As a child, Liz Taylor-McMullen needed to learn at least two instruments. It was a requirement her parents had for their five children, of which Liz was the youngest. “I really look up to all of my older siblings,” Liz said. “Every single one of them has something amazing or cool about them, whether they… Read More Liz Taylor-McMullen: “I hope we come out with another renaissance.”
They created their pieces for six months. Chris Swasta, a potter, and Hannah Genevieve Lawrence, a macrame artist, took the first three months to create on their own, then they spent the rest of the time weaving their work together. They’d been approached by Amanda Seevers, the Director of Communications at Thea Foundation last fall, and… Read More Chris Swasta: “Keep making.”
With the exhibit scheduled for April 3 quickly approaching, Hannah Genevieve Lawrence worked long hours to get her macramé pieces completed. It was an exciting opportunity to collaborate with another local artist, Chris Swasta, and show their combined work at the Thea Foundation. Then the pandemic hit. She creates under Strands Textiles, and she describes… Read More Hannah Genevieve Lawrence: “I just really want to connect with friends and family more.”
When Michael got back to the states, he worked for a year to pay off an alto saxophone he found at a pawn shop. His mother paid off the last $60 as a birthday gift. He had to work at his music again, building the skill back up. In addition, he worked a lifetime of jobs at a radio station, as a firefighter, as a teacher, and as a martial artist. He went back to the University of Arkansas for his degree in social work to work with veterans, and he performs as a saxophonist and vocalist while teaching music to children and adults. … Read More Michael Eubanks: “Change your definition of success.”
Jessica discovered she was able to grow her business in small steps, building her team a few hours a week at a time. “I hired my first project manager at five hours a week,” said Jessica. “Which I feel like is very encouraging for anybody out there that wants to start a business. You don’t have to have a full-time job offer for someone to get on board with a mission. And I kept it intentional about only designing for local businesses. I’m not going after corporate or big ticket clients because local businesses need good design work.”
Justin produced Papaw Land in 2018, raising just enough through a Kickstarter, investors, and the contributions he and Jessica provided to finish filming. He hopes to make more. “I want to keep making films,” Justin said. “That’s my main thing for me. I’m hoping to progressively step up in terms of budget with the films. Hopefully, we can make a few and reevaluate at that point. I want to keep making movies. I want to do locally. I’d love to eventually get to the point where we can foster a more creative environment in Conway, specifically.”… Read More Jessica and Justin Crum: “There’s no sugar coating it. It is hard.”
We’re back! Welcome to the next installment of the second season of Sustaining Craft the Podcast, a series that features those in a creative field. Listen below to learn more or keep scrolling to read about Matthew Castellano and his vision for art in Little Rock. Matthew Castellano couldn’t find a job. He’d moved to… Read More Matthew Castellano: “Keep at it.”
Welcome to the fifteenth episode of Sustaining Craft the Podcast, a series that features those in a creative field. Listen below to learn more or keep scrolling to read about Robert Bean and how he builds visual vocabularies into his art! When he was eight, Robert Bean realized that it was possible to get paid… Read More Robert Bean: “The art always comes first.”
Welcome to the fourteenth episode of Sustaining Craft the Podcast, a series that features those in a creative field. Listen below to learn more or keep scrolling to read about Legenia Bearden and her vision of affordable arts for all! Legenia Bearden knew in the second grade that she wanted to make the arts accessible… Read More Legenia Bearden: “Put in the time.”
Welcome to the twelfth episode of Sustaining Craft the Podcast, a series that features those in a creative field. Listen below to learn more or keep scrolling to read about Katie Childs and her journey towards becoming a successful photographer! Katie Childs had every intention of being a graphic designer. Artistically gifted, she decided to… Read More Katie Childs: “Ask for help.”
Welcome to the eleventh episode of Sustaining Craft the Podcast, a series that features those in a creative field. Listen below to learn more or keep scrolling to read about Geovanni Leiva and his plan to eradicate poverty with coffee! Geovanni Leiva wants to bring the romance back into coffee. Twenty years ago, he arrived… Read More Geovanni Leiva: “Lock arms with like-minded people.”