Margo is joined by Sonoma Valley-based artist Alex Cole, whose paintings are inspired by her travels and the Northern California landscapes. Her work has been featured in RUE magazine and published in “Wild Lands” and “Artist of the Bay Area” by Jen Tough. With over twenty years of experience, Alex’s art is characterized by her love of contrast in color, texture, and pattern, and her pieces can be found in collections across the US, Europe, and Canada.   Born in Bronxville, New York, and raised in Paris and Ibiza, Alex was exposed to diverse cultures that greatly influenced her artistic style. After earning a BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art, she moved to Sonoma, California, where she began teaching at the Sonoma Community Center. Her workshops and retreats, held both locally and internationally, encourage others to tap into their creative potential by exploring nature and embracing experimentation. Alex's work, including her public art project for The City of Santa Rosa, showcases her dedication to inspiring creativity in others.   Margo and Alex discuss: Her creative path and how growing up abroad impacted her creative journey Embracing vulnerability and creativity through art and teaching Saying yes to new opportunities in art and life Creative freedom and the power of play Building authentic connections Embracing the unknown in artistry Giving back through art The power of saying YES How facilitating workshops in Spain shaped her approach to teaching and learning simultaneously How non-verbal communication can enhance the exchange of creative ideas in an artistic setting Finding alignment in personal core values when it comes to creating How she inspires others to be brave in art making and business   Connect with Alex: https://www.alexcolestudio.com https://www.instagram.com/alexcolestudio/   Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill  

Margo is joined by self-taught artist Tammy Smith. Tammy founded her studio in 2009 after designing gifts, giftwrap and partyware at Hallmark Cards Inc. Her first art teachers being her father and grandmother, Tammy’s first business was making large scale stained glass windows in her parents basement. After Hallmark, she began making mixed media wire and clay sculptures that she sold at art fairs around the country and the desire for stability eventually led to the online business she runs today. In the past, Tammy has also illustrated children's books for Henry Holt, designed wire garden accessories and holiday collections for Studio M and Midwest CBK and licensed her surface pattern designs to Graphique de France and Unique Industries to name a few. Margo and Tammy discuss: Her creative and multi-faceted career How she thinks up new concepts and why it’s her favorite part of the creative process Winning best in show at multiple art fairs Having resilience in the art industry Running an Etsy shop (Small Ideas Studio) Creating authentic connections within the art community And more Connect with Tammy: https://www.tammysmithdesign.com https://www.etsy.com/shop/smallideasstudio   Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill