Recording in Progress!

This morning I had the distinct pleasure of talking with my first guest for MOP! I won’t spoil the subject just yet, as I am in the raw processing stage, collecting and editing recordings this summer, but we had a fabulous time talking about our various creative endeavors and what they teach us about identity, risk, terror, confidence, celebration and more.

This summer, while I’m in the preparatory stages for the podcast launch, I’ll be sharing podcasts and other resources on writing and art that I find insipiring. First up is Art Juice: a podcast for artists, creatives and art lovers, hosted by Louise Fletcher and Alice Sheridan. I have been following Louise on social media for several years and I’ve taken a couple of her free online courses which are absolutely wonderful. She’s a clear, generous, inspiring teacher who is, at the same time, also totally down to earth. Such a winning combination of qualities, and one that makes me want to follow her around forever. I just might.

Speaking of generous, Louise offers SO much content, again FOR FREE, on her YouTube channel.

You can learn more about Louise and her work at https://www.louisefletcherart.com/

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I was following a social media conversation recently that was about the way some artists use the descriptor “self-taught” to mean “didn’t get a degree in it.” The poster was arguing that anyone who has ever taken a community art class or even followed a free online tutorial, should rethink using that term because it erases the labor, talent and generosity of people like Louise and so many others. I admit that I’ve used the term before, but I think I like this way of thinking about influence better.

Louise Fletcher has for sure been one of my teachers.

What do you think about the term “self-taught?” Who have been the teachers of your “other pen?” Share in the comments!

Happy Late Spring—

Sheila