The System Keeps Artists Broke—Here’s How to Break Free

Have you ever felt like the system was deliberately keeping you broke? Like your creativity was being celebrated—but never compensated?

What if the lack of financial education for artists isn’t an oversight… but a spell cast to keep us disempowered?

In this no-holds-barred episode of Your Art is a Spell, we break the silence around the hidden forces keeping creatives financially illiterate—and how to finally break free.

Tune in to discover:

💸 Why art schools don’t teach financial literacy (spoiler: it’s not an accident)
📉 How systemic disempowerment keeps queer, trans, and BIPOC artists struggling
🧾 The contract trick institutions use to kill your negotiating power
🔮 Why managing money is actually a creative, magical act
🔥 How to build financial resilience without selling your soul
⚔️ Tools and tactics for financial self-defense in chaotic times

Did you know most MFA programs never include one single class on how to make a living as an artist? Or that many therapists-in-training are expected to work for years for free?

These aren’t isolated incidents—they’re symptoms of a system built to profit from our brilliance while keeping us broke.

This episode reveals the money myths we’ve inherited, the toxic taboos that silence us, and the practical steps you can take to reclaim your value—on your terms.

Whether you're just starting your creative journey or deep in your practice and ready to reclaim your power, this is your invitation to treat financial literacy as sacred spellwork.

🎧 Ready to become financially dangerous—in the best possible way?
Listen to the full episode now. Your art deserves to thrive.

To get a FREE month of YNAB You Need A Budget click on my affiliate link: 
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Reflections on My MFA Experience: Key Takeaways and Must-Know Tips for Future Artists

Reflecting on my MFA journey years after graduating, I see how much my viewpoint has evolved. Although my experience at UC Berkeley laid the groundwork, I aim to share insights with a wider lens, emphasizing the lessons that have influenced my development as an artist and providing practical advice for those on their own creative journeys.

My Nonlinear Path to Art Practice

One important lesson I’ve learned is that there isn’t a single "correct" approach to obtaining an MFA or building a career in the arts. My journey was not linear; I started with a master’s in counseling, applied to MFA programs, and faced several rejections before fully committing to my artistic practice. I aim to make this unconventional journey more approachable for those who feel bound to follow a traditional path. It’s perfectly acceptable to take alternative paths, try out different careers, and return to your passions when it feels right. In fact, those diverse experiences can profoundly enhance your art in unexpected ways.

Key Takeaways from My MFA Experience

During my graduate studies, I gained profound insights into the relationship between the physical and digital realms, as well as the material and conceptual aspects of art, and how interdisciplinary approaches can enhance creative output. I was fortunate to collaborate with remarkable faculty and peers, which created an environment for me to both challenge and broaden my artistic practice. Nonetheless, grad school also revealed some deep-seated insecurities I had regarding artmaking—anxieties, uncertainties, and societal expectations about what art should represent. Although this process was challenging, confronting those insecurities was crucial for my development as an artist.

Five Tips for Aspiring Artists and MFA Applicants

If you’re thinking about pursuing an MFA or are simply working on growing your practice, here are a few lessons I’ve picked up along the way:

1. Give Yourself Time and Space to Rest:
Following significant achievements, taking time to pause and reflect is important. In a world that often asks "What’s next?" it's vital to acknowledge that resting can also be productive. This becomes even more crucial when managing several projects or applications simultaneously.

2. Rejection Isn’t the End—It’s Part of the Process:
I applied to MFA programs multiple times before receiving my acceptance, and each rejection offered valuable lessons. It’s perfectly fine not to succeed on your first attempt. Continue to refine your vision and believe that the right opportunity will arrive when the time is right.

3. Diversify Your Portfolio (and Yourself):
When applying to graduate programs, ensure that your portfolio's top three images are strong and diverse. Highlight various projects to showcase your versatility as an artist. This principle extends to your life as well—celebrate your multifaceted identity. Engage in different roles, skills, and practices. You are not limited to a single identity, and it’s perfectly fine to follow non-linear paths. Sending much love to all my multi-hyphenate kin out there! If you see this, leave me a comment to let me know you’re here!

I also invite you to learn more about my MFA Art Portfolio that Led to Acceptance at UC Berkeley's Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Art Practice Program!

4. Build a Supportive Network:
Graduate school connected me with a community of artists and mentors who still support my development. Whether it's through structured education or informal DIY environments, seek out your peers. Engage with those who inspire and challenge you—these connections are as vital as the technical skills you acquire.

5. Keep Pushing Boundaries:
The journey doesn’t end with a degree. Continue experimenting, learning, and evolving. Whether it's embracing new media, working across disciplines, or breaking down hierarchies in art, stay curious and open to growth.

Moving Forward

As I progress in my practice, I’m eager to delve deeper into materiality and sculpture while also broadening my digital work. For artists, charting their unique paths, embracing risks, making shifts, and redefining their own version of success is important. Whether you're applying to MFA programs or seeking personal growth, trust your intuition and continue to move ahead.

I’d be eager to learn about your creative journey! Which aspects of my MFA experience resonate with your current path?

Whether you’re contemplating an MFA application, developing your art portfolio, or finding a balance between rest and creativity, please share your thoughts or questions in the comments—I’m here to help! How do you approach applying to graduate programs or coping with the highs and lows of being an artist? If you’ve encountered challenges or celebrated successes, I’d love to hear about them. Let’s start a conversation about how we can support and grow alongside one another as artists. I look forward to reading your stories and insights!

Leave a comment below.

For even more intimate details about my journey and some major tips on applying to MFA programs, check out the video I’ve included above in this post. I share my personal experiences and additional insights that can help guide you on your creative path.

Subscribe to my newsletter to connect with me or explore how you can collaborate with me, including the option to hire me for one-on-one coaching. 

My Art Spells Are Now On The Moon!

I'm beyond thrilled to share that I've been selected as one of the 135 contemporary artists featured in the Arch Lunar Art Archive (ALAA), which has just made its historic landing on the moon aboard the Odysseus lander! 🚀

The ALAA, a project by the Arch Mission Foundation, is an extraordinary collection of contemporary art from 135 artists worldwide, extending humanity's cultural footprint into the cosmos.

This groundbreaking endeavor began during the challenges of Covid-19, aiming to capture the essence of our present moment through diverse artistic expressions. I'm deeply honored to be part of this global initiative, which brings together artists of varied backgrounds, ages, and mediums, reflecting the richness of our world.

Each artwork, including my own, is etched into nickel sheets using cutting-edge NanoFiche technology, ensuring its preservation for eons to come. Moreover, these artworks will be minted as NFTs, offering collectors a unique opportunity to support artists' practices in this new frontier.

Participating Artists

Aaron Naves

Adrian Pijoan

Alex Anderson

Alex Mackin Dolan

Alex Seton

Alice Wang

Allen Hung-Lun Chen

Allie Zhang

Amalia Ulman

Anarchy Dance Theatre

Andreas Rønholt Schmidt

Andrew Hahn

Andrew Norman Wilson

AP Nguyen

Asha Schecter

Asya Nur

Aura Rosenberg

Aushin Chang

Barak Zemer

Bart Seng

Bjarne Bare

Brigid Mason

Candice Jee with Yaya Huwat

Carol Strober

Casey Kauffmann

Chen Chien Jung

Chen Zi Yin

Chia Lee

Chris Hanke

Cindy Conrad

Dakota Blue

Danielle Dean

Donel Williams

Edgar Fabián Frías

Elliot Kaufman

Emily Yang 艾蜜莉

Emma Hazen

Erik Frydenborg

Erin Calla Watson

Ewa Wojciak

Filip Gilissen

Fiona Connor

Fung Yee Lick

Gabby Davis

Gauntlett Cheng

Giacomo Giannantonio

Gianna Surangkanjanajai

Gina Mei

Graham Epstein

Hanna Rose Stewart

Henri McMaster

Hooz

Horacio Alcolea Crespo

Ian Stanton

Idolate

Ilja Karilampi

Jacob Cruzen

Jared Madere

Jared Richardson (JVY)

Jasia Rabiej

Jason Meadows

Jasper Spicero

Jaybe Lee

Jeff Beall

Jeffrey Scudder

Jennifer Zhang

Jessica Hang

Johnny Forever Nawracaj (with sound by Gambletron)

Jon Pylypchuk

Jonathan Moore

JPW3

Julia Yerger

Juliana Halpert

Julie Lai

Kaiyen Tu

Kate Sansom

Kathy Haddad

Kent Twitchell

Lane Stewart

Lin Pei-Yao

Lindsay Lawson

Liya Yu

Liz Magic Lazer

Louie Shirase

Luis Serrano

Maria Petschnig

Martin Lammert

Mathias Toubro

Matt Siegle

Matthew Cherrie

Michael Pollard

Ming Yao Chang

Mitchell Syrop

MM33

Mooncat

Nao Bustamante

Natalie Astraea

Negashi Armada + Mickey Goodman

Ni Hao

Nick Hamburger

OUCHHH

Olammy

Paige K.B.

Paulson Lee

Peggy Peiting Huang

Peter Schulman

Rachel Zaretsky Radimir Koch

Ralph Kuo Chiang Wu

Rasmus Røhling

RESEARCH Publications

Retro1999

Robin Sparkes

Sam Anderson

Sam Mason

Sarah Rara

Scott Benzel

Scroll

Seyoung Yoon

Shana Moulton

Shang-Ru Lin

Shang-Yang Wu

So Youn Lee

Sylvia Hardy

Anna Lind-Guzik (The Conversationalist)

Tobias Sprichtig

Tore Wallert

Travis Diehl

Viola Morini

Wednesday Kim

Will Wharton

Wyatt Naoki Conlon

X-TRA and Project X Foundation For Art And Criticism

Zhuxue Deren

Zuzanna Bartoszek

Being part of this project is a dream come true, and I'm excited about the possibilities it holds for the future of art and exploration. 🎨✨

An example of one of the artworks of mine that is now on the moon.

Stay tuned for updates on the ALAA and its upcoming NFT releases. And if you're curious to explore the archive or join the conversation, check out the links below! 👇

An example of one of the artworks of mine that is now on the moon.

Website: lun.art Community Discord: discord.gg/uvFsFtqgBG Medium: @arch-lunar-art-archive Instagram: @arch_lunar_art_archive X: x.com/arch_lunar Farcaster: warpcast.com/art-archive

I have been selected to be a part of LA County's PAiD Artist Council!

Cover Image (top left to right): Adee Roberson, Noé Montes, Terrick Gutierrez, Brianna MacGillivray, Michelle Sui, Edgar Fabián Frías, Grace Ramirez Gaston, Emily Womack, Allie Ihm, Jazmín Urrea. Not pictured: Dominique Moody, Star Montana, and Pat Gomez.

I'm absolutely thrilled to share some incredible news with you all. Drumroll, please... I've been selected as one of the inaugural members of the Public Artists in Development (PAiD) program's Artist Council! 🥳 Being part of this prestigious cohort feels like a dream come true, and I couldn't be more honored to join such a talented group of individuals.

Let me introduce you to my fellow council members: Adee Roberson, Dominique Moody, Jazmín Urrea, Michelle Sui, Noé Montes, Star Montana, and Terrick Gutierrez. Each of us comes from diverse artistic backgrounds, united by our passion for promoting the growth and empowerment of underrepresented artists in Los Angeles County. Throughout this blog post you’ll see photos from our wonderful kick-off event at Los Angeles State Historic Park!

The PAiD program is a beacon of hope for artists facing barriers to participation in Civic Art and the wider public art sphere. It's designed not only to address these obstacles but also to pioneer new practices that better cater to artists' needs. As part of the Artist Council, I'll be engaging in profound discussions with fellow artists, experts in various fields, and public art administrators. Together, we aim to craft recommendations that will enhance Civic Art practices and provide valuable resources to our Los Angeles arts community.

But that's not all! Each council member, including myself, will also embark on a journey to develop a temporary public art project. These projects will not only serve as a creative outlet but also allow us to delve deeper into the topics we discuss within the program.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation for making this program possible. Their support is invaluable in fostering the growth and success of artists like myself. Additionally, a big shoutout to Dyson & Womack for their role in developing and managing the Artist Council. Your dedication to the arts is truly inspiring.

I can't wait to embark on this journey with my fellow council members and see where it takes us. Together, we'll be making waves in the art world and championing the voices of underrepresented artists.

Stay tuned for updates on my PAiD journey! And once again, thank you all for your unwavering support. Let's make some art! 🎨

Photos provided by LA County Arts.

Interview with Nicole Ruggiero

Nicole Ruggiero in her New York home studio.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Nicole Ruggiero, a 3D artist based in New York. Nicole's work, inspired by video games and the internet, explores the intersection of technology and culture. During our conversation, Nicole discusses her journey into digital art, emphasizing the role of online forums in shaping her early experiences. We also explore her recent projects, including an animated series called Wish ‘N Wash, set in a late/post-capitalist society. Nicole shares her insights on the evolving role of digital and 3D art, noting a shift towards exploring nostalgia in various forms.

Click on this image for more information and to register.

Nicole and I are teaming up for the "Mixing Digital and Physical Worlds Workshop" on Dec 16, 2023, at 9 am PST / Noon ET. Join us for a 1.5-hour exploration of tools for 3D and 2D art, NFTs, and bridging the digital-physical gap. Engage in a discourse on web3, blockchain, and NFTs. This donation-based workshop ($11 - $33) ensures accessibility for all and nobody will be turned away for lack of funds.

You can learn more and register for it here.

My Interview with Nicole

1. Would you mind introducing yourself and letting us know a little bit about you and your work?

Hi I'm Nicole! I make 3D art about the internet and technology. I've always loved connecting with people through tech and I love adding a bit of warmth to something that can typically feel pretty cold.

2. Is there a reason you started to work digitally? What has that journey been like for you?
That's a good question. I actually started making digital art when I was about 12.  Before that I didn't really have anyone to show my work to, but being on online art forums made me feel pretty excited to share my work and get critique.

3. Is there a recent project you’ve done that you’re particularly proud of? If so, why?
Recently I've been working on this animated series with my partner, PLANTTDADDII, called the Wish ‘N Wash.  It's about a late/post-capitalist society, in a world where soap is scarce so people go to the local Wish N Wash laundromat and casino to win soap and wash their clothes.

I also have another WindowsXP themed piece that I’m coming out with sometime in January that I’m pretty excited about.

Collaboration with PLANTTDADDII, 2022, sold on SuperRare & 2/2 editioned prints.

4. Could you share your perspective on the role of digital and 3D art in the contemporary art world and how it has evolved over the years?
Originally I think 3D art was somewhat of a novelty. Now I'm seeing a lot of people making work with different forms of 3D nostalgia whether that be for video games or for previous digital eras. And, of course, 3D technology is heavily used in the metaverse or in digital worlds.

5. What advice would you give to emerging artists who are looking to make their mark in the world of 3D and digital art, considering your own journey and success in this field?
Right now, I feel like there are two pathways. The first pathway is to play into social media algorithms. The second pathway is getting into NFTs and related communities. The former is more client-focused, and the latter is more artwork-focused. I think a mixture of both is a good balance if you can manage it.

6. As a 3D visual artist, your work often blurs the line between the virtual and physical worlds. How do you see the future of art evolving in the context of emerging technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality?
I was just talking to my partner about this and we were talking about how one day we're going to have to explain to younger generations what a mouse cursor was LOL. I mean we're already seeing this, for example, with Meta and Ray-Ban’s collaboration on the smart glasses.

7. Collaboration and curation are part of your creative portfolio. Could you share an experience or project that challenged your artistic boundaries and pushed you to explore new creative territories?
I think the Wish ‘N Wash is something that has really pushed me. For the onset of this project I decided to sculpt and rig all of my characters from scratch and that's been a huge creative journey. First, I had to learn all the tools to do this and then I had to execute it. I'm still learning how to do all this. Sometimes it's discouraging but it’s also rewarding. I'm always getting better and trying my best.

8. What are some of the things that inspire you and/or your art?
I'm really inspired by computer user interfaces, video game characters, cities and neon lights, sci-fi, and good storytelling.

9. What do you hope people take away from connecting with your artwork?
I think ultimately I really want people to emotionally connect with my work.

10. How can people work with you? What’s the best way to learn more about your art?
I’m open for commissions and freelance starting in December! I have done a lot of album covers, music videos, character design, motion design, & 3D generalist work. People can find more about me on my website: https://www.nicoleruggiero.com or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleruggiero or Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/_nicoleruggiero.

The best way to contact me is my email: nicole@nicoleruggiero.com

New Moon Spell For Empathic Care ❤️‍🔥

“Everything we do to help each other is an act of resistance”

- Beverly Smith (from New Moon Magic: 13 Anti-Capitalist Tools for Resistance and Re-Enchantment)

Today's New Moon in Scorpio marks a transformative celestial dance, akin to a scorpion shedding its exoskeleton. Embrace Scorpio's potent energy tied to authenticity, truth, love, and courage. Channel this intensity into a spell, envisioning yourself as a conduit for empathic care that extends beyond personal boundaries.

Picture this compassionate energy field as a dynamic force—a collective tide of love merging with intentions worldwide. Let this spell be a catalyst for positive change, a ripple of kindness weaving through humanity's interconnected web.

Whether practicing alone or with companions, Scorpio's power thrives in collective experiences. Energetically invite others through methods like bibliomancy or a symbolic calling in of their energies. Join forces in person or virtually via Zoom or Facetime. Together you amplify your magic and add potency to your spellwork.

Today's New Moon in Scorpio calls us to be architects of compassionate change. Use the energy of death and rebirth, truth, love, and courage to cultivate care beyond our immediate sphere. Embrace celestial synergy and uncover the alchemy of connection and collective compassion.

A new moon signifies renewed optimism, a time to gather energy for the upcoming weeks. It fosters self-reflection, clarifying desires for contribution, and reception from the world. This phase is ideal for divination and imaginative exploration, envisioning and manifesting a change process.

How to begin

Gather the following materials (all materials are optional):

• Salt

• A white or black candle

• A bowl of water

• Crystal and/or plant friends who want to join & support (e.g. watermelon tourmaline, figs, pomegranates, rose quartz)

• A few books for bibliomancy and/or your trusted tarot or oracle cards

• Your journal or a notepad and a pen

Find a place that feels safe and secure. This could be in your bedroom, next to a tree friend in the forest, or in a private Zoom call with your closest friends. Set aside 10 - 30 minutes for this ritual.

How to begin

Start the spell by casting a circle of protection around you and anyone who is joining you. You can do this by physically creating a circle of salt around you and/or the candle you are using in this spell. You can also do this by taking a moment to visualize a circle of energy surrounding you and anyone else you want to bring into the center of this circle.

You can also use this time to cleanse the space with aura mists, crystal clearings, smudgings, bells, or prayers and affirmations.

Light the candle when you are ready. Let the spirit realm know you are ready to commune.

Check-in and connect

Take a moment and check in with yourself and/or each other. What are you feeling? How are you? Do you need anything right now? Feel free to use your notepad to take notes or write out reflections.

Ask for guidance

Turn towards bibliomancy and/or divination for sacred support. To work with bibliomancy, pick up a book you have brought into the circle and let yourself be guided to turn to a page and see what is the first thing that catches your eye. It could be a word or a phrase. How does it impact you? How does it make you feel? What comes up as a result? Again, feel free to use your notepad to take notes or write out reflections.

Similarly, if you are using tarot or oracle cards, I invite you to pull one card and take a moment to reflect on it. Let the card’s visuals and text connect with you deeply. What is real? What is authentic? What is here?

Feel free to pull another card for further guidance or clarification. Or do a three-card pull and assign meaning to the cards as you see fit (e.g. past-present-future, situation-intervention-outcome, desire-prayer-action, etc.)

Water Connects Us

Whenever you are ready, I invite you to hold the bowl of water you have in your hands. Or spend some time with your eyes closed and visualizing. I invite you to imagine your heart producing an electrical field of energy. This field can expand and contract with your intentions and desires. You can imagine this field of energy starting to expand to hold you and all your complexities. The parts of you that you love and admire about yourself and the parts of you that feel difficult to sit with or that you might even dislike. Imagine the water acting like an amplifying element, helping you expand and grow.

When you’re ready, imagine this field of compassionate caring energy starting to expand beyond your body and touching all those who are in your circle. The crystals, ancestors, plant kin, and other participants who are in this circle with you. Let your field of energy encompass them in all their complexities. Embracing and holding them.

From the circle, you will now imagine this force of love emanating outward from the circle. Touching your neighbors and their loved ones, touching those in your neighborhood, in your city, in your country. Let yourself envision this field of energy reaching out, moving at the speed of love, and touching, holding, and embracing, all those who need this energy right now. Let yourself embrace all living and non-living beings in all their complexity. Tune into your heart. Take deep breaths here.

Once you feel your energy field expand to connect with your whole country, imagine your field of compassionate care reaching out and touching other people in other countries. Countries that may be filled with joy, grief, pain, celebration, shock, and hope. Let your compassionate care touch this country and the living and non-living beings residing there. Let yourself hold everything you encounter in its fullness. In all its complexity. Share care. Share love. Breathe. Come back to your heart.

For the last part of this visualization, you can imagine your empathic field of energy expanding out to hold the entire planet and all its living and non-living beings in all their grand complexity and wholeness. Taking another deep breath, you can imagine this field of energy moving out to touch all the planets in our solar system as well as all the stars, meteors, comets, space trash, and dark matter that exists in this space. And, if you’re able to, you can envision this field expanding out from beyond the solar system and touching all the other galaxies and living and non-living beings that exist in our universe.

Grounding Your Care

Take a few more deep breaths. Let yourself come back to your body and being. Perhaps touch the floor or rub your hands together. Do something to let yourself know that you’re back. Spend a moment writing any reflections you have about that experience, any intentions, or prayers you want to share or remember.

I am a big believer in the fact that all things are spiritual. Spiritual practice is done in ceremony and it’s done every time we offer our love, attention, and care to others. Spiritual practice is washing your dishes, donating to an organization you support, and advocating for peace out on the street with others.

Below I offer a few options for groundign your spiritual practice with specific actions that demonstrate care. Please feel free to choose one that resonates with you and/or create your own!

Craft Art & Stories for Change - Use art and narratives to expose truths, challenge misinformation, and counter disinformation campaigns by powerful entities. As artists and storytellers, unite against the manipulation of truth and amplify silenced voices. Imagine alternative worlds through your creations, resisting the status quo and demanding accountability. Your creative power is a force for change, shaping a narrative that advocates for justice and equity. Remember that there are MILLIONS of dollars (if not more) being spent on paying creatives to promote war and justify it. Check out this great conversation starter article What Roles Does Art Play In Protest by Art 21.

Sustain Awareness and Engagement - Make a commitment to stay vigilant and engaged with the evolving situation in Palestine. Align yourself with credible news outlets to stay abreast of developments. In this ongoing lunar cycle of awareness, continue to advocate for change, ensuring your efforts remain tethered to the evolving needs of those affected by the conflict. Check out this video by Travelgrrl which shares some people and organizations to follow for up-to-date information about the ongoing situation Gaza. You can also visit Genocide Watch to learn about other unfortunate situations unfolding around the globe.

Nurture Economic Empathy - Plant the seeds of support by championing Palestinian businesses. Seek out and patronize Palestinian-owned enterprises, nurturing local economies and fostering growth within the region. Whether online or within the vibrant tapestry of local markets, your conscious consumerism becomes a beacon of solidarity. Here’s a list of 24 Palestinian-owned Brands to support.

Champion Transformation - With newfound awareness, become a catalyst for change in Palestine. Channel your energy into advocating for political reform—penned letters to elected representatives, the resonance of your signature on petitions, and active support for campaigns echoing the call for peace and justice. Elevate your voice to illuminate the plight of the Palestinians, contributing to the positive transformation of their circumstances. Check out this blog entry by Haute Hijab on how to contact your representatives and what to say.

Tax Magick - A lot of people are angry that we don’t get to decide if we want our tax dollars to be going toward funding war and genocide or towards basic needs we have both here in this country and elsewhere. I have definitely seen a lot more people talking about protest via Tax withholding or writing official letters of complaint. While this is not financial advice this is meant to get you to start thinking about this as a strategy/practice/tactic and for you to see how and if it makes sense for you and your situation. Check out this great resource from the National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee. I have also seen some very interesting conversations happening on TikTok and Reddit that have gotten my gears going. I’m definitely doing my research on this one and would love to hear any thoughts you have!

Illuminate with Generosity - Let the glow of the hidden new moon inspire a gesture of generosity. Cast your contribution towards reputable organizations dedicated to providing humanitarian aid. Click here for a list of reputable places to donate to from NPR. Donate directly to Doctors Without Borders here.

Publicly Promote Harmony & Ceasefire - Traverse the city streets with a collective heartbeat resonating in unison for peace. Join the assembly of compassionate voices, echoing a fervent plea for an immediate ceasefire and a resolute commitment to diplomatic solutions. Let the streets become a canvas for peace, where your advocacy paints a compelling picture of a world united against the ravages of war. Find a protest near you here (this list has been getting updated frequently). Here are some protest tips & resources from NYU Law.

Conclusion & Future Offering

I cannot stress enough that protest & spellwork are creative spiritual practices! They are also emergent ones. Meaning that we can sometimes receive messages from within or without that share information about our next steps. That inspires us to dream and experiment with the ways in which our spellwork and protest take forms. I am hoping this New Moon spell can guide you in connecting with your own intuition and that you are able to explore and create the perfect containers and creations that you need at this moment. Remember there is no wrong or right way to do this. Listen to your intuition and ask for help and/or support if you need it!

And, if you are wanting a space to co-create art spells together in community I am offering a Full Moon Art Spell Ceremony for my subscribers on Instagram on Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 11 AM PST (and also available asynchronously). This is a perfect time to bring together any insights, downloads, or channelings you receive from this New Moon time up until the Full Moon as this lunar cycle is going to be RICH and DEEP with messages & moonifestations. Come make magic with me and others and help amplify the Art Spells you are making by creating them in a community of other witches!

You can join by clicking the subscribe button at the top right of my posts or on my Instagram profile page. If you found this helpful and are feeling called to send me a donation or energy exchange, please do so. Your support helps me continue to thrive and do this work.

Please also share this spell as a resource for others and sign up for my newsletter to receive future offerings & updates.

This spell is inspired by Risa Dickens & Amy Torok’s New Moon Magic: 13 Anti-Capitalist Tools for Resistance and Re-Enchantment.

Behind the Scenes of Mz Neon's "So Far" Music Video

Click on this image above to watch Mz Neon - So Far (Official Music Video)

I am beyond excited to share my extraordinary experience as a back-up dancer in Mz Neon's revolutionary music video, "So Far." This is more than just a video – it's a powerful statement about the struggles and triumphs faced by the trans and gender-expansive community, particularly in the United States amidst the alarming surge of anti-trans rhetoric, discriminatory laws, and heartbreaking violence. Join me as I take you on a profound journey behind the scenes of this impactful creation.

**A Vision of Empowerment and Inclusion**

Directed by the brilliant duo Allen Henson and Mz Neon, "So Far" transcends the boundaries of music videos. It's a visual and auditory masterpiece that brings to light the challenges that the trans and gender expansive community navigates daily. Mz Neon's meticulous attention to art direction, set design, and wardrobe choices ensured that every element conveyed the message of resilience and empowerment.

**Strength in Unity**

The video boasts an impressive lineup of talents, each playing a vital role in conveying the song's powerful message. Alongside Mz Neon, the video features artists like Tricky Youth, Dagger Polyester, Clem Goldberg, Lilian Void, Love Bailey, Emily Lucid, Sasha Forests, Drew Arriola Sands, and numerous others who contribute to the video's diversity and depth. It was an absolute honor to share the stage with such a passionate and talented group of individuals.

**Voicing Resilience**

The lyrics of "So Far" are a poignant reflection of the challenges faced by the trans and gender expansive community. The song emphasizes the importance of fighting back, standing tall against adversity, and embracing our authentic selves. As a back-up dancer, I felt an incredibly deep connection to these themes, moving in harmony with a group of individuals unafraid to defy the bigotry and transphobia that is running rampant in this country and around the globe.

**Portraying the Journey**

The music video beautifully encapsulates the song's core message. Through choreography and cinematography, it vividly depicts the struggles and triumphs that the marginalized community experiences. Each scene tells a story of resilience and strength, offering a window into the indomitable human spirit.

**An Anthem of Empowerment**

"**So Far**" transcends its role as a song; it's a rallying cry, a call to arms, and a celebration of the diverse tapestry of identities. The chorus resonates with the idea that, even amid adversity, we stand strong and committed. The song's authenticity and raw emotion make it an anthem of empowerment for everyone within the trans and gender expansive community.

**A Heartfelt Thank You**

My gratitude knows no bounds as I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Mz Neon, Allen Henson, and the entire team for allowing me to be a part of this profound undertaking. I also want to acknowledge my fellow dancers, the talented artists, and the unsung heroes behind the scenes who worked tirelessly to breathe life into this video. Your passion and dedication shine brightly.

**A Call to Stand Strong**

"In the face of adversity, an act of defiance..." These words now hold even more weight for me after my involvement in "So Far." This video is a reminder that embracing our identities and fighting for justice is a revolutionary act in itself. Let's celebrate our diversity, challenge injustice, and continue pushing boundaries in the face of adversity.

Don't miss out on experiencing the impactful music video "**So Far**" available on all major streaming platforms here. It's a testament to resilience, a beacon of hope, and a catalyst for change.

Playlists and Podcasts I listen to while creating

Creating art in my home studio can sometimes feel like a deeply personal and solitary journey, but today, I'm breaking those walls and inviting you to join me on this creative adventure. I've discovered a treasure trove of podcasts and playlists that have become my trusted companions that keep me feeling energized, inspired, and opening, elevating my artistry and inspiring me with every play. Below you’ll find a selection of witchy, metaphysical, spiritual, finance & tech related, educational, and specialty podcasts I listen to as well as playlists that get me energized and excited to work on art.

As an added bonus, I asked my dear friends and fellow artists on Instagram to share their most cherished podcasts, and their heartfelt recommendations have found their way into the "community nominated" section below.

So, as you explore the eclectic mix of podcasts and playlists I've curated, I encourage you to join the conversation! Share your favorite tunes and podcasts in the comments, and let's create a harmonious symphony of creativity together.

Playlists

• The incredible visual artist Erica Deeman (who also happens to be a UC Berkeley MFA Art Practice alumni) has started to curate the most eclectic, magical, soothing, and uplifting playlists under the name Adassa on Spotify. I’ve been connecting deeply with all of her playlists but highly recommend you check out her most recent ones “Other powers” and “the vagus nerve.” They’re the perfect playlist if you’re looking to channel, get into a flow-state, or into a transcendent state!

• Thaddeus Pedisich is a multi-talented musician and artist (and my lovely partner of 11+ years) who creates monthly playlists that feature a dazzling array of new music from around the globe focusing primarily on egg punk, lo-fi, underground, garage rock, metal, d-beat, and avante garde genre-defying musical acts such as Prison Affair, Snõõper, Useless Eaters, sin bragas, Gee Tee, Ghoulies, Powerplant, Smirk, and many more. Check out his most recent July and June playlists to get energized and inspired.

• Diana Negrin is a passionate geographer and curator with a profound focus on identity, space, and social movements in Latin America and the United States. Celebrating her recent birthday, Diana's playlist "Above The Clouds" takes us on a captivating musical journey through her 42 years of life, featuring an eclectic mix of rap, reggae, ranchers, and dance music. Additionally, her incredible playlists titled "Global Environmental Politics Playlist" and "Latinx Politics" reflect her scholarly engagement with human and cultural geography, critical race theory, cultural studies, political ecology, and urban studies, offering a glimpse into her profound exploration of the politics of solidarity within interracial and cross-geographic alliances centered around indigenous culture and territory.

• I first discovered Ciguapa305 on TikTok and she has 3 huge playlists you can spend hours connecting with. My favorite, for sure, is ESPOOKYS!🦇 which is a super gothy mix of rock en español, industrial, new wave, no wave, ebm, and more and is complimented by her Body Electric⚡ playlist which is full of electro, techno, dance, and industrial in both English and Spanish. Her playlist Señora Hour🧹🍺 features music my mom used to listen to when I was a kid growing up in SoCal and is definitely the perfect music to put on if you’re wanting to kick back and drink a few cups of tea or tidy up around the house.

Podcasts

• Missing Witches Podcast - A feminist, research-based occult storytelling project on a quest to find the witches we've overlooked.

• How To Surve The End of The World - Autumn Brown and adrienne maree brown, two sisters with shared identities as writers, activists, facilitators, and inheritors of multiracial diasporic lineages, embark on a podcast exploring survival practices for our community to navigate endings and emerge whole on the other side, no matter what that entails.

• The Witch Wave with Pam Grossman - weaves bewitching conversations on magic, creativity, and culture, featuring leading visionaries discussing art and craft.

• The Think Piece Podcast - Sarah M. Chappell guides founders, creators, coaches, and curious minds in building the future of online business.

• Party Crews: The Untold Story - In the vibrant Los Angeles party crew scene of the ‘00s, Latinx kids sought solace, self-expression, hard house, and a break from their troubles, but the safety was not guaranteed, as shootings and police raids clouded the space. In this gripping podcast, host Janice Llamoca takes a nostalgic Y2K-filled trip back to her own party crew days, reflecting on the significance of the scene for teens like Emmery Muñoz, whose unsolved murder still echoes to this day.

• Rise Up Goodwitch - Formerly hosted by Corinna Rosella, the beloved podcast "Ru!gw" finds a new home with fellow good witch, herbalist, and comedian Tavi Elise for 2023 and beyond. Within a loving container, they weave together stories and shared experiences, infusing humor and skepticism to navigate our current hellscape, all while fostering a spirit of creativity to forge new worlds together.

• Queer Conjure Podcast - Queering the path towards magical liberation this podcast helps you find inspiration in witnessing other trans and queer individuals fully embracing their Whole Witchy Selves, and diligently fostering care through magical practices and equitable principles.

• Erika Taught Me - Erika Kullberg, a lawyer and money expert with over 20 million social media followers, hosts the Erika Taught Me podcast, where she interviews diverse guests each week to explore their paths to success, valuable lessons learned, and insights they can share, releasing a new episode every Tuesday.

• Pivot - Tech journalist Kara Swisher and NYU Professor Scott Galloway team up to deliver sharp, unfiltered insights into the tech, business, and political landscape, making bold predictions, picking winners and losers, and engaging in unique bickering and banter that comes with great scrutiny.

• La Valentina Podcast - is a podcast about queer friendship that celebrates Latinx artists and our accomplices with hosts Hoesy Corona and Stephanie Mercedes.

• Ghost Of A Podcast - Hosted by Jessica Lanyadoo, this astrology and advice podcast is as informative as it is highly entertaining!

• Cosmic Cousins - This podcast is released every new & full moon and is hosted by astrologer Jeff Hinshaw and is dedicated to honoring the interconnectedness of our universal family through embodied health, self-discovery, and deeper learning.

• Why Not Both? - An exploration of how our multiple passions shape our identity and is hosted by Pam Shaffer, who is a musician, and therapist in Los Angeles.

• World Of Rex - Hosted by actor, spiritual coach + guerrilla ontologist Marval A Rex. Featuring occult downloads, psychological inquiries, cultural banter, tantalising guest interviews, and grounded spiritual insights.

Community Nominated Podcasts

• Indigenous Action Podcast - Established on August 25th, 2001, the podcast aims to offer strategic communications and direct action support for the defense of Indigenous sacred lands.

• Poor Magazine/ Prensa Pobre - Poor people–led/indigenous people–led broadcast media deconstructing the lies told about poor folks By Any Means Necessary!

• On Being with Krista Tippett - Peabody award-winning conversations to live with. Wisdom to replenish and orient in this wild ride of a time to be alive.

• Maintenance Phase - is a podcast dedicated to debunking the junk science behind health fads, wellness scams, and nonsensical nutrition advice.

• Third Eye Drops - Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the mysteries and majesty of the multiverse alongside Michael Phillip and his extraordinary multidisciplinary guests, including scientists, artists, comedians, entrepreneurs, authors, shamans, monks, psychonauts, and the occasional android sidekicks.

• Magick & Alchemy Podcast - Step into the enchanting world of modern-day witches and earth-spirited souls with hosts Kristin Lisenby and Kate Belew, as they enthrall listeners each week with discussions on witchcraft, divination, mythology, and all things magick and alchemy.

• Between The Worlds - Join host Amanda Yates Garcia and a series of special guests as they engage in captivating conversations spanning tarot, psychology, mythology, pop culture, witchcraft, magic, art, and history, accompanied by enchanting music and production by Carolyn Pennypacker Riggs.

• Anything For Selena - Maria García combines rigorous reporting with impassioned storytelling to honor Selena's legacy. She also explores the indelible mark she left on Latino identity and belonging, whether it’s fatherhood, big-butt politics, and the fraught relationship with whiteness and language.

• You Must Remember This - Hosted by Karina Longworth, a former film critic for LA Weekly, delves into the scandalous and forgotten history of Old Hollywood, offering extensively researched and captivating insights into the off-screen drama.

• Glitch Bottle - A Western magic and grimoire-focused show that uncorks the uncommon with magic, mysticism, and the generally misunderstood.

• Spirit World Center - Laova and Eric offer practical advice and techniques for seekers of all levels, guiding them to unlock their psychic abilities, perform trance journeys, study spiritual ecosystems, channel guides, and enhance their intuition while fostering a positive relationship with their higher selves, spirits, and the Spirit World.

• Congratulations Pine Tree - The Bay Area’s number ONE arts and culture podcast hosted by Kate Rhoades and Maysoun Wazwaz.

• Saturn Vox - Hosted by McCalla Ann, a theurgist and kabbalistic scholar, this podcast offers bi-weekly interviews exploring Occult education with a focus on philosophy, psychology, theology, and critical thinking, engaging in enlightening discussions with fellow practitioners that celebrate the harmonious and liminal space between theory and praxis.

• What Magic Is This? - Topic-based podcast delving into the realms of Magic, the Occult, the Esoteric, the Paranormal, the Supernatural, and the Weird, where each episode revolves around a single subject, aiming to explore and uncover the essential aspects.

• CARLA Podcast - Presented by Contemporary Art Review Los Angeles (CARLA), a quarterly print magazine and online journal fostering critical dialogue within the contemporary art community of Los Angeles, our monthly podcast features captivating conversations with artists, curators, and creatives living and working in the city, complementing the essays, reviews, and interviews published in the magazine and online.

• Vibe Check - Sam Sanders, Saeed Jones, and Zach Stafford make sense of what’s going on in news and culture – and how it all feels. Vibe Check is your favorite group chat, come to life.

• Normal Gossip - juicy, strange, funny, and utterly banal gossip about people you’ll never know and never meet.

• This Is Actually Happening - Experience riveting, life-changing tales firsthand as individuals recount extraordinary events, from waking up in a morgue to surviving a harrowing ordeal in the Mexican desert, leaving you on the edge of your seat, eager to hear what unfolds next.

• Navigating Narcissism - Embark on a transformative journey of healing from narcissistic encounters with clinical psychologist and foremost narcissism expert, Dr. Ramani Durvasula, as she engages in powerful conversations with survivors and experts in the groundbreaking series.