Ep 177 Abstract Artist Betty Franks on Freedom After Fifty

"God used art to heal my fractured brain. I just kept showing up with paint.” — Wendy Brightbill After a life-altering car accident rewired her brain, Wendy Brightbill found healing through color, mess, and creative presence. In this heartfelt conversation, Dionne welcomes Wendy to The Motivatarian Exchange to explore how painting became both therapy and transformation — a true beauty-from-ashes story. Wendy opens up about the vibrant, soul-led path that pulled her from depression and hustle culture into a thriving creative life filled with purpose, vintage flair, and quiet confidence. They talk about what it really takes to make art that heals — and how to guide others to do the same. In this conversation, you’ll hear: How Wendy’s accident became the start of her creative rebirth Her honest take on art shows (and why selling isn’t the only win) Why embracing your style is the key to creative sustainability The real way to start teaching your own online art course And what “everything is art” looks like in daily life Wendy has launched over 40 online courses and continues to mentor women who want to lead with creativity, not burnout. This episode is an invitation to drop the perfection, lean into your process, and let art do what it was always meant to do — bring you home. Upcoming Events: The Artist's Course Roadmap- Everything you need to plan, launch, and sell your own online art course. Mentorship Community Coming Soon... In Person Workshops in Colorado Springs Fun Facts: Once-upon-a-time Kindergarten Teacher. Lived on a ship for three months right out of high school. Homeschool my two youngest girls. Really over hustle culture. I LOVE thrifting and bring a little bit of vintage vibes into my art through pattern and color. I believe that everything I do is art, whether it's cooking a meal for my family or getting dressed every morning. My students keep asking me to a fashion style course because they love the way that I dress. Website Homepage Facebook Wendy Brightbill Instagram Instagram (@wendybrightbill) YouTube Wendy Brightbill Studio Email: [email protected]

I’m back — and the podcast has a brand new name, purpose, and promise. After 6 months away from the mic, this solo episode kicks off Season 2 of the show — and I’m bringing you with me into The Motivatarian Exchange. Formerly known as Paint Talks, this podcast has always been about amplifying creative voices. But something shifted. I did too. And now it’s time to raise the bar — for motivation, creative leadership, and meaningful conversations that move us. In this episode, I’m sharing: Why I stepped away for 6 months — and what came alive in that quiet The story behind the name Motivatarian What you can expect from Season 2 (including new topics, guest types, and YOU-centered takeaways) Why this podcast is still your space for soulful growth, only bolder ✨ Same heart. Same quality. Bigger mission. Let’s create something that matters — together. 📌 Links + Resources: → Get weekly creative prompts + behind-the-scenes: https://www.theturquoiseiris.com → More about the Motivatarian Method™: https://www.theturquoiseiris.com/quiz/ 🎧 Was this episode a breath of fresh air? Tag me on Instagram [@theturquoiseiris] and tell me your favorite part. And if you haven’t yet — leave a review so more creatives like you can find this space. 🩵

Debi Pfrimmer is the owner and artist behind Elsie Lane Art Garage, where she brings creativity and passion to life through her beautifully crafted furniture and decor. Known for her vibrant designs and attention to detail, Debi uses techniques like painting and decoupage to transform everyday items into stunning works of art. Through her Facebook page, YouTube channel, and creative community, she inspires others to explore their artistic side and share in the joy of making. Debi’s one-of-a-kind pieces are available for purchase, combining functionality with artistic flair. Upcoming Events: Sisterhood of the Traveling Art Journal project and quarterly subscription box and working on a line of decoupage papers. Fun Facts: When Debi was a teenager she would walk past an old furniture repair shop every day on her way to school. Dreaming that one day she’d own a shop just like it. Website http://www.elsielaneartgarage.com Facebook http://www.facebook.com/elsieln Instagram http://www.instagram.com/elsie_lane_boutique YouTube https://youtube.com/@elsielaneartgarage?si=h134VfTm-avrWzdB  

Dr. Susan Barber Skinner is a health psychologist, licensed mental health counselor, and author of Path to Hope: A Playbook for Creating Resilience, Optimism, and Active Hope. She is the founder of Hope Springs Healing Arts Studio, an online space dedicated to fostering holistic well-being through mindfulness, creativity, and therapeutic programs. Susan holds a PhD in health psychology and a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling. A seasoned health psychologist, she has dedicated her career to understanding the intricate interplay between mental health and overall well-being. This understanding forms the foundation of her unique approach to fostering holistic healing. In addition to her clinical work, Susan is a certified meditation teacher, trained in The Interdependence Project's Meditation Teacher Training Program. This commitment reflects her dedication to mindfulness practices and the profound impact they can have on mental and emotional wellness. Susan is also artist, infusing her work with the transformative power of creative expression. Whether guiding participants through the strokes of a paintbrush or the rhythmic dance of weaving, Susan believes in the therapeutic potential of artistic endeavors as a means of self-discovery and healing. As the 12 Step Program Coordinator at the Dominican Retreat Center, in Niskayuna, New York, Susan extends her expertise to the realm of addiction recovery, providing support and guidance to individuals navigating the path of healing and self-discovery. Upcoming Events: Hopeful Moments - Lives on Facebook and Instagram every day starting December 1, 2024 November 25, December 9, December 23, 2024: Big Celebrations= Big Emotions Via Zoom January 26, 2025 Masterclass: A Hope Filled Vision for 2025 February 2025 Online Retreat with Kimberly Reiter - Breaking the Loop Fun Facts: I live on the St Lawrence River in Waddington NY and love watching ships pass through on their way to the Atlantic Ocean. The opposite shore of the river is in Canada. I also love retro crafts - the kitchier-er the better. Website  Facebook  Instagram 

Danielle Kaminski is a multi-passionate artist from Duncan, SC. She has been crafting and creating since she was in grade school, learning to sew with her grandmothers. Her brick-and-mortar store, Reinvintage Warehouse, is home to more than 60 different artists and curators. The MADE by Danielle brand encompasses jewelry design, candle making, and canvas & fiber art as well as the occasional furniture makeover! Once she made her dream of becoming a full-time maker a reality she began teaching other makers how to take their creative skills and turn them into businesses through her coaching & courses. When she isn’t working at the store or up to her elbows in a new art piece, she is most likely reading a book or watching a movie with her husband, Jason, crochet hook in hand.   Website https://www.danielleskaminski.com Facebook https://facebook.com/danielleskaminski Instagram https://instagtam.com/danielleskaminski

Betty Franks was born in Toronto, Canada, and raised in San Jose, California. She is a self-taught abstract artist who started painting when she turned 50. Although it seemed late in life to take up painting, the timing was just right for her. After a long career in customer service management, she was ready to unleash her creative side. Website https://www.bettyfranksart.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bettyfranksart/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betty.franks.art/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/bettyfranksart

Susan Taylor Brown is a fiber artist who creates highly textural art to be experienced not just with the eyes, but with the hands. Nestled in the Santa Cruz mountains of California, she draws deep inspiration from the natural world, translating the untamed beauty of her surroundings into her signature Wildscapes—miniature, tactile landscapes that make you want to shrink down and walk barefoot across the fields and hills. Susan’s work is all about texture. She begins each Wildscape with hundreds of French knots, using hand-dyed wool yarn and other fibers to create pieces you can’t help but want to touch. For her, it's not just about how the art looks but how it feels. Each piece offers a moment of calm, inviting people to pause and reconnect with nature in a way that feels grounding and peaceful, reflecting Susan's belief in the healing power of the natural world. As a self-taught artist, Susan is driven by intuition, experimentation, and play, letting each piece evolve naturally, much like the landscapes she seeks to honor. She hopes to inspire others to embrace their creativity and find peace in the interconnectedness of nature. For Susan, creativity is all about following your instincts and finding joy in the process.   Website https://susantaylorbrown.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/susantaylorbrown Instagram https://www.instagram.com/susantaylorbrown/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/susantaylorbrown 

Cherie Burbach has been an artist and writer ever since she was a young child. Creativity was a safe place for her and a way to work through a turbulent childhood. Drawing and writing poetry were how she worked through anything that made her sad or scared. This desire to offer hope and encouragement is the intention behind her art. She is a self-taught artist, painting almost every day. She also writes poetry and other works, and feels words and images are closely tied in telling a story of faith and confidence about the future. Website https://www.cherieburbach.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CherieBurbach/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cherieburbach/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/CherieBurbach 

Sandy King lives with her husband Jay in an 1840s log cabin home tucked in the woods, the charming historic town of Madison Indiana. She creates hand soldered inspirational jewelry to encourage the soul. She is a Mixed Media artist and a creative heart. She collects and sells all things vintage, antique, and patina’Ed as well as creative product like Debi’s DIY Paint, IOD, decoupage papers, German Glass Glitter, and more. You can find her booth space in Riverwest antique mall 1029 W. 2nd St. Madison, Indiana. She also sells her jewelry in several darling boutiques in Texas, Kentucky, and Indiana. Upcoming Events: Madison Chautauqua Madison, IN Sept 28-29 Stream Cliff Farm Commiskey, IN Oct 11-12 Chandelier Barn Market Montgomery, IN Nov 8-9 Website https://thehouseatwhiterock.com/  Facebook https://m.facebook.com/thehouseatwhiterock/  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thehouseatwhiterock/