Episode 400: The Power of Art ā€” And What 8 Artists Told Me on a Ship in the Middle of the Ocean
Episode 400. It's hard to believe, but here we are.
This milestone episode was recorded live aboard the Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady during the Cruise for Creatives 2026 ā€” and it is one of the most meaningful episodes I have ever made.
Instead of a solo reflection or a single interview, I went around the ship and asked the artists who joined us one simple but powerful question: What is the power of art to you?
Each artist answered independently. No group circle, no shared answers in advance. And what came back was a beautiful tapestry of perspectives from painters, photographers, a physician, a psychologist, a children's book author, a wellness coach, and artists from Florida, Canada, the Bahamas, Illinois, and Massachusetts.
In this episode you will hear from Barbara Gerdemann, Shirley Williams, Francine Sweet, Dr. Kevin Bethel, Keith Davidson, Mary Davidson, Richard Hershberger, and Dr. Yanina Gomez ā€” each sharing what the power of art means to them personally.
I also share ...
Artistic Alchemy: Becoming an Opportunity Maker in Your Creative Journey
How can I actively create opportunities for myself as an artist?
Today, I want to dive into a topic that's close to our heartsā€”the way we perceive and approach opportunities. As creators, we all long for that breakthrough moment, a chance to showcase our talents and be recognized. But how exactly do we navigate the vast realm of opportunities? Let's explore three unique perspectives together.
Waiting for the Stars to Align: The Lure of Passive Expectation
There's a belief among some artists that opportunities should effortlessly land on our laps. We find ourselves waiting, hoping that fate will smile upon us and open the doors of success. It's the waiting game, the mentality of "I'll just sit here in my studio, and someday, something incredible will happen." While it's true that some opportunities may come knocking unexpectedly, relying solely on this approach can leave us feeling stagnant.
Becoming an Opportunity Hunter: Proactive Steps towards Success
Now, let's shift gears and ...