Stream of Art

Episode 24 - Five of Our Favourite Creatives

In this episode, we each share five of our favourite creatives. Our conversation also delves into the benefits of laying out your influences, originality, and being part of an artistic lineage. Robyn gets hangry at a Renaissance fair and Michelle starts her drawing journey. 
Recorded on June 8th, 2024
Timestamps:
(0:30) Intro (1:01) Michelle’s check-in (6:14) Robyn’s check-in (8:38) Main topic: 5 of our favourite creatives (10:54) Robyn - Karina Petersen (18:58) Michelle - Jordan Rakei (23:11) Robyn - Florence and the Machine (28:20) Michelle - James Blake (33:09) Robyn - Sam Boughton (37:05) Michelle - John Mayer (49:42) Robyn - Robyn’s grandfather (1:01:33) Michelle - Courtney Swain (1:11:13) Robyn - Eva Kalien (1:20:50) Michelle - Mark Lettieri (1:28:12) Outro
Resources:
Brad’s Art School - The Learning to Draw Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wz6DrQeQ5rI&list=PLinIGX5eeFZLUdWmbfUu0eDdTgTzYuA51
Books mentioned:
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron: https://juliacameronlive.com/books-by-julia/the-artists-way-a-spiritual-path-to-higher-creativity/ The Way of Integrity by Martha Beck: https://marthabeck.com/the-way-of-integrity/
Robyn’s Favourites:
Karina Petersen: https://www.karinapetersen.com/Florence and the Machine: https://florenceandthemachine.net/ Recommended album: Dance Machine Sam Boughton: https://samboughton.co.uk/ Eva Kalien: https://www.evakalien.com/
Michelle’s Favourites:
Jordan Rakei: https://www.jordanrakei.com/ Favourite/recommended albums: What We Call Life; The Loop
James Blake: https://www.jamesblakemusic.com/ Favourite/recommended albums: The Colour in Anything; Friends That Break Your Heart
John Mayer: https://johnmayer.com/ Favourite/recommended albums: Heavier Things; Born and Raised; Continuum Recommended album: Born and Raised
Courtney Swain (Bent Knee): https://www.courtneyswain.com/ Favourite/recommended Bent Knee albums: Land Animal; Shiny Eyed Babies Bent Knee performing “Holy Ghost” live at The Record Co.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9QAlYV6qsY Favourite/recommended Courtney Swain albums: Between Blood and Ocean and Silver Lining
Mark Lettieri: https://www.marklettieri.com/ Favourite/recommended albums: Spark and Echo; Deep: The Baritone Sessions Mark’s JamPlay guitar course: https://jamplay.com/guitar-lessons/mark-lettieri
Links:
Sweetly Affordable Art Fair: https://www.wallcandy.art/saaf-2024
Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/
Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemonettemusic/
Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64o4jtMmYWJE-7qVoLxtQA
Please feel free to send questions and comments to streamofartpodcast@gmail.com
Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv
Credits:
Podcast art by: Robyn LesterTheme music by: Michelle MonettePodcast editing by: Michelle Monette

Episode 23 - Setting Up Your Creative Environment

Being intentional about how we set up our creative spaces can help keep us inspired to make art. In this episode, we suggest ways to make your creative space work for you, explore why creating in solitude might not be necessary for everyone, and why it’s important to not let less-than-ideal circumstances stop you from creating. Robyn continues her creative pause, and Michelle focuses on her album and career.
Recorded on May 25th, 2024
Timestamps:
(0:29) Intro(0:43) Check-in with Robyn(1:04) Check-in with Michelle(3:36) Main topic: setting up your creative environment(10:26) Reducing friction(14:28) Remove distractions and interruptions…?(24:32) Make your space fun, inspiring, and comfortable(30:38) Create separation in your space(32:13) Keep your space clean enough to be functional(36:09) Don’t compare your space to someone else’s(46:35) Expectations(51:21) Final thoughts(55:47) Robyn’s next couple of weeks(58:11) Outro
Links:
Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/ Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/ Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/ Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/ Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemonettemusic/ Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64o4jtMmYWJE-7qVoLxtQA Please feel free to send questions and comments to streamofartpodcast@gmail.com Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv
Credits:
Podcast art by: Robyn LesterTheme music by: Michelle MonettePodcast editing by: Michelle Monette

Episode 22 - Building a Creative Habit

In this episode, we tackle the topic of building a creative habit. We start by examining how habits work, with the help of James Clear’s book Atomic Habits, and then offer five strategies to help you get started building your own. Robyn plays Stardew Valley and Michelle begins a full life slow overhaul.
Recorded on May 12th, 2024
Timestamps:
(0:30) Intro
(2:35) Robyn’s last few weeks
(11:53) Michelle’s last few weeks
(15:10) Notion, please sponsor us
(15:31) Some albums to check out
(16:03) Main topic: Building a creative habit
(16:21) How habits work (Atomic Habits)
(21:51) James Clear, please sponsor us
(22:40) Habit Strategy 1: Start Small
(25:08) Habit Strategy 2: Track Your Habit
(31:35) Habit Strategy 3: Don’t Break the Chain, and Learn to Recover When You Do
(42:09) Habit Strategy 4: Pick the Right Time and Consider Your Energy Levels
(47:12) Habit Strategy 5: Develop the Right Mindset
(52:50) Final thoughts
(57:21) Robyn’s next couple of weeks
(57:42) Michelle’s next couple of weeks
(59:03) Outro
Resources, references, and further exploration:
The Easiest Way to Create Recurring Tasks in Notion (2024) - Thomas Frank Explains
Thing. by Courtney Swain and Kyle Harris
The Loop by Jordan Rakei
Don’t break the chain
The Two-Day Rule - Matt D’Avella
Michelle’s blog post How to Build a Regular Practice Habit
Michelle’s blog post Regain Your Rhythm
Michelle’s blog post Focus on the Process, Not on the Prize
Michelle’s blog post Leading and Lagging Indicators
Books mentioned:
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Quotes, ideas, and insights:
“Well-being is realized by small steps, but is truly no small thing.” - Zeno, quoted in Diogenes Laertius, Lives of the Eminent Philosophers, 7.1.26 (from The Daily Stoic)
“So in the majority of other things, we address circumstances not in accordance with the right assumptions, but mostly by following wretched habit. Since all that I’ve said is the case, the person in training must seek to rise above, so as to stop seeking out pleasure and steering away from pain; to stop clinging to living and abhorring death; and in the case of property and money, to stop valuing receiving over giving.” - Musonius Rufus, Lectures, 6.25.5-11 (from The Daily Stoic)
Links:
Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/
Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/
Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/
Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/
Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemonettemusic/
Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64o4jtMmYWJE-7qVoLxtQA
Please feel free to send questions and comments to streamofartpodcast@gmail.com
Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv
Credits:
Podcast art by: Robyn Lester
Theme music by: Michelle Monette
Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette

Episode 21 - Mentally Regrouping - Part 2

Part two of our mental regroup episode. We pick up where episode 20 left off, sharing ideas for the podcast, identifying the problem with routines, and exploring why so many of us are struggling these days. Robyn prepares for a trip and Michelle longs for a life overhaul. 
Recorded on April 20th, 2024
Timestamps:
(1:07) Podcast book club
(3:13) Creative challenges
(6:58) The problem with routines
(10:38) A change of scenery
(11:24) Mentally regrouping
(19:37) A tough season
(23:49) Having a positive creative outlet
(29:04) Self-awareness
(31:12) You are where you are
(32:18) Thoughts and ideas
(38:40) Robyn’s next couple of weeks
(40:11) Michelle’s next couple of weeks
(42:24) Outro
Books mentioned:
Master of Change by Brad Stulberg
Links:
Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/
Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/
Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/
Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/
Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemonettemusic/
Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64o4jtMmYWJE-7qVoLxtQA
Please feel free to send questions and comments to streamofartpodcast@gmail.com
Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv
Credits:
Podcast art by: Robyn Lester
Theme music by: Michelle Monette
Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette

Episode 20 - Mentally Regrouping - Part 1

In this episode, we give ourselves a chance to mentally regroup. Our conversation touches on multiple topics, including why we feel like we have to fill up all our time with work, the interconnection of art and personal growth, and solving the right problems. 
Recorded on April 20th, 2024
Timestamps:
(0:28) Intro
(1:14) Robyn’s week
(3:50) We don’t have hobbies anymore
(4:54) Emotional cycles
(11:47) Feeling like we have to fill up all of our time
(19:18) Acknowledging our humanness
(20:49) Michelle’s week
(26:41) Episode 20
(30:17) Art and personal growth
(32:08) Solving the right problems
(37:32) Misconceptions about what it means to be an artist
(40:50) Everyone gets to define their relationship with creativity
(43:05) We don’t have it all figured out
(46:40) People who position themselves as experts
(56:33) Outro
Resources, references, and further exploration:
Ogres have layers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJQmVZSAqlc
Books mentioned:
Clear Thinking by Shane Parrish: https://fs.blog/clear/
Think Again by Adam Grant: https://adamgrant.net/book/think-again/
Quotes, ideas, and insights:
“In my walks, every man I meet is my superior in some way, and in that I learn from him.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Links:
Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/
Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/
Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/
Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/
Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemonettemusic/
Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64o4jtMmYWJE-7qVoLxtQA
Please feel free to send questions and comments to streamofartpodcast@gmail.com
Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv
Credits:
Podcast art by: Robyn Lester
Theme music by: Michelle Monette
Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette

Episode 19 - Courage

We know all too well how much fear holds us back—both in art and in life.  But what can we do to overcome it? In this episode, we talk about courage. We explore the difference between loud and quiet courage, discuss how courage looks different for everyone, and share ways to cultivate it in our lives. Robyn is feeling the effects of not sleeping enough and Michelle’s cold derails her week.
Recorded on April 14th, 2024
Timestamps:
(0:28) Intro (0:43) Robyn's week (5:29) Michelle's week (8:52) Main topic: Courage (10:35) What constitutes a courageous act in society (13:44) Courage is about the feeling (17:18) What feels courageous shifts over time (18:24) People who big and why that doesn't work for everyone (25:29) The courage to answer what we're called to do (26:18) Cultivating courage (26:31) Fear as a signal (32:42) Premeditatio malorum (36:16) Making courage a habit (41:35) Being prepared - repetition leads to confidence, confidence leads to courage (46:34) Whether you can prepare or not depends on context (51:52) Video game tangent (57:32) Back on track (58:26) The courage needed to be honest with yourself (1:08:27) Some final notes on courage (1:15:19) Robyn's week ahead (1:17:16) Michelle's week ahead (1:20:04) Outro
Resources, references, and further exploration:
Michelle’s blog post on courage: https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/post/cultivating-the-courage-to-answer-music-s-call
Books mentioned:
Ryan Holiday’s book Courage is Calling: https://www.courageiscalling.com/
Steven Pressfield’s book The War of Art: https://stevenpressfield.com/books/the-war-of-art/
Quotes, ideas, and insights:
“Be scared. You can’t help that. But don’t be afraid.” - William Faulkner
“We suffer more in imagination than in reality.” - Seneca
Links:
Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/
Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/
Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/
Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/
Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemonettemusic/
Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64o4jtMmYWJE-7qVoLxtQA
Please feel free to send questions and comments to streamofartpodcast@gmail.com
Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv
Credits:
Podcast art by: Robyn Lester
Theme music by: Michelle Monette
Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette

Episode 18 - Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is a frustrating obstacle many of us struggle to overcome. Our conversation this week stretches wide and goes deep as we explore how imposter syndrome has held us back and what we might do to help us move forward in our lives and art. Robyn ups her social media game and Michelle’s artist date plans are thwarted by a sudden cold. 
Recorded on April 7th, 2024
Timestamps:
(0:27) Intro(0:41) Robyn's week(1:52) Michelle's week(18:46) Main topic: Imposter syndrome(19:41) The frustration of knowing it's holding you back.(21:02) Confidence doesn't always grow alongside experience.(22:57) Learning and realizing what you still don't know.(26:21) A fear of being wrong and sharing thoughts that don't add to the conversation.(28:25) "Fake it 'til you make it"(32:43) Embracing our flaws and messiness(39:44) It's all tied together(42:51) We can't be for everyone(44:38) Adam Grant's book Think Again(45:53) Possible benefits of imposter syndrome(47:17) Confident humility(48:39) Being afraid of feeling stupid(51:49) Living with integrity(53:37) It takes courage(55:45) One step at a time(59:05) Being right in the thick of it(1:02:15) Being a work in progress(1:06:07) We promise we're not starting a cult...(1:07:01) Books, books, and more books(1:10:47) Robyn's week ahead(1:18:29) Michelle's week ahead
Books mentioned:
Adam Grant’s book Think Again: https://adamgrant.net/book/think-again/
Cal Newport’s books Slow Productivity: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/722732/slow-productivity-by-cal-newport/ and Digital Minimalism: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/575667/digital-minimalism-by-cal-newport/
Glennon Doyle’s book Untamed: https://untamedbook.com/
Tiago Forte’s book Building a Second Brain: https://www.buildingasecondbrain.com/book
Quotes referenced:
“When you wake up in the morning, tell yourself: The people I deal with today will be meddling, ungrateful, arrogant, dishonest, jealous, and surly. They are like this because they can’t tell good from evil. But I have seen the beauty of good, and the ugliness of evil, and have recognized that the wrongdoer has a nature related to my own—not of the same blood or birth, but the same mind, and possessing a share of the divine. And so none of them can hurt me. No one can implicate me in ugliness. Nor can I feel angry at my relative, or hate him. We were born to work together like feet, hands, and eyes, like the two rows of teeth, upper and lower. To obstruct each other is unnatural. To feel anger at someone, to turn your back on him: these are obstructions.” - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 2.1
Links:
Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/
Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/
Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/
Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/
Please feel free to send questions and comments to streamofartpodcast@gmail.com
Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv
Credits:
Podcast art by: Robyn Lester
Theme music by: Michelle Monette
Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette

Episode 17 - Inspiration

As artists, we often long for the thrilling feeling of being deeply inspired. But are our current ideas about inspiration actually doing us a disservice? In this episode, we share the ways we find inspiration and explore how thinking about it differently might be to our benefit. Robyn practices pushing past her fear of rejection and Michelle realizes how overwhelmed she feels.
Recorded on March 30th, 2024
Timestamps:
Intro [0:28]Robyn's week [0:41]A fear of rejection realization [2:04] Michelle's week [6:53] Shifting focus [14:21] Managing tasks and time [17:54] Main topic: Inspiration [22:53] Activities to help foster inspiration [25:06] Taking care of yourself [26:45] Inspiration isn't constant [29:12] Input and output sources of inspiration [30:34] Deliberately seeking out inspiration [35:33] Getting outside of our heads [40:29] Quiet and loud inspiration [41:37] Inspiration and art business [44:40] Primary and secondary focus [50:52] Pursuing art on the side [52:35] Loud and quiet inspiration support one another [54:30] The modern myth of only creating from big inspiration [57:10] Releasing judgment around how other artists make money [1:04:32] Inspiration, creativity, and money [1:10:31] Robyn's week ahead [1:13:07] Michelle's week ahead [1:14:14] Outro [1:15:21]
Links:
Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/
Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/
Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/
Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/
Please feel free to send questions and comments to streamofartpodcast@gmail.com
Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv
Credits:
Podcast art by: Robyn Lester
Theme music by: Michelle Monette
Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette

Episode 16 - How We Approach Learning Art and Music

With so many different ways to approach learning art and music (or any craft, for that matter), we decided to share how we each think about it. We explore how our approaches have differed—while still serving us on each of our journeys—and offer some suggestions to help listeners find their own way through art or music. Robyn celebrates a website win and Michelle feels at home being back in her routine. 
Recorded on March 23rd, 2024
Timestamps:
Intro [0:29] Robyn's week [0:45] Michelle's week [9:48] Robyn's approach to learning art [21:14] Learning methodically versus as you go [22:10] Find someone who is in your corner [26:13] How Michelle thinks about learning music [35:23] Rant regrets [36:53] There is no key to unlocking music [40:11] Defining broader categories when learning music [43:39] Proficiency [45:59] The difference between technique and techniques [46:10] Relating to visual art [48:27] Musicianship [49:06] Artistry [52:53] Where to focus when you're starting out [58:08] Make music with others [1:07:27] Developing taste [1:10:16] Building range [1:22:34] Some final advice [1:25:39] Robyn's week ahead [1:38:04] Michelle's week ahead: 1:39:28] Outro [1:40:15]
Resources, references, and further exploration:
Michelle’s blog post, related to this episode, on the three areas of musical development: https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/post/the-three-areas-of-musical-development
How to Listen to Jazz by Ted Gioia: https://www.tedgioia.com/books-and-recordings
What to Listen For in Music by Aaron Copland: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/303445/what-to-listen-for-in-music-by-aaron-copland/
Slow Productivity by Cal Newport: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/722732/slow-productivity-by-cal-newport/
Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits
Quotes, ideas, and insights referenced:
“Don’t be overheard complaining…Not even to yourself.” — Marcus Aurelius, 8.9
Links:
Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/
Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/
Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/
Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/
Please feel free to send questions and comments to streamofartpodcast@gmail.com
Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv
Credits:
Podcast art by: Robyn Lester
Theme music by: Michelle Monette
Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette

Episode 15 - Routines

This week's episode is all about routines. We explore the benefits of maintaining a consistent routine, share the routines we’ve built, and offer suggestions for how to build one of your own. Robyn finds a way to enjoy cooking and Michelle rants about misleading YouTube guitar ads. 
Recorded on March 17th, 2024
Timestamps:
Intro [0:29]Robyn's week [0:46]Michelle's week [1:51]The necessity of routines and boundaries [2:49]Building a routine around your goals and trusting the process [4:43]It's easy to let ourselves off the hook [5:52]Not letting our energy levels dictate what we do [7:38]Work smart, not hard [9:01]Building in flexibility [9:28]Managing energy levels [11:55]Sometimes to need to learn the same lesson before it sticks [13:22]Backsliding helps you learn [15:34}Getting back into a routine [17:51]Robyn's routine [19:04]Michelle's routine [35:55]Treating yourself with respect [49:25]The right thing isn't convenient [53:46]Nobody feels good after going to McDonalds [56:11]Addressing what's blocking you from doing the thing [1:02:19]Building a routine through experimentation [1:04:31]Make it so you don't have to think about it [1:05:14]Routine review [1:06:32]The importance of taking action [1:10:39]The routine building process [1:12:53]Working with your chronotype [1:17:30]Stop looking to other people for answers [1:22:50]No life hacks here, folks [1:24:15]Michelle's diatribe [1:24:58]Robyn's week ahead [1:30:35]Michelle's week ahead [1:31:44]Outro [1:32:25]
Resources, references, and further exploration:
Michelle’s blog post on the best routine: https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/post/the-best-routine
Michelle’s blog post on how to recover when your routine is derailed https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/post/regain-your-rhythm
Michelle’s blog post on working with your chronotype: https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/post/larks-and-owls
Michelle’s blog post on how there’s no key to unlocking music: https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/post/there-is-no-key-to-unlocking-music
Masterson Sta-Wet Palette https://mastersonart.com
Make Time by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky https://maketime.blog/
Quotes, ideas, and insights:
"It's really about building this support system that honours who I am now and where I am now, but also sets me up for the version of myself that I want to be." - Michelle
"It really comes down to just treating yourself with respect. And sometimes respect involves doing things that you really don't feel like doing." - Robyn
Links:
Learn more about Robyn at https://www.robynlester.com/
Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynlester.art/
Learn more about Michelle at https://www.michellemonettemusic.com/
Follow Stream of Art on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/streamofartpodcast/
Please feel free to send questions and comments to streamofartpodcast@gmail.com
Connect with like-minded artists and creatives at our Discord server: https://discord.gg/mHa8GSQqsv
Credits:
Podcast art by: Robyn Lester
Theme music by: Michelle Monette
Podcast editing by: Michelle Monette