Refinding Your Rhythm: When Burnout Reshapes Your Creative Focus | #artistburnout Ep. 041
In this episode, I’m sharing a quiet turning point in my creative path — the moment I realized I was burned out. Not just tired, but truly stretched thin from creating too much content and not enough art.I talk about how I recognized the signs, what helped me shift, and how I’m now reshaping my creative life to focus less on output… and more on depth. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to keep producing or wondered how to protect your energy while still showing up for your art, this one’s for you.Miwa’s website: Miwagardner.comFind me on Instagram: @miwagardner_art
--------
8:46:18
Creating Around Birth: A Conversation on Art, Naming, and Reflection | #artandbirth Ep. 040
In this episode, I sit down with my artist friend Alexandra — a fine art craftsperson and doula whose work revolves around the theme of birth.We talk about creating art that honors life’s beginnings, the vulnerability of naming a piece, and the quiet strength in letting work unfold naturally.As someone who loves painting toddlers and babies, I found unexpected common ground with Alexandra’s birth-inspired practice.We also explore our very different rhythms — Alexandra, who protects her sacred creative process, and me, who shares as I go — yet we meet in a shared love for reflection and meaning-making.This episode is for artists walking a slow or intuitive path — or anyone seeking a thoughtful moment of connection through creativity.Miwa’s website: Miwagardner.comFind me on Instagram: @miwagardner_art🔗 Find Alexandra's work:Website: https://www.aceartsanddoula.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aceartsanddoula?igsh=MW5nbnNyY2g3enVmYw==
--------
33:04:18
The Moment I Saw Myself in My Son: How Parenthood Flows Into My Paintings | #ParenthoodAndArt Ep. 039
What happens when your child’s behavior mirrors something unspoken in yourself? In this episode, I share a tender, raw journey that started with a daycare conversation and ended with one of my most meaningful paintings yet—Child, Blossom, inspired by Van Gogh’s Almond Blossoms.From reflections on parenting guilt and public judgment to the power of subtle emotions, this episode explores how our children shape us just as much as we shape them. Whether you're a creative parent or an artist navigating emotional depth, I hope this story makes you feel a little more seenMiwa’s website: https://www.miwagardner.com/Masters reimagined series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfzUlxz-F0e8Z09vTfjbV3ihLB9KuC76M Find me on Instagram: @miwagardner_art
--------
Momentum and Intuition: Balancing Structure & Spontaneity in Creativity | #CreativeMomentum Ep. 038
How much of creativity is structure, and how much is intuition? Is it better to carefully plan a piece, or should we follow the flow and see where it takes us? In this episode, Eli and I explore how we each approach creative balance—when to trust a plan, when to let spontaneity take over, and why keeping momentum is essential. I also share my recent reflections on studying Van Gogh for my ‘Masters Reimagined’ series, how I realized only a fraction of my own paintings truly stand out over time, and why I believe the key to growth is simply to keep creating. If you’ve ever struggled with over-planning or not planning enough, this conversation is for you.Miwa’s website: https://www.miwagardner.com/Masters reimagined series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfzUlxz-F0e8Z09vTfjbV3ihLB9KuC76M Find me on Instagram: @miwagardner_artEli’s website: https://www.elimiklavcic.com/
--------
22:23:20
Finding Your Flow: Creative Routines, Rituals, and Making Space for Art | #CreativeFlow Ep. 037
How do you build a creative routine that actually works for you? Do you need a structured plan, a clear space, and a calm mind before you can create? Or do you dive straight in, letting the act of making art come first? In this episode, Eli and I break down our creative rituals, how we navigate resistance (a.k.a I call it creative flow;)), and why small habits—like making tea, wearing a ring, wearing your painting jacket or even spinning a top—can be the key to unlocking creativity. We also explore whether creative blocks are real, how to protect our mental space, and why “the way we do anything is the way we do everything” like Rick Ruben says.Miwa’s website: https://www.miwagardner.com/ Find me on Instagram: @miwagardner_artEli’s website: https://www.elimiklavcic.com/
"Art, Parenthood, and Beyond with Miwa Gardner" is where I share my journey as a watercolor artist and, well, a mom too. In this podcast, I explore the unspoken emotions that come with creating art and navigating parenthood, exploring into how these two worlds mingle.I’ll share insights into my artistic process and the inspirations behind my paintings, along with various resources that have influenced my journey. Whether you're a fellow parent, an art lover, or simply curious (like I often am:), join me as I explore the complex layers of life through my experiences.
Portugal