Valentine, Kristi, and multidisciplinary visual artist Klara Siska sat down for a warm, connected conversation highlighting the critical need for each of us to trust and lean in to our gut, try new things, and cooperate openly within safe spaces. Klara, has been an instrumental founding member of the Art Connect Society community since its inception as the Mama Create Collective, co-organizing and taking part in many exhibitions, workshops, and collaborations over the years.

In this episode, we unpack the dynamic and freeflowing creative journey Klara embarked on in the Czech Republic that includes a painting practice, a graphic design business, performance art, jewelry production, Shamanistic teachings, music, and so much more! She opens up about her time in the Fine Arts Academy and how it shaped her in unexpected ways. Join us for a behind the scenes conversation among friends.

Klara studied Painting at SUPŠ in Uherské Hradiště and Performance Art at FaVU in Brno. Her collaborative project Brno Tiskne aims to create a space for experiments in graphic techniques and a place where we can lead others to their own creativity. She creates jewelry from brass, semi-precious stones at SHINEme minerals.

www.klarasiska.cz
www.artconnectsociety.com
@artsisterspodcast

Valentine and Kristi sit down with Jess Burchett, American singer-songwriter and mastering engineer. They talk through the process of building up your career around your passion. Jess walks us through the engineering side of music and how this aspect of music making has combined with her passion for writing songs. The three women discuss the importance of collaboration, criticism, and the boundary between work and self. You might even learn a thing or two about sound engineering spa treatments! Get inspired to accurately and honestly express your true artistic style. 

www.jessburchett.com
www.artconnectsociety.com

Take a listen to this special episode with inspiring Ukrainian artist and mother of two, Oleksandra! With some laughs and tears, we dive into her art journey following the start of the war and her new relationship with art in her temporary home in Sweden. She was awarded an artist residency through the SWAN residency network, specifically the Artists At Risk Network, who provide emergency residencies for artists displaced by war. Her strength is unrelenting as she seeks ways to seize her power, channel her anger, and support the war effort. We discuss the core emotions behind ones' art practice, especially in a time of desperation and change. Oleksandra unpacks the process of finding the power to fight through her work, and how that was made possible with the help of friends and community.

www.instagram.com/yelnart
www.etsy.com/shop/yelnart
www.artconnectsociety.com