Stoop Chat - Monday May 4, 2026

summaryJillian shares her personal journey from idea to production mode, emphasizing the importance of visual tools, mental clarity, and accountability in creative work. She discusses practical strategies like breaking tasks into bite-sized chunks, organizing with large-format visual trackers, and the power of theme songs for motivation. Get full access to The Artist Stoop at jillianzepedaguzman.substack.com/subscribe

summaryJillian shares her artistic journey, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, empathy, and authenticity in art. She discusses how her background in film and media influences her creative process and how discovering her unique voice has transformed her work. Get full access to The Artist Stoop at jillianzepedaguzman.substack.com/subscribe

summaryOn this episode of The Artist Stoop I share my personal journey through art, challenges with grad school, and practical routines for creativity and mental clarity. I discusses journaling, managing ADHD, and balancing multiple creative projects, all while engaging with her community. Get full access to The Artist Stoop at jillianzepedaguzman.substack.com/subscribe

Karen Folgner Show NotesSummaryIn this episode of The Artist Stoop, Jillian Zepeda interviews painter Karen Folgner, who shares her artistic journey influenced by abstract expressionism and the female form. Karen discusses her evolution as an artist, the importance of community and validation, and her unique approach to the impasto technique. She emphasizes the significance of playfulness in art and the balance between authenticity and commercial success in the art world, particularly in the Bay Area.Website: https://www.artbyklfolgner.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/klfolgnerstudio/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Karen Fulgner's Artistic Journey06:18 The Evolution of Artistic Style12:49 The Importance of Community and Validation20:33 Exploring the Impasto Technique28:51 The Playfulness in Art35:30 Navigating the Art World in the Bay Area39:12 The Balance of Authenticity and Commercial Success Get full access to The Artist Stoop at jillianzepedaguzman.substack.com/subscribe

Papayon Show NotesIn this episode, Jillian Zepeda interviews Papayon, a dynamic contemporary artist known for his electrifying palette and thought-provoking works that blend street art with sociopolitical commentary. Papayon discusses his artistic identity, the evolution of his style, and the various mediums he employs in his creations. He shares insights into how personal experiences and dreams influence his art, as well as his journey into the professional art world. The conversation also touches on the vibrant art scene in Texas, upcoming exhibitions, and the importance of collaboration and experimentation in art.Website: https://www.papayonofficial.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/papayonoficial/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Papayon and His Artistic Identity03:01 The Evolution of Papayon's Artistic Style06:02 Exploring the Techniques and Mediums of Papayon's Art08:59 The Influence of Dreams and Personal Experiences on Art12:03 Papayon's Journey into Professional Art14:59 The Art Scene in Texas and Future Moves17:58 Sociopolitical Themes in Papayon's Work20:55 The Role of Collaboration in Art24:01 Upcoming Exhibitions and Celebrations27:06 Fashion Collaborations and Artistic Expression30:02 The Importance of Experimentation in Art33:02 Future Projects and Artistic Aspirations Get full access to The Artist Stoop at jillianzepedaguzman.substack.com/subscribe

Amanda Carol Show NotesIn this episode of The Artist Stoop, host Jillian Zepeda interviews Amanda Carroll, an inspiring artist and designer who transitioned from a successful career in interior design to painting during the pandemic. Amanda shares her unique approach to art, which involves using vintage frames as a starting point for her paintings. The conversation delves into her creative process, the impact of COVID-19 on her artistic journey, and the importance of play and emotional connection in her work. Amanda also discusses the challenges of navigating the art business, overcoming criticism, and protecting her artistic integrity.Website: https://amandacarolcollection.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandacarolofficial/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Amanda Carroll03:05 The Journey from Interior Design to Art06:02 The Unique Process of Using Vintage Frames08:58 The Impact of COVID-19 on Creativity12:01 Rediscovering Passion Through Painting15:02 Navigating the Art World and Business17:49 The Role of Color and Emotion in Art21:09 Overcoming Criticism and Self-Doubt24:07 The Importance of Play in Creativity27:03 Protecting Artistic Integrity29:56 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Amanda's Work Get full access to The Artist Stoop at jillianzepedaguzman.substack.com/subscribe

Kayla Ackelson Show NotesKayla Ackleson is a versatile artist, writer, and interior stylist who uses art as a meditative outlet. She believes art and good design should be accessible to everyone. Kayla's work includes a variety of mediums, such as collage, photography, and painting. Her art is inspired by nature, memories, and the human experience. Creating art is a crucial part of her mental health journey, and she encourages others to find their own creative outlets. Kayla's work often incorporates orbs and vintage photographs, allowing the pieces to tell their own stories. Kayla Ackelson discusses the importance of writing down memories and making connections in her artwork. She emphasizes the subjective nature of art and the joy of hearing what viewers take from her pieces. Kayla also talks about how her work as an interior stylist and DIY enthusiast influences her art and vice versa. She believes that our spaces are important for our mental and physical health and enjoys helping people love their spaces more. Kayla shares her approach to making art affordable and accessible, including selling limited edition prints and offering sliding pay-what-you-wish scales for certain pieces. She encourages people to support living artists and make their homes a reflection of their personalities.Website: https://www.kaylaackelson.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylaackelson/?hl=enKayla’s Debut Book: Thinking Out Loud - Purchase HereChapters00:00 The Intersection of Art and Design06:35 Art as a Meditative Outlet08:13 The Importance of Creative Outlets for Mental Health12:29 Telling Stories Through Art16:09 Inspiration from Nature, Memories, and the Human Experience16:48 Exploring Orbs and Vintage Photographs in Art18:02 Making Connections: Writing Memories in Art19:06 Subjectivity in Art: Viewer Interpretation20:15 The Influence of Interior Styling and DIY on Art25:39 Creating Spaces for Mental and Physical Health30:39 Affordable and Accessible Art: Limited Edition Prints and Pay-What-You-Wish34:17 Supporting Living Artists and Personal Expression in Home Get full access to The Artist Stoop at jillianzepedaguzman.substack.com/subscribe

Camille Oudinot Show NotesCamille Oudinot, a French-Argentinian artist based in Paris, shares her artistic journey and the influence it has had on her work. She started painting at a young age, inspired by her father's gouache paintings. Camille's work blends vibrant expression with abstract exploration, often featuring figures merging into the background. She emphasizes the importance of intuition and the flow state in her creative process. Camille also discusses the challenges of finding the right professor and the struggle of being an artist in a society that often undervalues art as a profession. Camille Oudinot discusses her journey as an artist and the challenges she faced in pursuing her passion. She talks about the stigma surrounding painting the female body and how she overcame it. Camille shares her experiences of selling her artwork and the impact it has had on others. She also discusses the influence of artists like Kandinsky on her work and the importance of finding joy in the creative process.Website: https://www.artmajeur.com/camille-oudinotInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/camilleoudinotart/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Camille Oudinot and her Artistic Journey03:19 The Power of Intuition and the Flow State in Art06:08 Art as a Form of Therapy and Emotional Expression10:43 The Magical Experience of the Flow State in Art14:12 Overcoming Creative Blocks and Finding Inspiration18:27 The Influence of Personal Experiences on Artistic Journeys24:20 Exploring Different Creative Outlets and Finding One's True Passion26:41 Navigating the Challenges of Being an Artist in Society28:02 Breaking the Stigma: Painting the Female Body29:35 The Power of Selling Artwork31:05 The Impact of Art on Others32:07 The Journey of an Artist34:47 Finding Joy in the Creative Process Get full access to The Artist Stoop at jillianzepedaguzman.substack.com/subscribe

Lindsey Joy Holcomb - Show NotesLindsay Holcomb, an interdisciplinary artist and speaker, discusses her journey as an artist following her multiple sclerosis diagnosis. She shares how her MS diagnosis influenced her artwork and creative process. Lindsay also talks about the importance of staying curious and embracing change in her artistic practice. She explores her Japanese heritage and how it inspires her work, incorporating elements such as indigo and calligraphy. Lindsay's work focuses on themes of family and the impact of genetics, even when the answers are unknown. The conversation explores the importance of culture and heritage in art, as well as the experimentation and exploration of different mediums. The guests discuss their personal experiences with their cultural backgrounds and how it influences their artwork. They also delve into the process of creating art with encaustic and natural inks, sharing their techniques and inspirations. The conversation concludes with a discussion about specific art pieces and where to find the guest's work.Website: https://www.lindseyjoyholcomb.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindseyjoyholcomb/Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background03:08 Embracing Change and Staying Curious in Art08:30 Drawing Inspiration from Japanese Heritage11:24 Using Art to Transform MRI Scans16:47 Training Her Body to Create Despite MS Symptoms19:22 Embracing Mistakes and Learning from Them25:03 Exploring Themes of Family and Genetics in Art28:12 The Influence of Culture and Heritage32:18 Exploring New Mediums: Encaustic and Natural Inks39:31 Connecting with Cultural Roots Through Art44:42 The Beauty of Experimentation in Art50:12 Sharing Artwork and Creating Connections Get full access to The Artist Stoop at jillianzepedaguzman.substack.com/subscribe

Zach Kidwell Show NotesZach Kidwell, a third-generation professional artist, discusses his artistic journey and the influence of his artistic family. He expresses gratitude for growing up in a creative environment and learning through observation. Zach emphasizes the importance of trusting his instincts as an artist and constantly striving to improve his work. He also discusses the challenges and costs of exhibiting at art fairs and the potential opportunities that come from networking. Zach shares a personal story about his grandfather's encounter with criminals and how it taught him the value of trusting his instincts. In this conversation, Zach Kidwell and Jillian Zepeda discuss the role of collaboration and feedback in the creative process. They share their experiences of seeking input from their spouses and the value they place on their opinions. Zach emphasizes the importance of trust and the ability to respectfully disagree with his wife's feedback. They also discuss the evolution of their artistic styles and the importance of experimentation and self-awareness. Zach shares the emotional story behind one of his paintings, titled 'Evolving Rhythms,' which was inspired by his wife's health journey.Website: https://www.zachkidwellart.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachkidwellart/Email: [email protected] Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:01 The Influence of a Creative Legacy06:12 Trusting Your Instincts as an Artist10:11 The Challenges and Opportunities of Art Fairs18:02 The Value of a Supportive Network31:00 The Role of Collaboration and Feedback34:07 The Evolution of Artistic Style43:07 Art as a Therapeutic and Healing Experience47:07 Sharing Personal Stories through Art Get full access to The Artist Stoop at jillianzepedaguzman.substack.com/subscribe