the creative dive with renée leighann: Recent Episodes
renée leighann
The creative dive is a podcast that explores the hidden gems in the stories and experiences of artists, musicians, and creative people of all kinds, to create connections within creative communities and to help people learn about the struggles and triumphs of working in the arts.
In Episode 24, I talk to the Artistic Director of the Belfry Theatre, Michael Shamata.
Michael tells us about his interesting and impressive career, how he got started in the theatre and what his favourite parts of his job entails.
Michael tells us about how to get involved in the arts to figure out what path to take, and how hard work and a bit of luck can help guide you to your calling. We also chat about the importance of the arts in a pandemic where arts organizations everywhere are struggling to survive.
Check out the Belfry Theatre on Instagram: Instagram
Here's the Belfry Theatre's website: Website
Join the Creative Dive Facebook group to stay updated on episodes and check out images of the artists and their work: Facebook group
Join my Facebook group Resources for Creatives for calls for submissions, resources and info for artists: Resources for Creatives
If you have any feedback or questions, or would like to be on the podcast, please shoot me a message! info@reneeleighann.com
You can check out my own artwork and creative resources on offer here: reneeleighann.com
In Episode 23, I talk to award-winning watercolour artist, illustrator and mural artist Sara Khan.
Sara's work is vibrant with colour and rich in narrative, weaving her life experiences into the complex imagery of her paintings.
Born in the UK, raised in Pakistan and now living in Vancouver, BC, Sara draws from her rich history in different environments to create stunning pieces that draw the viewer in, leaving you wanting to know more about her story and her artistic processes.
Follow Sara on Instagram to see her new work: Instagram
Check out Sara's past work here: Website
Join the Creative Dive Facebook group to stay updated on episodes and check out images of the artists and their work: Facebook group
Join my Facebook group Resources for Creatives for calls for submissions, resources and info for artists: Resources for Creatives
If you have any feedback or questions, or would like to be on the podcast, please shoot me a message! info@reneeleighann.com
You can check out my own artwork and creative resources on offer here: reneeleighann.com
In Episode 22, I talk to web designer and artist, Parisa Golchoubian.
Parisa left her career in engineering where she was designing software for self-driving cars last year just before the pandemic started.
She is now building a business that involves selling her art and art prints, as well as teaching other artists how to design successful websites that help sell their art. She designs custom websites as well, and has thought of all the steps artists can take to ensure that they are speaking to their ideal art buyer.
Check out Parisa's amazing artwork and her course for artists here: Parisa's website
Get Parisa's Website Project Planner here (bottom of page): Website Project Planner
You can follow what she's up to on Instagram here: Instagram
Follow the Empowered Creatives Club on Clubhouse here: Empowered Creatives Club
Listen to Renée and Parisa's upcoming talks on Figuring Out Where Your Art Fits In: Clubhouse talk
Join the Creative Dive Facebook group to stay updated on episodes and check out images of the artists and their work: Facebook group
Join my Facebook group Resources for Creatives for calls for submissions, resources and info for artists: Resources for Creatives
If you have any feedback or questions, or would like to be on the podcast, please shoot me a message! info@reneeleighann.com
You can check out my artwork and creative resources on offer here: reneeleighann.com
In Episode 21, I talk to the amazing Montreal-based artist. Daniel Barrow.
We talk about his incredible work that explores narratives through animation, projections and sculpture, he tells us about how he became a full-time artist 20 years ago, and he provides some insight into how artists can pursue art as a career.
Check out Daniel's amazing artwork here: Daniel Barrow website
You can follow what he's up to on Instagram here: Instagram
Join the Creative Dive Facebook group to stay updated on episodes and check out images of the artists and their work: Facebook group
Join my Facebook group Resources for Creatives for calls for submissions, resources and info for artists: Resources for Creatives
If you have any feedback or questions, or would like to be on the podcast, please shoot me a message! info@reneeleighann.com
You can check out my artwork and creative resources on offer here: reneeleighann.com
Episode 20 takes us on a journey with Ira Hoffecker from her time growing up in Germany finding inspiration in art and the city, to her career in the fast-paced film industry and her current work that explores urban architecture and organic plant forms.
We talk about the importance of artists showing and promoting their work, advice for how artists can transition into a full-time career, and how artists can benefit greatly from becoming part of an arts community.
Check out Ira's artwork here: Ira Hoffecker
Check out her current exhibition, on until May 23rd: Transitions at Fortune Gallery
Follow her on Instagram here: Ira's Instagram
Join my free, online workshop, 3 Steps to Selling Your Art here: Workshop Registration
Join the Creative Dive Facebook group to stay updated on episodes and check out images of the artists and their work: Facebook group
Join my Facebook group Resources for Creatives for calls for submissions, resources and info for artists: Resources for Creatives
If you have any feedback or questions, or would like to be on the podcast, please shoot me a message! info@reneeleighann.com
You can check out my artwork and creative resources on offer here: reneeleighann.com
In Episode 19, I talk to Taryn Coulson, an artist who paints and creates murals. We talk about how she developed her unique artistic style, and how experimentation is an integral part of her artistic practice.
This is an awesome episode for artists who are interested in developing their unique artistic voice and style, and how to commit to an artistic practice that can help you get there.
Check out Taryn's artwork here: Taryn Coulson
Follow her on Instagram here: Taryn's Insta
Join the Creative Dive Facebook group to stay updated on episodes and check out images of the artists and their work: Facebook group
Join my Facebook group Resources for Creatives for calls for submissions, resources and info for artists: Resources for Creatives
If you have any feedback or questions, or would like to be on the podcast, please shoot me a message! info@reneeleighann.com
You can check out my artwork and creative resources on offer here: reneeleighann.com
Episode 18 takes us behind the scenes of a brand new non-profit arts organization, with founder of the Esquimalt Community Arts Hub, Laura-Beth Keane. We talked about the challenges and joys of starting and running a non-profit gallery and artisan retail space, as well as some of the amazing programming that Laura-Beth and the gallery are planning, including anti-racism initiatives, art garden tours and more!
This is a great episode for anyone interested in learning about non-profit art galleries and how they are run, as well as how artists and community members can get involved.
Colour Theory: An Anti-Racism Art Exhibit - https://www.ecah.ca/colour-theory (Submissions now open until April 10, 2021)
Learn more about ECAH here: https://www.ecah.ca
Become a member here: https://www.ecah.ca/membership
Call for facilitators: https://www.ecah.ca/careers
Nonprofit AF: https://nonprofitaf.com/
ArtsBC: https://artsbc.org
Join the Creative Dive Facebook group to stay updated on episodes and check out images of the artists and their work: Facebook group
Join my Facebook group Resources for Creatives for calls for submissions, resources and info for artists: Resources for Creatives
If you have any feedback or questions, please shoot me a message! info@reneeleighann.com
You can check out my artwork and creative resources on offer here: reneeleighann.com
Episode 17 takes us on an interesting journey with painter, sculpture and mural artist, Luke Ramsey to discover how he started out as an artist, and what his path to becoming a professional artist looked like.
In this interview we explored how collaborative art helped shape his career and fund an artist residency he and his partner ran on Pender Island, how the punk DIY culture informed his career, and what he thinks about art in the digital universe.
You can check out more about Luke and his work here: Luke Ramsey website
You can view the collaborative drawings with Luke and Nunavut artist, Qavavau Manumie here: Collaborative Drawings
You can view Luke's work at Madrona Gallery here: Madrona Gallery
Join the Creative Dive Facebook group to stay updated on episodes and check out images of the artists and their work: Facebook group
Join my Facebook group Resources for Creatives for calls for submissions, resources and info for artists: Resources for Creatives
Never miss an episode, subscribe here: subscribe!
If you have any feedback or questions, please shoot me a message! info@reneeleighann.com
You can check out my artwork and creative resources on offer here: reneeleighann.com
Episode 16 is a behind-the-scenes look at a career in illustration and comic creation with Renee Nault, the illustrator of Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale graphic novel. Renee talks about how she got started in illustration, finding an illustration agent, what it was like working directly with Margaret Atwood, and more!
Renee has had an amazing career in illustration, her work is so interesting and beautiful, and this interview was a real pleasure!
You can check out more about Renee and her work here: Renee Nault
You can check out her amazing process videos here: Renee Nault on Youtube
You can buy The Handmaid's Tale graphic novel, signed by Renee here: The Handmaid's Tale
Join the Creative Dive Facebook group to stay updated on episodes and check out images of the artists and their work: Facebook group
Join my Facebook group Resources for Creatives for calls for submissions, resources and info for artists: Resources for Creatives
Never miss an episode, subscribe here: subscribe!
If you have any feedback or questions, please shoot me a message! info@reneeleighann.com
You can check out my artwork and creative resources on offer here: reneeleighann.com
Episode 15 takes us in a new direction with Jzero Schuurman, where we explore electronic music, touring and creating music, as well as what the future for live music might hold.
Jzero is a musician, DJ, music promoter and the Director of The Fifty Fifty Arts Collective.
You can check out more about Jzero's musical project Psychic Pollution here: https://psychicpollution.bandcamp.com
You can check out his radio show Audio Osmosis here: https://www.facebook.com/AudioOsmosis/
Join the Creative Dive Facebook group to stay updated on episodes and check out images of the artists and their work: Facebook group
Never miss an episode, subscribe here: subscribe!
If you have any feedback or questions, please shoot me a message! info@reneeleighann.com
You can check out my artwork and creative resources on offer here: reneeleighann.com
Episode 14 takes us on a journey with Laura Gildner to discover the many different types of art careers out there, her multimedia art projects that centre around human connection (and how that's been a huge challenge in the era of COVID), tips for artists who are interested in applying for grant funding, and how determination can pay off in unlikely art careers.
Laura is such an interesting person, and her video, performance, photography and sound projects reflect that. Have a listen!
You can check out more about Laura and her art projects here: Instagram
You can listen to Patrick Hernendez's hit Born to Be Alive here: Music Video
Join the Creative Dive Facebook group to stay updated on episodes and check out images of the artists and their work: Facebook group
Never miss an episode, subscribe here: subscribe!
If you have any feedback or questions, please shoot me a message! info@reneeleighann.com
You can check out my artwork and creative resources on offer here: reneeleighann.com
Episode 13 takes us behind the scenes of art galleries with Laurie White, as she talks about her journey to a career in art curation and coordination, how the different types of galleries function, writing in the arts, and tips for artists and aspiring curators on how they can get involved in the art world.
It was such a joy to talk to Laurie, not just because she's my best friend, but also because she's done an incredible amount of work in the art field so far, and her perspective is so interesting and inspirational. Have a listen!
You can check out Laurie's recent curated online exhibition Shimmering Horizons here.
You can download "The Mini Guide to Creating an Art Series" for FREE here: get the guide!
Join the Creative Dive Facebook group to stay updated on episodes and check out images of the artists and their work: Facebook group
You can subscribe to my email list here: subscribe!
If you have any feedback or questions, please shoot me a message! info@reneeleighann.com
You can check out my artwork and creative resources on offer here: reneeleighann.com
Episode 12 is the last installment of the four part series where I talk about how artists can enhance their art careers this year.
In this episode, I explore the ways that artists can sell their work online including online marketplaces, websites and more!
My online course The Art of the Exhibition is now open for registration! Learn more here: The Art of the Exhibition
Check out the replay of my online workshop: 3 Steps to Selling Your Art in 2021
Join the Resources for Creatives Facebook group to hear about art related opportunities: Resources for Creatives
Join the Creative Dive Facebook group to stay updated on episodes: The Creative Dive Facebook group
You can subscribe to my email list here: subscribe!
If you have any feedback or questions, please shoot me a message! info@reneeleighann.com
You can check out my artwork and creative resources on offer here: reneeleighann.com
Episode 11 is the third part of the four part series where I talk about your artist portfolio.
In this episode, I provide some tips for creating an awesome portfolio to help you apply for exhibitions, grants and other art-related opportunities.
You can register for my upcoming free, online workshop "3 Steps to Selling Your Art in 2021" here: REGISTER NOW
Join the Resources for Creatives Facebook group to hear about art related opportunities: Resources for Creatives
Join the Creative Dive Facebook group to stay updated on episodes: The Creative Dive Facebook group
You can subscribe to my email list here: subscribe!
If you have any feedback or questions, please shoot me a message! info@reneeleighann.com
You can check out my artwork and creative resources on offer here: reneeleighann.com
Episode 10 brings us to the second part of the four part series where we explore ways to enhance your art career this year.
In this episode, I explore the different ways that artists can find opportunities to show their work. You're gonna want to listen to this one if you'd like to get your art out into the world!
You can register for my upcoming free, online workshop "3 Steps to Selling Your Art in 2021" here: REGISTER NOW
Here are some organizations that help artists find opportunities to show their work:
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The Federation of Canadian Artists
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BC Alliance for Arts and Culture
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Resources for Creative Facebook group
Join the Creative Dive Facebook group to stay updated on episodes: Facebook group
You can subscribe to my email list here: subscribe!
If you have any feedback or questions, please shoot me a message! info@reneeleighann.com
You can check out my artwork and creative resources on offer here: reneeleighann.com
Episode 9 kicks off a four part series where we explore ways to enhance your art career this year.
This episode I focus on how to make your art practice a priority in 2021 with tips and strategies to make sure you are prioritizing your artistic practice and creativity to reach your creative goals.
You can download "The Mini Guide to Creating an Art Series" for FREE here: get the guide!
Join the Creative Dive Facebook group to stay updated on episodes and check out images of the artists and their work: Facebook group
You can subscribe to my email list here: subscribe!
If you have any feedback or questions, please shoot me a message! info@reneeleighann.com
You can check out my artwork and creative resources on offer here: reneeleighann.com
Episode 8 takes us on a behind-the-scenes look at curating and community with Nicole Stanbridge, the Curator of Engagement at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria.
Nicole talks about how artists can get involved in showing their work at large non-profit art galleries, how community engagement changed this past year in the midst of a pandemic, and how art communities are getting involved in challenging white supremacy and contributing to reconciliation and healing with Indigenous and BIPOC communities.
You can download "The Mini Guide to Creating an Art Series" for FREE here: get the guide!
Join the Creative Dive Facebook group to stay updated on episodes and check out images of the artists and their work: Facebook group
You can subscribe to my email list here: subscribe!
If you have any feedback or questions, please shoot me a message! info@reneeleighann.com
You can check out my artwork and creative resources on offer here: reneeleighann.com
Episode 7 is a highly informative and interesting look into Caitlin McDonagh's career in illustration, gallery shows all over Canada and the US, large-scale mural art and more!
We explore how she has navigated being a multi-faceted artist as a full-time career, how to know when you are approaching burnout, and some super helpful tips for creating the kind of connections you want with the artists, spaces and companies you love.
Check out Caitlin's work here: caitlinmcdonagh.com
Join the Creative Dive Facebook group to stay updated on episodes and check out images of the artists and their work: Facebook group
You can download "The Mini Guide to Creating an Art Series" for FREE here: get the guide!
You can subscribe to my email list here: subscribe!
If you have any feedback or questions, please shoot me a message! info@reneeleighann.com
You can check out my artwork and creative resources on offer here: reneeleighann.com
Episode 6 is a powerful journey with Chelsea Jane into the realms of writing through grief and the sometimes surreal results.
We talk about how her life has informed her writing, how her writing has helped her cope with a myriad of losses, and how the process has helped her explore her matriarchal roots.
Read Chelsea's writing here: What Remains of Chelsea Jane
Join the Creative Dive Facebook group to stay updated on episodes and check out images of the artists and their work: Facebook group
You can download "the mini guide to grantwriting" for FREE here: get the guide!
You can subscribe to my email list here: subscribe!
If you have any feedback or questions, please shoot me a message! info@reneeleighann.com
You can check out my artwork and creative resources on offer here: reneeleighann.com
Episode 5 takes us on an urban wildlife adventure with the Queen of the squirrels, Carollyne Yardley!
We talk about her journey and transition from a career in technology to being a full-time artist with commercial gallery representation, and her pursuit of a Masters in Fine Art. We explore her critical theories of settler colonialism in an urban landscape that is often at odds with its natural environment, and her unconventional artistic practices.
Check out more from Carollyne here: www.carollyne.com
Follow Carollyne on instagram here: Carollyne
Join the Creative Dive Facebook group to stay updated on episodes and check out images of the artists and their work: Facebook group
You can download "the mini guide to grantwriting" for FREE here: get the guide!
You can subscribe to my email list here: subscribe!
If you have any feedback or questions, please shoot me a message! info@reneeleighann.com
You can check out my artwork and creative resources on offer here: my website!
Episode 4 takes us on a journey to Berlin and back with Miss Natasha Enquist!
We talk about her life as she lived and worked in Berlin as a performer, musician and life drawing model, as well as her more recent creative endeavours as a photographer focusing on erotic art.
Check out more from Natasha here: natashaenquist.com
Check out Natasha's erotic art project here: www.mydominagaze.com
Join the creative dive Facebook group to stay updated on episodes and check out images of the artists and their work: Facebook group
You can download "the mini guide to grantwriting" for FREE here: get the guide!
You can subscribe to my email list here: subscribe!
If you have any feedback or questions, please shoot me a message! info@reneeleighann.com
You can check out my artwork and creative resources on offer here: my website!
Episode 3 takes us on a wild ride with photographer and artistic researcher Tara Nicholson!
Join us as we talk about her exploration and documentation of the Russian arctic including a real life Jurassic Park, find out what's happening with woolly mammoth bones, and learn about artist grants and artistic research.
You can check out Tara's work here: Tara Nicholson
Deluge Gallery exhibition details here!
Join the creative dive Facebook group to stay updated on episodes and check out images of artists' work: Facebook group
You can download "the mini guide to grantwriting" for FREE here: get the guide!
You can subscribe to my email list here: subscribe!
If you have any feedback or questions, please shoot me a message! info@reneeleighann.com
You can check out my artwork and creative resources on offer here: my website!
My first real interview!! And it's a fun one.
Illustration artist Tyler Witzel joins us and talks about his creative endeavours including international artist residencies, his foray into puppets, and some Icelandic folklore including elves and fortune tellers.
You can check out Tyler's work here: Tyler Witzel
You can download "the mini guide to grantwriting" for FREE here: get the guide!
You can subscribe to my email list here: subscribe!
If you have any feedback or questions, please shoot me a message! info@reneeleighann.com
You can check out my artwork and creative resources on offer here: my website!
I am kicking off my new podcast with a little background on me, and what you can expect to hear in the upcoming episodes! It's been years in the making, and I am soooo excited to get this started. I hope you all enjoy! :)
You can download "the mini guide to grantwriting" for FREE here: get the guide!
You can subscribe to my email list here: subscribe!
If you have any feedback or questions, please shoot me a message! info@reneeleighann.com
You can check out my artwork and creative resources on offer here: my website!