The Creative Kind

n this episode I have a great conversation with Kylie King-Hazel, a self-taught artist from Pōneke, Wellington. Kylie shares her experiences and motivations behind her art, which is deeply influenced by her personal journey and her desire to represent the beauty of Te Ao Māori for her Māori husband and children. We discuss the challenges of being a self-taught artist, including dealing with self-doubt and the importance of mentorship. Kylie highlights the transformative role of AI in her work and the cultural considerations in her art practice. The conversation also touches on the significance of community, patience, and self-belief in this crazy career choice of ours!You can find Kylie here on instagram Mentioned in this episode:David KassanShana LevensonYou can find the podcast hereThanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show

In this episode I chat to Penelope Boyd, a self-taught painter from Canberra. Penny discusses how she came to develop her unique style and the self-reliance and determination it took to get there. She talks about early exposure to blogs and online resources and a long history of trial and error and how this helped her to refine and discover what works for her. Penny talks about some of the challenges she faced, including physical injuries and she also reflects on the freedom of being self-taught, allowing her art to evolve without the influence of formal art education. We discuss some of the challenges artists face in developing their professional skills beyond making art, including writing artist statements, managing finances, and navigating the business side of the industry. This chat with Penny really highlights the value of long-term commitment and practice, in honing one's artistic voice. I really enjoyed this chat and I hope you do too!Penny has an upcoming exhibition 'Lost and Found' at Grainger Gallery in Canberra from the 13-30th of March 2025You can find Penny here on InstagramAnd her website hereYou can find the podcast hereThanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show

In this episode of 'The Creative Kind,' I’m joined by Rachael Mayne, a psychologist and painter based in Aotearoa, New Zealand, to discuss the intersection of anxiety and art. Rachael explains that anxiety is a normal, protective mechanism but can become problematic when it impacts daily functioning. We explore how anxiety manifests for artists, and how tools like journaling, mindfulness, and therapy can help. We touch on issues of imposter syndrome, the impact of social media on self-esteem, and the challenge of staying inspired. We also discuss our personal experiences of navigating the "ugly phase" in paintings, recognizing it as a natural part of the process rather than a sign of failure. Racheal offers practical strategies for managing creative anxiety, including having multiple projects at different stages and recognizing when energy levels allow for experimentation. You can find Rachael here on instagram:And her website hereMentioned in this episode:The links to the books/resources that I mentioned are:- The Centre for Clinical Interventions - Resources for looking after yourself:https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself- The Happiness Trap - How to stop struggling and start living, By Russ Harris (book)We discuss topics related to anxiety and mental health in this episode, including how these experiences can affect artists. While we approach this conversation with care, some parts may be sensitive for certain listeners. If you find this topic distressing, please take breaks or skip this episode if needed. If you’re struggling with your mental health, we encourage you to seek support from a mental health professional or reach out to someone you trust. 📞 Additional Mental Health Resources:New Zealand: Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counselor anytime.Australia: Contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support.International: Visit befrienders.org to find helplines in your country.You can find the podcast hereThanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show

In this episode I talk to Dr. Lou Cooper, psychologist, host of the Emotion Focused Podcast and head of training at the Australian Institute of Emotion Focused Therapy. We discuss the relationship between creativity and anxiety, exploring if artists really do experience more anxiety compared to others. Lou provides insights into recognising, managing, and normalising anxiety, balancing emotions in the creative process, differentiating between helpful and debilitating anxiety, and the role of community and social media in an artist's mental health. We also answer a few listener questions about anxiety spirals, using emotions as inspiration, and career uncertainties. Throughout the discussion Lou explains the importance of acknowledging anxiety and offers strategies for managing it, normalising it and possibly even using it when we think about or are in the process of creating art.  Links to:International Society for Emotion Focused TherapyThe Emotion Focused Podcast- Hosted by Dr Lou CooperListen on apple podcastsListen on spotifyThe Emotion Focused Podcast on InstagramWe discuss topics related to anxiety and mental health in this episode, including how these experiences can affect artists. While we approach this conversation with care, some parts may be sensitive for certain listeners. If you find this topic distressing, please take breaks or skip this episode if needed. If you’re struggling with your mental health, we encourage you to seek support from a mental health professional or reach out to someone you trust. 📞 Additional Mental Health Resources:New Zealand: Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counselor anytime.Australia: Contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support.International: Visit befrienders.org to find helplines in your country.You can find the podcast hereAnd the podcast newsletter hereThanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show

In this episode I’m joined by Dublin-based artist Mark Conlan, known for his expressive and whimsical work across various mediums, including digital art, illustration, and hand-painted pieces. We discuss the evolution of Mark's career, from his days as a graphic designer to becoming an illustraton artist and how his style and techniques have adapted over time. We talk about the importance of personal projects in driving commercial success, and the value of continuous exploration and confidence in artistic growth. Mark shares insights on balancing commercial work with personal expression, dealing with creative blocks, and the significance of rest and nature in maintaining creativity. You can find Mark here:Mark Conlan’s WebsiteMark Conlan’s InstagramYou can find the podcast hereAnd the podcast newsletter hereThanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show

In this episode I talk to Fleur Wickes, a New Zealand artist, writer, photographer, and master's student. Fleur discusses her evolution from a photographer to a multifaceted artist, sharing insights about her creative process, which focuses on emotional connections and human experiences. Fleur also talks about the significance of imperfection in her art, the transition away from photography, and the role of business in her creative journey. We discuss the importance experimenting has played within her practice, as well has things that have stayed constant such as her use of photographic paper and her love of words. This episode explores the many ways Fleur's work has evolved over the years, and how throughout those changes, she’s always sought to explore the emotional resonance of art.You can find Fleur here:Fleur Wickes WebsiteFleur Wickes NewsletterFleur Wickes InstagramMentioned artists include Diane Arbus, Rose Wiley Joel Peter Witkin, Emily Hartley Scutter, Wolfgang Tillman, CJ Hendry, and Glenn Hayward.You can find the podcast hereAnd the podcast newsletter hereThanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show