WHiRLWiND CREATiViTY CHAT

The one where we take a fun conversational journey from childhood ambitions to that tactile ASMR uni project to live illustrating learning curves.

Other highlights include:

- First glimpses into the creative genius

- Community engagement work

- A fabulous description of a uni project I wish I could visit 

- Mentors and their ability to change lives

- Neuland Markers love 

- Girl interrupting (and an unsuccessful mid-conversation edit)

 

Want to learn more about Eddy and what they do.  Be dazzled by their fab skills at https://www.eddydraws.co.uk/

You can also keep on track with their up-to-date work on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/eddy.draws_/

The one about psychology, the documentary, starting a business and respecting your dreams.

Highlights include:

- The gentle sounds of background chat and coffee being made at a coffee shop in Edinburgh

- Cassandra and Vaaghisar’s discuss of Vaaghisar’s student-made documentary that explored the psychology of creativity through real-life art sessions. Participants used different mediums to respond to the same prompts, revealing how creativity varies by context and personality rather than fitting a single theory.

- Vaaghisar’s journey from part-time barista and psychology graduate to starting his own café, Step One Coffee, illustrating how everyday problem-solving, daydreaming, and seizing opportunities can turn creative ideas into a real business.



Want to see that wonderfully made documentary. You can see Psychological Creativity Beyond Paper on Youtube.

If you are in Edinburgh, or passing through, you can find Vaaghisar's wee coffee shop in Morningside. You can find more fabulous details here.

The one where three creatives meet on a café terrace to share how they found and use creativity to stay sane. Join us as we talk to Helen of Helen Pugh photography as she chats about her experience of her daughter's portrait that went on to be displayed all over London, digitally at Piccadilly Circus and becoming part of the collection at the National Portrait Gallery.

Highlights include:

- how glimpses of our creative selves were seen in childhood

- reinventions over lockdown (forget pivoting...think screeching hand-break turns and quick thinking)

- the story behind the picture

- personal projects and how to nourish the creative soul

- when an idea lands and what to do with it (grab on or release it into the wild)

- and the gentle swooshing sounds of cars passing by on a rainy Edinburgh street

Want to see Helen's work? Please visit her instagram page at Helen Pugh Photography

Learn more about the Hold Still project, spearheaded by the Princess of Wales, and now part of the collection at the National Gallery. For more information visit National Portrait Gallery - Hold Still

The one where I meet Jude Claybourne spinning plates (not literally but wouldn’t be surprised if she could) at the park to discuss the world of acting, training and sometimes being quite witchy.

Highlights include:

- her exceptionally fabulous voice that is a dream to listen to

- Jude’s several hats, including the pointy black one for Witches Tour

- the gentle sounds of dogs digging and panting in the background

- postcards in French and German (sweet story)

-minding the gaps and learning new skills

- the power of choice 

Want to learn more about Jude? Why not?  She's a fabulous human being. Check out her info on LinkedIn

I was delighted to find out she also has a podcast.  

Past Imperfect: The alchemy of transforming trauma (found on Apple)

 

Thanks to Jude for coming along for the ride of creating this episode.  

If you have creative endeavours and want to talk about it, please comment below or get in touch. I'm into gathering stories.

The one where Cassandra talks about her childhood dreams of children’s book illustration in Nebraska to studying art education, making textile artworks inspired by brutalist architecture, and teaching children.

Highlights include:

- her added piano intro that she wished sounded better than it does (with apologies to Aphex Twin)

- her reliance on the great comic book artist Max Riffner to help her through graphic design course (which she eventually dropped then went into teaching instead)

- how the pandemic pushed her to work digitally, leading to a large storefront commission

- an introduction to live illustration with a Glasgow theatre group.

- the slow, agonising, rewarding growth of her live illustration practice, the variety of projects it brings, and a peek at an upcoming interview

*Dear listener. I am totally aware that my speaking style is like the audio version of riding on a roller coaster. A slow drag up, an uncomfortable pause, a fast bolt down, a middle bit that’s uncertain. Repeat. Please know, I’m working on it :)