Artistry and mental health are deeply connected, and few artists embody that truth as gracefully as Ana Bianchi. In this episode, Wendy sits down with Ana to explore how creativity becomes both refuge and revelation. From her lifelong artistic journey to her pandemic-born practice of "color harvesting," Ana shares how paying attention to color, pattern, texture, and quiet moments can anchor us emotionally and mentally.

Listeners will hear Ana's refreshing approach to blending joyful play with deep focus, how she protects her creative instincts, and why art remains one of our most powerful healing tools. Ana also discusses her new book, Color Curious, and the surprising ways it helps beginners and seasoned creatives develop a more intentional relationship with color.

If you've ever wondered how creativity can support your well-being, or how artistry and mental health work hand in hand, this conversation offers inspiration, practical wisdom, and a renewed appreciation for the beauty around us.

Follow these links to learn more about Ana and her latest book, Color Curious.

https://wendycrafts.co/wendy-crafts-global-artist-ana-bianchi-celebrates-color/

Substack/ newsletter about color : ColorCurious.Substack.com

Branding and illustration portfolios: AnaLovesColor.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/analovescolor/

"Color Curious" is available wherever you buy books: Chronicle Books, Amazon, Bookshop.org, Barnes&Noble, and Target

Whoever orders it, and emails the receipt to colorcuriousbook@gmail.com will be invited to a free online color class Ana will be hosting in January.

Check out Wendy Crafts on - YouTube - Pinterest - Instagram - Facebook and online at wendycrafts.co.

https://www.youtube.com/@WendyCraftsYouTube

https://www.pinterest.com/wendytownley/

https://www.instagram.com/wendytownley/

https://www.facebook.com/wendytownley

https://wendycrafts.co

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

Nebraska artist Ashley Spitsnogle invites us inside the rush and calm of live painting—how she prepares for a three-hour "performance," finds flow in front of hundreds of people, and reconnects to purpose after heartbreak. Ashley shares the Florence, Italy moment that convinced her to pursue art, why she writes a "why" before every piece, and the community stories behind her most meaningful works—from memorial portraits to a Cattlemen's Ball canvas that honored flood recovery. If you've ever wondered what's really happening inside a live painter, this episode is your all-access pass.

Follow this link to learn more about Ashley:

https://wendycrafts.co/wendy-crafts-ashley-spitsnogle-on-art-anxiety-and-healing/

Check out Wendy Crafts on - YouTube - Pinterest - Instagram - Facebook and online at wendycrafts.co.

https://www.youtube.com/@WendyCraftsYouTube

https://www.pinterest.com/wendytownley/

https://www.instagram.com/wendytownley/

https://www.facebook.com/wendytownley

https://wendycrafts.co

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

Wendy shares a deeply personal story of her West Highland White Terrier, Barley. She recounts how Barley joined her family during the "pretty dark days" of her husband Matt's prescription pain medication addiction. Wendy reveals her struggle to care for herself amid the chaos, and how Barley became her "constant loyalty," a unique alpha that helped her survive. She discusses how writing and crafting handmade cards help her process the loss of her beloved companion.

Check out Wendy Crafts on - YouTube - Pinterest - Instagram - Facebook and online at wendycrafts.co.

https://www.youtube.com/@WendyCraftsYouTube

https://www.pinterest.com/wendytownley/

https://www.instagram.com/wendytownley/

https://www.facebook.com/wendytownley

https://wendycrafts.co

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.