This week I've had the brilliant, courageous Stephanie Elizondo Griest on the podcast to talk about her new book "Art Above Everything." In it she explores how women sacrifice for their artwork and whether or not it's worth it. Stephanie interviewed over 70 women around the world who have moved mountains for their art. Some of them are in some of the harshest conditions imaginable and yet they still make time, space, and gather resources to create. Many of them do this with a desire to do good in the world and have make a huge positive impact. Stephanie has travelled all around the world to interview these women, attend their festivals, and learn about the challenges they have overcome. She helps us understand what inspires these women and makes this process sustainable for them. She also has sacrificed hugely to write her books, so we talk about the steps she has gone through to bring her work into reality. We talk at length about the concept of an "art monk" and the artist's role as a teacher, leader, and purveyor of spiritual connection. I truly enjoyed this conversation and loved reading her book. She will be touring around the US this summer, giving readings and books signings. I encourage you to check to see if your city is on her book tour. I will certainly be in the audience when she comes to Asheville.

Website: http://www.StephanieElizondoGriest.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selizondogriest/

Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/sgriest.bsky.social