Art Seeker Stories: A postcard from Johannesburg, South Africa : My artist journey and travels as an art seeker, a culture vulture, a 20 something trolly dolly. My diary edit, nostalgically looking back, 22 years to the day - today. Today, I don’t seek art, instead I seek Johannesburg’s wild animals. I hug a cub and seek South Africa’s finest wild animals at The Pilenesberg National Park. So many years later realise how art engages with us, shouting it’s plight to save our endangered animals. Art Mentioned :Andy Warhol's Endangered AnimalsArtworks For Change: Ethics, Excess, ExtinctionThe Endangered Species Mural Project by The Wildlife Federation , USARecommended Listen: EP 20: Art 2 HeArt : Skye Holland, Creatively Paving New Ways in Art, Passionately Making a Difference in Wildlife Conservation.EP 10 Cat Coulter : Eco Trash Artist - Beach Trash Blueprint for Cyanotype Photograms.

Art Seeker Stories: A postcard from London UK : My artist journey and travels as an art seeker, a culture vulture, a 20 something trolly dolly. My diary edit, nostalgically looking back, 22 years to the day - today. I take a trip to London to the Royal Acadamy and catch the crest of the wave as it begins to fall. This is Saatchi decade’s follow up show to ‘Sensation’, Apocolypse, Beauty and Horror in Contemporary Art, ironically before much of it disappears for good, up in smoke. 22 years later,  Art in London still shocks, and doesn't. The messages are still the same. There is space for everyone to be included, no matter who you are or what you believe, it's all about expression, if you desire, you carve your path.  For now, London is in mourning for Our Queen Elizabeth II, tomorrow she'll be laid to rest.  Artists & Artworks mentioned.'Cellar' Gregor Schneider'Hell' by Jake and Dinos Chapman 'Dream Temple' by Mariko Mori'The Undesireables' Tim Noble and Sue Webster'The 9th Hour' Maurizio Cattelan

Art Seeker Stories: A postcard from Hong Kong,  Day 2&3 : My artist journey and travels as an art seeker, a culture vulture, a 20 something trolly dolly. My diary edit, nostalgically looking back, 22 years to the day - today. I go on a walk about on Hong Kong Island, stepping into the view beyond my hotel room window, from Victoria Harbour to Victoria Peak. I find a Golden Conquest, art from Thailand and China and some prized pets in Kowloon. 22 years later, I'd love to revisit as Hong Kong Art, takes central stage - This last year sees The New M+ Museum and The Palace Museum open in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong. Although  Art hasn’t come without its difficulties due to the impact of Hong Kong’s national security law imposed on Hong Kong by the Chinese government in 2020.Names and Places, notes: Victoria Harbour and Peak.At Cental Art Scene China showing work by Morgan (Xiao Guo Fu) and Du XinjianGaleria Asia :  ‘Salute to Summer’ Painting 'Golden Conquest ' Thai Artist Niti Wattuya. KowloonMongKok, Market placeHong Lok Street, Bird GardenWould Like to visit:Hong Kong Art Basel , Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition CentreM+ Museum Hong Kong Palace Museum

Art Seeker Stories: A postcard from Hong Kong,  Day 1 : My artist journey and travels as an art seeker, a culture vulture, a 20 something trolly dolly. My diary edit, nostalgically looking back, 22 years to the day - today. Despite 4am tornado warnings I take a ferry to Lantau Island and visit Tai O, Asia’s little Venice and the Big Buddha at the Po Lin monastery, shrouded in fog. 22 years later, I reflect on the connection between art and religion, by expression, in the  essence of spirit.Names and Places, notes: Tai OKwan Tai Temple Kwan Tai, Warrior and God of WarLantau Po Lin Monastery(The Big) Tian Tan BuddhaThree Trikaya Buddha Hong Kong IslandChina Jump

Today on the Art Seeker Stories podcast, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Heidi Shedlock, a South African, Durban based artist and educator who paints from her studio in Durban North. Heidi grew up in a creative family of crafters and makers, running her own shop called Shedlock Interiors with her mother and she also spent many years teaching art. Now Heidi paints full time and is founder of the Creative Community Studio. In this episode, Heidi tells me how she started out, originally not believing she could make a career as a full-time artist but now knows otherwise. We are both colour- lovers and love creating art for Joy, Heidi is well known for her large expressive flower paintings but tells me of her delightful ‘Painting in the Post’ project that are autobiographical and kept her creating for an incredible 568 consecutive days. She tells us about her Creative Community Studio where she has created a hub for artists to thrive.Heidi's book recommendations:Big Magic, by Elizabeth GilbertYour Inner Critic is an Inner Jerk, by  Danielle KrysaArt of Rivalry: Four Friendships, Betrayals, and Breakthroughs in Modern Art, by Sebastian SmeeYou can find out more about Heidi below.Website: www.heidishedlock.com Instagram: @heidishedlockCreative Community StudioWebsite: www.creative-community-studio.teachable.comInstagram:  @creative_community_studio

Today on the Art Seeker Stories podcast, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Becky Sheraidah, Founder and CEO of ARTHOUSE Unlimited,  a charity that represents a collective of artists living with complex neuro-diverse and physical support needs, including complex epilepsy. The artists' work alongside instructors to create artworks which are developed into designer products for sale. All artwork derives from the skills each artist brings and every contribution holds real value. The charity provides a socially inclusive and safe environment for adults who are often susceptible to social exclusion. ARTHOUSE Unlimited believe that feeling a sense of social inclusion, feeling valued for individual skills and truly purposeful in daily life enhances emotional health and well-being. Becky’s aim is for Arthouse Unlimited to be a platform for social change, as so many people living with similar conditions experience social isolation and are undervalued for skills in daily life. The artists have individual and expressive styles when creating artworks and have a unique way of seeing the world, offering an alternative view of society and enhancing other peoples’ lives with beautiful artistic offerings. In this episode, Becky and I talk about our emotional connection to the sea and the wonder of nature. We dig deep into intuition and universal energy. We chat about Becky’s own artwork which echoes her own cycle of life. She paints portraits, feeling a deep connection with those she paints as they are invited to collaborate, although she hasn’t painted in a while, instead her true vision and focus is ARTHOUSE Unlimited. We chat about how ARTHOUSE Unlimited came to be and reminisce about the early days, and talk about the importance of value, purpose, and social inclusion for all.  You can find out more about ARTHOUSE Unlimited, belowWebsite : www.arthouseunlimited.orgInstagram: @arthouse_unlimitedYou are always welcome to visit the ARTHOUSE Unlimited shop:96 Highstreet, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1DWFind me and sign up for my newsletter at:www.emmahill.co.ukFollow me on instagram@emma.hill_art

Today on Art Seeker Stories podcast, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Lisa-Marie Price, an environmentally focused  abstract artist working primarily with handmade watercolours sourced from natural earth pigments. Lisa-Marie is a London based painter who explores the connection between nature, people and place.The central purpose of Lisa- Marie’s work is to raise awareness of our delicate natural landscapes and the ever-worsening climate crisis. She uses sustainable and eco-conscious methods in her practice to highlight overconsumption and careless consumerism.The physicality of paint making with earth pigments forges a deep-rooted connection to the materials she uses, both from urban and rural settings.Although her paintings are subtle in their appearance, they examine big topics. Climate change, sustainability, ecology and our food systems are the main motivations behind her work. In this episode, we talk about Lisa- Marie’s first art Fair experience and what she learned from it. She tells us of her unique painting process and the journey she takes to create it. Her artist business began primarily with teaching and now has switched to focus more on her own artwork, which has also seen her branch out into curation. We talk of good Karma and the value of sharing information and the importance of community. Lisa- Marie's book recommendations: Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert Hope in the Dark by Rebecca SolnitOpen Call info Open Call Guide / May 22  @lisapriceartEstila Voices : Open Call, Whats the Deal? @estila.co You can find out more about Lisa-Marie below.Website: www.lisamarieprice.co.ukInstagram:  @lisapriceart

Today on Art Seeker Stories podcast, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Marit Geraldine Bostad, an abstract artist from Horten, Norway. Her work investigates the themes that are central to her artistic research, the inner psyche, memories and human interaction.  Marit Geraldine's  a colourist and blends her colours by pouring paint directly onto the canvas using a variety of tools, seldom using the paintbrush - to create diverse, versatile effects with broad expressive strokes. She explores the Nordic Colour tradition in a bold new direction, blending tone to tone pastels with sparks of fluorescent, manifesting her own personal psychic state onto the canvas. Her expression sets the scene for the audience to bring their own meaning to her work. In this episode, we talk about art fairs, the Other Art Fair where I met her and The Affordable Art Fair opening this week, where her art has become the image for their promotion, on busses, posters, underground and magazines. We discuss how an artist residency in New York gave her a valuable insight and self-study of her work and herself.  We talk of her stunning exhibition ‘Hope Island’ which inspired my original podcast concept and how she has kick started me in to creating, beyond my dreams. The Affordable Art Fair runs 5-8th May @affordableartfairukYou can see Marit's Artwork with @mintart_gallery stand J6To see more about Marit Geraldine and her work Website : www.geraldine.noInstagram :  @geraldines_galleri

Today, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Leila Vibert-Stokes, a digital collage artist and surface designer who grew up in the wilds of South of France surrounded in rugged nature. Later at 18 she moved to London to study fashion at Central St Martins, she then went on to working as a textile designer for about 10 years.  Now she run’s her own homeware, interiors, and art business, where she sells her work as artwork and products. Of her artwork she says:"I'm finally able to bring back together my two great loves - nature and creativity - in a cacophonous explosion of colourful joy! My mission is to help you express your creativity so you can craft a home that truly reflects who you are; a vibrant, authentic, happy haven, an escape from the expectations and demands of this world. " In this episode, we talk about a shift in Leila’s creativity which was born from design and has moved into art. We talk about the artistic process she has found in digital collaging whereby she creates her own visual language created combinations of over layering patterns in nature. We talk about our passion for art and connection with nature, stepping into flow and comparing cats with creativity. If you aren’t careful, they will go off to your neighbour! Leila's book recommendations:Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert The Growth Mindset by Joshua Moore and Helen GlasgowYou can find out more about Leila below:Website: www.leila-vibert-stokes.comInstagram:@leila.vibert.stokes

Today, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Katie Hallam of The Beautiful Error, an artist photographer and digital explorer currently based in Edinburgh. Her practice explores the connections between new media, technologies and geology and considers the future legacy our digital culture will leave on our Earth. Work is created through a combination of media and techniques including photography and sculpture. Of her artwork Katie says: Technology can create visual problems. It is hard to see, it is difficult to understand the scale of or imagine as a physical infrastructure. It is also problematic to fully understand the environmental issues it can create beyond our personal devices. Technology is hidden in code, buried in tubes, stored in data centers and the ‘cloud’. As a visual artist and photographer, I am exploring ways of how to bring the digital into physical spaces through sculptural objects and site-specific landscapes, visualising how the technological sublime will disguise itself or fossilise within the Earth’s strata millions of years in the future.   In this episode we chat about the digital footprint and its  history  that leaves traces and remains suspended in time. What does it look like? Katie’s art speaks up and shows us. We talk about her exploration and use of rocks and how the landscape informs her work.  This is The Beautiful ErrorVisualising  imperfection in digital culture and exploring technology inspired by sculpture.  Katie's book recommendation:Navigating the Art World by Delphian Gallery @delphiangalleryGeology of Media by Jussi Parikka You can find out more about Katie, and The Beautiful Error below:Website : www.thebeautifulerror.comInstagram: @the_beautiful_errorKatie is a member of @artcanorg @waspsstudios @visual.arts.scotland @societyscottishartists

Today on Art Seeker Stories podcast, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Paul of The Finsbury Park Deltics,  a multi media artist, whose work references popular culture using written, drawn and photographic symbols, a world where light-heartedness reigns supreme (some of the time) and where rules are undermined, is then created.  And, lurking somewhere in the chaos, you will find signposts; signposts to a community now only ever seen through a blurred lens, enmeshed in hyperbole and ultraviolence; signposts to a country that maybe never existed.  In this episode we chat about fake news, the shifts between perspectives, ideas and thoughts constantly evolving and changing in time. From terrorism, social media and Covid and today with Russia at war in Ukraine. We talk about how a single image can be more powerful than words and how art has the power to change our future, creating community and essential for mental health and well being. This is The Finsbury Park Deltics. Art. But not as you know it. Paul's book recommendation:The Bulletproof Coffin Series by David HineCrecy by Warren EllisWhat Do Men Want by Nina PowerYou can find out more about Paul below.Website : www.thefinsburyparkdeltics.comInstagram : @thefinsburyparkdeltics

Today on Art Seeker Stories podcast, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Joanna Gilbert a London based abstract artist creating expressive vibrant artworks that represent inner strength, courage and freedom.  Of her works she says:There is no RIGHT THING for ALL.There is the right thing for YOU…..Courageously stand strong in your own wildernessHave humilityHave connection. In this episode we chat about being the best version of ourselves, of stepping up and being the artist and person we were born to be. We talk about our thoughts and affirmations, how our art and the words express our truth, sharing belief, hope and joy.  Joanna tells me of her own faith, in herself and the universe. It is precisely in listening to her own voice, that she has became the artist she is today. She tells me about her recent project, The Hidden Voice, A project that celebrates the voices of mum’s worldwide. To Be heard Be Empowered and Be You. Joanna's book recommendations:A Radical Awakening by Dr ShefaliBraving the Wilderness by Brene BrownYou can see more about Joanna here.Website: www.joannagilbert.comInstagram: @joanna_gilbert_artistTwitter: @jogilbertNFTTo buy a positive affirmation notebook follow this link.

Today on Art Seeker Stories podcast, I have Part 2 of our chat, an  Art 2 HeArt with Éadaoin Glynn, a self-taught abstract artist from Cork, Southern Ireland. Éadaoin’s creative journey began with literature and acting. At the age of 17 she tossed a coin to go to Uni or Art college and Uni won. Ah after an epic 3 hour chat I decided to split it in two for a double whammy episode, so here we have part 2. In this episode we chat about the cycle of nature and our art making, working in series and exploring new territories and how our art echoes our life. Éadaoin tells me of the early Irish women through history living in a matriarchal society as powerful warrior women, their essence remains in the landscape reflected in the curves of the landscape, within the mountains and coastline. We talk about being shameless in believing in our art and how time and experience allows us to stretch towards the image of pictures that are just out of reach, in the space we can’t quite see, in the blind spot, in the corner of our eye, waiting timely show and tell. Éadaoin's book recommendation:The Artist Way by Julia Cameron Meanwhile  you can find out more about Éadaoin here:Instagram: @eadaoinglynnWebsite www.eadaoinglynn.comTo Buy the 'Navigator' print with all proceeds going to help Ukraine, buy here.As this episode is released Éadaoin has raised over a terrific 23,000 Euro for the Ukraine with all profits of her Navigator print  donated to the Red Cross and UNICEF to support Ukrainian families.

Today on Art Seeker Stories podcast, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Éadaoin Glynn, a self-taught abstract artist from Cork, Southern Ireland. Éadaoin’s creative journey began with literature and acting. At the age of 17 she tossed a coin, would she go to Univercity, or Art college -Uni won. Ah after an epic 3 hour chat I decided to split it in two for a double whammy episode, so here we have part 1. In this episode we chat about the artist journey as a rollercoaster of highs and lows making the art and putting it out. We talk about mindset and manifestation and the act of giving. We also compare notes on our experiences of TV.Éadaoin also tells us about her fundraising. As this episode is released Éadaoin has raised over a terrific 23,000 Euro for the Ukraine with all profits of her Navigator print  donated to the Red Cross and UNICEF to support Ukrainian families.Éadaoin's book recommendation:The Artist Way by Julia Cameron Part 2 of this conversation continues on Friday, a couple of day’s time so do tune in to catch the rest of our conversation.Meanwhile  you can find out more about Éadaoin here:Instagram: @eadaoinglynnWebsite www.eadaoinglynn.comTo Buy the 'Navigator' print with all proceeds going to help Ukraine, buy here.

Today on the Art Seeker Stories Podcast, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Sarah Bird, a contemporary artist and teacher, working in collage , digital and photography, exploring a space between the virtual and real. In this episode we chat about the idea of home and how rooms and belongings hold a residue, keeping memories, stories, and traces of human action over time: the layers of paint and wallpaper, or the marks on a bedsheet or folds of a curtain. Sarah’s pictures dance in abstraction and the painterly, in light and dark. Of her work Sarah says:'Windows, doorways, and curtains are common motifs that mark the tension between inside and outside, sanctuary and territory. My work depicts maze-like compositions of liminal spaces, portals and thresholds: the points of boundary and change.  The weave of a curtain dissolves into pixels while the view through a window reveals nothing. I use veils of vivid colour, distilled from the distorted pixels themselves, to blend the real with the imagined.'  Sarah’s book recommendations are:The Goldfinch by Donna Tart Studio Voices by Michael BirdWe also mentionSucceeding as an Artist by Deborah Henry Pollard @fireworksdhp& The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp Artists mentioned:Sain Fan, artist residency at the V&ATravel Bureau at the White ChapelJock McFadyen at the RABarbara Kasten at the TateYou can find out more about Sarah here :Instagram:  @sj8irdWebsite www,sarahbirdart.co.uk

Today on the Art Seeker Stories 22nd episode, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Holly Collier an art marketer from London who specialises in all things social media. Essentially Holly runs Instagram workshops, works with artists 1 to 1 and helps artists with their art marketing In this episode we chat about Instagram and newsletters, Holly’s journey from studying languages to learning about their history and culture that took her to finding her passion in art. We also talk about our passion for creating community, Holly in co-creating the Artist walk in Lockdown and myself in creating this podcast.Holly also shares a few valuable tips for artistsHolly’s book recommendation is Sophie’s World by Jostein GaarderYou can find out more about Holly and find fab artist tips:Instagram: @_holly_collier_Newsletter sign up: Get 'Creative Connection'Project : The Artist Walk

Today on the Art Seeker Stories 21st episode, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Rian Hotton, a Jersey born, London based contemporary artist whose paintings are bright and bold, nostalgically alluring. In fusing life with art he creates new narratives. In particular Rian’s recent focus has been on bridging the gap between art and science where he investigates new lines of inquiry for unanswered questions. In this episode we chat about the creative narrative and idea process, how thoughts become ideas working in a known reality and our perception of it and yet in digging deeper our ideas continue to come, multiplying and expanding. How do we make sense of it all? & What new ideas can we find, beyond reality? Rian’s art explores these possibilities visually illustrating his journey of inquiry. Rian’s book recommendation is:The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas 1844 You can find out more about Rian's work:Instagram: @rianhottonWebsite: www.rianhotton.com

Today on the Art Seeker Stories 20th episode, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Skye Holland, a London based contemporary artist with an entrepreneurial spirit, creatively cultivating a bridge between art and business. Above all else, as in the art she creates, Skye is passionate for wildlife conservation In this episode our chat meanders between art and life. Of Passion and expression, learning and educating, ultimately making a difference, for wild animals close to extinction.Skye also shares her stories about growing up as the only member of her family who could hear and her decade in South Africa. Artists mentioned are:Marlene Dumas William Kentridge at The Tate& KAWS NEW FICTION At the Serpentine North Gallery Skye’s book recommendation is:Women who Run with Wolves by  Clarissa Pinkola EstésHere, you can find out more about Skye and here work.Website: www. skyeholland.comInsta : @skyehollandSkye has also been interviewed on The Curator's Salon Podcastlisten here

Today on the Art Seeker Stories 19th Episode, I have an Art 2 HeArt with Catherine Sweet, a London based multimedia artist and curator, who has recently founded BobCat Gallery, offering Affordable Art For All.  In this episode we chat about the challenges of starting up a new gallery, the new opportunities it has brought in. The importance and constant juggle of keeping a balance in business, supporting others, and looking after your own creativity and art.Catherine believes in the strength of community and promotes making art accessible to all,  in education, knowledge, access and price point. She is also a committee member for both,  @artcanorg and @artsrichmondukCatherine's recommended books:Manx Mouse by Paul Gallico Only Forward by Michael Marshall SmithYou can find out more about Catherine, her work and BobCat Gallery Insta : @insta_cat13 And  @bobcatgalleryWebsite: www.bobcatgallery.co.uk

Hello and Welcome! Today on the Art Seeker Stories podcast I’m coming to you with a bonus, mini, solo episode.Truth be told I’m at a cross-roads, my art is shifting and feeling different. I have the idea and the vision, but I can’t grasp it – see it for real. I’m excited but equally, or maybe more so, I’m in fear and I’m scared.  In this episode I’m processing and documenting my ideas. I share with you my bigger picture and how I aim to get there. I’m jump starting the exploration by doing the  #100dayproject , to break down my barriers, to put the work in and trust in turn,the rest will come.  My bigger project where everything else works towards is a book and artwork that exploresART SEEKING SOUL –  For now, my 100 days will start with sketching. However since recording, I’m thinking I’ll also have one large canvas and make a mark, for 100 days – that can’t be too difficult.  My recommended reading list seeking art, self & soul.My inspiration December – Feburary: Munch in his Own Words : Paul Erik The Private Journals of Edvard MunchEdvard Munch Behind the Scream: Sue PrideauxThe Loneliness of the Soul: Tracy Emin & Edvard Munch / RAStrangeland : Tracy Emin Creating the Impossible: Michael NeilGreenlights: Matthew McConaughyThe War of Art: Steven PressfieldThe Artist Journey: Steven Pressfield The Creative Habit: Twyla TharpYou Are An Artist : Bob & Roberta SmithThe exhibition I mention is KAWS NEW FICTION at the Serpentine North Gallery and is on show until 27thFeb. To see other artists who are taking part in the 100 Day Project, share your work and and have a search on #100dayproject and find more info on insta: @dothe100dayproject and website www.the100dayproject.org& Lastly, with many thanks, for support, a shout out to Gary Mansfield of The Ministry of Art’s podcast. Go on, go and have a listen, it’s fab - Possibly the most inclusive arts podcast. On insta: @mizogart & @ministryofartsorg