A Little Behind the Scenes Look at my Studio & Art

I did something fun! My beautiful daughter, Serena Robeson, is a Senior at Cal State Channel Islands majoring in Graphic Design. She had an assignment to interview a working artist and I was so, so honored that she asked ME! Since many of you have also asked me to see a studio tour, we thought we would take a small excerpt from her interview and create a short video! I hope you like it!! xoxo Mari

PS I’ve signed up to participate in the One Room Challenge! Check back here Thursday to see my Mood Board for my Living Room make-over which will include the finished version of the painting I am working on in this video! More to come!

Interview with Dancer / Choreographer / Studio Owner - Pam Rossi - Ep 39

I am so incredibly honored to share today’s Episode with you!

Guys!! I interviewed Pam Rossi! She is the daughter of legendary dance queen, Pat Jackson. I was privileged to be an American Dancer & teacher for Pat Jackson. This is the incredible story of her daughter.

Pam Rossi’s dance career started as a Solid Gold dancer and as a Sahara Girl for likes of Jerry Lewis, Johnny Carson & Don Rickels... but that was just the beginning! She has worked with Cameron Diaz, Dolly Parton, Debbie Allen, Dan Ackroyd, Tom Hanks, on and on and on! Including my favorite, Lucille Ball! We talk about all of it and more on today’s episode.

Now she runs an award winning dance studio in Moorpark, CA. I can’t even list here all of the amazing people she has worked with and things that she has done!

If you are a dancer, this is the episode for you!! Pams advice is insightful and inspiring. Her journey as a professional dancer, choreographer and studio owner is such an amazing story!! Please enjoy today’s episode over on my YouTube channel! I’d love it if you would subscribe and please share with your creative friends!!

YOU CAN LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Follow Pam Rossi Here:

Website: Dance-Ten.com

Facebook: Pam Rossi Dance Ten

Instagram: @PamRossiDanceTen

Meet The Creator of Ladie Katie - Katie Robert - Ep 38

In this interview with Katie Robert we learn about her creative journey as an attorney and inspirational artist. Katie Robert is the creator of Ladie Katie - Art for your Heart & Your Home. She openly shares her story of how in the last year of law school she participated in her first art show and launched the beginning of Ladie Katie. Now her whimsical fashion illustrations, pet portraits, wedding portraits, and graphic design are well known and loved by many.

Last year she launched her first illustrated planner full of words of encouragement and helpful pages for organizing plans and taking notes. We talk about why she created the planner and what’s in store for next year. We also talk about how art is impacting us during these times and how she created a brilliant way to share her art with her new neighbors in Redondo Beach, CA.

While we are all ‘sheltering at home’ Katie also created a wonderful coloring book as a FREE download. If you have the means to make a $5 donation for the printable book, then all of the proceeds will go to the Louise Monforte Memorial Scholarships for Art & Dance for the month of April, 2020.

Towards the end of the Episode we learn where the name Ladie Katie came from, (such a fun story), as well as her super helpful advice! 

LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE! Please Subscribe & Share with your creative friends too!

Other Places to Follow & Support Katie Robert:

Website: Ladie Katie

Instagram: @LadieKatieArt

Facebook: Ladie Katie Art

Shop: Ladie Katie Shop

Pinterest: Ladie Katie Art

Free Printable - Wash Your Hands & Stay Safe!

Feel free to screen cap this image and print it out for your front door or to use in your business! For personal use only.

We can do this!

Meet The Fabulous Dayna Lee Langlois - Dayna Lee Collection

What a crazy time we are all experiencing. The new normal of ‘shelter in place’. Everyone is feeling a little anxious and concerned but I’m hoping that these times when we move inside we can discover the beauty of slowing down, making art, dancing in the living room, reading books and cooking from scratch - just to name a few, fun things to rediscover.

I might add…listening to podcasts! And I have so many good ones for you! Today is no exception. If there was ever a perfect time for an interview, it’s now. The lovely Dayna Lee Langlois is known for her stationery and gift line that shares words of support and encouragement.

In this episode we discuss how she started with nothing, found something she was good at, practiced, practiced, practiced and then grew it into an international stationery and gift brand, the Dayna Lee Collection!

We talk about licensing your designs and all the aspects of what it really takes to grow a successful, creative company. If you are looking to be inspired then this is the episode for you!

LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Follow & Support Dayna Lee Langlois Here:

Website: The Dayna Lee Collection

Facebook: The Dayna Lee Collection

Instagram & Twitter: @DaynaLeeCollection

Interview with International Artist - Gus Harper - Episode 36

I’m am soooo excited about today’s Video Podcast with the incredibly talented Gus Harper. Gus is probably one of the most passionate and talented artists I have ever spoken with!

He creates incredible street murals all around the world! Literally, from Malibu to Malaysia!

I am in awe of how he can create on such a large scale and his works on Canvas are equally stunning!

In this episode he shares a very powerful story of living each and every day with passion and adventure and shows us all that there are many different paths to becoming a thriving and successful artist! 

If you ever wondered what it would be like to travel around the world creating Art, then this is an Episode you won’t want to miss!

LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Follow & Support Gus Harper Here:

Website: Gus Harper Art

Instagram: @GusHarperArt

Facebook: Gus Harper Art

Interview with Chantal Larocque of Paper & Peony

I have such a happy and colorful Episode for you today! I came across the gorgeous paper flowers created by French-Canadian artist and author, Chantal Larocque, on Instagram. You probably know by now that I am a huge fan of bold colors and flowers, so visiting her feed makes my heart pitter-pat in all the good ways!

I was thrilled when Chantal said she would share her creative journey with us all on my podcast because it’s such a unique creative business and yet just another way you can be a thriving artist in this amazing world of ours.

Chantal shares with us how creating a beautiful scrapbook in memory of her father turned into a blossoming business. It didn’t just happen though, it was an evolution of events and quite an interesting story!

Now Chantal’s creations have been featured by companies like Chanel, Dior, Perrier-Jouet Champagne just to name a few and her work was even chosen to be the featured art for the Canadian Stamp! She is also the best selling author of DIY book: Bold & Beautiful Paper Flowers! So you can see we had quite a bit to talk about!

I think you will really like this Episode, especially her very helpful and insightful advice at the end!

LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Other places you can Follow & Support Chantal Larocque:

Website: PaperandPeony

Instagram & Twitter: @PaperandPeony

Facebook: PaperandPeony

Chantal Larocque’s Book: Bold & Beautiful Paper Flowers

February's Featured Artists - Husband & Wife - Jon Davenport & Christy Kinard

It’s the month of Love and I can’t think of a better way to kick it off but with a truly charming Love Story of artists, Jon Davenport and Christy Kinard! It’s seriously the most endearing Episode. A Southern Bell meets a British Man in the most romantic city of Venice, Italy. Their journey from how they met, their life in London, to now living in Atlanta and raising three boys, made for a very interesting interview!

Christy’s mixed media paintings are an explosion of color and inspiration. So much so, it was her art and her studio floor - that’s right - I said floor, that inspired Jon to create his own incredible works of art.

Jon was in the world of advertising and web design before meeting Christy. You can see his keen eye for composition, color and design, in all of his paintings. Jon is also a mixed media artist and they both work together in their home studio. In this Episode they share what it’s like to sell your work in galleries, selling art on-line, how they create their work, and creating a line of products with their art.

Recently Jon & Christy launched Kinard Studio. A new line of product created from their art. For the month of February, they are very generously offering proceeds of the sale of their ‘Black Star - Yoga Leggings’, to go to the Louise Monforte Memorial Art & Dance Scholarships.

And Jon is also donating to the scholarship fund, part of the proceeds of the sale of this gorgeous original painting!

‘Blue is for Boys’ 36” x 36” $3500 - Contact Jon directly to purchase!

Blue is for Boys - 36” x 36” Artist - Jon Davenport

LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

To Follow and Support Jon & Christy:

KinardStudio.com Instagram: @KinardStudio

JonDavenportAt.com Instagram @JonDavenportArt

ChristyKinard.com Instagram Twitter @ChristyKinard

Interview with Travel Photographer & Writer - Renata Haidle

I met Renata on Instagram and fell in love with her dreamy photos of far away, magical places that I hope to visit one day. As we got to know each other, I knew I wanted to share her story and interview her on my podcast.

Renata is Romanian-American and her creative journey is incredibly interesting and inspiring. Before she left Romania she was actually a doctor but when she came to America that all changed. On this Episode she shares her story of facing her fears and following her creative passion of photography and writing.

“You are never too old to set another goal, or to dream a new dream.”
― C.S. Lewis

Now Renata photographs and writes for several travel sites and she even has her own book out full of her gorgeous photography! I think you all will really enjoy this Episode and perhaps her story will even spark a dormant dream of your own to take on new wings!

LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPSODE HERE

Follow & Support Renata Here:

Website: RenataHaidle.com

Facebook: Renata Haidle Photography

Twitter: is @RenataHaidle

Instagram: @RenataHaidle

Happy New Year! My First Studio VLOG is LIVE!

Happy New Year & New Decade! I Love New Beginnings! I painted this while my girls were home this Christmas and we all were creating around the kitchen table. 2020! So much fun to even say!

Today is super exciting! I usually interview a different artist every first Wednesday of the month and a different creative entrepreneur every third Wednesday of the month but since January 1st fell on the first Wed. I’d thought I’d challenge myself and try something NEW! So today I’m launching my very first Studio VLOG over on my YouTube Channel. Goodness…hats off to all those YouTubers out there because creating a video is not only a lot of work but there are a lot of things to learn! This is my first, so be kind! ha ha

And don’t worry, I have some amazing artists lined up to interview in the New Year!

That said, on today’s VLOG I’m sharing with you how I create my Vision Journal for the New Year. I use my Journal almost every day. It goes with me everywhere and is an important tool in my work since my job is all about visualizing and then creating.

I’m sharing why I believe that adding the element of being creative in the journaling process, instead of just writing goals and intentions, is a helpful way to attract the life you want to manifest. There are also a couple of fun processes anyone can implement into making their own journal. Let me know what you think and if you’d like to see more videos from my studio.

Wishing you a very Wonderful New Year full of great health, love & happiness!

xoxo

Mari

As promised in the video here are some words you can use to print out and use in your journal. You have permission to screen shot them and use for personal use! Cheers!

December's Featured Creative Entrepreneurs - Kristin Alexander & Suzanne Smith

EPISODE 32 is LIVE

I can’t think of a better way to end the year then recording with two of my very good friends, Kristin Alexander and Suzanne Smith! I’ve known these two lovely women for quite some time and their bright and beautiful energy is simply contagious! Both of them are ACE (American Council of Exercise) certified personal trainers who have multiple group certifications such as Les Mills, Aqua, Insanity, Zumba, Spin etc. Kristin is also a Certified Weight Management Specialist and additionally Suzanne works in Cancer Well Fit but I know her as my personal Bootcamp Trainer!

Suzanne and Kristin owned a fitness studio together (the Edge) where the goal when starting it was to appeal to people that were intimidated by gyms. With over 20 years of fitness training experience they shared their passion for helping people achieve their best in all aspects mind, body, and soul. Now they are continuing that passionate work at Avila Bay Athletic Club and Spa where Kristin is the Athletic Director.

On today’s Episode we are talking about their Top 5 Tips on How To Stay Fit and Focused in 2020! They offer some really helpful advice that I hope will get you excited about your fitness goals in the New Year!

Happy Holidays! May they be full of Joy, Great Health, and Happiness! xoxo Mari

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE HERE

Website: Avila Bay Athletic Club & Spa

Kristin Alexander Email: kristin@avilabayclub.com

Suzanne Smith Email: suztsmith8@gmail.com

December's Featured Artist - Ari Robinson - Episode 31

I couldn’t think of a better way to wrap up 2019 then with the Art of Ari Robinson! On today’s Podcast Episode we talk about the fascinating way she creates her vibrant & colorful work!

I met Ari when she contacted me on Instagram to be on the ‘other side of the interview’ for a post over on her other business, Club Artrepreneur. You can read my interview HERE. We also talk about the Club Atrepreneur business model she created for artists to track and manage their time and expenses. Brilliant!

I was so impressed with this young creative entrepreneur that I wanted to interview her and hear her perspective of the art world from her young (still in her 20’s) perspective. It made me feel very optimistic for the future of the Arts!

Ari is definitely one to watch! If you are looking for a fun Episode to Listen & Watch while you are baking your delicious holiday cookies, HERE YOU GO!

Happy Holidays! Mari

Other places to follow and support Ari Robinson:

Website: Ari Robinson Art

Website: Club Artrepreneur

Instagram: @ ArirRobinsonArt & @ClubArtrepreneur

November's Featured Creative Entrepreneur - Lauren Haskell

On today’s Episode I have the very talented Lauren Haskell of Lauren Haskell Designs and LO Home. Not only is Lauren a very talented interior decorator she also is the creator of LO Home - sophisticated and sustainable home decor.

I first learned about Lauren through our mutual friend on Instagram, Kristy Wicks. Lauren was helping Kristy with the design of her living room in her beautiful Sacramento home. Not only did Lauren help design the space but she also created many of the products as well.

As an artist I’m always fascinated by creators that work in other mediums. I love pottery but I also know it’s not one of my creative strengths. However it certainly is one of Lauren’s! I first fell in love with many of her ginger jars and other ceramic beauties but she also creates stunning textiles, wall decor and art. Her colors are soft and sophisticated and certainly have her stamp of signature style.

I am impressed that she went the extra mile to make her product sustainable and earth friendly. She also works with local artists and crafts people to help her create some of her products.

Lauren and I are both dancers as well which was an instant connection for us. Although she is not dancing right now, she is definitely channeling that creative energy beautifully into the world of home decor.

If you are looking for an inspirational episode about what it’s truly like to launch a creative business you can listen to (and watch) the full Episode HERE.

LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL HERE

Follow & Support Lauren Haskell:

Website: Lauren Haskell Designs

Shop: LO Home

Instagram: @LaurenHaskellDesigns

Facebook: Lauren Haskell Designs

Pinterest: Lauren Haskell Designs

November's Featured Artist - Kelli May-Krenz

EPISODE 29 with Artist, Illustrator, Graphic & Textile Designer, Kelli May—Krenz is Now LIVE!

But first, I have an interesting story to share with you today!

So……. I have my artists scheduled-out in advance for when I want to interview them for my podcast. I usually follow up a week or two before to confirm and make sure we are still good with the day and time etc. But for the first time since I started this a little over a year ago, I had an artist cancel on me literally 10 minutes before the interview. Uggg…. So I texted my incredibly talented artist/author friend, Christine Mason-Miller, knowing she has many equally talented artist friends, and she gave me the name of Kelli May-Krenz.

When I went to look at Kelli’s social media, I could see we were completely on the same page when it comes to using our art as away to share support, connectivity and joy! Christine introduced us and within a half hour we were on the phone talking as if we had known each other a lifetime. We truly connected on so many levels, some very deep and meaningful.

So the moral of the story is; stay positive! Everything is always working out for you - even when it looks like things aren’t working out, they absolutely are! A big ‘Thank You’ to the artist that cancelled on me at the last minute because I would have never met such a bright and beautiful soul!

I am so appreciative that Kelli jumped right in with me on the heals of her big debut of her new fabric line for Free Spirit fabrics (she was literally driving back from the Trade Show where she revealed her new collection!) That just shows you the type of person she is!

I’m so glad we were able to do this interview because this blog post would be ten pages long just to try to explain a tiny bit of her accomplishments! You are really going to like this episode! Kelli is a mixed media artist, a graphic designer, an illustrator, an on-line course creator (her 10th class is coming out soon!) and now she is a featured textile designer for Free Spirit Fabrics. In this episode she shares how it all unfolded for her, along with some really great advice!

Thankful Spirit Warrior By Kelli May-Krenz

I’m so pleased that Kelli is my Featured Artist and for the month of November she is offering 20% of the sales of this print to the Louise Monforte Memorial Art Scholarship - June 2020.

You can follow and support Kelli May-Krenz here:

Instagram: @KelliMayKrenz

Facebook: KelliMayKrenzStudio

Website: KelliMayKrenz

https://youtu.be/-bBRMHiQff4

My 'Illuminate' Collection is now Live!

‘But my darling, there is no Light at the end of the tunnel, You are the Light.”

I can’t think of a better way to celebrate International Artists Day - then by launching my New Collection of paintings that I’ve been working on for the past few months. This quote sums it all up perfectly. When life is happening all around, you can chose to react or respond. If you choose to go within, you will see the power of your light!

When I created this collection I spent many hours in quiet thought, even though the music was blasting, I had a lot of time to think about my calling in life. I know I am meant to create - it is where I find my connection to JOY - My Light. My wish is that it translates through to the viewer.

I explain a little more about my quest to Raise My Vibration and Find My Light HERE.

VIEW THE ENTIRE COLLECTION HERE! Thank you so much for Supporting The Arts! xoxo Mari

October's Featured Creative Entrepreneur - Photographer, Kirsi Kilpelainen

I have a such a fun Episode for you today! Meet my friend and incredibly talented photographer, Kirsi Kilpelainen of LK Photoshoots!

I met Kirsi in my Bootcamp Workout class and when I asked her what she did for a living I thought she would be a great person to interview. It was especially fun because we recorded it right after doing a photo shoot in my art studio.

Kirsi is known for her Senior Portrait photography, in fact she is a Hot 100 Recipient two years in a row! “A selection of the top 100 senior photographers across the globe!” By Senior Style Guide

Kirsi shares what it’s like to run a photography business. Her background in cosmetology, formerly running an online clothing boutique, and having a degree in business, all play key factors in why her photos are so sought after!

Just take one look at her portfolio and you can see why anyone, including myself, would want to hire her! This is a fun lighthearted interview loaded with great advice if you are someone interested in pursuing a career as a photographer!

YOU CAN LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Other places to follow Kirsi Kilpelainen

Website: LKPhotoshoots.com

Instagram: @LKPhotoshoots

September's Featured Artist - Stephanie Bostock

In this inspiring Episode with Fine Artist & Designer, Stephanie Bostock, we touch upon the importance of utilizing Art as a healing tool. Stephanie shares her journey of overcoming a significant illness and using her Art as a way to connect back to her Joy. We talk about her creative journey, from Industrial Designer to flourishing Abstract Artist. We also talk about the helpful ways that artists can use their paintings on products from yoga mats to scarves and apparel and how one would go about doing that for themselves.

Stephanie's positive outlook and story will uplift you and make anyone want to pick up a brush and start creating!

For the month of September Stephanie is offering 20% of the sale of this original piece to go towards the Louise Monforte Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Exigencies of Life...

36”x36”x1.5” framed and wired

$850

LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Other places to Follow & Support Stephanie Bostock:

Website: Stephanie Bostock Art

Instagram: @StephanieBostockArt

Shop: https://www.stephaniebostockart.com/shop

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.stevensbostock

August's Featured Artist - Laurie Buck

I have such a sweet interview for you today! Introducing the incredibly talented Laurie Buck.

I fell in love with Laurie’s florals on Instagram and became an instant fan. I couldn’t think of a more appropriate artists to share for the month of August.

I never guessed that Laurie did not receive a formal art education. In fact, she was an English teacher before becoming a self taught artist. I think this is a powerful story for those of you who would like to pursue being an artist but perhaps do not have the means or time to study formally. There are many paths to following your passion and Laurie’s creative journey is inspiring!

Laurie also shares a sweet story about how she found her place at Art and Light Gallery. Her work is currently represented by them. Recently she had her first one woman exhibit there and she is sharing all about how she pulled it all together. It was a huge success!

I also fell in love with her charming new studio space and how she turned it into a magical place to create. She works with a few other artists there and she shares how they all support one another. Lots of great advice on this episode too!

For the month of August Laurie is sharing 20% of the proceeds from the sale of her most popular print, ‘Sweet on You’, to the Louise Monforte Memorial Art Scholarship. Such a beautiful bouquet of happy flowers!

‘Sweet on You’ By Laurie Buck - Featured Art Print for August 2019

You can Listen & Watch the Full Episode HERE.

Follow and Support Laurie Here:

Webiste: LaurieBuckStudio

Instagram: @Laurie_Buck

Represented By: Art and Light Gallery

July's Featured Artist - Jennifer Allevato

I have the most beautiful Video Podcast for you today! I can’t think of a better Artist Interview to kick off Summer than with the very talented Jennifer Allevato! Not only does she create gorgeous florals, interiors, and landscapes she has some really helpful and interesting advice about she created a successful career for herself.

In this Episode we discuss her journey starting out in costume design and then switching over to making her living as a full-time fine artist. We discuss the business side of being an artist, from having a beautiful and informative website, to using platforms such as Pinterest, to reach new collectors. We also talk about her big break in working with bloggers and how how a simple mention on the Young House Love blog helped launch her career.

Photo Credit: Anna Meyer Photo Courtesy Of Jennifer Allevato

Jennifer not only sells her original creations but she also licenses her work. Her art has been featured in Anthropologie, Minted, Artfully Walls and on the cover of HGTV magazine just to name a few places you may have seen this lovely and talented artist.

Photo Credit: Anna Meyer Photo Courtesy Of Jennifer Allevato

We also talk about her Artist In Residence at the Torpedo Factory Art Center and how that experience was for her. Of course I also had to ask about her orange kitty who she claims is a 'grumpy old man' but she loves him anyway. We end with some really helpful advice that we can all benefit from. She will inspire you to want to pick up your paint brush and start creating!

For the Month of July, Jennifer has generously offered 20% of the proceeds of these three large original florals on paper to go to the Louise Monforte Memorial Scholarship! Aren’t they GORGEOUS?!!! You can purchase one, or all three HERE!

You can Listen & Watch the FULL EPISODE HERE

Follow & Support Jennifer Allevato here:

Website: https://jenniferallevato.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allevatojm/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferAllevato

Please share these helpful videos with all your creative friends and even better I would deeply appreciate it, if you subscribed to my YouTube Channel!

June's featured Creative Entrepreneur - Lani Colhouer

I had so much fun interviewing my good friend, Lani Colhouer, founder of Simply Clear Marketing on today’s Episode! I met Lani years ago when I had my little boutique in the Village of Arroyo Grande. She’s one of the most intelligent women I have ever met and I have enjoyed collaborating with her on many projects. For the past three years I have had the privilege of being a contributor to her gorgeous magazine.

Under the umbrella of Simply Clear Marketing she has three divisions; digital marketing and strategies, print shelter magazines, and home exhibitions.

As a founder of Simply Clear Marketing, Inc., Lani Colhouer is passionate about marketing and events. She was raised in the San Luis Obispo County and loves the area. Her background includes event management, advertising, marketing and sales, and exhibiting at international trade shows. She has been in the marketing industry for 20 years and loves the stories behind each business that keeps them going. A true entrepreneur, she loves to build community by helping small businesses be more innovative in their marketing strategies and implementation.

In this Episode we take a deep dive into her marketing advice specifically for artists and how they can sell their art effectively and with ease. We discuss everything from how to make the right connections to what words to actually say to close the deal. Lani has years of experience in marketing and advertising and she generously shares some very helpful advice for artists!

To receive the breakdown of what we discuss and her Free pdf of;

5 Marketing and Sales Tips for Artists, head on over to her Contact Page at SimplyClearMarking!

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Other places to Follow & Support Lani Colhouer:

Simply Clear Marketing & Media, Inc.

Office:805-772-4600

SimplyClearMarketing.com

LivingLavishlyMag.com

InspiredExpos.com