You Have More than You Think: Moving, Pivoting, and Grace in the Unexpected + Answering Your Questions!
Release Date: 01/28/2025
The Club: Discovering the Forgotten Parisian Haven for Women Artists with Jennifer Dasal
Art & Cocktails
In this episode of Art & Cocktails, Kat Popova sits down with art historian, author, and podcast host Jennifer Dasal to talk about her latest book, The Club: Where American Women Artists Found Refuge in Belle Époque Paris (Bloomsbury, 2025). Jennifer shares the little-known story of the American Girls’ Club in Paris—a home-away-from-home for women artists during the late 19th century that became a vital hub for creativity, education, and connection. We dive into her passion for art history, her research process, and why community was just as important for artists in Belle Époque...
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From Dream to Published: Kristy Gordon on Writing, Publishing, and Inspiring Artists
Art & Cocktails
Kristy returns to Art and Cocktails to share the inspiring story behind writing and publishing her book. We talk about the dream that began in childhood, the process of bringing it to life, and the milestones that followed. These include holding the finished copy in her hands, receiving an endorsement from Jerry Saltz, and seeing her work translated into Taiwanese. Kristy also addresses the myths that hold artists back from writing, why you do not have to identify as a “real writer” to publish a book, and how to navigate both traditional and self-publishing while keeping your vision...
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Back to Basics: Falling in Love Again and Building a Fun Art Practice with Kat
Art & Cocktails
Hello friends, and welcome to Art & Cocktails. In this solo episode, I’m Ekaterina Popova ( Kat), inviting you to return to the joy, curiosity, and grounding that comes from showing up for your art without overcomplication or pressure. This summer, I started a 100-day painting challenge that has completely reignited my love for the process. I share how working small, limiting my decisions, and committing to consistent daily practice has kept me inspired and overflowing with ideas. We discuss why slowing down and simplifying can help you create more, how to eliminate decision fatigue in...
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Danielle Clough: Painting with Thread, Embracing Craft, and Following Creative Instincts
Art & Cocktails
In this special episode of Art & Cocktails, artist Danielle Clough joins host Ekaterina Popova (Kat) to share her journey to becoming an internationally recognized embroidery artist. Known for her bold, painterly thread work and playful approach to fiber, Danielle opens up about finding her voice, building a creative career on her own terms, and embracing the power of intuition and process. She reflects on the evolution of her practice—from sewing plush toys and experimenting with “thread sketching” to creating intricate embroidered portraits that feel like paintings. Danielle also...
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Thriving as an Introvert in the Art World: Openings, Exhibitions & Networking on Your Terms
Art & Cocktails
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, awkward, or drained by art openings or networking events, this episode is for you. Host Ekaterina Popova (Kat) shares supportive and practical advice for introverted artists who want to show up with authenticity and confidence without sacrificing their energy. You’ll learn how to prepare, what to say, and how to care for your emotional well-being before and after events. From conversation tips to grounding practices and confidence, this quick solo episode offers a gentle guide for navigating the social side of the art world in a way that honors your...
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Make It Weirder: Maggie Smith on Poetry, Success, and Creative Survival in the Age of AI
Art & Cocktails
This episode is a dream come true. I sit down with bestselling author and poet Maggie Smith, whose viral poem Good Bones captured hearts around the world. We talk about navigating creative life with honesty and resilience—from managing unsupportive friends to staying grounded when the world starts watching. We also dive into her newest book, Dear Writer, and how artists can protect their joy, set boundaries, and thrive in the AI era by getting weird, staying real, and honoring their process. If you're a writer, artist, or creative soul trying to stay true to your work in a noisy world—this...
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Let the Place Speak: On Art, Life After Academia, Building a Practice on Our Own Terms, and Starting Again with Cheryl Agulnick Hochberg
Art & Cocktails
In this heartfelt and grounding conversation, Kat reconnects with her former professor, artist and printmaker Cheryl Agulnick Hochberg, to explore what it truly means to live a creative life—on your own terms. Cheryl shares how her work is shaped by place, walking, and deep observation—drawing inspiration from time spent in Wyoming, China, Finland, and her new home in Arizona. Together, they reflect on life after academia, the courage to start over, and the unexpected clarity that comes with experience, loss, and listening to the land. This episode is a balm for any artist...
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Beyond Trends: Tatum Dooley on Making the Art World More Interesting, Accessible, and Artist-Driven
Art & Cocktails
In this episode of Art & Cocktails, host Ekaterina Popova speaks with Tatum Dooley—writer, brand strategist, and founder of Art Forecast. Tatum shares how she built a trusted curatorial platform that bridges art, fashion, and design while spotlighting emerging artists and helping demystify the art world. We discuss: How Art Forecast evolved from an Instagram account to a Substack and PR studio Why storytelling and consistency matter more than chasing trends How to build your own creative platform with purpose and integrity Practical advice for writers, curators, and...
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The Creative Business Audit: Maximize Your Profit, Reclaim Your Time, and Make Space for What Matters
Art & Cocktails
Feeling overwhelmed in your creative business? In this solo episode, Ekaterina Popova (Kat) walks you through how to do a Creative Business Audit—a practical process to clarify what’s working, where your time and energy are going, and how to boost your profit without burning out. Whether you're an artist, coach, designer, or creative founder—this episode will help you reset your priorities and build a business that actually supports your life and art. 🎯 You’ll Learn: How to audit your finances, time, and energy Why profit > revenue (and how to spot the difference)...
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There is Nothing Left to Prove – It’s Already Yours! Energy & Creating from Alignment with Olga
Art & Cocktails
In this uplifting and practical mindset episode, I’m joined by transformational coach and author Olga, whose new book It’s Already Yours offers a refreshing and accessible approach to identity, mindset, and aligned creation. We dive into: How your subconscious mind shapes your day-to-day reality The role of identity and nervous system regulation in reaching your goals Tools to gently shift out of doubt and into creative flow Why success comes from alignment—not from pushing harder How to move forward without needing everything to be “healed” first ...
info_outlineIn this episode, I (Ekaterina Popova) take you behind the scenes of my recent move and how it became a powerful metaphor for life, business, and creativity. I also open up about the chaos of a tech-glitched webinar launch, how I had to pivot fast, and the lessons I learned along the way. Plus, I answer insightful community questions on:
- How to structure your work schedule for productivity
- When to join artist-led art fairs
- Creating a clear pathway for selling your art as a solo artist
- Expanding awareness of your work without relying on social media
- The best ways to calculate shipping for artwork
- Finding or creating artist communities for collaboration beyond social media
- Offering digital downloads as a revenue stream
Whether you’re dealing with creative roadblocks, business challenges, or just looking for motivation, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate your journey with resilience and grace.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Superfine Art Fair (our recommendation) – A great opportunity for artists looking to exhibit and sell directly to collectors. Learn more: https://www.superfine.world
Subscribe to Create! Magazine Digital Code 'NEWREADER' https://www.createmagazine.co/subscribe
AQ Society (Art Queens Membership) – A private community for artists to connect, learn, and grow. Join here: https://aqsociety.com
Listen & Subscribe:Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review—it helps more artists discover the show!
Have a Question for the Podcast?
DM me on Instagram @katerinaspopova or email [email protected].