Finding Your Way Back & Creating Space for What Matters

Victoria sits down with Valerie Auersberg, a New Zealand-based visual artist, illustrator, designer, and author, for an inspiring conversation about self-publishing, overcoming perfectionism, and finding the confidence to bring creative ideas to life.Val shares the journey behind her first book, Solid Advice for Wobbly Days, a playful collection of illustrations and words of encouragement featuring her character, Gaia the Ghost. Together, Victoria and Val explore the power of taking initiative, moving beyond self-doubt, and pursuing creative projects without waiting for external validation. They also discuss the realities of self-publishing, navigating social media, and embracing the idea that done is better than perfect.Key points:Taking creative initiative and pursuing opportunities without waiting for permissionThe process of self-publishing and maintaining creative controlOvercoming imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionismBuilding confidence and separating creative success from social media engagementDeveloping a consistent creative practice and embracing experimentationRedefining failure and recognizing the value of every creative experienceThis conversation is a reminder that we don't need permission to pursue our creative ambitions. Sometimes the most meaningful breakthroughs happen when we trust ourselves, take action, and give our ideas the opportunity to grow.Valerie Auersperg is an Auckland-based artist, illustrator and author with Austrian roots, known for bringing a humorous touch to topics we usually take too seriously. Her latest creation is Gaia The Ghost, the friendly star of her self-published debut book, Solid Advice for Wobbly Days: a fortune cookie in book form, with 91 illustrated pieces of advice. Flip to any page whenever you need a little wisdom, or first thing in the morning to set the tone for your day. Gaia The Ghost also gives advice in a free iOS app, and comes as a set of iMessage stickers.Website: valerism.com / gaiatheghost.comIG: @iamvalerism / @gaiatheghostVisit our website: visionaryartcollective.comFollow us on Instagram: @visionaryartcollectiveFind us on Substack: visionaryartcollective.substack.com

In this solo episode, Victoria shares reflections on creative growth, embracing change, and reconnecting with the joy of making art. Following inspiring travels through Costa Rica, New York's Hudson Valley, and Maine, she discusses the importance of stepping away to gain perspective, exciting changes ahead for Visionary Art Collective, and the evolution of her own drawing practice. She also shares a behind-the-scenes look at an upcoming exhibition in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and how meaningful relationships can lead to unexpected opportunities. Finally, Victoria walks listeners through a 14-day visualization and journaling practice designed to cultivate clarity, gratitude, and a more intentional approach to the future.14-Day Visualization & Journaling PracticeSet aside 15–20 minutes each morning to cultivate greater clarity, intention, and alignment with the life you want to create.Step 1: Write About Your Future (5 Minutes)Describe your ideal life in the present tense, as though you're already living it. Reflect on your home, relationships, career, creativity, well-being, and how you want to feel each day.Step 2: Visualize Your Future (5–10 Minutes)Close your eyes and imagine yourself living the life you've described. Focus on specific experiences and allow yourself to feel the gratitude, joy, peace, and confidence associated with this future.Step 3: Connect With Your Future Self (3 Minutes)Ask yourself: How would the version of me who's already living this life think, feel, and behave?Write down a few qualities you'd like to embody and identify one small action you can take today to become more like this version of yourself.Step 4: Practice Gratitude (2 Minutes)Write down three things you're grateful for, focusing on genuinely experiencing the feeling of gratitude.Step 5: Set Your Daily Intention (1 Minute)Complete these three statements:Today, I choose to feel…Today, I am releasing…Today, I am embracing…Repeat for 14 days and notice what shifts in your mindset, emotions, and daily actions!To book a 1:1 Strategy Session with Victoria visit:visionaryartcollective.com/services/p/1-1-strategy-sessionTo learn more about Victoria's 1:1 Mentorship Program, visit:visionaryartcollective.com/mentorshipTo enroll in The Visionary Community, visit:visionaryartcollective.com/visionary-community-enrollVictoria J. Fry is a New York City–based painter, educator, curator, and founder of Visionary Art Collective, New Visionary Magazine, and Warnes Contemporary. She has supported thousands of artists through exhibitions, publications, and mentorship.Instagram: @visionaryartcollectiveNewsletter: visionaryartcollective.com/newsletter

Victoria shares a special replay of her masterclass from July 2026 on building meaningful relationships in the art world. Drawing from her experience as an artist, curator, and gallery director in New York City, she explores how to approach galleries professionally, introduce your work with confidence, and cultivate genuine connections with curators, gallery directors, and other industry professionals. Discover practical insights for nurturing relationships, expanding your network, and creating opportunities that support your long-term growth as an artist.To book a 1:1 Strategy Session with Victoria visit:visionaryartcollective.com/services/p/1-1-strategy-sessionTo learn more about Victoria's 1:1 Mentorship Program, visit:visionaryartcollective.com/mentorshipTo enroll in The Visionary Community, visit:visionaryartcollective.com/visionary-community-enrollVictoria J. Fry is a New York City–based painter, educator, curator, and founder of Visionary Art Collective, New Visionary Magazine, and Warnes Contemporary. She has supported thousands of artists through exhibitions, publications, and mentorship.Instagram: @visionaryartcollective / @warnescontemporary / @newvisionarymagNewsletter: visionaryartcollective.com/newsletter

Victoria sits down with Lara Alcantara Lansberg, a Venezuelan-American multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans photography, sculpture, installation, performance, and writing, for an inspiring conversation about creative freedom, personal transformation, and the power of art.Lara shares her journey from photography to a multidisciplinary practice, including the deeply personal story behind her sculptural works made from broken vintage plates, inspired by the Japanese art of kintsugi. Together, Victoria and Lara explore the importance of taking creative risks, overcoming perfectionism, and rediscovering the joy of making art.Key points -Moving beyond one medium and embracing creative experimentationUsing art as a tool for healing and self-expressionOvercoming creative blocks, fear, and perfectionismRediscovering curiosity, play, and creative freedomTrusting your intuition and taking artistic risksThis conversation is a reminder that creativity doesn't have to follow a single path. Sometimes the most meaningful breakthroughs happen when we let go of expectations and give ourselves permission to explore what's possible.Website: laraalcantara.comIG: @laraalcantaraVisit our website: visionaryartcollective.comFollow us on Instagram: @visionaryartcollective + @newvisionarymagJoin our newsletter: visionaryartcollective.com/newsletter

What does it mean to build a fulfilling career in the arts while continuing to prioritize your own creative practice? Victoria sits down with Indira Cesarine, multidisciplinary artist, curator, and founder of The Untitled Space, The Untitled Magazine, and Art for Equality, for an inspiring conversation about creative experimentation, career evolution, and making space for your art.Indira shares her journey from fashion photography to founding a contemporary art gallery dedicated to championing women artists and underrepresented voices. Together, Victoria and Indira explore the freedom of working across multiple mediums, overcoming creative limitations, and finding balance while navigating a multifaceted career in the arts.Here’s what we discuss:Embracing experimentation and breaking free from a single artistic styleIndira's journey as an artist, curator, and gallery directorBuilding confidence and navigating comparison on social mediaProtecting your studio time while supporting other artistsCreating sustainable routines and redefining successThe importance of community, mentorship, and meaningful connectionsThis conversation is a reminder that your creative journey doesn't have to follow a single path, and that prioritizing your own artistic practice is essential to building a fulfilling and sustainable career.Website: @indiracesarine.com + untitled-space.com IG: @indiracesarine + @untitledspacenyVisit our website: visionaryartcollective.comFollow us on Instagram: @visionaryartcollective + @newvisionarymagJoin our newsletter: visionaryartcollective.com/newsletter

Victoria opens up about navigating self-doubt, releasing perfectionism, and learning to move forward even when confidence feels out of reach. Drawing from recent experiences in her own life and career, she reflects on the pressure to have it all figured out, why confidence isn't always linear, and the importance of recognizing when to push forward and when to give yourself permission to rest. A candid reminder that you don't have to feel fearless or have everything figured out to keep growing.To learn more about Victoria's 1:1 Mentorship Program, visit:visionaryartcollective.com/mentorshipTo enroll in The Visionary Community, visit:visionaryartcollective.com/visionary-community-enrollVictoria J. Fry is a New York City–based painter, educator, curator, and founder of Visionary Art Collective, New Visionary Magazine, and Warnes Contemporary. She has supported thousands of artists through exhibitions, publications, and mentorship.Instagram: @visionaryartcollective / @warnescontemporary / @newvisionarymagNewsletter: visionaryartcollective.com/newsletter

In this thoughtful conversation, multimedia artist Stella Chang shares how creativity became a powerful tool for healing, self-reflection, and reconnecting with herself after a lupus diagnosis changed the course of her life. Stella reflects on her journey from a nearly two-decade career in fashion back to fine art, and how mindfulness, meditation, and creative practice have helped her navigate chronic illness and build greater resilience. Here’s what we discuss:Using art as a tool for healing, self-reflection, and processing difficult experiencesLetting go of productivity and embracing the creative process without attachment to the outcomeCultivating mindfulness, resilience, and self-trust through a consistent creative practiceStella’s Through the Looking Glass series and the role of imagination in navigating challenging experiencesBringing meditation principles into art-making and helping others reconnect with their innate creativity Stella Chang is a multimedia artist based in Jersey City whose work explores healing, mindfulness, memory, and the transformative potential of creativity. After earning her BFA from NYU, Stella spent nearly two decades working in the fashion industry before a lupus diagnosis led her to return to her fine art practice. Drawing from her own experiences with chronic illness and childhood trauma, she uses painting, drawing, and mindful creative practices to explore imagination, resilience, and our ability to reconnect with ourselves through art. Her current work also incorporates principles of meditation, encouraging others to use creativity as an accessible pathway toward mindfulness and self-reflection.Website: artbystellachang.comIG: @artbystellachangLearn More about Stella's Work - One Breath, One Line: Mindful PracticesStella’s YouTube playlist featuring mindful art practices designed to support healing and self-reflection, including practices for trauma survivors.Explore the playlist on YouTubeNewark Arts Festival | October 7–11Stella’s painting Unknown Face 16 will debut at the Paul Robeson Galleries at Express Newark as part of the Newark Arts Festival.Learn more about the Newark Arts FestivalGlassRoots Teaching Artist ResidencyStella will be teaching at GlassRoots Newark Glass Art Center as part of its Teaching Artist Residency Program from September 10–December 17. High school–age students can learn more about participating through the YES Program.Learn more about the GlassRoots YES ProgramVisit our website: visionaryartcollective.comFollow us on Instagram: @visionaryartcollective + @newvisionarymagJoin our newsletter: visionaryartcollective.com/newsletter

In this insightful conversation, artist and arts professional Kelly Olshan shares her journey of founding the Arts Career Incubator and her approach to helping artists build meaningful, sustainable careers. We discuss strategic planning, relationship building, grants, entrepreneurship, and the importance of defining success on your own terms. Here’s what we discuss: How to define success and strategically plan your creative career  Building and maintaining meaningful relationships in the art world  Navigating grants, professional development, and creative entrepreneurship  Kelly’s journey from working in arts organizations to founding the Arts Career Incubator  Creating opportunities by making your goals and interests visible to others Kelly Olshan is an artist and arts professional and the founder and director of the Arts Career Incubator, an initiative providing accessible professional development programming for artists and creatives across disciplines and career stages. Throughout her career, she has worked with organizations including the New York Foundation for the Arts, Queens Council on the Arts, Creative Capital, and Art21, supporting artists through professional development and career-building programs. As a practicing artist herself, Kelly brings firsthand experience to her work with creatives, including her recent museum commission with the Long Island Children’s Museum. Through the Arts Career Incubator, she offers intensive programs, workshops, and one-on-one support designed to help artists develop the practical tools and strategies needed to build careers on their own terms.Website:artscareerincubator.comIG: @artscareerincubator Registration link -Click here to register for “So You’re a Full-Time Creative Entrepreneur” Panel Discussion on October 1, 2026Instagram: @visionaryartcollective / @warnescontemporary / @newvisionarymagNewsletter: visionaryartcollective.com/newsletter

In the first episode of Season 4, Victoria reflects on a summer of unexpected challenges, creative growth, and important realizations about how she wants to live and work moving forward. She explores what it means to do less but go deeper, from simplifying her business and making space for rest to reconnecting with her studio practice and letting go of fear and control. This episode invites artists to consider what they want to protect, what they’re ready to release, and how small acts of creativity can help us stay connected to ourselves during seasons of change. To learn more about Victoria's 1:1 Mentorship Program, visit:visionaryartcollective.com/mentorshipTo enroll in The Visionary Community, visit:visionaryartcollective.com/visionary-community-enrollVictoria J. Fry is a New York City–based painter, educator, curator, and founder of Visionary Art Collective, New Visionary Magazine, and Warnes Contemporary. She has supported thousands of artists through exhibitions, publications, and mentorship.Instagram: @visionaryartcollective / @warnescontemporary / @newvisionarymagNewsletter: visionaryartcollective.com/newsletter

Victoria reflects on the themes that emerged throughout Season 3, including self-trust, staying connected to your creative practice in small ways, expanding possibilities, and taking initiative. She shares why these ideas are deeply interconnected, offers encouragement for artists navigating uncertainty, and reflects on what it means to continue moving forward without having everything figured out. Victoria also shares updates on her 1:1 Mentorship Program, upcoming opportunities, and what's ahead for Season 4 of the podcast this September.To learn more about Victoria's 1:1 Mentorship Program, visit:visionaryartcollective.com/mentorshipTo access Victoria's signature Artist Statement & Bio workshop:visionaryartcollective.com/artist-statement-bio-workshopTo enroll in The Visionary Community, visit:visionaryartcollective.com/visionary-community-enrollVictoria J. Fry is a New York City–based painter, educator, curator, and founder of Visionary Art Collective, New Visionary Magazine, and Warnes Contemporary. She has supported thousands of artists through exhibitions, publications, and mentorship.Instagram: @visionaryartcollective / @warnescontemporary / @newvisionarymagNewsletter: visionaryartcollective.com/newsletter