We recorded this conversation back in October before London got sick and we were overtaken by events.

Stacy and RC Townsend join Blair and Mark to talk about art and photography and life. Stacy and RC Townsend join Blair and Mark to talk about art and photography and life. Stacy is a designer, photographer, and jewelry-maker while RC is currently (f)unemployed. We discuss the importance of mentors, people who believe in you, as well as the value of those who don't — because you need someone to tell you that you can't before saying, "I'll show you." Blair describes how heart is the source of art, and our human tendency to seek validation and then deal with criticism after putting art/heart out to the world.

In a random rabbit hole, Mark talks about his first trip to the Himalayas (an experience founded in insecurity while his partner, Jeff Lowe, had a different experience, one founded in absolute confidence). Climbing may appear to be very different from art but at the source our motivations and drivers are human, and therefore similar. We talk about the craft of writing, how difficult it is, and also, on some days, how it flows. And to get over the hesitation about the words being good enough Blair advises, "Just vomit the words and press 'Share'". Shortly thereafter, she assures Mark that there is still time for him to become a romance novelist ... instead, he invents the Romance Zine ... aka the 11-page romance novel.

Finally, the conversation turns to Stacy's unusual anti-marketing marketing; her website has been under construction for six years and she has made seven total social media posts yet she enjoys a full plate of work based solely on word of mouth and satisfied clients. This is pretty wild in an era where it seems like folks spend more time marketing than they spend making or creating.

"Full Send wherever you are."

Links to chase in this convo:

commonform.co

townsendcollective.com

blairspeedcreative.com