web01.fireside.fm Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:50:47 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) The Messy Studio with Rebecca Crowell - Episodes Tagged with “Minimalism” https://messystudio.fireside.fm/tags/minimalism Sun, 16 Oct 2022 15:00:00 -0500 Artist Rebecca Crowell shares experiences and thoughts from three decades of painting, teaching and traveling, as well as her conversations with other artists. She is joined by her co-host, producer, and son, Ross Ticknor, who brings an entrepreneurial Millennial perspective. The conversations are broad and eclectic, focused on ideas, information and anecdotes that other artists may find helpful in their work and careers. A new episode is uploaded every weekend! en-us episodic The podcast at the intersection of art, travel, business, philosophy, and life in general. Rebecca Crowell Artist Rebecca Crowell shares experiences and thoughts from three decades of painting, teaching and traveling, as well as her conversations with other artists. She is joined by her co-host, producer, and son, Ross Ticknor, who brings an entrepreneurial Millennial perspective. The conversations are broad and eclectic, focused on ideas, information and anecdotes that other artists may find helpful in their work and careers. A new episode is uploaded every weekend! no Rebecca Crowell rticknor.core@gmail.com Episode 225: When Less Is More https://messystudio.fireside.fm/225 2491f15c-f47f-4abe-b602-0ea8f24c69e8 Sun, 16 Oct 2022 15:00:00 -0500 Rebecca Crowell 225 When Less Is More full Rebecca Crowell For some artists, bringing meaning to their abstract work is hard because they lack ideas, or direction, or a true sense of connection to the work. But for others the problem is the opposite. They have so many thoughts, feelings, and references they want to work with that they become overwhelmed and frustrated. Today we want to talk about the value of focus in your ideas for abstract work, and what happens when your they are too complex and create blocks in your expression. 33:33 no For some artists, bringing meaning to their abstract work is hard because they lack ideas, or direction, or a true sense of connection to the work. But for others the problem is the opposite. They have so many thoughts, feelings, and references they want to work with that they become overwhelmed and frustrated. Today we want to talk about the value of focus in your ideas for abstract work, and what happens when your they are too complex and create blocks in your expression. Often, to bring personal meaning to abstraction people develop complex stories with a range of ideas they want to bring to the work. These references may be personal or may be broader world issues like climate change or war. Ideas are certainly important, but it takes focus to express meaning in abstraction. Working in abstraction is not a great approach for dictating how the work will be seen and interpreted. Anyone looking at your work will have their own interpretations; that is the nature of abstraction. It is the beauty and challenge of abstract work that it is not read like a story, but received as a complete impression, so it needs to work visually foremost. Your ideas are important as guides in choosing the aspects of form in your painting, in arriving at the composition, shapes, colors, lines, and textures. But realize that having too many ideas can negates the ability to create a strong visual statement. Like so much in art, limitations allow us to go deeper. A focused, simple idea is less likely to become too literal because it allows for an expansion of thought. When you try to pack in too much, your viewer has less room for involvement. Clear ideas on your part can act as excellent guides in your choices. But then you need to step back and let it be what it is to another person. This is a key attitude in working abstractly. Thanks to everyone who has been sharing the show and donating! If you would like to donate to the Messy Studio Podcast donate here (https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=Yyrf7Ht1DYfkYzAaWNoW8zuvCpTryLYsxY2VAj4qGZ3o2o4F7xHGv4VmDDef7kFxuvbgpz_z4jUa-z7F). ​ When you buy art supplies at Blick remember to use our affiliate link to support the podcast! Bookmark this link and then you don't even have to think about it again. This is one of the best ways to support the show. It takes a few seconds and costs you nothing! The Blick website works exactly the same way, but we earn 10% every time you buy art supplies. www.messystudiopodcast.com/blick ​ What's new at Cold Wax Academy? Rebecca and Jerry have just launched their Fall quarter of live, online sessions with a special focus this time on member participation, plus informative sessions on a variety of other topics such as photographing your art work and using Procreate. This month also marks the beginning of Cold Wax Academy's 3rd year of teaching sessions, meaning that the member library now has over 80 recordings and other instructional documents available for members. To access this wealth of information and to take part in upcoming live sessions, please visit the membership page at ColdWaxAcademy.com and sign up for one of the two levels of membership available. Please visit http://www.coldwaxacademy.com for more information. Also-- stay tuned for information coming soon about Rebecca and Jerry's newest project, Espacio, dedicated to providing beautiful living and working spaces for artists and writers. Espacio's first offering is Casa Clavel, a modern, fully equipped house opening this September in the beautiful cultural city of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. You can learn more and make a reservation by emailing info@coldwaxacademy.com. A dedicated Espacio website is coming soon! Here is what a member named Sandy has to say about her own experience with Cold Wax Academy: "Rebecca and Jerry have presented the most professional, authentic and structured approach to a creative activity I have ever come across. Their selfless sharing of all their knowledge and encouragement is a gift in my life unsurpassed." Have an art related product, service, or event you would like to advertise on the Messy Studio Podcast? Email Ross at rticknor.core@gmail.com (mailto:rticknor.core@gmail.com) for current mid-roll advertising rates. ​ For more from The Messy Studio: www.messystudiopodcast.com www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast ​ For more from Rebecca Crowell: www.rebeccacrowell.com www.coldwaxacademy.com ​ The Messy Studio Podcast is a Tick Digital Media Production. Rebecca Crowell, Art, Creativity, Abstraction, Minimalism, Elements, Less is more For some artists, bringing meaning to their abstract work is hard because they lack ideas, or direction, or a true sense of connection to the work. But for others the problem is the opposite. They have so many thoughts, feelings, and references they want to work with that they become overwhelmed and frustrated. Today we want to talk about the value of focus in your ideas for abstract work, and what happens when your they are too complex and create blocks in your expression.

Often, to bring personal meaning to abstraction people develop complex stories with a range of ideas they want to bring to the work. These references may be personal or may be broader world issues like climate change or war. Ideas are certainly important, but it takes focus to express meaning in abstraction. Working in abstraction is not a great approach for dictating how the work will be seen and interpreted. Anyone looking at your work will have their own interpretations; that is the nature of abstraction.

It is the beauty and challenge of abstract work that it is not read like a story, but received as a complete impression, so it needs to work visually foremost. Your ideas are important as guides in choosing the aspects of form in your painting, in arriving at the composition, shapes, colors, lines, and textures. But realize that having too many ideas can negates the ability to create a strong visual statement.

Like so much in art, limitations allow us to go deeper. A focused, simple idea is less likely to become too literal because it allows for an expansion of thought. When you try to pack in too much, your viewer has less room for involvement. Clear ideas on your part can act as excellent guides in your choices. But then you need to step back and let it be what it is to another person. This is a key attitude in working abstractly.

Thanks to everyone who has been sharing the show and donating! If you would like to donate to the Messy Studio Podcast donate here.
​
When you buy art supplies at Blick remember to use our affiliate link to support the podcast! Bookmark this link and then you don't even have to think about it again. This is one of the best ways to support the show. It takes a few seconds and costs you nothing! The Blick website works exactly the same way, but we earn 10% every time you buy art supplies.

www.messystudiopodcast.com/blick
​
What's new at Cold Wax Academy?
Rebecca and Jerry have just launched their Fall quarter of live, online sessions with a special focus this time on member participation, plus informative sessions on a variety of other topics such as photographing your art work and using Procreate. This month also marks the beginning of Cold Wax Academy's 3rd year of teaching sessions, meaning that the member library now has over 80 recordings and other instructional documents available for members. To access this wealth of information and to take part in upcoming live sessions, please visit the membership page at ColdWaxAcademy.com and sign up for one of the two levels of membership available.

Please visit http://www.coldwaxacademy.com for more information.

Also-- stay tuned for information coming soon about Rebecca and Jerry's newest project, Espacio, dedicated to providing beautiful living and working spaces for artists and writers. Espacio's first offering is Casa Clavel, a modern, fully equipped house opening this September in the beautiful cultural city of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. You can learn more and make a reservation by emailing info@coldwaxacademy.com. A dedicated Espacio website is coming soon!

Here is what a member named Sandy has to say about her own experience with Cold Wax Academy:
"Rebecca and Jerry have presented the most professional, authentic and structured approach to a creative activity I have ever come across. Their selfless sharing of all their knowledge and encouragement is a gift in my life unsurpassed."

Have an art related product, service, or event you would like to advertise on the Messy Studio Podcast?
Email Ross at rticknor.core@gmail.com for current mid-roll advertising rates.
​
For more from The Messy Studio:
www.messystudiopodcast.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
​
For more from Rebecca Crowell:
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.coldwaxacademy.com
​
The Messy Studio Podcast is a Tick Digital Media Production.

]]> For some artists, bringing meaning to their abstract work is hard because they lack ideas, or direction, or a true sense of connection to the work. But for others the problem is the opposite. They have so many thoughts, feelings, and references they want to work with that they become overwhelmed and frustrated. Today we want to talk about the value of focus in your ideas for abstract work, and what happens when your they are too complex and create blocks in your expression.

Often, to bring personal meaning to abstraction people develop complex stories with a range of ideas they want to bring to the work. These references may be personal or may be broader world issues like climate change or war. Ideas are certainly important, but it takes focus to express meaning in abstraction. Working in abstraction is not a great approach for dictating how the work will be seen and interpreted. Anyone looking at your work will have their own interpretations; that is the nature of abstraction.

It is the beauty and challenge of abstract work that it is not read like a story, but received as a complete impression, so it needs to work visually foremost. Your ideas are important as guides in choosing the aspects of form in your painting, in arriving at the composition, shapes, colors, lines, and textures. But realize that having too many ideas can negates the ability to create a strong visual statement.

Like so much in art, limitations allow us to go deeper. A focused, simple idea is less likely to become too literal because it allows for an expansion of thought. When you try to pack in too much, your viewer has less room for involvement. Clear ideas on your part can act as excellent guides in your choices. But then you need to step back and let it be what it is to another person. This is a key attitude in working abstractly.

Thanks to everyone who has been sharing the show and donating! If you would like to donate to the Messy Studio Podcast donate here.
​
When you buy art supplies at Blick remember to use our affiliate link to support the podcast! Bookmark this link and then you don't even have to think about it again. This is one of the best ways to support the show. It takes a few seconds and costs you nothing! The Blick website works exactly the same way, but we earn 10% every time you buy art supplies.

www.messystudiopodcast.com/blick
​
What's new at Cold Wax Academy?
Rebecca and Jerry have just launched their Fall quarter of live, online sessions with a special focus this time on member participation, plus informative sessions on a variety of other topics such as photographing your art work and using Procreate. This month also marks the beginning of Cold Wax Academy's 3rd year of teaching sessions, meaning that the member library now has over 80 recordings and other instructional documents available for members. To access this wealth of information and to take part in upcoming live sessions, please visit the membership page at ColdWaxAcademy.com and sign up for one of the two levels of membership available.

Please visit http://www.coldwaxacademy.com for more information.

Also-- stay tuned for information coming soon about Rebecca and Jerry's newest project, Espacio, dedicated to providing beautiful living and working spaces for artists and writers. Espacio's first offering is Casa Clavel, a modern, fully equipped house opening this September in the beautiful cultural city of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. You can learn more and make a reservation by emailing info@coldwaxacademy.com. A dedicated Espacio website is coming soon!

Here is what a member named Sandy has to say about her own experience with Cold Wax Academy:
"Rebecca and Jerry have presented the most professional, authentic and structured approach to a creative activity I have ever come across. Their selfless sharing of all their knowledge and encouragement is a gift in my life unsurpassed."

Have an art related product, service, or event you would like to advertise on the Messy Studio Podcast?
Email Ross at rticknor.core@gmail.com for current mid-roll advertising rates.
​
For more from The Messy Studio:
www.messystudiopodcast.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast
​
For more from Rebecca Crowell:
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.coldwaxacademy.com
​
The Messy Studio Podcast is a Tick Digital Media Production.

]]> Episode 9: All About Teaching, Part 2: The Workshop Experience https://messystudio.fireside.fm/9 c79b30f3-1c41-4eb2-ae03-2b92f1043fc4 Sat, 17 Feb 2018 15:00:00 -0600 Rebecca Crowell 9 All About Teaching, Part 2: The Workshop Experience full Rebecca Crowell Rebecca and Ross continue their discussion on teaching. This episode focuses the intense and highly focused personal interaction that takes place during a workshop. 32:53 no Rebecca and Ross continue their discussion on teaching. This episode focuses more on workshops, and the intense and highly focused personal interaction that takes place during a workshop. Ross and Rebecca clash over minimalism. During the discussion they shockingly confuse the work of one color field minimalist with another. The piece Ross was thinking of was "Red, Yellow, Blue II" by Ellsworth Kelly which can be seen at the Milwaukee Art Museum (http://collection.mam.org/details.php?id=8007), and not "Who's Afraid of Red, Yellow, and Blue IV" by Barnett Newman. It hangs at the Berlin Nationalgalerie and sadly, Ross has never seen it in person. ** The Messy Bulletin Board! ** James Scherbarth: James Edward Scherbarth will be at Peninsula School of Art in beautiful Door County, WI this June. Jim will be offering an introduction to Abstract Painting with Oil & Cold Wax Medium utilizing his Process-Purpose-Passion approach to meaningful abstract painting. The class is June 11 – 14, 2018. Complete details and registration are available through both Jim’s website: www.jamesedwardscherbarth.com and the school’s website : www.peninsulaschoolofart.org see their workshop page. Janice Mason Steeves: Learn the principles of cold wax medium in a workshop with renowned Canadian artist Janice Mason Steeves. Translating her mastery of technique, composition, and design into an accessible format, Mason Steeves helps students nurture and develop their own creative voice. She also accepts students for her online art mentoring program which offers honest, constructive, one-on-one feedback to help students and professional artists alike move their work forward. Learn more at http://janicemasonsteeves.com Ross Ticknor: Many of you have commented that you love Ross' voice. If you would like to hear more of his buttery smooth vocalizations, check out one of the audiobooks he has narrated. They are available on Amazaon, Audible, and iTunes. His favorite is "Headhunters From Outerspace" by Brett McCormick, a mind bending interdimensional sci-fi adventure set in Alvarado, Texas. Find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Headhunters-from-Outer-Space/dp/B06WWFTF86/ref=tmmaudswatch0?encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=&dpID=51i4R-WHwEL&preST=SX342QL70_&dpSrc=detail Rebecca and Ross continue their discussion on teaching. This episode focuses more on workshops, and the intense and highly focused personal interaction that takes place during a workshop. Ross and Rebecca clash over minimalism. During the discussion they shockingly confuse the work of one color field minimalist with another. The piece Ross was thinking of was "Red, Yellow, Blue II" by Ellsworth Kelly which can be seen at the Milwaukee Art Museum (http://collection.mam.org/details.php?id=8007), and not "Who's Afraid of Red, Yellow, and Blue IV" by Barnett Newman. It hangs at the Berlin Nationalgalerie and sadly, Ross has never seen it in person.

**

The Messy Bulletin Board!

**

James Scherbarth:

James Edward Scherbarth will be at Peninsula School of Art in beautiful Door County, WI this June.

Jim will be offering an introduction to Abstract Painting with Oil & Cold Wax Medium utilizing his Process-Purpose-Passion approach to meaningful abstract painting.

The class is June 11 – 14, 2018. Complete details and registration are available through both Jim’s website: www.jamesedwardscherbarth.com and the school’s website : www.peninsulaschoolofart.org see their workshop page.

Janice Mason Steeves:

Learn the principles of cold wax medium in a workshop with renowned Canadian artist Janice Mason Steeves. Translating her mastery of technique, composition, and design into an accessible format, Mason Steeves helps students nurture and develop their own creative voice.

She also accepts students for her online art mentoring program which offers honest, constructive, one-on-one feedback to help students and professional artists alike move their work forward.

Learn more at http://janicemasonsteeves.com

Ross Ticknor:

Many of you have commented that you love Ross' voice. If you would like to hear more of his buttery smooth vocalizations, check out one of the audiobooks he has narrated. They are available on Amazaon, Audible, and iTunes. His favorite is "Headhunters From Outerspace" by Brett McCormick, a mind bending interdimensional sci-fi adventure set in Alvarado, Texas.

Find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Headhunters-from-Outer-Space/dp/B06WWFTF86/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=&dpID=51i4R-WHwEL&preST=_SX342_QL70_&dpSrc=detail

]]> Rebecca and Ross continue their discussion on teaching. This episode focuses more on workshops, and the intense and highly focused personal interaction that takes place during a workshop. Ross and Rebecca clash over minimalism. During the discussion they shockingly confuse the work of one color field minimalist with another. The piece Ross was thinking of was "Red, Yellow, Blue II" by Ellsworth Kelly which can be seen at the Milwaukee Art Museum (http://collection.mam.org/details.php?id=8007), and not "Who's Afraid of Red, Yellow, and Blue IV" by Barnett Newman. It hangs at the Berlin Nationalgalerie and sadly, Ross has never seen it in person.

**

The Messy Bulletin Board!

**

James Scherbarth:

James Edward Scherbarth will be at Peninsula School of Art in beautiful Door County, WI this June.

Jim will be offering an introduction to Abstract Painting with Oil & Cold Wax Medium utilizing his Process-Purpose-Passion approach to meaningful abstract painting.

The class is June 11 – 14, 2018. Complete details and registration are available through both Jim’s website: www.jamesedwardscherbarth.com and the school’s website : www.peninsulaschoolofart.org see their workshop page.

Janice Mason Steeves:

Learn the principles of cold wax medium in a workshop with renowned Canadian artist Janice Mason Steeves. Translating her mastery of technique, composition, and design into an accessible format, Mason Steeves helps students nurture and develop their own creative voice.

She also accepts students for her online art mentoring program which offers honest, constructive, one-on-one feedback to help students and professional artists alike move their work forward.

Learn more at http://janicemasonsteeves.com

Ross Ticknor:

Many of you have commented that you love Ross' voice. If you would like to hear more of his buttery smooth vocalizations, check out one of the audiobooks he has narrated. They are available on Amazaon, Audible, and iTunes. His favorite is "Headhunters From Outerspace" by Brett McCormick, a mind bending interdimensional sci-fi adventure set in Alvarado, Texas.

Find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Headhunters-from-Outer-Space/dp/B06WWFTF86/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=&dpID=51i4R-WHwEL&preST=_SX342_QL70_&dpSrc=detail

]]>