web02.fireside.fm Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:37:07 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) The Messy Studio with Rebecca Crowell - Episodes Tagged with “Symbols” https://messystudio.fireside.fm/tags/symbols Sun, 07 Feb 2021 17:00:00 -0600 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 164: Abstraction and Your Inner Child https://messystudio.fireside.fm/164 f783ba55-6a32-46cb-a580-0d0a6c477654 Sun, 07 Feb 2021 17:00:00 -0600 Rebecca Crowell 164 Abstraction and Your Inner Child full Rebecca Crowell We all drew, painted, and made things out of playdough and construction paper as little children, in spontaneous and unselfconscious ways. Some of us retain those memories, and we may also have children or grandchildren whose artwork we love. The art of children affords an intriguing view of a very different way of seeing and thinking than we have as adults, and many abstract artists have found it a source of inspiration. Today we look at some special qualities of child art and how it may feed our abstract ideas. 37:42 no We all drew, painted, and made things out of playdough and construction paper as little children, in spontaneous and unselfconscious ways. Some of us retain those memories, and we may also have children or grandchildren whose artwork we love. The art of children affords an intriguing view of a very different way of seeing and thinking than we have as adults, and many abstract artists have found it a source of inspiration. Today we look at some special qualities of child art and how it may feed our abstract ideas. Many contemporary artists find kid’s art intriguing, especially art from the very early years before the child has been told how things “should” be depicted. Whether this is done consciously or unconsciously, well-meaning parents and adults present young children with a very different idea of what art is about. Their emphasis is on recognizable objects portrayed with a single meaning, as in “this is a person, or this is a tree” without considering the different perceptions of a young child. Children naturally follow their own intuitive logic in depicting their world, using symbolic and narrative approaches that may not make sense to an adult. They are fluid not only in their freedom and inventiveness with materials, but also in their interpretations of their own work. The story they tell about a painting may be different tomorrow, showing how intimately they engage with imagination as they create. We all made this kind of art long ago. If we’ve lost the memory, can we still reconnect with some of its liberating aspects? Consider the power of symbols, the freedom from conventional approaches to space within the picture plane, and the focus on process rather than results that young children display in their work. Perhaps above all, their trust in an intuitive “rightness” about their work, whatever adult rules it may break. We may have left this state of flow many decades ago, but we can reconsider its advantages now from an adult perspective and how they may fit with our current abstract expression. Thanks to everyone who has been sharing the show and to Phyllis Lasche for donating via PayPal. Make sure you listen to the episode we did with Phyllis, episode 160, if you haven't already! If you would like to donate to the Messy Studio Podcast donate here (https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=Yyrf7Ht1DYfkYzAaWNoW8zuvCpTryLYsxY2VAj4qGZ3o2o4F7xHGv4VmDDef7kFxuvbgpz_z4jUa-z7F). ​ Have you enjoyed the audio production quality and hearing Ross's voice? Ross is building a website for his audio production business and could use a testimonial from you! Submit a testimonial by email at rticknor.core@gmail.com or by submitting the contact form at www.messystudiopodcast.com! ​ 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! Right now Gamblin products are 40% off, so this is a great time to buy Cold Wax or Gamblin oil paints! www.messystudiopodcast.com/blick ​ It's time for an update on the latest news from Cold Wax Academy! Rebecca and her partner Jerry Mclaughlin are now well into their second quarter of weekly Live sessions for their members, in which they explore 3 main topics in deep, interrelated, and engaging ways. This quarter, those topics are Texture, Layering, and Writing and Talking about your Work. Weekly sessions include discussion, slide presentations, videos, critiques, special guests, and the opportunty to ask questions during the session. Cold Wax Academy Members have access to all past sessions, which are recorded each week--so if you're hesitating to join mid-quarter, no worries about missing out. There is plenty for you to explore, and you can watch previous sessions on your own schedule. Jerry and Rebecca offer for a trial month at the Core level for only $29.99. Visit www.coldwaxacademy.com and and click on the Memberships button. ​ 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 CORE Publication MGMT production. Rebecca Crowell, Art, Creativity, Abstraction, Children's Art, Symbols, Mark Making, We all drew, painted, and made things out of playdough and construction paper as little children, in spontaneous and unselfconscious ways. Some of us retain those memories, and we may also have children or grandchildren whose artwork we love. The art of children affords an intriguing view of a very different way of seeing and thinking than we have as adults, and many abstract artists have found it a source of inspiration. Today we look at some special qualities of child art and how it may feed our abstract ideas.

Many contemporary artists find kid’s art intriguing, especially art from the very early years before the child has been told how things “should” be depicted. Whether this is done consciously or unconsciously, well-meaning parents and adults present young children with a very different idea of what art is about. Their emphasis is on recognizable objects portrayed with a single meaning, as in “this is a person, or this is a tree” without considering the different perceptions of a young child.

Children naturally follow their own intuitive logic in depicting their world, using symbolic and narrative approaches that may not make sense to an adult. They are fluid not only in their freedom and inventiveness with materials, but also in their interpretations of their own work. The story they tell about a painting may be different tomorrow, showing how intimately they engage with imagination as they create.

We all made this kind of art long ago. If we’ve lost the memory, can we still reconnect with some of its liberating aspects? Consider the power of symbols, the freedom from conventional approaches to space within the picture plane, and the focus on process rather than results that young children display in their work. Perhaps above all, their trust in an intuitive “rightness” about their work, whatever adult rules it may break. We may have left this state of flow many decades ago, but we can reconsider its advantages now from an adult perspective and how they may fit with our current abstract expression.

Thanks to everyone who has been sharing the show and to Phyllis Lasche for donating via PayPal. Make sure you listen to the episode we did with Phyllis, episode 160, if you haven't already! If you would like to donate to the Messy Studio Podcast donate here.
​
Have you enjoyed the audio production quality and hearing Ross's voice? Ross is building a website for his audio production business and could use a testimonial from you! Submit a testimonial by email at rticknor.core@gmail.com or by submitting the contact form at www.messystudiopodcast.com!
​
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!

Right now Gamblin products are 40% off, so this is a great time to buy Cold Wax or Gamblin oil paints!
www.messystudiopodcast.com/blick
​
It's time for an update on the latest news from Cold Wax Academy! Rebecca and her partner Jerry Mclaughlin are now well into their second quarter of weekly Live sessions for their members, in which they explore 3 main topics in deep, interrelated, and engaging ways. This quarter, those topics are Texture, Layering, and Writing and Talking about your Work. Weekly sessions include discussion, slide presentations, videos, critiques, special guests, and the opportunty to ask questions during the session. Cold Wax Academy Members have access to all past sessions, which are recorded each week--so if you're hesitating to join mid-quarter, no worries about missing out. There is plenty for you to explore, and you can watch previous sessions on your own schedule. Jerry and Rebecca offer for a trial month at the Core level for only $29.99. Visit www.coldwaxacademy.com and
and click on the Memberships button.
​
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 CORE Publication MGMT production.

]]> We all drew, painted, and made things out of playdough and construction paper as little children, in spontaneous and unselfconscious ways. Some of us retain those memories, and we may also have children or grandchildren whose artwork we love. The art of children affords an intriguing view of a very different way of seeing and thinking than we have as adults, and many abstract artists have found it a source of inspiration. Today we look at some special qualities of child art and how it may feed our abstract ideas.

Many contemporary artists find kid’s art intriguing, especially art from the very early years before the child has been told how things “should” be depicted. Whether this is done consciously or unconsciously, well-meaning parents and adults present young children with a very different idea of what art is about. Their emphasis is on recognizable objects portrayed with a single meaning, as in “this is a person, or this is a tree” without considering the different perceptions of a young child.

Children naturally follow their own intuitive logic in depicting their world, using symbolic and narrative approaches that may not make sense to an adult. They are fluid not only in their freedom and inventiveness with materials, but also in their interpretations of their own work. The story they tell about a painting may be different tomorrow, showing how intimately they engage with imagination as they create.

We all made this kind of art long ago. If we’ve lost the memory, can we still reconnect with some of its liberating aspects? Consider the power of symbols, the freedom from conventional approaches to space within the picture plane, and the focus on process rather than results that young children display in their work. Perhaps above all, their trust in an intuitive “rightness” about their work, whatever adult rules it may break. We may have left this state of flow many decades ago, but we can reconsider its advantages now from an adult perspective and how they may fit with our current abstract expression.

Thanks to everyone who has been sharing the show and to Phyllis Lasche for donating via PayPal. Make sure you listen to the episode we did with Phyllis, episode 160, if you haven't already! If you would like to donate to the Messy Studio Podcast donate here.
​
Have you enjoyed the audio production quality and hearing Ross's voice? Ross is building a website for his audio production business and could use a testimonial from you! Submit a testimonial by email at rticknor.core@gmail.com or by submitting the contact form at www.messystudiopodcast.com!
​
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!

Right now Gamblin products are 40% off, so this is a great time to buy Cold Wax or Gamblin oil paints!
www.messystudiopodcast.com/blick
​
It's time for an update on the latest news from Cold Wax Academy! Rebecca and her partner Jerry Mclaughlin are now well into their second quarter of weekly Live sessions for their members, in which they explore 3 main topics in deep, interrelated, and engaging ways. This quarter, those topics are Texture, Layering, and Writing and Talking about your Work. Weekly sessions include discussion, slide presentations, videos, critiques, special guests, and the opportunty to ask questions during the session. Cold Wax Academy Members have access to all past sessions, which are recorded each week--so if you're hesitating to join mid-quarter, no worries about missing out. There is plenty for you to explore, and you can watch previous sessions on your own schedule. Jerry and Rebecca offer for a trial month at the Core level for only $29.99. Visit www.coldwaxacademy.com and
and click on the Memberships button.
​
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 CORE Publication MGMT production.

]]> Episode 163: Abstracting With Symbols https://messystudio.fireside.fm/163 1843a2ff-e659-4256-b145-82344fadf6ff Sun, 31 Jan 2021 14:00:00 -0600 Rebecca Crowell 163 Abstracting With Symbols full Rebecca Crowell Abstract artists find many ways to bring meaning to their work. For some, this may be purely an investigation of color, line, or other elements. For others—it is the expression of emotion or evoking aspects of the visual world. Today we’re going to look at another powerful way that artists can bring meaning to abstraction—through the use of symbols, whether personal in origin or more universally recognized. 33:12 no Abstract artists find many ways to bring meaning to their work. For some, this may be purely an investigation of color, line, or other elements. For others—it is the expression of emotion or evoking aspects of the visual world. Today we’re going to look at another powerful way that artists can bring meaning to abstraction—through the use of symbols, whether personal in origin or more universally recognized. We recognize and use many symbols in daily life—every company religion, government, and organization adopts symbolic iconography, and written language and numbers are symbols also. In art, symbols—both realistic images and abstract ones—have been used since earliest times and in every culture. They may be based in universal ideas or be very personal to our own experience. As artists, how can we bring symbols into our abstract work? This may be a particularly useful path for artists looking for a way into abstraction and away from literal representation. Symbols that refere to actual objects or figures can be placed into an abstract context and provide a bridge between realism and a more interpretative approach. The most powerful symbols are simple, strong images that distill meaning and have strong powers of communication. Those that have meaning to you can be pulled from any meaningful source, and discovering which you feel most connection with may be a portal to expression thatyou have previously overlooked. You may even find symbols in your work already but not recognize them as such--colors, shapes, or compositions that recur over time--that may reveal meaning if you focus on them. Symbols have strong connections to our subconscious mind and can make themselves known even when we are not looking for them. Symbolism is a very large topic and we can only touch on a few ideas here, but we hope that this episode will inspire you to give new consideration to using symbols in your work. Blurb Thanks to everyone who has been sharing the show and to Laura Smith for donating via PayPal. If you would like to donate to the Messy Studio Podcast donate here (https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=Yyrf7Ht1DYfkYzAaWNoW8zuvCpTryLYsxY2VAj4qGZ3o2o4F7xHGv4VmDDef7kFxuvbgpz_z4jUa-z7F). ​ Have you enjoyed the audio production quality and hearing Ross's voice? Ross is building a website for his audio production business and could use a testimonial from you! Submit a testimonial by email at rticknor.core@gmail.com or by submitting the contact form at www.messystudiopodcast.com! ​ 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! Right now Gamblin products are 40% off, so this is a great time to buy Cold Wax or Gamblin oil paints! www.messystudiopodcast.com/blick ​ Cold Wax Academy (formerly Squeegee Press) would like everyone who enjoys using their special cold wax tools to know that all sizes of SP Create squeegees are back in stock! Rebecca and her partner Jerry McLaughlin are also launching their online live learning sessions as part of the new membership program, and all sessions will be recorded for future viewing by members. For more information, and to become a member of Cold Wax Academy please visit their website at http://www.coldwaxacademy.com and click on the Membership button. ​ 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 CORE Publication MGMT production. Rebecca Crowell, Art, Creativity, Fundamentals, Abstraction, Symbols, Symbolism Abstract artists find many ways to bring meaning to their work. For some, this may be purely an investigation of color, line, or other elements. For others—it is the expression of emotion or evoking aspects of the visual world. Today we’re going to look at another powerful way that artists can bring meaning to abstraction—through the use of symbols, whether personal in origin or more universally recognized.

We recognize and use many symbols in daily life—every company religion, government, and organization adopts symbolic iconography, and written language and numbers are symbols also. In art, symbols—both realistic images and abstract ones—have been used since earliest times and in every culture. They may be based in universal ideas or be very personal to our own experience. As artists, how can we bring symbols into our abstract work?

This may be a particularly useful path for artists looking for a way into abstraction and away from literal representation. Symbols that refere to actual objects or figures can be placed into an abstract context and provide a bridge between realism and a more interpretative approach.

The most powerful symbols are simple, strong images that distill meaning and have strong powers of communication. Those that have meaning to you can be pulled from any meaningful source, and discovering which you feel most connection with may be a portal to expression thatyou have previously overlooked. You may even find symbols in your work already but not recognize them as such--colors, shapes, or compositions that recur over time--that may reveal meaning if you focus on them. Symbols have strong connections to our subconscious mind and can make themselves known even when we are not looking for them.

Symbolism is a very large topic and we can only touch on a few ideas here, but we hope that this episode will inspire you to give new consideration to using symbols in your work.

Blurb

Thanks to everyone who has been sharing the show and to Laura Smith for donating via PayPal. If you would like to donate to the Messy Studio Podcast donate here.
​
Have you enjoyed the audio production quality and hearing Ross's voice? Ross is building a website for his audio production business and could use a testimonial from you! Submit a testimonial by email at rticknor.core@gmail.com or by submitting the contact form at www.messystudiopodcast.com!
​
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!

Right now Gamblin products are 40% off, so this is a great time to buy Cold Wax or Gamblin oil paints!
www.messystudiopodcast.com/blick
​
Cold Wax Academy (formerly Squeegee Press) would like everyone who enjoys using their special cold wax tools to know that all sizes of SP Create squeegees are back in stock! Rebecca and her partner Jerry McLaughlin are also launching their online live learning sessions as part of the new membership program, and all sessions will be recorded for future viewing by members. For more information, and to become a member of Cold Wax Academy please visit their website at http://www.coldwaxacademy.com and click on the Membership button.
​
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 CORE Publication MGMT production.

]]> Abstract artists find many ways to bring meaning to their work. For some, this may be purely an investigation of color, line, or other elements. For others—it is the expression of emotion or evoking aspects of the visual world. Today we’re going to look at another powerful way that artists can bring meaning to abstraction—through the use of symbols, whether personal in origin or more universally recognized.

We recognize and use many symbols in daily life—every company religion, government, and organization adopts symbolic iconography, and written language and numbers are symbols also. In art, symbols—both realistic images and abstract ones—have been used since earliest times and in every culture. They may be based in universal ideas or be very personal to our own experience. As artists, how can we bring symbols into our abstract work?

This may be a particularly useful path for artists looking for a way into abstraction and away from literal representation. Symbols that refere to actual objects or figures can be placed into an abstract context and provide a bridge between realism and a more interpretative approach.

The most powerful symbols are simple, strong images that distill meaning and have strong powers of communication. Those that have meaning to you can be pulled from any meaningful source, and discovering which you feel most connection with may be a portal to expression thatyou have previously overlooked. You may even find symbols in your work already but not recognize them as such--colors, shapes, or compositions that recur over time--that may reveal meaning if you focus on them. Symbols have strong connections to our subconscious mind and can make themselves known even when we are not looking for them.

Symbolism is a very large topic and we can only touch on a few ideas here, but we hope that this episode will inspire you to give new consideration to using symbols in your work.

Blurb

Thanks to everyone who has been sharing the show and to Laura Smith for donating via PayPal. If you would like to donate to the Messy Studio Podcast donate here.
​
Have you enjoyed the audio production quality and hearing Ross's voice? Ross is building a website for his audio production business and could use a testimonial from you! Submit a testimonial by email at rticknor.core@gmail.com or by submitting the contact form at www.messystudiopodcast.com!
​
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!

Right now Gamblin products are 40% off, so this is a great time to buy Cold Wax or Gamblin oil paints!
www.messystudiopodcast.com/blick
​
Cold Wax Academy (formerly Squeegee Press) would like everyone who enjoys using their special cold wax tools to know that all sizes of SP Create squeegees are back in stock! Rebecca and her partner Jerry McLaughlin are also launching their online live learning sessions as part of the new membership program, and all sessions will be recorded for future viewing by members. For more information, and to become a member of Cold Wax Academy please visit their website at http://www.coldwaxacademy.com and click on the Membership button.
​
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 CORE Publication MGMT production.

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