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Take an Art Break

Lisa and Lauren

Take an Art Break Podcast is an ongoing and open ended conversation about art and why everyone should make it part of their daily life. Each new conversation starts with a question that builds on the last conversation.

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20 episodes
every few months
Avg 36 min
English

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S7 · E4
August 13 · 40 min
How can process art help you process?
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Lisa and Lauren of Art Is Moving sit down for an unscripted conversation about a question that shapes everything they do: how does process art help you process? They trace the idea back to their own childhoods and training as artists, exploring process art as purge, purification, and self-discovery rather than a pursuit of a finished object. Along the way they talk about creation and destruction in the studio, the difference between making art for an audience versus making art no one will ever see, letting go of perfectionism and control, and why struggle itself can be part of the process for some artists. They also reflect on 18 years of creative partnership, how their very different approaches to art-making are rooted in the same tree, and what all of this means for World Artbreak Day and the practice of taking an "art break." A candid, meandering conversation about creativity, identity, and what it means to trust the process. Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.
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S7 · E3
June 22 · 53 min
Can making art change what we pass down to the next generation?
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, hosts Lisa and Lauren sit down with Holly Woods, founder of the Emergence Institute and creator of the Living Portal initiation, to explore her perspective that creativity isn't reserved for a select few who call themselves "artists," but a life force moving through everyone, and that reclaiming our own creative expression directly shapes the world we leave behind. The conversation moves through the inner voices and childhood experiences that often keep people from expressing themselves, why discomfort around art is often a clue rather than a dead end, and how getting to know and integrate the parts of ourselves we've pushed away can unlock a more authentic, creative life. Holly also shares a moving story about a client who, after doing this inner work, found the courage to show up more fully, with real and unexpected results. A reflective, big-hearted conversation about creativity, generational patterns, and what it means to become more fully yourself. More from Holly: https://livingportal.co/ Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.
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S7 · E2
April 28 · 41 min
What can art do for us emotionally?
Send us Fan Mail In this rich and wide-ranging conversation, hosts Lisa and Lauren sit down with Cathy Malchiodi, expressive arts therapist and psychologist, to explore one of the most fundamental questions about human creativity: what can art actually do for us emotionally? Cathy draws on decades of experience to explain why art has been humanity's go-to healing tool long before psychology ever existed, and why the body, not just the mind, is central to that process. The conversation digs into the difference between being "creative" and being "expressive," why most of us stopped making art around age ten, and how "art wounds" from early experiences can follow us into adulthood. Lisa and Lauren also bring in their own observations from World Art Break Day, exploring why sitting down to make art alongside strangers unlocks surprisingly deep conversation and connection. The episode also ventures into the challenges of our device-saturated world, the importance of getting people physically together, and the question of what, if anything, AI-generated art can offer the human spirit. A thought-provoking listen for anyone who has ever said "I'm not an artist" and a reminder that you don't have to be. More from Cathy here: https://cathymalchiodi.com/ Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.
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S7 · E1
February 17 · 54 min
How can creativity create positive social change?
Send us Fan Mail Join us for an inspiring conversation with London-based artist Carrie Reichardt, whose work transforms craft into a powerful tool for healing, social change, and connection. Carrie shares her journey from personal trauma to using art as therapy, how community-focused projects and “craftivism” gave her a voice, and the ways she’s used creativity to bridge divides and amplify stories that might otherwise go unheard. This episode explores the transformative power of art - for oneself, for others, and for the world. More from Carrie here: https://carriereichardt.com/ Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.
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S6 · E6
Dec 17, 2025 · 51 min
How can art help you find career joy?
Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Samorn Selim, daughter of Lao refugees, Berkeley Law grad, and career coach shares how she moved from poverty to Big Law, faced a toxic workplace, and rebuilt a life anchored in truth, art, and service. She talks about journaling as a “place of truth,” the power of five-minute practices to beat burnout, and the shift away from always chasing more. Along the way are tender moments, hard-won clarity about self-worth, and practical ways to find joy and energy again. If you need a gentle, grounded nudge to reconnect with yourself, this one’s for you. Get to know Samorn more at https://www.careerunicorns.com/. Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.
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S6 · E5
Oct 9, 2025 · 44 min
How was your 2025 Art Break Day?
Send us Fan Mail Lisa and Lauren have a conversation with 2025 Art Break Day hosts from all over the world about why they hosted Art Break Day this year, how it went and tips for anyone interested in hosting an Art Break Day in the future. Learn about each host on their websites here: Tessa Hollingsworth with Moon Sluice Art (https://www.moonsluice.com/), Krupa Jhaveri with Sankalpa: Art Journeys (https://www.instagram.com/sanka1palam/) and Noelle Imparto with Painting for Life and Union Square Association (https://noelleimparato.co/) Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.
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S6 · E4
Aug 12, 2025 · 20 min
How can art help us reconnect with someone?
Send us Fan Mail In this podcast episode, Lisa and Lauren chat with Cali Gilbert, the founder of Tower 15 Productions (https://www.tower15productions.com/), about using art as a way to reconnect with someone. From sparking shared memories to creating new ones, art has a unique way of bridging distances — both physical and emotional — and opening doors to deeper understanding. Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.
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S6 · E3
Jun 12, 2025 · 25 min
How can art build bridges between individuals and communities?
Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring conversation, we sit down with Bethel Afework, the founder and director of a thriving recreational art center, to explore how art can be a powerful connector across cultures, generations, and backgrounds. She shares how creativity often transcends spoken language—allowing people to express themselves, connect with others, and build a sense of belonging in their communities. Whether you’re passionate about community impact, curious about the deeper role of the arts, or dreaming of starting your own arts center, this conversation is full of wisdom, heart, and practical advice. Don’t miss her actionable tips for turning a creative vision into a welcoming, inclusive space for all. More from Bethel and Alcove Centre for the Arts here: https://www.alcoveartscentre.ca/ Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.
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S6 · E2
Apr 3, 2025 · 32 min
What happens when groups gather and make art?
Send us Fan Mail Lisa and Lauren talk with Anna Reyner about the magic of making art together as a group and what happens to the individual and the community as a whole when people sit down and get creative together. Art is the "secret sauce" that breaks down boundaries between strangers and helps them connect with one another. Anna also speaks to the benefit of teaching caretakers, social workers, nurses, teachers and other service providers how to use art as a tool for stress relief, trauma informed care, and social emotional development. Learn more about Anna and her work at https://www.creativeplayla.com/ Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.
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S6 · E1
Feb 7, 2025 · 1 hr
What role can art and music play when a community suffers a crisis?
Send us Fan Mail Lisa and Lauren are joined by Stacie Aamon Yeldell to discuss the ongoing situation in Los Angeles, California, following the wildfires. They reflect on the devastating impact on local communities and the emotional toll on residents as they navigate recovery challenges, including temporary displacements, uncertainty about rebuilding their homes, and potential environmental changes affecting the area in the future. This is the first episode of a two-part podcast series with Stacie. It begins by exploring the importance of discussing trauma and normalizing the emotions surrounding it. The conversation then shifts to finding a path toward healing by learning how to ask yourself, "What do you need?" and meeting those needs with the resources available. The second episode will delve deeper into Stacie's workbook, offering guidance and hope to the LA community and beyond. Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.
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S5 · E6
Dec 11, 2024 · 44 min
How can art help you build more self awareness?
Send us Fan Mail Lisa and Lauren chat with current President of The American Art Therapy Association, Founder of Creative Studio, and Professor of Continuing Education at the Anáhuac University in Mexico City, Nadia F. Paredes (https://www.artfooddreamers.com/) and the positive impact that can have on them, their community, and the world. They also talked about the challenge of when a creative person hits a wall, falls into a funk and that not making art is also part of the process of creating and making art. If your someone who has never considered themselves creative or if you are feeling a creative block, this podcast is for you. Check it out. Lauren mentions a past podcast episode, and you can listen to that conversation at https://artismoving.org/feed-your-creative-life/ Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.
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S5 · E5
Oct 9, 2024 · 21 min
How was your 2024 Art Break Day?
Send us Fan Mail Lisa and Lauren chat with a few of this year's Art Break Day hosts about their experience hosting and what tips they have for anyone thinking of joining the Art Break Day event next year. Admittedly, we had several issues with this podcast, both technical and schedule wise. Check out the webpage to get written reflections from some of this year's hosts. And, feel free to learn more about Art Break Day here: https://artismoving.org/artbreakday/ Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.
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S5 · E4
Jul 16, 2024 · 25 min
How can art help you work through anger?
Send us Fan Mail Anger has been on the rise for the last several years. Erica Curtis, LMFT, ATR-BC noticed this in her own community and her own research. Knowing that she can people manage anger, she felt as though that maybe there are other things we need to do with anger - express it, harness it, soothe it, have a conversation with it and so much more. Check out her recent book, "Working Through Anger Creatively," that inspired this conversation. Check out the book and more from Erica at https://therapywitherica.com/books-articles/ Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.
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S5 · E3
May 7, 2024 · 33 min
Why is art a useful tool teachers should be using in the classroom?
Send us Fan Mail Lisa and Lauren chat with the creators of Recipes for Connection (https://www.recipesforconnection.com/) about the benefits of the arts when it comes to social emotional learning in schools. Dr. Jessica Bianchi and Amber L. Cromwell share some of their art-based social and emotional strategies to support student mental health, strengthen relationships and create positive school communities. Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.
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S5 · E2
Mar 14, 2024 · 40 min
How do you know creativity is the answer?
Send us Fan Mail Lisa and Lauren chat with Jenny and Stephanie, co-founders of Creative Nector Studio (https://www.creativenectarstudio.com/) about why creativity is the answer for them, why it might be the answer for you, and how you can let go of judgement and face your fear surrounding the act of making art or what making art might make you confront. Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.
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S5 · E1
Jan 29, 2024 · 22 min
Why are we still collaborating as Art is Moving (16 years later)?
Send us Fan Mail As their 16th year of collaboration gets underway, Lisa and Lauren, the artists behind Art is Moving, reflect on why they are still here. Why are they still working together and collaborating as Art is Moving to get everyone to join the Take an Art Break Movement? Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.
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S4 · E6
Dec 14, 2023 · 36 min
Can art shift a paradigm?
Send us Fan Mail Lisa and Lauren chat with The Calling, three women artists following a call....a call back to the feminine. The conversation starts with the question, "Can art shift a paradigm?" and leads in many directions including an introduction and encouragement to be a part of their latest project, The 6000 Circle Project. Learn more about The Calling, The 6000 Circle Project and the 3 artists behind it here: https://www.instagram.com/the6000circle_project/ Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.
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S4 · E5
Oct 16, 2023 · 27 min
What happens to the world on art?
Send us Fan Mail Lisa and Lauren talk with Katherine Josten, founder of The Global Art Project for Peace, and discuss the relationship between making art and creating peace in the world. Can one individual change the world through art? Listen to the conversation and let us know what you think. Learn more and join The Global Art Project for Peace at https://www.globalartproject.org/ Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.
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S4 · E4
Aug 14, 2023 · 13 min
What happens to your soul on art?
Send us Fan Mail Lisa and Lauren continue their conversation about what happens to you when you make art part of your daily life. Today's conversation revolves around your soul and what happens to your soul, your spirit, when you make art. Have a story or comment to share regarding this question? Feel free to comment below or reach out through our website at https://artismoving.org/ Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.
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S4 · E3
Jul 18, 2023 · 45 min
What happens to your body on art?
Send us Fan Mail As we continue the conversation in regards to the positive impact art can have on you, let's dive in to what happens to your body when you make art. Listen to Amy Li, founder of Dance4Healing, as she talks about her personal experience with art and it's healing powers and her current NIH study developing an intergenerational telehealth program for minority diabetes patients and their care partners to increase engagement and reduce health disparities. From dance and movement to voice recognition and artificial intelligence, Amy Li has found a way to combine her passion for arts and healing with her background in design and computer technology to create a personal healing art program for healthcare patients. More information here: https://dance4healing.com/ - join the NIH study here: https://nihstudy.dance4healing.com/ Support the show Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.
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