Ethan’s Dream2024Acrylic on wood panel4’x4’

NOTE: Please excuse some recording “icky background noise” that you may hear. I was working with equipment that needs to be upgraded and sounds out of my control. I think it was solved to a point where this is truly fine to listen to, but it is certainly not up to the standards I aim for. xo.

Welcome to our final episode of season two. I am here in my apartment on a warm summer day chatting with Taylor, a sweet artist I met one of the first times I ever sold at an event in a little coffee shop around the corner. We sat there talking for a few hours, and I do remember that no one actually bought anything from us. But what I did gain was priceless- a friend and an artist with a vision I was very drawn to. I wanted to bring her on as a guest because I wanted to learn more and share her magic with you.

You will find below a few images of Taylors work, her website, and instagram. Also a link to the pdf about color that she speaks about in the podcast. Taylor has many original paintings as well as beautiful prints available for sale- and if you feel so inspired, you can support her by purchasing them. Then you will be able to bring some of her world into your own. You won’t regret it.

Thank you again for joining us this season. We will return on October 31st, when the wind has again shifted and the veil is thin once more.

With love,

Pixie and Rudo

Passing Through2024Acrylic on wood panel2’x4’

Do Not Climb2018Acrylic on wood panel4’x2’

Taylor’s Website

raye_of_light_

The 4th Dimension of Color

This episode is an energizing bolt of lightning in the dreary caverns of the everyday. As Neil says- “a crash course in possiblity”. If you want to make things happen but the thing you want doesn’t exist, what if you created it so that it would?

Neil Martin is an example of a weaver of the fabric of place. What does it mean to be an artist in Pittsburgh, who are the people here? What stories do they have to tell? Neil makes sure they get to tell their stories. This episode is about accessibility, breaking down elitist gatekeeping, hard work, authenticity and the way community is essential to change. The way we can clear the barriers to being a part of a new kind of art scene. One that doesn’t belong only to the wealthy, or well connected.

This talk with inspire you to make that piece, call that contact, reach out to someone else. Lately I feel drained by the world; by cruelty, by elitist tropes. This conversation reminded me about what it means to be a part of the world, to believe in each other. Storytelling and art is not just for a select few. Its for all of us.

Please check out Neil’s gallery and the many programs he is involved with as well as Center of Life, the not for profit that has made such a difference here in Pittsburgh.

If there is anything to fight for in this life, it is for people and places like this.

Never take no for an answer. Share your story. We all need it.

Links:

Wick Monet

Center of Life

Meet Chris Hall, a special person with whom I have shared many magical moments over the years. I’m excited that he has agreed to join us and talk about his origins, writing, and experiences, which will inspire and fascinate you.

This is an intricately woven tapestry of storytelling, so grab something warm and curl up by the fire. Adventures await.

You can listen to Chris’ lecture on The Great Bengal Famine and the Boston Tea Party for the Boston Public Library. As it is not yet published on the site, comment here so he can send it to you.

Here is where Chris works (and lives!) - feel free to stop by for a tour!

Friends of Parker Tavern

And don’t forget- all of us have a right and ability to access public archives!

Massachusets Historical Society

Some Info on John Adams

The Symbol of the National Park Service

And here are some of Chris’ Poems:

Poem 1. I'd never seen you wear black before You're alive. You know that. Of course you know, its no surprise. It's just that dealing with death and the long run makes it worthwhile. I'd tell you but you know you live it more sincerely than I can write. 2. Today you wore white I was right I was right

Fire Alarm At the Bach Concert As patrons try to pour out of the hall Singers harmonize with a piercing tone The running lights turn on and off as if everyone is blinking in unison Two ushers work up a sweat trying to heave the weight of the exit doors Behind them, the crowd waits patiently as if in line for the salad bar Above the organ, smoke eases its way through the balcony.

Please note:

Everything mentioned in this podcast are just Chris’ opinion. Anything said about past, present, or future employers, are strictly his opinion and do not represent the ideas of anyone else or any entity or company.