82 - Rekindling Joy
🎙 podcast episode + 🎉indian wedding scenes
👋 Hello!
This is week 2 of my India stay, and I’m writing from the dining table at my home in Kolkata! The last week was an incredible reunion with college friends at a close friend’s wedding in Gurgaon. I had conversations that were overdue for a decade, and reconnected with people I thought I had forever lost touch with.
In this post I am sharing a new episode of the SneakyArt Podcast, and scenes from the wedding.
🎙 Ep 32 - Rekindling Joy with Emma Carlisle
In this episode, I speak with UK-based illustrator and artist Emma Carlisle about her work as a freelance creative, and how adverse circumstances pushed her to engage in new and meaningful ways with both her art and her thousands of fans.
In this respect, they speak about the many ways social media lets down both creators and their fans. Emma talks candidly about suffering from burnout, and how she eventually rekindled the joy of making art in her life. They discuss the various influences that helped this process - such as location drawing, a renewed focus on self-fulfillment, and colleagues with valuable lessons to share - as a model for how to craft a sustainable and fulfilling artistic career in today's world.
Follow Emma's work on Instagram, and check out her Patreon page.
☕ Like the episode? Buy me a coffee! (+ get access to the SneakyArt Discord)
Listen to this episode on your choice of streaming service:
Spotify | Apple | PocketCasts | Google | Web | Gaana
💭 Post Script with Emma!
This episode comes with a bonus Post-Script recording. In this exclusive, extended segment, we sit back and chat while drawing portraits of each other! 😁
During the episode, Emma had mentioned having a creative consultant to help her take the big decisions. I asked her to elaborate on this. Is it useful to have someone not related to your work, not otherwise related to you, put a critical lens to your trajectory and decision-making?
Emma speaks about her extensive art-supply kits and asks me how and why I make quick drawings. I make the case for why quick sketching can be a useful practice exercise, even if this is not an ultimate goal for the artist.
The Post-Script segment will be shared with all SneakyArt Insiders this Sunday. Become an Insider to hear the extended conversation and see our portraits of each other!
💭 In Case You Missed It…
Here are the best ideas and links from my previous episode, a conversation with LA-based artist Virginia Hein.
🎉 Scenes from the Wedding!
I was in Gurgaon last week to attend a close friend’s wedding. After the first day’s celebrations at his home, the wedding party moved to a resort in the outskirts of the city for the 3-day event. Here are some moments I found to draw what was happening.
The above drawing is going to be scanned and re-printed on fine art paper to make a gift to the couple. What do you think??
In traditional Hindu weddings, the bride and groom take 7 rounds around a ceremonial fire. Each round represents a commitment they make to one another.
🎁 It’s the Season of Gifts!
Have you already purchased gifts for everyone special in your life? Or are you still deciding for some of those difficult-to-fathom friends and family members? Are they - like me - annoyingly difficult to please? Consider gifting them a subscription to the SneakyArt Insiders Club!
Unlike typical gifts, this is a gift that benefits two sets of parties. Not only is it unique and thoughtful for the person that receives it from you, it directly supports and validates my work. Win-win!
It’s been an incredible but super-packed week. With more time to reflect on all that’s transpired, I will have more things to share next week + SneakyArt from Kolkata.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Oh, yes, your drawing of the wedding will definitely be cherished by them!
Just finished listening to “Rekindling Joy” with Emma Carlisle this evening. I enjoyed the lesson on resilience, how just a few encouraging words from someone who cares. An make such a significant difference on another person. I also agree with giving a wide berth on commission deadlines—3 weeks for a 2-hour project. As an artist/creative, I would think that you draw inspiration from your heart, your soul, and the universal energy around us, if you will, and that those aspects of creativity do not follow a linear timeline. Music, art, writing—they cannot be 9 to 5 confined. I’m looking forward to the postscript which will be tomorrow’s treat for me. Thank you and I am loving your shares from your India journey!!!