The Messy Studio with Rebecca Crowell

Episode 237: Finding Your Artist Community

January 21st, 2023  |  34 mins 48 secs

art, cold wax academy, community, creativity, jerry mclaughlin, rebecca crowell, technology

Art is primarily a solitary activity. Although some artists collaborate or share studios, most of us spend our time alone with our work and our thoughts, and we value that solitude. But art is also a form of communication, and other artists are often very savvy about understanding the work of others and connecting in that way is valuable. And who better to understand the ups and downs, the challenges and rewards of art life than another artist? Today Rebecca and Jerry discuss the benefits of being part of an artist community.

Episode 213: Artists as Entrepreneurs, with Jerry McLaughlin

July 23rd, 2022  |  38 mins 17 secs

art, business, creativity, entrepreneurship, jerry mclaughlin, mexico, rebecca crowell

For many of us in the art world, making art is only part of what we do. The other big role most of us play, that of businessperson, can be one that comes less naturally. Many artists resist getting involved with art as a business, seeing it as something that dilutes creativity and true voice. At the same time, most of us get a lot of satisfaction from exhibiting our work and would like to be able to make a living doing what we really love, and it is gratifying to provide something that enriches the lives of fellow humans. Can we learn to see the business aspects of art in a more positive light, and bring to our art business the same skills we use in the studio?

Episode 171: Challenges and Risks

March 27th, 2021  |  36 mins 15 secs

business, career, challenges, cold wax academy, jerry mclaughlin, painting, rebecca crowell, risks

As artists, we are often presented with situations that ask us to say “yes” to something that feels challenging or risky. This could be as small as the need to rework a painting to as large as agreeing to a major solo exhibit. Accepting any challenge requires a commitment and it may feel stressful, and bring on self-doubt. Yet successful artists always take some risks that lead to growth and new possibilities—in their careers and in the studio. Today Rebecca and her partner at Cold Wax Academy, Jerry McLaughlin, talk about why it is important to take on challenges and risks in your art practice--along with a few stories about their own related experiences.

Rebecca and Jerry recorded this episode on video as well as audio, so if you'd like to see the video version, please visit the Messy Studio Facebook page or the Cold wax Academy Facebook page. That’s www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast or www.facebook.com/coldwaxacademy.

Episode 87: Making Our Video

September 1st, 2019  |  31 mins 18 secs

art, italy, jerry mclaughlin, rebecca crowell, squeegee press, travel, video, workshops

Rebecca and Jerry discuss the process of making their video (Cold Wax Medium: A Video Workshop)--including behind the scenes stories, the challenges of being on camera, and their motivations and intentions for this huge project. This episode includes a discount coupon code if you wish to purchase the video.