34: A Creative Approach to Fine Art with Diane Richey-Ward

34: A Creative Approach to Fine Art with Diane Richey-Ward

What really inspires your creativity? Do you ever use the time it takes to do your routine tasks as an opportunity to reflect on things? And if so, do you make use of those reflective moments for your inspiration? Some of my most creative ideas have come to me while preparing a meal, or while doing laundry. And at times I allow myself to really indulge in the sensory input from my surroundings while getting completely lost in the moment. I focus on the colors, textures and my feelings at the time and then the creative force usually follows a bit later. I also love to see what other people are making, as the creativity of others can be a wonderful source of stimulation for new ideas too! Today’s story will offer many insights into the life of a fine artist, as I have Diane Richey-Ward with me as the guest on today’s show. She’s a fine artist based in Sacramento and she was also my drawing teacher a while back. Listen in today to find out about Diane’s creative approach to fine art.

Diane has been working mainly with the medium of drawing for the past thirty years. Every ten years she alters her approach, changing from drawing only to mixing drawing with sculpture or with other, different media. Her latest interest has been mixing drawing with photography and she’s been busy with that for the last three years. She features her latest work in an awesome show which is going on currently, at the Eastry Gallery in Sacramento. Today Diane talks to us about her widespread experiences and about the shows she’s had, all over the world. Listen in now to find out more!

Show highlights:

  • What inspired Diane’s idea of mixing drawing with photography.
  • Diane discusses her love for both drawing and photography.
  • What gives Diane the fantastic feeling of unlimited potential that she experiences, as an artist.
  • How Diane’s creativity has really increased, since her retirement
  • How architecture has featured prominently in Diane’s latest work.
  • The way that traveling provides inspiration for Diane’s work.
  • What art residency is all about.
  • What got Diane into teaching art for almost twenty-three years.
  • The most satisfying aspect of being an art teacher for Diane.
  • Why being retired is so much fun for Diane.
  • Why doing things other than art sometimes is a good idea.
  • How Diane initially got into art.
  • The hard work and perseverance that is required to become a successful artist.
  • The kind of venues that Diane prefers for her shows.
  • The key influences in Diane’s life as an artist.
  • Some tips to help you when you apply for art residencies.
  • A way to get a fresh, new perspective on things, if you run into a creative roadblock.

Links:

Photos of some of Diane’s work are available to everyone at A Creative Approach (on the Patreon page.)

They will also be available to the members of the Creative Approach Facebook group on the Creative Approach Facebook group page.

06: A Colorful Career with Color Burst Creator, Ken Oliver

06: A Colorful Career with Color Burst Creator, Ken Oliver

Do people with passion inspire you? And do you enjoy learning from the creative ideas of interesting artists? If this is so for you, listen in to today’s show and find out more about Ken Oliver and what he does. You will also enjoy hearing about the quaint historic, riverside town that he is truly fortunate to call his home.

Ken is an artist, marketer and a traveler from the picturesque town of Newburgh, in Indiana. He helps companies to develop craft products, which are then brought to the crafts and arts industry. Join Ken today, as he talks to Karen about his work and travels and also about his town, one of the oldest River Ports in the USA. Newburgh is recognized as an important historical site- the town was settled in 1803, even before Indiana became a state!

Today, Ken talks to Karen about:

  • The products that he currently works with.
  • Colorburst- what it is and the amazing effects you can create, using it.
  • The fun he has, decorating the front of his 19th century building with seasonal décor.
  • The people he meets from all over the world- at his front door!
  • Interesting historical facts about his town.
  • The architecture of Newburgh, much of which predates the civil war.
  • The river cruisers and replicas of 19th century steamboats on the Ohio River.
  • Calliope- the unique music of steamboats.
  • The wonderful places he’s worked and traveled in his career.
  • His Hometown Papers line, inspired by the charm and architecture of Newburgh.
  • The things that inspire him, creatively.
  • Ken’s advice to push you past limits you may think you have, artistically.
  • What makes his cards unique and different?
  • What you can gain from doodling.
  • Ken’s creative approach to his business… and cooking.

 

Links:

Ken on Facebook: Ken Oliver or Ken Oliver Crafts

Ken on Instagram: Ken Oliver Crafts (or Creative Team)

Ken’s blog: Ken’s World In Progress

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