The Creative Kind

In this episode of The Creative Kind, I talk with Amanda Billing about managing multiple art-related part-time jobs. Amanda, an artist, actress, and portrait photographer from Auckland, New Zealand, shares her journey from teaching to a 10-year acting stint on Shortland Street and her roles in various screen productions, to becoming a visual artist. We discuss the problematic 'part-time' label, the challenges of maintaining various jobs, and the inspiration behind her photography business, which started from a 100-day project. Amanda also discusses the importance of having a structured routine to balance acting, photography, and painting, and her upcoming solo exhibition at Browne School of Art. This conversation delves into the complexity of artistic identity, the need for self-discipline, and the fulfilment derived from pursuing creative passions.You can find Amanda here, her photography business here her work with artful here and her merch collection hereHer Solo show 'Embodiment' opens on Tuesday 15th October at Browne School of Art 5:30pm and is on until the 2nd of November 2024You 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 showMentioned in this episodeElle LunaBrowne School of ArtShortland Street (TV Show)Kid's Sister (TV Show)Under the Vines (TV Show)Artful (Online Gallery)Claire Robbie’s The School of Modern Meditation @Wearesomm

In this episode I’m talking to Frank Gordon, an artist and community mental health nurse based in Dunedin, New Zealand. We chat about how Frank juggles his dual roles, including his passion for art and commitment to both his jobs. We chat about some of the problems that come up when you’re labelling yourself, or when you’re labeled by others, and the pressures of maintaining a balance between his professional life, personal life, and artistic passion. We talk about Frank's journey from seeing art as a hobby to becoming an established artist, the importance of stepping back from work to gain fresh perspectives, and the impacts, positive and negative, that his other job has on his art. We also explore the challenges of monetising your passion and the influence of stories in his creative process.You can find Frank Gordon hereYou can find the podcast hereMentioned in this ep:Gallery DenovoThanks 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 Sam Michelle. We discuss the theme of consistency in Sam's art practice and maintaining a passion-driven approach. Sam shares insights on juggling life and art and the importance of continual learning. The discussion also explores how her love for gardening intertwines with her art, offering both inspiration and a necessary balance to avoid burnout. We chat about the significance of staying true to one’s artistic voice while also allowing space for experimentation and growth. Sam also shares insights on business practices, the importance of maintaining a connection with collectors, and her philosophy on controlling what is within her power as an artist. Additionally, the episode explores the Sam’s practice of reflection, documenting successes, and maintaining a long-term perspective on her career.You can find Sam 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 showMentioned in this episodeMartin Brown ContemporarySuper Creative InterviewSkill Share learning platformThe Daily Stoic podcastThe Creative Act by Rick RubinJelly Plate Ideas with Phoebe GanderThe Makers Yearbook by Nicola Taylor

This week I’m talking to Claire Te Au, a New Zealand artist known for her intricate floral paintings with hidden animals. we discuss the importance of consistency in an artist's practice, overcoming self-doubt, and maintaining balance (or juggling) while managing familial responsibilities. Claire emphasises the value of a supportive network, both at home and professionally through her gallery, The Artist Room in Dunedin. We also touch upon the relevance of building an online presence and how meaningful thematic elements in artwork can engage audiences. Claire shares insights into her routine, time management, and the impact of consistent practice on her artistic growth and success. You can find Claire 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 talking to Anna Silcock, one of the co-directors of Parnell Gallery in Auckland. Anna explores some of the things you might want to think about when approaching a gallery, and some things to consider when looking for the right fit. We also chat about the relationship and dynamics between artists and galleries, the importance of communication, expectations and guidance. We discuss the work you often can't see getting done by galleries to help support & build artists careers , such as marketing, administration, and relationship-building. You can find Parnell Gallery 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 I chat with New Zealand artist Viv Wotton about her journey and motivations for attending art school. We discuss the challenges and rewards of attending art school, the importance of receiving constructive feedback and developing critical thinking. Viv discusses how art school provided her with confidence and context in the art world, and we chat about some of the aspects that she still felt lacking in when she left. I really enjoyed chatting to Viv about the  role of social media and alternative avenues in understanding how to navigate an art career outside of traditional gallery representation.  We also chat about the connections made with peers, tutors, and industry professionals as well as the challenges of balancing family life with her studies. You can find Viv 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 showMentioned in this episodeRedbird Gallery Artbox Gallery -Art on Thames 

In this week's episode, I’m thrilled to sit down with Fiona Verity, a UK born, but Australian-based artist and co-host of the Art Wank podcast. Fiona discusses her return to art school after a decade of being a practicing artist, seeking to fill gaps in her creative practice, art history and academic writing. We discuss how Fiona is finding value in the immersive and collaborative environment at the National Art School in Sydney, where she majors in printmaking. We talk about her appreciation of peers, reserach, criticism and the opportunity to engage deeply with her art. She describes how art school has provided her with the time and space to think, and develop her practice without the pressure of commercial success.You can find Fiona hereYou can find Fiona’s podcast Art Wank that she hosts with Julie Nicholson hereYou can find the Creative Kind Podcast Instagram hereThanks so much for listening! Feel free to rate, review & share if you enjoyed it, this helps other people find the showMentioned in this episodeInterview with Willy RussoNational Art SchoolDebbie Mackinnon - Mentioned as a mentor for Fiona.Judith White - Mentioned as a mentor for Fiona at the Willoughby Arts Centre.Mary Cassatt - American painter and printmakerKatie Hessell - UK writer, author of The Story of Art Without Men

This week Australian artist Chilu and I discuss artistic voice. We explore how Chilu shifted towards discovering her artistic voice by experimenting with different styles, and how she evolved and grew with her personal narrative, symbolising both joy and hardship. The conversation reveals how significant life events, like her son's hospitalisation, inspired her to create art with a purpose, aiming to donate proceeds to the NICU unit at the Sydney Children’s Hospital. You can find Chilu hereThe donations page for The Heart Centre for children that Chilu supports through her work can be found here  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 showMentioned in this episodeSydney Children's Hospital WestmeadFrocktoberJosefia Lemon Fine ArtWilly RussoLisa CongdonOvarian Cancer foundationBeach Boys Documentary