CLwJ 261: Dar Hosta James shares how she became an accidental artist and cobbled together a rich creative life

 

Creative Living with Jamie (episode 261): Dar Hosta James

 

What will it take for you to believe me when I tell you that you're creative? That's the question I start with this week before diving into a fascinating conversation with artist Dar Hosta James. Dar shares how she became an accidental artist and cobbled together a rich and diverse creative life. 

Dar (Hosta) James is a painter of trees, a collage artist, a writer and illustrator of children's picture books, a creative project manager, a designer, a teacher of both children and adults, a speaker on creativity and education, a creativity life coach and a certified educator for GOLDEN Artist Colors.

 

Dar is the daughter of an artist with an exploration in visual arts that has been life long, self-motivated and self-taught.  After a brief stint as a high school teacher, she became a stay at home mom in rural Ohio where she discovered a love of collage while spending days at home with her two, young sons though, later, she would continue working in education through writing and art as a visiting author, an artist in residence and a national speaker on creativity in education. In 2003, after a move to central New Jersey, Dar started an independent publishing company, Brown Dog Books, which became a platform for her own illustrated children’s books. Of her life as an artist, she says, “Art has become a metaphor for my life… my life has become a metaphor for my art… in both areas, I try to look for what is working and how to make it all more fun. The two feed each other."

Connect with Dar James

Website: www.darsworld.com

Dar's Special Offer!

Save $10 on a pair of Dar's stunning yoga pants with the discount code TAKE10.

Connect with Jamie

If you’ve been looking for a place to fill your creative well, to discover your creative self, to stretch your creative wings, Jamie Ridler Studios is here for you. Gain access to all sorts of inspiration and support for your creative heart when you join the studio.

Website: Jamie Ridler Studios
Classes: The Creative Living Academy
Podcast: Creative Living with Jamie
YouTube: Creative Living TV
Facebook: @jamieridlerstudios
Twitter: @starshyne
Instagram: @starshyne
Pinterest: @starshyne

Shine a Light ~ Spread the Magic

Whether this is the first episode that you've listened to or we've been hanging out for years, I am so glad that you're here.  I love knowing that we're hanging out in your studio, folding your laundry or that we're hanging out while you're walking your dog or going to work. Wherever you are and however you listen, I want you to know, I cherish you. And if you cherish this show, if it has been a blessing to your creative life, please spread the magic! Take a moment to leave a positive rating or review on iTunes. Share the podcast with your friends! You really can make a difference by shining a light on the show so that it can be found by other creative hearts just like you.

Check out this episode!