In this episode, abstract painter Gwen Hollingsworth shares how she blends spirituality and structure in her creative practice. Drawing from influences like Buddhism and Jungian thought, Gwen reflects on building a professional art career while staying true to her inner world. She shares insights from her solo show in New York, her experience at the Silver Art residency, and how business tools like a clear studio space, an elevator pitch, and consistent follow-up have helped her grow with purpose.

“Rejection is protection. If something doesn’t work out, it’s often for a reason - and that opens the door for something better.”

– Gwen Hollingsworth

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Gwen's Artistic Philosophy

01:11 The Importance of Studio Space

02:16 Description of the Artwork Incantation

03:23 Spirituality and Artistic Practice

04:41 Residencies and Experimentation

06:20 Building Connections in the Art World

09:01 The Role of Social Media in an Artist's Career

13:35 The Value of Peer Support and Community

20:24 Applying for Residencies and Facing Rejection

25:13 Financial Realities and Advice for Emerging Artists

Links to artworks discussed

1. Incantation, Heartlines, and Siren can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here.
2. For high resolution versions of the artworks mentioned, access the members-only full unabridged conversation here.

Resources

• Silver Art Projects: https://www.silverart.org/
• Artsy: https://www.artsy.net/
• New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA): https://www.nyfa.org/

Connect with Gwen:

• Website: https://www.gwenhollingsworth.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwenhollingsworth/

Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:

• Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration: https://professionalartist.com/letter
• Join ≈1,000 committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistaccelerator

Free training and resources:

• Free training on how to find art buyers without a big following here.
• Free insider report on how Painters, Sculptors, and Fine Art Photographers make their art income stable and consistent here.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.

If you’re an artist, you’ve probably heard it before: “Treat your art like a business.”

But what does that actually look like in real life?

In this episode, painter Christopher Remmers shares how he blends structure with soul building a thriving art practice while staying true to his creative vision.

He talks about how adopting an entrepreneurial mindset doesn’t mean selling out. It means building a system that gives you time, freedom, and clarity.

“Design the life that you want to be living, and then figure out what you need to do in order to live that life.”

– Christopher Remmers

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction

01:16 Time Management and Entrepreneurial Mindset

02:02 Story of Annicha: A Pivotal Work

04:45 The Creative Process: Structure and Intuition

06:53 Building Systems for Creativity and Business

10:10 Designing Your Life as an Artist

13:08 Career Milestones and Zain

17:19 Overcoming Challenges and Resistance

21:38 Peer Support and Returning to Authentic Work

24:45 Mentorship and the Conscious Creativity Academy

Links to artworks discussed

1. Annicha, Zain and Untitled can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here.
2. For high resolution versions of the artworks mentioned, access the members-only full unabridged conversation here.

Resources:

• Conscious Creativity Academy: https://www.christopherremmers.com/courses
• Art Renewal Center (ARC): https://www.artrenewal.org/

Connect with Christopher:

• Website: https://www.christopherremmers.com/
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/christopherremmers

Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:

• Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration: https://professionalartist.com/letter
• Join ≈1,000 committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistaccelerator

Free training and resources:

• Free training on how to find art buyers without a big following here.
• Free insider report on how Painters, Sculptors, and Fine Art Photographers make their art income stable and consistent here.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with another artist and leave us a review. We read every single one.

The art world is always changing. It's a dynamic space where creativity and business intersect. Staying true to your craft can feel overwhelming, and knowing where to start is never easy.

Welcome to The Professional Artist Podcast. We’re your hosts, Miguel Mayher and Cristina Demiany. This show is all about what it really takes to build a successful, sustainable art career. With depth, nuance, and, most importantly, honesty, we pull back the curtain on the strategies that actually work.

Each week, we invite incredible guests to take us on a curated audio journey through their work, the pivotal moments that shaped them, and the decisions that propelled them forward. We’ll also shine a light on the mentors and peers who helped them along the way.

And we won’t shy away from the business side of things. From building strong gallery relationships to making the most of digital platforms and creating new income streams, we’ll explore how you can grow your career without ever compromising your creative vision. Whether you're emerging or already established, you’ll walk away with fresh inspiration and real, actionable advice.

The Professional Artist Podcast is coming soon. Available wherever you listen.