Episode 4 Creativity as lineage, liberation and lifeline

In this episode, we explore the primal need to express and create, and reflect on the many ways women have historically been restricted or deprived of that freedom. We speak to creativity as something that lives through us — as lineage, as liberation, and as a lifeline. Inspired by The Artist’s Way, we took ourselves on an artist’s weekend away, reconnecting with our own creative rhythms and practices. We share the joy of witnessing other women’s art and how deeply it inspires us, particularly during our visit to the exhibition Dangerously Modern: Australian Women Artists in Europe 1890–1940 at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Featuring over 200 works by 50 trailblazing artists, the exhibition offered a powerful glimpse into the courage and creative force of women across time. Oceana reflects on a painting by Emily Chapman, depicting her husband fallen on the battlefield of World War I. We were also deeply moved by the all-women Indigenous dance troupe Jannawi Dance Clan and their performance Garrigarrang Badu at the Sydney Opera House as part of Sydney Festival 2026. We touch on two films that honour the lives of women artists: Séraphine, directed by Martin Provost, about French painter Séraphine Louis, and Maudie, directed by Aisling Walsh, about artist Maud Lewis. Poetry shared in this episode: “I didn’t trust it for a moment” from Naked Song by Lalla (translated by Coleman Barks) “To Failure” from Breathworks by Laura Jan Shore With gratitude for the intro and outro music by Wayne Joseph Kington from his album Self-Portrait www.waynejoseph.com.au https://www.facebook.com/waynejosephkington This podcast is created and recorded on Bundjalung Country, with deep respect and gratitude to Elders past, present, and emerging.   If this episode stirred something in you, you are welcome to explore more of our work.   Oceana Piccone offers transpersonal art therapy and creative facilitation, supporting others to reconnect with their inner landscape through art. Explore more at Creative Impulse   Laura Jan Shore is a poet and writer whose work explores love, nature, and the human spirit. Explore more at Laura Jan Shore