146: Abstract Art Likes & Dislikes: Part 2 Podcast

40:26

Episode Title: Organizing Small Spaces Podcast: Adventures in Arting with Julie Fei-Fan Balzer Hosts: Julie Fei-Fan Balzer & Eileen Hsu-Balzer Episode Summary: In this episode, Julie and her mom, Eileen, dive into practical strategies for organizing small art spaces. They explore ways to maximize creative space, whether you’re working in a tiny apartment, a shared living area, or a dedicated studio. Julie shares her own experiences—from her NYC apartments to her current attic studio—and offers flexible storage solutions, organization tips, and advice on making the most of every inch of space. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Mindset shifts for working in a small space Flexible and space-saving furniture ideas Vertical storage, pegboards, rolling carts, and other smart solutions How to choose and manage your art supplies efficiently Why a “healthy” art space matters (lighting, ventilation, and ergonomics) Creative ways to declutter and make room for more art-making Resources & Links Mentioned: My Art Practice – myartpractice.com Julie’s blog – https://blog.balzerdesigns.com/ Instagram: @BalzerDesigns Article from Curbed: “When Your Art Studio is Also Your Apartment” Julie’s YouTube video on workstations Help the Podcast Grow! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review, share it on social media, or tell a friend!…

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164: Drawing at the Danforth 1:16:01

il y a 31 weeks1:16:01

1:16:01

On this podcast (recorded over three weeks), I share my highs and lows, break throughs and frustrations with a drawing class I’m taking at the Danforth Art Museum in Framingham, MA. Overall, this experience reminded me that the creative process often involves pushing beyond simple exercises. It’s about synthesis — connecting ideas — and allowing for unexpected discoveries. The key is to continually experiment and to lean into the structure of your art practice for support. Links: Tip the Artist: PayPal.Me/balzerdesigns Sign up for the Friday FREE newsletter: https://forms.feedblitz.com/bco Monthly Membership: https://www.myartpractice.com/ Take an online class: https://balzerdesigns.com/Classroom/ Shop: https://www.juliebalzer.com/shop.html Let’s connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balzerdesigns/ Favorite Things: https://www.amazon.com/shop/balzerdesigns Thanks for listening and subscribing!…

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163 – Artwork Statements Aren’t Easy 37:57

il y a 32 weeks37:57

37:57

An Artwork Statement is a piece of writing that gives context to a specific artwork. It often explains the meaning, inspiration, techniques, and context behind a specific artwork or series. Your statement may address the materials used, the process, and the narrative or concept behind the piece. The purpose is to provide deeper insight into a particular piece, helping viewers connect with and understand the specific artwork on a more intimate level. It often accompanies the artwork in exhibitions, galleries, or online platforms. On the podcast, Mom and I give you lots of tips for how you can write amazing artwork statements! Links: Tip the Artist: PayPal.Me/balzerdesigns Sign up for the Friday FREE newsletter: https://forms.feedblitz.com/bco Monthly Membership: https://www.myartpractice.com/ Take an online class: https://balzerdesigns.com/Classroom/ Shop: https://www.juliebalzer.com/shop.html Let’s connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balzerdesigns/ Favorite Things: https://www.amazon.com/shop/balzerdesigns Thanks for listening and subscribing!…

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162: Why Do You Host This Podcast with Your Mom? 1:01:51

il y a 33 weeks1:01:51

1:01:51

This episode covers the Adventures in Arting podcast’s origin story, technical challenges, evolution, ups and downs, and the significance of surpassing 21 episodes, and most importantly: a bit about Mom’s upbringing and relationship to art. And as always, you get to enjoy the dynamic between us — our banter, shared experiences, and future plans for the podcast. The podcast blends personal anecdotes, technical insights, and reflections on the growth and dedication that drive us both! Links: Tip the Artist: PayPal.Me/balzerdesigns Sign up for the Friday FREE newsletter: https://forms.feedblitz.com/bco Monthly Membership: https://www.myartpractice.com/ Take an online class: https://balzerdesigns.com/Classroom/ Shop: https://www.juliebalzer.com/shop.html Let’s connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balzerdesigns/ Favorite Things: https://www.amazon.com/shop/balzerdesigns Thanks for listening and subscribing!…

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161: Angela Fehr 53:46

il y a 34 weeks53:46

53:46

From her home in northern British Columbia, Canada, through her video lessons on her website and YouTube, Angela Fehr has created a community of watercolor lovers that spans the globe. She wants every painter to know the freedom of fearless self expression and she has made it her mission to share this empowering message through lessons in heart-prioritizing watercolour technique and loose intuitive painting. More than anything she demonstrates that the most important thing you bring to your art is you. On the podcast we discuss Angela’s art journey and why she does what she does. Find Angela Online: https://angelafehr.com Online Courses at https://www.heartledartist.com https://instagram.com/angelfehr https://youtube.com/angelfehr https://facebook.com/angelafehrartist Links: Tip the Artist: PayPal.Me/balzerdesigns Sign up for the Friday FREE newsletter: https://forms.feedblitz.com/bco Monthly Membership: https://www.myartpractice.com/ Take an online class: https://balzerdesigns.com/Classroom/ Shop: https://www.juliebalzer.com/shop.html Let’s connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balzerdesigns/ Favorite Things: https://www.amazon.com/shop/balzerdesigns Thanks for listening and subscribing!…

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160: Growth Mindset 54:33

il y a 35 weeks54:33

54:33

Today on the podcast we’re chatting about Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset: Growth Mindset: Definition: A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed with effort, learning, and persistence. Characteristics: Embracing challenges, persisting through setbacks, seeing effort as a path to mastery, learning from criticism, and finding inspiration in others’ success. Example: A person with a growth mindset will likely believe that they can improve their painting skills through practice and learning. Fixed Mindset: Definition: A fixed mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence are static traits that cannot be significantly developed. Characteristics: Avoiding challenges, giving up easily, seeing effort as fruitless, ignoring useful feedback, and feeling threatened by others’ success. Example: A person with a fixed mindset might believe that they are either naturally talented at painting or not, and no amount of practice can change that. Be sure to listen to the podcast where I share 10 Fixed Mindset Statements (such as “I can’t draw”) that you can easily transform to Growth Mindset Statements (such as “I don’t know how to draw yet, but I can improve my drawing skills with practice and dedication.”) Links: Tip the Artist: PayPal.Me/balzerdesigns Sign up for the Friday FREE newsletter: https://forms.feedblitz.com/bco Monthly Membership: https://www.myartpractice.com/ Take an online class: https://balzerdesigns.com/Classroom/ Shop: https://www.juliebalzer.com/shop.html Let’s connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balzerdesigns/ Favorite Things: https://www.amazon.com/shop/balzerdesigns Thanks for listening and subscribing!…

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159: Focus 46:19

il y a 37 weeks46:19

46:19

Lydia Leonard left this comment on my YouTube channel: “ I’ve been following you for years and always marvel at your genius! Moving walls? So smart! I sort of have the same thing but I have a hard time putting everything back where it belongs! I’ve been trying to reorganize but I get distracted by all the cool things I find. Do you have any focusing ideas to keep me motivated? “ Specific to her magpie issue, which is also an issue I have, is the notion of “future me.” I do things for future me. “Tomorrow me will love that this is all put away. Tomorrow me will be glad that I did this today.” But I thought we could wander into a larger conversation about focus. One of the tenets of my art practice is “consistency.” I think consistency and focus are deeply intertwined. Focus is a point of concentration. 2. : directed attention : emphasis. Consistency is conformity in the application of something, typically that which is necessary for the sake of logic, accuracy, or fairness. Consistency is running a steady 6 minute mile during a marathon. Focus is thinking about your breathing, the finish line, how your body is moving. All of that is to say that focus is part of consistency and consistency requires focus. On the podcast, we talk about why focus matters to an artist. Links: Tip the Artist: PayPal.Me/balzerdesigns Sign up for the Friday FREE newsletter: https://forms.feedblitz.com/bco Monthly Membership: https://www.myartpractice.com/ Take an online class: https://balzerdesigns.com/Classroom/ Shop: https://www.juliebalzer.com/shop.html Let’s connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balzerdesigns/ Favorite Things: https://www.amazon.com/shop/balzerdesigns Thanks for listening and subscribing!…

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158: Listener Mail 52:08

il y a 38 weeks52:08

52:08

I like to think of the podcast as a conversation — between me and Mom — between me and Mom and a guest — between me and Mom and YOU! Thank you so much to all of you who leave comments and send emails. We read them all and appreciate them all. This Listener Mail episode is packed with so many thoughtful comments from you guys! Thanks! Links: Tip the Artist: PayPal.Me/balzerdesigns Sign up for the Friday FREE newsletter: https://forms.feedblitz.com/bco Monthly Membership: https://www.myartpractice.com/ Take an online class: https://balzerdesigns.com/Classroom/ Shop: https://www.juliebalzer.com/shop.html Let’s connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balzerdesigns/ Favorite Things: https://www.amazon.com/shop/balzerdesigns Thanks for listening and subscribing!…

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157: Art in Bloom: Part 2

il y a 39 weeks

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As I mentioned in the previous podcast, Mom and I snuck in the night before the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) here in Boston — The museum’s annual Art in Bloom event at the end of April. This is always one of my favorite events of the year. In case you don’t know what Art in Bloom is: It’s a weekend festival that transforms the MFA’s galleries into a floral showcase, with floral designers and garden clubs from across the region carefully crafting arrangements inspired by the museum’s artworks. The MFA invented the “Art in Bloom” idea in 1976. Since then many other museums have taken up the idea (it’s a good one) and there might be a museum near you that does it! “Visitors are treated to a sensory experience as they wander through the galleries adorned with imaginative floral interpretations. The captivating aromas of freshly cut blossoms fill the air, while the visual delight of artfully arranged blooms against the backdrop of world-class art stirs the imagination. The juxtaposition of natural elements with centuries-old masterpieces creates a dialogue that transcends time and medium, inviting visitors to see art from a fresh perspective.” It’s also an invitation for selfies galore and just tons of photos in general. This is why we went the night before. The main feature of Art in Bloom is the collaboration between floral designers and the museum’s curators. Each floral arrangement is carefully placed next to its corresponding artwork, enhancing the aesthetic experience and creating a captivating conversation between the two art forms. And a fun conversation to have with a fellow visitor about how/if the floral arrangement captures the artwork’s essence. There is no other time of the year when strangers are so willing to talk to you! Art in Bloom is always a super fun experience. If a museum near you holds an annual “Art in Bloom” festival, be sure to attend. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss! Because these are real blooms, it’s always a short exhibit – 3 or 4 days. So don’t miss out! Here are the photos from the podcast, in the order we discuss them: Links: Tip the Artist: PayPal.Me/balzerdesigns Sign up for the Friday FREE newsletter: https://forms.feedblitz.com/bco Monthly Membership: https://www.myartpractice.com/ Take an online class: https://balzerdesigns.com/Classroom/ Shop: https://www.juliebalzer.com/shop.html Let’s connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balzerdesigns/ Favorite Things: https://www.amazon.com/shop/balzerdesigns Thanks for listening and subscribing!…

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156: Art in Bloom: Part One 1:10:24

il y a 40 weeks1:10:24

1:10:24

Mom and I snuck in the night before the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) here in Boston — The museum’s annual Art in Bloom event at the end of April. This is always one of my favorite events of the year. In case you don’t know what Art in Bloom is: It’s a weekend festival that transforms the MFA’s galleries into a floral showcase, with floral designers and garden clubs from across the region carefully crafting arrangements inspired by the museum’s artworks. The MFA invented the “Art in Bloom” idea in 1976. Since then many other museums have taken up the idea (it’s a good one) and there might be a museum near you that does it! “Visitors are treated to a sensory experience as they wander through the galleries adorned with imaginative floral interpretations. The captivating aromas of freshly cut blossoms fill the air, while the visual delight of artfully arranged blooms against the backdrop of world-class art stirs the imagination. The juxtaposition of natural elements with centuries-old masterpieces creates a dialogue that transcends time and medium, inviting visitors to see art from a fresh perspective.” It’s also an invitation for selfies galore and just tons of photos in general. This is why we went the night before. The main feature of Art in Bloom is the collaboration between floral designers and the museum’s curators. Each floral arrangement is carefully placed next to its corresponding artwork, enhancing the aesthetic experience and creating a captivating conversation between the two art forms. And a fun conversation to have with a fellow visitor about how/if the floral arrangement captures the artwork’s essence. There is no other time of the year when strangers are so willing to talk to you! Art in Bloom is always a super fun experience. If a museum near you holds an annual “Art in Bloom” festival, be sure to attend. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss! Because these are real blooms, it’s always a short exhibit – 3 or 4 days. So don’t miss out! Here are the photos from the podcast, in the order we discuss them: Links: Tip the Artist: PayPal.Me/balzerdesigns Sign up for the Friday FREE newsletter: https://forms.feedblitz.com/bco Monthly Membership: https://www.myartpractice.com/ Take an online class: https://balzerdesigns.com/Classroom/ Shop: https://www.juliebalzer.com/shop.html Let’s connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balzerdesigns/ Favorite Things: https://www.amazon.com/shop/balzerdesigns Thanks for listening and subscribing!…

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155: The Parts of My Art Practice

il y a 41 weeks

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The title of this episode is a bit of a double entendre . We’re going to discuss my personal art practice and the parts I’ve devised for it, but in doing so, we’ll also be discussing the framework I’m using for the online community: My Art Practice . On the podcast I begin by talking about where the idea for My Art Practice came from and then I talk you through the vision… …the various parts of the core curriculum… …and then what I think you’ll take away from the membership: I hope you’ll invest in yourself and join the My Art Practice community ! Reaching your art goals takes more than just techniques. It’s about creating an art practice that suits you, your schedule, and your goals. Don’t just learn art, make it a sustainable lifestyle. Create your unique journey with My Art Practice , because your art is about you. Join today. Links: Tip the Artist: PayPal.Me/balzerdesigns Sign up for the Friday FREE newsletter: https://forms.feedblitz.com/bco Monthly Membership: https://www.myartpractice.com/ Take an online class: https://balzerdesigns.com/Classroom/ Shop: https://www.juliebalzer.com/shop.html Let’s connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balzerdesigns/ Favorite Things: https://www.amazon.com/shop/balzerdesigns Thanks for listening and subscribing!…

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154: Inspiration to Action with Carolyn Dube 1:00:21

il y a 42 weeks1:00:21

1:00:21

We have a very special guest for this episode of The Adventures in Arting Podcast: Carolyn Dube! Carolyn Dube is a mixed media art explorer and educator who found freedom through play. She explores the colors of the rainbow, avoids rules whenever possible, and lets the little kid inside her free as she shares her colorful journey. You can find her sharing the play at aColorfulJourney.com , designing stencils for StencilGirl Products and teaching workshops. On the podcast we discuss how to turn inspiration into action. Carolyn has been a guest on the podcast before – back in May 2020 on Episode 99: Carolyn says Oops . So, if you want more, go back and listen to episode 99. And don’t forget that Carolyn is the Guest Artist during this cycle at My Art Practice . This is your reminder to visit MyArtPractice.com on Monday, May 27, 2024 and sign up. Ask yourself if what you’re doing today is getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow. Let My Art Practice help you reach your art goals. The sign up period begins on Monday, May 27 and runs for one week. Membership won’t reopen until August 2024. Links: Carolyn’s Website: https://acolorfuljourney.com/ Carolyn’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CarolynDube Carolyn’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolyn_dube/ Tip the Artist: PayPal.Me/balzerdesigns Sign up for the Friday FREE newsletter: https://forms.feedblitz.com/bco Monthly Membership: https://www.myartpractice.com/ Take an online class: https://balzerdesigns.com/Classroom/ Shop: https://www.juliebalzer.com/shop.html Let’s connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balzerdesigns/ Favorite Things: https://www.amazon.com/shop/balzerdesigns Thanks for listening and subscribing!…

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153: Adventure to Hartford 32:37

il y a 43 weeks32:37

32:37

On today’s podcast, Mom and I are discussing self-care, the Worcester Art Museum , and a mixed media collage class I taught in Hartford. Links: Tip the Artist: PayPal.Me/balzerdesigns Sign up for the Friday FREE newsletter: https://forms.feedblitz.com/bco Monthly Membership: https://bit.ly/JulieMembership Take an online class: https://balzerdesigns.com/Classroom/ Shop: https://www.juliebalzer.com/shop.html Let’s connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balzerdesigns/ Favorite Things: https://www.amazon.com/shop/balzerdesigns Thanks for listening and subscribing!…

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152: The 7 Functions of Art 1:01:51

il y a 44 weeks1:01:51

1:01:51

This one is a doozy. Mom and I definitely do not see eye-to-eye at all on this topic and it makes for a very lively conversation! Maria Popova at The Marginalian wrote a 2013 blog post called “Art as Therapy: Alain de Botton on the 7 Psychological Functions of Art” It’s an exploration of the book “Art as Therapy” by Alain de Botton and John Armstrong. I read an interview with Alain de Botton and I loved everything he had to say about the function of art. “Art can help us with our most intimate and ordinary dilemmas, asking: What can I do about the difficulties in my relationships? Why is my work not more satisfying? Why do other people seem to have a more glamorous life? Why is politics so depressing? The purpose of this book is to introduce a new method of interpreting art: art as a form of therapy. It’s the authors’ contention that certain art works provide powerful solutions to our problems, but that in order for this potential to be released, the audience’s attention has to be directed towards it in a new way (which they demonstrate), rather than towards the more normal historical or stylistic concerns with which art books and museum captions are traditionally associated. The authors propose that the squeamish belief that art should be ‘for art’s sake’ has unnecessarily held back art from revealing its latent therapeutic potential. This book involves reframing and recontextualising a series of art works from across the ages and genres, so that they can be approached as tools for the resolution of difficult issues in individual life.” This is what he said about the 7 functions of art: “art works can help us to remember what matters; they also lend us hope; they dignify sorrow; they expand our horizons; they help us to understand ourselves; they rebalance us; and lastly they make us appreciate the familiar anew.” This is the Matisse painting I referenced during the podcast, “Woman on a High Stool”: Links: Mo Issa’s Desensification of Time article Tip the Artist: PayPal.Me/balzerdesigns Sign up for the Friday FREE newsletter: https://forms.feedblitz.com/bco Monthly Membership: https://bit.ly/JulieMembership Take an online class: https://balzerdesigns.com/Classroom/ Shop: https://www.juliebalzer.com/shop.html Let’s connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balzerdesigns/ Favorite Things: https://www.amazon.com/shop/balzerdesigns Thanks for listening and subscribing!…

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151: 4 Categories of Art?! 47:19

il y a 45 weeks47:19