Episode 400: The Power of Art — And What 8 Artists Told Me on a Ship in the Middle of the Ocean

Episode 400. It's hard to believe, but here we are. This milestone episode was recorded live aboard the Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady during the Cruise for Creatives 2026 — and it is one of the most meaningful episodes I have ever made. Instead of a solo reflection or a single interview, I went around the ship and asked the artists who joined us one simple but powerful question: What is the power of art to you? Each artist answered independently. No group circle, no shared answers in advance. And what came back was a beautiful tapestry of perspectives from painters, photographers, a physician, a psychologist, a children's book author, a wellness coach, and artists from Florida, Canada, the Bahamas, Illinois, and Massachusetts. In this episode you will hear from Barbara Gerdemann, Shirley Williams, Francine Sweet, Dr. Kevin Bethel, Keith Davidson, Mary Davidson, Richard Hershberger, and Dr. Yanina Gomez — each sharing what the power of art means to them personally. I also share two stories from my own life that shaped how I understand this question: the stick figure drawings I made in a church in Mexico City as a little boy, and the moment early in my career when a young woman stood in front of one of my paintings and quietly began to cry — because it reminded her of the last time she saw her father. That moment changed me as an artist. It may change how you see your work too. I also share exciting news about the Cruise for Creatives 2027 — now reimagined as a full Residency Experience at Sea running March 13–21, 2027. If you have ever wanted to step away from the studio, clear your head, and discover your next big thing surrounded by a community of serious artists, this is for you. Learn more and book your cabin at cruiseforCreatives.com. Thank you for being here for 400 episodes. If this podcast has meant something to you, the greatest gift you can give me is a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps more artists find this show. See you at the next level.