Art Pays Me: Recent Episodes
Duane Jones
The Art Pays Me Podcast is a series of informal conversations between successful creatives of diverse backgrounds with Duane. Duane asks guests about the work they're known for and how they got their start to explore the many ways possible to make a living off of art.
Storyteller and filmmaker Solomon Nagler discusses his artistic journey and the importance of collaboration and community in his work. He emphasizes the grassroots nature of the Nova Scotia art scene – highlighting the support he has received from local film co-ops and fellow artists. Solomon also reflects on the healing power of art and the value of community-based projects that allow for shared learning and storytelling.
The filmmaker finds inspiration in the unique places and communities of Nova Scotia, often incorporating local history and folklore into his work. Solomon values the collaborative nature of filmmaking, working with emerging artists and embracing chance encounters that enhance the storytelling process and hopes his work will evoke a visceral response in audiences that ranscends time and cultural barriers.
The Creative Nova Scotia Awards are presented by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council to celebrate artistic excellence across Mi'kma'ki.
Award categories are as follows:
- Creative Community Impact
- Prix Grand-Pré
- Established Artist
- Emerging Artist
- Black Artist
- Indigenous Artist
- The Portia White Prize
Collectively, the awards are worth $75,000! Visit artsns.ca for more information.
This series would not be possible without the fantastic production work of Heist and Keke Beatz.
Halifax, Nova Scotia based filmmaker Leah Johnston discusses her artistic journey and creative process – sharing how a vocal surgery ended her singing career but led her to filmmaking. Johnston emphasizes the importance of patience and openness in finding inspiration for her films, often drawing from personal experiences and merging ideas over time.
Leah values the support of institutions in Canada that foster culture and provide funding for film projects, making filmmakers in Canada less reliant on personal savings and investments. Leah also emphasizes the importance of having the time and space to develop scripts and ideas, and acknowledges the challenges of being a director – including the gruelling nature of being on set and making crucial decisions.
The Creative Nova Scotia Awards are presented by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council to celebrate artistic excellence across Mi'kma'ki.
Award categories are as follows:
- Creative Community Impact
- Prix Grand-Pré
- Established Artist
- Emerging Artist
- Black Artist
- Indigenous Artist
- The Portia White Prize
Collectively, the awards are worth $75,000! Visit artsns.ca for more information.
This series would not be possible without the fantastic production work of Heist and Keke Beatz.
Duane welcomed Writer and Performer, Lee-Anne Poole to discuss her residency at Pavia Gallery.
Lee-Anne is the author of 7 produced plays, her first full-length play, Splinters, has been adapted into a feature film by Thom Fitzgerald. Splinters premiered at The Toronto International Film Festival and was the Opening Night Gala presentation at The Atlantic Film Festival. Lee-Anne was featured in Hustling Verse: An Anthology of Sex Workers' Poetry and attended the BANFF Centre for a 3-week-long writing residency where she explored adapting her play Talk Sexxxy. Talk Sexxxy ran in January 2025 at the Saint Mary's University Art Gallery. Upcoming, she is writing a combination of zines and performance projects. Sometimes she knits and sometimes she is a playwright learning how to draw. She lives in Herring Cove with her two dogs – who will bark at you.
Cartoonist, illustrator and novelist Vivian Zhou discusses her creative process, influences, and experiences – emphasizing the importance of daydreaming and quiet time for developing stories. Vivian also highlights the value of having an agent to navigate the publishing industry and maintain creative control over her work.
The Creative Nova Scotia Awards are presented by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council to celebrate artistic excellence across Mi'kma'ki.
Award categories are as follows:
- Creative Community Impact
- Prix Grand-Pré
- Established Artist
- Emerging Artist
- Black Artist
- Indigenous Artist
- The Portia White Prize
Collectively, the awards are worth $75,000! Visit artsns.ca for more information.
This series would not be possible without the fantastic production work of Heist and Keke Beatz.
Return guest Christopher Webb joined me to chat about artist residencies and the residency that he hosts out of Pavia Gallery in Herring Cove, Nova Scotia. This conversation took place in July 2025.
Welcome to a special series of Art Pays Me interviews with the winners of the 2025 Creative Nova Scotia Awards. Presented annually by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council, these awards celebrate artistic excellence across Mi'kma'ki.
Award categories are as follows:
- Creative Community Impact
- Prix Grand-Pré
- Established Artist
- Emerging Artist
- Black Artist
- Indigenous Artist
- And finally, The Portia White Prize that is given to a person who has made outstanding and significant contributions to Nova Scotia's creative community over a sustained career – much like the incredible woman that the award is named after. The winner will also choose a protege, an emerging artist or cultural organization that will also receive funding.
Collectively, the awards are worth $75,000! Visit artsns.ca for more information.
This series would not be possible without the fantastic production work of Heist and Keke Beatz.
artpaysme.com
About Nicola
Saxophonist and Composer Nicola Miller (she/her) is based on the South Shore of Nova Scotia, where she has become a vital part of the maritime creative music ecosystem. Weaving endless sonic curiosity into a jazz foundation, the music she plays and writes effortlessly traverses boundaries of style and approach. Miller has appeared in performances alongside a diverse cross-section of artists including Nicole Rampersaud, Charlotte Hüg, Terri Hron, India Gailey, Enrique Luna, Sam Wilson, Uri Caine, Tim Crofts, Glenn Patscha, and Nick Halley. She's been featured at the Open Waters Guelph and Halifax Jazz Festivals and also performed in contexts that span Berlin's Volksbühne and Jazz Am Helmholtzplatz to Acadia University's Physics Department. She is the winner of the 2025 Paul Cram Award and will be debuting her first piece for symphony in January of 2026 with Symphony NS.
Welcome to a special series of Art Pays Me interviews with the winners of the 2025 Creative Nova Scotia Awards. Presented annually by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council, these awards celebrate artistic excellence across Mi'kma'ki.
Award categories are as follows:
- Creative Community Impact
- Prix Grand-Pré
- Established Artist
- Emerging Artist
- Black Artist
- Indigenous Artist
- And finally, The Portia White Prize that is given to a person who has made outstanding and significant contributions to Nova Scotia's creative community over a sustained career – much like the incredible woman that the award is named after. The winner will also choose a protege, an emerging artist or cultural organization that will also receive funding.
Collectively, the awards are worth $75,000! Visit artsns.ca to nominate your favourite Nova Scotian artist or nominate yourself!
This series would not be possible without the fantastic production work of Heist and Keke Beatz.
artpaysme.com
Aquakultre is the artistic voice of Lance Sampson — an uncommonly versatile singer, rapper, composer and storyteller from Halifax, NS. Since winning the 2018 CBC Searchlight competition, Aquakultre has released two Polaris-nominated albums and a multitude of genre-diverse, multi-media collaborations, establishing him as a significant musical and cultural presence. The live show is a warm-hearted party where all are welcomed by Aquakultre's big voice and bigger stage presence. Through all his works, via poetic lyrics and straight-up jams, Aquakultre is on a mission to share his love for his unique and beautiful corner of the culture.
On this episode, I chat with Cairista MacIsaac about ArtWorks East (AWE). AWE is an association of visual artists and crafters who live in Guysborough County that was founded in 2019. They welcome local artisans of all ages and levels of experience as well as those who want to support the visual arts in their area.
Jaclyn represents fast-growing, people-focused competitive brands who are addressing the evolving consumer market. She tells stories across all media platforms for partners in industries spanning art, fashion, beauty, health & wellness, Consumer packaging goods, technology and home. Most notably having worked with Vega, Saje Natural Wellness, Russell Wilson and Ciara's fashion brand The House of LR&C, and Lyft as the first hire for the rideshare brand in British Columbia. She can be described as someone with the competitiveness of an alumni basketball player with the curiosity of a writer and aspiring disco DJ who brings big ideas to brands that do good work and win.
Welcome to a special series of Art Pays Me interviews with the winners of the 2024 Creative Nova Scotia Awards. Presented annually by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council, these awards celebrate artistic excellence across Mi'kma'ki.
Alan Syliboy grew up believing that native art was generic. "As a youth, I found painting difficult and painful, because I was unsure of my identity." But his confidence grew in 1972 when he studied privately with Shirley Bear. He then attended the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, where 25 years later, he was invited to sit on the Board of Governors. Syliboy looked to the indigenous Mi'kmaq petroglyph tradition for inspiration and developed his own artistic vocabulary out of those forms. His popularization of these symbolic icons has conferred on them a mainstream legitimacy that restores community pride in its Mi'kmaq heritage.
Alan still lives and works in Millbrook, NS, where he was born and raised. He creates his art in his studio in Truro, NS.
This special episode would not be possible without the support of Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council, and the fantastic production work of Heist and Keke Beatz.
Ariana Roberts is a Canadian makeup artist, currently based in Halifax, working primarily in film and TV. Born in Edmonton, and raised in Baltimore, Halifax and two years in Bolgatanga, Ghana. While pursuing a double major in Linguistics and Anthropology at Concordia University in Montréal, she decided to switch gears and went to makeup school at the Blanche MacDonald Centre in Vancouver. She quickly moved to Toronto and worked her way into the indie film industry, cutting her teeth working largely on horror films. After a break from film, she ended up back in Halifax and back in the film industry.
Welcome to a special series of Art Pays Me interviews with the winners of the 2024 Creative Nova Scotia Awards. Presented annually by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council, these awards celebrate artistic excellence across Mi'kma'ki.
Tim Crofts is a first generation Canadian of British and Indian descent. He is an improviser, a traditional non-traditionalist, and/or a non-traditional traditionalist. Tim explores the full sonic capabilities of the acoustic piano through extended techniques and a wide range of piano preparations. He is able to coax a variety of colour and extreme dynamic contrast through employing traditional and non-traditional techniques in tandem. He has performed in numerous settings and collaborated with numerous new music, and improvised organizations including suddenlyLISTEN, Upstream, and the Creative Music Workshop. Crofts is also committed to teaching and mentoring in creative music, and the development of a personal voice.
This special episode would not be possible without the support of Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council, and the fantastic production work of Heist and Keke Beatz.
Welcome to a special series of Art Pays Me interviews with the winners of the 2024 Creative Nova Scotia Awards. Presented annually by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council, these awards celebrate artistic excellence across Mi'kma'ki.
On this episode I spoke with musician and Prix Grand-Pré recipient, Robert Deveaux.
This special episode would not be possible without the support of Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council, and the fantastic production work of Heist and Keke Beatz.
Welcome to a special series of Art Pays Me interviews with the winners of the 2024 Creative Nova Scotia Awards. Presented annually by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council, these awards celebrate artistic excellence across Mi'kma'ki.
On this episode I spoke with Emerging Artist Award recipient, Lux Gow-Habrich (星尘), a multidisciplinary visual artist, facilitator and support worker of mixed second-generation Chinese and German heritage, practicing between Tkarón:to (Toronto, ON) and Kjipuktuk (Halifax, NS).
They blend gestural, craft and creative community practices to redefine our understanding of art and cultural praxis as sacred remedial forces that can deeply transform and mend systems and relationships. Lux’s interest in the body as archive, cultural objects and commemorative practices weave together complex diasporic experiences of loss and belonging, and embodied hybridization in blood and spirit - to unearth individual and collective untold stories and unspoken legacies of disabled, queer grief and empowerment. Committed to developing inclusive creative platforms, and reimagining cultural futures, Lux’s practice is an expression rooted in relational and access dreaming.
This special episode would not be possible without the support of Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council, and the fantastic production work of Heist and Keke Beatz.
Andrea Tsang Jackson is a textile artist, quilt designer, author and educator. After working in various design fields and settings ranging from architecture to museums, the quilting medium called to her as a way to explore place, belonging, and agency.
Andrea and I have now become good art friends since her first appearance on the show. This time we talked about her new book, Quilting: A Modern Creative Journey through an Age-Old Craft, making public art and a collaboration we have in the works.
Chanelle Jefferson is a Canadian mixed media artist and counsellor whose work explores themes of healing, emotion, and connection. Her art has been exhibited internationally, including at Museo Bellini (Florence, Italy), and is held in private collections such as those of Pete Luckett and the MacKay-Lyons family. She was the 2023 Artist-in-Residence at the Lunenburg School of the Arts, where she deepened her exploration of intuitive art. Through The Grief Project and commissioned works, Chanelle continues to push the boundaries of how art can hold space for transformation.
Welcome to a special series of Art Pays Me interviews with the winners of the 2024 Creative Nova Scotia Awards. Presented annually by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council, these awards celebrate artistic excellence across Mi'kma'ki. This would not be possible without the fantastic production work of Heist and Keke Beatz.
On this episode I spoke with 2024 Indigenous Artist recognition Award recipient, Stephanie Joline, an Indigenous filmmaker based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This is Stephanie’s second time on the show so it was great to catch up with her and get vulnerable about feeling like an outsider and deserving of awards.
Equally adept at film and television, Stephanie's stories provoke conversation, break boundaries, and are deeply rooted in inclusivity and feminism. Her feature films include Night Blooms (2022), a coming-of-age story set in the 1990s, and Play Your Gender (2016), a documentary that pulls back the curtain on gender bias in the music industry. Stephanie has also directed for television and streaming platforms; (Women of This Land 2024, CBC; Words Matter 2022, CBC Gem; Stream Me 2020, Amazon Prime; Farm Crime 2020, CBC Gem; Spirit Talker 2019, APTN).
In 2020, she was awarded the Irving Avrich Award from TIFF, recognizing rising Canadian talent. The following year, she was long-listed for the DGC Discovery Award, and in 2022, she received Best Nova Scotia Director from Women in Film and TV Atlantic and won her first Canadian Screen Award for directing in the factual television category.
Stephanie's newest releases include I Place You Into the Fire, which weaves together documentary and animation as Mi'kmaw poet Rebecca Thomas illuminates the ongoing impact of colonization and shares insight into her world as an Indigenous artist. Brought to life by three Indigenous illustrators, the film offers a poignant exploration of empathy and justice.
And Women of This Land, a documentary series that spotlights the resilience and cultural richness of Indigenous women in Atlantic Canada as they share their stories of connection to land and heritage.
Aux Tale Gravy Music Group is a Toronto-based record label, dedicated to developing richness, shifting the culture and changing the status quo in world music. From their cookhouse to the world, Aux Tale Gravy’s dynamic team shares a signature ‘one pot’ recipe of simmering spices, serving a variety of cultural music dishes that ‘feed the people’, everywhere. Aux Tale Gravy is passionate about working with an authentic roster of artists, creating lasting ‘legacy work’ preserving unique sounds in an international commercial music landscape.
Our conversation revolves around the formation and vision of Aux Tale Gravy their roots in Nova Scotia. The label, founded by Reid, NIV, and Kayla, aims to support artists from diverse backgrounds, particularly those from Black and Brown communities. They emphasize a strategic approach to marketing, focusing on authenticity and cultural heritage. The label's name, Aux Tale, symbolizes elevating artists from humble beginnings to prominence. They are currently in a niche selection process for new artists, prioritizing those who align with their vision. The discussion also touches on the importance of ethical practices, teamwork, maintaining authenticity and their artist Siddartha.
Welcome to a special series of Art Pays Me interviews with the winners of the 2024 Creative Nova Scotia Awards. Presented annually by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council, these awards celebrate artistic excellence across Mi'kma'ki. This would not be possible without the fantastic production work of Heist and Keke Beatz.
On this episode I spoke with Established Artist Award recipient, Susanne Chui.
A central figure in Halifax’s contemporary dance community, Susanne became Co-Artistic Director of Mocean Dance in 2012. With Mocean, Susanne has developed roles in works by Heidi Strauss, Serge Bennathan, Tedd Robinson, Lesandra Dodson and Claire French, and co-created Burnwater: Alchemy with Erin Donovan (Hear Here Productions).
Susanne trained professionally at the School of Toronto Dance Theatre and was based in Toronto from 1999-2007. During that time she danced for many independent choreographers and extensively with Yvonne Ng, with whom she toured to Singapore in 2005. She was a founding member of TILT: sound + motion dance company, where she had the pleasure of performing works by some of Canada’s finest choreographers including, Robert Abubo, Marie-Julie Asselin, Bill Coleman, Lesandra Dodson, Deborah Dunn, Sasha Ivanochko, Sharon Moore, and Heidi Strauss.
Since returning to Halifax, Susanne has become immersed in the dance community collaborating with dance artists Jacinte Armstrong, Lesandra Dodson, Veronique MacKenzie, Gwen Noah Dance, Phin Performing Arts, as well as with SiNS, a collective she co-founded in 2005 with Jacinte Armstrong and Sara Coffin. Susanne collaborates across disciplines, working regularly with master musician Jerry Granelli and teaching at Creative Music Workshop, an annual improvisation-based summer program.
As a choreographer she has received funding from Canada Council for the Arts and Arts Nova Scotia and her works have been presented in Moncton, Toronto and in Halifax by Kinetic Studio and the TD Halifax Jazz Festival. She was the first recipient of Kinetic Studio’s Explorations Choreographic Scholarship and was the 2012 recipient of the Diane Moore Creation Scholarship. In 2016 she received the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia’s Masterworks Award, for her role as a dancer in Mocean’s Canvas 5 x 5, choreographed by Tedd Robinson.
An active arts manager, Susanne has worked in various roles in the arts community. She has served on the boards of Live Art Dance Productions, Kinetic Studio and the Legacy Centre for the Performing Arts, and participated on various committees and juries including Arts Nova Scotia, City of Halifax, Nova Scotia Talent Trust and the Canadian Dance Assembly. She is a member of Dancer Transition Resource Centre, Canadian Alliance of Dance Artists and Canadian Dance Assembly.
Elise Campbell is a multimedia artist based in Stillwater Lake, Nova Scotia. Working primarily with wool, silk, and other natural fibres, she creates sculptural pieces that push traditional craft boundaries and the limits of wool as a medium by exploring human-nature relationships through textural forms, histories, and surface design. Utilising both contemporary techniques such as needle felting and nuno felting alongside the traditional craft of wet felting, she creates work that reflects narratives of ecological movement, weaving in themes of environmental stewardship.
Inspired by both found specimens and botanical watercolour illustrations, Elise’s body of work is growing from fungi and algae/kelp to include historical and currently relevant ecology specimens. Elise’s dedication to elevating wool fibre to fine craft is evident in her commitment to innovation and collaboration. Her work has garnered recognition and support from prestigious institutions such as the Canada Council for the Arts, The Robert Pope Foundation, and the Denis Diderot Grant, and has been showcased in galleries across Nova Scotia, British Columbia, and Ontario. Through her creative endeavours, residencies, and an international felting study, Elise strives to both inspire and embrace innovation and collaboration, fostering a collective responsibility to protect and cherish our natural home, Earth.
We talked about our first time meeting through an art jury, her love of felting and why she only recently started identifying as an artist. We also talk about a very raw and beautiful documentary that she starred in called Hold Fast | A Tattoo That Fits and Flows. In this award winning short film by tattoo artist, Chad Harrington Elise generously shares the journey to getting her first tattoo.
Welcome to a special series of Art Pays Me interviews with the winners of the 2024 Creative Nova Scotia Awards. Presented annually by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council, these awards celebrate artistic excellence across Mi'kma'ki. This would not be possible without the fantastic production work of Heist and Keke Beatz.
On this episode I spoke with Emerging Artist Award recipient, Kaashif Ghanie.
Kaashif Ghanie [he/him] is a mixed first generation Guyanese Canadian Muslim Ceramic and Visual Artist working in Kjipuktuk/Halifax in the Wonderneath Art Society KG Ceramics Studio with his partner, Kate Grey. Ghanie's art practice merges historical Islamic vessel shapes and motifs from his family members prayer rugs into a contemporary visual language. He graduated NSCAD University in fall 2015 with a bachelors degree in ceramics and a minor in art history.
Kordeena Clayton is the owner of She Nubian Liberation Art & Apparel, founder of Takin’ BLK Business Initiative Co-operative, co-founder of the Takin’ BLK Gottingen and Markets. A 7th generation descendant of the first African migrants to ever accompany Nova Scotia, a proud African Nova Scotian Queer Visual artist who focuses on the importance of representation of Black and Brown people; Inclusivity and self-embracement. Known for Unapologetically Black and Unapologetically Queer Apparel, photography, graphic and clothing design, film making and painting. Clayton states “Exploring the photograph archives at the Black Loyalist Centre during my art residency May 2022, I was very intrigued by the collection and the style of photography amongst the old photos. I came to the centre with an open mind towards creation and with very few ideas. The twelve portraits displayed in this piece were of the many that spoke and/or stood out to me each day I canvased the albums. Curious about their stories that I may not ever know, their presence and existence should not be forgotten and this is a way to keep them in memoriam.”
Camille Georgeson-Usher, PhD, is a Coast Salish / Sahtu Dene / Scottish writer, artist, and scholar from Galiano Island, British Columbia, unceded territories of the Penelakut and Lamalcha First Nations, as well as other Hul’qumi’num speaking peoples and is the ceded traditional territories of Tsawwassen First Nation.
She is Assistant Professor, Modern and Contemporary Indigenous Art at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC in the department of Art History, Visual Art, and Theory.
Usher completed her MA in Art History at Concordia University. Her thesis, “more than just flesh: the arts as resistance and sexual empowerment,” focused on how the arts may be used as a tool to engage Indigenous youth in discussions of health and sexuality.
In addition to her academic work, she serves on several boards, currently she is: Co-Chair of the Toronto Biennial of Art; a Board Member of the Inspirit Foundation; and Secretary and Board Member of the Canadian Art Foundation.
Cover photo credit Donna Usher
In this throwback to my chats with the participants in our 2023 collaborative exhibition with Haliente – Arte & Movement, I spoke with artist, Beverly McKay.
In this throwback to my chats with the participants in our 2023 collaborative exhibition with Haliente – Arte & Movement, I spoke with artist Mike Kasongo.
Welcome to a special series of Art Pays Me interviews with the winners of the 2024 Creative Nova Scotia Awards. Presented annually by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council, these awards celebrate artistic excellence across Mi'kma'ki. This would not be possible without the fantastic production work of Heist and Keke Beatz.
On this episode I spoke with Emerging Artist Award recipient, Jack Wong. We talk about Jack’s process for producing children’s books as an author and an illustrator, the meditative benefit of shooting the same basketball shot over and over and how the lessons learned from that repetition inform his art practice. We also talk about why having a certain amount of conflict with creative collaborators can actually be a good thing.
In this throwback to my chats with the participants in our 2023 collaborative exhibition with Haliente – Arte & Movement, I spoke with artist Colin Cook.
In this throwback to my chats with the participants in our 2023 collaborative exhibition with Haliente – Arte & Movement, I spoke with artist and educator Kim Cain about the importance of movement in her creative practice and what concepts she feels kids need earlier and more frequent exposure to in the classroom.
Hot yoga sequence: standing to down dog
Hot yoga sequence: supine to bridge
Welcome to a special series of Art Pays Me interviews with the winners of the 2024 Creative Nova Scotia Awards. Presented annually by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council, these awards celebrate artistic excellence across Mi'kma'ki. This would not be possible without the fantastic production work of Heist and Keke Beatz.
On this episode I spoke with playwright, multimedia artist and creative entrepreneur, Tara Taylor – recipient of the 2024 Black Artist Recognition Award.
Multidisciplinary artist Ibe Ananaba describes getting early inspiration from his older brother, exploring different mediums and why his approach to painting is similar to carving. He also takes us on a deep dive into the thinking behind one of his paintings and a lesson he helped me learn from my first experience as a curator.
In this throwback to my chats with the participants in our 2023 collaborative exhibition with Haliente – Arte & Movement, I spoke with Gloire (John) Aelfaz about his multi-disciplinary practice. Despite being relatively new to the Halifax art scene at the time, Gloire managed to find diverse ways to get his work seen while also exploring multiple mediums of expression.
I also reveal the start of a new era for Art Pays Me.
Welcome to a special series of Art Pays Me interviews with the winners of the 2024 Creative Nova Scotia Awards. Presented annually by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council, these awards celebrate artistic excellence across Mi'kma'ki.
In this episode I interviewed Oriana Duinker, Executive Director of the Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia about the amazing ways that they support Nova Scotia's writing community. We also talked about the significance of winning the Creative Community Impact Award and I came away from the chat feeling inspired to write the book I've had in my head for a few years!
This special edition series would not be possible without the fantastic production work of Heist and Keke Beatz.
artpaysme.com
Jennifer O’Connell is a multidisciplinary artist based in New York City. We talk about Jennifer's approach to making art, why it brings meaning to her life and how an unexpected Instagram co-sign from art critic, Jerry Saltz impacted her art practice. Jennifer also talks about fear and the double standards applied to women in the art world.
Marissa Sean Cruz is a digital multimedia and video performance artist from Kjipuktuk (so-called Halifax). Cruz’s topics of interest are related to labour, power and surveillance as seen through digital platforms and pop culture. Their experimental videos comprise found footage, 3D modelling, sound design and costumed performances to look at value systems with critical sensibility. These satirical works aim to capture a fast-paced contemporary present and envision possible, liberatory futures.
Presented by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council, the Creative Nova Scotia Awards celebrate excellence in artistic achievement.
Award categories are as follows:
- Creative Community Impact
- Prix Grand-Pré
- Established Artist
- Emerging Artist
- Black Artist
- Indigenous Artist
- And finally, The Portia White Prize that is given to a person who has made outstanding and significant contributions to Nova Scotia’s creative community over a sustained career – much like the incredible woman that the award is named after. The winner will also choose an emerging artist or cultural organization that they feel deserve recognition.
Collectively, the awards are worth $75,000! Visit artsns.ca to nominate your favourite Nova Scotian artist or be a boss and nominate your self!
This series would not be possible without the fantastic production work of Heist and Keke Beatz.
artpaysme.com
Lydia Zimmer, a graduate of The Boston Conservatory (BFA ’11), is a dancer and choreographer in Halifax, NS. Lydia has created several works supported by Canada Council for the Arts and Arts Nova Scotia. These include 'Bonne Nuit,' Live Art Dance (2016); 'Embankment,' Votive Dance (2017, 2021); 'Sonderlings,' Nostos Collectives (2018), 'Sonderling,' Festival of Dance Annapolis Royal (2019) & 'Extremophile,' FODAR (2021).
Recent creations include 'Mercurials' commissioned by Mocean Dance (2022), a work for The Boston Conservatory's First-year students (2023), and 'Xenofauna', which was created for Atlantic Ballet Theatre's ImpactFest 2023 during a residency with the company. In the summer of 2023 Lydia launched ZIMMERDANS at Festival of Dance Annapolis Royal where an excerpt of The Devil’s Intervals was performed, a full-length work that premiered through Live Art Dance in December 2023.
Presented by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council, the Creative Nova Scotia Awards celebrate excellence in artistic achievement.
Award categories are as follows:
- Creative Community Impact
- Prix Grand-Pré
- Established Artist
- Emerging Artist
- Black Artist
- Indigenous Artist
- And finally, The Portia White Prize that is given to a person who has made outstanding and significant contributions to Nova Scotia’s creative community over a sustained career – much like the incredible woman that the award is named after. The winner will also choose an emerging artist or cultural organization that they feel deserve recognition.
Collectively, the awards are worth $75,000! Visit artsns.ca to nominate your favourite Nova Scotian artist or be a boss and nominate your self!
This series would not be possible without the fantastic production work of Heist and Keke Beatz.
artpaysme.com
Nancy E. Oakley is a Mi'kmaq/Wampanoag artist who was raised in Mashpee, Massachuttes but now lives and works on the Eskasoni First Nation Reserve in NS She is a graduate of the Institute of American Indian arts in Santa Fe, NM and studied for a year at NSCAD, taking courses in Photography, ceramics, weaving and jewellery making. Through softly curved pottery forms created by hand or by the wheel. Nancy creates culturally significant pieces that imbue her spiritual and traditional knowledge and honor her role as a mother. Her process is a collaboration with the land. Clay harvested from mother earth and shaped by hand Pieces are stone polished and smoke fired outdoors with fir tips, seaweed and sawdust imprinting beautiful smokey finishes. Her pots are adorned with traditional Mi'kmaq embellishments such as black ash, beadwork and/or braided sweetgrass. Nancy is a mother of 6 and grandmother of 5.
Presented by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council, the Creative Nova Scotia Awards celebrate excellence in artistic achievement.
Award categories are as follows:
- Creative Community Impact
- Prix Grand-Pré
- Established Artist
- Emerging Artist
- Black Artist
- Indigenous Artist
- And finally, The Portia White Prize that is given to a person who has made outstanding and significant contributions to Nova Scotia’s creative community over a sustained career – much like the incredible woman that the award is named after. The winner will also choose an emerging artist or cultural organization that they feel deserve recognition.
- Collectively, the awards are worth $75,000!
- Visit artsns.ca to nominate your favourite Nova Scotian artist or be a boss and nominate your self!
This series would not be possible without the fantastic production work of Heist and Keke Beatz.
artpaysme.com
Juanita Peters is known by many people, as many things. She is an actor, journalist, news anchor and playwright, film and theatre director.
As a writer and director some of her films include:
- I Made a Vow
- Hannah’s Story
- Africville Can’t stop Now
- 8:37 Rebirth…which has picked up multiple awards in Canada, New York, London and Paris.
Juanita Peters directed two seasons of the Film Nova Scotia Award winning dramatic series “Studio Black” and the multiaward-winning television series DIGGSTOWN.
As a playwright she has given us:
- The San Family
- The Mother Club
- I M Possible
- The Green Book
Founding member of Women In Film and Television Atlantic and Found-ing member of Atlantic Canada’s newest multicultural festival Nova Mul-tiFest.
Presented by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council, the Creative Nova Scotia Awards celebrate excellence in artistic achievement.
Award categories are as follows:
- Creative Community Impact
- Prix Grand-Pré
- Established Artist
- Emerging Artist
- Black Artist
- Indigenous Artist
- And finally, The Portia White Prize that is given to a person who has made outstanding and significant contributions to Nova Scotia’s creative community over a sustained career – much like the incredible woman that the award is named after. The winner will also choose an emerging artist or cultural organization that they feel deserve recognition.
- Collectively, the awards are worth $75,000!
- Visit artsns.ca to nominate your favourite Nova Scotian artist or be a boss and nominate your self!
This series would not be possible without the fantastic production work of Heist and Keke Beatz.
artpaysme.com
Jah'Mila is a reggae singer from Kingston, Jamaica, now based in Atlantic Canada. With a deep-rooted love for traditional roots reggae, her music blends the vibrant spirit of Jamaican roots music with elements of jazz and modern soul. She has been blessed to share stages with renowned acts like The Wailers, Black Uhuru, and Groundation, which has enriched her journey as a reggae artist and cultural ambassador.
Jah’Mila is passionate about social justice and uses her music as a platform for both a form of entertainment and activism, advocating for community, inclusion, and support for the arts.
Presented by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council, the Creative Nova Scotia Awards celebrate excellence in artistic achievement.
Award categories are as follows:
- Creative Community Impact
- Prix Grand-Pré
- Established Artist
- Emerging Artist
- Black Artist
- Indigenous Artist
- And finally, The Portia White Prize that is given to a person who has made outstanding and significant contributions to Nova Scotia’s creative community over a sustained career – much like the incredible woman that the award is named after. The winner will also choose an emerging artist or cultural organization that they feel deserve recognition.
- Collectively, the awards are worth $75,000!
- Visit artsns.ca to nominate your favourite Nova Scotian artist or be a boss and nominate your self!
This series would not be possible without the fantastic production work of Heist and Keke Beatz.
artpaysme.com
Garry Williams is an actor, director, singer, writer, musical director, and composer-lyricist.
He received a Merritt Award for his performance as Polonius/Gravedigger in Hamlet, and for his original score for KAMP. Previous nominations include Gloucester in King Lear, Ambrose in The Miracle Man, and Isaac in A Tournament of Lies. His Merritt-nominated scores include Pinocchio, as well as Crypthand, Twelfth Night, Peter Pan and Eduard II/The Jew of Malta.
He has written over a dozen additional scores, scripts, and appeared in countless productions in Nova Scotia, and across Canada. He has co-created experimental works including Café DaPoPo and DaPoPo’s The Drinking Game as DaPoPo Theatre’s Artistic Director, and curated the Live-In Festival for ten years.
Most recently, he wrote music & lyrics for Rain on the Parade, musically directed the River Clyde Pageant: A Windfall in the Hollow, and directed A Beginner’s Guide to the Night Sky.
Presented by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council, the Creative Nova Scotia Awards celebrate excellence in artistic achievement.
Award categories are as follows:
- Creative Community Impact
- Prix Grand-Pré
- Established Artist
- Emerging Artist
- Black Artist
- Indigenous Artist
- And finally, The Portia White Prize that is given to a person who has made outstanding and significant contributions to Nova Scotia’s creative community over a sustained career – much like the incredible woman that the award is named after. The winner will also choose an emerging artist or cultural organization that they feel deserve recognition.
Collectively, the awards are worth $75,000! Visit artsns.ca to nominate your favourite Nova Scotian artist or be a boss and nominate your self!
This series would not be possible without the fantastic production work of Heist and Keke Beatz.
artpaysme.com
Arte & Movement is a series featuring artists who exhibited work during the Halifax Salsa & Bachata Festival.
Dedicated to the crafts-womanship of monster making, Elanor’s practice focuses on creating other worldly creature masks and coordinated prosthetics aiming to animate the uncanny in the film industry.
Moses Diallo is the director and owner of Haliente Creative Studio, an organization in founded in 2017 to increase the awareness of Afro-Latin dance in Nova Scotia, especially in the City of Halifax.
He started the Halifax Salsa & Bachata Festival (formerly “Salsa on Argyle”) to encourage community engagement through the medium of dance. Moses believes this event proves that the language of dance is universal.
African Nova Scotian Music Association (ANSMA) are recipients of the 2023 Creative Nova Scotia award’s Community Impact Award. On this episode, I chat with Julien Matwawana, their first Executive Director about who they are and their impact on Nova Scotia’s music industry.
This series of Creative NS award winner interviews would not be possible without the support of Arts Nova Scotia, The Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council, Heist and Keke Beatz. Visit artsns.ca to nominate a Nova Scotia based artist or apply for awards and grants for yourself.
Meet Amanda Spriggs a Halifax/Dartmouth based comedian. Amanda and I have been pocket pals as she puts it for a long time and it was nice to get to know more about her views on life, the Halifax comedy scene and relationships.
Welcome to a special series of Art Pays Me interviews with the winners of the 2023 Creative Nova Scotia Awards.
Presented by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council, the Creative Nova Scotia Awards celebrate excellence in artistic achievement.
Award categories are as follows:
- Creative Community Impact
- Prix Grand-Pré
- Established Artist
- Emerging Artist
- Black Artist
- Indigenous Artist
- And finally, The Portia White Prize that is given to a person who has made outstanding and significant contributions to Nova Scotia’s creative community over a sustained career – much like the incredible woman that the award is named after. The winner will also choose an emerging artist or cultural organization that they feel deserve recognition.
Collectively, these awards are worth $75,000! Visit artsns.ca to nominate your favourite Nova Scotia based artist or be a boss and nominate yourself!
This series would not be possible without the fantastic production work of Heist and Keke Beatz.
On this episode I got to chat with Emerging Artist Award winner, Koumbie (she/they) and special guest Eleanor (she/her). Koumbie talks about how their interest in dance and performance arts led to script writing, filmmaking and becoming one of the first on-set intimacy coordinators in Nova Scotia.
On this episode, I chat with a chef for the first time on the podcast! Michelin-trained Gabrielle LeGuerrier, Head Chef of GourmetGab Events and Pertu gives some insight into the private dining events that she hosts with her husband, European Sommelier, Gabor Bodo.
Welcome to a special series of Art Pays Me interviews with the winners of the 2022 Creative Nova Scotia Awards. The awards are presented annually by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council.
The goal is to celebrate excellence in artistic achievement – notably, the Portia White Prize. Winners of the Prix Grand Pré, the Established Artist, Emerging Artist, Indigenous Artist Recognition and Black Artist Recognition awards as well as the Creative Community Impact Award are also honoured. Collectively, the awards are worth $75,000.
Visit artsns.ca to nominate a Nova Scotia based artist or apply for awards and grants for yourself.
On this episode I chat with 2022 Creative Nova Scotia Emerging Artist Recognition Award recipient, I’thandi Munro. I’thandi is a multi-disciplinary artist whose love of movement travels through all of her art from metalsmithing to dance. We talk about the value of sticking with the first idea you feel strongly about in the creative process, being inspired by your children and the freedom that mastering your craft through repetition offers artists.
Welcome to a special series of Art Pays Me interviews with the winners of the 2022 Creative Nova Scotia Awards. The awards are presented annually by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council.
The goal is to celebrate excellence in artistic achievement – notably, the Portia White Prize. Winners of the Prix Grand Pré, the Established Artist, Emerging Artist, Indigenous Artist Recognition and Black Artist Recognition awards as well as the Creative Community Impact Award are also honoured. Collectively, the awards are worth $75,000.
Visit artsns.ca to nominate a Nova Scotia based artist or apply for awards and grants for yourself.
On this episode I chat with Prix Grand Pré Award winner, Clara Dugas about being a professional storyteller. Clara tells us how she realized that her very personal stories were impactful when they helped her connect with students in her previous career as a teacher and how the passion blossomed from there.
Welcome to a special series of Art Pays Me interviews with the winners of the 2022 Creative Nova Scotia Awards. The awards are presented annually by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council.
The goal is to celebrate excellence in artistic achievement – notably, the Portia White Prize. Winners of the Prix Grand Pré, the Established Artist, Emerging Artist, Indigenous Artist Recognition and Black Artist Recognition awards as well as the Creative Community Impact Award are also honoured. Collectively, the awards are worth $75,000.
Visit artsns.ca to nominate a Nova Scotia based artist or apply for awards and grants for yourself.
On this episode I chat with 2022 Creative Nova Scotia Emerging Artist Recognition Award recipient, Tyshan Wright. We talk about Tyson’s creative process and how Jamaica and Nova Scotia’s intertwined histories influence his work.
Art Pays Me is sponsored and produced by Glitterati Communications.
Welcome to a special series of Art Pays Me interviews with the winners of the 2022 Creative Nova Scotia Awards. The awards are presented annually by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council.
The goal is to celebrate excellence in artistic achievement – notably, the Portia White Prize. Winners of the Prix Grand Pré, the Established Artist, Emerging Artist, Indigenous Artist Recognition and Black Artist Recognition awards as well as the Creative Community Impact Award are also honoured. Collectively, the awards are worth $75,000.
Visit artsns.ca to nominate a Nova Scotia based artist or apply for awards and grants for yourself.
On this episode I chat with dancer, Sarah Prosper about receiving the Indigenous Artist Recognition Award, and how she’s living a life of dance.
Welcome to a special series of Art Pays Me interviews with the winners of the 2022 Creative Nova Scotia Awards. The awards are presented annually by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council.
The goal is to celebrate excellence in artistic achievement – notably, the Portia White Prize. Winners of the Prix Grand Pré, the Established Artist, Emerging Artist, Indigenous Artist Recognition and Black Artist Recognition awards as well as the Creative Community Impact Award are also honoured. Collectively, the awards are worth $75,000.
Visit artsns.ca to nominate a Nova Scotia based artist or apply for awards and grants for yourself.
On this episode I chat with Nova Scotian music legend, Cyndi Cain about her music, spirituality and winning the Portia White Prize. We also talked about the meaning behind her brand, ‘We Been Here’ and why she’s passionate about working with creative youth.
On this episode I chat with Ash Young, the Executive Director of the Inverness County Centre for the Arts. They are the recipient of the Creative Community Impact Award for. Ash gives some insight into the centre's beginnings, their program offerings and why they are important to Inverness County and Beyond.
We talk about early days as an artist and letting go of fear to make the work we were meant to create. We also talk about the role of spirituality in her music and why I should commit to my goal of one day visiting Africa.
In addition to the music, Domanique is truly an enterprising artist with a lot on the go; to start, she has landed major sync placements with L’Oreal Paris, Unilever Brands (Dove, Vaseline, Shea Moisture) and more, Led a sold-out TEDx Talk with a full performance, Featured at Uganda’s Pepsi World AIDS Day for audience of 40,000+, has headlined her own shows and opened for TIFF film premieres to Mr. Vegas, Grammy-Award Winning artists Eddy Kenzo and Wale, to being the featured performer at events including Black Diamond Ball Awards, the United Nations, and more. Domanique produced RBC's The Imagine Summit, supporting artist-entrepreneurs in imagining beyond the limitations of the current global climate, by offering exclusive access to industry leaders, mindfulness training and financial resources.
Connect with Domanique: Website | Spotify| Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube
Welcome to a special series of Art Pays Me interviews with the winners of the 2022 Creative Nova Scotia Awards. The awards are presented annually by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council.
The goal is to celebrate excellence in artistic achievement – notably, the Portia White Prize. Winners of the Prix Grand Pré, the Established Artist, Emerging Artist, Indigenous Artist Recognition and Black Artist Recognition awards as well as the Creative Community Impact Award are also honoured. Collectively, the awards are worth $75,000.
Visit artsns.ca to nominate a Nova Scotia based artist or apply for awards and grants for yourself.
On this episode I chat with 2022 Creative Nova Scotia Emerging Artist Recognition Award recipient, Andre Fenton. Andre talks about his early interest in writing, telling stories and his yearning for characters that reflected his experience and his community. Today he's creating those stories and characters himself. We talk about Andre's creative process and he lets us know what it means to him to be acknowledged for his contributions to the Nova Scotian creative scene.
Martins Madumere is an artist who’s difficult to put in a box. His diverse interests and penchant for developing new skills has given him some valuable perspectives on life and creativity. We discussed his 30 minute a day philosophy when it comes to learning and how it’s like “putting in reps” as an athlete. We also talk about society wanting us to pick one identity when the reality is that we can be artists and athletes and more.
Welcome to a special series of Art Pays Me interviews with the winners of the 2022 Creative Nova Scotia Awards. The awards are presented annually by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council.
The goal is to celebrate excellence in artistic achievement – notably, the Portia White Prize. Winners of the Prix Grand Pré, the Established Artist, Emerging Artist, Indigenous Artist Recognition and Black Artist Recognition awards as well as the Creative Community Impact Award are also honoured. Collectively, the awards are worth $75,000.
Visit artsns.ca to nominate a Nova Scotia based artist or apply for awards and grants for yourself.
On this episode I chat with 2022 Creative Nova Scotia Black Artist Recognition Award recipient Tonya "Sam'Gwan" Paris. We talk about the influence of her intersecting identities on her art and how daily life and ancestral experiences add meaning.
Welcome to a special series of Art Pays Me interviews with the winners of the 2022 Creative Nova Scotia Awards. The awards are presented annually by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council.
The goal is to celebrate excellence in artistic achievement – notably, the Portia White Prize. Winners of the Prix Grand Pré, the Established Artist, Emerging Artist, Indigenous Artist Recognition and Black Artist Recognition awards as well as the Creative Community Impact Award are also honoured. Collectively, the awards are worth $75,000.
Visit artsns.ca to nominate a Nova Scotia based artist or apply for awards and grants for yourself.
On this episode I chat with 2022 Creative Nova Scotia Black Artist Recognition Award recipient Tonya "Sam'Gwan" Paris. We talk about the influence of her intersecting identities on her art and how daily life and ancestral experiences add meaning.
Welcome to a special series of Art Pays Me interviews with the winners of the 2022 Creative Nova Scotia Awards. The awards are presented annually by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council.
The goal is to celebrate excellence in artistic achievement – notably, the Portia White Prize. Winners of the Prix Grand Pré, the Established Artist, Emerging Artist, Indigenous Artist Recognition and Black Artist Recognition awards as well as the Creative Community Impact Award are also honoured. Collectively, the awards are worth $75,000.
Visit artsns.ca to nominate a Nova Scotia based artist or apply for awards and grants for yourself.
On this episode, I speak with Creative Nova Scotia Established Artist Recognition Award Winner Frances Dorsey. You might remember Frances from our Craft Pays Me series. Frances is primarily a fibre based artist whose work is very much informed by – and in some instances in collaboration with nature. We discuss how her fascination with plant life both under and above ground impacts her practice and how it feels to be acknowledged for her work.
Art Pays Me is a production of Glitterati Communications. This award series is co-produced by Heist and Keke Beatz Films.
Singer-songwriter, STORRY talks about the importance of diversifying your skills when you’re an independent artist, moving to London to further her music career and how she brings operatic sauce to songs she’s featured on.
We also talk about working with UK artist, Stormzy, the release of her deluxe album, CHIII The Come Up and why she brings awareness to sex trafficking in her art.
Welcome to a special series of Art Pays Me interviews with the winners of the 2022 Creative Nova Scotia Awards. The awards are presented annually by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council.
The goal is to celebrate excellence in artistic achievement – notably, the Portia White Prize. Winners of the Prix Grand Pré, the Established Artist, Emerging Artist, Indigenous Artist Recognition and Black Artist Recognition awards as well as the Creative Community Impact Award are also honoured. Collectively, the awards are worth $75,000.
Visit artsns.ca to nominate a Nova Scotia based artist or apply for awards and grants for yourself.
On this episode, I speak with Creative Nova Scotia Emerging Artist Award Winner Séamus Gallagher. We talk about some of the challenges and benefits of living and working as an artist in Nova Scotia, how they manage their multi-disciplinary creative practice and how it feels to be acknowledged for their work.
Art Pays Me is a production of Glitterati Communications. This award series is co-produced by Heist and Keke Beatz Films.
On this episode, I chat with Singer songwriter & Healer, Amai Kuda et Les Bois about their new album, the challenge of following multiple passions and the impact of truly living the message in your art. This podcast is a production of Glitterati Communications.
On this episode, I chat with writer, actor and director Jackie Torrens of Peep Media about how she became a filmmaker. We also discuss her latest documentary film, Bernie Langille Wants To Know What Happened To Bernie Langille. The story follows Bernie, a man on a journey to better understand a tragedy that impacted his family for multiple generations.
On this episode of Art Pays Me, I chatted with singer Nikki Yanofsky about the journey back to her roots in Jazz music. Nikki shares what it was like blowing up at a young age and getting the chance to be mentored and work with legends like Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock. We also talk about Nikki’s now project, ‘Nikki by Starlight’, why she recorded it on a vintage RCA 77C microphone and what causes God to walk out of the room during the creative process.
On this solo episode I share some exciting news and discuss why our parent company, Glitterati Communications will be more visible going forward.
On this episode I chat with my friend – Architect, Omar Gandhi about how we met, what it’s like receiving global accolades for your work and why he values keeping his practice small.
We also talk about winning the bid to design large cultural institutions like the new building for the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and why smaller projects like the Blue House are just as, if not more important.
When I first started this podcast, Omar was one of the first people I wanted to speak to. He told me that he was down to do the show but I admit that I was too intimidated to lock him in for an interview.
I’m excited to finally have him on! See what Omar’s up to on Instagram.
Artist and producer Waants and I talk about his new music and what it means to be in your “flop era”. We also talk about how success as an artist is sometimes less about technical proficiency and more about how well you’re able to connect with people.
Artist and producer Waants and I talk about his new music and what it means to be in your “flop era”. We also talk about how success as an artist is sometimes less about technical proficiency and more about how well you’re able to connect with people.
Singer-songwriter Bruno Capinan hopped on the podcast to talk about their new album Tara Rara and producing art that challenges racial, gender and sexual conventions.
Singer-songwriter Bruno Capinan hopped on the podcast to talk about their new album Tara Rara and producing art that challenges racial, gender and sexual conventions.
On this episode I chat with JUNO-nominated artist, hill of iamhill about her creative interests, collaborating with Mike Schlosser, Web3 and her feelings about the relationship between art and technology.
In this episode I chat with singer-songwriter Teagon Johnston – except she/they are so much more than that. Teagan, like many of us is exploring creativity in multiple areas including, modelling, acting and writing. We talked about working in these different spaces, travel, changing their artist name from Little Coyote to her government name and why coyotes continue to be significant to her identity. Your can learn more about Teagan by checking out her website and following her on Instagram.
Artist Miya Bailey breaks down his art origin story, how he pursues his many creative outlets from tattooing to sculpture, and how his latest enterprise Peter Street Station Is helping him fulfill his personal mission of elevating Black artists in Atlanta. We also talked about why women are the shit, how our egos get us in trouble as men and the conflict artists have with capitalism.
Singer-songwriter Ria Mae shares what happened after her first hit song, why age doesn’t matter for musicians anymore and why it’s a good thing when people don’t know who you are. We also talk about her new album, Therapy.
Multidisciplinary creative, Omar “Oms” Hopkinson discusses how his roots in Toronto’s hip hop scene led him to work on diverse projects across the visual spectrum. We talk about how to stay true to yourself even when your interests vary and why he refers to himself as a creator instead of an artist.
Artist, Designer and Co-Founder of Choice, Jonathan Smith shares how this new app helps artists connect with one another, form little sub-communities, and share weird and unique work that they create and discover.
Filmmaker Stephanie Joline and I discuss tapping into our shame to create art, leaning into controversy and her latest film, Night Blooms.
Stephanie's website
Visual Artist, Kristina Elise Søbstad and I talk about leaning into what feels natural for you as an artist and balancing that with what sells. We also talk about the importance of having real life experiences to feed the work that we create.
Kristina Online
- Website
Ally Thatcher is one of my favourite designers. I love how she skillfully makes hilarious subversive statements about culture that appeal to design nerds and regular folk alike. We talk about her brand Fallen Cargo, Black culture, satire in design and making work that functions as activism. We even discuss NFTs and what they mean for artists.
Follow Ally on Instagram
Listen to Ally's beats
Cover photo by Yamiche
On this special episode I chat with artist Boma Nnaji. I've followed Boma on Instagram for a while but never had a chance to talk to him until we were paired up in the Visual Arts Nova Scotia Mentorship Program. We talk about his paintings, the motivation behind his work and the role gallery representation plays in his career.
Boma Online
- Website
Presented by Glitterati
I spoke with fashion stylist and digital artist Emily Chase about shifting the direction of an art career, influencer marketing and why it’s important to set professional boundaries.
Emily Online
- TikTok
For the first time on Art Pays Me, I speak with a tattoo artist. Nadia Katherine and I talk about how to get into the tattoo industry, her influences and the diverse skillset needed to be successful as a tattoo artist.
Nadia on Instagram
Interdisciplinary Artist, Letitia Fraser discusses her roots as an artist, her experience in art school and why Black portrait artists are important right now. We also talk about why staying independent of galleries can be a good thing for artists.
Letitia Online
- Website
Musician and writer Cadence Weapon discusses his approach to making songs and how his obsession with rap guided him early on. We also talked about becoming more politically engaged to influence change in society, why Houston is the Edmonton of the South and Dave Chappelle’s The Closer.
Cadence Weapon Online
- Website
- Newsletter
KTheChosen is a Zimbabwe born hip-hop artist and activist based in Calgary Alberta. We talked about his music, activism, the importance of knowing what you care about most in the creative process and crediting collaborators for their roles.
KTheChosen Online
- Spotify
- KTheChosen
Rapid fire conversations with new Craft Nova Scotia members, Adam McNamara of Acadian Mushrooms, Jessie Marshall of Jessie Louise Design, Jennifer McDonald of Vivid Vision Bags, Funmi Odeniyi of Michnat Fashion and Peter and Luci Wile of LuPe Leather who will all be participating in the Craft Nova Scotia Winter Craft Show.
Links
- Craft Nova Scotia
- Acadian Mushrooms
- Jessie Louise Design
- Vivid Vision Bags
- Micnhat Fashion
- Lupe Leather
Husband and Wife creative duo, Mike and Kristen talk about collaboration, the process of making their new travel book, You and Me, and their respective approaches to making art. We also talk about the unsexy parts of making and releasing a creativity based commercial product and what’s scary about making the leap to full-time creative.
Mike and Kristen Online
- Website
- Mike and Kristen on Instagram
- Mike on Instagram
- Kristen on Instagram
- The Town Heroes on Instagram
In this episode with Christine Goudie, Co-Founder + CEO of Granville Biomedical, we talk about design in the medical, research and development space. We discuss when you should or shouldn’t say no to opportunities and why Granville Biomedical chose to pivot during the pandemic. Christine also talks about the importance of treating your creative practice like a business, and some common mistakes that entrepreneurs make.
Christine Online
- Granville Biomedical
- Granville Swab
Vancouver based band daysormay talk about how they started making music and how they’ve made the best of the pandemic. We also talk about their new album, Just Existing and why putting a deadline on your success can be unhelpful.
daysormay online
- Website
- YouTube
- TikTok
- Twitch
Graphic Designer and Educator Amy Batchelor shares what it’s like doing exhibition design for the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. We nerd out about design and creativity and Amy’s experience as Casual Faculty at the Nova Scotia Community College. Amy also gives advice about what to include in your portfolio and why it’s important to know yourself when thinking about your career in design or art.
Amy's Website
John Orpheus is a Trinidadian musician and writer based in Toronto. We talked about his upbringing, his thoughts on creativity, his new book Saga Boy and the musical companion to it – his album, Saga King.
John Online
- Website
- YouTube
On the 100th episode of Art Pays Me, Designer, Author and Professor Reginé Gilbert shares how her background in fashion, psychology and project management influence her work in user experience, accessibility design and education. We also talk about how transferable skills can be applied to different industries, how Reginé’s dad inspired her to become a very accomplished public speaker and so much more.
Reginé Online
- Website
Rebekah Higgs and I talk about the latest season of home renovation show, DIY Mom that she both hosts and produces. We get into how she runs her business, being a mom and the influence of God in her life. She also talks about her parent’s influence, her background as a performer and how leaning into creative opportunities led her to where she is today.
Rebekah Online
- YouTube
- diymom.ca
- Matriarch Productions
- DIY Mom Show
Jenny Lea, Mikey J Blige and Amine Bouzaher of genre bending band, I M U R share how they fought through writer's block to create their latest album, My Molecules. They talk about their collaborative writing and producing process, playing shows and how they’ve grown during their 6 years of making music together. The trio also talk about the importance of taking the professional side of music seriously in order to get to the next level.
I M U R online
- Website
- TikTok
- YouTube
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Photographer Amy Eaton gives some insight into her path to photography, her business and why she incorporated teaching online courses. We also talk about the importance of nurturing creativity in children and learn about Amy’s podcast, Bold Company that features unscripted conversations with entrepreneurs and creators.
Amy Online
- Website
- Facbook
- YouTube
Jenn talks about how the pandemic gave her a chance to learn new skills that have made her more independent as an artist and discuss why we wish we took more classes during our time at NSCADU. She also talks about her collection of covers of Canadian classics, her cover of Eye Of The Tiger being featured on multiple shows and her new variety show, Jenny Town.
Jenn Online
- Covers Playlist on Spotify
- Jenn on YouTube
- Website
UK based Jewelry designer and academic, Melanie Eddy talks about her work, her beginnings in Bermuda and how teaching at Central Saint Martins impacts her practice. We also talk about addressing social justice as a creative and why we think being Bermudian is a super power.
Melanie Online
- Website
Textile Artist and Printmaker Julie Rosvall discusses her process, her solo exhibition, Iterations, at Harvest Gallery and how Craft Nova Scotia supports crafters in Nova Scotia. We also talk about why it’s ok to not have it all figured out and the importance of community.
Julie Online
- Website
- Textile Instagram
- Textile Twitter
- Textile Facebook
- Printmaking Instagram
- Printmaking Twitter
- Printmaking Facebook
Artist and Designer Tafui shares her journey from Jamaica to Canada, how culture influences her work and why her dad’s lessons were so impactful. We also talk about why it’s important to be open to diverse perspectives in art, design and life and how she's helping Black students pursue a creative education.
Tafui online
- Print Fundraiser
- Website
Visual Artist Christopher Webb talks about the meaning behind his paintings and how training in boxing taught him how fear can be productive for artists. We also talk about his business, Pavia Gallery - Espresso Bar & Café, his segment on Global Television called Visual Arts Abstract and his recent exhibition at Acadia University Art Gallery.
Christopher Online
- Website
I speak with artists Kris Reppas and Emily Sheppard about their recent exhibition of death shrouds called, Across the Fire and what it’s been like as an art student during a global pandemic. We talk about “death positivity”, how their latest project addresses mortality and how our cultures inform our relationship with grief.
On the final episode of the Craft Pays Me series, Artist and Jewellery Designer, K. Claire MacDonald talks about the symbolism in her work and the importance of sharing the stories that go with it. We also talk about how having secondary creative outlets can influence your primary pursuit, what she learns from going for a daily run, her experience doing an artist residency and the business behind being a jewellery designer. Thank you to Craft Nova Scotia for making this series possible and Arts Nova Scotia for the additional support.
K. Claire online
- Website
Award-winning musician/composer, sound and video designer, performer and theatre creator, Aaron Collier talks about why he loves to tell stories as both a performer on stage and a designer behind the scenes. We also talk about his experience playing in the Jimmy Swift Band and starring in and creating the live mixed reality show, Frequencies, presented by Heist.
Bookbinder Rhonda Miller shares with us what bookbinding is and how she found herself working in this medium. She also talks about how she was able to grow her customer base, factoring in your experience level when pricing your work and why she has a diverse service offering.
Rhonda Online:
- My Handbound Books Blog
- Scotia Bookbinding Website
I recently had the pleasure of participating in Black Designers Connect, a workshop panel that’s part of the Black Diamond Ball, an annual event that celebrates Black culture across Canada. The panel was hosted by Dr. Dori Tunstall, Dean of Design at OCAD University who also happens to be the first Black woman to be Dean of a Faculty of Design. I’ve been an admirer of her for a while so I was deeply honoured to be asked to participate in this panel with fellow Artist and Designer Tafui. We shared some of our business strategies, discussed the implication of being a Black person in the creative industry and the social responsibility that comes with it. I thought that the conversation would be valuable to you so I asked if I could share it on the podcast and everyone agreed. You can also watch it in video form at artpaysme.com.
Artist, Frances Dorsey and I talked about her creative process and why she avoids putting a label on her art. We also talked about how the chance discovery of a book on weaving set her on the path she’s on today, how studying and then teaching at the university level impacted her practice. We learn about her latest project, Plant Kingdom and why you should just “Go for it”. Thank you to Craft Nova Scotia for making this series possible and Arts Nova Scotia for the additional support.
Frances Online:
- Website
I spoke with performance artist, musician and producer Russell Louder (they/them) about their creative process and the meaning behind some of the songs on their new album, Humor. We also talked about coping through the pandemic, what it’s like working with a record label and why it’s important for them to be involved in the writing and production of their music.
Russell Online
- Listen to Humor
Woodcarver Jennifer Marlow discusses her creative process, common subjects in her work and how she balances the various aspects of her practice that includes independent projects, commissions and teaching. Thank you to Craft Nova Scotia for making this series possible and Arts Nova Scotia for the additional support.
Jennifer Online:
- Website
Singer-songwriter and performer, Gisun talks about her new collaborative cover of Violeta Parra’s song Gracias a la Vida that she initiated to raise awareness for the benefits of music therapy. The song features fellow musicians Ada Lea, Sans Soucis, Bianca Muñiz, Joy Morales, Luz Pinos, Alper Tuzcu and Stephen Orr. We also talk about how Gisun’s intersecting cultural identities impact who she is and ultimately the type of music she creates, the importance of approaching your art with an open mind and heart and what she has in store for the future.
Gisun Online
- Website
Gracias a La Vida Project
- Gracias a La Vida GoFundMe
Lori Nason, The Fused Glass Diva shares how she turned a hobby in glass into a business after working in studios in the US. We talk about the origin of the Diva moniker, how painting plays a part in her process and why she’s drawn to glass as a medium. We also got into the importance of pricing your products appropriately and how language is important when marketing your work. Thank you to Craft Nova Scotia for making this series possible and Arts Nova Scotia for the additional support.
Lori Online:
- Website
Musician and Filmmaker Mobley talks about his new record, Young & Dying in the Occident Supreme and how he inserts important topics into very catchy pop songs. Mobley also does his own visual work so we dig into the benefit and challenges of being a multi-disciplinary artist, how being Black changes how your work is perceived and how artists can be exploited by capitalism on social media and streaming platforms.
Mobley online
Mobleywho.com
In episode one of the six part Craft Pays Me Series, I speak with Ceramic Artist, Toni Losey about her creative process, her influences and managing a creative practice that includes both functional and boundary pushing sculptural work. We also talk about how having different aspects of your practice can make promoting yourself on social media complicated, adjusting to the pandemic and how she was able to get the attention of both retailers and galleries. Thank you to Craft Nova Scotia for making this series possible and Arts Nova Scotia for the additional support.
Toni Online
- Website
I spoke with Elizabeth Rodriguez and Magdelys Savigne of Toronto-based JUNO-nominated and Independent Music Award winning Afro-Cuban jazz ensemble OKAN. We discussed their latest album, Espiral, how COVID-19 has impacted their work and why their Afro-Cuban heritage is so important to their art. We also discussed the impacts of colonialism and some aspects of Cuban culture that are often misunderstood.
OKAN online:
- Website
- YouTube
Multidisciplinary Creative, Perri Furbert discusses how following her passion for revamping shoes led to opportunities in wardrobe styling and eventually her Gold The Label brand. We discuss her product development process, having a hit product like her Girlfriends Tee, and the role God plays in her creative process. She also talks about the importance of business knowledge in a creative pursuit and the unglamorous moments that can arise in a business that looks glamorous on the outside.
Perri Online
- Personal Website
- Gold The Label Website
- Perri on Instagram
- Gold The Label on Instagram
R&B singer Keonté Beals talks about his transition from singing gospel music in church to pursuing a career as an R&B singer and the importance of vulnerability in his songwriting and production. We also dig into his new album, titled King, his new company KBeals Entertainment and why talent isn’t enough to be successful.
Keonté Online
- Website
This episode is an artist talk hosted by me that was facilitated by the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University (NSCADU). The talk is by their first virtual Visiting Artist in Residence in Film and Media Studies, Fabienne Colas. Fabienne talks about her journey from Haiti to Canada, creating 9 successful film festivals, being named one of Canada’s top 100 most powerful women in 2019 and listed as one of Canada’s Top 40 under 40 in 2018 for her achievements in business. Shortly after this was recorded I found out that Fabienne would be joining me as a colleague on the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design’s Board of Governors. Thank you to Melanie Colosimo, NSCADU and the Anna Leonowens Gallery for making this event happen.
Fibre Artist, Author and Blogger, Jen Meza talks about pivoting into her creative pursuits after losing her job during the pandemic. We learn about her woven wall hangings, her love for travel and why she created the Our Best N.S. Adventure Journal, her start in blogging and how she found success on Etsy and Amazon.
Jen Online
- Website
- Settling For Great Instagram
- Fringe Street Designs Instagram
Designers and Retailers Ana and Zac talk about the history of their new brand Ana + Zac, their design philosophy and the importance of sourcing sustainably. We also talk about supply chain, shifting priorities during the pandemic and I even share some insight into my design and production process.
Ana + Zac Online
- Website
Visual Designer and Artist, Anthony Grant and I talk about his origin story as an artist and designer and the thinking behind his work that blurs the lines between design and art. We also talk about how our paths crossed and the visibility of Black people in the design industry.
Anthony online
- Website
- Black Designers Ignite
Cartoonist and Filmmaker, Josh Rodgers and I discuss his influences, working on kid friendly cartoons by day, and adult cartoons like Henry vs the Reptilian Overlords from the Cosmos by night. Josh also offers some career advice for animators and why he doesn’t think going to university is necessary.
Josh Online:
- https://mushfacecomics.com/
- YouTube
- Troma
Dylan Edwards is a Writer, Artist and Animator based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. We talk about how he got into the animation industry, how it’s been impacted by COVID-19 and why so few people know the Halifax studios that contribute to the industry. We also talk about the value of intellectual property, why it’s good to work on independent side projects and why it’s important to understand business when working as a commercial artist.
Dylan Online:
- Animated Short Film 'The Fly'
- As Told By Emoji "Beauty & the Beast"
- The Last Human webcomic
- AFX - The Animation Festival of Halifax
Textile Artist, Quilt Designer, Author and Educator Andrea Tsang Jackson talks about her transition from architecture, to exhibit design, to making her creative escape, quilting her full-time pursuit. She shares the emotional impact of doing creative work as a mom and non-Black or Indigenous woman of colour during the pandemic and social uprisings. We also talked about the “model minority” concept and the complicated dynamic of race and gender in quilting as a practice and industry.
Andrea Online:
- Website
Artist, Shannon Ellis and I talk about her sci-fi and fantasy inspired work, our mutual fascination with Japanese animation and why she loves crows. We also talk about Shannon’s role with The Creative Kick, a Halifax based organization that helps creatives expand their social circles and share knowledge and resources.
Shannon Online
- Website
- The Creative Kick
David Strickland is a Grammy Award winning multidisciplinary artist, producer, engineer, DJ and activist. We discuss his music and visual art influences, how connected Indigenous cultures are to hip-hop and his experience with having his Indian status revoked. David shares what it was like working with Drake and the OVO camp and hip-hop legends like EPMD, Redman, Method Man, Kardinal Offishall, Saukrates and Keith Murray. We also talk about his respect for photographer Ernie Paniccioli, why he thinks it’s important for creatives to not get stagnant and lazy but why it’s also important to slow down.
David Strickland Online:
- Website
Multidisciplinary Visual Artist Chantel Gushue and I talk about how she incorporates science into her art practice, parenting during the pandemic, why she’s not a fan of the traditional “class crit” in art education and why graphic designers make good jewellers. We also talk about our time at NSCAD University and how fostering relationships with other artists can lead you to exciting new opportunities.
- Website
- Co-Adorn
Food branding consultant Sunil Sarwal talks about the benefit of specialization in a service based creative business. We learn about their creative process, why they got into the industry, how they determine what to charge clients and why it’s important to discuss budget very early in the project.
Sunil Online
- Website
- Twitter: Sunil
- Twitter: The Small Monsters
Beatmaker and Producer DK talks about his music making process, his love for the classic hip hop sound of the 90s and how he gets the attention of established artists he’d like to work with. DK also talks about why working on his own projects has helped him gain recognition and why working locally is important even in the internet age.
DK Online:
- Website
DK (Music Producer)
Beatmaker and Producer DK talks about his music making process, his love for the classic hip hop sound of the 90s and how he gets the attention of established artists he’d like to work with. DK also talks about why working on his own projects has helped him gain recognition and why working locally is important even in the internet age.
DK Online:
- Website
DK (Music Producer)
Stand Up Comic Eman El-Husseini and I talk about why comedy is a great way to discuss tough topics, being a Canadian in New York during the 2020 Pandemic, why she’s not afraid to say things in her comedy that will upset people and how her identity as a Palestinian lesbian blurs the line between her work and personal life.
Eman Online:
- Handsome Daughter
- The El-Salomons
- The El-Salomons: Marriage of Convenience
Maggie Rahr is an award winning multimedia Investigative Journalist. I discovered Maggie through her podcast ‘What Happened to Holly Bartlett’ that was featured in Oprah magazine (2019), and was a finalist in the Atlantic Journalism Awards. We talked about how the podcast came about, what it means to be an investigative journalist, how she finds work, parenting during a pandemic and we go deep on how gender bias and racism impact our workplaces and society.
Find Maggie on Twitter.
What Happened to Holly Bartlett · What Happened to Holly Bartlett Podcast Trailer
Multidisciplinary Artist Bria Miller participates in almost every aspect of creativity. She talks about her work, what motivates her, why women and race issues are prominent in her visual art and why she won’t settle on one art medium. We also talk about the recent and very sudden appreciation for her Black Lives Matter themed work.
Bria Online:
- Website
Emmanuel Nwogbo is a Nigeria born, Visual Artist based in Montreal, Canada. We talked about how The Rona has impacted his career, what he thinks about the civil unrest we’re experiencing across the world and how a daily creative project he did to improve his technical skills led to awards and major growth in his following. We also talked about how design and art schools could do more to prepare their students for the business realities of a creative career.
Emmanuel on Instagram.
On this special episode, my wife, Natasha Nurse-Jones and I talk about some of her experience as a Black educator and our experience with anti-Black racism.
Youth and Community Advocate DeRico Symonds and I discuss police violence against Black people in North America, the significance of protest and some of the challenges that community advocates and activists face. I also ask DeRico about his background and what motivates him as a voice in the Halifax Black Community.
DeRico online:
- Website
- ACCE
Matt Dowling, Founder of Freelancer Club shares his creative journey, how he’s grown a business that advocates for creative freelancers and how a negative experience with a photography client motivated him to start this business. We talk about the business model of Freelancer Club, why it's different from other freelance marketplaces, where business and creativity come together and what the education system can do to support the creative industry. We also talked about how creative freelancers are vulnerable to exploitation, why Freelancer Club won’t post non-paying jobs and how his #nofreework campaign influenced government legislation in the UK.
The Freelancer Club
- Website
Multi-media Artist, Jordan Baraniecki talks about how the pandemic has effected his practice, why it’s similar to the artist residency he did in Poland and why his newest project is his most dangerous. He also talks about his, time at NSCAD University, his acceptance into Emily Carr University and why he’s more excited than nervous about the challenges the Corona Virus has created for him and his cohort.
Jordan Online
- Website
I interviewed multihyphenate artist Romana about her new music and the diverse creative interests she’s simultaneously pursuing. She opens up about how the COVD-19 pandemic has effected her practice what it’s like pursuing a creative career as the daughter of South Asian immigrants and why she left a successful corporate job to be a full-time artist. We also talk about why age ain’t nothin but a number for this Aaliyah fan.
Romana on Instagram
On this episode I share my thoughts on the first four episodes of basketball documentary, The Last Dance. I talk about my relationship with basketball, why I think Michael Jordan was successful and why this documentary has me contemplating a question that I think all creative entrepreneurs should ask themselves.
This week I have Leather Designer and Maker Tabitha from Tabitha + Co. I asked her what it means to produce mindfully made products and what implications that has on society – particularly during a pandemic. We talked about the importance of craft, why she decided to start a business in her 40s after being a mom and having a career, how having a mentor helped her to take that step and how important an online storefront is in these trying times. Tabitha’s work was recently seen in British Vogue and British GQ and we talked about how she was able to get them to notice her from all the way over here in Nova Scotia. Before the show starts, I acknowledge tragic the event that happened in Nova Scotia this past week and why I think male fragility is a threat to society.
Tabitha Online:
- Website
Album Reviewer, and Twitch Streamer Luke James and I talked about coping with life and creativity during COVID-19. Luke breaks down his process for reviewing music, why he interacts with people in the comments, pushing through fear of failure and balancing creative output with self-care, family time and mental health. We also got into Luke’s experience as a rapper, his early days as an online content creator, and had some deep discussions on cancel culture, family life and why he’s decided to spread autism awareness after his middle son’s diagnosis.
Luke Online:
- YouTube
- Twitch
On this week’s episode, I spoke with Writer, Editor and Podcaster Kyle Carpenter. We talk about his popular website and podcast Clients From Hell. Kyle shares why he left academia for a new path, his standup comedy hobby and our opinions on what makes someone an artist.
Kyle Online:
- Kcarcfh
- Clients From Hell Website
On this week's episode I hit 50 episodes and one year of doing this podcast! It’s been a fun journey and I’ve learned a lot from the guests so far. Thank you for all for listening, commenting on social media and for leaving kind ratings and reviews. It means a lot to me. On this episode, I talk about why I’ll be doing more solo episodes in the future, adjustments I’m making to my Instagram strategy, insight into some products I’m dropping and how I’m climbing out of my Corona funk thanks to some inspiring actions from local creatives.
On this short solo episode, I share my thoughts on the creative industry and where my creative energy is focused during the COVID-19 epidemic.
Music Producer and DJ, Paul Chin talks about how a 5 year hiatus from the music industry after dealing with some personal setbacks inspired him to make his latest album, Full Spectrum. He also shares how playing instruments can be an advantage for a producer in the digital era and why he’s not interested in assigning a genre to his music.
Paul's Latest Album, Full Spectrum
- Apple Music
- Spotify
More About Paul
- Ohyeahpaulchin.com
Josie Matthiesen is the Jeweller and Metalsmith behind Salt + Summit. A nomad at heart, Josie talks about how living on the road with her now husband helped her find the clarity to start her business, how she felt more empowered after having her second child and how creating makes her feel more connected to others.
Josie Online
- Website
Andrew Da Silva is a Montreal based Contemporary Artist. We talked about how hip hop and Montreal influence his work, the importance of consistency when developing your style and what he thinks about artists seeking validation on social media.
Andrew online:
Artist, Melissa Townsend joins me to chat about doing commissioned work, her affection for art lovers and why having a connection to the subjects she paints is important. I’m fascinated by Melissa’s high rate of production so I asked her how she’s able to produce high quality work so consistently. We also talk about pricing, art school, how gallery representation can help market you to collectors and what it feels like when someone copies your work.
Melissa online:
- Website
- Instragram
Deedee Morris is a fantastic photographer. I was introduced to her work when she asked me to participate in a portrait series called Shifting Polarities. The series consists of portraits that explore the fluid spaces of gender and our connection with the non-human world (both organic and synthetic) from a range of masculine-identifying perspectives. We discuss Deedee’s creative path and why gender and nature are common themes in her work. Shifting Polarities is currently on display at ViewPoint Gallery in Halifax.
Deedee Online:
- Website
- The Creative Soul Retreat
- Brand & Expand
Maurice Cherry is an accomplished creative strategist who received the AIGA’s Steven Heller Price for Cultural Commentary in 2018 and in the same year was listed as one of The Root’s 100 most influential African Americans. We talked about Maurice’s mission to increase the profile of Black people in the creative industry through his podcast, Revision Path, his thoughts on diversity in the creative industry and how he went from the captain of the math team in high school to pursuing a career in design.
Maurice Online:
- Website
- Tumblr
- Duane on Revision Path
- Revision Path: Ben Lindo
- Revision Path: Eddie Opara
- Revision Path: Hannah Beachler
- Revision Path: Ari Melenciano
A. Harmony is a Writer and Emcee whose work and commentary can be found on CBC, Exclaim!, Bustle and more. She talks about the impact a formal music education had on her and how having experience as a recording artist and music writer gives her additional credibility as a journalist in the hip hop space. We both shared our thoughts on female representation in hip hop, whether or not your loved ones need to be fans of your work and why Tyler Perry might need some help. We also talked about the importance of pushing through racial and gender barriers.
A. Harmony Online
- Justharmz.com
Tina Essmaker is a Coach, Writer and Speaker who I credit with being one of the biggest inspirations for this podcast and my creative journey. Tina, together with her former husband and business partner cofounded an online publication called The Great Discontent, that featured in-depth conversations with highly respected creatives of various disciplines. I was able to discover leaders in the field while also relating to them on a human level. Reading their stories helped me to believe that my creative goals were possible to achieve and I hope to continue that legacy with this podcast. Tina’s career has now shifted, but in a lot of ways has come full-circle. In this episode, we talked about Tina’s current role as a coach for creative professionals, making transitions in a career and aging as a creative. I even got some business advice at the end!
Tina Online
- Website
Artist, Jordan Baraniecki discusses his creative process and why he thinks artists can do more to engage their audiences.
Find Jordan Here
- Website
Ryan Veltmeyer is a Social and Economic Innovator who’s passionate about helping creative youth turn their passion into viable career options. We talked about the various initiatives he’s involved in, the importance of activism and why he’s passionate about what he does.
Find Ryan at:
- Youth Art Connection
We back! On the first Art Pays Me episode of 2020 I interviewed up and coming Dancehall/Hip-Hop Artist, Lexxicon. Lexxicon shares how living in 3 different countries influenced his sound and how his relentless hustle helped him develop a high level of skill and knowledge in a short time as a musician. He also talked about how his experience as a community organizer helped him understand how to build infrastructure for himself as an independent in the music industry.
Lexxicon online
A lot of us see the end product of success and don't consider all of the losses and lessons that need to occur on the way there. In the the 2010s my business evolved quite a bit so on this episode I'm sharing the top 10 lessons I've learned as a creative entrepreneur over the last decade.
On this solo episode I get into the importance of repetition in my process, why immediate success isn’t always failure, how artists are like athletes and why it’s important to lower expectations.
Lola Brown is one of the top travel writers in Canada who happens to be a friend of mine. I reached out to her about doing the podcast when she tweeted about some of the challenges she faced as a mother with a business and as a father on a similar path I, wanted to bring that conversation to the podcast. We also talk about how Lola got her start in writing, how she promotes her work and how charging what she’s worth means she can provide more for her children.
Lola Online
- lolaaugustine.com
Rhys Waters is an award winning television and radio producer from the UK whose now based in Nova Scotia. Rhys had diverse creative interests, growing up but didn’t know exactly how he wanted to apply them to a career. We talked about how watching the DVD extras on the movie Evil Dead helped him figure that out and how not following others and exploring your individual “weirdness” as a creative can make you a leader in your space. His time co-creating, directing and producing the BAFTA-winning BBC TV show 'Rhod Gilbert's Work Experience' and the hit Podcast 'The Unexplainers’ (Now a BBC TV and Radio show too). Rhys also has a podcast called Podstarter that I was featured on so make you check that out.
- Rhys Edits
- Podstarter
International Outsider Artist, Flavia Testa is a rebellious free-thinker whose raw, unapologetic work drew me to her. We share our thoughts on pursing an art career without formal training from an art school, how pushing risky concepts in her art has been rewarding, how being a “third culture kid” with UN Diplomat parents impacts her work and why it’s important to take your ego out of your art. Flavia also shares her thoughts on the purpose of art and the nuance associated with pricing it.
You can find Flavia on:
- www.flaviatesta.com
In this episode I spoke with model, Lily Lightbourn about how someone from the tiny island of Bermuda is working with some of the biggest brands and publications in the world, what it’s like working with a modelling agency, the casting process and what it’s like backstage at a major runway show. We also talked about diversity in the modelling industry and how social media is affecting the industry as a whole. We discussed Lily’s mission outside of modelling, her spirituality and if that impacts the type of jobs she takes. This is an inspiring episode for anyone who’s ready to take a big risk on a big dream.
Lily Online
- Marilyn Models
I chat with hip hop artist Maje about his passion for music, how winning $10,000 in the Viola Desmond Singing/Songwriting Competition simultaneously made his mother a believer and proved to himself that it’s possible to make money from music. We discussed the importance of having systems in place to help hip hop artists grow, spending time in Atlanta to make music, his involvement with Spotify Secret Genius and what he learned from working with fellow artist Kayo while there. He also talked about the importance of stepping away from performing to give himself time to create.
Maje Online
- Spotify
- Apple Music
On episode 30 I interview award winning Filmmaker, Public Speaker and Mental Health Advocate, Tyler Simmonds. We talk about his film projects, about growing up in North Preston, where masculinity and mental health in the Black community intersect, what it was like working on the Bell Let’s Talk campaign and I even open up about my personal journey with mental health.
Get in touch with Tyler
- Website
- YouTube
- Email: info@tylersimmonds.com
On this episode I chat with multihyphenate, Kayla Borden about being an Event Coordinator, Promoter and Community Advocate. We talk about how we faired during hurricane Dorian, how Kayla supports and advocates for artists in the community, the importance of getting offline and networking in person and how to create impact through board membership.
Contact Kayla
- Personal Instagram
- Personal Twitter
- The Om Arts Collective on Instagram
I’m excited to welcome the first rapper to Art Pays Me — I chat with 2019 Polaris Award winning artist Haviah Mighty about her latest project The 13th Floor and how it came to be. We talk about breaking through as an artist, and how race and gender can impact your career. I asked her if music artists need record labels in 2019. I even got Haviah to share her top 5 rappers dead or alive.
Haviah Online
- Website
On the the second half of the Art Pays Me Live recording I interviewed Illustrator, Artist and Creative Content Producer, Élana Camille Saimovici. Élana talks about how she expressed herself creatively in many ways growing up but having an illustration business happened unexpectedly. She recalls how selling at markets for her family’s Bajan food business made her more equipped to sell her art. She talks about the importance of using multiple sales channels and her many strategies for self promotion.
Thank you to East Coast Creative Collective for partnering with me to make this event a reality.
Thanks to our other partners, The Foggy Goggle, Glitterati Communications, Alison K Consulting, Visual Arts News, Fraser Photography and Preserve Retreat.
Élana Online
- Web
This is the first half of the Art Pays Me Live Recording! In the first half of the show I interviewed Geordan Moore of Quarrelsome Yeti about his unique aesthetic, how he’s been able to establish a successful career as an illustrator and whether he considers himself a fashion designer since a lot of his work ends up on clothes. We also talk about how he balances client work vs independent projects and how he promotes his products. We even find out what a Quarrelsome Yeti is.
The second half of Art Pays Me Live featuring Elana Camille will be on Episode 27.
Quarrelsome Yeti Online:
- Website
On episode 25 I chat with Medical Skin Therapist, Lash Artist and Educator Stella Niatsikas. Stella talks about her passion for eyelash extensions and the beauty industry. The thriving business she’s built as a master Eyelash Technician and Trainer of aspiring “lashistas”. She talks about her fine art background, why she feels her work with lashes is an extension of her artistic practice and what it’s like putting a lot of effort and care into art that’s temporary. Stella says why she feels community and collaboration are important and how her training sessions aren’t just about lashes, but about teaching her students entrepreneurial skills.
Stella on Instagram:
@stellalashlover
I had a great conversation with Painter, Kimberley Eddy about, where she grew up, how she went from teacher to full-time painter, her time living in my home country, Bermuda and how it left its mark on her. We dug into why she incorporates the ocean into so much of her work, how that’s become her brand and how she feels about sharing work that’s outside of what she’s most known for. We also talk about how one gets their work recognized by galleries and collectors, being self-taught and the system she uses for pricing her work.
You can find out more about Kimberly on her website.
This week I speak and Activist, Poet , Author and former Poet Laureate of Halifax Rebecca Thomas. We had an incredible conversation about her work raising awareness of Indigenous issues in this region, her creative journey and how establishing credibility can help an artist justify their rates. We also talk about:
- loving the land we know as Canada while not ignoring the ways that it can improve,
- acknowledging our privilege,
- how telling stories that aren’t yours in your art can cross the line of cultural appropriation,
- the problem with cancel culture.
Rebecca Online
- I'm Finding My Talk (Book)
This week I chat with Author and Spoken Word Artist, Guyleigh Johnson. We talk about her books, her creative process, how she found her publisher and the fear of having your work stolen. We also talk about how mental health challenges present differently in the Black Community and how that impacted us. Guyleigh opens up about her experience working with child education and why her stories are important for people of all races and cultures.
Guyleigh Online:
- afraid of the dark
- expect The unexpected: Stories from the North End
- Black People Don't Get Depressed
This week I speak with Trevor Silver, the Designer and Founder of clothing brand tREv Clothing. Trevor is an inspiring young business owner with a bright future. We talk about the origin of his brand, where his love for fashion and entrepreneurship came from and how they intersect with who he is as a person.
We also got into:
- Shifting goals and priorities as new opportunities present themselves
- We talk about the importance of visible examples of business success for Black youth
- How we curate designs for our brands
- How the public’s perception of what your brand is can be different from what you intend it to be and how that plays out when you’re a Black man.
Find tREv Clothing:
- One the web
- Snapchat
On this solo episode, I share the story of a potential client project that didn’t pan out and why the way I was approached left me feeling uncomfortable. I recorded this episode while walking my dog on a beach in PEI and you can hear me gradually get more out of breath as the episode goes on. My dog is big and was pulling a lot so I apologize for that!
This week I talk about what it means to be an aspiring artist and how old-school gatekeepers sometimes fool us into believing that there's only one form of professional validation. I share some exciting news and announce that there won't be an episode next week because I'm on vacation baby!
Vote for me in the Best Of Halifax Awards as Best Fashion Designer.
I chat with Artist, Coach and Teacher Gwen Fox about her art practice and how she helps other artists develop as creators and business people through her coaching and teaching programs. We also talk about how shifting your mindset can help you achieve your goals as an artist. I felt like Gwen and I were kindred spirits. This is a great episode for the creative “late-bloomers” who are tired of aspiring to be an artist.
Find out more about Gwen on her website.
Painter, Video Artist and Textile Artist and Yale School Of Art student, Hangama Amiri chatted with me about the powerful statements in her art. She shares why her Afghan heritage is an influence on her work and we bond over the fact that we’re both immigrants who juggle multiple identities.
Hangama offers some advice about pricing art and I share the story of the first time I sold a painting. Hangama’s focus and confidence in who she is as an artist is palpable. This is a great episode for people who are interested in what it’s like to pursue a career in fine arts.
Hangama Online:
- Hangama's Website
- Hangama on Instagram
- Hangama on Twitter
On this episode I use a basketball analogy to talk about the importance of trying and how it looks like failure sometimes, even when it’s a stepping stone to success. I also talk about why you need to believe in your ability when others don’t.
On episode 15 I interview Beau Cleeton, a Product Developer, Artist and the CEO of rolling paper company, Canadian Lumber. We challenge the commonly held belief that artists can’t or shouldn’t be business people.
We talked about how Canadian Lumber came to be a leader in the Canadian rolling paper industry, its business model and how Beau’s passion for Cannabis helped him first identity, then capitalize on a hole in the market.
We talked about how Beau used his time at the Nova Scotia College Of Art and Design to amass an eclectic skill set that’s helped him in his career.
I share the story of how Beau and his team at Napkin (Beau’s former creative agency) helped me to develop Art Pays Me into the brand it is today.
This is the longest episode so far but a great one for artists wondering if they have what it takes to run a business.
Find out more about Beau and Canadian Lumber:
- Cdnlumber.ca
- BB Roskeworth
This episode is a recording of a podcasting panel that I spoke on during Social Media Day Halifax 2018. It took place before this podcast existed and I was still co-host of Changing the Narrative but I’m sharing it because I think that information is valuable and still holds up.
The panel featured – Mike Tanner Digital Story Teller and Branding Specialist – Erin Trafford, Marketing Strategist and guest from episode 13 and yours truly, Duane Jones. It was hosted by Stacy Maynard who is an expert LinkedIn Training.
All of us are experienced podcasters, with different approaches to how we do it so if you’re considering starting a podcast this episode will be a great one for you.
We talked about:
- Why we started podcasting
- What our podcasting setups look like from a technical standpoint
- Our opinions on the ideal podcast length and structure
- The importance of understanding your audience
- What the main thing you need to do well if you want a successful podcast.
Links
- Social Media Day Halifax
- Mike Tanner
- Erin Trafford
Erin Trafford is an award-winning broadcaster, media and brand ambassador and influencer marketing strategist. We talk about her roots in journalism and as an OG in the influencer game. Erin explains what it means to be a city mouse and country mouse and how she uses those dual identities to win over clients. We discuss why having a background in journalism is valuable in the current entrepreneurial climate and Erin shares how statistics outside of Instagram follower count can be used to articulate your value to brands you want to work with as an influencer.
Web
- The Blog Girl Chronicles
- Erin Trafford
- @thebloggirlchronicles
- @Its.erintrafford
https://www.pinterest.ca/diy_passion_/
On Episode 12 I chat with Architect and Adjunct Professor and lecturer at Dalhousie University School of Architecture, Eric Stotts about what an architect does, what skills an aspiring architect should develop and why it’s important to consider history and human need when creating new developments. We also have a great philosophical discussion about function vs aesthetic needs in design. This is a great one for the design nerds!
http://www.ericstottsarchitect.com/
On episode 11 of Art Pays Me, I speak with Grammy nominated, MTV Award and Cannes Lions Award winning Director, Andy Hines about how he went from making videos for clients in Nova Scotia to directing music videos for ASAP Mob and how that gave him the industry credibility to work with other big artists.
Andy shares his philosophy around the importance of making good work, making a lot of it, putting yourself in front of people and how the internet has made it possible to have a big reach even if you live in a small city.
Andy spills the tea on whether it’s more difficult to work with celebrity artists or mom and pop shops. We talk about what it means to write a film treatment.
We also got personal and discussed how finding life partners and becoming dads improved things for us both personally and professionally.
www.andyhines.tv
Videos we reference in the episode:
- Logic featuring Alessia Cara, Khalid - 1-800-273-8255
- A$AP Ferg featuring A$AP Rocky - Shabba
Katrina Lopes is the president of KL Management, an artist management company whose roster includes platinum selling and Juno Award winning artist and producer Shawn Desman, R&B/soul artist, actor and cultural curator TiKA, and emerging pop/R&B artist Mandia. We talked about what an artist manager does, setting boundaries, why she started doing online coaching and the unconventional path she took to get to where she is today.
- KL Management
- Katrina on Instagram
Alison Knott is a coding queen, graphic designer and instructor with over a decade in the field of all things web and design. She’s also a very talented illustrator and public speaker. She’s also one of the people behind the East Coast Creative Collective (E3C), a monthly artist meetup and has a hand in many other Halifax based conferences and meetups.
We talk about the importance of community, women and diversity in design and tech, teaching and why SEO matters.
Alison on the net:
- Eraserheader
- Drawstrange
- East Coast Creative Conference (E3C)
- WordPress Halifax
On this episode of Art Pays Me, I interviewed Amara Kanté, world renowned Master Percussionist, Composer and Artistic Director. We talked about Amara’s passion for preserving and sharing African culture through music and words.
We also had a brief appearance by Crystal John from the Mulgrave Park Caring and Learning Centre.
- Amara
- Mulgrave Park Caring and Learning Centre
In episode 7 I interviewed Dion Walcot, the entrepreneur behind Martk’d, a dynamic custom shoe design competition. We discussed his background and how he uses his past experience as an athlete from a tough environment in his business and how artists are similar to athletes. We also talked about why education is just as important as street smarts and how dressing like a professional doesn't necessarily mean wearing traditional corporate attire. Dion shares insights about working with Yellowbrick, an organization that teaches creatives how to up-level and why it's important to partner with the right people.
Get in touch with Dion on Instagram:
- @dionwalcot
- @_martkd
Today on the show, I interview Tied Up Tee, a rope artist, photographer and general creative. I love Tee’s work but I admit that I’m a little scared of it. We’ve been able to chat a few times in person at various events and I love her energy, her drive and that she’s not afraid to ruffle feathers with her art.
We talked about where she grew up, what brought her to Halifax, how she got into rope, the point she realized she could monetize her hobby and her brand Colorful KNK. I hope you enjoy meeting my friend Tee. If your listening on iTunes, Don’t forget to rate and review!
- Tee on Instagram
- Colorful KNK on Instagram
I met Kemmy when he was my barber at a shop called Ascension. He wasn’t as talkative as the other guys but he would pipe in with a sharp verbal jab periodically to get us laughing. Then I later found out he was a NSCAD student and he told me about his interest in customizing sneakers. I’m not a sneaker head so I didn’t feel equipped to offer much feedback on his work but I loved the idea. Fast forward to last year, I wanted to make a statement with my shoes for Atlantic Fashion Week so I asked Kemmy to go nuts and surprise me.
In this episode we talked about:
- Where he's from,
- the shoe design process,
- how he collects payments,
- how he promotes his business,
- the shoes I commissioned him to design,
- how his time at NSCAD prepared him for his creative career.
In episode 4 I spoke with illustrator, Liz Mac.
- Liz opened up about how negative feedback at NSCAD Portfolio day led her to believe she didn’t have what it took to be a professional artist and how a serious accident led her back to art.
- How her past jobs help her today as a freelance artist.
- Why working with creative collectives like E3C, attending and speaking at conferences can be important.
- The struggle of having multiple creative interests.
- How she helped her career by building a strong personal brand and how her rockstar dad Kevin MacMichael of Cutting Crew influenced it.
- How she charges for projects and why what you charge impacts the industry as a whole.
- Liz’s biggest piece of advice for artists: Put yourself in front of people.
- Liz on the web
- Liz on Instagram
- Liz on Twitter
My guest on this episode is Melissa McMaster of 902 Hip Hop. Melissa and I met years ago and immediately bonded. We’ve been cheering for each other ever since and I’ve been amazed at the success she’s had over the years. She’s passionate about elevating the profile of hip hop artists from Atlantic Canada.
We discussed what 902 Hip Hop is and what she does, who they represent and why an artist might want to work with someone like her. She talked about artist residencies for hip hop artists and how she’s connecting her artists with Atlanta’s hip hop scene. She shared experiences with government grant funding in Nova Scotia and some key things that an artist should consider when pursuing a career in music.
This week’s episode features Gaynete' Jones, a leading millennial mentor, motivational speaker, best-selling author, blogger, founder of G.A.M.E. Changing Industries, Youtuber, plus the creator of The Goal Chaser VIP and The Book Boss Blueprint, programs she created for aspiring millennial entrepreneurs and self-published authors. Most importantly, she’s my sister in-law so we’re keeping it in the family this week. And yes… She refers to me as DJ like most of my family back home.
Gaynete has been featured in The Huffington Post, Refinery29, Black Enterprise and Success.com to name a few. She also serves thousands of ambitious women through her newsletter, Goal Chaser Insider membership and programs. She’s stunting on me y’all! We discuss:
- How Gaynete helps millennials make a greater impact on the world
- What a money block is and how they effect women
- Why artists may need to think outside the box if they want to make a living from their skillset
- How and why she vets potential clients
- And Why everyone has the time to accomplish a big goal
There was a lot that we didn’t get into, like how living in Venezuela impacted her life, being kidnapped and held at gunpoint and more of the behind the scenes of how her business works and how she’s encouraging her daughter (My niece) to engage in entrepreneurship. I’ll definitely have her back on again to dig into those topics.
Where to find Gayneté
- Gayneté's Winning Plan of Purpose
- Website
- Youtube
Premier episode of Art Pays Me, featuring a brief introduction to the show and host, Duane Jones. Duane talks about his childhood, education and career.