How a Boring Textbook Transformed into a Courageous, Artistic Memoir with Heather Doyle Fraser

In this episode, Dr. Jamie English, a licensed professional counselor who specializes in body acceptance, and I engage in a deep exploration of two artworks side-by-side: Self-Portrait Naked with my Mother II by Chantal Joffe and The Opening by Aleah Chapin. Both artworks are featured in my new book, Art Is About Being Whole: A Memoir. The conversation delves into body image, vulnerability, and the relationship between a mother and daughter portrayed in the art. We analyze the body language, symbolism, and emotions conveyed in each painting, drawing connections to personal experiences and societal expectations. The discussion unfolds into a reflection on self-acceptance, the journey toward embracing one's flaws, and the power of art in facilitating introspection.  To sign up for the Art as Oracle workshop, visit this link. To join the next Art Connection Circle, visit this link. To see the artworks and links for the episode, visit the show notes at this link.

Before I transitioned the podcast to its new format as Art and Self with Cindy Ingram, some of my all-time favorite episodes were the ones where I had captivating art conversations with my dear friend, Madalyn. We'd dive deep into a single piece, exploring its intricacies, and unraveling the layers that make art truly fascinating. The goal was to not just talk about art but to show the depth and complexity it holds, offering listeners a glimpse of the incredible possibilities within the world of art. It's all about the power of showing rather than telling—a theme that's been resonating with me lately, especially in connection to my new book. To mark the book's release, I brought Madalyn back to the podcast after a two-year hiatus, and it was an absolute joy. We delved into the enchanting painting Night by Natalie Wadlington, one of the artworks featured in my new book, Art Is About Being Whole: A Memoir. In this episode, we explore: The sacredness, duality, and symbolism of nature Themes of curiosity, authenticity, wholeness, and joy in simple moments A journey back to childhood wonder and the importance of embracing our true selves Reflections on societal expectations, productivity, and the art of resistance through self-care For links to the artworks and other resources we mention, head over to the shownotes at this link. also be sure to get my new book, Art Is About Being Whole: A Memoir!

The creation of my new book, Art Is About Being Whole: A Memoir, was a pretty epic journey from start to finish. When I first started the book, it was going to be an art education book, but somewhere along the way, in both little and big moments, the book morphed into what it is now, which is a soulful, poetic, artistic exploration of not only the story of my growth but of the basic human emotions and experiences that so many of us share. I could not have ever created such a heart-wrenching and incredible work of art without the help of my amazing publisher and book coach, Heather Doyle Fraser of Compassionate Mind Collaborative. I recently sat down with Heather, and we reminisced on the whole creation process as we highlighted those big, transitional moments that sent the book from a research-based textbook to a poetic, artistic memoir. Here are just some of the highlights of our conversation: the importance of compassion in the writing process what it was like to relive and reprocess all of the emotions of my past how the books I read during the writing process influenced this book how poetry can express deep emotions without explanation getting in the way how the addition of poetry unlocked creative expression and creative freedom in ways I never could have ever predicted a reminder to stay true to and to always start with the art the resistance to and then acceptance of including my own art in the book This conversation with Heather was so fun, and it was so great to sit and outline the entire process. Because, you know, with every artwork, with every poem, with every book, with every theater production, with every dance, there is always a story of its creation, the support systems, and creator.  But what’s so exciting is—this book’s story? It’s not over. It now continues with you, the reader. I can’t control the process from here on out, but I can’t wait to see what happens as this creation touches lives across the globe, starting with you. To continue the magic of Art Is About Being Whole in your own life, get the book at this link. I know there are treasures, insights, and wholeness waiting for you between the lines of this book.  

I'm excited to announce that my new book, Art Is About Being Whole: A Memoir, is now live and ready to buy! Click this link to get your copy. Today, I’m thrilled to give you a sneak peek into one of my favorite chapters! Okay, it’s tough to pick a favorite chapter of the book as each one took me on such an emotional journey, but my interpretation of Frida Kahlo’s The Two Fridas, in conjunction with my shame, social anxiety, and discovery of my power as a teacher holds a very special place both in my heart and in the development of this book.  In this special episode, I read both The Two Fridas chapter. I teared up many times when recording this, so I hope when you listen, you’ll feel the love that went into the creation of this book.  Click here to see The Two Fridas by Frida Kahlo.    

In this episode, I have the pleasure of welcoming my friend and colleage Carol LeBlanc from Love Your Numbers Now as my guest, and together, we dive into the thought-provoking artwork Grow With Progress by Erik Johansson. This surreal photograph depicting a woman ascending a staircase inspired a chapter in my upcoming book and it offers a powerful metaphor for personal growth, self-discovery, and the pursuit of wholeness. As Carol and I unpack the layers of meaning within the artwork, we explore essential themes like self-trust, shedding societal expectations, and embracing expansion. We draw striking parallels between the artwork's message and real-life experiences, from navigating business endeavors to the complexities of parenting. We highlight the liberating power of embodying our truth and speaking up, even when it requires courageous conversations. It's a conversation that beautifully aligns with the overarching theme of my book, Art Is About Being Whole: A Memoir coming soon on October 31!  For pictures of the artwork and the links we discussed in the show, head over to the show notes at this link. P.S. Count how many times one of us brought up the Barbie movie! That was unexpected! 

In this episode, Margaret and I, both passionate art educators, open up about our own artistic journeys. We get real about the struggle of finding our artistic identities as teachers, grappling with imposter syndrome, of not being “good enough” or niched enough, and the “shoulds” that help us back from embracing our own art. But what we have found on the other end after letting all of that go is freedom of expression, the joy and satisfaction of making art for us and no one else, and the safety and nervous-system regulation that art provides us that we knew as children but forgot as we grew up.  It's been all about letting the process guide us and having the curiosity, the playfulness, and the consistent practice lead us to whatever comes next. I know you’ll love this conversation. Get the links to stuff we talked about on this episode on the shownotes at this link. 

  In the episode, I introduce the Art Around the World Series, invite you to explore the work of art on your own, discuss the many interpretations possible, share a little about the artist, tell a story about my own connection to it, share a compare/contrast opportunity, and give ideas for teaching it in your classroom!   Today's video is a little longer than the rest will be because I introduced the series at the beginning a little and had a very personal story about the artwork to share!   Sign up to receive email notifications for each featured artwork this month at https://artclasscurator.com/aatw   Click here to see the artwork: Parade (diptych) by Mequitta Ahuja.   Watch on Facebook or YouTube

After interviews, I often say "wow that was my favorite one" and looking back I have a lot of favorites, but this one may be THE favorite. My conversation with artist and musican, Geoffa Fells, about art and emotion and neurodiversity and music and how all of those intersect still give me chills when I think about it a month after having this conversation. I am so excited for you to hear it! For links to all of the artworks featured as well as Geoffa's contact links, head over to the shownotes at this link.  -- Want to connect? Join the Art Connection Circle Follow me on Facebook Follow me on Instagram Join my email list 

After episode 117 with Kate Wurtzel, we realized we had been looking at a cropped image, and because of this we had more to say! In this episode, we have a blast geeking out about art philosophy, the idea of the artist as genius, the artist as a healer, following intuition, experimentation, and much more. I had so much fun talking to Kate again, and I hope you enjoy this conversation with her as much as I did.

This week I've gotten the delightful experience to witness the joy of creation through my 13-year-old daughter. That, plus my musing on the book Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey, have made me think more about the ways in which I am not following my own advice and how I can give myself a deeper permission to create without the burden of capitalism on my shoulders. For links discussed on today's episode, visit the show notes at this link. Get Involved Join the Art Connection Circle -- Now enrolling for summer sessions!  Art and Self on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube