Art Sisters Podcast

01/01/2024

Thank you for contributing to our warm and supportive network. The openness and insights shared are the cornerstone of our thriving artist network. Thank you for being you!

We are looking forward to new collaborations with our growing community!

Upcoming:
❤️ Safe spaces book, interactive exhibit, and more
❤️ Group exhibit in Prague
❤️ New podcast releases
❤️ New Brno cohort starting January 22- last spot available, see website for details
❤️ Bella Valentina Retreats
❤️ & much more!

With ❤️ ✨
Valentine




www.artconnectsociety.com

16/11/2023

Full episode here:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7BP3qT1L0DfdINO5mVx0AP?si=KBJ8ggQzS0aqT98pem1ynQ

04/10/2023

NEW EPISODE IS OUT!
Join Valentine and inspiring Dutch artist Ellen Holleman as they unpack small but mighty steps toward a more conscious practice and living.

In their fun and inspiring conversation, they explore differences in environmental factors, some practical steps for making incremental sustainability shifts in the studio, the concept of doing the least harm, presenting visual narratives in a way that open dialogue from a non-judgemental, wonder, perspective, even the ways that how we move about the world foster different types of engagement and attitudes toward and with life and living.

Take a deeper look at the mindful exploration of the urban landscape, its people, places, and moments Ellen Holleman www.ellenholleman.nl

Connect with our platform
www.artconnectsociety.com

Connect with Valentine
Bella Valentina Art

FULL EPISODE:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7dFJrqJ4rdYsWWSCPAnT0P?si=M9JoDeE_RtSQLlvkgVtz7g

03/10/2023

Ellen Holleman reminds us to think outside the box when it comes to materials.

Coming soon on the we’ll dive in and uncover some of the ways she shifted towards a more sustainable practice.

'Guardian of the Void'

12/09/2023

16/05/2023

New Episode out now! ✨

Join us for this incredibly fun and inspiring conversation with KAT FURTADO!

Valentine connects with Kat, a dynamic multidimensional contemporary mixed-media artist from San Diego, California. Furtado is a certified and licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) with a Master's of Art in Communication Science and Disorders. Her background as an SLP informs her work as an artist. Storytelling, emotions, and recurrent themes of humanity are woven with care into her ethereal, abstract artwork. She shares about how community supported her in clarifying her work and vision. We discuss micro-adjustments that can help you connect with collectors, make a positive impact, and so much more!

Full episode

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7oXamkEKJc6nLPfST6k3Gr?si=02_UiR2aTzGXRbq8uqly1Q

� �www.artconnectsociety.com�www.katfurtadoart.com

05/05/2023

28/03/2023

Beautiful work by Andrea Ehret our episode 5 guest!

28/03/2023

Did you catch our latest episode with artist The Arts of Dream / Klára Rybička Šiška?

Out Now! ✨

This one is such a special episode for me with my beautiful and inspiring dear friend Klara, someone I’ve been art-ing along with for so many years! Fun fact- we met in a drumming workshop!!! ❤️

Art Sisters Podcast Episode 11:
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.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3YBS0vLO0JyPYAyl9dRRuS?si=Ikn7tG9eRKeYbtClD3zngQ

www.klarasiska.cz
www.artconnectsociety.com

28/03/2023

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

Check it out 🙂

Bella Valentina Art Kristi Lei Music

06/03/2023

06/02/2023

Take a listen to this special episode with inspiring Ukranian 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.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/20TT2rZolWQum8s2fL5ybl?si=YgAc-E7NTFqv-9aHfER5wA

05/01/2023

How’s your start to the new year going? Finding time to reflect and create?

Check out this artist for some inspiration:
Owen Walsh (artist) is a musician from Northeastern Pennsylvania and he just released his first full length album, On My Way. His album includes songs about things like nightmares, the apocalypse, drinking rye whiskey, staying optimistic, and living in a small town. With inspirations from Bob Dylan and American Folk roots Owen’s rich voice and captivating storytelling is a much needed listen.

05/01/2023

How’s your start to the new year going? Finding time to reflect and create?

Check out this amazing artist for some inspiration: Joanna Pilarczyk is a London-based contemporary figurative painter and art educator. In her recent vibrant paintings, she focuses on leisure, intimacy, self-awareness, and relationship with other people and also nature. Her work is serene, inquisitive, and real!! Give her some love!

Joanna is also featured in “Painting Our World: Personal Stories Of Artistic Ingenuity And Triumph”. Check the book out on Amazon or at Bella Valentina Art

12/12/2022

☀️New Episode!!☀️

Take a listen to a quick conversation between Valentine and Kristi (plus two surprise guests) all about prepping for a show! The Art Sisters dive into what it is like to connect with a multilingual audience, how they mentally prepare for a show, publicize it, and so much more.

We are so grateful for the love we have been receiving recently! 💕Keep letting us know how you are enjoying and what you want to hear from our amazing guests

06/12/2022

Have a listen to the amazing Andrea Ehret as she discusses confidence, meditation routines, and balance as an artist, art therapist, and mother.

You can find Episode 5 out NOW on any podcast platform at Art Sisters Podcast

06/12/2022

Join Valentine and Kristi as they sit down with Andrea Ehret, a painter, art therapist, and mother based in Prague to share experiences in building a sense of security while navigating the art world. From finding financial stability to stealing moments in the day to breathe, paint, and create. Andrea and the Art Sisters try to figure out how to not overfill their cups.

How does inner confidence and security affect your art practice and business? How do you give yourself and your family enough energy while still doing all of the things? Andrea’s meditation process is deeply connected to her ethereal paintings and work as an art therapist.

28/11/2022

Two weeks ago, we had the absolute pleasure of meeting, chatting, and playing some music with the amazing Grammy-nominated, blues musician, Jontavious Willis, during his Czech and Polish tour with the HOOCHIE COOCHIE BAND. We were so impressed by Jontavious’ incredible musicianship and his natural ability to capture an audience. Thanks, Jontavious Willis , for sharing a bit of your story with us before heading back to the US (and performing at the Grand Ole Opry, wow). We cannot wait to chat again soon

26/11/2022

Hey Lindsay!
We love your work so much and are loving this new wave of work you’ve been creating! We would love to sit down with you and chat about settling into life in Belize and how your creativity is spinning in new ways! What do you think?? Can’t wait to see what you work on next 🙂
xx,
Kristi and Valentine

26/11/2022

Check out Paulina Ree’s work in the virtual exhibition, “Our Stories”. This exhibition explores women as generational story tellers. Read below to see how Paulina’s work revolves around stories, mental health, and music’s role in her practice.
(And let us know what you might want us to ask her on a podcast episode ;))

with .repost
・・・
Work by Paulina Ree currently on view in our virtual exhibition "Our Stories". "My work revolves around themes of memory, rumination, mental health, and human experience, with particular focus on the emotions of raising children in the absence of a “village.” My work expresses the longing I have for the life I knew growing up. It also explores the ways I am learning to love myself through cultivating mindfulness and practicing regular self-love, as well as nourishing my soul through being involved in art communities. It is an introspection as much as it is a story of the life I have lived and of those who have been a part of it.
Art has always been an integral part of who I am. Since 2021 I have been regularly working in my art practice.
I use music and old photographs as my main inspiration. I find comfort in the music that was with me during my upbringing. Mostly boleros and pasillos, music styles popular to my native Ecuador. The songs are mostly romantic, with slow tempos, many talk about treachery and broken hearts. These songs convey deep feelings of nostalgia and melancholy. I am currently working on a series titled after well known boleros."

14/11/2022

What did you do to fill your cup this weekend??

Valentine had a creative, outdoorsy weekend hosting a residency! Spending time in nature with other artists and creating art together is so refreshing. Check out our latest episode with .in.art from this weekend!!

Kristi spent the weekend strolling the streets of Amsterdam with friends and exploring some gorgeous museums. Exploring a new city, especially with old friends, helps to clear your head a bit.

What did you do this weekend to feel a little more refreshed?



Bella Valentina ArtKristi Lei Music

10/11/2022

Fascinating thing about art: no matter what inspiration was behind your creation, it can trigger something total different in someone else (or you at another time).
So what does this piece trigger for you??

K: Valentine told me it is called “The Art of Dialogue”. I asked her why it was called that and she told me “to think about it.” So while I think on it, what does it mean to you? 🙂

31/10/2022

What color was your childhood bedroom set? Do you think it impacted you??

Swipe to see the last picture I took in my old ORANGE bedroom room (with my two high school best friends) right before I moved to Czech Rep.

Check out our latest episode to hear more about it (and to hear my song “Bedroom Set”)

xx,
-K

31/10/2022

New episode out now!!!

Curious about how a song is built? Is there a formula? Is it gradual process? How does journaling play in?

Kristi unpacks and plays pieces from a new song she’s working on as she and Valentine explore the meaning of “Home.” Join them as they contemplate the symbolism behind Bedroom Set.

26/10/2022

Have you listened to our most recent episode with the amazing Jan “Honza” Svihalek yet? If not, let me give you some encouragement. . .

As Valentine said in her last post, we got to sit down with Honza and talk about the underground music scene in Czech Republic and then got a little taste of it last Saturday. As a history buff and music adventurer, this was definitely up my alley. I am musician who has usually focused on lyrics in songs, but experiences like these, and others that Honza has exposed me to, have brought me back to the basics of music. Reminded me of the way that music can move people transcends language. Emotions, history, and connection can be felt through musical movement in ways that only art can convey. Honza has reminded me about this arguably most important part of a song.

Want to hear some of his words of wisdom and a peak into music history? Take a listen . . . And get ready for another excited episode soon

-K
xx

24/10/2022

Something exciting coming your way!!!
Woot, woot!

24/10/2022

As we are so excited to get things rolling, we decided to release our second episode for you!!

The Art Sisters dig into Valentine’s husband Jan Svihaleks’ path and how that led him to Hill Country Blues and finding his niche.

Recently, Jan assisted in managing and producing Kristi’s EP album, Becoming Memories, and continues to be a musical mentor for her.

Brno guitarist, singer, composer, and lyricist, Jan Švihálek. In 1995, he founded Hoochie Coochie Band, which is still active today, based mainly on the legacy of urban blues of the ’50s. In the 1990’s he was firmly rooted in the Brno experimental underground, participating in the Anna Burešová project. From 2006-2011, he was the guitarist for Nuck Chorris Gang, combining blues, hip hop, and rock into an energetic and humorous mix. Since 2015, he has led Band of Heysek, focused on original work influenced by the rawest offshoots of American blues, especially contemporary electrified similar so-called hill country blues from the Mississippi region. The group debuted in 2017 with the album, Shovel & Mattock, followed two years later by I’m Glad I Met You. In the spring of 2020, the album, Juke My Joint, was released. It was recorded with the legendary guitarist and singer RL Boyce, who was nominated for a Grammy in 2018. The highly acclaimed album, Bad Ideas, was released in Spring 2020, on which Švihálek’s songs with Band of Heysek are played by guitarist Kenny Brown. Recently, he’s been involved in creating music for film, including for the award-winning indie film Zvik Je Zelezna Hul from FoxyMon Production. In his non-musical life, Jan Švihálek is the director of the prestigious private school International School of Brno. He guest lectures on the history and presence of blues music at the Philosophical Faculty at Masaryk University.

Full episode:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7IdlB4c3Lh28KvjPLuWgut?si=I8P8nt8IRXuyKrjAKDZTmw

17/10/2022

Introducing MINDFUL MONDAYs: Mondays trigger some kind of restart in us. Take a little time today to set an intention for your positive restart this week. Give some thanks to yourself and the people who make the start of your week a little better. Comment what you are doing as your mindfulness or who is on your mind today
xx,
art sisters

Hey. . . Kristi here for a little extra :)
This Monday, I am mindfully trying to put a little less of a heavy load on myself, both physically and mentally. I am grateful for my creative partner who reminds me to do this. She also celebrated her birthday yesterday! Everyone give Valentine a (belated) Happy Birthday!
Here's a part of our ever-growing selfie series. Happy Birthday, Val

14/10/2022

We know you’ve been waiting!! So have we and we are so excited!! You can go listen to our Podcast Trailer now!!
Click here to listen, save, and stay up to date with new episodes: https://linktr.ee/artsisterspodcast?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=5589b97a-294d-4826-b9d4-d76d414ce018

17/09/2022

Taking in some wonderful .cz in Czech was absolutely wonderful!

Surprisingly, I understood just about everything! I even translated a few funny lines for Kristi, although knowing the content so well in English she didn’t need much assistance. 😉

Tag a favorite singer/ performer in the comments that you’d like us to interview!! ⤵️