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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

Release Date: 06/05/2025

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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)...

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 ...

More Episodes

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 feeling overwhelmed, out of place, or unsure of what comes next. It’s a reminder that your work doesn’t have to be impressive—it just has to be yours.

In this episode, they discuss:

Life after academia and what changed in higher education
Making time for your art while raising a family or working full-time
How Cheryl approaches residencies, place-based work, and listening
Letting go of external pressure and creating from authenticity
The real markers of a fulfilling creative life
Advice for artists just beginning—or beginning again

Cheryl Agulnick Hochberg
Website: www.cherylagulnick.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylhochberg

✨ Resources to Support Your Creative Path:

Submit to Create! Magazine’s open call: createmagazine.co/call-for-art
Explore free artist tools + micro-courses at Create U

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