I used to think fear meant I wasn’t good enough. But I’ve realized that fear is just part of the process — a signal that I’m stretching, growing, and pushing beyond what’s comfortable. And that’s where the magic happens.

I realized that even when no one wanted the paintings I made of my son, I couldn’t stop painting him — because sometimes what matters most is making the work you care about first. This interview reminded me how much I still want to explore: experimenting with gold leaf again, standing back from the painting, trying larger work, and deepening my study of composition. I’m also learning to quiet the selling mindset and focus more on refining my skills — and to be more empathetic toward the artists I interview, because now I know how vulnerable it feels.

It’s frustrating—putting so much effort into sharing your art, only to see someone with just a couple of posts skyrocket past you. But does that mean we’re doing it wrong? Or is there another way? Today, I’m breaking down the tension between chasing numbers and chasing art, and how to build a creative path that actually feels right.

What does it mean to “find your style” — and is it even the goal? In this intimate conversation, watercolor artist Kelogsloops (Hieu) shares how his journey began with Sailor Moon sketches, why he’s still evolving as an artist, and how he balances precision with spontaneity. We talk about chasing dreams, hiding mistakes with gold leaf, creative burnout, and the story behind his most treasured painting by Agnes Cecile. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering his work, this episode offers a rare look behind the dreamy visuals into the very real artist behind them.

“Who wants my signature?" That was my first thought when a client asked if my paintings came signed. I had always admired the signatures of artists like Klimt and Van Gogh but never felt my work deserved that kind of mark. But then I stopped and asked myself—why? Why wasn’t I worthy of a signature? That question sparked a journey, one that had me filling entire sheets of watercolor paper, refining my letters, and finally, stepping into my identity as an artist.

What happens when you finally get to learn from one of your biggest artistic inspirations, and it doesn’t go as planned? In this episode, I reflect on my experience attending Kelogsloops workshop in Munich, how our contrasting styles challenged me, and the unexpected lessons I took away. From redefining composition to blending styles, this journey was more about finding my artistic voice than perfecting techniques.

And then, one morning, driving my son again to daycare, I saw a stag sculpture looking up, howling into the pink morning sky. That’s it. That’s it, I said out loud. My son asked, What, Mama? And I told him—that’s exactly what I should be painting. It all seemed to just connect at that moment. The deer. The presence. The fear of losing him. So I started choosing the reference, the colors. Mixing them, setting up my easel. And then the challenges began….

In this episode, Aine Divine shares her insights on the creative process, focusing on how art can be cathartic and transformative. She discusses how following sparks of inspiration, surrendering to creative blocks, and fully occupying your body with movement all play a crucial role in producing meaningful work. Aine also explores the importance of listening to your inner voice, grounding yourself, and embracing the natural flow of creativity. Tune in for a deeper understanding of connecting with your art and body during the creative journey.

In this episode, we explore what it means to be an artist and the journey of owning that title. Inspired by my own experiences and the story of a close friend, we dive into questions around identity, self-worth, and the desire for validation. I share insights on the distinction between “artist” and “professional artist,” as well as the armor we sometimes wear to feel secure in our creativity.

In this episode, I explore the urgency of creating when inspiration strikes and reflect on whether great art must come from pain or if joy and beauty hold equal power. I share the story behind a painting inspired by a friend's heartbreaking experience and discuss creating from raw emotion.

In this episode, How Can I Protect You? Exploring Parenthood's Challenging Feelings, I reflect on the bittersweet emotions of parenthood and how creative expression helps me navigate them. Join me as I explore how challenges deepen our appreciation for joy, and ask yourself: How do the struggles in your life help you see its joyful moments?

In this episode of Art, Parenthood, and Beyond, I share my journey of overcoming a two-week creative block, offering practical strategies like embracing playfulness and revisiting what I love. I also discuss insights from artists and reference two books that helped me through: Get Unstuck: Creative Block Discover Ideas by Danielle Krysa and The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin.