In this episode of Creative Crossroads, we welcome Amelia Knott, a registered psychotherapist and art therapist based in British Columbia. Amelia shares her rich journey from childhood art experiences to becoming a multifaceted professional encompassing art therapy, content creation, and authorship. Her first book, 'The Art of Thriving Online,' emphasizes navigating the digital space using creativity as a tool for well-being. Amelia discusses her creative process, the importance of focusing on the experience rather than the outcome, and how she incorporates unconventional materials into her work. She also elaborates on art therapy sessions, highlighting the intermodal shift and the importance of process over product. Amelia's insights examine balancing structure and spontaneity in personal and professional creative endeavors.

Find Amelia:
Her website: Art Therapy in Real Life
On Instagram: @art_therapy_irl
Amelia's Book: The Art of Thriving Online (Amelia's Book)

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:55 Amelia's Creative Journey

02:41 Family Influence and Early Art Experiences

04:32 Art Therapy and Professional Path

05:03 Creative Process and Evolution

11:39 Balancing Art and Therapy

14:25 Creative Space and Environment

17:33 Morning Pages and Overcoming Creative Blocks

22:40 of Structure and Community

23:58 Collaboration in Art and Life

26:31 Finding Inspiration Beyond Nature

30:00 The Role of Art Therapy

35:39 Navigating Creative Blocks

40:28 The Art of Thriving Online

44:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thanks for joining us at Creative Crossroads! Keep creating and we'll see you again soon!

In this episode of Creative Crossroads, we welcome Charles Cameron, a modern quilter and engineer based in North Carolina. Charles shares how he balances his analytical day job with his vibrant quilting practice. Cameron's quilts, featuring bright colors and modern designs, have been showcased at QuiltCon and have won awards, including the first-place ribbon for his Sudoku quilt in 2022. He talks about his creative process, which blends structure and spontaneity, and how his design wall and PowerPoint help him visualize and iterate on ideas. Charles also discusses the influences from his childhood, how collaboration in quilting bees has impacted his work and his use of unconventional tools like painter's tape. He reflects on the evolving nature of the modern quilt movement and how the quilting community continues to inspire him. Join us for an insightful conversation about creativity, collaboration, and the joy of quilting.

Find Charles on Instagram: Charles@FeltLikeSweets

00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Charles Cameron

01:30 Charles Cameron's Quilting Journey

04:17 Balancing Structure and Spontaneity in Quilting

06:54 The Bee Project and Creative Collaboration

17:18 Designing Quilts with PowerPoint

20:47 Quilting Beginnings and Early Inspirations

21:02 Creating Unique Quilts for My Daughters

23:10 Involving Family in Quilting

23:43 Sources of Inspiration

26:30 Handling Creative Blocks

27:17 Designing and Pivoting Projects

29:57 Personal Quilting Philosophy

31:17 Unconventional Tools and Techniques

32:52 Long-Term Projects and Iterations

35:13 The Modern Quilt Movement

40:00 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Thanks for joining us at Creative Crossroads! Keep creating and we'll see you again soon!

In this episode of Creative Crossroads, Ellyn and Catherine sit down with award-winning fiber and mixed media artist Mel Beach. Mel shares insights into her creative journey, which began in her childhood without cable TV and involvement in activities like Girl Scouts and 4-H. This early exposure led Mel to a lifelong passion for crafting and problem-solving, particularly through fiber arts. She discusses her innovative approach of using dice to inspire her 100-day project. Mel delves into how she balances structure with spontaneity in her work, often finding inspiration in the world around her. She also talks about her unique method of reusing materials, such as upcycling quilt sandwiches into quilted hearts, for the 'I Found a Quilted Heart' project.

Additionally, Mel highlights the importance of community in her creative process, appreciating both learning with other artists and undertaking solo adventures.

Find Mel Online!

Website / Blog / Facebook / Instagram / Newsletter Sign-Up

Mentioned During the Podcast

• FabMo: https://www.fabmo.org/
• Project Quilting
• I Found a Quilted Heart Project

People who inspire Mel

• Jennifer Wilkin Penick
• Willa Wanders
• The Show Up Society with Tammie Bennett

Thanks for joining us at Creative Crossroads! Keep creating and we'll see you again soon!