In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "World of Art" Podcast, contemporary figurative artist and art historian Victoria Chick wraps up her three-part “Evolution of Art Materials” series with a fascinating glimpse into the history of pencils and drawing tools.

From early silver wire to the discovery of graphite, this engaging conversation explores how natural resources have shaped artistic innovation for centuries. Victoria explains why pencils were once considered a military material, how erasers evolved, and what artists should know about lightfastness in colored pencils. The discussion also highlights the enduring connection between nature, chemistry, and creative expression, along with the role of art materials in restoration, education, and community engagement.

Victoria Chick is the visionary behind the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center in Silver City, New Mexico, and is known for making art history accessible and engaging for artists and enthusiasts alike.

🔗 Read Victoria’s companion article: https://bigblendarts.substack.com/p/evolution-of-art-materials MORE TO EXPLORE * Victoria’s Portfolio: https://victoriachick.com/ * World of Art Podcast: https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/ * Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/

In this empowering episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever (Supervision Matters & Leading for Justice) shares practical, sustainable self-care strategies for leaders, supervisors, employers, and employees alike.

In today’s demanding work environments, self-care isn’t optional—it’s essential. Rita discusses how daily routines, supportive systems, healthy boundaries, and positive self-talk can reduce stress, strengthen resilience, and improve workplace culture. She also explains how leaders who model healthy habits create more productive, engaged, and balanced teams.

In recognition of National Leadership Day, this conversation is a timely reminder that modeling healthy habits is part of great leadership.

📌 Resources & Links: 🔹 Rita Sever: https://supervisionmatters.com/

🔹 NEW! Supervision Matters Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/Supervision-Matters-Magazine-2026/

🔹 Listen to all SUPERVISION MATTERS episodes: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/

"My heart was very loud... it would gurgle and swirl. People could hear me before I entered a room."

In this inspiring episode, psychotherapist, educator, and author Sally Dukes joins us to discuss her powerful memoir, "drummer girl," and the life-changing journey that shaped it.

Born with a congenital heart disorder (CHD), Sally faced a near-death experience at a young age—a moment in the "Orange Machine" that forever transformed her understanding of life, death, and the "Purple Love" of the afterlife.

In this heartfelt and intimate audio feature, Sally explores: - The Therapeutic Journey: How her childhood trauma and heart journey guided her path as a therapist.

- Inner Stillness & Outer Travel: How meditation, travel, silence, and deep self-reflection became a pilgrimage toward truth.

- Storytelling as Medicine: The process of writing a memoir as a tool for self-discovery and healing.

- Being Present: Navigating today’s distraction-filled world by leaning into silence and stillness.

From the medical threshold to meaningful journeys in the outer world, this thoughtful discussion offers comfort, perspective, and encouragement for anyone navigating loss, change, or their own spiritual path.

Pre-Order "drummer girl" (Launching March 17, 2026) and learn more about Sally Dukes at https://www.sallydukes.com/