EP14: Sondheim & Rollercoasters ft Eamonn O'Dwyer

In episode 23 we talk about games and being gamers. We explore what makes one a gamer, the different types of games we engage in (board, video, TTRPG) and our feelings around the label and the activity.Key Takeaways 1. The label of "gamer," like "artist," can be difficult for us to claim. When we examine why, we see that we sometimes feel too casual about it, believing we don’t invest enough time or effort to deserve the label.2. We find that gaming serves as a social activity. Both video games and board games allow us to bond with friends and family, whether through collaboration or competition.3. We notice that we have personal judgments around gaming being a lesser or wasteful hobby. So we try to remind ourselves that:  A. The artistry of games in terms of storytelling, visuals, and mechanics is valid.  B. Playing games gives us chances to experience and work through emotions, helping us develop resilience.  C. Games put us in unique scenarios that can be cathartic.  D. Gaming enables us to build skills and potentially hone our own storytelling.4. In both art and gaming, we find that the process, so the storytelling and the journey, is just as important, if not more so, than the win or level-up moment.Write to use about your favourite games at [email protected], feel free to share this podcast with a friend and remind them that they have just lost the game Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 22 we talk about all the ways in which we have been creative recently, and explore what it means to engage in different artforms and how it relates to our creativity as a whole.Key TakeawaysWe usually paint to express our creativity; therefore, it can sometimes feel like anything that is not painting, isn’t necessarily creative, or has no common thread with our main creative practice.You will find that you’re the common thread! You are the thing that connects all your expressions of creativity whether visual or not.Creativity can also look like; cooking with new ingredients or trying new recipes, running a fantasy RPG game, learning new subjects, making bracelets and comics.Your additional creative pursuits don’t have to be healing, and if it does feel like it is therapeutic, that is a happy bonus!Whether your final creative outcomes are enjoyed just by you, or an audience (like your family), your creativity is meeting a need.We hypothesise that these needs are:Needing to feel connected and lovedNeeding to be seen or validatingNeeding to show up for self and not self-abandoningEmail us: [email protected] (you can let us know what you enjoyed, what your 'AHA' moments were, or any questions you'd like us to answer or topics you'd like us to discuss in a future episode)IrisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iris.impressions.art/TamaraInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruskea_art/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 21 we talk about people pleasing. We explore why we do it, what it means, the positive and negative sides to it and how to move towards having healthier boundaries in all areas of life. Key Takeaways:1. The term people pleasing; refers to all humans, that one may willingly do things for, at the expense of oneself.2. The act of people pleasing is about controlling how others may view you, act towards you, and often generates resentment in the person doing the pleasing.3. People pleasing can also come from an inherent sense of unworthiness. Therefore we feel we need to add value or become worthy people to combat that idea.4. People pleasing can also be aided by the discomfort in setting boundaries and the expected or imagined conflict that that action may bring. 5. In art and in life, self-awareness and self-reflection are going to be the things that serve you in understanding:a. Are you trying to control someone’s thoughts, feelings, or reaction?b. Are you feeling resentful?c. Is the need or want you’re anticipating true? d. Is the urgency or danger you’re feeling to fulfil this perceived need real?6. At the same time, we shouldn’t gaslight ourselves and deny:a. We have cultural expectations, and a difference in in the philosophies we grow up with.b. Our experiences are valid, and that the definition of danger or urgency depends on our situations.7. People pandering and boundary work BOTH use energy:a. However, people pleasing has a perpetual use of energy.b. Whereas boundary work might have a larger investment at the start but a maintenance energy as time goes on.8. The choice therefore lies with the individual, and which energy they feel costs them the least.Enjoyed the podcast? Please rate, review & share it with anyone who might enjoy it or find it useful! Thank you for joining us!Email us: [email protected] (you can let us know what you enjoyed, what your 'AHA' moments were, or any questions you'd like us to answer or topics you'd like us to discuss in a future episode)IrisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iris.impressions.art/TamaraInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruskea_art/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 20 we discuss the double edged sword of consistency; how to find consistency and stay consistent in our art practice, whilst staying true to the messy and unplannable nature of being an artist. Key Takeaways:Consistency can be used as a useful tool or a rod for your back.Some of us can use routine as a container or reminder to be consistent.A label can be used to give you permission to use the concessions and tools that you feel are only available to a specific label.Using consistency as a benchmark, when it isn’t in line with who you are and how you work, sets you up for failure.Instead try putting the focus on what you create, and whether what you’re doing is important or meaningful to you.The only thing that needs to be consistent is showing up, and the way you show up can be inconsistent – consistently inconsistent.Consistency can be used by some, as a survival mechanism and way to avoid pain. Where we actively put our feelings into a box in order to reach consistency.While for others, consistency is a part of their cycle, the way they get work done, or the tool their brain needs to use; to burn out less or just get stuff done.Making art that truly comes from inside you has inconsistency attached to it, as it changes each time.Not making art every day – does not mean you are not an artist.However, it does take consistent practise to learn art skills. What matters is that you define consistent for yourself.To foster consistency and use it as a tool you could: create deadlines, do what you enjoy first to gain momentum and use timers as you work.Most importantly you may not be able to use all or any of these effectively or frequently, it is about finding what works for you; whether you are consistently inconsistent, or not. Enjoyed the podcast? Please rate, review & share it with anyone who might enjoy it or find it useful! Thank you for joining us!Email us: [email protected] (you can let us know what you enjoyed, what your 'AHA' moments were, or any questions you'd like us to answer or topics you'd like us to discuss in a future episode)IrisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iris.impressions.art/TamaraInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruskea_art/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back with a new season! Kicking things off in episode 19 we discuss struggles with long-term creativity and the continuing path we are on, insights on who we are on social media and the challenging yet rewarding endeavour of making new friends as an adult.Key Takeaways:There is no switch that takes you from being busy with work or life, to being creative. It instead takes time and space. Sometimes being pulled away from your art practise mid-flow is painful, in these instances, we might decide we don’t have enough time to enter and enjoy the state of flow – so we don’t engage in the practise.The journey of painting or moving closer to oneself is a path. You are already on the path, and even when you aren’t actively making or producing art, that struggle is still considered movement, along said path.We feel a frustration when we see people who appear to lack authenticity or "edges" on social media.The complexity of social media personas exits, and what people share online is only a fraction of their true selves, we too have curated ourselves online.There is discomfort in seeing people online in our communities who ignore topics of human rights yet talk about love and light.Making friends as an adult is challenging, but possible! Friendships are an investment and need to be reciprocal in energy, while also considering that you need to be mindful of the ebbs and flows of said relationships.Remember to create space for friendships, and be intentional about inviting those connections in, and terminating them when they aren’t right.Enjoyed the podcast? Please rate, review & share it with anyone who might enjoy it or find it useful! Thank you for joining us!Email us: [email protected] (you can let us know what you enjoyed, what your 'AHA' moments were, or any questions you'd like us to answer or topics you'd like us to discuss in a future episode)IrisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iris.impressions.art/TamaraInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruskea_art/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this final episode of season 3 we talk to Professional Life Coach Olivia Millar, about our personal superpowers, balance and how to access lasting change!Find Olivia:Instagram: @olivia.millar.anewFacebook:@AnewOutcomeWebsite: www.anewoutcome.comChallenge Text: I'm going through a coaching exercise and I've been asked to reach out to people I respect and admire. If there's one trait of mine that you could take on board, what would that trait be? I would appreciate the feedback and of course I can return the favour!Key TakeawaysWhat’s your superpower? Can you list two things that make you uniquely you? It could be your sense of humour, or ability to see potential in others!Knowing how you process information can be useful. This can help you communicate more effectively with self and others. And in some cases, it can be a label that helps you make other connections with your other forms of thinking.You can try to reframe your thinking around weakness and limitation by asking: How does this serve me? OR how does this create space for what I view as strengths to come to play?You can also take note and collect data around a limitation you may want to change. And build habits OR systems that support the limitation. Give yourself the tools to not be beholden to the limitation.Also note that not having judgement towards the limitation might make it easier to access the tools or systems you need. That’s where viewing it with neutrality will help.When faced with a situation or limitation that produces emotion, we start assigning meaning to those feelings very quickly. Try taking time to physically feel those feelings, and once that happens, then assign meaning to them. Remember this is a practise.Try out the exercise given, where you reach out to 50 people and ask them to provide you with 1 aspect of yourself, they’d take on board.Use the feedback to understand the threads across areas that makes you, your superpower and then use it as fuel!Instead of Self-love, or Self-loath, try "Self-Like". This feels like a more accessible and a softer place to enter than the other two extremes.Being positive and embodying what you want to see in the world will wire your brain to start seeing more of that in your space.Making sure that the wiring is working for us is also important, actual positivity vs. denial are two different spaces.Sometimes we’re using language; a conscious construct to express things that we cannot articulate. Which is where art and symbology or even grunts and physical movement comes in to help us express what we feel.Reframe the parts of you that feel as if they’re in conflict with each other as two sides of the same coin – all our experiences culminate to create a person that is us, who brings something unique to the table.Remember that lasting change has to be slow and incremental. So any advice or ideas you take on from this episode can be implanted with ease and grace!Thank you for listening to the NOT a real artist podcast! Have you had any insights during this episode? Let us know on [email protected]. If you haven’t already, please follow this podcast or rate it and share it with everyone who wants to listen to good shows!Iris | IG: https://www.instagram.com/iris.impressions.art/Tamara | IG: https://www.instagram.com/ruskea_art/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest Elfie Tromp is a force of nature who will make you question everything and have you walking away with a feeling that anything is possible. Join us for a candid conversation about creativity, anger, humour, motherhood, the patriarchy and how to navigate life in such a turbulent world. Elfie Tromp (1985) is a Dutch writer, dramatist and performer. She is the city poet for Rotterdam and in-house dramatist at theatre Walhalla. Her third novel Pieta, a multi-faceted story surrounding a problematic statue, was recently published. She also creates musical theatre in the form of feminist punk cabaret, her latest show was titled Op de Barricade van het Hart (EN “Upon the Barricades of the Heart”)Find & follow Elfie:http://elfietromp.nl IG: @elfietrompTwitter: @elfietrompKey TakeawaysWe can use both the art that we create, and the art that we see, as a way of finding guidance to navigate this modern turbulent and confusing world. When you get a seat at the table, even if that is to fulfil a diversity quota, you deserve to be there and are allowed to use that opportunity. Anger can be a great driving force for changeIf we’re able to take things less personally, we can also be more effective in communicating with othersYou might find motivation and power in thinking about what you are able to do now, that your parents or ancestors didn’t get to doWe can consciously choose to work on breaking patterns of intergenerational traumaIn Western society we have become estranged from our bodies and have lost physiological knowledge about ourselvesRadical empathy can be a positive way to interact with those who we don’t agree with, so we can foster greater understanding and step off the path of violenceDon’t forget to have fun. It took a lot for you to be here, don’t spend it only on anger and suffering and frustration. But know that you were also built for pleasure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our next guest is Suzanne Earley, who generously explained the motivation, inspiration and working behind her art-journaller magazine; Strawberry Moon.Suzanne Earley is a multi-passionate artist living in Eastern Iowa with her husband. She has two adult children and her first grandchild is due in October. She is the publisher and editor of an independent magazine about art journaling called Strawberry Moon Magazine. Prior to this adventure, she was a school secretary, a longarm machine quilter, a stay-at-home mom, a bank technology manager, a computer network installer, a t-shirt seller, and a library bookshelver.Find & follow Suzanne: www.strawberrymoon.artIG: @strawberrymoonmagwww.suzanneearley.netIG: @suzanne_earleyOther artists mentioned:IG: Caylee Grey: @cayleegreyIG: Effy Wild: @effythewild1. As much as we are privileged to be artists in this world, the world is also privileged that we choose to pursue and create art.2.The energy required to do tasks with little to few dependencies is very different from the energy required to create! Accepting that can create ease around ideas of productivity.3.Find yourself thinking, somebody should create or do X? Then perhaps you should be the person to do it!4.Collaboration with another person in your art practice or process can mean a better product. as they have less emotional attachment to what you create/look or sound like.5. Authenticity in social media helps our viewers and others create realistic ideas about our lives and process.6. People sell to people; often you can tell when marketing is based on algorithm chasing. it feels like a grift. The authenticity is missing.7.Small tight-knit audiences often feel genuine, and more supportive. You don’t have to chase a big number to have a successful business or form meaningful connections.8.Always ask, who is selling me this idea? Because once you get past the false ideas around what they’re trying to sell to you, you will be able to focus your energy of getting the actual opportunities you need.9.The idea of inclusivity can be alienating to some people. Sometimes this is uncomfortable. It is all about what you value in the moment – being inclusive or alienating those that find inclusivity threatening. You cannot please everyone.10.Political activism can go two ways, one feels divisive and the other feels like an invite to dialog and reflection.11.Work is perhaps never finished, but at some point you have to let it go. If you don’t let it go, it can never live out there.12.There is nothing special about other peoples work vs. yours, at close up, it’s all the same brushstrokes or stitches – what makes the difference is that they put it out there! Take the leap!Enjoyed the podcast? Please rate, review & share it with anyone who might enjoy it or find it useful! Thank you for joining us!Email us: [email protected] (you can let us know what you enjoyed, what your 'AHA' moments were, or any questions you'd like us to answer or topics you'd like us to discuss in a future episode)Iris | IG: https://www.instagram.com/iris.impressions.art/Tamara | IG: https://www.instagram.com/ruskea_art/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 15 we talk to artist Yuqiao Guo in a conversation that touches on cultural taboos, personal imagery, captioning our art and mixing seemingly unrelated passions. Yuqiao Guo is a London-based artist and designer who grew up between China and the USA. Trained as an architect and multimedia artist, Yuqiao approaches painting through the lens of self-portraiture and an interest in the narrative capacities of the body. Her paintings balance surrealism with intimacy, creating visual metaphors for the fleeting moments of self-awareness. Find & Follow Yuqiao:https://www.yuqiaoguo.com/https://www.matter-at-hand.com/ @yu.qiao.guo | @matterathand_ldnOther artists mentioned: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jenny_Saville Key TakeawaysUsually in portraits the emotion and identity are conveyed through the face. However, the narrative power and agency can also reside in the body or be given back to the body through painting it. You can paint things with love and attention, even if those things you choose to paint are quote unquote ugly. Our own self-awareness of who we are is always fleeting. It is a constant dialogue between how we are perceived by society and how we perceive ourselves and how one impacts the other.Bodily fluids such as milk are usually seen as private, taboo or serving a specific reproductive purpose, but they also have a sacredness to them and can take on their own metaphorical message. We can look at bodies in their own right, with neither beauty or ugliness as their purpose, but rather as self-sufficient vessels for all of our identitiesWhen we caption our work we might wish to consider what is appropriate, what is effective and what is artistically impactful. We could also consider whether it’s necessary to caption our work at all. We can guide the viewer with a well-thought-out title, but captioning might veer into the territory of telling people what to think or serve our own need to explain ourselves. On the other hand, providing text can help people connect with our work, and help us connect with our audience. Every platform has its opportunities and limitations. Social media might not be the best platform for connecting with art, but it is the platform we have. We can choose to interact with these platforms in ways that serve us. Go look at art in person, in museums and galleries and places where you can absorb the textures up close. What we see in art, whether through a screen or in a gallery, is always limited in some way and always subject to to the viewer’s personal willingnessThe varied creative processes we engage with as artists inform each other, even if they are as different from each other as painting and making ice cream Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let us introduce you to Eamonn O'Dwyer who joined us for a conversation on innate talent, criticism and rollercoaster theme music! Eamonn O’Dwyer is an award-winning composer-lyricist of Guyanese-Irish descent. His work spans genres from live orchestral to electronica, contemporary musical theatre, films & video games. He is an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music, and to date his works have been performed in the US, Russia, Australia and Japan.   Find & follow Eamonn:www.eamonnodwyer.comSongs on Spotify@eamonnodwyerOther artists mentioned:Vivaldi; Sondheim; Tupac; Big Money 😉 Key Takeaways 1. Next time you’re in a theme park, try and notice the music: You might hear the tension, thrill and eventually calming effect of the soundtracks around you, all curated to enhance your experience. This is a concept that you can pull into your own art and visual practices!2. Getting paid and having a deadline for your artistic work means that you can’t wait for the romantic idea of inspiration to strike, you just need to get it done.3. Create your own jumping-off points for your art. Whether it be creating art parts or prompts before you paint, to help you get into the work when ideas are thin on the ground.4. How you feel about your work doesn’t always correlate to the subject matter. The work you make can be raw or dark, but that might not spill into how you feel as you create or how you feel about the work after it’s done.5.Theatre is a collaborative art form. Like all collaborative work, it means there could be feedback which could sting IF taken negatively. Alternative ways to think about the experience of feedback is I understood a different thing compared to the person I was working with. AND nothing is ever wasted! You’re always learning and honing your craft.6. It’s okay to recycle and be inspired by your own work.7. Sondheim, the composer, and playwright, once said, that if he could bottle any element from the theatre, it would be the element of surprise!8. Innate talent might get you to a certain point, but work and learning on your own OR with other people, will get you the rest of the way.9. Primary education, positive reinforcement and encouragement in the child is extremely important. And it’s a social responsibility for us to cultivate those access points and spaces for them, and ourselves.10. As teachers in this vulnerable space which is art making, we have power and influence that must always come WITH RESPONSIBILTY.11. The difference between Gatekeeping and Teaching is massive. Actively encourage and educate those who want to grow and learn. Using gentleness and empathy as your mode vs. degradation and shame. Thank you for listening to the NOT a real artist podcast! Have you had any insights during this episode? Let us know on [email protected]. If you haven’t already, please follow this podcast or rate it and share it with everyone who wants to listen to good shows! Iris | IG: https://www.instagram.com/iris.impressions.art/Tamara | IG: https://www.instagram.com/ruskea_art/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.