Episodes

  • Creating with Purpose, Sharing Important Stories and Embracing Artistic Power with Michael Carini

    Creating with Purpose, Sharing Important Stories and Embracing Artistic Power with Michael Carini
    Dec 4 2025
    On this episode of the We Are Artists Podcast, host Shannon Shine is joined once again by abstract artist and creative advocate Michael Carini for a heartfelt, honest, and empowering conversation. Michael shares how he’s turned personal grief and life experience into creative fuel — not just to express emotion, but to connect, advocate, and inspire. Together, Shannon and Michael explore what it truly means to use your art as a platform — to speak truth, to build connection, and to empower both the artist and the audience.

    🎧 In This Episode, We Dive Into:
    • How grief and personal loss shaped Michael’s art and deepened his sense of purpose — including the recent loss of a close friend
    • When it’s okay to work for free, and how to discern whether an opportunity truly supports your long-term creative vision
    • The importance of self-promotion and learning to be your own advocate as an artist in an evolving industry
    • Galleries vs. going solo — the risks, rewards, and how to align your work with spaces that match your energy
    • Mental health and artistic expression — how art can be a lifeline for those navigating dark or difficult emotions

      📲 Follow Michael Carini: @acrylicalchemy | cariniarts.com
      🎨 Hosted by Shannon Shine: shannonshineart.com | @shannonshine.official
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Excavations of the Soul: Visionary Art, Emotion, and Installation with Amy Funderburk

    Excavations of the Soul: Visionary Art, Emotion, and Installation with Amy Funderburk
    Nov 19 2025
    In this powerful episode of We Are Artists, host Shannon Shine sits down with Amy Funderburk, a visionary artist known for her emotionally rich painting installations and explorations of the spiritual and emotional realms through art. Together, we explore:
    • The intense creative and emotional labor behind large-scale installations
    • Her latest projects Excavations and The Portal, both supported by North Carolina arts councils and driven by themes of emotional archeology and transformation
    • The process of revisiting and revising older works, and why not dating your art can give it new life
    • The evolving journey of visionary art, and how Amy blends 2D and 3D experiences to bridge the physical with the fluid
    • Thoughts on longevity in creative careers and making space for deeply emotional bodies of work to unfold over time
    Amy’s art invites us to step into the threshold between worlds — the tangible and the unseen, the personal and the collective, the wounded and the transformed. 🎧 Listen now: [Insert Spotify or podcast link]
    🌐 Visit Amy’s website: www.AmyFunderburkArtist.com
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Mediums, Momentum & Inspiration with Chaz Heiber

    Mediums, Momentum & Inspiration with Chaz Heiber
    Nov 13 2025
    In this vibrant and down-to-earth episode of the We Are Artists Podcast, host Shannon Shine sits down with multidisciplinary artist Chaz Heiber to talk about the beauty of creating — not just alone, but together. Chaz shares his experience working across different mediums, with a special love for pastels, and reflects on how much inspiration he finds through collaborative spaces, music festivals, and live art events. Whether painting alongside friends or vibing with the creative energy of a festival crowd, his process is all about connection, expression, and staying inspired. Together, they explore:
    • Making time to create art in a busy life
    • The joy of sharing space with other creators
    • How community events and gatherings fuel artistic momentum
    • Some of Chaz’s favorite pieces and personal artistic milestones
    • Tips for staying grounded and expressive using accessible materials like pastels
    This episode is a celebration of creative community — a reminder that art doesn’t always have to be solitary. Sometimes the most meaningful pieces are born in the company of others, with music playing, ideas flowing, and hearts open.
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Anya Amador on Artist Professionalism, Murals, and Empowered Artistry

    Anya Amador on Artist Professionalism, Murals, and Empowered Artistry
    Nov 12 2025
    Episode Highlight – Anya Amador on Professionalism, Murals, and Empowered Artistry
    This Episode on We Are Artists, we had the immense pleasure of interviewing Anya Amador—a powerhouse muralist, educator, and co-founder of Art in Session, a creative resource hub helping artists build their careers with confidence.🎨 Professionalism in PracticeAnya shared a wealth of real-world insight about what it means to take yourself seriously as an artist. From showing up on time to knowing your rates and boundaries, she emphasized how professionalism isn't about “selling out”—it’s about honoring your craft, building trust, and making a sustainable life from your art.She offered tips on:
    • The three must-have materials every artist should bring to events

    • Why signage and display matter more than you think

    • How to present your work so that people understand who you are at a glance

    “If someone lands on your Instagram and can’t tell what you do in 30 seconds, they’re probably going to move on.”📱 Your Instagram = Your PortfolioWe dug deep into the role of social media in today’s art world. Anya shares why your Instagram should be curated like a portfolio—and not just a scrapbook of your personal life. Potential clients, galleries, and collaborators are often making decisions based on your feed alone. So clarity, consistency, and professionalism are key.🤝 The Power of Collaboration & Following UpFrom mural collabs to co-creating platforms like Art in Session, Anya spoke about how working with others has expanded her opportunities and audience. But she also reminded us: Collaboration doesn’t replace follow-through. Reaching out, following up, and building relationships are essential for turning opportunities into action.🎨 Murals, Magic, and Personal MissionWe also talked about murals and how transformative public art can be. For Anya, large-scale work is not only fun—it’s deeply fulfilling. She shares stories of her own journey, her inspirations, and what she hopes to see more of in the evolving art world: equity, access, and empowered self-expression.📌 Listen now on your favorite podcast app and visit AnyaAmador.com🎧 Listen now and let it move you.
    🔗 -> SPOTIFY <- https://open.spotify.com/show/7kDor1rPUMmLMvDzLYXIEu?si=5de81300f1bc4121

    📲 Follow Ania
    https://www.facebook.com/AniaAmadorArthttps://www.instagram.com/aniaamador/https://www.instagram.com/deliberatecreation/?hl=enhttps://aniaamador.com/

    📲 Follow The Host Shannon Shine:
    @ShannonShine.official - Instagram
    @ShantasticShine - TikTok

    📲 Follow The Network:
    @BringMe2LifeOfficial - Instagram
    @Bring Me 2 Life Network - Facebook
    Community Facebook Group! -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/bringme2lifecommunity/
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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • Acrylic Alchemy and Art for Healing with Michael Carini

    Acrylic Alchemy and Art for Healing with Michael Carini
    Nov 5 2025
    In this emotional and empowering episode, Shannon Shine sits down with abstract painter and creative force Michael Carini, best known for his powerful colorful artwork and inspiring reminders to keep going as an artist.

    Michael’s work fuses vibrant abstraction with deep emotional resonance… inviting viewers into a journey of transformation, vulnerability, and healing.Together, they explore:
    • The impact of losing both parents and how grief reshaped his artistic path
    • The power of daily discipline and creative motivation
    • Why safe spaces for artists are crucial in today’s world
    • Art as a tool for mental health, expression, and survival
    • His passion for building community through connection, storytelling, and shared experience
    Whether you’re an artist, a healer, or someone seeking creative connection, this episode is a reminder that art is more than a product — it’s a process, a purpose, and sometimes, a lifeline.🎧 Listen now and let this story move you.
    📲 Follow Michael: https://www.instagram.com/acrylicalchemy/?hl=en
    Website: https://cariniarts.com/pages/about
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Art, Grief, and Finding Joy Again with Fierce Sonia

    Art, Grief, and Finding Joy Again with Fierce Sonia
    Oct 29 2025
    In this powerful and intimate episode, I sit down with multidisciplinary artist Fierce Sonia to explore the intersection of creativity, grief, and rediscovered joy. 🌿 Together, we reflect on her current projects — from curating community sketchbook shows and hosting mixed media labs to preparing for local markets and connecting deeply with subscribers through zines and art mail. She opens up about the recent loss of her mother and how that experience has reshaped her relationship with art, rest, and joy. Through vulnerability, creative ritual, and community support, she’s navigating what it means to keep creating while healing. We also dive into:
    • Monthly sketchbook meetups and the power of micro-lessons
    • Attending a women’s songwriting retreat in Virginia
    • The gentle magic of Muse Zoom sessions and creative breathing space
    • Saying yes to slowness, reflection, and inspiration
    This episode is a gentle reminder that creativity can hold space for both sorrow and celebration. ✨ 🎧 Listen now and let it move you.

    📲 Follow
    https://www.instagram.com/fiercesonia/

    Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/fierce.sonia.2022



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    46 mins
  • Dreamlike Design & Artistic Evolution with Josh Audiss

    Dreamlike Design & Artistic Evolution with Josh Audiss
    Oct 1 2025
    In this episode, I sit down with visionary artist and designer Josh Audiss, whose work gracefully bridges the worlds of fine art, murals, apparel design, and immersive installations.We dive into Josh’s artistic evolution — from his early roots in Omaha, Nebraska, to his cross-medium explorations in acrylic, oil, graphic art, and decorative design. His art dances between Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Surrealism, creating rich, dreamlike experiences filled with balance, mystery, and hidden symbolism.Josh shares stories from over a decade in the festival circuit, including his stunning murals and walk-in installations. Shannon and Josh share memories made at Secret Dreams Festival, and reflect on how live art settings continue to inspire new creative directions. We also explore his innovative work on the Benson Theatre restoration, the integration of laser and CNC technology into his decorative work, and the joy of seeing his designs come to life through Curbside Clothing. you're a painter, performer, designer, or dreamer, this episode is filled with insights on creative sustainability, artistic experimentation, and how to keep your spark alive across changing mediums and environments.🎧 Listen now for a journey into the surreal, sacred, and playful corners of one artist’s path.
    🔗 [Insert link]

    📲 Follow Josh:

    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100060740651922

    Website : https://www.joshaudissart.com/


    📲 Follow The Host Shannon Shine:@ShannonShine.official - Instagram

    @ShantasticShine - TikTok
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Mixed Media, Transformations & Festival Adventures with Calypso

    Mixed Media, Transformations & Festival Adventures with Calypso
    Sep 24 2025
    In this inspiring episode, I sit down with the luminous multidisciplinary artist and tattooist Calypso, whose work bridges fine art, tattooing, performance painting, and product creation. 🌈 We dive into her unique creative process, from how nature, music, and personal transformation guide her hand, to the way she weaves symbolism, bold color, and emotional storytelling into everything she creates — whether it’s a large canvas, a wearable piece, or an immersive workshop. Calypso shares her experience as a festival artist and workshop facilitator, and how being in community spaces fuels her inspiration and allows her to hold space for others to express themselves. She opens up about her love for using resourced materials, crystals, chakra themes, and how she brings intention to every layer of her work. This conversation is full of creative wisdom, grounded spirituality, and pure artistic passion. If you’ve ever felt called to mix mediums, deepen your message, or share your art in more interactive ways, you won’t want to miss this one. ✨
    📲 Follow Calypso: @calypso_the_artist
    #WeAreArtistsPodcast #ArtistInterview #VisionaryArt #TattooArtist #PerformancePainter #CreativeHealing
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    41 mins