Episode 1: Introductions & Welcome to the Sparks & Muses Podcast

EPISODE 1: Introductions and Welcome to the Sparks & Muses podcast

Susan and Dan introduce themselves, their creative inspirations and how they got started in their creative endeavors. They also discuss why they have decided to document their creative processes publicly through the podcast.

They discuss Artomatic 2016. It's a phenomenal pop-up art event that occupies giant vacant office buildings in Washington, DC. This was the first time that Artomatic took place in Maryland and it's pretty amazing. Dan discussed his experience as an artist participating in Artomatic. He also talked about exploring storytelling and the ways that stories are represented and presented.

Susan works for the City of New Carrollton, Maryland and created a new website to promote the city's businesses: www.VisitNewCarrollton.com. Susan discussed her garden and how it's gearing down for the winter. She also finished knitting a sweater for her new nephew.

Dan is exploring color through watercolors. Susan is drawn to tapestry weaving, because she bought her daughter the Melissa & Doug loom for kids and can't stop thinking about it.

Dan describes being inspired by technology and learning the tech behind podcasting. Also, he's inspired by writers and storytelling process, specifically JK Rowling (as Robert Galbraith) and Jim Butcher.

Susan is inspired by new podcasts, particularly Curious Handmade, Shinybees - they are both knitting-related podcasts out of the UK. She's also doing research into tapestry weaving, looms and weaving gear.