Because of Course We Did
Join Birdie & Ben, two artists from Appalachia, as they talk about life as artists in modern day, mental health, and recovering from religious and homeschool trauma.
Spend some time with them as they discuss the intricacies of the artist's life, their growth in their individual pursuits, and let them encourage you to grow in your own artistic journey.
Episodes
11 episodes
EP11 - The Sensitivity of Being an Artist
Highly sensitive people make weirdly good artists because we notice little moments that others completely miss. Why is that?Also why sharing your opinion is terrifying but necessary.
EP10 - Why So Many Homeschooled Kids End Up as Artists, and What It Costs
We were both conservative homeschooled kids who somehow turned into liberal artists, and this one's the whole messy backstory. The loneliness, the religious trauma, the zero chances to try out for anything, plus why so many ex-homeschoolers end...
EP9 - When the Bastards Grind You Down
If you're an artist who's been feeling demoralized this year, you're not alone. We get into the reality of creative struggles, mental health, and why making art is still worth the hard work.We talk about the vulnerability of making art a...
EP8 - Why We Can't Pick One Thing (And Why That's Actually Okay)
This week we're diving deep into the niche dilemma. Should you specialize to master a skill, or let your curiosity lead you everywhere? We talk ADHD tendencies, the creative struggle of wanting to do everything: sewing, painting, music, baking,...
EP7 - On The Artist Identity
If you've ever thought, "I'm not an artist..." but you get up to all kinds of creative shenanigans, we get it. In this one we get into the weeds about labeling yourself as an artist, the narratives that keep us stuck, the hollowness that comes ...
EP6 - On Spiritualizing Art
This week we're getting into the weeds about "spiritualizing" art: the books, the guilt, the church band trauma, and why we just wanna take credit for our own damn work. You might relate.
EP5 - Me Core: The Only Aesthetic That Matters
If you've ever been asked "is that ALL you do?" about your art, this one's for you. We talk about, internet discourse, whether people take you seriously at markets, why random old dudes assume you'll quit art for babies, and Ben's eternal strug...
EP4 - On Being an Artist in Appalachia
In this one we unpack the complicated joy and frustration of being artists in Appalachia. We explore growing up disconnected from the region, eventually falling in love with its beauty and culture, and now feeling fervently protective. We dive ...
EP3 - On Nature
In this episode we delve into the nature and how it inspires us. We discuss how nature influences our art, how we find inspiration in the woods, and explore the importance of mindfulness and presence when engaging with nature. So get into the w...