On The Living Artist podcast, host Preston M. Smith unveils a new view of life within the art world. As he sees it, myths about the life of an artist rebound throughout history and pop culture. But Preston's not hungry, society hasn't rejected him, and he's not cutting off his limbs like van Gogh. Instead, listeners hear about his exciting and fulfilling life as a creator.
Preston uses vivid, bright, contrasting colors in his painting. They express vibrancy and movement. For him, painting is a way of showing who he is inside. He sees himself as a medium for true emotional expression without inhibitions. When Preston was a young boy, his limited vision made him see things in ways others didn't. He's harnessed that visual perspective into a unique style. Preston's work appeared at the inaugural ball for President Obama's first inauguration in 2009. Listeners can find his pieces at the La Luz de Jesus Gallery in Los Angeles or watch Negativity to Creativity. The short documentary showcases his artistic evolution.
On the podcast, Preston talks about intention setting and getting to the next level as an artist. He offers advice to emerging artists and promotes their works. One guest, Rachel Alvarez, shares her path toward being a full-time artist. She went back and forth from art to the office before dedicating herself to painting. Rachel now paints when the babies are napping and experiments with new mediums. Like Preston, she uses her challenges as a tool for creation. The creative process, she explains, depends on trusting oneself.
In another episode, Glenn Waggner chats about creating his style. He rejects hard lines and finds inspiration in desert landscapes. Glenn talks about finding one's "tribe." Artists need other artists, and he offers tips for building a community.
Every week, Preston also offers advice and insight about living as an artist. Topics range from being consistent to breaking negative patterns to eliminating judgment. Artist hopefuls may find valuable lessons from the show. Art enthusiasts, meanwhile, can envision the lives of their favorite creators. The Living Artist podcast releases new episodes each week.
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