As I sit here reflecting on the events of this past weekend, I’m reminded of how fragile life—and art—can be. Hurricane Helene tore through Asheville, leaving devastation in its wake. The arts community wasn’t spared. Artists I know personally have lost everything—studios are destroyed, artwork is gone, and families are reeling from the chaos. Yet, amidst all this loss, one thing still remains: hope.

The Power of Hope in Times of Crisis

Hope is often the last thing we cling to. It’s the thread that keeps us moving forward, especially in the face of hardship. As artists, hope fuels our creativity. Each brushstroke, every drop of ink, paint, or pixel carries with it the potential for something beautiful, meaningful, and extraordinary. Even when our art doesn’t turn out the way we envisioned, hope keeps us trying again.

But hope isn’t just a quiet, internal feeling. It’s something we can give to others. Right now, our fellow artists...

In this episode of the Artist Next Level Podcast, host Sergio Gomez dives deep into the world of art collecting with two passionate and dedicated patrons of the arts, Steven Alan Bennett and Elaine M. Schmidt. Known for their remarkable collection of figurative realist paintings, the Bennetts have not only made a name for themselves as influential collectors but also as philanthropists who are shaping the future of women in art through The Bennett Prize.

The Bennett Prize: A Vision for Women in Art

Created in 2018, The Bennett Prize awards $50,000 to a woman artist to create her own solo exhibition of figurative realist paintings. The prize gives women artists the opportunity to shine and gain well-deserved recognition in the art world. But The Bennett Prize is more than just an award. It is a movement to elevate women painters and open new doors for them, particularly those who may have yet to reach full professional recognition. With the prize’s inaugural year seeing over...

In this episode of the Artist Next Level Podcast, host Sergio Gomez sits down with two remarkable artists, Yochi Yakir-Avin and Lisa Yves, to discuss their innovative project, "Painting Life in Pictures." This collaboration beautifully blends visual arts and theater, offering an immersive experience that evokes nostalgia and introspection.

Yochi, an accomplished visual artist, and Lisa, a multi-talented musician, songwriter, and theater writer, share how their backgrounds and artistic journeys have culminated in this unique project. Set to take place on August 30 and 31 at the Frank Gallery in Pembroke Pines, Florida, "Painting Life in Pictures" features Yochi's installations of oversized nostalgic images on sheer fabric, complemented by Lisa's evocative play. 

Tune in to hear about the inspiration behind this project, the creative process, and how their work connects with audiences on a deep emotional level.

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Join us on this exciting episode of the Artist Next Level Podcast as we sit down with the dynamic duo, Picardo and Marsha K Lucas, a creative couple who are determined to make waves in the worlds of art, fashion, music, and dance. Now based in Miami, Picardo and Marsha share their inspiring journey of collaboration and career growth in their new vibrant city.

Picardo, an Afro Caribbean multidisciplinary artist, mesmerizes with his drumming performances, spoken word storytelling, and rhythmically composed paintings. His work creates a powerful visual experience, engaging viewers through an expressive dialogue of color, gesture, and organic lines. Picardo shares his unique process of using art to express his emotions and experiences, revealing how visualization became his storytelling mechanism during his journey of learning English.

Marsha K Lucas, an abstract painter, branding model, dancer, and performer, brings her own creative flair to the partnership. As an independent artist...

Have you ever experienced that moment when opportunity knocks, but the way you ask could either open the door wide or leave it barely ajar? Let me share a personal anecdote from my own gallery, a tale of a direct plea that captured attention but lacked the finesse needed to seal the deal.

The Bold Card and the Missed Connection

Picture this: I walk into my gallery to find a card on my desk, a message proclaiming, "Dear Mr. Gomez, here's my art, let's make lots of money." A straight-shooter, no doubt. It caught my eye, but here's the twist—it didn't land the positive response the artist sought. Why? The art of asking goes beyond being bold; it's about understanding how, when, and why.

In the realm of the artist's plea, the what was there, but the how fell short. Asking isn't just about you; it's about considering the person on the other side. What's in it for them? Timing is everything, and the approach matters. Unfortunately, this artist missed those crucial nuances, leaving...

Join hosts Sergio Gomez and Drew Harris in an insightful episode featuring researcher and mixed media artist, Rashmi Ghosh. Together, they delve into Rashmi's captivating "Descent into India’s Incredible Stepwells" project.

As Rashmi prepares for her Solo Art Exhibition in 2024 in Pune, Maharashtra, curated by Nalini Malaviya, we explore the inspiration behind the Stepwells Project and its current stage. 

In this conversation, we touch on the genesis of the project, the challenges of creating a cohesive body of work, and the exciting journey ahead. Join us as we navigate the intersection of art, history, and cultural exploration in Rashmi's artistic world. Tune in for an engaging discussion on The Artist Next Level Podcast!

About Rashmi Ghosh

Rashmi Ghosh, a Chartered Accountant by profession, transitioned from a successful career in finance to pursue her lifelong passion for visual arts, accumulating over two decades of experience in teaching. Having undertaken a Fine...

Hey, fellow creatives! Let's talk about the magic that unfolds when you decide to reshape your mornings. Your art career deserves more than a caffeine-fueled dash into the chaos of the day. I get it because I've been there – immersed in the news and scrolling through social media before my eyes fully adjusted to daylight. But guess what? It was like sprinting before tying my shoelaces – disastrous and exhausting.

The Morning Reset That Transformed My Art Career

Remember those days when NPR news headlines were the first notes of your day's symphony? Or perhaps, like me, you found yourself knee-deep in the world of Facebook and Instagram updates before even grabbing breakfast. It was my routine, but it left me feeling like I was perpetually playing catch-up. I realized I needed to shift the narrative.

I waved goodbye to my morning news rituals and bid adieu to the endless scroll. Instead, I started prioritizing what truly mattered – nurturing my spiritual and mental...

Unveiling the Power of Your First Thoughts

Hey there, fellow creatives! Let's dive into a game-changing concept that's been a game-changer for me in navigating the twists and turns of my artistic journey – The Big Idea Revolution.

Every Season, A Creative Gift: Life is a series of seasons, each offering a unique gift – the chance to explore something new, a dazzling excuse to ward off the looming shadow of boredom. Why not seize this opportunity to revitalize your artistic spirit?

In Bed with Ideas: Picture this: the clock strikes 5 or 6 am, and you're still cozied up in bed. Instead of reaching for your phone, let your mind wander. Before the world bombards you with its challenges, think about the main idea for your day. This simple ritual has been my compass, leading me to discover the big ideas that fuel my creative fire.

From Bed to Canvas: Imagine if your first thoughts of the day were a positive force, steering you away from the chaos that awaits. What if your day...

Change is not just a word; it's a dynamic force weaving through every brushstroke of our artistic journey. Over the years, I've navigated the undulating waters of the art world, where technology evolves like a symphony and trends morph at the speed of thought. It's a reality we can't escape, but it's also a canvas of opportunity waiting to be painted.

Embrace the Metamorphosis

From the slow dance of email communication to the whirlwind romance of social media, the metamorphosis has been swift. What we held dear yesterday may transform into an entirely new masterpiece tomorrow. It's a truth that can be intimidating, yet the beauty lies in the acceptance.

Resist the urge to push back against the current of change. Instead, see it as an intrinsic part of life's rhythm, a cycle that, much like the night, brings renewal every 24 hours. The resistance we feel to change lessens when we shift our perspective—when we not only accept but welcome the new chapters unfolding in our...

Are you an artist who revels in the delightful mess of your studio, where paint tubes dance with books, and brushes find solace in their dried, hardened state? For years, I embraced the chaos, using it as my shield against the orderliness demanded by the business side of my art. But here's the revelation – being a bit messy in the studio doesn't mean surrendering control in your art business.

The Studio Symphony: Where Creativity and Disorder Coexist

My studio was a canvas of controlled chaos – a haven where wood sticks patiently waited, untouched for nearly two decades. Yet, amidst this apparent disarray, I realized I needed the tools and a conscious reason to seize control. It was more than just navigating paint tubes; it was about orchestrating the symphony of my creative process.

From Disarray to Design: Unleashing the Power of Organization

Believing that disorganization was part of my artistic DNA, I stumbled upon a powerful truth – organization is a choice....