Art, Parenthood, and Beyond (Miwa Gardner)
Explore every episode of Art, Parenthood, and Beyond
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Aug 2024 | Creative Blocks: How can you get unstuck as artists? |Ep. 001 | 00:09:40 | |
In this episode of Art, Parenthood, and Beyond, I dive into the often-frustrating world of creative blocks. I’ll share my personal journey of overcoming self-doubt and rediscovering my passion for painting after not painting at all for 2 weeks. You’ll discover practical strategies that helped me break free from a creative block, like revisiting what I love and embracing playfulness in my art. I’ll also share insightful quotes from renowned artists that remind us that creative challenges can lead to transformative breakthroughs. Join me as we navigate the ups and downs of creativity together! Mentioned: Get Unstuck Creative Block Discover Ideas by Danielle Krysa & The Creative Act: A Way Of Being by Rick Rubens My website: MiwaGardner.com Find me on Instagram: @miwagardner_art | |||
| 28 Aug 2024 | How Can I Protect You? Exploring Parenthood's Challenging Feelings | Ep. 002 | ||
In this episode, How Can I Protect You? Exploring Parenthood's Challenging Feelings, I dive into the complex and often bittersweet emotions that come with parenthood. I reflect on the delicate balance between joy and sadness that many of us experience after welcoming a child into our lives. I'll share personal anecdotes from my journey as both a parent and an artist, and how creative expression has become a powerful tool for self-reflection. You'll hear how each challenge we face can open up new opportunities to appreciate the joyful moments that often follow. Join me as I explore the dualities of parenthood and creativity, and pose the question: 'How do the challenges you face help you appreciate the joyful moments in your life?' Let's tune in together for a conversation that reminds us that joy can only exist because of pain.
Check out my blog where I share the painting here. My website: MiwaGardner.com Find me on Instagram: @miwagardner_art | |||
| 04 Sep 2024 | Capturing the Feeling: The Urgency to Create|Ep. 003 | ||
In this episode, I dive into the urgency we feel as artists when inspiration strikes—like a bolt of lightning—and how that led me to paint a piece deeply connected to a friend's heartbreaking story. I reflect on whether great art always has to come from pain, or if we can find just as much power in joy, beauty, and the simple moments that make life meaningful. Join me as I explore what it means to create from a place of raw emotion and the importance of seizing those fleeting opportunities to express ourselves. Mentioned: The blog on Ophelia painting here. My website: MiwaGardner.com Find me on Instagram: @miwagardner_art | |||
| 11 Sep 2024 | Caught Off Guard: The Unexpected Moments of Motherhood |Ep. 004 | ||
Welcome to Episode 4 of Art, Parenthood and Beyond! I’m Miwa Gardner, and in this episode, I dive into those unexpected moments of parenthood that can catch us completely off guard. I share a touching story about my son, who surprised me by expressing empathy in a way I never expected. It made me realize how deeply connected we are and how those little moments can inspire our creativity as artists. I also explore how my experiences as a parent influence my artwork and vice versa. I want to hear from you, too! Have you had those surprising moments with your kids that made you stop and think? Or as an artist, has an unexpected emotion ever shaped your work? Let’s celebrate those precious moments together, reminding ourselves to embrace the chaos and find joy in it all. So grab a seat, relax, and let’s reflect on these beautiful connections between art and parenthood! Mentioned: Find me on Instagram: @miwagardner_art | |||
| 18 Sep 2024 | The Alien Gaze of Newborns: Surreal Moments in Sleep-Deprived Parenthood| Ep. 005 | ||
In this episode of Art, Parenthood and Beyond, join me, Miwa Gardner, as I explore the fascinating—and sometimes surreal—experience of gazing into the eyes of a newborn. With a mix of humor and heartfelt stories, I share my journey through the sleep-deprived nights of early parenthood and the surprising moments that made me feel like I was living with a little alien. From breastfeeding struggles to those precious gazes that connect us on a deeper level, let’s celebrate the wonder of infancy together. As I navigated those surreal early days, I found inspiration in my son’s captivating gaze. His wide-eyed wonder and mysterious expressions sparked a desire in me to capture that unique, almost otherworldly look on canvas. Join me as I reflect on how these moments not only deepened my bond with my son but also inspired my artistry in ways I never expected. Mentioned: The blog on the painting here. My website: MiwaGardner.com Find me on Instagram: @miwagardner_art | |||
| 25 Sep 2024 | What Do People Want? Lessons from Giving Away My Art in the Streets| Ep. 006 | ||
Mentioned: The blog on the painting here. My website: MiwaGardner.com Find me on Instagram: @miwagardner_art | |||
| 02 Oct 2024 | The Guilt of Joy: Balancing Parenthood and the Necessity of Art | #ArtParenthood Ep. 007 | ||
Mentioned: The blog on the painting here. The statistic about parents taking time for their creative pursuits being 35% less likely to experience severe burnout comes from a study conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA).https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42761-020-00028-4 "The study published in The Journal of Family Psychology found that parents who maintain personal hobbies report a 25% increase in overall life satisfaction. Source." https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/fam/ My website: MiwaGardner.com Find me on Instagram: @miwagardner_art | |||
| 09 Oct 2024 | How I Projected My Childhood on My Son|#ArtAndParenthood Ep. 008 | ||
In this episode of Art, Parenthood and Beyond, I explore how my childhood memories, fears, and insecurities have influenced my parenting and artistic expression. I share a personal story about the transition to a new daycare for my son and how it revealed my instinct to protect him. Through the process of painting, I discover that he is more capable than I ever realized, and I learn valuable lessons about balancing protection with independence. Mentioned: The blog on the painting here. My website: MiwaGardner.com Find me on Instagram: @miwagardner_art | |||
| 13 Nov 2024 | Letting Go, Moving Forward: Lessons from a Bird on Starting Over| #NatureLessons Ep. 013 | ||
Mentioned: Birds: https://www.miwagardner.com/buyart/p/ill-take-my-time My website: MiwaGardner.com Find me on Instagram: @miwagardner_art | |||
| 16 Oct 2024 | Last Time Moments: How Noticing Helps Our Creativity | #CreativeNoticing Ep. 009 | ||
In this episode of Art, Parenthood, and Beyond, I reflect on the power of 'noticing' and how it's shaped my creativity and life. After my recent move from Germany to Washington, I found myself embracing a 'last time' mentality, which helped me see the beauty in everyday moments—from cycling through familiar streets to sharing final moments with friends. I'll share how this mindset impacts my creative process and how noticing small details can fuel both your art and your life. Stay with me as we explore the beauty in these fleeting moments and how they can inspire us. Mentioned: The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity -book by American author Julia Cameron. The Skillshare class on Enso: Enso: Create Japanese Meditative Watercolor My website: MiwaGardner.com Find me on Instagram: @miwagardner_art | |||
| 23 Oct 2024 | How Opening Up Can Bring Unexpected Support | #OpeningUp Ep. 010 | ||
In this episode, I share a deeply personal moment of opening up to a close friend before leaving Munich. What started as an honest conversation about past suicidal thoughts unexpectedly led to practical support in the form of a unique, grounding technique: spicy candy. I reflects on how vulnerability can bring unexpected help and connects this experience to grounding techniques for emotional regulation. The episode ties these ideas to parenting and creativity, exploring how openness can foster support in both areas. Mentioned: On Grounding Techniques: Here My website: MiwaGardner.com Find me on Instagram: @miwagardner_art | |||
| 30 Oct 2024 | Transitions Between Art and Life: Finding Balance Through Change | #CreativeSwitch Ep. 011 | ||
In this episode, I explore the challenges of transitioning between my artistic pursuits and administrative duties amidst significant life changes. Drawing from my personal experience of moving from Munich to Washington State, I reflect on the emotional complexities of balancing creativity with everyday responsibilities. I share insights into practical strategies such as time blocking, mindfulness rituals, and setting boundaries to help ease these transitions and find equilibrium in our lives. Mentioned: My website: MiwaGardner.com Find me on Instagram: @miwagardner_art | |||
| 06 Nov 2024 | Artistic Challenges: Lessons in Persistence from Origami with My Son | #ArtisticJourney Ep. 012 | ||
In this episode, I share my experiences of spending quality time with my three-year-old son, focusing on our recent foray into origami. Through the delicate art of folding paper, I discover valuable lessons about patience, creativity, and the importance of balancing persistence with enjoyment in my artistic process. Mentioned: Matt Gabler's blog, which discusses how overcoming challenges can lead to thriving in artistic pursuits . My website: MiwaGardner.com Find me on Instagram: @miwagardner_art | |||
| 20 Nov 2024 | Talking about Artistic Style: Insights with Artist & Dear Friend Eli #Arttalk Ep. 014 | ||
Mentioned: A good resources on what defines style: https://massart.edu/app/uploads/legacy-files/Principles%20and%20Elements.pdf Pablo Picasso not pink period, Rose Period Lisa Congdons Book Here *This is an affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you :) My website: MiwaGardner.com Find me on Instagram: @miwagardner_art | |||
| 27 Nov 2024 | Sorry this one is selfishly About ME! | #MiwaGardner Ep. 015 | ||
Mentioned: My youtube video on how to make painting a ritual My website: MiwaGardner.com Find me on Instagram: @miwagardnerart | |||
| 04 Dec 2024 | How I First Started Making Money with My Art | #HowIsoldmyart Ep. 016 | ||
In this episode, I share my journey of how I first started making money with my art back in April 2023. From my first commissioned work with mothers in a Singapore-based WhatsApp community, to my first Etsy sale, and even launching a Kickstarter campaign, I reflect on the lessons I’ve learned about pricing, communicating with clients, and building a brand. I also talk about how I’m now rebuilding my art business from scratch in the U.S. after moving and how I’m using my podcast, YouTube, and Instagram to build a new community. It hasn’t been easy, but I’m learning, and I want to encourage others who are also struggling to build their creative careers. Mentioned: My website: MiwaGardner.com Find me on Instagram: @miwagardnerart | |||
| 11 Dec 2024 | When Is a Person an Artist? | #ArtIdentity Ep. 017 | ||
In this episode, we explore what it means to be an artist and the journey of owning that title. Inspired by my own experiences and the story of a close friend, we dive into questions around identity, self-worth, and the desire for validation. I share insights on the distinction between “artist” and “professional artist,” as well as the armor we sometimes wear to feel secure in our creativity. Rick Ruben: The Creative Act: A Way of Being My website: MiwaGardner.com Find me on Instagram: @miwagardnerart *Links are affiliate links, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you :) | |||
| 08 Jan 2025 | Wanting Your Child to Step into Your World: An Invitation | Ep.21 | ||
In this episode, I explore the moments when parents open up their worlds to their children, sharing not just spaces and tasks, but meaningful parts of their identities. Through three stories—an artist inviting her children to lay a single brushstroke on a magazine cover, a pilot who secretly brings his child into the cockpit, and my own experiences of being in my mother’s workspace and now with my son in mine—we’ll reflect on why so many parents naturally want their children to feel connected to their work. Is it just about showing them what we do, or is there a deeper purpose, a desire for belonging, pride, and shared legacy? Join me as I unravel these intimate moments and the universal drive to invite our children into our worlds. Mentioned: Ali Cavanaugh: Painting of Taylor Swift A Frog Invitation: https://www.miwagardner.com/buyart/p/frog My website: MiwaGardner.com Find me on Instagram: @miwagardner_art | |||
| 25 Dec 2024 | Listening In: Aine Divine on Art as Catharsis, Following Sparks, Surrendering to Creative Blocks, and Fully Occupying Your Body in the Creative Process| Ep.19 | ||
In this episode, Aine Divine shares how trusting your inner voice can guide you through creative challenges, from embracing pauses during blocks to following sparks of inspiration. She reflects on transforming dark times into cathartic art, staying true to her instincts, and finding joy in the process. Talking to Aine makes me feel better that even renowned artists face obstacles. Her advice to focus on what we authentically feel reminds us that 'bodily listening-in' can be a powerful source of meaningful and inspiring creativity. Topics covered: Navigating Creative Blocks Emotional Connection to Art Staying True to Inspiration Artist Friend. An Uninteded Collaboration Parenthood & Creative Energy Power of Movement Intentionality in the Creative Process Surrendering to Imperfectionin Art Finding the Flow in the Creative Process Exatitude is not Truth Space/Order for Creativity Balancing Chaos and Order Carving out time for Creativity Schedule of Workshops Qs from listeners Lighting rounds! Images from the interview below : | |||
| 18 Dec 2024 | Aine Divine’s Summer School: Lessons and Inspirations | #AineDivineWorkshop Ep. 018 | ||
Imagine 5 days of JUST PAINTING—learning and rediscovering creativity with Aine Divine. Set in the inspiring Willow Room at Cockenzie House in Edingburgh, this summer school new ways of approaching watercolor, from embracing bold brushstrokes to painting live models. I’ll share the challenges, breakthroughs, and what I will be taking with me forward from this unforgettable experience. Don’t miss my explanation of Aine’s unique teaching style and what it means to truly let go and let intuitive creativity guide you!
Aine Divine Website: https://www.ainedivinepaintings.co.uk/who-i-am.html Youtube Video on the Summer School Experience (Published after 2024/12/23): https://youtu.be/u9vcHlGjrN8 Blog on My Summer School experience: https://www.miwagardner.com/blog/aine-divines-summer-school-in-edinburgh Join me in my art journey!: MiwaGardner.com | |||
| 01 Jan 2025 | Word of the Year: Emerge to Mission | #ArtGoals Ep. 020 | ||
In this reflective episode, I reflect on 2024, guided by Laura Horn’s approach to setting intentions and asking meaningful questions about what worked, what didn’t, and what to let go. My word for 2024 was emerge, inspired by both wanting more growth as an artist and from the intuitive nature of watercolor with how it seems to always emerge from the paper. For 2025, my word is mission—a way to stay grounded while allowing room to explore. What will your word for the year be? Mentioned: Laura Horns Podcast Episode on planning and trello guides! https://www.laurahornart.com/thepodcast/115 Medusa Painting Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/m1BPlW8a-FA My website: MiwaGardner.com Find me on Instagram: @miwagardner_art | |||
| 15 Jan 2025 | Finding Your Ideal Watercolor Surface: A Journey Through Paper #watercolorsurface | Ep.22 | ||
In this episode #22, I dive into the importance of experimenting with different painting surfaces, sharing my personal journey with various watercolor papers and other surfaces like Yupo, canvas, watercolor ground primed canvas and aquabord. I talk about how each surface affects technique and style, and encourage you to find the one that best suits your creative process. | |||
| 22 Jan 2025 | Sayonara, Obachan: My Journey Back to Japan to See My Grand Aunt Off | #JapaneseRoots Ep. 023 | ||
In this heartfelt episode, I reflect on my emotional journey back to Japan to say my final farewell to my grand aunt. The decision to fly back to Japan or not was a struggle for me since it meant taking my 3 year old with me, having to pause everything and financially. But there was few key things that happened that made me make a decision.
The final painting was placed in her coffin with 96 roses. | |||