Art Class Curator

What happens when you lose the map, the plan, and all your usual tools for navigating life? In this episode of Wrecked by Art, I reflect on the first time I saw Tempest in Yellow by Dorothea Tanning—and how it wrecked me in ways I didn’t understand until years later.I share how this painting collided with my business burnout, my unacknowledged identity shifts, and my deep craving for control and certainty. Paired with a metaphor from Breath of the Wild—wandering through the dust storm with no map and only faint shrine beeps and sword-pointing statues to guide you—this episode is about learning to listen inward. To trust your intuition. To stop outsourcing your wisdom. And to find your way through the creative and spiritual fog, one tiny sacred signal at a time.Mentioned in this episode:Tempest in Yellow by Dorothea Tanning (see image in Substack post)The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildMy book: Art Is About Being Whole cindyingram.com/bookHow the education system teaches us to ignore our intuitionBurnout,

In the very first episode of Wrecked by Art, Cindy shares the moment that changed everything—New Year’s Day 2004, when she came face to face with Picasso’s Girl Before a Mirror. What began as a museum visit turned into a full-body, soul-level recognition. This painting didn’t just speak to her—it saw her. It mirrored the pain she was hiding, and helped her feel, for the first time, truly seen.This raw and unedited episode explores the transformative power of art, the weight of hiding your true self, and the moment Cindy scrapped her PhD applications and chose a different path—one rooted in helping others feel the magic of art too.Links & Mentions:View the artwork: Girl Before a Mirror – MoMACindy's book: Art Is About Being Whole: A MemoirBonus episode: Chapter One reading on PatreonEmail your story: cindy@artandself.comFollow Cindy on TikTok and ThreadsSupport the Show:Become a Patron and get bonus episodes and behind-the-scenes stories: patreon.com/wreckedbyart Get full access to Wrecked by Art with Cind

I’m a mosaic artist, and sometimes I have the great joy of getting to smash a plate with a hammer. The sound it makes when it shatters is sharp, decisive, like a lightning snap.In the instant after, your whole body goes still. You stop, startled. Everything sharpens.That’s what it feels like to be wrecked by art.This podcast is born from that moment—that ache, that awe, that sudden clarity art gives us when we let it all the way in.In this first episode, I share how this podcast has evolved over the years, how my own journey through queerness, neurodivergence, and creative return has changed me, and why I believe art is one of the most honest ways to become whole again.We talk about the glow of stained glass, the ache that art helps us hold, the gold seams of kintsugi, and the creative fire that remakes us.Come listen. Come feel. Come remember who you are.Episode is below or on your favorite podcast player.This week also marks the official launch of the Wrecked by Art Patreon!If this podcast stirs something i

The last couple of weeks have been intense. Between processing the presidential election results (which has left many of us feeling scared, emotional, angry, and sad) and some difficult things happening in my personal life, my creative practice has completely fallen by the wayside. That daily art practice I shared with you before? The one with the squares for each day? Gone. Those mosaics I was making tons of? Haven't touched them. I simply haven't had the energetic, emotional, or mental capacity for any of it.Watch this episode on video: https://youtu.be/-dGpUlC6QnM?si=z9clL7Z-9eX6mFlnYou know those times when the world feels like it's falling down around you, and the thought of picking up a paintbrush or sitting down to write feels completely overwhelming? That's exactly where I am right now, and I know I'm not alone. This week, I was meeting with a coaching client who's working on an exciting creative project—one that usually lights her up—and she shared that she's experiencing the same thing. The election

In this vulnerable share on my podcast and YouTube, I open up about my journey of embracing my true self through healing through art and creative community. Watch as I process these revelations through art journaling while discussing last night's powerful tarot session, the magic that happens in our art interpretation circles, and my upcoming tarot program. Join me as I reflect on self-acceptance, neurodiversity, and the healing power of creative community. To see me making art at the same time, watch this podcast episode on YouTube:

Hello! I'm excited to introduce you to the first episode of a brand new collaborative podcast with my friend Heather Doyle Fraser over on our new substack, The Spacious Creative. In this limited series podcast, we'll explore the topic of creativity from all sorts of angles. If you are a creative person or especially if you are a creative person "in hiding," I know you'll get great value from listening to our conversations on creativity. In this episode, we break down our histories of being creative, including times when we both went into hiding as creatives. We'll be releasing episodes every Thursday through the end of August! Also be sure to register for our upcoming workshop on July 24! Click here to register. -- In Episode 1 of Spacious Creative, Cindy Ingram and Heather Doyle Fraser explore how creativity has shaped and shown up in their lives. For both, being creative isn’t something that “happened” to them; it is an identity that has been with them as far back as they can remember: early childhood. Duri

In this engaging podcast episode, Melissa Cox joins me to discuss the artwork Coping by Nicole Eisenman.  Here's a bulleted list of what we discussed in this episode, thanks to our friend Chat GPT. The feeling of being worn down by internal struggles or long-term challenges Reflections on hope and despair, and the isolation it can bring The importance of representation and seeing possibilities for different choices Personal anecdotes illustrating the impact of representation on decision-making Discovering one's neurodiversity and the journey of self-acceptance and accommodation The need for radical acceptance and compassion for oneself and others Coping mechanisms and harm reduction strategies in facing life's challenges Externalizing internal struggles through creative mediums like art and fan fiction The evolving nature of long-term friendships and the acceptance of change The therapeutic value of art and conversation in processing emotions and experiences The role of verbal processing and receiving feedb

In this episode, I chat about what I have been up to, tell you about the new(ish) format for the show, and explore a work by my favorite artist, Naudline Pierre, through the lenses of Internal Family Systems and Shadow Work.   Links: Watch this episode on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/artandselfcindy/videos/765619205553447  Watch this episode on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/video/live/urn:li:ugcPost:7197299338065186817/  Watch this episode on YouTube -  https://youtube.com/live/xuN9_FL93U0  Join Art Church -  https://cindyingram.com/art-church/ Enroll in the Art Connection Circle -  https://cindyingram.com/circle Buy my Book - Art Is About Being Whole: A Memoir -  https://geni.us/ArtIsAboutBeingWhole  Allison Crow Eisley Hallows Shadow Study No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz ** affiliate link Get full access to Art and Self with Cindy Ingram at cindyingram.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Dr. Jamie English, a licensed professional counselor who specializes in body acceptance, and I engage in a deep exploration of two artworks side-by-side: Self-Portrait Naked with my Mother II by Chantal Joffe and The Opening by Aleah Chapin. Both artworks are featured in my new book, Art Is About Being Whole: A Memoir. The conversation delves into body image, vulnerability, and the relationship between a mother and daughter portrayed in the art. We analyze the body language, symbolism, and emotions conveyed in each painting, drawing connections to personal experiences and societal expectations. The discussion unfolds into a reflection on self-acceptance, the journey toward embracing one's flaws, and the power of art in facilitating introspection.  To sign up for the Art as Oracle workshop, visit this link. To join the next Art Connection Circle, visit this link. To see the artworks and links for the episode, visit the show notes at this link. Get full access to Art and Self with Cindy Ingram

Before I transitioned the podcast to its new format as Art and Self with Cindy Ingram, some of my all-time favorite episodes were the ones where I had captivating art conversations with my dear friend, Madalyn. We'd dive deep into a single piece, exploring its intricacies, and unraveling the layers that make art truly fascinating. The goal was to not just talk about art but to show the depth and complexity it holds, offering listeners a glimpse of the incredible possibilities within the world of art. It's all about the power of showing rather than telling—a theme that's been resonating with me lately, especially in connection to my new book. To mark the book's release, I brought Madalyn back to the podcast after a two-year hiatus, and it was an absolute joy. We delved into the enchanting painting Night by Natalie Wadlington, one of the artworks featured in my new book, Art Is About Being Whole: A Memoir. In this episode, we explore: The sacredness, duality, and symbolism of nature Themes of curiosity, authen

The creation of my new book, Art Is About Being Whole: A Memoir, was a pretty epic journey from start to finish. When I first started the book, it was going to be an art education book, but somewhere along the way, in both little and big moments, the book morphed into what it is now, which is a soulful, poetic, artistic exploration of not only the story of my growth but of the basic human emotions and experiences that so many of us share. I could not have ever created such a heart-wrenching and incredible work of art without the help of my amazing publisher and book coach, Heather Doyle Fraser of Compassionate Mind Collaborative. I recently sat down with Heather, and we reminisced on the whole creation process as we highlighted those big, transitional moments that sent the book from a research-based textbook to a poetic, artistic memoir. Here are just some of the highlights of our conversation: the importance of compassion in the writing process what it was like to relive and reprocess all of the emotions

I'm excited to announce that my new book, Art Is About Being Whole: A Memoir, is now live and ready to buy! Click this link to get your copy. Today, I’m thrilled to give you a sneak peek into one of my favorite chapters! Okay, it’s tough to pick a favorite chapter of the book as each one took me on such an emotional journey, but my interpretation of Frida Kahlo’s The Two Fridas, in conjunction with my shame, social anxiety, and discovery of my power as a teacher holds a very special place both in my heart and in the development of this book.  In this special episode, I read both The Two Fridas chapter. I teared up many times when recording this, so I hope when you listen, you’ll feel the love that went into the creation of this book.  Click here to see The Two Fridas by Frida Kahlo.     Get full access to Art and Self with Cindy Ingram at cindyingram.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I have the pleasure of welcoming my friend and colleage Carol LeBlanc from Love Your Numbers Now as my guest, and together, we dive into the thought-provoking artwork Grow With Progress by Erik Johansson. This surreal photograph depicting a woman ascending a staircase inspired a chapter in my upcoming book and it offers a powerful metaphor for personal growth, self-discovery, and the pursuit of wholeness. As Carol and I unpack the layers of meaning within the artwork, we explore essential themes like self-trust, shedding societal expectations, and embracing expansion. We draw striking parallels between the artwork's message and real-life experiences, from navigating business endeavors to the complexities of parenting. We highlight the liberating power of embodying our truth and speaking up, even when it requires courageous conversations. It's a conversation that beautifully aligns with the overarching theme of my book, Art Is About Being Whole: A Memoir coming soon on October 31!  For picture

In this episode, Margaret and I, both passionate art educators, open up about our own artistic journeys. We get real about the struggle of finding our artistic identities as teachers, grappling with imposter syndrome, of not being “good enough” or niched enough, and the “shoulds” that help us back from embracing our own art. But what we have found on the other end after letting all of that go is freedom of expression, the joy and satisfaction of making art for us and no one else, and the safety and nervous-system regulation that art provides us that we knew as children but forgot as we grew up.  It's been all about letting the process guide us and having the curiosity, the playfulness, and the consistent practice lead us to whatever comes next. I know you’ll love this conversation. Get the links to stuff we talked about on this episode on the shownotes at this link.  Get full access to Art and Self with Cindy Ingram at cindyingram.substack.com/subscribe

  In the episode, I introduce the Art Around the World Series, invite you to explore the work of art on your own, discuss the many interpretations possible, share a little about the artist, tell a story about my own connection to it, share a compare/contrast opportunity, and give ideas for teaching it in your classroom!   Today's video is a little longer than the rest will be because I introduced the series at the beginning a little and had a very personal story about the artwork to share!   Sign up to receive email notifications for each featured artwork this month at https://artclasscurator.com/aatw   Click here to see the artwork: Parade (diptych) by Mequitta Ahuja.   Watch on Facebook or YouTube Get full access to Art and Self with Cindy Ingram at cindyingram.substack.com/subscribe

After interviews, I often say "wow that was my favorite one" and looking back I have a lot of favorites, but this one may be THE favorite. My conversation with artist and musican, Geoffa Fells, about art and emotion and neurodiversity and music and how all of those intersect still give me chills when I think about it a month after having this conversation. I am so excited for you to hear it! For links to all of the artworks featured as well as Geoffa's contact links, head over to the shownotes at this link.  -- Want to connect? Join the Art Connection Circle Follow me on Facebook Follow me on Instagram Join my email list  Get full access to Art and Self with Cindy Ingram at cindyingram.substack.com/subscribe

After episode 117 with Kate Wurtzel, we realized we had been looking at a cropped image, and because of this we had more to say! In this episode, we have a blast geeking out about art philosophy, the idea of the artist as genius, the artist as a healer, following intuition, experimentation, and much more. I had so much fun talking to Kate again, and I hope you enjoy this conversation with her as much as I did. Get full access to Art and Self with Cindy Ingram at cindyingram.substack.com/subscribe

This week I've gotten the delightful experience to witness the joy of creation through my 13-year-old daughter. That, plus my musing on the book Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey, have made me think more about the ways in which I am not following my own advice and how I can give myself a deeper permission to create without the burden of capitalism on my shoulders. For links discussed on today's episode, visit the show notes at this link. Get Involved Join the Art Connection Circle -- Now enrolling for summer sessions!  Art and Self on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube Get full access to Art and Self with Cindy Ingram at cindyingram.substack.com/subscribe

Amanda Koonlaba is a blogger and art teacher who has been running her blog “Party in the Art Room” for more than a decade. In this episode, Amanda and Cindy discuss One Woman Show by Celeste Rapone through our lenses as mothers, educators, and creatives. As former art teachers, we talk about the importance of arts integration and how art can help face uncertainty.  For links to all of the artworks featured as well as Amanda's contact links, head over to the shownotes at this link.  -- Want to connect? Join the Art Connection Circle Follow me on Facebook Follow me on Instagram Join my email list  Get full access to Art and Self with Cindy Ingram at cindyingram.substack.com/subscribe

I've been talking about it for a while, but I'm finally sharing my painting I made! In this episode, I talk about the vulnerable process of sharing and creating this painting as well as what benefits I get from knowing myself better. Click here to visit the shownotes to view my painting!  Get Involved Join the Art Connection Circle -- Now enrolling for summer sessions!  Art and Self on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube Get full access to Art and Self with Cindy Ingram at cindyingram.substack.com/subscribe