Wild At Art

Meet the beautifully recovering Jason Umidi. After being clean and sober for a couple of years it became clear to Jason that he has a talent for writing. As he shared his journey in social media the story evolved into a series of short blog posts. His friend and publisher Michael Albanese (Episode 32) believed that these short reads should be curated into an inspirational book. And so they published "Jesus and Seltzer," one minute reads on addiction, recovery, and hope. Jason says that the book will meet you where you are, with or without faith, with or without hope. One thing is for sure, Jason found solace in discovering himself as a writer. Preroll shout out to friend of the podcast

New York artist Rachelle Krieger is fresh from her solo show at VOLTA NY, where Susan Eley Fine Art featured her recent paintings and ceramics. Her latest work is called “These In-between Days,” an ongoing series of mixed media paintings and works on paper. Her style is enthusiastic with powerful colors, mainly painted in acrylic and spray paint. We talk about how her art can be inspired by literally everything, including invisible forces.  Shout out to Rachelle's sister, Ellie Krieger for making the introduction. If this podcast is of interest to you it's likely you will enjoy Ellie's. It's titled “One Real Good Thing,” which we help to produce. Preroll shout out to friend of the podcast

In this episode wife, mom, grandmom and now author, Joan Page shares her journey as a writer and shares her heart. One of six kids, she was impacted in a powerful way by the ongoing, hard-won wisdom of her mother, who's spirit, faith and mission inspired her to write down twelve of her life lessons that can empower all of us to be better people. It's a beautiful view into the life of a big, loving family, led by one strong and wise woman, who will now be forever remembered through the work of Joan Page – her lessons from mama.Preroll shout out to friend of the podcast

Michael Albanese was born in New York and raised in Marietta, GA. He spent years in NY pursuing his first artistic love - theatre. Quickly realizing acting was not his thing, he wrote and produced the award-winning Red Herring and was Assistant Director on Broadway's “Cry Baby” before moving to LA to purse filmmaking and start a family. There he launched his travel business, Element Lifestyle, while writing and producing the film “Thirst” with Melanie Griffith and Josh Pence. Michael is a storyteller and recently authored the children's book (for adults) "The Boy Who Loved Boxes". Now he is building  a boutique publishing company celebrating writers and the creative weight of their stories - The Weight of Ink.  Michael lives in The Town of Trilith in South Atlanta with his wife, actress Wynn Everett, and their two daughters. Join us for an authentic and inspiring conversation with Michael Albanese. Preroll shout out to friend of the podcast

Having recently hit a milestone, publishing our 30th episode of Wild at Art, we wanted to take a look back at some of the early stories. One of our favorite episodes and consistently the most downloaded, we thought it would be fun to have an encore of The Essence of Art. Laura Coston Anrud developed her artistic style in Portland, OR along what she says was a rocky path, before coming back home landing in the idyllic setting of Farmington, GA near Athens. She is a self-proclaimed horse person with a heart for all creatures great and small. In her studio there she works magical pieces of art that reflect a beautiful mind and depth of spirit. See Laura's art - including Truett's Essence at wildatartpodcast.worldPreroll shout out to friend of the podcast

Natasha Cross grew up in the UK, and always had wonder lust. At a young age she had boldly followed her dreams, traveling and exploring in Cambodia and in Chile. Determined to do an art journey for a few months in South America, she booked a one-way ticket to Santiago, with little money and no plan she fearlessly launched into her dream. On her way Natasha stopped in Bolivia, falling in love with the natural beauty and local culture. Now, three years later she is still there, painting powerful murals, making incredible art, exhibiting, exploring and sketching. As they say - fortune favors the bold, and clearly Natasha is that. Preroll shout out to friend of the podcast

Until recently Heather Shepherd has been a Refugee Aid Worker in Turkey where she supported humanitarian efforts focused on Syrian refugees. She moved there in 2011 during the crisis. Living in Istanbul, a city of 20MM people, she married her American husband and had two kids.  There in refugee camps Heather learned to tattoo with Henna as a way of engaging with the Syrian women who embrace the art form as part of their cultural identity. The family moved back to the US in 2020 during the COVID lock-down. She returned to Henna as a reconnection to the life she loved back in Turkey. Now a full-time Henna artist – her canvas is people and she carries forward this social art form as a way of connecting in her community. Preroll shout out to friend of the podcast

Laura Quick is the founder and CEO of a great magazine on southern culture and resilience. It's aptly named Good Grit. The vision is to capture the authenticity of the human spirit, while telling the stories of the South.  Good grit says - “The south has been begging for a progressive and truthful representation of who we are and who we want to be, and that also pays tribute to the legacies worthy of moving forward. Good Grit is a movement walked out by compassionate and empathetic humans who want to leave the world better than they found it.” In the process of launching the magazine Laura uncovered her talent for storytelling. She followed with the launch of her branding agency of the same name and now helps companies discover and define their stories and better communicate to their audiences. She's now Head Storyteller at Good Grit Agency. Preroll shout out to friend of the podcast

After leaving the alt-country band, Houndmouth in 2016, Katie Toupin has been busy.  We at Wild at Art first become fans when the single, Sedona reached #1 on Billboard's Triple A Chart. Katie has appeared on David Letterman and Conan and toured internationally with the band.  Now building an amazing solo career she released a live EP, Moroccan Ballroom, a self-produced album, Magnetic Moves and her latest mini-album, Little Heart. Katie says about Magnetic Moves, “It's about being bold and being brave. Using your magnetism to create the world you want to live in.” The song crashes in with a buzzy, mid-tempo power pop vibe that shows both a clear departure and a new beginning. “Are you dreaming of me? / I've been dreaming of you,” she belts in the song's chorus and her delight in the new surroundings is palpable, says PopMatters. Katie's new podcast is called Toupin Talks and streams live Thursday nights on FB and YT at 8:00 Eastern. Ok... big fans. Go listen. Preroll shout out to friend of the podcast

This episode is an exciting mixture of sports and art, with a healthy dose of creativity. Ariana Broerman and her husband Matthew are designers in Cincinnati. They decided to take on an incredible journey to publish a book telling the stories of pioneering players, and defining moments that shaped the games we love. They commissioned the artwork of dozens of talented artists from all over the world, to articulate this celebration of creativity both on and off the field. It's called, They Changed the Game: 50 Stories and Illustrations Celebrating Creativity in Sports. They share the famous and sometime unknown characters who in some way turned the sports world on it's head through their unbridled creativity.  Join us for the story of how Ariana and Mathew published this work of art.Preroll shout out to friend of the podcast

Steven Lester is a fine art painter best known for his sports images. He talks about capturing the back story. How the athlete overcame obstacles to arrive at the moment in time he's capturing. Having been a creative director for many years, Steven's job involved critiquing the work and driving toward a pursuit of business-style perfectionism. But, as a painter he could be his own worst critic, and so he endeavors to accept the Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi - Wabi is understated elegance and sort of less is more, and Sabi is taking pleasure in the imperfect. Wabi Sabi invites one to pause and suspend that relentless pursuit of perfection to enjoy things as they are. And so Steven is now the professional artist, rather than the arts professional. 

Susan Harvard began painting abstract impressionism after being awestruck by the powerful beauty she encountered on a trip to the American West. Having no formal training in art, nor a lifelong calling to make art, Susan recalls the moment when she did finally hear the call to create, and now there is no going back. Light and colorful, approachable and beautiful, her paintings seem a reflection of her own inner glow and uplifting view of life. Now busy with commissioned works Susan takes a moment with us to reflect on how she found the artist inside herself and where that discovery is taking her.

In this episode we talk with Katie Jentleson, PHD, who is the Merrie and Dan Boone Curator of Folk and Self-Taught Art at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta. She is author of the book, Gatecrashers, an exploration of self-taught artists who emerged in the post World War I period. At the time of our recording she was curating two new exhibits for the High Museum, Gatecrashers: The Rise of the Self-Taught Artist in America, and Really Free: The Radical Art of Nellie Mae Rowe. We talk with Katie about what it means to be a "gatecrasher," how she became a  curator for the High Museum, what drives her passion for folk and self-taught artists, and we talk about the exhibits and the amazing, raw, authentic and powerful works she is showcasing. And we encourage everyone to visit the High Museum very soon, as these unique and inspiring exhibits are not to be missed.Gatecrashers at the High Museum until December 11th, 2021Really Free at the High Museum until January 9th, 2022For tickets visit https://high.org/

Artist and designer Justine Dahl has made her career creating. Her ambitious pieces in resin are big, bold, colorful and explore shape and depth in a broad spectrum. She is the great granddaughter of Marilou Crisman, a prolific midcentury painter whose work is still popular, some of which resides in a museum in Logansport, IN that bears her name.  Justine continues to honor the family legacy by her tireless commitment to making beautiful things. What she calls luck, we call hard work and talent. Enjoy a delightful conversation with artist Justine Dahl.

We went west. Northwest. And we found some pretty awesome stuff. Beautiful scenery and a beautiful lifestyle. Centered on the culture of the outdoors. Hiking, climbing, camping, and adventure. Seattle has a lot to offer the creative and artistic spirit. That's where we met Todd. A talented designer and artist who encapsulates that deep and wide outdoor ideal in his creation. Fun, approachable, quirky, outdoorsy, and brilliant. That's why adventure brand REI came south to recruit this talented, curious and unique artist who sees things differently. It seems he actually drew his life into existence.  Where does it come from? Why does he do it? And what makes Todd Durkee tick? Well, let's find out. Atlanta to Seattle, here we come. 

A quirky expression from the 1920's that means "Now you've got it right!" seems an apt title for this episode with Matt Phillips. We think Matt has got it right, the way he sees things differently, the way he approaches life and people with curiosity and zeal, and how he has managed to immerse himself in what he loves, music, instruments, doodles and craft and all things vintage. Matt might be more suited to life in the 20's or 30's where he would have played jazz with some of the greats of the age he admires, kept time on a pocket watch and worn a fedora. Matt is a classic luthier, using his artistic talents to give new life to some beautiful instruments, like a pair of Duiffoprugcar "head fiddles." Enjoy a relaxing conversation about how Matt Phillips came to live such a unique, anachronistic and artistic life.

Hannah Sidner is an accomplished artist in ceramics. She's one with the elements as she creates her works from scratch, making her clay, glazes, and even refurbishing old-school kilns herself. Off the grid in the North Carolina mountains, she's been a farm to table pioneer who thrived with no internet and minimal outside contact. Her elegant and truly notable Japanese style ramen bowls are a must have. Hannah Sidner is one-of-a-kind, as is her art.

Stephany Glassing has an unstructured and unplanned approach to life and to her art. She doesn't know what she will create until she begins and she never knows where her mood will take her. From big paintings hanging at Coke HQ to alcohol ink creations in glassware to building in clay, Stephany is a fountainhead of creation and self-expression. She says that a key to success is knowing when to "roll-away." You'll be inspired by her journey and her unconquered spirit.

Alexander Alvarado is a portrait artist living in Westchester NY. He has been painting and evolving his style for some eight years and still claims that his work is in it's infancy. Creating in the digital space he paints his family, boxing, Formula 1, actors and heroes. Thanks to consistent positive peer pressure Alex finally put his work out there for all to see. And we did.  Alex is modest to a fault and so we happily join his growing fan base calling for more from this rising talent. 

Talking to Anthony and Monica Hall is nothing short of inspiring. As he says, “you miss 100% of the shots you don't take.” And so, Anthony and Monica took a shot. Monica in fashion creating bold and beautiful African prints for girls and Anthony, brand new to his artistic talent, creating powerful graphic art, posters, paintings and some apparel. Anthony was drawn to his signature bright colors by sunrise on a mission trip in Africa. And finds inspiration and encouragement in Monica's style and constant support. For the Hall's this is clearly just the beginning. 

Katie Sloan is a jewelry designer working in clay, a recent transplant from Australia. She has a delightful enthusiasm for life and for loving others, and that comes through in her creations. Katie reflects the textures, shapes and colors of places in the world she finds inspiring. From Australia to Sedona she has a great range and admits that she can't be put in a box with regard to her style and creative direction. Her connection with God, dolphins, and with people elevates our perspective. You'll want to know Katie Sloan. 

Artist and sculptor Jon Moro creates life from wood in a most unique way. He has combined his passion for sports and human movement with the history and character of games to literally carve out a unique space in the world of art. His twenty year career includes sculptures of sports legends like Yogi Berra and Wayne Gretzky, and heroic episodes like David and Goliath and Robin Hood. His works captures the soul of the subjects so that they can tell their own stories. Jon engages the imagination and pleases the eye, as he chips away at his passion in Maine. 

Liz Snowden is an artist, colorist, creating bright, bold, whimsical art with a happy heart. As she puts it. Her current series entitled "Story Ladies" is a study in bold color and personality. She connects her love of unique words with  portraits of ladies who vividly spring from her imagination. Liz's style embodies her idea that art doesn't necessarily need to be serious. Quite the contrary. Art can be fun, light and full of whimsy. Liz creates her Story Ladies - and maybe she's writing her own story in the process. Enjoy some whimsy with Liz Snowden. 

Andrea Nelson is a full-time artist with a bright, colorful and whimsical style. Her primary inspiration is animals, and she loves painting them in a mix of realism and color abstraction. Her style is a reflection of her infectious enthusiasm and non-stop drive that has combined to make her a successful entrepreneur, a Tik Tok influencer, and an inspirational creator. She shares her journey, how she built a path that empowered her to chase her art, and some words of wisdom she received one day from a truck driver that nudged her into her current pursuit. Enjoy some time with Andrea. Was it a dream, or a day?

Brother & Sister, John Gifaldi and Patty Heiden, were born into an Italian family in Western NY. That would tend to mean that there was a culture of cooking as a love language, and they learned from the best, their Italian mom and grandma. Some years ago they were able to finally bring their love of cooking and entertaining to life in their Atlanta business. They create experiences for their clients (friends) in their homes and are loving every minute of it. John and Patty have a passion for the art of cooking that bubbles over in our conversation. Enjoy 2 Chefs in the Kitchen.

Meet Scooby and Kissie, the Hippie Kids. These dynamic and talented sisters have evolved from kids playing models on homemade runways to hard working young entrepreneurs launching an international online fashion and lifestyle store. And the Hippie Kids retail shop opens in Acworth GA in the Summer of 2021. You can find them with their pop-up shop at markets around the south, selling fashion and "threading love" from a vintage VW bus named Daisy. At one point boasting over 250,000 followers on Instagram this pair is making waves. We sit down in the kitchen with the girls, Scooby's husband Taylor, three-year old son Judah, and their support crew Mike and Kim (Parents), for a loud, crowded conversation about how they make it all happen. 

Our title, “It’s not just a job – it’s an adventure” is an 80's tagline from the US Navy and particularly apt for this episode with Summer Skillman. Summer joined the Navy as a nuclear engineer and traveled all around the world. She talks about her time in Japan where her artistic and entrepreneurial spirit began to flourish, creating and marketing origami flowers. Unlike many artists Summer is blessed to be using both sides of her brain – an engineer – she’s an upbeat and practical marketer, plus she’s deeply artistic, talented and an enthusiastic creator. Today she lives happily in the Shenandoah Mountains where she is inspired by the natural landscapes to create beautifully moody paintings.

Jack LeGrange is an energetic painter hailing from South Africa and now makes his home in Atlanta. He and his wife came to the US ten years ago and were just recently granted US citizenship. In this episode we discuss how life in America has influenced his creative direction and how his solitary beginnings with canvas and brush became a fulfilling career full of friends, family and a community of artists he loves. Listen now as we talk with Jack LeGrange, an original American painter.

Writer Jack Nicholas is in the process of publishing his first children’s book called Fox and Butterfly. Jack taps into his recent life experiences where he learned valuable lessons about ones responsibility to others, and how obsession with capturing one object above all else can do damage – just like the fox who chases the butterfly. He talks about the inspiration for his story and how he was able to distill some pretty complex issues down to a message a child can understand. We discuss courage, joy, kindness and acceptance. And how the lovely story of the Fox and Butterfly can communicate to both kids and adults.

Traveler, adventurer, videographer and photographer, Drew Balfour, talks with us about discovering his hidden talent through exploring the world, extreme adventure and soul searching. He found himself in college pursuing a major he didn’t like and a life that didn’t feel authentic. Then, he realized his passion was merging his wanderlust, his talent for making images, and his love of extreme sports like high lining, snowboarding, climbing, and skydiving. Now Drew has come full circle and is building a media business while still chasing his passion. Get inspired to get out there, push your limits, and find your true calling.

Dionne White is an artist, writer and speaker and she graciously leads us through her journey from a life depressed, to now a life beautifully expressed. She found her purpose through reconnecting with her faith and becoming inspired by an ancient Japanese art form called Kintsugi. She is as courageous as she is an inspiration and her art is a bright reflection of her core theme – “acknowledge the pain, but paint the promise.”

Beth Affolter is a well-known Nashville artist, and now teaches AP Art in a Nashville area high school. We talk with her about her spiritual journey in art, that has taken her from graphic design in Switzerland to art galleries in Nashville, to teaching. And how she overcame that old snarky adage, “Those who can, do – and those who can’t, teach.” And we dig into how her passion for teaching influences her life in art and how she has reinvented herself along the way.

A young, up and coming talent, Chris Maximin combines his love of cartooning and his music for a truly unique artistic expression, from music video to cover art to acrylic and sculpture. He is bringing cartoons into the contemporary art scene, a genre he says has been overlooked up to now. Chris grew up loving 2D animated movies and cartoons and he wants to spearhead a renaissance of the classic style of animation. See Chris' art at wildatartpodcast.world

Meet self-made artist Annie Thrasher in a beautiful story of redemption as Annie discovers who she is. Through devastation and rejection she empowers herself to grow in her art and realizes her vision, which inspires and delights us all. Walk a mile in her bare feet and learn what it means to “rock on barefoot!” See Annie's art at wildatartpodcast.world

Laura Coston Anrud developed her artistic style in Portland, OR along what she says was a rocky path, before coming back home landing in the idyllic setting of Farmington, GA near Athens. She is a self-proclaimed horse person with a heart for all creatures great and small. In her studio there she works magical pieces of art that reflect a beautiful mind and depth of spirit. See Laura's art - including Truett's Essence at wildatartpodcast.world