unlimited support and guidance to grow your creative practice.* Get in touch with me directly—send an email to laurensauderstudio@gmail.com.Share Get full access to Lauren Sauder at laurensauder.substack.com/subscribe

Attention defined is the behavior a person uses to focus the senses. Focus being the keyword. It's the action of taking special care of something.I believe that once I bring something into my realm of attention, I begin studying it—and that's where my creative practice really begins. It's where the “work” starts. It's where my dialogues and narratives take shape. Where concepts, ideas, themes, and subjects emerge.viewfinder is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Reflections* I have complete control over what I choose to focus on.* I take special care when bringing things into my realm of attention.* My attention begins and builds my narratives. The stories I tell myself and the stories I share with others.Resources* White Pine: Poems and Prose Poems, Mary Oliver* Red Bird, Mary Oliver* Upstream, Selected Essays, Mary Oliver* How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy, Jenny OdellConnectIf we haven't had the pleasure of meeting - I'm Lauren Sauder, an artist, writer, and mentor. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider writing a review. Here are a few more ways you can connect with me:* Download your viewfinder—Print it, cut it, and carry it with you.* The artist mixtape—a mix of books, playlists, and residencies to provide inspiration and company in the studio.* Receive letters from me—bi-weekly letters from me about what I'm working through in my creative practice and life.* Enlist me as your mentor—if you are interested in unlimited support and guidance to grow your creative practice.* Get in touch with me directly—send an email to laurensauderstudio@gmail.com.Share Get full access to Lauren Sauder at laurensauder.substack.com/subscribe

Awareness is defined as the state or ability to perceive, to feel, or to be conscious of events, objects, or sensory patterns. In this level of consciousness, sense data can be confirmed by an observer without necessarily implying understanding. There's no immediate need to comprehend the stimulus but instead be cognizant of it. To me, awareness is like turning a small light on near the source. A guidepost to signal to your brain you want to return and study it more. It's being curious about what catches your interest. It's becoming aware of who I am.It's through awareness that allows me to springboard into ideas. It's what makes me notice inspiration, muse—my artistic self.viewfinder is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Reflections* Awareness is my entry into creativity.* I can always be learning to become aware.* I can expand and narrow my awareness.* What I become aware of is a reflection of who I am.* Awareness helps me become a better, a stronger, decision-maker.Resources* The Creative Act, A Way of Being, Rick RubinConnectIf we haven't had the pleasure of meeting - I'm Lauren Sauder, an artist, writer, and mentor. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider writing a review. Here are a few more ways you can connect with me:* Download your viewfinder—Print it, cut it, and carry it with you.* The artist mixtape—a mix of books, playlists, and residencies to provide inspiration and company in the studio.* Receive letters from me—bi-weekly letters from me about what I'm working through in my creative practice and life.* Enlist me as your mentor—if you are interested in unlimited support and guidance to grow your creative practice.* Get in touch with me directly—send an email to laurensauderstudio@gmail.com.Share Get full access to Lauren Sauder at laurensauder.substack.com/subscribe

Honesty is defined as a means to tell the truth—being truthful to oneself. Finding fairness. Sincerity. Self-respect. It is one of the first things that comes to mind when I think about my creative practice. I think about the importance of being honest in my practice and my artwork.viewfinder is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Reflections* Honesty might be more evident sometimes and less evident other times. And I am always open to learning it.* Honesty isn't static. My honesty can always be changing.* Honesty isn't always easy to admit.* My honesty will look different than others.Resources* Building the House, Mary OliverConnectIf we haven't had the pleasure of meeting - I'm Lauren Sauder, an artist, writer, and mentor. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider writing a review. Here are a few more ways you can connect with me:* Download your viewfinder—Print it, cut it, and carry it with you.* The artist mixtape—a mix of books, playlists, and residencies to provide inspiration and company in the studio.* Receive letters from me—bi-weekly letters from me about what I'm working through in my creative practice and life.* Enlist me as your mentor—if you are interested in unlimited support and guidance to grow your creative practice.* Get in touch with me directly—send an email to laurensauderstudio@gmail.com.Share Get full access to Lauren Sauder at laurensauder.substack.com/subscribe

This podcast is a body of work—a collection of words distilled from looking through my viewfinder. Each episode explores the meaning of different concepts, themes, ideas, and subjects floating around in the liminal spaces of my creative practice. A place to collectively explore the themes that enter the creative realm.Episode IntroductionI've catered to the idea of doing a podcast for a long time now. And yes, I use the word cater with intention because sometimes an idea needs more than just a simple acknowledgment or doing. It needs time to be nurtured and molded into a shape where we can coexist. I do my best to stay open to my ideas, to observe and process them. To find it has an opportunity to become more curious about them. And find myself in them over time. I've played around with voice recordings as a medium to slowly build the courage to embrace this way of working. And I think I'm there — I think I am ready to enter a conversation with this idea in real life.Why viewfinder? This year, as I continue to find presence and navigate life with chronic rumination, I rekindled with my paper viewfinder—a tool I often used in high school to learn how to frame things interestingly. I found myself using this tool both literally and metaphorically. In a literal sense, it's a piece of paper with a square or rectangle cut from the center to frame scenes. In a metaphorical sense, it's helping me narrow my attention, to tune in, and learn how to frame my values—themes that come up regularly in my creative practice. It's encouraged me to ask more questions about these consistencies. To go deeper with things that I place great reverence on in my creativity.While I view this podcast as a body of work, I hope this body of work can inform your creative practice. I see it as a vessel to explore ideas collectively. For creative people looking for inspiration and support in their studio. That is—to accept the invitation to go deeper with the subjects, concepts, themes, and ideas present in your creative practice to help develop both honesty and quality in your work.Episode ResourcesIf we haven't had the pleasure of meeting - I'm Lauren Sauder, a visual artist and creative mentor. If you enjoyed this post, here are a few more ways you can connect with me:* Download Your Viewfinder—Print it, cut it, and carry it with you.* The Artist Mixed Tape—a mix of books, playlists, and residencies to provide inspiration and company in the studio.* Receive letters from me—bi-weekly letters from me about what I'm working through in my creative practice and life.* Enlist me as your mentor—if you are interested in unlimited support and guidance to grow your creative practice.* Get in touch with me directly—send an email to laurensauderstudio@gmail.com. Get full access to Lauren Sauder at laurensauder.substack.com/subscribe