Dear listener,
This new episode of the SneakyArt Podcast is about finding hope in adversity, and the determination to turn your life around.
London-based educator, artist and author Jeff Schmidt, speaks about his book “Heart Attack - Finding hope, joy and inspiration in adversity”. This conversation is about the big and small things that can transform our life in unexpected ways, and Jeff’s resolution to live inspired - by making room for the things that bring joy to his life.
Listen to this episode on your choice of streaming service:
Spotify | Apple | PocketCasts | Google | Web | Gaana
This conversation is about the big and small things that can transform our life in unexpected ways. The big thing in Jeff’s life was a sudden heart attack in Dec 2020 that prompted a brief stay at the hospital. The small thing was his decision to grab a little bag just as he left home. Inside it were his sketchbook and art supplies.
Jeff speaks about the isolating experience of being on a hospital bed during early COVID. He shares the mental, physical and emotional turmoil of this experience. We talk about how drawing helped him find inner peace and a connection with others.
We talk about the process of putting together his lovely book, to which you can find links in the episode description. We talk about other books and other art and so much more. About how a sense of his own mortality has prompted Jeff to live inspired - to pay attention to the things that give him joy, and make room for them in his life.
I hope you enjoy the episode.
Show Notes
A brief summary of the ideas discussed and rabbit holes explored in this episode:
The story of how Jeff ended up on a hospital bed with a sketchbook. The time of early COVID, and the fear of the unknown virus.
The role of the sketchbook in alleviating Jeff’s isolation at the hospital.
The sketchbook as a way to observe your world.
Jeff relates the experience of sketching, and finding a space outside of time.
Nishant talks about Carlo Rovelli and the book, Order of Time.
“Lend your ears to music, open your eyes to painting, and... stop thinking! Just ask yourself whether the work has enabled you to 'walk about' into a hitherto unknown world. If the answer is yes, what more do you want?” - Kandinsky, the father of Surrealism.
Jeff talks about teaching art to children, banning erasers from the classroom, and a field trip to the Tate Modern (in London).
Nishant speaks about social media and the externalization of private life. What does it mean to be truly present?
Experiencing art vs capturing its aura, how the ability to capture and re-make has turned us into hoarders - the need to have your reel, your pic, and your selfie to mark a moment.
Jeff, on how we are actually happier not being the centre of the universe.
Nishant, on the unintended consequences of being a big Instagram account.
Jeff, on drawing for others (as commissions) vs for himself
“And it just felt that if I would have had this book when I was in hospital, This would have given me a sense that things are not done.” - Jeff, on making his book.
The process and experience of putting out the book, connecting with people as an author and artist.
What does it mean to live inspired? And what are some ordinary things that have recently inspired Jeff?
Nishant speaks about the things that inspire him.
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I would love to hear your thoughts on the episode!
Ep 66 - From Heart Attack to Renewal with Jeff Schmidt