New Episodes!
Welcome to Paintbrush & Ivories Podcast
A podcast for artists, curious creatives and art lovers that connects creativity with the heart and soul, hosted by Michelle Walker and her creative soul sista, Jennifer Ruth Russell.
Latest episodes
Episode 48 | Evolution of an Artist – Part 1
In this episode, Jennifer and Michelle talk about the big shifts they have each made in their creative lives since they recorded their last podcast episode. They share stories of growth and expansion in their practice and how they see themselves as creatives.ARTISTS, LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED:...
Episode 47 | Finding Ease in the Creative Process
After a creative pause in their podcasting, Michelle and Jennifer get back together to talk about what life has been like over the last six months. One key idea that has emerged has been about letting go of the turmoil that sometimes surrounds us in our creative practice and how releasing this...
Episode 46 | Art that works for Nature
Mending & Tending: Art that works for Nature is a commissioned project by local artists Samantha Moss, Jess Poulsen and Shona Wilson currently happening in the Byron Shire. Each artist shares a deep connection and appreciation for the environment, as well as an established art practice working...
Earlier episodes
Episode 45 | Reflections on Mounting an Exhibition
After two months in the gallery, Michelle’s Ash, Mud & Tears exhibition has come down. In this episode, Michelle is joined by her exhibition collaborator, Jude White to discuss what’s emerged from the exhibition experience. They discuss the impact of the exhibition on their art practice and...
Episode 44 | Need to Recharge Your Energy Levels?
Do you sometimes feel too tired to make art? Do you ever struggle with managing energy levels in the ebb and flow of your creative practice? If yes, then this episode is worth a listen. Michelle and Jennifer talk through the energy dips that can result from finally getting a big project across the...
Episode 43 | Completing an Exhibition of Work with Jude White
After months of intense work, Michelle Walker and her creative collaborator, Jude White have finished their work for the Ash, Mud & Tears exhibition. In this episode, Jude joins Michelle and Jennifer to talk about the making of the work, the ideas behind the show and some learnings from how it...
Episode 42 | Reflecting with Jennifer on her new book, Opulence Infusion
On the equinox, Jennifer Ruth Russell released her 4th book, Opulence Infusion. In today episode, Michelle interviews Jennifer and finds out more about how the lessons and processes contained in the newest book serve artists in the practice of their craft. RESOURCES MENTIONED: The Seven Sacred...
Episode 41 | The Power of Daily Habits
Do you ever think about how your daily choice of activities affects your life and what you want to ultimately achieve? It’s the automatic (sometimes) unconscious behavious that we do repeatedly that's in focus today. Jennifer and Michelle consider the things they do daily (or don’t do) to ensure...
Episode 40 | Masterminds for Artists with Lisa DePamphilis
In this episode, Michelle and Jennifer welcome their dear friend and fellow ‘mastermind’ goddess, Lisa DePamphilis to the podcast. Through meeting (nearly) weekly for the past 7.5 years, the three women have grown an understanding about how to do this activity well. Masterminds can be hugely...
Episode 39 | Can You Really Make Money in Art with Michele Luminato
If you have you ever struggled to believe that you CAN make good money from art, then this episode will be of interest. Michelle and her guest, American born contemporary artist Michele Luminato talk about the importance of mindset in our journey as artists making an income from our art. Michele...
Episode 38 | Your Creative Identity with Liz Ackerley
Have you ever pondered your creative identity and style? As artists, this is a key question. Prompted by a quote from Cezanne: ‘The most seductive thing about art is the personality of the artist himself’, Michelle and her guest, Liz Ackerley, a mixed media abstract artist from the UK, discuss...
Episode 37 | Making Creative Collaborations Work
The old Burkina Faso proverb: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone but if you want to go far, go together’ underlines the topic for today’s episode – creative collaborations. Jennifer and Michelle discuss the experiences they have had with creative collaborations, why they believe them to offer value...
Episode 36 | A Path of Serenity for Our Creativity in Times of Change
What happens to our creative practice when big changes occur in our lives? How does that affect how we see ourselves as artists? In this episode, Jennifer and Michelle reflect on the recent changes in their lives and how that’s affected their identities as artists and how this theme of change is...
Episode 35 | Self Care & the Ayurvedic Clock with Yolanda de Cuevas
Starting out the year with a focus on self-care is the topic of today’s episode. Jennifer and Michelle are joined by artist, yogi and Ayurvedic practitioner, Yolanda de Cuevas who takes listeners through an understanding of our natural rhythms as seen in the Ayurvedic practice. Managing our...
Episode 34 | I Want My Results Now
At this time of year, many artists do an end-of-year review. One of the issues that can arise is the feeling of frustration and impatience with the speed at which we are achieving our goals and seeing the results we want. In this episode, Michelle, flying solo shares her thoughts about this issue...
Episode 33 | The Faith Walk of An Artist
When we are called to create, we are also called to believe that our creativity is supported in every way needed so we can pursue our artistry and bring it into the world. What is ‘the faith walk of an artist’ all about? What does it mean to walk ‘with a trusting heart’ in the world? This is the...
Episode 32 | Artist Vs Artisan and the Place for Controversy
What’s in a name? Inspired by a controversial quote from performance and visual artist, Yoko Ono about what defines an artist versus an artisan, Michelle and Jennifer talk through their views on these titles and how they have come to understand the context of controversy in art-making and the...
Episode 31 | Artist’s Guide to Navigating Commissions
It can be truly exciting when someone wants to commission us as artists to create an artwork. Navigating what comes next, takes some business savvy and belief in your artistic skills. Managing the contracting process as well as undertaking the work and delivering a well-received final piece can be...
Episode 30 | Creating in Community
“Community hones us” is a quote from Jennifer that emerges as she and Michelle talk about how community plays important roles in each of creative lives. The formal and informal communities that support us in our growth artistically can take many forms, and it’s up to each of us to find the balance...
Episode 29 | Building a Body of Work
In this episode, Jennifer and Michelle talk about the concept of a creative’s body of work and how they each go about it for their artistry – whether it’s for an exhibition or a new CD of music and songs – there are phases and tips for embarking, sustaining and finishing your project.LINKS &...
Episode 28 | Running an Online Challenge Part 2
Having covered the planning and preparation phases of running an online challenge in Part 1 (Episode #27), Michelle and Jennifer dive into the delivery and follow up phases in this episode. From tips on how to manage all the daily activities and communications with your participants and focus on...
Episode 27 | Running an Online Challenge Part 1
Online challenges can be a great way to grow your following and engage with folks who are interested in similar things and give back to your community. In this episode, Michelle and Jennifer step through what you need to think about if you are keen to run your own online challenge – what to cover...
Episode 26 | On the Art Trail
Visiting art in the outdoors has become an experience many enjoy. Regional areas and cities have seen the potential and artists have embraced the concept as a way of reaching a wider audience. In today’s episode, Michelle, flying solo, talks through her recent experience of being a part of her...
Episode 25 | Celebrating the Mother Energy of Creativity
May is the month we celebrate Mother’s Day in the US and Australia. It also happens to be Mother Mary’s month and Jennifer celebrates her annual flight around the sun. In this episode, Michelle and Jennifer discuss the mother energy and its connection to creativity, how our relationships with our...
Episode 24 | The Power of Simplicity in Art & Life
On discovering a beloved poem lost for more than 30 years, Michelle has been thinking again about the concept of simplicity. In this episode, Michelle shares the poem by William Carlos Williams and what follows is a conversation with Jennifer around simplicity in art and life that covers music...
Episode 23 | Beginner’s Guide to Teaching Courses Online
For the past 2 years, more people have been staying home and searching for creative outlets. If you are an artist with an idea for an online art class, now’s the perfect time to dive in. So, have you been thinking you want to create your own art course and deliver it online? Maybe you already have...
Episode 22 | Whitney Freya & Kim Sales on Women Supporting Women Through Creativity
In this episode Michelle is joined by Whitney Freya, creator of the Creatively Fit Coaching program, artist and author, and Kim Sales an artist and Creatively Fit Coach to talk about their experiences and learning from working with women through creativity. We hear about their creative journey,...
Episode 21 | So You Want to be an Author…
Is writing a passion of yours? Do you see your artistry expanding to include writing, but not sure if you know how to go about it? This episode is for you. Jennifer and Michelle talk about their experiences and learning from writing multiple books – for different audiences and with different...
Episode 20 | The True Nature of Art is…
The world has been experiencing major events – east coast Australia, where Michelle lives has had devastating floods, and we are all aware of the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian army. In this episode, Jennifer and Michelle begin their conversation with this quote from George Inness – “The true...
Episode 19 | Best Tools for Your Creative Play
Many artists have favourite tools of their craft. Do you? In this episode, Jennifer and Michelle discuss their best tools and a story or two about how they came upon them and what they use it for. One of Michelle’s is her tree stump – used for holding her anvil and steel block, while Jennifer...
Episode 18 | Creativity on the Move
Being away from the usual place where we create, whether because we are moving house or just away for a short trip, can be a disruption or a source of inspiration. In this episode, Jennifer and Michelle discuss where you can get ideas for travel art kits, to what their ‘must haves’ are when they...
Episode 17 | Ready to Set Your Big Hairy Audacious Goals?
Everyone loves setting goals, right? Yes, well you’ll love this episode. Join Michelle for a look at what a BeeHAG (that’s Big Hairy Audacious Goals) are and why they are so powerful for you and the business of being an artist… A simple process to magnetise them so you’re attracting what you need...
Episode 16 | Dream & Bloom: Welcoming Our Desires for 2022
NEW Year Blessings! Are you ready to embrace 2022? To get you into the swing, in this episode Jennifer and Michelle step you through their ‘Welcoming the New Year’ rituals. If you already have a way of bringing in the new year, you might like to add some new ideas… If you don’t, then download the...
Episode 15 | Reflect & Release: Harvesting 2021’s Gems
…And just like that, it’s a wrap! 2021 is rapidly coming to an end. What do you do to celebrate the wins and acknowledge the challenges so you feel ready to move into the new year? Jennifer and Michelle take you through their ‘end of year’ rituals – what they do to reflect on their year and...
Episode 14 | Nurturing Your Creative Heart in Busy Times
Do you get those times when your ‘dance card’ is crazy full, and you don’t seem to have time for your art? If that’s something you’ve wrestled with, then this episode will be just the thing. Jennifer and Michelle talk about how to juggle caring for our creative practice and ourselves when life is...
Episode 13 | Your 5 Types of Money
In this episode, Jennifer and Michelle dive deeper into their conversation about money. They explore the 5 different types of money and how it can show up in our lives with different experiences and beliefs. If you are interested in the money piece of your creative business and life, then you...
Episode 12 | Critics, Fans & Other Fairy Tales
As creatives, we know we need to share our work to grow and improve. Listening to the marketing gurus, we are told we need to make our *brand* stand out and grow our audiences to have a successful creative business. The logic is a big audience of raving fans will lead to lots of adoring customers....
Episode 11 | Mixing in New Ideas & Techniques
So you’ve just returned to the studio from a workshop or class… What happens next? The way we integrate new ideas and techniques for our art-making matters. In this episode, Jennifer and Michelle discuss Michelle’s recent week-long art retreat, the importance of her studio sketchbook for capturing...
Episode 10 | Dancing the ‘Arc’ of Creativity
Developing an idea from the creative spark through to a finished product has a certain ‘arc’. In this episode, Jennifer and Michelle talk about what’s involved for their music / song-writing and painting / jewellery design fields. In particular, how it is experienced from a head and heart level as...
Episode 9 | Sparklers, Cake and the Flow of Life
It's September, which is a special month for Michelle - she is celebrating the release of her Spring 2021 Collection of enamel jewellery, her 10th wedding anniversary with Ian and her 56th spin around the sun. In this episode, Jennifer and Michelle talk about marking and celebrating milestones and...
Episode 8 | One Piece of Advice
Many creatives love sharing what they’ve learned along their creative journey, but sometimes receiving one piece of advice can have a profound impact. In this episode, Jennifer and Michelle discuss the key pieces of advice they have received that have made a huge difference for them in their...
Episode 7 | Navigating a New Direction
Interested in how to navigate big changes in your creative practice? This episode focuses on what happens for artists when they release a new product, embrace a new practice or are working from new motivations. Jennifer and Michelle talk through the anxiety that might arise if an artist fears...
Episode 6 | The Road to Mastery
In this episode, Jennifer and Michelle talk about the road to mastery, what it entails, and how this concept relates to their practice. It’s a journey towards excellence and level of accomplishment and happens in levels and stages, as an artist progresses in learning their craft. ARTISTS, LINKS...
Episode 5 | What to do When You Loose the Groove
So you've lost 'the groove' in your art-making? What you do next matters. In this episode, Jennifer and Michelle discuss the difference they've found between short-term stuckness and a longer term drought in their creative practice. Tips and ideas to reconnect and regain the flow as well as...
Episode 4 | Money, Profity and the Scarcity Gremlins
In this episode, Jennifer and Michelle talk about a topic that plagues many creatives and that's the big subject of money! Earning enough, getting paid what you are worth and wrangling with cash flow. Diving into the stories around money that they learnt at the family kitchen table, Jennifer and...
Episode 3 | Embracing Yourself as an Artist
Calling ourselves an ‘artist’ can be a hurdle for many. In this episode, Michelle and Jennifer talk about the barriers they have experienced and those they’ve witnessed their artistic friends wrangling with… Blocks like needing outside acknowledgement, comparing ourselves to others or fear of...
Episode 2 | What’s Your Creative Journey
Charting your creative path in life can reveal insights into where your inspiration comes from and what form your creativity takes. In this episode, Michelle and Jennifer talk about their own creative journeys. They delve into what’s influenced them, what have been the big turning points and...
Episode 1 | Meet Your Hosts, Jennifer and Michelle
Welcome to a new podcast for artists, creatives, and art and music lovers with generous conversations that connects creativity with heart and soul. Michelle Walker is a visual artist and creativity and business coach who lives on a farm on the east coast of Australia and works out of the old...
About Paintbrush & Ivories
Your hosts, Michelle Walker and Jennifer Ruth Russell share generous, soulful conversations about what it takes to have a joyful, fulfilling life while balancing and nurturing your creativity. If you are someone who feels ‘called’ to your creative pursuits, then this podcast is for you. New episodes are released on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month.
New Episodes
whenever we get a chance!
Meet The Hosts
Jennifer Ruth Russell
Michelle Walker
Jennifer Ruth Russell is an award-winning singer song writer and spiritual teacher based on the east coast, USA. Michelle Walker is a visual artist and creativity coach who lives on the east coast of Australia. They bring you perspectives from across the worlds of art and music making, and the Pacific Ocean!
