Imagine 5 days of JUST PAINTING—learning and rediscovering creativity with Aine Divine. Set in the inspiring Willow Room at Cockenzie House in Edingburgh, this summer school new ways of approaching watercolor, from embracing bold brushstrokes to painting live models. I’ll share the challenges, breakthroughs, and what I will be taking with me forward from this unforgettable experience. Don’t miss my explanation of Aine’s unique teaching style and what it means to truly let go and let intuitive creativity guide you!

In this episode, I’m opening up and sharing more about who I am, my artistic journey, and why I decided to start this podcast. From my background in Japan, Germany, and now Washington, I reflect on how these places shaped me as both a parent and an artist. I also talk about the struggles I face as a creative, like the inner critic that often challenges me, and the joys that come with balancing art and motherhood. Join me as I share the story behind this podcast and the moments that inspired me to step into this new creative space.

In Episode 14 of Art, Parenthood, and Beyond, I’m  joined by myfriend and fellow artist, Eli, who she met through an Agnes Cecil watercolor workshop. Together, we discuss concept of artistic style—how it evolves, how to define it, and why it's more about exploration and experimentation than finding a set formula. Eli shares her thoughts on style being a natural yet practiced outcome and why continual experimentation is key to discovering what resonates. We discuss the different styles of well-known artists and how they too went through their own processes of finding and evolving their style.

In today's episode, I share the joyful yet challenging experience of doing origami with my three-year-old son. While waiting for our belongings to arrive from Munich, we bonded over folding delicate paper vehicles. This experience sparked not only joy but also valuable lessons about patience and the importance of pushing through artistic challenges. As I navigated the frustrations of origami, I reflected on how similar challenges appear in my artistic journey. Tune in to explore how persistence, balance, and enjoyment shape our creativity.