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Podcast cover with text 'Art, Parenthood, and Beyond with Miwa Gardner' and a microphone icon on a purple watercolor background.
Miwa Gardner Miwa Gardner

Creating Around Birth: A Conversation on Art, Naming, and Reflection | #artandbirth Ep. 040

In this episode, I talk with my artist friend Alexandra — a doula and fine art craftsperson whose work centers around the theme of birth.
We explore what it means to create slowly, name pieces intentionally, and hold space for transformation through art.
As someone who paints toddlers and babies, I found surprising common ground in Alexandra’s birth-inspired practice.
Even though we work differently — she protects her process, I tend to share as I go — we both reflect deeply on why we create.
This episode is for artists walking an intuitive path, or anyone who finds meaning in quiet, thoughtful creation.

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Miwa Gardner Miwa Gardner

Finding Your Flow: Creative Routines, Rituals, and Making Space for Art | #CreativeFlow Ep. 037

Some of us need structure before we can create—others just need to start. So what actually makes a creative routine work? Today, Eli and I dive into the habits and rituals that help us stay creative, overcome resistance, and make space for art in our lives. If you’ve ever felt stuck or wondered why some routines work better than others, this episode is for you.

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Miwa Gardner Miwa Gardner

Making Painting a Habit: How to Build a Sustainable Practice | #MaketimeforArt Ep. 031

For me, that shift happened in 2023 when I committed to painting my son every day for 31 days, leading up to his third birthday. By the time the month ended, painting had become a daily ritual. Now, if I don’t paint—even just a little—it feels off, like something is missing. That’s the habit you want to build. Painting as a natural part of your life.

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Miwa Gardner Miwa Gardner

Letting Go: How Agnes Cecil’s Workshop Transformed My Artistic Journey | #ArtGrowth Ep. 028

In this episode, I share the story of attending Agnes Cecil’s workshop in Munich and how it became a turning point in my art journey. From conquering my fear of sketching portraits to embracing the beauty of loose brushstrokes, this experience reshaped how I approach watercolor and creativity. Join me as I reflect on the lessons learned, connections made, and the freedom of trusting the process.

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Miwa Gardner Miwa Gardner

From Burnout to Authentic Creation: Finding Your Artist Voice Again | #ArtistHealing Ep. 026

In this episode, I sit down with my artist friend Eli to unpack the challenges of 2024 and the creative struggles they revealed. I realize my fear of her stepping away from painting was shaping our conversation, while she simply needed space to heal and reconnect on her terms. We explore creative burnout, balancing spontaneity with intention, and using guiding words for 2025. Listen to Part 1 for more context on Eli’s break from art.

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Miwa Gardner Miwa Gardner

Word of the Year: Emerge to Mission | #ArtGoals Ep. 020

In this reflective episode, I share my journey from the word Emerge in 2024 to Mission for 2025. From setting creative goals inspired by Laura Horn's podcast to building a podcast, YouTube channel, and a thriving art practice, I celebrate milestones and explore the power of a mission to guide my next steps as an artist and parent. What will your word for the year be?

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Miwa Gardner Miwa Gardner

Listening In: Aine Divine on Art as Catharsis, Following Sparks, Surrendering to Creative Blocks, and Fully Occupying Your Body in the Creative Process| Ep.19

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.

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Miwa Gardner Miwa Gardner

Aine Divine’s Summer School: Lessons and Inspirations | #AineDivineWorkshop Ep. 018

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!

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Miwa Gardner Miwa Gardner

Last Time Moments: How Noticing Helps Our Creativity | #CreativeNoticing Ep. 009

What if today was the last time you biked through your favorite street, painted in your cozy home studio, or shared a laugh with a close friend? Would you notice the beauty youI’d been missing? In this episode of Art, Parenthood, and Beyond, I’m diving into how ‘noticing’ the small, everyday moments transforms not just my creativity, but my experience of life. Inspired by my move from Germany to Washington, I’ll share how this 'last time' mentality has helped me appreciate the beauty of the world around me and bring it into my art. Join me as I talk through how this mindset can help you fuel your creativity too.

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Miwa Gardner Miwa Gardner

What Do People Want? Lessons from Giving Away My Art in the Streets| Ep. 006

In this episode of Art, Parenthood and Beyond, I share my experience of giving away 56 paintings on the streets of Munich as a way to discover what kind of art people truly want. This bold experiment revealed surprising insights about my work, challenged my internal critic, and ultimately helped me reconnect with the joy of painting. Join me as I reflect on the lessons learned from this unique adventure, including the importance of letting go of insecurities and focusing on what brings me joy as an artist.

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Miwa Gardner Miwa Gardner

Creative Blocks: How can you get unstuck as artists? |Ep. 001

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.

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