In this episode of The Art Elevator, host Larissa Wild sits down with Emily McCulliss to explore a creative path shaped by curiosity, science, and lived experience. With a background in biology, neuroscience, and psychology, Emily shares how her journey, from marine research and global travel to endurance athletics and deep-ocean encounters, ultimately led her to photography as a way of seeing, understanding, and engaging with the world.

This conversation moves beyond gear and technique to examine what it truly means to become a photographer: listening to intuition, responding to moments of awe, and allowing curiosity to guide both creative practice and life decisions. Emily reflects on transformative experiences across the globe, the courage to follow unlikely paths, and how art can emerge when we align with what calls us forward.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The role of curiosity in creative becoming

• Bridging science, observation, and visual storytelling

• Letting intuition guide artistic evolution

• How profound experiences in nature reshape perspective

• Redefining success through alignment and purpose

This episode is an invitation to consider how creativity unfolds, not as a destination, but as a continuous act of becoming.

To see more about Emily McCullis and sign up for her email list, go to: https://www.emilymcculliss.com/

To sign up for our podcast mailing list go to: https://larissawild.com/podcast-signup

🎙 Episode Summary:
In this powerful episode, internationally recognized appraiser and thought leader Alvah Beander returns to The Art Elevator to discuss how families can preserve cultural memory, personal property, and intergenerational wealth through art. Alvah is the founder of Legacy of Value: Art Across Generations, and the first African American fellow in arts and antiques of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. With her deep knowledge and passion, she offers transformative insights into the often-overlooked emotional and cultural significance of collections—and how to plan responsibly for the future.

💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why "value" is about more than price—it's about history, impact, and meaning.
• How to start involving the next generation in preserving family collections.
• The biggest misconceptions about legacy, inheritance, and what families truly value.
• Why personal property like art and quilts requires different estate planning approaches than stocks or real estate.
• How race, culture, and community histories shape legacy and the stewardship of objects.
• The critical role of qualified appraisers in legacy planning and estate management—and why DIY doesn't cut it.
• Steps you can take today to document your own collection.

🛠 Practical Takeaways:

• Start by photographing your collection and recording stories orally.
• Involve your children or grandchildren in the process—they bring tech-savvy and fresh perspective.
• Assemble a team of professionals: appraisers, estate attorneys, wealth advisors, and accountants.
• Don't wait—legacy planning is an act of love and clarity.

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Legacy of Value: Visit Alvah Beander's Website
• Stay informed and inspired: Join the Art Elevator Email List
• Follow Larissa Wild Fine Art on Instagram
• Follow Artifactual History on Instagram

📢 Special Thanks:

This episode is brought to you by Artifactual History and Larissa Wild Fine Art—bringing meaningful stories and artworks to collectors and communities alike.