In this episode of the 'Show Up or Shut Up' podcast, host Wendy Solganik interviews artist, and Executive Producer of Willa Workshops, Evan Haley. Wendy really wanted to bring Evan onto the podcast to highlight an emerging opportunity for book artists within Fodder School: the opportunity to create truly unique artist books from lessons in Fodder School that aren’t specifically designed with a book as the end product in mind!

They discuss Evan's unique journey from studying pre-med sciences at Princeton University to becoming a mixed media artist, and delve into the creative processes and challenges that define his art-making experiences.

Wendy shares her insights on the evolution of Fodder School and the potential for members to adapt projects to suit their personal creative goals, emphasizing the importance of pushing artistic boundaries and overcoming fears. The episode also introduces a secret project focusing on learning the Procreate app, highlighting the significance of digital technology in modern art creation.

(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

(01:27) Wendy's Artistic Journey and Podcast Overview

(02:48) Meet Evan Haley: Background and Early Life

(04:12) Evan's College Experience and Shift to Art

(10:05) Evan's Artistic Development and College Projects

(18:56) Fodder School Projects and Creative Problem Solving

(22:32) Exploring Creative Potential and Bookmaking

(28:04) Fodder School Community and Off the Beaten Path

(28:41) Exploring New Projects in Fodder School

(29:24) Pushing Artistic Boundaries

(33:16) Overcoming Fear in Art Creation

(36:07) Taking Up Space with Your Art

(40:09) Letting Go of Unloved Art

(47:13) The Secret Project: Procreate Course

(52:27) The Challenges of Learning New Tools

(56:41) Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

In this episode of the Show Up or Shut Up podcast, Wendy interviews artist Jane Chipp, who is returning to Fodder School 5 as a teacher. They delve into Jane's artistic journey, from her early fascination with handmade crafts influenced by her family's Baltic heritage to her evolution into a mixed media artist specializing in collage, assemblage art, journaling, and textiles. Jane shares pivotal moments, including her participation in a three-year textile art program, her transformative experience with a found collection of personal artifacts, and her prolific work during the COVID-19 lockdown. Together, they discuss the benefits and challenges of teaching art online, the joy of crafting with found photos, and the intricate, layered techniques that define Jane's unique artistic style. Jane also offers a sneak peek into her upcoming lessons inspired by vintage lace for Fodder School 5.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

01:21 Meet Jane Chipp: Artist and Teacher

04:03 Jane's Early Life and Creative Beginnings

05:07 Family Influence and Childhood Creativity

08:59 Career Path and Creative Pursuits

15:35 Discovering Textile Art and Mixed Media

33:46 The Turning Point: Honoring a Stranger's Life

47:54 Struggles with Large-Scale Art

48:38 Exciting New Project in Fodder School

50:09 The Importance of Artistic Community

52:07 Impact of COVID-19 on Artistic Journey

52:23 The 100-Day Project and Instagram Journey

53:42 Writing and Publishing a Book

01:00:46 Meeting Lori Canner and the Collage Community

01:03:51 The Role of Instagram in Artistic Growth

01:09:35 Teaching and Creating Online Courses

01:13:04 Artistic Preferences and Techniques

01:15:56 Signature Colors and Artistic Style

01:29:55 Upcoming Fodder School Project

01:31:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the "Show Up or Shut Up" podcast, host Wendy Solganik interviews Columbus, Ohio-based mixed media artist Susan Rossiter. Susan shares her journey from growing up in Pennsylvania, studying fine art, and moving across the country, to establishing herself as a prolific artist with a disciplined practice. The conversation delves into Susan’s inspirations—particularly the colors, shapes, and patterns of the 1950s-1970s, her love for experimental materials, and her evolution from traditional art school techniques to vibrant, mid-century-inspired mixed media works. Susan discusses balancing a full-time day job with her art career, her involvement with Studios on High Gallery, and her role as an educator for GOLDEN Paints.

The episode is filled with insights on creative discipline, the realities of being a working artist, and the importance of making art that brings personal joy rather than simply following trends or market demands

(00:00) Introduction to the Show Up or Shut Up Podcast

(02:36) Meet Susan Rossiter: Mixed Media Artist

(03:39) Susan's Artistic Journey and Inspirations

(05:11) Early Art Experiences and Education

(08:49) College Years and Artistic Development

(17:07) Post-College Adventures and Artistic Growth

(22:12) Life in Minneapolis and Transition to Ohio

(25:32) Balancing Art and Life in Ohio

(30:58) Exploring Mixed Media and Collage Fodder

(40:49) Personal Life and Studio Setup

(47:18) Editing Video in Bed

(47:52) Exploring Columbus and Beyond

(49:00) Joining the Art Co-op

(52:21) Balancing Art and Fitness

(53:08) Golden Artist Educator Program

(56:15) Fodder School and Artistic Inspiration

(59:06) The Influence of Mid-Century Design

(01:07:51) Artistic Freedom and Day Jobs

(01:20:25) Quilting and Other Artistic Pursuits

(01:33:43) Future Plans and Manifesting Dreams

(01:36:23) Conclusion and Gratitude

In this episode of the Show Up or Shut Up Podcast, host Wendy Solganik interviews mixed media artist Roxanne Evans Stout. Wendy announces that Roxanne will be joining Fodder School 5 as a first-time instructor. The conversation delves into Roxanne's artistic journey which began in her childhood in Santa Monica and evolved through various stages, including her experiences growing up in different places due to her father's Air Force career, her education in the sciences at Humboldt State, and her eventual shift to a more free-form, mixed media art style. Roxanne talks about her teaching career, her close relationship with her mother who was also an artist, and how her mother’s passing intensified her commitment to art. The episode also explores Roxanne’s teaching experiences in locations like Santa Fe and her upcoming workshop in Italy. Wendy and Roxanne discuss the unique elements of Roxanne's art, including her use of neutral colors, texture, and inspiration from nature. Roxanne shares her excitement for the new projects in Fodder School 5 and drops hints about her plans for the artistic journey ahead.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

02:37 Roxanne's Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

04:04 Life in Santa Monica and Artistic Influences

07:48 College Years and Meeting Her Husband

13:23 Life in Northern California and Early Art Career

20:43 Teaching Career and Artistic Evolution

22:46 Developing a Unique Artistic Style

25:35 The Influence of Blogging and Artist Books

29:15 Collections and Inspirations

35:27 The Story Behind the Work Table

36:38 Challenges of Building a Custom Table

37:49 Creating an Inspiring Studio Space

39:35 The Evolution of My Art Journey

40:15 Teaching and Workshops

43:13 Artist Residencies and Their Impact

46:38 Upcoming Workshops and Inspirations

52:58 Exploring My Color Palette

58:31 Influence of My Mother's Art

01:06:03 Conclusion and Future Plans

In this episode of the Show Up or Shut Up podcast, host Wendy Solganik interviews contemporary mixed media artist Wendy Shragg. Wendy shares her artistic journey from Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, discussing her vibrant fine art collage work, color theory, and experiences in design. She recalls childhood influences, including her family's creative environment and early artistic endeavors. Wendy also talks about her diverse careers ranging from makeup artistry to travel consulting, and how she ultimately embraced her passion for art. The conversation delves into her love for gel printing, collage, and her innovative mixed media projects that combine personal and meaningful elements into fine art. Wendy also shares her experience with digital art on Procreate and her participation in Fodder School 5, where she will be teaching a comprehensive project on creating large-scale fine art pieces. Listeners can expect a deep dive into Wendy’s creative process, her views on social media's role in the art world, and her future projects.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

02:34 Wendy Shragg's Artistic Journey Begins

03:21 Childhood Influences and Early Art Experiences

09:16 High School and College Art Education

21:09 Post-College Career and Creative Ventures

42:19 Crafting Beginnings and Jewelry Making

42:44 Transition to Interior Decorative Painting

43:21 Becoming an Aesthetician

44:33 Exploring Intuitive Painting

45:29 Creating Imaginary Creatures

49:07 Pursuing Art Full-Time

53:01 Navigating the Art World and Social Media

56:58 Joining Art Co-ops and Community

01:00:36 Teaching and Gel Printing

01:20:18 Digital Art and Procreate

01:25:42 Conclusion and Future Plans

In this episode, Wendy Solganik interviews Cheiron Brandon, a mixed media artist specializing in greeting cards. Cheiron shares her journey from discovering a local stamp store to becoming a prolific maker with a deep expertise in Tim Holtz's distress line. The discussion covers her evolving art style, teaching workshops, and participating in design teams. She also talks about her recent personal transitions and how she integrates her creative life into her new surroundings. The episode delves into the intricacies of using various mixed media products and offers insights into the world of card making and mixed media art.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

02:20 Meet Cheiron Brandon: A Journey from New Jersey

03:40 Cheiron's Artistic Beginnings and Inspirations

08:17 Discovering Rubber Stamping and Card Making

16:08 From Hobby to Passion: Teaching and Creating

18:41 Exploring Mixed Media and Tim Holtz Products

22:24 The Evolution of Sharon's Art Style

28:44 Collaborations and Design Teams

37:30 Teaching and Online Classes

39:09 Joining Fodder School and Continuous Learning

39:39 Learning from Different Artists

40:56 Balancing Art and Life Changes

41:47 Becoming a Fodder School Teacher

42:49 Exploring Alcohol Inks

43:09 The Evolution of Alcohol Inks

45:19 Crafting with Alcohol Inks

50:48 Teaching and Sharing Knowledge

55:11 Relocating and Creating a New Routine

59:16 Crafting Community and Retreats

01:07:24 The Joy of Card Making

01:08:27 Looking Forward: Future Projects

In this episode of the Show Up or Shut Up podcast, host Wendy Solganik speaks with mixed media artist Dori Patrick. Together, they explore Dori's creative life, which includes owning a make-and-take art studio in Marion, Iowa, and moving on to focus on her personal artistic endeavors. Dory shares her childhood experiences growing up in Iowa, her artistic influences, and the pivotal moments that shaped her career, such as her inspirational trip to Oaxaca, Mexico. They delve into Dori's approach to making art, her distinctive colorful style, and how she navigates highs and lows as an artist. Dori offers insight into her business model, her process for creating and selling art, and her teaching experiences, including her role in Fodder School. The episode concludes with a discussion about Dori's upcoming lessons in Fodder School 5, where she will teach her unique 'split heads' project.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

00:39 Meet Dori Patrick: Background and Personal Life

01:41 Wendy's Artistic Journey and Podcast Overview

03:42 Dori's Early Life and Family Background

09:48 Dori's Creative Upbringing and Early Influences

15:05 Dori's Artistic Career and Personal Challenges

31:42 Transition to Professional Artistry

36:42 The Dreaming Bear: Dori's Store and Workshop

51:41 The Birth of a Creative Space

54:06 Transforming the Storefront

55:55 The Decision to Close

58:47 Life After the Store

01:02:03 Embracing Artistic Freedom

01:17:55 The Split Heads Project

01:26:22 The Joy of Creating

01:32:49 Current Projects and Future Plans

01:38:13 Final Thoughts and Farewell

In Season Five, Episode 3 of the Show Up or Shut Up podcast, host Wendy Solganik interviews artist Arlyna Blanchard. Arlyna, who resides in Singapore and runs her own design firm, will be joining Fodder School 5 as a teacher for the first time. The episode explores Arlyna's artistic journey, from her early influences in the Philippines to her expansive career in graphic design in Taiwan and now in Shanghai. They discuss her experiences with urban sketching, digital scrapbooking, and the challenges of teaching online art courses. Arlyna shares personal anecdotes about balancing a demanding career while raising twins, and how her art practice evolved post-divorce. The episode offers insight into her creative process and her love for vibrant colors, particularly neon pink. This inspiring conversation highlights Arlyna's dedication to continuous learning and artistic expression.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

00:21 Meet Arlyna Blanchard: Artist and Teacher

00:48 Wendy and Arlyna's Artistic Connection

01:55 Podcast Overview and Host Introduction

03:23 Arlyna's Background and Journey

05:43 Growing Up in the Philippines

07:23 Cultural and Linguistic Influences

13:22 Artistic Beginnings and Influences

21:29 Education and Career Path

22:52 Life in Taiwan and Move to Shanghai

33:47 Family Life and Artistic Exploration

36:11 Scrapbooking and Early Art Journaling

42:07 Struggles with Art Journaling

43:17 Finding Personal Style in Art

45:34 Balancing Art and Life

46:47 The Impact of Divorce on Creativity

48:40 Work-Life Balance and Art

54:09 Embracing Favorite Colors

01:02:19 The Joy of Learning and Teaching

01:10:25 Exploring Urban Sketching and Illustration

01:19:23 The Therapeutic Power of Art

01:21:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Show Up or Shut Up podcast, host Wendy Solganik continues Season Five with an inspiring interview with mixed media artist Kathy Nichols. Announced as a new instructor for Fodder School 5, Cathy shares her artistic journey from her early days in Huntington, New York, to becoming a prolific mixed media artist known for her vibrant floral and nature-inspired works. The discussion delves into Cathy's transition from various day jobs to full-time artistry, the impact of her grandmother on her color palette, and the importance of bravery and intuition in her career. Wendy and Cathy explore Cathy's experiences with cooperative galleries, her online presence, and her future teaching retreats in France. This episode offers a heartfelt and in-depth look into Cathy’s evolving artistry and life challenges, providing valuable insights for all mixed media art enthusiasts.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

00:54 Meet Cathy Nichols: A Journey of Bravery

01:18 Exploring Mixed Media Art

02:44 Cathy's Artistic Beginnings

04:25 High School Art Adventures

12:45 College Decisions and Career Path

24:34 Discovering Acrylics and Moving to Venice

36:40 Joining the 10 Women Gallery

46:04 Life in New York and Starting a New Co-op

49:19 Discovering the Firefly Artists Gallery

49:39 Balancing Art and Family Life

50:55 Transition to Full-Time Artist

51:34 Licensing Deal and Artistic Evolution

57:40 Moving to Asheville and New Beginnings

01:00:27 Developing a Unique Artistic Style

01:10:33 The Influence of Quilting and Textiles

01:15:59 The Power of Color in Art

01:30:23 Teaching and Retreats

01:35:45 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of the 'Show Up or Shut Up' podcast, Wendy Solganik interviews mixed media artist Kate McCurrach. Kate, who has been an inspiring participant and leader in previous Fodder School years, will now join as a teacher for Fodder School 5. Wendy and Kate delve into Kate's harrowing life story, which includes a pioneering family history, a battle with multiple chronic illnesses including lupus, and a radical career shift from science to art. Kate shares her experiences of crafting scientific-themed creations, running a successful Etsy shop, and participating in high-end craft shows. She talks about her creative process, the therapeutic role of art in her life, and her journey into art journaling. This episode is a deep dive into the resilience and creativity of an artist who finds joy and solace in making, against all odds.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

01:37 Meet Kate McCurrach: Artist and Fodder School Teacher

03:09 Kate's Background and Early Life

04:17 Growing Up in British Columbia

05:12 Family History and Heritage

15:30 Crafting and Creativity in Kate's Family

19:20 Kate's Artistic Journey in School

28:33 University Life and Science Studies

35:17 Health Challenges and Life Changes

41:58 Starting a Craft Business on Etsy

49:45 Starting a Button Business

50:55 Expanding the Product Line

51:34 Personal Life and Health Challenges

54:05 Craft Shows and Market Experiences

57:07 Living with Chronic Illness

01:05:30 Pregnancy and Motherhood

01:20:55 Rediscovering Art and Joining Fodder School

01:26:39 Reflections and Future Plans

In this episode of the Show Up or Shut Up podcast, host Wendy interviews iconic Australian mixed media artist Laura Horn. They discuss Laura's journey in the art world, the impact of her online courses, and the challenges of balancing art creation with the demands of running an art business. Laura talks about the transition from art to business tasks, managing stress, and the importance of embracing different life phases. Wendy shares her struggles with space for creating art and the guilt associated with balancing family and work responsibilities. The conversation reveals insights into the evolving roles and expectations of women artists and business owners, touching upon the importance of intuition, adaptability, and self-care.
00:14 Meet Laura Horn: Mixed Media Icon
01:07 Wendy's Artistic Journey and Inspirations
03:11 The Impact of Laura's Work
08:58 Balancing Art and Business
33:13 Navigating Social Media as an Artist
50:13 Struggles with Artistic Self-Criticism
51:09 Phases of Intensity and Stress in Business
52:11 The Hidden Stress of Running a Tech Business
56:34 Balancing Gratitude and Frustration with Technology
59:10 The Intersection of Art and Business Metrics
01:05:13 Creating a Harmonious Art and Business Life
01:08:26 The Journey to Finding a Dedicated Art Space
01:20:58 The Challenges of Balancing Family and Work
01:25:58 The Importance of Seeking Help and Self-Care
01:28:31 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude