Art has a unique ability to transcend language, evoke emotion, and bring people together across cultural divides.
This idea is embodied in the work of Samra Bashir, whose glass paintings celebrate the rich traditions of South Asian and Islamic art while inviting a broader audience into their intricate beauty.
Samra’s journey as an artist began as a personal escape—something she turned to during challenging times. But over the years, her work evolved into something much larger. Through her use of glass paint and light, she has built not just an art practice, but also a powerful means of storytelling, connection, and cultural education.
In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield talks with Samra about:
Samra’s story is a reminder that art doesn’t just exist in isolation—it thrives in conversation, connection, and shared experiences.
01:50 Samra's Early Inspirations
02:28 Reviving Her Art in the U.S.
04:05 Samra’s Cultural Heritage and How It Shows Up in Her Work
08:42 Building an Audience and Overcoming Challenges
11:37 Balancing Multiple Roles and Art
18:47 The Importance of Community and Teaching Workshops
22:43 Connecting Through Art and Overcoming Barriers
26:08 Practical Tips for Artists to Engage with Community
36:50 Conclusion and Practical Applications for You
🎧 RELATED EPISODES
Lessons from a Wildly Successful Pop-up Art Gallery Event with Mai Wyn Schantz (109)
Leaning Into Her Roots and Community Art with Marilyn Fontaine (185)
Beyond Comparison and Jealousy with Jason Kotecki (191)
📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/bashir-community
⭐️ Connect with Samra and see more of her art: SamraBashir.com
🔶 Does your art business need a boost or a refresh? Please see my comprehensive art-marketing program, Essentials for Artist Success 🔶 full of tools, strategies, and process you need to establish your professionalism and increase your visibility. For those with beginning and emerging art careers and those who need to approach their business with more thought and intention.
⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.
~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~
This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here’s how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/
host: Alyson Stanfield
If you’ve followed my work, you’ve likely noticed some recurring themes—guiding principles that shape the way I advise artists. These aren’t just casual suggestions; they are the foundation of everything I do. In this episode of The Art Biz, I’m sharing the four core beliefs that define my approach and help artists build sustainable, thriving careers.
You’ll hear why your art must always come first, why you must learn to communicate clearly about your work, why your network is your #1 marketing asset, and why business systems will help you grow faster and save time. Internalizing these beliefs will make decision-making easier, marketing more purposeful, and your path as an artist clearer.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your approach, these principles will support you for the long haul. Join me as we dive into the essential mindset shifts that will strengthen your art career.
00:00 Introduction and Core Beliefs Overview
01:44 Core Belief 1: The Work Must Come First
04:48 Core Belief 2: Your Art Doesn't Speak for Itself—You Must Learn to Communicate Clearly
10:02 Core Belief 3: Your Network is Your #1 Marketing Asset
13:48 Core Belief 4: Business Systems Help You Grow Faster and Elevate Your Professionalism
17:59 Apply to Your Art Biz
🎧 RELATED EPISODES
Guidelines for Your Artist Statement (ep. 50)
Being Seen—Networking for Artists (ep. 148)
How to Squeeze More Time from Your Busy Calendar (ep. 152)
How to Guarantee that People Remember You with Skip Hill (ep. 187)
📖 To read more find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/4-beliefs
🔶 Does your art business need a boost or a refresh? Please see my comprehensive art-marketing program, Essentials for Artist Success 🔶 full of tools, strategies, and process you need to establish your professionalism and increase your visibility. For those with beginning and emerging art careers and those who need to approach their business with more thought and intention.
⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.
~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~
This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here’s how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/ Because we are still committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Every artist’s journey is unique—what works for one won’t necessarily work for another. Personal preferences, life circumstances, and individual personalities all shape how artists navigate their creative careers.
In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield welcomes astrologer and coach Bonnie Gillespie to explore how artists can work with their natural wiring instead of against it. They discuss the concept of enoughness—understanding that an artist’s value isn’t determined by external validation—and how astrology can provide insights into creative rhythms, decision-making, and self-worth.
Highlights:
Whether you’re deep into astrology or a total skeptic, this episode offers thought-provoking insights into how artists can better understand themselves and their creative flow.
02:57 Understanding Enoughness
05:28 Balancing Positivity and Negativity
07:37 Self-Validation and the Loved File
14:09 Navigating Creative Spirals
15:14 Astrology and Practical Coaching
19:53 The Natal Chart Explained
30:59 Mars in Cancer: Navigating Life's Challenges
32:26 Venus: The Key to Love, Money, and Enoughness
36:10 The Power of the Moon in Your Chart
38:41 Astrological Insights for 2025 and Beyond
46:54 Staying Motivated and Inspired as an Artist
52:17 Practical Steps to Tap into the Bonnieverse
🎧 RELATED EPISODES
Injecting Personal Narrative into Your Art with Sara Lee Hughes (ep. 131)
Why I Want Partnerships with Art Galleries with Evita Tezeno (ep. 175)
How You Want to Be Perceived as an Artist with Alexandra Squire (ep. 133)
Every Artist Is Designed Differently and What It Means with Jahje Ives (ep. 178)
📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/enoughness-gillespie
⭐️ Connect with Bonnie and the Bonnieverse: https://bonniegillespie.com
🔶 Does your art business need a boost or a refresh? Please see my comprehensive art-marketing program, Essentials for Artist Success 🔶 full of tools, strategies, and process you need to establish your professionalism and increase your visibility. For those with beginning and emerging art careers and those who need to approach their business with more thought and intention.
⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.
~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~
This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here’s how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/