Ivy on Creative Process, Exploring and Getting Better Everyday

My guest today on the podcast is my friend Ivy. For reasons you'll soon find out, she wanted to remain anonymous on this podcast so that we could share it on her social platform by the same handle.

Ivy is based in LA and primarily works with paintings. Her style is heavily influenced by street art with themes of self-love and life struggle in different emotions, which she portrays by combining portraiture words and color elements. Her goal is to create art that connects with people on a deeper level by evoking emotions and creating a sense of vulnerability.

I was looking forward to having this because she is a more reserved person when you meet her in public. For me, this was my attempt to allow her to share more about her own interests and passions in an environment where she was comfortable doing so, and I was happy about how this conversation turned out.

This conversation starts with a lot of energy. And by the end of it, I was just rewarded by connecting with my friend for a very long time but hadn't been able to have a conversation as deep as this.

At the end of the day, I hope that everyone here listening who enjoys art will take away something about what it means to pursue a craft or do something that allows you to feel most present with yourself.

Connect @artbyivy_ on Instagram


Show Notes

[00:03:37] Why Anonymous on Social Media?

[00:06:16] Choosing the name Xpression Art

[00:07:15] How do people respond to commissions?

[00:10:55] Pressure of commissions

[00:12:51] Getting out of your comfort zone

Using Pinterest to get inspiration

[00:14:44] How do you draw something you've never done? 

Nipsey Hussle

[00:19:01] Do you send sketches for feedback?

[00:20:04] How do you explore with your art?

[00:21:45] Music to get in the zone

Colette Lush (Spotify)

Ari Lennox

Snoh Aalegra

J. Cole

[00:23:02] Starting with a blank canvas

[00:25:24] Talk yourself out of committing to your craft 

[00:27:07] Pursuing Art in College

[00:29:46] Balancing full-time work and art

[00:31:02] Art pulls into the present

[00:32:50] Positive Words and Optimism

11 Optimism Tools, Examples and Exercises to Help Improve Your Outlook

[00:34:11] How art can help everyone even if you don't have the skill

Art Therapy

[00:36:44] Drawing teaches you how to see the world

For more check out Creativity Inc. by Ed Catmull and Listen to this podcast Ed Catmull, President of Pixar, on Steve Jobs, Stories, and Lessons Learned (#22)

[00:40:01] Hyperrealistic drawing

[00:41:33] Being a painter allows for a deeper appreciation 

[00:44:00] Always seeing ways to improve your work

[00:49:18] Impactful Books and Podcasts 

Awareness by Tony de Mello

The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living by The Dalai Lama

I Don't Want to Talk About It: Overcoming the Secret Legacy of Male Depression

The Cure for Chronic Pain with Nicole Sachs, LCSW (Apple) Spotify

[00:52:43] What advice do you have for someone entering the real world?

[00:54:52] Where to connect?

Previous
Previous

Joe Jackowski on Religion, Symbolism, and The Wellspring of Wisdom

Next
Next

Holly Kreczko on The Appalachian Trail, Recovery and Reflection