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Miwa Gardner Miwa Gardner

How Opening Up Can Bring Unexpected Support | #OpeningUp Ep. 010

Opening up about something personal, like my past suicidal thoughts, is never easy. But when I did, my friend responded in a way I didn’t expect—with a practical tool to help in moments of emotional overwhelm: spicy candy. Her advice reminded me how vulnerability can lead to the most unexpected forms of support. It’s in these moments that we realize the strength in letting others in.

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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

How I Projected My Childhood on My Son|#ArtAndParenthood Ep. 008

In this episode of Art, Parenthood, and Beyond, I reflect on how my childhood fears shaped the way I parented my son and how painting helped me uncover these emotions. Through a specific artwork titled Womb, I realized my son is more capable than I initially believed, and this journey taught me the balance between protecting him and giving him the space to grow.

I also explore how our art can reflect deep emotions we may not even be aware of. Tune in for insights on both parenting and the creative process!

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Miwa Gardner Miwa Gardner

The Guilt of Joy: Balancing Parenthood and the Necessity of Art | #ArtParenthood Ep. 007

In this episode of Art, Parenthood and Beyond, I dive into the challenges of balancing motherhood with my personal creativity. I share a personal story that highlights the guilt I often feel when pursuing my artistic passions. Drawing on research, I reveal how taking time for my creative outlets is essential not only for my well-being but also for my family’s happiness. Join me as I explore how to embrace my creativity without guilt and become a more fulfilled parent.

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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

The Alien Gaze of Newborns: Surreal Moments in Sleep-Deprived Parenthood| Ep. 005

In this episode of Art, Parenthood and Beyond, I reflect on the surreal experience of early parenthood, from sleep-deprived nights to the mesmerizing gaze of my newborn. Through a mix of humor and heartfelt stories, I share how my son’s wide-eyed wonder not only deepened our bond but also inspired my artistry in ways I never expected.

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Miwa Gardner Miwa Gardner

Caught Off Guard: The Unexpected Moments of Motherhood |Ep. 004

In Episode 4 of Art, Parenthood and Beyond, I share a surprising moment when my son showed unexpected empathy and how it deepened our bond and inspired my art. I also explore how parenthood and creativity influence each other, inviting you to reflect on your own experiences.

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Miwa Gardner Miwa Gardner

Capturing the Feeling: The Urgency to Create|Ep. 003

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.

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Miwa Gardner Miwa Gardner

How Can I Protect You? Exploring Parenthood's Challenging Feelings | Ep. 002

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?

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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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