Navigating Art Fairs as an Artist 

In this episode of The Creative Kind, I sit down with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nicdempster/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nic Dempster</a>, a painter from Ōtepoti Dunedin, New Zealand, to discuss NZ art fairs. Nic shares his journey of entering the art fair scene, providing insights into how he chooses which fairs to attend and some of the challenges he’s faced. We discuss the different types of art fairs in New Zealand, the importance of exposure, and the logistical aspects of participating in these events. Nic also shares practical advice for artists, including the importance of having business cards, preparing spiels, handling constructive feedback, and staying energised throughout the fair. The conversation delves into the benefits of community and networking within art fairs, highlighting both the opportunities and obstacles that come with this unique marketplace. You can find <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nicdempster/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nic</a> here:You can also find his artwork at: <a href="https://www.gallerydenovo.co.nz/artists/nic-dempster" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">DeNovo</a>, <a href="https://www.flagstaff.nz/collections/nic-dempster" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Flagstaff</a>, <a href="https://mobileart.co.nz/vendor/nic-dempster/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mobile Art</a>, <a href="https://artonthames.co.nz/products/copy-pink-place-nic-dempster" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Art on Thames</a>, <a href="https://www.artboxgallery.info/nic-dempster.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ArtBox</a> and&nbsp; <a href="https://www.soulgallery.co.nz/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Soul Gallery</a>.

Nic Dempster- Art Fairs

n this episode I have a great conversation with K<a href="ylie King-Hazel," rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ylie King-Hazel,</a> 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 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kyliekinghazel/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kylie </a>here on instagram&nbsp; Mentioned in this episode:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/davidkassan/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">David Kassan</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/slevenson/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shana Levenson</a> You can find the podcast<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thecreativekindpodcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> here</a>Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review &amp; share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show

Kylie King- Hazel -  Self taught Artist

In this episode I chat to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/penelopeboydart/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Penelope Boyd,</a> 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.&nbsp;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&nbsp;practice, in honing one's artistic voice. I really enjoyed this chat and I hope you do too! Penny has an upcoming exhibition <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DG1XyfjzUJn/?img_index=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">'Lost and Found' </a>at <a href="https://graingergallery.com.au/artist/penelope-boyd/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Grainger Gallery </a>in Canberra from the 13-30th of March 2025 You can find Penny here on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DG1XyfjzUJn/?img_index=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a>And her website <a href="https://www.penelopeboyd.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a> You can find the podcast<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thecreativekindpodcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> here</a>Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review &amp; share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show

Penelope Boyd - Self Taught Artist

Navigating Creativity and Anxiety

In this episode of 'The Creative Kind,' I’m&nbsp;joined by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rach_mayne_art_/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rachael Mayne</a>, 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.&nbsp; You can find Rachael <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rach_mayne_art_/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a> on instagram:And her website <a href="https://www.rachaelmayneart.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a> Mentioned in this episode: The links to the books/resources that I mentioned are:- The Centre for Clinical Interventions - Resources for looking after yourself:<a href="https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself</a>- <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/1590305841?ref_=mr_referred_us_au_nz" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Happiness Trap </a>- 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.&nbsp; 📞 Additional Mental Health Resources:<ul><li>New Zealand: Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counselor anytime.</li><li>Australia: Contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support.</li><li>International: Visit<a href="https://www.befrienders.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> befrienders.org</a> to find helplines in your country.</li></ul> You can find the podcast<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thecreativekindpodcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> here</a>Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review &amp; share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show

Rachael Mayne- Artists and Anxiety

The relationship between anxiety and artistic practice

In this episode I talk to Dr. Lou Cooper, psychologist, host of the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/emotionfocusedpodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Emotion Focused Podcast</a> 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.&nbsp;&nbsp; Links to:<a href="https://aieft.org.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">International Society for Emotion Focused Therapy</a> <a href="https://www.emotionfocused.com/episodes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Emotion Focused Podcast- Hosted by Dr Lou Cooper</a><ul><li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/emotion-focused-podcast/id1668967352" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on apple podcasts</a></li><li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/50ELKJwZmEvK2HfxXDZ88s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on spotify</a></li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/emotionfocusedpodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Emotion Focused Podcast on Instagram</a></li></ul> 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.&nbsp; 📞 Additional Mental Health Resources:<ul><li>New Zealand: Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counselor anytime.</li><li>Australia: Contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support.</li><li>International: Visit<a href="https://www.befrienders.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> befrienders.org</a> to find helplines in your country.</li></ul> You can find the podcast<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thecreativekindpodcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> here</a>And the podcast newsletter<a href="https://thecreativekind.substack.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> here</a>Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review &amp; share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show

Dr Lou Cooper- Anxierty and Artists

Navigating Creative Growth

In this episode I’m joined by Dublin-based artist <a href="https://www.instagram.com/markconlan/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mark Conlan</a>, 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.&nbsp; You can find Mark here:<a href="https://www.markconlan.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mark Conlan’s Website</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/markconlan/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mark Conlan’s Instagram</a> You can find the podcast<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thecreativekindpodcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> here</a>And the podcast newsletter<a href="https://thecreativekind.substack.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> here</a>Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review &amp; share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show

Mark Conlan- Evolving your practice

Finding Meaning Through an Ever-Changing Practice

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:<a href="https://www.fleurwickes.co.nz/2xdti12elgsk55p39h1wi40xnt6ayl" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fleur Wickes Website</a><a href="https://www.fleurwickes.co.nz/newsletter-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fleur Wickes Newsletter</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/fleurwickes/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fleur Wickes Instagram</a> Mentioned artists include <a href="https://www.moma.org/artists/208-diane-arbus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Diane Arbus</a>, <a href="https://www.davidzwirner.com/artists/rose-wylie#biography" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rose Wiley</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://joelpeterwitkin.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Joel Peter Witkin</a>, <a href="https://jhanamillers.com/artists/73-emily-hartley-skudder/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Emily Hartley Scutter</a>, <a href="https://tillmans.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wolfgang Tillman</a>, <a href="https://cjhendrystudio.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CJ Hendry</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hayward.g/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Glenn Hayward</a>. You can find the podcast<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thecreativekindpodcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> here</a>And the podcast newsletter<a href="https://thecreativekind.substack.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> here</a>Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review &amp; share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show

Fleur Wickes - Evolving your Practice

Returning from holidays : Dioramas, planning and ghost deliveries

In this studio session of The Creative Kind, I catch up with previous guests <a href="https://www.instagram.com/claireteauartist/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Claire Te Au</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/frankgordonart/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Frank Gordon</a>, both talented painters from Ōtepoti, Dunedin. We dive into a chat about finding some routine again after the holidays, current projects, the creative processes they follow, and the unique challenges and joys of balancing art with life. We discuss some thoughts around planning for upcoming shows, and how the art maths never seems to work around getting things done on time. We also explore gallery dynamics, the creation of murals, and the quirky mishaps that arise in artistic endeavours.&nbsp; Find my previous episode with Frank <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/frank-gordon-part-time-artist/id1738378716?i=1000670298871" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>:Find my previous episode with Claire <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/claire-te-au-finding-consistency/id1738378716?i=1000668774417" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a> You can find the podcast<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thecreativekindpodcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> here</a>And the podcast newsletter<a href="https://thecreativekind.substack.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> here</a>Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review &amp; share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show Sorry for the audio quality in this one- it's a work in progress and this was definitely a done is better then perfect scenario!

Studio Session with Frank Gordon and Claire Te Au

In this episode of The Creative Kind, I chat with Brisbane-based artist and teacher Andrew Sleeman about how he juggles his full-time job teaching and his art practice. Andrew shares his strategies for setting a non-negotiable schedule,&nbsp; what happens when this schedule is inevitably interrupted, setting goals, and maintaining consistency in his creative work alongside having a busy work and family life. We discuss the role of mindset, it’s role in making art a personal priority and the many ways in which that can be difficult. I really enjoyed this chat with Andrew and hearing not just the challenges, but ways in which he is embracing the flexibility and learning to move within and around the distractions, I hope you do too!&nbsp;&nbsp; You can find Andrew <a href="https://www.instagram.com/art_by_andrew.s/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a> on instagram and his website <a href="https://l.instagram.com/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.andrewsleemanart.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY3jgbzpLx4OVc-8frbi1OY4MhuazlVwLfvdSXE-hnr0x3czq3qaLAf2tQ_aem_wHplGIc-CdMtEltKC4Dw3w&amp;e=AT2o0OeERnlmZoR_HtDZjXRPJpml5lXkyYv8L13Yg5ooMpxKS7RPb8Mk5PMPCg5v3hC4L5cj-fmrX7bEXekcV9VpnCTsZQ4w-Zt_9kk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a> Other episodes and people mentioned in this chat:<ul><li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/sam-michelle-the-importance-of-consistency/id1738378716?i=1000669596642" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sam Michelle</a></li><li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/chilu-developing-your-artistic-voice/id1738378716?i=1000664213157" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chilu</a></li><li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/willy-russo-art-mentoring/id1738378716?i=1000653823408" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Willy Russo</a></li></ul> You can find the podcast<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thecreativekindpodcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> here</a>And the podcast newsletter<a href="https://thecreativekind.substack.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> here</a>Thanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review &amp; share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the show

Andrew Sleeman- Finding Time for Art

Investigating your art questions

Join The Creative Kind podcast as we explore listener questions and Visual Arts topics with artists and experts, offering diverse perspectives and insightful discussions Find me here on instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thecreativekindpodcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thecreativekindpodcast</a>Or on <a href="https://thecreativekind.substack.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Substack</a>

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