Are you willing to put your art out into the world—to put yourself out in the world—knowing that you may not get the validation you seek. My conversation with Southern California abstract painter PRIYA SHARMA ASENCIO digs into the nitty-gritty reality of making the transition from a prior profession (in Priya’s case advertising media) to being a full-time painter, including the highs and lows of showing your work in public forums like art fairs and growing into your art practice within the social media gaze.

Priya’s dogged optimism has helped her weather the disappointments and recognize how all of her art experiences are interconnected. Rather than relying on external measures of success, Priya is learning how to validate herself first and appreciating the relationships each new stage presents.

After a career in education that included roles as a kindergarten teacher, principal, grant writer and consultant, Canadian-born ISBELLE ALESSANDRA finally heeded her mother’s final advice to become a full-time artist.

The ARTish Plunge podcast explores how Isabelle, now a resident of southern California, channeled the same drive and work ethic that fueled her as a young figure skater into her artmaking and marketing, resulting in impressive art sales, magazine features and the gallery of her dreams.