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258 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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How to Keep Evolving When the Art World Wants Consistency with Peter Gronquist
26 mei 2025 · 54 min
Today, Ceri introduces you to the extraordinary artist Peter Gronquist. Peter grew up surrounded by creative energy and unconventional thinkers. His work is rooted in resilience, experimentation, and emotional connection to the natural world.
Peter and Ceri discuss his artistic journey, the importance of persistence, parenting, and the messy beauty of making work that defies categories. If you’ve ever wondered how to stay true to yourself while navigating the sometimes-maddening art world, this episode is for you.
The Artist Mastermind Circle: Ready to stop second-guessing and start building momentum in your art career? Applications are now open for the next Artist Mastermind Circle—a six-month coaching programme for mid-career artists who are serious about growing their confidence, income, and opportunities.Apply by 21 July at https://cerihand.com/artist-mastermind-circle/ and take the next bold step.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Being surrounded by creative people is inspirational, but a quiet space to create is essential.
Start anywhere – Peter started with coffee shops.
Consistency and structure enable you to sustain creative output over years and facilitates a balanced family life.
Work with dealers who back you while experimenting and evolving.
Be persistent – continue to create through dry spells and uncertainty.
Without reinvention, creativity dies. Don´t allow commercial success to trap you.
Writing about your work fuels your creativity.
BEST MOMENTS
“Whenever I have a new series and it starts doing very well, I feel that's when I need to get out.”
“Almost every day I'll write something in my notes, a stream of consciousness, almost. Later, they're invaluable.”
“I can get them to school, work all day, and then go home and pick them up, make dinner, all the normal balance of life things.”
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.petergronquist.com
https://www.instagram.com/petergronquist
PODCAST HOST BIO
With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artis… Lees meer -
The Artists Making Progress Do This First
22 mei 2025 · 9 min
This week's shorty is about one simple but powerful shift: getting clear on your goals, what you really want, and how to start getting there. Not just in theory, but in practice, with examples from artists who've done it inside The Artist's Mastermind Circle.
There is a difference between working and progressing. You can be busy every day, posting, planning, painting, and still feel like nothing's actually moving. If that sounds familiar to you, this episode is definitely going to help you to break free.
The Artist Mastermind Circle: Ready to stop second-guessing and start building momentum in your art career? Applications are now open for the next Artist Mastermind Circle—a six-month coaching programme for mid-career artists who are serious about growing their confidence, income, and opportunities.Apply by 21 July at https://cerihand.com/artist-mastermind-circle/ and take the next bold step.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Getting clear on your goals is essential.
Set 3 big goals in 3 different areas of your work, e.g. creative, financial, relationships and visibility.
When you define your goals out loud, momentum starts to build.
Creative goals don't have to be tied to external validation.
Goals need to stretch you enough to energise you.
Set a financial goal that you can actually measure.
Working out the steps you need to take to achieve each goal, prevents overwhelm and provides you with a full road map to follow.
BEST MOMENTS
“These (goals) aren't vague hopes. They're specific, time-bound and slightly scary.”
“Name a creative goal that actually motivates you.”
“Write down a number, then ask, ‘Where could that income realistically come from without overextending myself or compromising my values?’”
“Apply now, and within six months, you won't just feel clearer, you will be moving ahead.”
PODCAST HOST BIO
With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more tha… Lees meer -
The Transformative Effect of Saying Yes to the Painting Within You with Erika B Hess
19 mei 2025 · 1 uur 2 min
For this episode, Ceri is joined by the fiercely honest, endlessly generous Erika B Hess, a painter, the artistic director of Chautauqua Visual Arts and host of two brilliant podcasts. She's exhibited nationally and internationally, curates shows and publications and has helped build an entire support system for artists.
Erika shares her artist journey, including the moment her paintings stopped being something she controlled and became something she listened to. She talks about learning to say no, building a life with intention and the magic that happens when you let go of good to make space for great. If you're juggling a creative life with caregiving, craving more time in your studio, or learning how to say yes to what truly matters, this episode is for you.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Early on, Erika learned to pivot, which enabled her to pursue her passion as an artist.
It took Erika nearly 20 years to completely trust her work and produce work that is 100% hers.
Be honest in your work. People respond to authenticity.
Don´t hesitate to hire help.
Say yes to rest, schedule your downtime.
Talk about your work in an accessible way.
When your career takes off, saying no and getting in the studio more is essential.
Don´t be a slave to social media. Use it to showcase your work and keep it up to date.
BEST MOMENTS
“That was the turning point… having to be brutally honest with myself.”
“This kind of success is actually a new space to navigate.”
“Say yes to the painting waiting inside you.”
“You can't make room for new, wonderful, beautiful things if you don't let go of the other behind you.”
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.erikabhess.com
https://www.ilikeyourworkpodcast.com/submitwork
https://www.instagram.com/erikabhess
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Field-Guide-Getting-Lost-Canons-ebook/dp/B002VM7FYO
PODCAST HOST BIO
With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated mo… Lees meer -
Stop Waiting - 4 Ways to Start Earning from Your Art
15 mei 2025 · 9 min
If you are waiting for the right moment, gallery or person to make your art career click, you could be waiting forever. In this episode, Ceri shares four powerful ways to start earning from your art. Not someday, not once you feel ready, but today….right now.
The strategies Ceri shares are insights that come from the real-world experience of Zawadi, an exceptional artist who had great networking skills and plenty of shows but was still not earning. Then, she joined The Artist Mastermind Circle, the peer support, coaching, forums and masterclasses, shifted everything and enabled Zawadi to take things to the next level and start earning.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Understand what it really takes to be sales and commission ready.
Ceri´s provides a masterclass to give you a full understanding of how commercial galleries, agents and art advisors really work.
Prepare the groundwork to make it easy for potential buyers to say yes.
Maximise the advocates you already have. Re-connect with buyers and people you have worked with or for in the past.
Don´t let fear and the avoidance behaviours that result from that fear continue to hold you back.
Group coaching is a powerful way to open up, recognise what is holding you back and find the support you need to take the right action, break through and earn.
Coaching doesn't just give you answers, it shows you how.
Registration for the next The Artist Mastermind Circle starts on 13th May.
BEST MOMENTS
“If you're stuck in a loop, waiting to feel ready, wondering when your time will come, let this be the sign - your time is now.”
“Join The Artist Mastermind Circle to get real-time feedback, insight and care from myself and artists like you.”
“She wasn’t quite ready to sell, not because her work wasn´t strong, but because her systems were missing.”
“That shift from feeling like an outsider to realising she had something valuable to offer was seismic.”
PODCAST HOST BIO
With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists… Lees meer -
How Creativity Activism is Tackling Climate Change with John Kenneth Paranada
12 mei 2025 · 1 uur 5 min
For this episode, Ceri is joined by British Filipino curator, writer and researcher John Kenneth Paranada. He bridges the worlds of art, science and other disciplines to shape global conversations around sustainability, resilience and regenerative practices. They unpack his journey and explore how art is mobilising change and the role institutions like the Sainsbury Centre can play in shaping climate consciousness.
Get ready for an inspiring conversation about creativity activism and the courage to take a stand.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The language of art is powerful, globally understood and moves people on an emotional level.
Every city or art space has its own brand and language, but in all of them art touches people, inspires and exposes them to new ideas and makes them think differently.
Art is inspiring experts from different disciplines to work together to solve climate change.
We all need to take a clear stand to protect the climate, despite the risks. Be respectful and polite but be effective.
The Sainsbury centre takes an innovative approach and looks at things holistically.
The materials and mediums used for A World of Water are deliberately varied to attract people with a wide range of interests. Ken shares examples.
We need to reduce carbon emissions for exhibitions e.g. loaning locally.
Artists can play a role by using more sustainable and waste materials.
BEST MOMENTS
“The climate-culture conversation needs to be bridged, needs to be unpacked.”
“The power of art is that it gives you an image, it gives you a particular kind of interface for understanding complexity.”
“Art can unpack the kinds of emotions in us that mobilise us to want to make change.”
“Museums will be very important in creating hope for our public to fight climate change.”
“Should we actually continue making sculptures out of bronze?....”
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kenneth-paranada
https://www.sainsburycentre.ac.uk/
PODCAST HOST BIO
With over 30 years in the art world, Ce… Lees meer -
You're Not Lazy – You're Afraid (And Here´s What Helps)
8 mei 2025 · 11 min
In this episode, Ceri explains how to recognise when fear is holding you back, particularly fear of what others think or of rejection. If you are constantly telling yourself you are not ready or good enough to take the next step in your creative journey, in all likelihood it is fear that is holding you back.
Ceri shares some simple strategies any artist can use to recognise, face and overcome their fears.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Most of the artists Ceri works with do not lack talent, motivation, skill or ideas, yet they struggle to make progress. Usually, it is fear that is holding them back.
Being afraid is normal, it´s human, so there is no need to be ashamed of feeling that way.
If you are avoiding something you need to do to make progress, name it. Say it out loud. Fear thrives in silence.
Sharing your fears with other artists, especially in person, is incredibly powerful. It demonstrates to you that others feel the exact same fear you do, yet many have conquered it, which means you can too.
Stop using unproductive tasks as a way to avoid the things you fear doing. Ceri shares a simple strategy you can implement immediately.
Action beats perfectionism.
Surround yourself with other artists and share your fears openly with them. They truly understand how you feel so you can draw on their support and experience to take action and conquer those fears.
BEST MOMENTS
“You´re not lazy, you’re not unmotivated, and you certainly are not lacking talent, but you might be afraid.”
“I’ve been avoiding pitching for a public commission I really want. I tell myself I’m not ready. But really—I’m scared they’ll say no, or worse…yes.”
“Turn that big shadowy monster into something small enough to hold…name the thing you´ve been avoiding.”
“Fear loves to dress up as perfectionism.”
“You don’t need a bigger network; you need a braver one.”
“Being in a group of artists who are generous, smart and real, changes how you see yourself.”
PODCAST HOST BIO
With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has… Lees meer -
The Creative Power in Uncertainty with Margaret Heffernan
5 mei 2025 · 1 uur 10 min
Ceri speaks with author and former CEO Margaret Heffernan about embracing uncertainty as a creative tool. From her journey through theatre, BBC production, tech leadership, to becoming a bestselling author, she shares how uncertainty isn't something to fear but a space where possibility thrives. Her latest book also explores how artists navigate and flourish in unpredictability and how in uncertainty lies choice, freedom, opportunity, exploration and adventure.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Margaret embodies creative flexibility and has in her career, from theatre to BBC producer to tech CEO to acclaimed author, proved creative thinking transcends industries and can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Uncertainty contains freedom, choice, and opportunity. If we eliminated it life would turn into a mere to-do list. Artists inherently understand this and demonstrate how to thrive within ambiguity.
Heffernan tests ideas by asking: "If I ignore it, will it go away?" The ideas that persist (whether for businesses or books) are the ones worth pursuing, her creative instincts can guide important decisions.
For emerging artists, the intrinsic reward of creating meaningful work often outweighs financial stability and many choose creative uncertainty over predictable comfort because the satisfaction exceeds anything else they could do.
When faced with rejection or indifference to your ideas, instead of being crushed, consider that you might just need to explain it better. Persistence and refinement are essential creative skills.
Perfectionism cripples creativity, experimentation and being willing to try different approaches when stuck can help you as an artist. Success often comes through iteration rather than getting it right the first time.
Storytelling is central to communicating complex ideas effectively, Margaret structures her talks and writing around "tentpole stories" that support her arguments, making abstract concepts accessible and memorable.
BEST MOMENTS
"I'm quite startlingly com… Lees meer -
How I Know You’re an Extraordinary Creative (Spoiler: It's not about awards, followers, or fancy studios.)
1 mei 2025 · 13 min
Welcome to the 100th episode of Extraordinary Creatives! One hundred thousand listeners, nineteen months and now ranked in the top 1.5% of podcasts and in this episode, Ceri wants to remind you what being an extraordinary creative is all about.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
You keep showing up, even when it’s messy.
You sit with the dualities.
You know risk, failure, and mistakes are part of the deal.
You ask curious questions. You stay open.
You feel deeply, and it all goes into the work.
BEST MOMENTS
"You know that consistency doesn’t mean doing it perfectly. It means turning up with curiosity, with vulnerability, and with the willingness to try again, even if yesterday felt like a failure.”
“You make because you have to, not for applause, not for approval but because there is something in you that refuses to be silenced.”
“You’re not trying to make safe work, you’re trying to make true work and there’s nothing more courageous than that.”
“You know that the clues to your best work are usually hidden in your foundations, in the early obsessions, the weird childhood drawings, the thing you couldn’t stop doing when no one was watching.”
“You don’t need to be louder. Or quicker. Or more polished. You just need to keep choosing creativity in a world that’s constantly nudging you to quit. You’re not behind, you’re becoming and we’re lucky to witness it.”
EPISODE RESOURCES Lees meerPODCAST HOST BIO
With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals.
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Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive m… -
The Secrets Behind Successful Public Art with Sherry Dobbin
28 april 2025 · 1 uur 30 min
Ceri interviews Sherry Dobbin, a cultural strategist whose work spans continents and iconic spaces. From starting in theatre to transforming Times Square, Sherry shares how she crafts meaningful cultural experiences that change how we engage with public spaces. She reveals the secrets behind successful public art, innovative funding models and her approach to helping people engage and not feel intimidated by public art.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Sherry's journey began in theatre, where she learned to embody multiple perspectives through mask work, establishing her passion for crafting environments where people can explore and connect.
Successful public art needs three levels of engagement: aesthetic appeal that draws in the casual observer, deeper resonance for those knowledgeable about art and dialogue with important contemporary issues.
Creating clear frames or visual cues in public spaces helps people understand how to engage with art, allowing them to feel confident rather than confused or intimidated.
Sherry advocates for meeting people where they are by providing simple instructions about what to do rather than what not to do, giving audiences the confidence to engage with even the most challenging art.
Developing cultural spaces in commercial developments can work when both parties understand value beyond direct financial transactions, arts organisations bring people, energy and identity to developments.
Cultural organisations should rethink funding models by considering their total operational needs rather than focusing on rigid categories, opening up to partnerships where both parties maintain integrity while addressing shared interests.
When developing cultural spaces, look to the youngest creators to understand future trends, focus on how artists create rather than what they create to anticipate evolving needs.
Embracing ‘healthy naivete’ allows for innovation, asking questions and trying approaches that go against expectations can lead to breakthroughs when done wi… Lees meer -
6 Fixes for Stuck Artists: Real-World Ways to Get Your Work Noticed, Valued & Moving Again
24 april 2025 · 13 min
Have you ever sat staring at your work, wondering why it’s not resonating? In this episode, Ceri talks about why you might be stuck in how you are being seen, or not seen and why this doesn’t mean you are failing. She shares six real-world strategies to help you shift gears and make your creative practice feel energised, intentional, and visible again.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Share the real reason behind your work. Most artists can describe what their work looks like, but that is only surface level. Reveal what drives you to create meaningful connections.
Stop hiding behind your artist statement. Authenticity matters, you need to sound human to build a connection and when people know what you care about, they will remember you and refer you.
Speak clearly about your process, most people will first encounter your work online and being able to picture and imagine your process counts.
Use your titles as an emotional hook. This is often forgotten, but it is a quick win.
Make your work relevant to the now. Art isn’t separate from the world, so make sure people understand how your work connects with the world today.
Be specific about what you want. Start with one goal and share it everywhere you are, including your bio and newsletters.
BEST MOMENTS
“Being stuck doesn’t mean you’re failing, it often means you’re ready to evolve.”
“People don’t just connect with aesthetics, they connect with story. With purpose. With the why.”
“Make your artist statement human, not academic.”
“Clarity creates movement, it helps you focus your energy and opens doors because others can see exactly what you’re aiming for.”
PODCAST HOST BIO
With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, … Lees meer -
Creating Engaging and Inclusive Public Art with Curator & Artist Chantelle Purcell
21 april 2025 · 1 uur 19 min
Ceri speaks with Chantelle Purcell, a curator, producer, and visual artist who co-founded Hive Curates and Other Landz. Chantelle shares her experiences, from grassroots creative spaces to large public art projects, discussing how she manages the balance between community engagement, inclusive spaces and the art. With a passion for creating inclusive spaces and championing culturally diverse artists, Chantelle discusses her approach to curating with care at its centre. Ceri and Chantelle also discuss securing funding, building meaningful collaborations and creating a lasting legacy in public spaces.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Creating inclusive environments in the arts means challenging traditional models, through initiatives like Other Landz and Hive Curates, Chantelle builds platforms that specifically support culturally diverse artists and those who haven't had opportunities to create work in public spaces.
The power of 'meanwhile spaces' lies in their flexibility and community impact, Chantelle's BroadWorks project transformed a disused building in Liverpool Street into a vibrant cultural hub, supporting over 300 creatives and attracting more than 10,000 visitors in 18 months.
The etymology of curate is rooted in care, which should extend to artist development, community engagement and creating accessible spaces that honour local contexts and heritage.
Chantelle's work with Enfield Winter Lights and Light Up Kilburn shows how Light festivals can create community engagement. These types of events can change perceptions of public spaces and create platforms for showcasing underrepresented artists.
Building relationships with local authorities and developers requires understanding their priorities. You should research cultural policies, understand community demographics and begin engagement 6-9 months before events to build meaningful connections.
The role of curator includes both curation and production. Beyond selecting artworks, curators must understand fabrication, plannin… Lees meer -
How Museums Decide What Art to Collect (And How You Can Help Them Choose Yours)
17 april 2025 · 1 uur 6 min
In this solo episode, Ceri talks about how museums decide what art to collect and how you can get your work chosen. She reveals the strategic thinking behind how museums select artwork, from collection policies to board decisions and gives advice for artists looking to get their work into prestigious collections. Ceri explains that successful museum acquisitions happen when artists help institutions understand the storytelling within their work and shares why building authentic relationships is the foundation of a sustainable creative career.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Museum curators follow collecting policies approved by the institution and board, focusing on works that connect past collections with contemporary dialogues, unlock new stories, and address current social issues like climate justice.
Successful museum acquisitions require artworks with multiple layers of storytelling that can work across various platforms, like exhibition spaces, press materials and learning resources.
Artists should provide ’jumping off points’ rather than interpretations for their work, giving audiences different entry levels through Q&As, videos, quotes, or other ways that reveal process and motivation.
Museums typically request a 20-25% discount when acquiring work due to the significant long term costs of preservation, storage, insurance and potential technological updates for digital works.
Building your network effectively means focusing on 10-15 core champions rather than spreading yourself too thin, as quality relationships matter more than quantity.
When reaching out to curators or artists you admire, reflect their work back to them first, show genuine enthusiasm and avoid tentative language, be direct about what you're proposing.
For networking across multiple art worlds (animation, galleries, street art, etc.), start with one area, research and chunk your approach into manageable pieces rather than trying to tackle everything at once.
Everyone in the art world regardless of their suc… Lees meer -
Rejecting Convention & Keeping Artistic Integrity with Richard Malone
14 april 2025 · 1 uur 24 min
Ceri is joined by Richard Malone, a groundbreaking Irish artist whose work has been commissioned for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Permanent Collection and is held in MoMA. Coming from a working class background in Ireland, Malone talks about forging a unique creative path, rejecting conventional systems, embracing being an outsider and keeping artistic integrity despite opportunities for commercial success. Lees meer
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The colours and materials in Richard's work connect directly to his experiences on building sites and his grandmother's textile work.
Despite not following traditional paths, Richard's commitment to making work on his own terms has led to significant recognition, including being the first Irish artist commissioned for the Metropolitan Museum's Permanent Collection.
Richard believes in maintaining complete creative control, rejecting commercial opportunities (including creative director positions) that would compromise his artistic integrity.
For Richard, success means having the daily privilege to create in his studio rather than external validation, fame, or financial reward, which helps him maintain perspective.
Richard views trust as essential to the creative process, crediting collaborators who created psychological safety for his most successful projects, including his Royal Academy installation.
Coming from a working class background in Ireland has given Richard a different perspective on institutions like the Royal Academy, allowing him to approach them with both respect and necessary irreverence.
Richard believes artists need to become comfortable with failure and rejection and accept things when they don’t happen the way you would like or expect.
BEST MOMENTS
"The further that you get from where you started, the more you realise the importance of those things in constructing who you end up becoming."
"I think there is a part of me that really resists that art market in the way that I resisted the fashion system because it doesn't feel… -
Self-Made Is a Myth: Why You Should Accept Help Without Shame
10 april 2025 · 13 min
Ceri talks about why many artists feel guilty about receiving support. Whether it’s financial, emotional backing or practical help, many struggle with feelings of guilt after asking for or receiving help. Ceri talks about how to shift from guilt to gratitude and embrace support as a fundamental part of the creative process. She also shares how to use reciprocity in a way that feels good for you and those who support you. Ceri ends the episode with a short exercise to help you reframe your mindset and truly own the support you receive.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Support is not charity, it’s an investment. People believe in your work and its potential to make an impact. Your creative work deserves investment, in the same way businesses would find investors and scientists source funding for research.
When you feel guilt from accepting help you aren’t allowing yourself and those who believe in you to grow.
Artists work hard to help others make sense of life. They challenge perceptions and expand our understanding. They improve every aspect of our lives, often asking for nothing or very little in return.
Another reason artists can feel guilt is because of unspoken expectations, be clear and define any reciprocation or expectations with those who support you.
Money and creativity have a complicated relationship. Many of us internalise the idea that making money from art taints it or financial support means we’re not independent. But thriving in your creative practice often means finding a healthy relationship with money.
Write down three instances where you’ve received support. It could be financial help, encouragement, mentorship or a practical hand with something related to your creative work. Then think about why you felt guilty about accepting it, what story you were telling yourself at the time and think of a reframed perspective, that acknowledges why the support was given and why you deserved it. Lees meerBEST MOMENTS
“Why do we feel guilty about getting support? So often, it’s becaus… -
Reality is Overrated: Embracing the Unknown for True Creativity with Filmmaker Halina Dyrschka
7 april 2025 · 1 uur 23 min
Ceri interviews award winning filmmaker Halina Dyrschka, whose documentary "Beyond the Visible: Hilma af Klint" brought worldwide attention to the pioneer of abstract art. Halina shares her creative experiences, from acting and classical singing to filmmaking, the challenges of securing funding for her documentary and her battle against institutional gatekeeping in the art world. She also talks about how artists can embrace true creativity by recognising the essentialness of exploration and that reality is often overrated!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Halina's creative journey began in acting and classical singing, but frustration with the narrow minded theatre system led her to filmmaking, to maintain creative independence and tell stories that matter to her.
When first seeing Hilma af Klint's work, Halina experienced an immediate emotional connection and became angry at how institutions had overlooked such powerful art, revealing systemic problems in museum culture.
The art world often operates on institutional thinking rather than individual vision, people in museums across different countries think similarly because they prioritise career and success over the true purpose of art.
Creating great work requires collaborating with people who will challenge you; Halina values working with editors and composers who bring different strengths and aren't afraid to push back when something isn't working.
Funding is a major challenge for independent filmmakers, but Halina emphasises the importance of starting projects through self-funded research and following your enthusiasm before securing complete financing.
After winning film prizes, Halina realised the happiness didn’t last and that what matters most is the inner journey and connecting with even one person who understands your work.
Halina is drawn to extraordinary, overlooked biographies like Maria Sibylla Merian, a 17th-century female scientist and artist who travelled to South America to study insects when people were still burn… Lees meer -
How to Spot Your Best Work: A Guide to Seeing Your Art Objectively
3 april 2025 · 21 min
Ceri talks about something that’s essential for every artist, how to spot your best work and see it objectively. She talks about why it is so important for your artistic career and how you can learn to make choices about your work, from submitting your work to group exhibitions.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Step back and create distance. If you are too close to your work then you will never be able to see it objectively. Time separation is a great way to practice this, put your work away for days or even weeks before you look at it again. You can also separate yourself by creating distance, hanging it up for example or seeing it in a different context.
Look at your work as an image first. View your work as an image on a screen as in most cases this will be the first way people will see your work.
Flip the question, what is the work trying to do? Ask yourself, What’s it really about? Where does the energy sit, where do your eyes go first? Does it surprise you, or does it feel predictable?Are you holding onto this piece because it’s genuinely strong, or just because it was a nightmare to make?
Get clear on your core line of enquiry. If your work doesn’t align with what you care about most, it’s probably not your best!
Ask for feedback and be realistic about it. Don’t just ask friends or people you know already like your work, ask people who will give honest and real feedback you can work with.
Use your own best work to compare with. Stop comparing yourself to other artists. Your goal should be to keep pushing your own boundaries, rather than measuring up to someone else.
Trust your body’s response, your instincts often know more than your rational brain, so don’t ignore them
BEST MOMENTS
"When you’re too close to your work, it’s impossible to see it objectively.”
“People are seeing your art as a digital image before they ever encounter it in person”
“If your work is driven by rage at the destruction of nature but it comes across as calm and decorative, it’s not hitting the mark.”
“… Lees meer -
How Artists Can Create Innovation Through Collaboration with Rodolfo Groenewoud
31 maart 2025 · 1 uur 35 min
Ceri interviews Rodolfo Groenewoud, co-founder of In4Art an institute pioneering art driven innovation. Rodolfo has secured funding for over 75 experimental projects, working between art and the sciences and industry. Rodolfo talks about how artists function as influential researchers, capable of changing businesses and scientific breakthroughs through their unique thought processes. He demonstrates how collaboration creates innovation when artists are given the psychological safety to experiment. If you want to know how to connect your creative work to industries beyond the arts and find new ways to secure funding, you won’t want to miss this episode.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Rodolfo discovered artists were natural innovators during his honeymoon in Cuba, realising their studios weren't just creative spaces but laboratories of research and experimentation. This led him to establish In4Art to bridge artistic approaches with business and scientific innovation.
Traditional innovation follows linear thinking, while art driven innovation allows for ‘meandering’, letting creators explore unexpected pathways that businesses typically avoid, resulting in breakthrough solutions when properly facilitated and protected.
In4Art develops interdisciplinary partnerships between artists, scientists and businesses through an iterative process, beginning with small scale exploration phases before securing larger funding opportunities, ensuring all participants receive value regardless of project completion.
Artists applying for collaborative opportunities should focus on communicating their motivation and vision rather than detailed project proposals. Showing genuine interest in collaboration and the subject matter is more compelling than technical details.
Successful collaborative projects require psychological safety, with Rodolfo serving as a translator between corporate timelines and artistic processes, helping companies understand that apparent lack of progress often masks profound devel… Lees meer -
Want to Sell More Art? Fix This First
27 maart 2025 · 6 min
What if the biggest thing stopping you from selling your art is the way you think about selling? Join Ceri in this short solo episode as she talks about how you can fix your mindset around sales and sell more of your art.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Selling your art isn’t selling out but about backing yourself. You will keep finding reasons you can’t sell if you are holding onto this idea.
BEST MOMENTS
"Selling your art isn’t about selling out”
EPISODE RESOURCES Lees meerPODCAST HOST BIO
With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals.
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Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!
https://cerihand.com/membership/
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Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network," offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today.
https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/****
Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com
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Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creati… -
The True Cost of Art with Art Collectors Darryl de Prez and Victoria Thomas
24 maart 2025 · 1 uur 41 min
Ceri speaks to art collectors Darryl de Prez and Victoria Thomas about their art collection, their approach to collecting and their views on why the art world needs to start recognising the true cost of art. They share their 30 year journey from meeting at the Courtauld Institute to building a stunning contemporary art collection. They talk about how their home has become an intimate evolving gallery, reflecting their commitment to supporting artists and living with art in a very personal way.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Art collecting for Darryl de Prez and Victoria Thomas isn't about investment or status but about supporting artists' practices and living with work that continues to reveal new meanings over time. They've never sold a piece and loan works freely to exhibitions.
The couple prioritises work with layers beyond aesthetics, pieces that intrigue, unsettle and challenge them. They're drawn to art that feels slightly sinister or mysterious, with an absence of humanity that creates a space for potential.
Their collection evolved organically from individual purchases to collaborative decisions. They often recognise instantly when a piece speaks to them both, sometimes watching video works repeatedly before deciding to acquire them.
Gallery relationships are crucial to their collecting. They value gallerists who educate them about artists and provide insight into practices, acknowledging galleries' vital role in supporting artists.
They buy work regardless of medium, from paintings to video installations. They embrace artists who work across different disciplines. They respect artists' evolving practices, believing an artist's distinctness remains recognisable even as their medium changes.
When hanging work in their home, they initially placed pieces wherever space allowed but now arrange more thoughtfully, discovering that works naturally develop relationships and conversations with each other across themes and concepts.
Budget constraints shape their collecting, typicall… Lees meer -
Why You Shouldn’t Wait for Funding Before You Start
20 maart 2025 · 11 min
In this solo episode, Ceri talks about a common thing that holds artists and creatives back, waiting for funding, permission or the perfect time to get started. She shares why there is never a perfect time to start and how to succeed as an artist in any field, is just to begin and make things happen.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The Work Comes Before the Money: Funding follows momentum, funders, collectors, commissioners want to back projects, not just ideas.
The ‘Right Conditions’ Are a Myth: There’s this common belief that you need the perfect time, space, or set of skills before you can really commit to your work. But there is no perfect time.
Exploration Leads to Evolution: No amount of planning can replace doing. Once you actually start, you learn what works, what excites you, and what you really need and the more you create, the more momentum builds.
BEST MOMENTS
“If your project only exists in your head, it’s incredibly difficult for anyone else to get excited about it.”
“You don’t need ideal conditions, you just need to begin.”
“Even just saying out loud what you’re working on makes it more real. Don’t let funders, gatekeepers, or circumstances dictate your creative momentum.”
EPISODE RESOURCES Lees meerPODCAST HOST BIO
With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals.
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Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of pee… -
Why Change Can be the Ultimate Creative Tool with Pixies Bassist & Painter Emma Richardson
17 maart 2025 · 1 uur 24 min
Ceri welcomes Emma Richardson, a polymath creative who seamlessly navigates music and visual art. Currently the bassist and vocalist for Pixies while maintaining her painting career, Emma talks about creative courage and change. She shares her experience with Band of Skulls, her pivot towards painting during lockdown and her unexpected invitation to join one of rock's most influential bands. Emma's story shows the power of following your creative instincts, even when the path forward isn't clear.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Emma credits her early art teacher Mr. Malin for introducing her to diverse art forms and her tutor Clunie Reid for providing philosophical reading that expanded her artistic vision.
The music industry and art world require different approaches but similar courage. Emma describes how transitioning from an established band to pursuing painting full time meant "being back to square one" but allowed her to reconnect with her original passion.
The creative states of music and visual art have distinctly different energies. While performing music provides an immediate collective energy exchange with audiences, painting offers a private, contemplative flow state where Emma can explore deeper themes and take different kinds of creative risks.
Performance involves a specific kind of energy management. Emma evolved from using alcohol to manage performance anxiety to developing much better self care including exercise and proper sleep, to be in the right headspace and have the right energy.
Finding your creative community transforms solo practice. After reconnecting with painting through the Turps correspondence course and Ceri Hand Rocket Booster course, Emma discovered an essential group of fellow artists who provided both inspiration and practical support for her renewed career direction.
Emma learned that passion alone isn't enough, understanding promotion, sales, and professional relationships is essential for building a sustainable creative career in any disciplin… Lees meer -
Success Isn’t What You Think: Why Artists Need a New Definition
13 maart 2025 · 9 min
In this solo episode, Ceri talks about a truth many artists and creatives struggle with: Success won’t change your life. We’re told that success is the finish line, but this is far from the truth, success is fleeting and life carries on afterwards. Ceri talks about what success really means for creatives and artists and how changing your mindset around it can help you build and live a more fulfilling life and creative career.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Success isn’t about reaching a final goalpost but about continuous growth. When you start measuring your progress by how much you’re evolving, rather than just ticking off achievements, everything changes.
Most artists and creatives underestimate the power of slow-building momentum. You’re not just working toward some distant finish line; you’re constantly growing in ways you might not even notice.
If you want to build a creative life that lasts, stop waiting for success to validate you. Instead:
- Redefine success – What does progress look like for you? - Follow your curiosity – Chase ideas, not approval. - Celebrate small wins – Acknowledge every step forward. - Track your progress – Keep a journal, document your journey, and reflect on how far you’ve come. - Give yourself permission to change – Your creative path isn’t fixed. It’s fluid, and that’s a good thing.
BEST MOMENTS
“That external validation wasn’t the most important part, the real reward was in the process”
"But the real joy? It comes from holding these goals like a roadmap, not a rigid itinerary. The destination helps plot the most scenic route, where you’ll meet incredible, funny, and inspiring people along the way.”
“Have you had a conversation recently that sparked a new idea? Have you experimented with a technique or approach that felt exciting? Have you shared your work with someone and received valuable feedback? These are growth moments. And they matter just as much as a big career milestone.”
EPISODE RESOURCES Lees meerPODCAST HOST BIO
With over 30 years in the art … -
Creating A Sustainable and Inclusive Art World with Curator Marcelle Joseph
10 maart 2025 · 1 uur 41 min
Ceri is joined by Marcelle Joseph, an American independent curator and collector based in the UK whose collection champions female identifying and queer artists. Marcelle talks about her journey from corporate lawyer to art world innovator, revealing how early influences in material culture shaped her curatorial vision. With over 50 exhibitions curated since 2011, she discusses her feminist focused collection and her GIRLPOWER residency in France and gives advice for emerging artists.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Marcelle's journey into art began with material culture influences from her grandmother's textile work and her father's entrepreneurial spirit. This now manifests in her current collecting of ceramics and textiles from female identifying and non binary artists.
After leaving a successful corporate law career, Marcelle reinvented herself through a degree at Christie's Education and founded Marcelle Joseph Projects in 2011, eventually curating over 50 exhibitions that explore feminist theory and the performativity of gender.
Studio visits are crucial exchanges where Marcelle connects with artists' influences and processes. She recommends artists prepare thoughtfully, demonstrating their practice range and sharing their theoretical inspirations.
For new artists looking for opportunities, Marcelle advises maintaining a professional Instagram and comprehensive website showcasing at least five years of work, being selective with networking events as well as persistently applying for residencies and grants.
Marcelle established a unique 50/50 collecting partnership with Kimberly Morris called the GIRLPOWER Collection, which expanded into a residency program in France that offers stipends, materials budgets and exhibition opportunities to three artists annually.
The contemporary art market faces serious challenges, particularly for small to mid size galleries. Marcelle highlights Hauser & Wirth's model of offering small galleries a commission when signing their artists as a pote… Lees meer -
Defining Your Ideal Client – Attracting People Who Truly Get Your Work
6 maart 2025 · 15 min
Tired of shouting into the void? In this episode Ceri reveals how creators can find their perfect audience without compromising artistic integrity. Using climate crisis art as a case study, Ceri demonstrates how identifying ideal clients can transform creative careers. Rather than changing your work to please others, it's about strategically connecting with those who already resonate with your message and using this in all aspects of your work, from creating to marketing.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Defining your ideal client isn’t about changing your work or selling out. It’s about assessing what you already create, what you’re passionate about, and finding the people who care about the same things.
Consider your clients demographics such as age, location and income.
Psychographics are also important, things like their interests, values and beliefs and aspirations.
Be as specific as possible, when you’re specific, you can tailor your marketing, your social media content and your pitches to speak directly to your ideal clients.
BEST MOMENTS
"You don’t need to change what you create. You just need to find the people who are already aligned with it.”
“Who is most likely to resonate with your work? Think about age, occupation, lifestyle, and location.”
“This isn’t about exclusion, it’s about making meaningful connections.”
EPISODE RESOURCES
PODCAST HOST BIO
With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals.
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Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio review… Lees meer -
Can Art Drive Social Justice with Rosalie Schweiker
3 maart 2025 · 1 uur 40 min
Ceri is joined by Rosalie Schweiker, a South German artist and cultural organiser reimagining how art can drive social justice. As co-director at Migrants in Culture, Rosalie shares her journey from EU citizen to confronting the UK's hostile immigration system and how this transformed her creativity. The conversation explores motherhood's impact on creativity, building collective driven organisations and dismantling oppressive systems while designing joyful alternatives.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Rosalie structures her week meticulously since becoming a mother: two days of childcare, two days at Migrants in Culture and one day for "mopping up" life admin. This routine provides space for her creative process.
Migrants in Culture operates as a design agency that creates capacity for organisers to imagine a world without borders, following design justice principles while ensuring their processes align with their values around migration justice.
The traditional commissioning model for socially engaged artists often places them in an impossible position, expected to deliver transformative work with minimal resources while bearing all responsibility and getting paid less than everyone else involved.
Building a collective helps shift from the unsustainable model of the individual artist to a more accountable, transparent system where decisions are made together, resources are shared and relationships are less disposable.
Artists shouldn't view themselves as special or separate from broader societal pressures, instead recognising they are workers within a system helps adjust expectations and create more sustainable practices.
Challenging the romanticised view of the artist, Rosalie suggests the system is intentionally designed to keep artists precarious while serving as "lightning rods" for organisational processes that otherwise can't be fixed.
Motherhood has shifted Rosalie's artistic practice to focus on drawing as documentation and processing, showing how creativity adapts to life… Lees meer -
Hacking Your Money Mindset: Elevate Your Earnings in 2025 (in 15 minutes… or a little longer, but totally worth it)
27 februari 2025 · 11 min
Ready to stop waiting for that elusive cash fairy and actually make 2025 the year your bank account catches up with your creative talents? Ceri explains how artists and creatives can rewire their financial mindsets to elevate their earnings in 2025. Ceri reveals practical accountability frameworks, goal setting techniques and mindset shifts that turn vague money hopes into tangible results. This episode delivers the financial reality check creative souls desperately need and teaches you how to hack your money mindset.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Rewire Your Money Mindset. Say these out loud to yourself: "I can earn money." " I earn money." "I have money." "I spend money." Try saying these out loud every morning for a week. Notice what thoughts come up. Challenge them.
Find a ‘Money Mark’. So a friend, colleague or mentor who’s also ready to level up. Here’s how to make it work: Set a financial goal for the year and share it. Meet monthly (or fortnightly) to check in, swap ideas, and keep each other motivated. Call out each other’s limiting beliefs. Use your collective brainpower to spot opportunities, collaborations, and new income streams.
Set a Financial Goal and Actually Track It. Be specific, Define Your Number. Identify Your Income Streams the Sh*t Work – If it’s time-consuming, joyless, and underpaid, ditch it. Use a System to track your progress.
Set Deadlines and Stay Accountable. Money goals only work if they have deadlines. Break it down like this: Annual goal. Quarterly check-ins. Monthly Milestones. Regular Money Mark meetings.
Know Your Worth and Price Accordingly. Your prices should reflect the value you bring, not just the hours you put in. Charging properly doesn’t make you greedy, it makes you sustainable. The right people will pay your rates.
Stop Hoping and Start Practising. Here’s the truth: getting better at making money is just like getting better at your creative work, it takes practice.
BEST MOMENTS
Most of us in the arts have been trained to believe that… Lees meer -
How Museums Can Shape the Future with Seb Chan of ACMI
24 februari 2025 · 2 uur 1 min
Ceri explores the future of cultural spaces with Seb Chan, the director & CEO of ACMI, where he is redefining how museums connect with their audiences. Seb talks about his evolution from experimental music producer to museum innovator and reveals how his background in creating immersive musical experiences has shaped his approach to museum design. Seb’s unique experiences and professional knowledge give a unique perspective on how museums can shape the future.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Drawing from his experimental music background, Seb discovered that museums should move beyond traditional education to spark curiosity.
His experience in underground music scenes taught him how to create environments where people feel empowered to explore the unfamiliar.
Going from tech consultant to museum CEO, Seb developed a future focused philosophy. He now insists cultural institutions must be designed for the future, considering not just technology but also the skills future generations will need.
Leading multiple international institutions taught Seb the importance of acknowledging diverse cultural contexts. His experiences across New Zealand, Australia, and America shaped his understanding of how museums can create inclusive spaces that transcend shared assumptions.
Physical tools can enhance digital experiences. Seb’s work with these technologies revealed solutions for maintaining visitor focus in our distraction prone lives.
Through years of visitor research and practical application, Seb developed strategic principles for creating memorable museum experiences. His approach integrates multisensory engagement with thoughtful space utilisation.
Witnessing the erosion of societal trust, Seb recognises why cultural institutions are vital spaces for rebuilding connections. His leadership philosophy emphasises fostering genuine dialogue and understanding across communities.
Despite facing resource constraints and pandemic exhaustion, Seb maintains his commitment to experimentation; continuo… Lees meer -
Engineering Your Creative Career One P at a Time
20 februari 2025 · 10 min
Moving beyond the myth that bigger is always better, Ceri reveals what actually works: intentional, strategic, and well placed moves. Building the right relationships, choosing the right projects and being open to unexpected opportunities. In this short episode, Ceri shares the power of the "3P Exercise" (Possibility, Person, Place) and talks through how you can maximise your effort in the right way.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Possibility: What’s One Move That Could Make a Real Difference? Write down one opportunity that could move things forward for you right now.
Person: Who Could Help Expand Your View? Write down the name of one person you’d love to connect with. Someone who inspires you, whose work you admire, or who you think could provide a fresh perspective.
Place: Where Inspires You? Think of one place, it could be a gallery, publisher, agency, festival, or organisation, that excites you. Somewhere you’d love to be part of. Lees meerBEST MOMENTS
"Smart moves aren't about cutting corners; they're about maximising your effort in the right way."
"I committed to getting started rather than waiting until I was 'ready.' Now, here we are."
"No ask, no agenda, just a genuine expression of interest. The result? We're now hatching a plan to work together."
"The more deliberate your actions, the bigger the impact."EPISODE RESOURCES
PODCAST HOST BIO
With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals.
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Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly chal… -
Why Authenticity is Essential in Building a Sustainable Art Career with Claire Luxton
17 februari 2025 · 1 uur 32 min
Ceri speaks with Claire Luxton, a British artist who is revolutionising the art world through her multidisciplinary approach. From self portraiture to large public installations, Claire shares her thoughts on pricing artwork, building authentic brand collaborations and maintaining creative integrity while achieving commercial success.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Claire has developed a distinctive artistic process that merges performance and photography, choosing to capture everything in camera using a Hasselblad medium format camera rather than relying on AI, reflecting her commitment to authenticity in an increasingly digital world.
Through her journey with brand collaborations, Claire has learned to evaluate opportunities by asking "Would future Claire say yes?" a self filtering approach that helps maintain her artistic integrity while building commercial success.
Claire approaches every project with extensive research and preparation, believing that understanding context deeply enables her to create more meaningful and impactful work.
Claire’s public art installation approach begins with historical research, allowing her to uncover and tell forgotten stories of each location, from decommissioned lighthouses to power stations, creating work that resonates with both place and community.
Her experience with MTR Agency has changed how she views artist collector relationships, moving away from the traditional gallery model of separation to embrace direct connections with collectors, leading to more meaningful artistic dialogue.
Claire's social media strategy evolved from posting frequently to carefully curating content that authentically represents her artistic vision, prioritising meaningful engagement over algorithmic success.
After leaving exclusive gallery representation, Claire found her voice by exploring different creative avenues before ultimately returning to fine art with a clearer vision and stronger boundaries.
She structures her editions thoughtfully, offering one off… Lees meer -
Creativity Hacks: How to Be Bolder, Braver, and Weirder in Your Art
13 februari 2025 · 17 min
Ceri examines how to liberate creative authenticity by offering ideas for artists who feel creatively blocked. She shares five actionable methods to escape creative paralysis and embrace your unique artistic voice. Ceri also provides examples from pioneering artists like Lindsey Mendick and Laure Prouvost, who dared to be different, and suggests exercises for practising these five ways to be bolder, braver, and weirder in your art.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Bland is Boring – Stop Playing It Safe. If you don’t take risks, your work blends into the wallpaper of creative mediocrity. Push the thing that makes you Lees meerAbsurdity Unlocks Confidence. You don't have to make absurd, bonkers work but you do have to let yourself be surprised. Injecting a bit of the unexpected forces you into fresh territory—and that's where your best expression is waiting.
Authenticity Attracts Your People. Stop second-guessing whether people will “like” your work. That’s not the goal. The goal is to make something only you could make.
Embracing Mistakes Enhances Creativity. The fear of making mistakes is far more dangerous to your creativity than any actual mistake. If you’re constantly trying to avoid failure, you’ll never push your work into truly interesting, original territory.
Trust Your Intuition. Overanalysing kills creative momentum.
BEST MOMENTS
“With AI churning out generic mush and tech pushing us towards sameness, what we need now is your gloriously weird, hyper-specific, totally you take on things.”
“Playing it safe leads to forgettable work”
“You don’t need everyone to love your work. You need your people to love it. The ones who get it.”
“Your intuition is always talking to you. The trick is learning to hear and, more importantly, learning to trust it.”
EPISODE RESOURCES
PODCAST HOST BIO
With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. … -
Understanding Creative Vulnerability with Erica Eyres
10 februari 2025 · 1 uur 28 min
Ceri speaks with artist Erica Eyres, whose work masterfully balances on the edge of discomfort and revelation. Erica shares her creative process, including how she transforms found images into haunting portraits and creates ceramic replicas of mundane objects. The conversation explores the delicate dance between artistic freedom and commercial success and how understanding and overcoming your creative vulnerability shapes you as an artist.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Erica embraces her compulsive need to make art constantly, choosing to produce abundantly and edit later rather than limiting her output.
Her unique approach to video work requires complete solitude. She plays all characters herself and can only perform when entirely alone, highlighting how some artists need specific conditions to access their creative depths.
Through her international exhibition experience, Erica has observed how cultural context dramatically shapes audience reception, particularly noting how her work dealing with childhood themes received starkly different reactions in Denmark versus Glasgow.
She views gallery relationships as having organic lifecycles, similar to dating, and has learned to navigate these professional partnerships with both commitment and acceptance of their natural evolution.
Experience has taught her to be strategic with social media, sometimes keeping new work private until ready for specific exhibitions, maintaining a careful balance between visibility and preserving work for shows.
Teaching at university level has become both a financial anchor and creative stimulus for Erica, keeping her connected to emerging perspectives while forcing efficient use of studio time.
Her journey has shown her that success in art isn't about dramatic breakthroughs but rather sustained practice through inevitable ups and downs.
BEST MOMENTS
"I've definitely had people tell me that I make too much work... but I've sort of also tried to just accept that this is just how I work, is to make quite a … Lees meer -
How to Create More Time To Do What You Love as a Creative
6 februari 2025 · 8 min
Join Ceri for a short solo episode where she details how you can create more time to do what you love as a creative.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Conduct a time audit: Where is your time actually being spent currently? Track your time in 30 minute chunks for 3 days and see where your time is going.
Categorise your time and look at how you can prioritise differently and amend to free up more time for creativity.
Use time blocking and be strict with this, schedule your creative time. You can even set certain days for creative time and ring fence this from admin tasks.
Systemising and automating can save you time and effort, for example using templates for contracts and emails.
BEST MOMENTS
"There’s so much admin, so many side gigs and a never ending to do list”
“We all think we’re busy but are we spending time doing the right things?”
“Clients of mine realised they were spending more time responding to enquiries and invoices than actually painting” Lees meerEPISODE RESOURCES
PODCAST HOST BIO
With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals.
****
Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!
https://cerihand.com/membership/
****
Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network," offers a straightforward 5-step framework … -
Introducing Beat the Block Podcast Shorties – Your Weekly Creative Kickstart
3 februari 2025 · 3 min
I’ve been thinking a lot about how I can help more of you be braver, create the work you truly want to make, and stop second-guessing yourself. It feels urgent. So, I’m launching a new weekly short podcast episode called Beat the Block – a no-nonsense, straight-to-the-point shot of creative support.
Each week, I’ll share three tips drawn from Donkey's years in the arts – learned from the incredible arts and business people I’ve worked with, interviewed, and coached, to the burning questions that come up daily inside my mastermind circles, membership and coaching sessions with artists and arts professionals worldwide.
PODCAST HOST BIO
With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals.
****
Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!
https://cerihand.com/membership/
****
Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network," offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today.
https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/****
Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching op… Lees meer -
Authentic Leadership & Cultural Innovation with Tarek Iskander of Battersea Arts Centre
3 februari 2025 · 59 min
From growing up in the Middle East where theatre was banned to leading one of London's most innovative cultural spaces, Tarek Iskander's journey is a masterclass in transformative leadership. In this candid conversation, he reveals how his NHS background shapes his mission driven approach at Battersea Arts Centre, championing bold, experimental work while making art accessible through initiatives like "pay-what-you-can" ticketing. His insights on nurturing youth creativity, navigating institutional challenges, and reimagining the arts sector's future offer invaluable lessons for anyone interested in cultural leadership and social impact.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Tarek had to radically shift his natural coaching leadership style during COVID-19. He took on more direct control to protect his team from difficult decisions, showing how crisis management can push leaders outside their comfort zones.
Through Battersea Arts Centre youth programs, Tarek discovered that having staff who came from local communities mattered more than architectural changes or pricing strategies. His street teams of young people recruiting other young people proved more effective than traditional outreach.
Having grown up where the theatre was banned, Tarek's conviction about art's vital role in society led him to transform BAC into a vaccine hub during lockdown while maintaining creative programming - demonstrating how arts venues can serve multiple community needs.
Coming from outside the traditional theatre world, Tarek leveraged his outsider perspective to restructure BAC's financial model, generating 50% of income from private business while making performances accessible through pay-what-you-can ticketing.
When faced with pressure to post black squares during Black Lives Matter, Tarek chose to commission Black artists to respond creatively instead of making performative gestures. This was a decision that initially received pushback but was later vindicated.
Despite ticking only two of the ten crite… Lees meer -
The Feminist Laugh: Althea Greenan on Archives, Art, and Activism
27 januari 2025 · 1 uur 47 min
Join Ceri as she speaks with Althea Greenan, curator of the Women's Art Library at Goldsmiths. From slide libraries to digital archives, Althea shares her experiences and activism through preserving and championing women's art for over 30 years. This episode is an exploration of how archives can be living, breathing spaces that inspire movements and create change. Through personal anecdotes and revolutionary projects, Althea reveals how small acts of documentation can spark massive cultural shifts and why archives are not just about the past, but about building feminist futures.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The Women's Art Library began as a slide collection, where artists could submit documentation of their work for £8 per year, creating a democratic, non-hierarchical approach to archiving women's art.
Throughout her career, Althea has maintained that archives should remain non-hierarchical and accessible, keeping the Women's Art Library's original mission of being open to all researchers, whether academic or independent.
Through decades of work, Althea has witnessed how a single image or document can spark significant cultural change, proving that archives are not passive repositories but active agents of transformation.
The transition from analogue to digital hasn't diminished the importance of physical archives; the tactile nature of slides, posters, and documents carries important historical and emotional context.
Self-archiving was a revolutionary act for female artists in the 1980s and 90s, creating visibility and professional opportunities outside traditional art world structures.
Contemporary artists and researchers continue to find new ways to activate and interpret the archive, proving its ongoing relevance to current artistic practice.
The concept of "des oeuvre" suggests that artists' work extends beyond traditional studio practice to include teaching, curating, and institutional change.
The power of feminist archives lies in their ability to create intimate encounte… Lees meer -
Pushing The Boundaries of Photography & Film with Catherine Yass
20 januari 2025 · 1 uur 30 min
Ceri interviews internationally acclaimed artist Catherine Yass, whose groundbreaking lens-based work pushes the boundaries of photography and film. The conversation explores her innovative techniques, including her distinctive method of layering negatives and positives, her relationship with architectural spaces, and her thoughts on time, failure, and resistance in art. This episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a Turner Prize nominee who continues to challenge conventional perspectives in contemporary art.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Catherine discovered her signature blue colour through mistakes while learning to use a 5x4 camera, leading her to deliberately overlay negative and positive images to challenge the idea that photographs must represent reality exactly as we see it.
Her early experiences cycling around a deteriorating swimming pool in Tower Hamlets while watching Canary Wharf being built shaped her understanding of architectural power dynamics and social inequality in London.
Catherine views her deliberately slow working process with cumbersome equipment as a form of resistance, noting how the industrial revolution transformed time into a commodity that must be used efficiently.
For the NHS Swimmers, she asked healthcare workers to perform the same swimming movements twice, creating a temporal doubling that she felt was crucial to avoid the work looking like an advertisement in a public space.
Through her High Wire project, Catherine came to value the importance of failure when the performer couldn't complete the walk, realising that sometimes dreams are more valuable than their achievement.
Having started by photographing rhinoceros at the zoo, Catherine's fascination with weight, structure and gravity has remained consistent throughout her career, from early sculpture to recent film works.
She maintains her artistic freedom by teaching just enough to fund her studio, allowing her to pursue projects without complete dependence on art sales, which s… Lees meer -
Creating Inclusive Cultural Spaces: How Salma Tuqan is Transforming Arts Institution Leadership
13 januari 2025 · 1 uur 8 min
In this episode, Ceri talks about cultural curation with Salma Tuqan, Director of Nottingham Contemporary. From her early days at Art Dubai to influential roles at the V&A and beyond, Salma shares her views on how cultural institutions can evolve, adapt, and remain relevant in challenging times. Salma explores everything from collection strategies to institutional sustainability while highlighting the importance of collective effort and generosity in creating inclusive cultural spaces.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Salma's leadership philosophy focuses on building collective effort, demonstrated through her work at Nottingham Contemporary where she leads a team of 70, prioritising collaborative decision making and community input.
Throughout her career at the V&A, Salma challenged traditional museum structures by working to integrate Middle Eastern art across departments rather than isolating it, showing her commitment to breaking down institutional silos.
Drawing from her Palestinian heritage and early exposure to diverse cultural practices, Salma approaches curation with an understanding that Western categorisations of art aren't universal.
In her role at the Delfina Foundation, Salma developed innovative funding models for under resourced regions, creating pools of resources from multiple small contributions to support artists from areas like Central America.
At Nottingham Contemporary, Salma prioritises long term artist relationships over one off exhibitions, allowing creative partnerships to evolve naturally from small collaborations to major shows.
Rather than arriving with preset plans at new institutions, Salma's approach is to first listen and understand the existing ecosystem before developing strategies collaboratively.
Through projects like "While We Wait," Salma demonstrates her commitment to considering the afterlife of exhibitions and ensuring local communities can access the art they inspire.
As a director facing multiple contemporary challenges, Salma emphasises t… Lees meer -
Building Authentic Artist Dealer Relationships with Lisa Cooley
6 januari 2025 · 1 uur 33 min
Ceri talks with Lisa Cooley, a former New York gallerist turned art advisor. Lisa shares how she went from being an accidental gallery worker to running her own acclaimed Lower East Side gallery for nine years. With remarkable honesty, she discusses the challenges of managing a gallery through a recession, the toll on mental and physical health, and the complexities of artist-dealer relationships. Now working as an art advisor and launching a new podcast called Oko, Lisa gives her experiences and thoughts on relationship building, collecting, and navigating the art world's unspoken rules.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Throughout her career, Lisa discovered that running a gallery wasn't just about selling art; it required building genuine human connections that couldn't be scaled or rushed, even as the art world grew increasingly commercial.
Lisa developed a unique approach to evaluating artwork, insisting on both an intellectual response and visceral visual pleasure, refusing to compromise on either aspect when choosing artists to represent.
After closing her gallery, Lisa learned that being honest about failures and challenges - though often discouraged in the art world - ultimately led to deeper, more meaningful professional relationships.
Through difficult experiences with artists, Lisa came to understand that gallery-artist relationships work best when treated as business partnerships, allowing for clearer boundaries and communication.
Lisa's experience running her gallery during the 2008 recession taught her that sometimes working harder isn't the answer.
When Lisa's health began suffering from overwork, she made the difficult but necessary decision to close her gallery, learning that physical and mental wellbeing must take precedence over art world pressures.
As an art advisor, Lisa discovered that building collector relationships requires a 4-6 month period that's less about art education and more about understanding how people communicate and make decisions.
Lisa found tha… Lees meer -
How to Thrive in 2025: Your Questions Answered
30 december 2024 · 1 uur 6 min
In this special end of year solo episode, Ceri answers questions from her mastermind community members. From exhibition planning and pricing artwork to connecting with collectors and maintaining social media boundaries, she gives her expert advice from her extensive experience in the art world.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
When planning exhibitions, start with self-reflection about your goals and desired outcomes before engaging with collaborators or institutions. Consider what you want to optimise for, press coverage, commissions, or collector engagement?
Price artwork based on market research and ecosystem participation rather than production costs or time invested. Research comparable works and understand that value in art is based on perceived worth within the social system.
Building relationships with collectors requires authentic connection rather than direct pitching. Research their interests and engage naturally through shared networks and events.
When updating your website during a practice transition, focus on quality over quantity. Edit work to show your best pieces that reflect your current direction while maintaining coherency with past work.
Create psychological safety in professional relationships by showing genuine interest before making any asks. Start with appreciation and sharing relevant content before discussing your own work.
Exhibition planning needs adequate time for idea development before production. Avoid rushing into execution without proper conceptual exploration with collaborators.
Social media should be approached strategically as a tool for community building rather than passive consumption. Set specific goals for engagement and research.
Documentation and legacy planning are crucial for exhibitions - ensure high-quality photography and materials that can continue generating opportunities after the show closes.
BEST MOMENTS
"The art market is such an unusual thing because it's all based on perceived value. It's not like we're breaking down the cost… Lees meer -
Becoming a Fearless and Authentic Creative with Louise Gray
23 december 2024 · 1 uur 27 min
Ceri speaks with polymath Louise Gray, whose creative career spans textiles, fashion, costume, sound, and writing. Louise shares her experiences in fashion, textile design, and education, discussing her bold aesthetic choices, fearless approach to creativity, and commitment to authenticity. Her journey from establishing her own fashion label to teaching at Central Saint Martins, and currently venturing into new creative areas, provides insightful guidance for anyone on their own artistic journey. This discussion explores sustainability, the significance of creative freedom, and the necessity of staying authentic to your own values.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Having grown up in rural Scotland, Louise learned to see extreme colours in nature, which later influenced her distinctive colour palette in fashion, combining contrasting hues that both clash and complement
She deliberately kept her fashion label small and focused on high-quality, handcrafted pieces rather than bending to industry pressure to make more commercial products or use digital printing
Louise views collaboration as essential for creative growth, seeking out artists and creators who challenge her while still maintaining her unique vision and voice
Rather than trying to please everyone, Louise focused on creating work that excited her personally, knowing that authenticity would attract the right audience who truly connected with her aesthetic
When teaching at Central Saint Martins, Louise rewrote the MA Fashion curriculum to emphasise sustainability and encouraged students to deeply question their identity and values as designers
After closing her fashion label, Louise took delivery jobs to fund her creative work, choosing financial freedom over prestige to make art on her own terms
She approaches textiles as a feminist practice, seeing it as a way to amplify historically overlooked women's work while pushing boundaries of what textile art can be
Louise has learned to separate her sense of self-worth from her creat… Lees meer -
Lady Skollie: Modern Cave Painter Redefining South African Art
16 december 2024 · 1 uur 12 min
Ceri speaks with Lady Skollie, a bold South African artist who fearlessly challenges artistic conventions. From her early days at a specialist art school to becoming an internationally acclaimed painter, Lady Skollie shares her journey as a modern day cave painter and gives her experiences of gallery relationships, motherhood, and maintaining artistic integrity. Her original perspectives on the art world, cultural identity, and creative authenticity make this the perfect episode for anyone interested in the intersection of art, culture, and personal truth.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Lady Skollie maintains creative freedom by creating physical distance from city centres and setting clear boundaries with galleries, emphasising the importance of separation between artists and collectors.
Her work is deeply rooted in her identity as a descendant of the indigenous people of South Africa, reimagining traditional cave paintings on a larger scale.
Success in the art world for her, came through strategic support, including a partner who gave her two years to focus solely on art, leading to international gallery representation.
Lady Skollie has found that physical fitness and consistent creative practice have been crucial elements for maintaining artistic productivity and mental well being.
She challenges the modern trend of artist accessibility, advocating for maintaining mystery and separation between artists and collectors.
Her perspective on showing work internationally reveals how art is received differently across cultures, particularly regarding themes of sexuality and cultural identity.
She approaches commercial work by comparing potential earnings to what she could make painting, ensuring her time is valued appropriately.
Lady Skollie also emphasises the importance of having freedom from financial pressure to maintain artistic integrity and make authentic work.
BEST MOMENTS
"I've always wanted to be an artist."
"If you're going to go for white money, you should go for very old w… Lees meer -
Why Artists Can't Hide Their DNA and Need Community to Thrive with Jennifer Higgie
2 december 2024 · 1 uur 17 min
In this episode, Ceri speaks with Jennifer Higgie, whose evolution from painting lemons to shaping Frieze magazine spans more than two decades. She opens up about the realities of the art world, the necessity of creative discipline, and her mission to respect artists' work with authenticity. Through her shift from art critic to author uncovering hidden women artists in art history, Jennifer demonstrates what it takes to build and sustain a creative life. Her thoughts and experience of writing's emotional toll and the exposure of sharing creative work resonate deeply, while her practical experience serves as both a roadmap and reminder for other creatives.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Jennifer developed her disciplined approach to writing through 23 years at Frieze, treating it like a ‘normal’ job with strict deadlines and word counts while learning the importance of stopping at the right time to maintain quality
She deliberately positioned herself as an "enthusiast" rather than a critic, choosing to write primarily about work she felt passionate about rather than producing negative criticism
To sustain her writing career, she worked as a waitress for 15 years, preferring this to desk jobs as it didn't interfere with her creative headspace
She built and maintained vital creative networks across London, Berlin and Australia that have supported her throughout her career transitions
After experiencing burnout and anxiety, she sought CBT support, which helped her learn to distinguish between real and hypothetical anxieties
Her research into overlooked women artists led her to discover how much messier and more inclusive art history is than she was taught
As reviews editor at Frieze, she developed a systematic approach to balance coverage between established institutions, emerging artists and everything in between.
Her experience taught her that writing requires accepting that most work goes into a void of silence, with rare but meaningful moments of connection with readers
BEST MOMENT… Lees meer -
Bringing Large Scale Public Art to Life with Artist Producer Lexi Zelda Stevens and Artists Megan Broadmeadow & Angela Davies
25 november 2024 · 1 uur 38 min
Ceri brings together three artists who transformed the Green Man Festival into a magical artistic playground. Lexi Zelda Stevens, Megan Broadmeadow, and Angela Davies share their experiences of creating ambitious installations in challenging outdoor environments. From holographic fans in the woods to midnight performances on rafts, they reveal the intricate dance of artistic vision, technical expertise, and weather management. The trio and Ceri give practical advice and inspiration about producing large scale public art and talk about the importance of building strong support teams.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Lexi believes the key to successful festival art programming is having meticulous contingency plans while giving artists complete creative freedom to lead their vision
Megan discovered that having triple the expected technical support proved crucial when personal emergencies arose during installation of her holographic installation
Transforming her gallery work for an outdoor festival context opened up new possibilities for Angela's performance and audience engagement.
Producing festival art requires creating a calm, supportive environment amid chaos, focusing on safety while letting artists maintain creative control.
Festival audiences interact with art differently than gallery visitors - some prefer to simply observe, while others want to understand the technical details.
Angela realised that staging work next to water created unexpected opportunities for reflection, both literally and metaphorically, in her practice.
Lexi's experience showed her that the best commissioned work comes from trusting artists who haven't worked outdoors before rather than playing it safe.
Through her midnight performance, Angela discovered that festivals can create intimate, quiet moments of connection even within a busy event environment.
BEST MOMENTS
"Being a producer is kind of like saying sorry and thank you a lot. And maybe I hear you as well in there."
"Don't work alone. You're going t… Lees meer -
Building Inclusive Cultural Spaces with Dhikshana Turakhia Pering Head of Creative Programmes at London Museum
18 november 2024 · 1 uur 42 min
Ceri speaks with Dhikshana Turakhia Pering, who has over 18 years of experience in museums, galleries and the wider cultural and creative world. As Head of Creative Programmes at London Museum, Dhikshana talks to Ceri about her journey from Science Museum explainer to cultural leader and reveals how her neurodiversity shaped her approach to leadership. She discusses the importance of joy and hope in creative programming, authentic leadership and making culture accessible to all. Throughout the episode, it is clear that Dhikshana’s mission is closely aligned with her own experiences and upbringing, giving her authentic passion in everything she does.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Dhikshana manages her neurodiversity through good preparation, practising presentations three times, detailed scripting, and developing organisational systems that help her lead effectively while maintaining high standards
Throughout her career, Dhikshana has developed programming based on starting from a place of empathy and respect, actively listening to communities, and ensuring representation becomes embedded in institutional structures
Her leadership style evolved from recognising that being authentic means maintaining consistency across all interactions while learning to set boundaries between her professional and personal life
She created the "triangle model" framework at London Museum, focusing on intellectual depth, lived experience, and universal themes to build strong creative programmes that resonate with diverse audiences
Her involvement with Museum Detox has shown her the vital importance of professional networks in providing support, solidarity, and advocacy for diversity in cultural institutions
Dhikshana's career transitions were guided by listening to her gut instinct while building support systems that allowed her to make bold moves when necessary
At London Museum, she combines programming that sparks joy and hope while addressing serious social issues and civic action, drawing from her … Lees meer -
Innovating Sound Design with Sound Artist Nick Ryan
11 november 2024 · 1 uur 46 min
Ceri speaks with Nick Ryan, an Emmy and BAFTA award-winning sound artist who has revolutionised how we experience sound. From his early days experimenting in his garden shed to creating interactive radio dramas and transforming public spaces with sound installations, Nick's journey is all about creative evolution. Nick talks to Ceri about confidence, collaboration, and the importance of asking for help. The conversation reveals how his personal experiences, including early loss and bullying, shaped his innovative approach to sound art and his understanding of human connection through audio experiences.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
· Early experiences with materiality and experimentation, encouraged by his grandmother and science teacher, laid the foundation for Nick's creative approach to sound design
· The transition from visual art to sound happened organically through fashion show soundtracks, leading to Nick’s pioneering work in interactive audio
· Public realm sound art can transform spaces and experiences in ways that traditional urban planning doesn't consider
· Confidence issues are universal among creatives - even those who appear most confident often struggle the most
· The importance of asking for help and being vulnerable can lead to unexpected opportunities and support for all creatives.
· Nick’s technical innovation in sound has created new ways of storytelling and audience engagement
· Sound art is unique in that it's always a collaboration between the artist and the listener's internal experience
· The value of working with supportive people and learning to recognise when a collaboration isn't the right fit!
BEST MOMENTS
"Everyone's got confidence issues and the people that don't seem to have confidence issues, with a few exceptions, are generally the people that have the most issue with confidence."
"No one ever says no if you ask for advice."
"If you're trying to make something for other people that's a recipe for disaster. It's just about being true to yourself… Lees meer -
Artist Curator Gavin Wade: How Eastside Projects is Changing Birmingham's Art Scene
11 november 2024 · 1 uur 49 min
Ceri interviews Gavin Wade, the visionary artist curator behind Eastside Projects and Senior Research Fellow at Birmingham City University. From his early love of comics to founding one of the UK's most innovative art spaces, Gavin talks to Ceri about transforming the art world through collaborative practices. His story of creating a new kind of gallery space, winning a £120 million market redevelopment project, and maintaining artistic integrity while pushing boundaries is both inspiring and practical for anyone interested in making their creative mark.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Gavin's approach to artist collaboration shows how repeated engagements over time create deeper, more meaningful projects - rather than rushing one off exhibitions, he builds lasting relationships that allow ideas to naturally evolve into innovative work.
Through establishing Eastside Projects, Gavin demonstrated how to create a new kind of art space by selectively adopting elements from commercial galleries, museums and artist run spaces while rejecting conventional limitations.
His early immersion in comics and DIY culture shaped his understanding of self publishing and community building, providing foundational principles that continue to influence his approach to art making and curation.
Gavin's success with Eastside Projects stems from his ability to balance ambitious international programming with local artist development, he recognised that both elements are essential for meaningful impact.
His revolutionary perspective on gallery spaces rejects the notion of neutral containers, instead treating them as living artworks that continuously evolve through each exhibition and intervention.
Gavin built his confidence in the art world through consistent action. Each successfully organised show and new connection strengthened his position and opened up fresh opportunities.
His involvement in the Smithfield Market project demonstrates how artists can meaningfully influence city development when they're … Lees meer -
Technology in Art: Rafael Lozano-Hemmer on Large Scale Interactive Installations
4 november 2024 · 1 uur 14 min
Technology meets art as Ceri is joined by Mexican-Canadian media artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, whose works are in collections worldwide such as MoMA, Guggenheim, TATE, Reina Sofía, and Hirshhorn. He shares his journey from nightclub owner's son to internationally acclaimed artist and how it shaped his unique approach to creating participatory experiences. From transforming the US-Mexico border to making climate change audible through 481 speakers, Rafael gives his thoughts about managing ADHD, building a successful studio, and the delicate balance of working with major brands while maintaining artistic integrity.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Early exposure to nightclub culture and theatrical environments influenced Rafael's approach to creating participatory art installations that come alive only when people engage with them.
The democratisation of technology has transformed media art from being institution dependent to being more accessible, leading to an explosion of digital creation worldwide.
Managing ADHD has been both a challenge and an asset for Rafael; he credits his condition for helping him work under pressure and maintain the necessary denial to tackle seemingly impossible projects.
The artist's studio operates like a theatrical production, with Rafael as director rather than a solitary creator, involving specialists from 10 different countries.
Environmental consciousness has become central to his practice, including scientific collaboration to minimise the impact on migratory birds and transition to more sustainable technologies.
Rafael uses three key filters for project selection: intellectual/philosophical interest, time investment required, and economics, maintaining about 20% of work as non-profit.
The relationship between art and corporate sponsorship requires careful navigation to maintain artistic legitimacy while ensuring financial sustainability.
Art institutions face a tension between meaningful engagement with digital art and the temptation to use technolog… Lees meer -
Why Art Needs Enthusiasm and How to Represent Artists in 2024 with Marine Tanguy
28 oktober 2024 · 1 uur 17 min
Ceri is joined by Marine Tanguy, the pioneering founder of MTArt Agency. From managing a gallery at 21 to founding the art world's first talent agency at 25, Marine shares her journey of revolutionising how artists are represented and supported. Ceri and Marine talk about building resilience, visual literacy, and creating new opportunities for artists. Marine also opens up about overcoming personal challenges, including a public hate campaign while pregnant, and shares her innovative approach to artist representation.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Marine built MTArt Agency on a philosophical foundation first, establishing clear manifestos about the future relationship with the arts and the alignment of medium and concept before focusing on business applications
At 25, Marine created a new business model in the art world by shifting focus from gallery spaces to a service based agency, enabling broader opportunities for artists beyond traditional art sales
Marine's experience of managing a hate campaign while pregnant led her to find strength in ballet, demonstrating how physical practice can help manage the mental challenges of leadership
Coming from a teaching family background, Marine approached her financial education systematically, surrounding herself with knowledgeable investors who could contribute expertise beyond just funding
Marine's approach to talent spotting comes from genuine enthusiasm - she describes herself as someone who rushes back to the office excited to champion new artists she's discovered and thinks that much of the art world today is lacking this type of enthusiasm.
As one of the first B Corp certified companies in the art world, Marine used this framework to create measurable accountability in an industry that traditionally lacks formal regulation.
Despite managing 50 artists and over 300 projects, Marine maintains a "log in, log out" approach to social media.
Marine's company has grown to a £35 million valuation by creating opportunities across multiple s… Lees meer -
The Art of Digital Leadership with Tom Higham Creative Director and Founder of Mediale
21 oktober 2024 · 1 uur 41 min
Ceri explores the world of digital art and creative leadership with Tom Higham, Creative Director and founder of Mediale. Tom shares his knowledge and experience, from film festivals to cutting-edge digital projects, and gives his thoughts on artist development, community engagement, and the challenges of running a creative organisation. Ceri and Tom also talk about personal health, leadership styles, and share their visions for the future of arts and technology.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Tom's career highlights the importance of networking and seizing opportunities in the arts, from volunteering to leadership roles.
Effective creative leadership involves balancing artistic vision with practical considerations like funding, stakeholder management, and team dynamics.
Community engagement in arts projects requires a genuine interest in people's stories and a collaborative approach between artists and local groups.
The digital art sector is very international, presenting both opportunities and challenges for UK based organisations and artists.
Successful arts organisations need to adapt their leadership and project approaches based on the specific context and scale of each initiative.
Tom stresses the importance of clear communication and boundary setting in leadership, while maintaining flexibility and empathy to be successful.
Personal health management, including addressing invisible disabilities is essential in sustainable creative leadership.
The arts sector should critically examine the impact and sustainability of large scale cultural events versus ongoing, community focused initiatives and what they can alternatively offer.
BEST MOMENTS
"I always found I would tend to let the work expand to fill the time I give it."
"Talking, communicating to different people outside of your inner sphere is quite a skill and there aren't that many people in the arts who do that well, I don't think."
"You have to build the trust to be able to take that risk, I think that's really important… Lees meer -
Personal Experience and Artistic Expression with Emma Talbot
14 oktober 2024 · 1 uur 35 min
Join Ceri as she interviews acclaimed artist Emma Talbot. From her childhood drawings to art installations, Emma shares her experiences of finding her authentic voice, transforming personal experiences into universal art, and creating without external validation.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Emma's early drawings were a form of escape and freedom during a challenging childhood, highlighting art's therapeutic potential and laying the groundwork for her artistic path.
Art school and early career struggles masked Emma's authentic voice, which she only then discovered after experiencing profound personal loss.
Abandoning the pressure to be an "artist" led to Emma's creative breakthrough.
Witnessing her partner's death inspired Emma to explore consciousness and shared human experiences in her work.
Navigating institutional collaborations and budget negotiations became crucial skills in creating Emma's ambitious projects.
Managing multiple international exhibitions requires Emma to focus on the interconnectedness of her work and adopt a methodical approach.
Embracing her true artistic identity and interests liberated Emma's creativity, making her work more enjoyable and authentic.
BEST MOMENTS
"Drawing is, can be, a kind of avoidance, it's like a space you can go into, where it's like everything else disappears, and you, you get to invent what you want."
"All we have is this period of time of consciousness and all we do is share the experience with one another."
"I don't feel uncertain about my work at all. Because I know what it's doing is just doing what it's doing."
"Finding joy is a choice. It sounds so corny to say it out loud, but it is, it is, and you can, and I find that I'm able to do that."
"Each person tailors the work to themselves. You know, the work has to be something that suits you."
"I think for me a big part of understanding my work was just accepting who I am."
"Emma's story is a powerful reminder that creativity is not only a tool for self expression, but also a way… Lees meer