Summer Skillman
Our title, “It’s not just a job – it’s an adventure”
is an 80's tagline from the US Navy and
particularly apt for this episode with Summer Skillman. Summer joined the Navy as a nuclear engineer and traveled all around the world. She talks about her time in Japan where her artistic and entrepreneurial spirit began to flourish, creating a marketing origami flowers. Unlike many artists Summer is blessed to be using both sides
of her brain – an engineer – she’s an upbeat and practical marketer, plus she’s deeply artistic, talented and an enthusiastic creator. Today she lives happily in the Shenandoah Mountains where she is inspired by the natural landscapes to create beautifully moody paintings.
Our adventure begins, with Summer Skillman.
Listen now because “It’s Not Just a Job. It’s an Adventure.”
Jack LeGrange
Jack is an energetic painter hailing from South Africa and now makes his home in Atlanta. He and his wife came to the US ten years ago and were just recently granted US citizenship. In this episode we discuss how life in America has influenced his creative direction and how his solitary beginnings with canvas and brush became a fulfilling career full of friends, family and a community of artists he loves. Listen now as we talk with Jack LeGrange, an original American painter.
Follow the Journey of an American Original
Jack Nicholas
Writer Jack Nicholas is in the process of publishing his first children’s book called Fox and Butterfly. Jack taps into his recent life experiences where he learned
valuable lessons about ones responsibility to others, and how obsession with capturing one object above all else can do damage – just like the fox who
chases the butterfly. He talks about the inspiration for his story and how he was able to distill some pretty complex issues down to a message a child can
understand. We discuss courage, joy, kindness, gratitude and acceptance. And how the lovely story of the Fox and Butterfly can communicate to both kids and adults.
Listen as we gather wisdom with Fox and Butterfly.
Drew Balfour
Traveler, adventurer, videographer and photographer, Drew Balfour, talks with us about discovering his hidden talent through exploring the world, extreme adventure and soul searching. He found himself in college pursuing a major that didn’t feel authentic. Then, he realized his passion was merging his wanderlust, his talent for making images, and his love of extreme sports like high lining, snowboarding, climbing, and skydiving. Now Drew has come full circle and is building a media business while still chasing his passion. Get inspired to get out there, push your limits and find your true calling.
Have the courage to go wherever your talent leads you.
Dionne White
Dionne is an artist, writer and speaker and she graciously leads us through her journey from a life depressed, to now a life beautifully expressed. She found her purpose through reconnecting with her faith and becoming inspired by an ancient Japanese art form called Kintsugi. She is as courageous as she is an inspiration and her art is a bright reflection of her core theme – “acknowledge the pain, but paint the promise.”
Listen now as we learn the art of freedom.
“You Are Not Alone” – done for Dionne’s Clemson University talk.
Click the link below to get Dionne’s book.
Beth Affolter
Beth is a well-known Nashville artist, and now teaches AP Art in a Nashville area high school. We talk with her about her spiritual journey in art, that has taken her from graphic design in Switzerland to art galleries in Nashville, to teaching. And how she overcame that old snarky adage, “Those who can, do – and those who can’t, teach.” And we dig into how her passion for teaching influences her life in art and how she has reinvented herself along the way.
Listen now as we learn that those who can… teach.
Chris Maximin
A young, up and coming talent,
Chris Maximin combines his love of cartooning and his music for a truly unique artistic expression, from music video to cover art to acrylic and sculpture. He is bringing cartoons into the contemporary art scene, a genre he says has been overlooked up to now. Chris grew up loving 2D animated movies and cartoons and he wants to spearhead a renaissance of the classic style of animation.
Listen now as we discuss contemporary art cartoon style
Laura Coston Anrud
Laura developed her style in Portland, OR along what she says was a rocky path, before coming back home landing in the idyllic setting of Farmington, GA near Athens. She is a self-proclaimed horse person with a heart for all creatures great and small. In her studio there she works magical pieces that reflect a beautiful mind and depth of spirit.
Listen now and as we seek the essence of art!
Annie Thrasher
A beautiful story of redemption as Annie discovers who she is. Through devastation and rejection she empowers herself to grow in her art and realizes her vision, which inspires and delights us all. Walk a mile in her bare feet and learn what it means to “rock on barefoot!”
Listen now to learn how to “Rock on Barefoot!”
