Hooked on Art Podcast: Recent Episodes
Veronica Winters
My goal with this project is to expand on art appreciation & discover the healing potential of arts via art interviews with talented artists, collectors, curators and other art professionals who shape up the contemporary art culture. With this art podcast I hope to support real talent to eliminate trashy art from public spaces as well as to show how art can help us find emotional connection to ourselves to discover who we truly are. This art podcast captures personal and emotional stories about life, art, the business of art, art collecting, and everything else that comes with being an artist or loving the arts. This podcast is available in a video format on YouTube: https://youtube.com/veronicasart Contact: Veronica Winters, M.F.A. | https://VeronicasArt.com FB | https://www.facebook.com/veronicawintersartist/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/veronicawintersart
Are you traveling to Edinburgh in Scotland? Here you’ll discover hidden treasures of the Scottish National Gallery, home to the best Scottish art in national gallery Edinburgh. I’m on a mission to uncover as many stories in famous paintings in Scottish National Gallery as I can before my time runs out. From brutal dramas to national controversies, these are the details most visitors walk right past. The clock is ticking… let’s go! To read and see pictures of the gallery, go here: https://veronicasart.com/5-undeniable-reasons-to-love-scottish-national-gallery/
If you’d like to support my work, subscribe & rate this podcast on Spotify and Apple | Show your support for the podcast: here | Host: Veronica Winters, MFA | veronicasart.com
The post An Artist’s Love letter to the Scottish National Gallery appeared first on Veronica Winters Painting.
Dedicated to the enjoyment of the public from the very beginning, this palace was never Isabella’s house. Rather, it is a Venetian-style palace filled with art, history, and beauty that reflects her rt collecting aesthetic and taste. The house-museum is the world of Isabella Stewart Gardner, the fiery socialite and adventurous spirit who turned her passion for beauty into one of America’s most audacious art collections. This museum experienced the largest art theft in history, 13 artworks were stolen. A crime so brazen it left empty frames mocking visitors to this day. Welcome inside the powerful, enigmatic realm of Isabella Gardner—a tale of creative vision, tragedy, and treasures still missing.
To read about the Isabella Stewart Gardner’s Palace in Boston, Massachusetts and to see pictures: https://veronicasart.com/the-queens-hidden-palace-isabella-stewart-gardners-boston-legacy-of-art-intrigue-and-the-greatest-heist-ever/
video: https://youtu.be/69qpQMk5eVw
If you’d like to support my work, subscribe & rate this podcast on Spotify and Apple | Show your support for the podcast: here | Host: Veronica Winters, MFA | veronicasart.com
The post From Venice to Boston: The TRUE Story of America’s Craziest Art Collection & the Thieves Who Stole It appeared first on Veronica Winters Painting.
Discover how one of the most famous artists lived, loved, created, and failed. Visit his House-Museum in Amsterdam to trace Rembrandt’s career, art, and success.
Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-WpakXGmLjA
Article with images: https://veronicasart.com/revealing-rembrandts-artistic-career-inside-the-amsterdams-house-museum/
If you’d like to support my work, subscribe & rate this podcast on Spotify and Apple | Show your support for the podcast: here | Host: Veronica Winters, MFA | veronicasart.com
The post Rembrandt’s Rise & Fall: inside Amsterdam’s House-Museum appeared first on Veronica Winters Painting.
Strasbourg is one of the most beautiful cities in old Europe I’ve traveled to thus far. This inspirational place offers a unique blend of German and French architecture that feels special. In this podcast episode I walk you through major art seeing in this town.
To read and see pictures of Strasbourg: https://veronicasart.com/strasbourg-unique-blend-of-french-and-german-architectural-influences/
Video: https://youtu.be/5Yz-w5TnFiE
Subscribe & rate this podcast on Spotify and Apple | Show your support for the podcast: here | Host: Veronica Winters, MFA | veronicasart.com
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You won’t believe this place exists in Greece! Walk inside the monasteries of Holy Meteora and learn about its rich history, stunning Byzantine paintings and the Eastern Orthodox church. Explore this unique destination with me to feel inspired at heart to create art!
Floating in the air, Meteora is a group of 6 monasteries of various size that provide shelter to monks, religious art and spirit. Stunning views from and to the monasteries are everywhere along the road leading to the top. Located about 5-6 hours away from Athens, Greece, it’s a must-see attraction. I explain some facts about the history of Meteora and its rock formations, the origins of monkhood and how they climbed the rocks. I also give explanation about the origins of the Byzantine painting and the Eastern orthodox church. I explain the rules of icon painting. Finally, I share some travel tips in the end.
To read about the Holy Meteora and its history, the orthodox church and byzantine painting: https://veronicasart.com/holy-meteora-magical-spiritual-place-on-earth-its-history-the-byzantine-painting/
Video: https://youtu.be/NvmqdCqlNCo?si=Xn7G-sndzxMgeB4J
Subscribe & rate this podcast on Spotify and Apple | Show your support for the podcast: here | Host: Veronica Winters, MFA | veronicasart.com
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What’s inside the Louvre? I take you on a virtual tour of the best art museum in the world.
To read the article and see art: https://veronicasart.com/the-most-beautiful-art-in-the-louvre-from-sculpture-to-painting-to-ancient-cultures-of-egypt-assyria-and-greece/
Video: https://youtu.be/5EkpVRnBkqg
Subscribe & rate this podcast on Spotify and Apple | Show your support for the podcast: here | Host: Veronica Winters, MFA | veronicasart.com
The post The best art in the Louvre art museum appeared first on Veronica Winters Painting.
Delve into the enigmatic world of the Eleusinian Mysteries! This video explores the ancient Greek rituals, their connection to the cult of Demeter and Persephone, and the potential role of psychedelic substances like the “kykeon” in inducing altered states of consciousness. We’ll examine the archaeological evidence, historical accounts, and philosophical interpretations of these sacred rites, uncovering the mysteries surrounding death, rebirth, and the pursuit of esoteric knowledge in ancient Greece Although the use of psychedelics is a forbidden topic in our society, ancient cultures have used them for centuries. Join me as I dive deep into the secrets of Demeter’s ancient cult, sacred space and architecture in Eleusis!
Video on Youtube: https://youtu.be/RFUU8yxs5yU
To see pictures of the place and read more: https://veronicasart.com/what-lies-beneath-demeters-ancient-cult-of-eleusinian-mysteries-psychedelics-death-god/
Subscribe & rate this podcast on Spotify and Apple | Show your support for the podcast: here | Host: Veronica Winters, MFA | veronicasart.com
The post The Eleusinian Mysteries: A Window into the History of Mystery Religions and Ancient Spirituality appeared first on Veronica Winters Painting.
We all know that the reach on Instagram has declined tremendously. While I think that the golden days of Instagram are over, there are many things you can tweak on your art account to receive more views and followers. I include many tips that you would normally pay for in a course but I decided to make the majority of information available for free on my blog and YouTube. I’d appreciate it if you rate this podcast on Apple and Spotify. Links are below. Thank you!
The YouTube video guides you visually: https://youtu.be/p_ZxkNDo5s4
Subscribe & rate this podcast on Spotify and Apple | Show your support for the podcast: here | Host: Veronica Winters, MFA | veronicasart.com
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Mycenae is the ancient archeological site near Mykines in Argolis, Greece. It’s a fascinating place to visit when you learn about its connection to the ancient Greek history. 16th century BC to be exact. It’s a place of one of the oldest known cultures in the world- the Mycenaeans. They wrote in Linear B text, the cyclopes built walls and people worshiped the Earth goddess. Perseus founded Mycenae and Agamemnon, king of Mycenae, set out against Troy in the Trojan War. Go on a journey to discover myths and art of ancient Greece.
Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/V1iCUh91qD0
To read and see pictures about Mycenae, Greece: https://veronicasart.com/from-perseus-to-trojan-war-7-mind-blowing-myths-about-mycenae-that-changed-ancient-greece/
Subscribe & rate this podcast on Spotify and Apple | Show your support for the podcast: here | Host: Veronica Winters, MFA | veronicasart.com
The post From Perseus to Trojan War: 7 strange myths of Mycenae that changed ancient Greece appeared first on Veronica Winters Painting.
Have a deep dive into the ancient Greek history by virtually visiting the cult center of Delphi with its gods, oracles, art, architecture and myths.
To see art, article and references for this episode, visit: https://veronicasart.com/cult-center-of-delphi-its-history-oracles-greek-myths-architecture-and-art/
Video release on 8/31/2024: https://youtu.be/qogqH1kKzHM
Subscribe & rate this podcast on Spotify and Apple | Show your support for the podcast: here | Host: Veronica Winters, MFA | veronicasart.com
As artists we experience a wide range of emotions. All people have them but we tend to feel them much deeper. In this episode I share my thoughts about artistic sensitivity, jealousy, self-doubt, failure and work. I also tell you how I’m learning to dream big as a creative. I hope this is helpful to you if you feel stuck or unaccepted for who you are. Dive into the world of visionary art and explore the emotions and beauty behind art creation.
You can read the essays here: https://veronicasart.com/can-you-just-do-on-artistic-inspiration-self-doubt-and-work/
Subscribe & rate this podcast on Spotify and Apple | Show your support for the podcast: here | Host: Veronica Winters, MFA | veronicasart.com
In this episode I compare popular brands of colored pencils – Polychromos vs. Prismacolor. I look at their advantages and disadvantages drawing with them for many years. I also share what papers work best with these professional colored pencils.
On YouTube:
https://youtu.be/dRFvYFRZSSY
| The Colored Pencil Manual | How to Color Like an Artist |
These art instruction books are on sale on Amazon!Subscribe & rate this podcast on Spotify and Apple | Show your support for the podcast: here | Host: Veronica Winters, MFA | veronicasart.com
Explore the world of Greek sphinxes in this fascinating video, delving into history, mythology, and art. From ancient pottery to colorful myths, uncover the mysteries of these enigmatic creatures!
In this episode I share my research about ancient Greek Sphinxes. I explore cultural influences, places and meaning of the Sphinx that’s based on my trip to Greece. A lot of information also comes from the Met’ website. It’s best to either watch a video or see the pictures of ancient Greek art on my blog.
So to read and see the art of the sphinx figure, go here: https://veronicasart.com/the-sphinx-of-greece-its-history-mythology-art/
To watch the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GFjTedAqKjU
If you find this episode interesting, share it with your friends and review the show!
Subscribe & rate this podcast on Spotify and Apple | Show your support for the podcast: here | Host: Veronica Winters, MFA | veronicasart.com
In this episode I discuss the birth of the 19th-century art movements, some famous artists and their career success. I share one of my personal life’s lessons in the arts and what you need to pay attention to working on your art and career as an artist. You can see the art and read here: https://veronicasart.com/the-infamous-fate-of-some-famous-artists/
If you find this episode interesting, share it with your friends and review the show!
Subscribe & rate this podcast on Spotify and Apple | Show your support for the podcast: here | Host: Veronica Winters, MFA | veronicasart.com
Are you an artist looking for the best quality colored pencils? In this episode (that’s also available in a video format on YouTube), I reveal the top 4 brands that are worth the splurge. Plus, I’ll tell you about the most expensive colored pencils on the market!
Whether you’re an artist, a student, or simply love to color, this video will help you choose the best colored pencils for your needs. If you’re tired of low-quality colored pencils and want to invest in the best, then this podcast episode is for you. I’ll compare each brand’s price, softness, and overall quality to help you make the most informed decision for your art supplies. Don’t miss out on seeing the best colored pencils for your next masterpiece! Warning. The episode is highly informative review of the top colored pencil brands!
On YouTube: https://youtu.be/vu0kycGEWzc
Subscribe & rate this podcast on Spotify and Apple | Show your support for the podcast: here | Host: Veronica Winters, MFA | veronicasart.com
Discover the hidden power of art and how it can enhance your emotional well-being. Join me as I explore the often overlooked connection between art and emotion, and why it deserves more attention in our public education system.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enrich your life through the world of art – subscribe now!
To watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Zh0KvUedMpQ
Subscribe & rate this podcast on Spotify and Apple | Show your support for the podcast: here | Host: Veronica Winters, MFA | veronicasart.com
In this episode I share my thoughts and experiences outlining our unique perception of reality and how to expand on our awareness, understanding and love.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/z7bFUwyNXRY
Subscribe & rate this podcast on Spotify and Apple | Show your support for the podcast: here | Host: Veronica Winters, MFA | veronicasart.com
In this episode I list 4 different surfaces for colored pencil drawing I use the most often. There are many more drawing papers of course. Share your ideas in the comments on YouTube or in messages on Instagram
To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LdXTinmciDc
Subscribe & rate this podcast on Spotify and Apple | Show your support for the podcast: here | Host: Veronica Winters, MFA | veronicasart.com
Megan Seiter is an accomplished, contemporary hyperrealist artist working in colored pencil. A winner of many prestigious awards, Megan creates beautiful floral paintings with a twist. Using the pan pastel and watercolor she draws realistic still life paintings with amazing precision and vibrancy. In the interview she shares her colored pencil techniques, art supplies and gives us valuable tips on art marketing, presentation, networking, gallery representation, and so on. You don’t want to miss this episode!
Parrot Tulips by Megan Seiter, colored pencil drawingMegan Seiter website: https://www.meganseiter.com/
To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/53_ObOt26F8
Subscribe & rate this podcast on Spotify and Apple | Show your support for the podcast: here | Host: Veronica Winters, MFA | veronicasart.com
Irish artist, John Dalton is an accomplished writer, podcaster and craniosacral therapist. He is the host of two podcasts – “Further Emergence” and “John Dalton Gently Does it”. “Further Emergence” focuses on topics of spirituality and emotion, while “John Dalton Gently Does It” is dedicated to interviews with contemporary figurative artists. John has an extensive experience working in the field of craniosacral therapy as he founded the Australian Institute of Cranio Sacral Therapy in 1998, and I have lectured with this topic internationally. Dalton’s books include “The Gentle Snap,” “Maya Noise,” “Why Do We Get Sick? Why Do We Get Better? – A Wellness Detective Manual” and “But then again . . .” available on Amazon.
To contact John: https://www.johndalton.me/ | https://www.furtheremergence.com/
John is a kind and sensitive person who shares his views on art and life. We discuss his background in animation and therapy. He shares his observations about artists in regards to self-doubt, financial pressure, and art contests. John advises how artists can improve upon their art submissions. He also shares his thoughts on the comparison game, affirmations, illusion of reality, hope, loneliness, rejection and reparenting of yourself to get rid of emotional pain.
The only things that I’ve seen that’s real in existence are communication and love.
John Dalton
To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yTsQtpfLcbQ
Subscribe & rate this podcast on Spotify and Apple | Show your support for the podcast: here | Host: Veronica Winters, MFA | veronicasart.com
I got interested in art sales, art marketing and promotion mechanics at the top tier of the art market years ago visiting art fairs, shows, Art Basel Miami, etc.I had questions that seemed to have no answer. One of the questions I wanted to find the answer to was why some weird artists sold for […]
In this podcast episode I summarize some basic rules to follow to protect your art from copyright infringement in the US. I discuss fair use, fan art use, copyright protection for art, copyright expiration dates, copyright use of photography, etc. You can read about this topic here: https://veronicasart.com/copyright-law-for-artists-rules-to-protect-and-avoid-copyright-infringement-of-original-art/ If you find this episode helpful, please […]
Emily McElwreath is an art advisor, curator and podcaster working in New York. Her formal education includes an MA from Purchase College in Art History with a Concentration in Contemporary Art Criticism and an Art Business Certification from Christie’s Education. Years ago she left the position of director of communications and education at the Brant […]
Learn why the 20th-century art will be lost faster than the old masters’ paintings housed in various art collections worldwide. Meet George O’Hanlon and Tatiana Zaytseva, co-founders of Natural Pigments.
In this episode, we’ll be exploring the hidden truth about today’s art supplies and how the incorrect use and poor quality can cause cracking, fading and other issues with art. We’ll discuss the oil painting techniques and art materials of the old masters. By the end of this interview, you’ll have much better understanding how to use oil paint, mediums, gesso and other art supplies in your own paintings, and you’ll be able to understand the various techniques used by the artists before the 19th century. Don’t miss out on this chance to learn from the best!
Based in northern California, Natural Pigments manufactures and sells rare and hard-to-find materials for professional fine artists and decorators. The art supply company produces high-quality artists’ materials that were used in historical painting until the nineteenth century.
Contact: George O’Hanlon, Technical Director + Tatiana Zaytseva, Administrative Director of Natural Pigments https://www.naturalpigments.com/
Understand how to create the best oil paintings possible using high-quality art supplies correctly.
Interview:* 2-23min Why George went to Russia and how he met his future wife Tatiana. * 24-30min George’s surprising discovery of the old masters painting techniques * 39min The proper use of mediums in oil painting * 46min How the “Painting Best Practices Workshop” was born * 48min Is it ok to have acrylic underpainting with oil painting? * 51:40min Does gesso quality matter? * 57min The importance of having high-quality art materials and how to use them correctly to make lasting art * 59min Main advantage painting with lead white. The difference between titanium white and lead white. Is lead poisoning real for artists? The safely issues with the lead white oil paint. * 1hr Safe use of solvents * 1:09 The lightfastness of colors * 1:15 Medium to paint thick textures in oil painting * 1:17 Gilding process and preparation of surface * 1:24 the best surfaces for oil painting and gilding * 1:31 The most famous artist who creates art painting with Natural Pigments!
Subscribe & rate this podcast on Spotify and Apple | Show your support for the podcast: here | Host: Veronica Winters, MFA | veronicasart.com
https://youtu.be/zxv_WXHvO6c
Subscribe & rate this podcast on Spotify and Apple | Show your support for the podcast: here | Host: Veronica Winters, MFA | veronicasart.com
Nicole Finger, Freedom, 30×36 inches, oil paintingColorado-based realist artist, Nicole Finger is a super-talented, highly-realistic oil painter who creates figurative realism art inspired by her family and surroundings. Immersed in beauty of the San Juan Mountains in Telluride, the artist enjoys juxtaposing stunning snow peaks with gentle tulips and peonies. She creates luscious textures painting almost any surface she chooses- donuts, tacos, jackets, lace and portraits. Painting large, realist artist captures your attention with fresh color palette and an unusual placement of common subjects on canvas. Finger loves the precision in oil painting and depicts the sunlit portraits of her children so realistically you want to marvel every detail in her art.
Finger holds a BFA degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder and is represented by several art galleries including Victory Contemporary in Santa Fe and Skidmore Contemporary Art in Santa Monica. The artist received top awards for her realist painting in 2022 including IGOR, Best Portrait Award 6th Annual National Juried Exhibition, (ANJE) , Honorable Mention, John Dalton Art Prize, Finalist, International FiKVA Award Finalist, 16th International ARC Salon semi finalist, American Women Artists (AWA) Juried Spring Online Show- Presidents Award and many more!
Her art is in many corporate collections including San Francisco Delta Sky Club Collection, San Francisco International Airport, Copper Mountain Hotel, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Denver, Children’s Hospital, Denver, Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children, Children’s Hospital, Parker, St. Mary’s Hospital, Grand Junction, Greeley Hotel, Greeley, First Warning Music, New York, NY and many more.
Nicole Finger, Gossamer, 24×36 inches, oil painting, realism artContact Nicole: Website: fingerpaintingart.com | current project & charity info: https://www.instagram.com/postcodeukraine/https://contribute.to/postcodeukraine
“The strength of the mountains and the fragility of the flowers and how that is a metaphor for life. It’s timeless and fleeting to be appreciative and grateful. It’s here. It’s beautiful and then it’s gone.”
Nicole Finger
Nicole Finger, Where Tulips and Wild flowers Dance, oil paintingInterview:
1-10 min art overview
13:23 image transfer process
15:45-17:20 underpainting technique
17:40 What’s so exciting about the process of realism oil painting?
19:50 Photography process
21:30 Ideas and technique of oil painting “Freedom”
24:00 About artists on the Moon Project
27:20 “Floralscapes” series inspiration & meaning
31:40 Painting of Svetlana and Postcode Ukraine project
35:20 Going out to art galleries
36:00 What inspires the artist to create art
37:20-39:40 How the artist markets her realism paintings (art marketing tips)
41:48 Wearable art painting (paintings on dresses)
46:50 Greatest success
47:50 & 51:00-59:00 Getting into museum art shows and galleries, tips for young artists
49:50 What the artist wants to say with her hyperrealism art
Nicole Finger, Antlers and Lace, 36×36, oil paintingNicole Finger art-hooked on art podcasthttps://youtu.be/rZ-5HYMysEc
Subscribe & Rate this podcast on Spotify and Apple | Show your support for the podcast: here | Podcast Host: Veronica Winters, MFA | veronicasart.com
Psychedelic resin art sculptures by Dan Lam- hooked on art podcast interview 2023 | images copyright Dan LamVietnamese-American contemporary artist, Dan Lam plays with color, texture and form to create her psychedelic resin art sculptures. Questioning reality, she explores her ideas visually asking the viewers to embrace curiosity and fun. The artist works from her studio in Texas making big and small playful resin art sculptures out of different materials, such as foams, polyurethanes, resins, acrylics, and
polymers. The experimental result is blobs, drips, and squishes that you can find in an art museum, gallery space or Meow Wolf center in Texas.
The artist received her BFA from the University of North Texas in 2010 and earned her MFA degree from Arizona State University in 2014. She amassed an impressive social media following on Instagram and TikTok of over 1 million followers combined. In the interview Dan talks about the resin art techniques and how she combines the materials to make her drippy sculpture. She also shares her experiences with the use of psychedelics. Dan gives some tips how to grow Instagram, what inspires her and so much more!
Lam has exhibited her resin art sculpture in Dallas, San Francisco, New York, Paris and Munich. Her colorful, psychedelic art is in the collections of Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, 2Chainz, The Game, Lily Aldridge, and the Tisch family. Lam has collaborated with several tech companies like Facebook and Virgin.
"My work explores sensational dichotomies, such as beauty vs. repulsion, and chance vs. control, by combining unconventional materials, organic forms, and bright colors...I embrace an intuitive process that relies on play, experimentation, and striking a balance between control and flexibility. I am most interested in viewer experience and creating work that encourages interaction."
https://youtu.be/SoACf9pE6NM
Artist’s portfolio: https://bydanlam.com/
Subscribe & Rate this podcast on Spotify and Apple | Show your support for the podcast: here | Podcast Host: Veronica Winters, MFA | veronicasart.com
Images: Jack of the Dust handmade sculptures of skulls | Hooked on Art Podcast InterviewIn this candid interview Andy Firth aka Jack of The Dust shares his art, heart and vision. Andy is a self-taught Australian artist who established his art business in a home garage in 2013. Now he produces artful skulls in 4-6 releases a year and manages a crew of 15 people to make and ship art globally! He sculpts his original pieces by hand combining various materials such as clay, acrylic paint, and cinema-grade urethane resin to resemble various surfaces and textures that include skin, bone, steel, and stone.
Andy borrowed the term ‘Jack-of-the-dust’ from the Royal Navy of the 1800s. These were ship’s assistants who worked in the dusty bread storeroom. In the interview the artist explains his connection to the term and how it relates to his brand name and work.
The vanitas theme was one of major topics explored by artists throughout art history. The depiction of a skull, coffin, hourglass and dying flowers often illustrated the impermanence of human life in paintings. The skull served as a reminder of inevitable death in art. Yet, it has another meaning for Andy, which he eagerly shares in this interview.
The artist gives his reasons why art is important. He also shares his views on AI art. Andy explains his creative process, gives some cool art marketing and Instagram tips, and acknowledges the importance of failure to propel and ignite his creative and passionate career in the arts. Tune in now!
Contact Jack of the Dust: https://jackofthedust.com/
Art Business Ideas That WorkInto the chaos, 24×30″ by Courtney MileyIn this episode you’ll meet with Sensei Alford and abstract artist Courtney Miley from the ELLEmnop.art gallery. They both live in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
We discuss art and the business of art. Courtney shares her motivation behind painting, challenges and outcomes. Sensei talks about his art business ideas and secrets how he finds clients, artists and vision in his daily work.
Subscribe & Rate this podcast on Spotify and Apple | Show your support for the podcast: here
Contact: Keidrick ‘Sensei’ Alford, gallery co-owner | sensei@ellemnop.art | Courtney Miley, abstract artist https://ellemnop.art/galleryinfinity/
Podcast Host: Veronica Winters, MFA | veronicasart.com
Subscribe & Rate this podcast on Spotify and Apple | Show your support for the podcast: here
Have you noticed you can’t stand violence watching movies? Or that you get really upset being rejected? Or you feel drained after visiting a party? Most artists I know are highly sensitive people including me. Our sensitivity lets us feel deeply to create beautiful art but it can also devastate us, bring pain and suffering. Instead of looking at this personality train as a weakness, let’s explore the advantages of being sensitive. We’re going to do a deep dive into the psychology of sensitive people and how we can calibrate our gift of sensitivity to be the best versions of ourselves.
https://youtu.be/XTcOvjqkyWoHighly sensitive people: who are they?Written by Mariya Shiyko, PhD, creator & owner of Joyful & Creative Living | Instagram & Facebook
Definition: Highly sensitive people (HSP) are those who feel everything deeply and have a very deep inner life. They:
· Can’t watch violent films or shows and they avoid reading or staying informed about the violence
· Get tired when they spend a lot of time in noisy and high-stimulation environments
· Can’t live without self-care. If deprived of it, they can have a break-down or engage in unhealthy behaviors
· Enjoy art and often are very creative themselves
· Get overwhelmed by stress and, in fact, try to avoid stressful situations
· Feel deeply and tend to be more spiritual, philosophical, and empathetic, caring about the world
The upsides:There are many upsides for the HSP. In many ways, they are gifted — and can be spiritual, creative, smart, and charismatic people because they can sense the situation without any words.
Imagine that someone knows what you want without you even telling them. They care about the world, feel its pain, and want to improve it. They often go into caring, teaching, and serving professions. The world is a better place because of them.
There is about 20% of HSP in the general population, and they are equally likely to be men and women. Although, for men, it might take longer to discover that, since there is still a very high stigma of sensitivity and emotional depth. The macho culture is dying very slowly.
Differences:There are physiological and neurocognitive differences between HSP and non-HSP — information is processed differently, the stress response is activated at a different rate, and emotions are accessed in a different way. If you are interested in learning more about HSP, you can read this book by Dr. Elaine Aron “The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You.” There are more reading recommendations in references, at the end of this blog post.
I want to discuss, however, four topics relevant to HSP:
Self-Esteem & Self-AcceptanceFor HSP to develop high self-esteem and self-acceptance, parenting has to be uniquely tailored to their needs to “be heard and be seen.” This is unlikely in many situations. Given that emotional intelligence has been only on the rise in the last decade in the USA, and most of the world is still lagging behind, the likelihood that HS children were acknowledged and not judged for their emotions is very low.
In fact, they might have been shamed for feeling in a specific way and not given an opportunity to express themselves if their experience deviated from the “expected” or the “norm.” In such conditions, HSP might grow up with feelings of ‘SOMETHING IS DEEPLY WRONG WITH ME,” trying to fit in into the normal way of being and not fully finding comfort there either.
Solution:· Understand that you are not alone. 20% of the population is a substantial number. You are not a minority. Normalizing the fact that HSP exists is part of the solution.
· Self-parenting would be a big component of your healing journey. You will need to learn how to self-parent yourself while being an adult. This means: recognizing your needs for extra time off, quiet time, self-care, and anything else that your nervous system needs to feel safe and, more than that, — flourish!
· Educate yourself to recognize needs, desires, and mostly strengths because you have lots of unique strengths that other people don’t have.
· Express your needs in relationships but don’t expect that people will remember them forever — you will need to keep reminding yourself and others about your needs.
· Forgive — your parents, bosses, and others who might have not recognized you as an HSP and created unbearable circumstances in your life. This will bring your peace and sanity. Emotional intelligence is still on the rise, and mental and spiritual health awareness is still in its infant stage of development. The general population will need time and education to catch up.
RelationshipsIt is fascinating that HSP might fluctuate between really enjoying social interactions because they bring them joy, depth of experiences, and an opportunity to contribute to this world. On the other hand, the same social interactions might bring stress, overwhelm, and overstimulation.
What other people consider “fun” — going to bars, drinking, participating in highly stimulating activities, HSP might find enjoyable to a degree or not enjoyable at all, depending on how sensitive their nervous system is. The “dose” of stimulation might vary from mild to extreme.
HSP are a gift to be in a relationship with — they understand and perceive the world deeply and have a lot to contribute to a relationship — from knowledge to intuition to care to creativity to the unbeatable skill of knowing before something actually occurs, as if by magic — seeing the future. Yet, their needs might be perceived as weird or unacceptable, even judged by other people.
Solution:· Know yourself really well — because other people won’t know you and it’s not really their job to know you. Knowing yourself is a process — it’s not a one-time thing, it will unfold and deepen with time.
· Express yourself and your needs. If someone doesn’t want to listen or respect who you are, these are probably not the right people to socialize with. It’s not their fault and it’s not a reason for you to get angry with them. But understand that you don’t need to sacrifice yourself to be in a relationship — be it romantic or friendship or collegial.
· Know your boundaries, set them, express them, and know that you don’t need to feel guilty about boundaries. Imagine someone with diabetes saying, “I can’t have sugar.” That is normal and, in most cases, won’t be judged. The same thing for HSP — there are boundaries on your emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being — you can’t do certain things and you have to do certain things to stay healthy, well, and flourish.
· Be aware that there are people who have a tendency to take advantage of others in some way. It is not OK for you. Say “NO” to such people. They might not do it intentionally, but it is still your responsibility to say “NO.”
· Joyful and Fulfilling relationships are possible. So, no need to settle for something mediocre and self-defeating.
WorkHSP has much to offer to this world — they come with unique gifts and talents. They are not concentrated only in one domain of expression: for example, only psychology or only arts. They can be everywhere and anywhere — in business, agriculture, management, therapy, and so on. HSP can also be very skilled high-level managers: they care about people, pre-emp problems with solutions, and have a capacity to take on a high-bird perspective on business and situations.
There are also some challenges that HSP need to be aware of that brings us to
Solution:· Need for rest and self-care — they simply can’t work 10 or even 8 hours a day. They must rest to avoid a break-down
· Need to process their feelings and emotions and find meaning in them. Part of the gift of being an HSP is to feel deeply about the world. Just being a manager or a teacher or an artist is not enough. HSP need to find and derive meaning from things. And this is a HUGE need for HSP. Time needs to be left in a day or a week to journal, communicate with a close friend or engage in anything else that facilitates meaning creation (e.g., art, movement, prayer, etc.)
· Need for a safe work environment. Recognize that your workspace needs to be created in a way that is helping you to work rather than you struggling to work. Inter-personal conflicts, messy desks, common working spaces might not be for you. Bring beauty and peace to your work.
· Remember that you don’t need to take care of everyone in your work environment — everyone’s problem is NOT yours. It is great to be compassionate and caring, but you can’t carry the world on your shoulders
· Be aware of people taking advantage of your kindness and energetic compassion and giving. In the end, it’s always a personal journey. Let others be somewhat independent. In the same way that you need to learn to parent yourself, encourage others to do the same. Yes, you can ask and demand that from others.
· If you are in a position to hire people, you can absolutely set criteria for other self-care. In the same way that you wouldn’t want to have a drunk in your beautiful home, you wouldn’t want to have a drunk in your office or workspace. And you can reject people who don’t understand that taking care of themselves impacts everyone around — that is OK.
· Working for yourself is also a solution, where you are able to set your timetable, conditions, and collaborations.
SpiritualityHSP might find themselves attracted to spirituality because they are interested in questions such as “Who am I?” “Why the world is the way it is?” “How can I be happy in life?” “What is my life purpose?” “What is the nature of God?” etc. Their intuitive understanding of things might bring them very special experiences in the realm of spirituality, such as oneness, direct communication with spiritual beings, extreme intuitive knowing of things, and a deep understanding of spiritual concepts.
There are also challenges that come with it. For instance, getting a bit lost in spirituality and thinking that the spiritual world is more important than the human world — simply because the human world doesn’t seem to be able to take care of their needs. They may devote too much time to spirituality for that very reason, seeking healing, transformation, and wholeness.
Solution:· Remembering that healing is a journey, it’s a process. Choosing a gentle path of healing is important so that traumas from the past are not triggered many times. Coming from the place of self-love and self-acceptance.
· Being gentle with yourself, paying attention to your needs.
· Knowing that healing is possible and that you don’t need to choose “being spiritual” or “being human” — you can have both worlds coexisting and helping each other flourish, create and enjoy life.
· Trusting ease and joy, making an effort to make changes in your life that align with your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being
· Allocating time for meditation, prayer, and any other spiritual practice
· Sharing the depth of your experiences with others — by blogging, creating art, having conversations, etc.
· Accepting the challenging sides of being an HSP and accepting yourself as a whole, the unconditional love so to speak — not rejecting the parts of you that are sensitive and need extra love and care
· Learning how to let go of pain — is very important. You don’t need to suffer all your life just because there is so much pain in the world. You don’t need to save the world. You don’t need to be Mother Theresa for everyone coming your way.
· Create healthy boundaries even within yourself — indulging in heavy emotions is draining for your psyche: feel and learn to let go.
· Learn practices that uplift you. You might have a tendency to allow yourself to feel everything. Which is wonderful, but learning how to raise your energy and uplift your vibration, so to speak, is extremely important for leading a fulfilling life.
I hope this article was helpful for you or someone you know who exhibits the qualities of an HSP. It was inspired by my personal life journey and sensitivities to feel deeply. It’s been a great challenge and a marvelous blessing that I am learning to embrace. As I grow to understand my needs better and express them to others, I see my life transform and improve in myriads of ways. And I wish you all the blessings and joy you can experience in a lifetime that is so complex, beautiful and inspiring to growth.
References:
- Elaine Aaron, PhD (2020). The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You.
- Elaine Aaron, PhD (2001). The Highly Sensitive Perso in Love: Understanding and Managing Relationships When the World Overwhelms You.
- Sensitive: The Untold Story (film)
Written by Mariya Shiyko, PhD, creator of Joyful & Creative Living You can learn more about Mariya’s coaching, services, and books on her site. Mariya’s books: My Brilliant Money Book & From Russia to Joy
Video Podcast talking points:* Who are highly sensitive people? 8:09 min * Finding meaning in life 17 min & 38:50 * Self-parenting 18:45 * Setting boundaries 26:30 * How to stop negative thinking 30:54 * How to say “No” 32:26 * Child parenting 35 min * Letting go of pain 46:44 * What is energy healing? 52:50 * How beliefs create reality 58 min * Books and more 1:05
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