Navigating the Stormy Seasons of Life and Art

Had a rough year? You're not alone. In this episode, Kat vulnerably shares her journey through a tough season. Learn how to overcome setbacks and emerge stronger on the other side!   What's Inside:   Navigating Tough Times: Ekaterina delves into her personal struggle with difficult periods in life and business, illustrating the cyclical nature of our experiences. Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity: She emphasizes the importance of being genuine and open about the highs and lows we all face. Confronting Personal and Professional Challenges: From family conflicts to career hurdles like a near-canceled solo show, Ekaterina discusses how she navigated through adversity. Prioritizing Self-Care and Emotional Processing: She underscores the necessity of taking time to heal and process emotions after life's challenges. Shifting Focus and Embracing Rest: Learn about Ekaterina's decision to step back from exhibitions and find solace in painting at a relaxed pace. Setting Boundaries for Personal Wellbeing: Discover the importance of saying no to certain opportunities for the sake of mental health. Finding Joy in Simplicity: Ekaterina shares how engaging in simple pleasures, like painting everyday objects and spending time with her pet, brought joy. Seeking New Experiences to Grow: Hear about her solo adventures and new hobbies that helped push her boundaries and foster personal growth. Gleaning Lessons from Hardships: Reflect on quiet times in business and the value of staying calm and attuned to your inner voice during uncertainty. Building Strength through Community and Hobbies: The importance of a supportive network and engaging in activities that bring joy outside of work is highlighted. Committing to Sobriety and Mindfulness: Ekaterina talks about choosing sobriety to confront her emotions directly during challenging times. Understanding the Seasonality of Life and Business: She uses the metaphor of seasons to describe the fluctuating nature of life and business, encouraging listeners to embrace each phase. Offering Hope and Encouragement: The episode concludes with uplifting words and a belief in the power of resilience and growth. Invitation to the Artist Navigation Course: Ekaterina extends an invitation to her course, designed to aid artists in navigating their careers, especially through tough periods.https://artistnavigation.com/   Join us for an episode filled with raw insights, practical advice, and heartfelt encouragement. https://artistnavigation.com/

Om Podcasten

Art & Cocktails is a weekly podcast where contemporary art meets creativity, business, and real talk. Hosted by artist, Create! Magazine founder, and master coach Ekaterina Popova, each episode delivers honest, no-nonsense conversations that blend passion and vulnerability with real-world strategies for thriving as a creative entrepreneur. Created for artists, creatives, and artpreneurs, the show features inspiring stories and candid discussions with artists, curators, writers, and thought leaders in the arts and beyond. From navigating the art world to building a sustainable creative practice, each episode offers actionable tips, mindset shifts, and behind-the-scenes insights—served with your favorite drink in hand. Whether you're in the studio, on a walk, or unwinding after a long day, Art & Cocktails is your go-to space for fresh perspectives and practical tools to support your artistic journey. Tune in weekly and be part of the conversation—because your creative life deserves it. Find us at www.createmagazine.co/podcast — where the conversation about art and business starts.