The Playing Possum Podcast
The Playing Possum Podcast
Podcast Description
Playing Possum Collective is the brain-child of three queer-identified visual artists, Kacey Montgomery, a photographer and multimedia artist, Katherine Edmonds, a woodworker, designer, and educator, and Jamey Hudnall, a painter. The collective’s name comes from the phrase “playing possum,” which echoes our mission statement: Helping creatives be creative when you feel like playing dead. Specifically, the phrase means to pretend to be asleep or deceased when threatened, and at times, as creatives, we desire to hide our work and ourselves, to not be seen by the world out of fear and anxiety. This reflex to creative output creates roadblocks that inhibit production, connection, success, and general well-being. The three of us have bonded over this universal struggle and desire to develop a space of support and conversation to discuss these struggles openly with other creatives. As visual artists, we know how important it is to tell your story and share your work, and we believe that in supporting others, this project will also help us avoid playing dead and continue working to share our own stories.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into topics such as procrastination, community engagement, and the emotional struggle of sharing art. Recent episodes include discussions on the challenges of the creative process, featuring takeaways on the importance of genuine connections over social media interaction. Examples of specific episodes focus on themes like handling creative blocks, the pressures of visibility, and collaborative projects between artists.
Playing Possum Collective is the brain-child of three queer-identified visual artists, Kacey Montgomery, a photographer and multimedia artist, Katherine Edmonds, a woodworker, designer, and educator, and Jamey Hudnall, a painter. The collective’s name comes from the phrase “playing possum,” which echoes our mission statement: Helping creatives be creative when you feel like playing dead. Specifically, the phrase means to pretend to be asleep or deceased when threatened, and at times, as creatives, we desire to hide our work and ourselves, to not be seen by the world out of fear and anxiety. This reflex to creative output creates roadblocks that inhibit production, connection, success, and general well-being. The three of us have bonded over this universal struggle and desire to develop a space of support and conversation to discuss these struggles openly with other creatives. As visual artists, we know how important it is to tell your story and share your work, and we believe that in supporting others, this project will also help us avoid playing dead and continue working to share our own stories.
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In this conversation, Kat Edmonds and Kacey Montgomery explore the complexities of success, particularly for individuals who may not fit the traditional mold. They discuss the fear of success and how it can feel dangerous, especially in environments where competence is often met with skepticism. The dialogue shifts to the importance of taking up space creatively and the challenges that come with asserting one’s competence in a world that often imposes hierarchical structures. The conversation emphasizes the need for individuals to embrace their abilities and navigate spaces without fear of judgment or rejection. In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore a variety of topics ranging from their favorite potato toppings to the challenges of being creative and taking up space as artists. They share humorous anecdotes about unusual food combinations, discuss their podcast dynamics, and delve into their plans for a new art magazine called Fallinger. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, creativity, and the journey of embracing one’s artistic identity. In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore the complexities of creativity, the challenges of taking up space in artistic communities, and the importance of intentionality in personal and professional growth. They discuss their individual journeys in art, woodworking, and self-expression while also addressing the distractions of modern life and the need for structured productivity. The dialogue emphasizes the value of embracing imperfection, sharing accomplishments, and creating supportive environments for artistic endeavors.
takeaways
- Success can feel dangerous sometimes due to societal pressures.
- Competence can be perceived as a threat by others.
- Navigating success requires understanding one’s own comfort levels.
- Fear of success can lead to self-sabotage in creative spaces.
- Gender dynamics play a significant role in how competence is perceived.
- Hierarchical thinking can limit opportunities for growth and learning.
- Moving laterally through professional spaces can be empowering.
- Taking up space creatively is essential for personal expression.
- It’s important to challenge societal norms around success and competence.
- Embracing one’s abilities can lead to greater confidence and fulfillment. The perfect baked potato includes butter, broccoli, bacon, and yogurt.
- Creative cooking can lead to memorable food experiences.
- Engaging with the audience through newsletters is a priority.
- The hosts are excited about launching an art magazine called Fallinger.
- Physical publications are making a comeback in the digital age.
- Taking up space as artists is essential for growth.
- Being unapologetic in creativity fosters confidence.
- Collaboration can enhance artistic expression.
- The journey of creating art involves navigating in-process projects. Creativity often involves navigating uncomfortable spaces.
- Embracing new artistic directions can be daunting yet rewarding.
- It’s important to allow for imperfection in creative processes.
- Taking up space means sharing your accomplishments confidently.
- Intentionality is key in developing a consistent creative practice.
- Finding time for art requires prioritization and structure.
- Balancing ambition with realistic expectations is crucial.
- Automating decisions can free up mental space for creativity.
Please share any takeaways you had from the episode! Tag us @playing.possum.collective on Instagram and @playingpossumcollective.com on Bluesky. Or email us at [email protected].
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