Well hey there, Craftonians! ✨
If you’ve been hanging out with me on the Happy Time Craftcast, you know this isn’t just a place for glue guns, watercolor brushes, and the occasional glitter emergency (though let’s be real — I’ll always say yes to sparkle). We talk about creativity, courage, and connection — and what it means to live a life overflowing with art and heart.
And this week’s guest — the deeply creative, wonderfully grounded Naomi Christenson — brought such a peaceful, inspiring energy to my day! 🌿🎨
Before our chat, I’d just wrapped up retreat season at Big Raven Farm and was riding that beautiful wave of post-retreat gratitude — tired in the best way, the soul-full kind of tired. Surrounded by paint, yoga mats, and holiday to-dos, I sat down in my delightfully messy studio, cup of tea in hand, ready to connect with someone who understands what it means to live creatively, intentionally, and joyfully.
The vibe? Calm. Reflective. Bright.
The perfect energy to talk about art, nature, movement — and how creativity shows up in the most unexpected places.
Getting to Know Naomi
Naomi is a Minnesota-based painter, tap dance instructor, and MFA candidate whose work dances (literally and figuratively!) with the patterns and rhythms of nature. Her art is inspired by the textures of the world around her — the curve of a mushroom, the ripple of water, the way wind seems to hum through tall grass.
She’s one of those people who doesn’t just make art — she lives it. Every brushstroke, every step, every moment feels intentional, alive, and connected to something deeper.
As we talked, I couldn’t help but smile at how she blends her two creative loves — painting and movement — into a single, fluid expression. She said, “Nature is my favorite collaborator. It always has something to teach me about rhythm and flow.”
Isn’t that beautiful? It’s so Naomi — grounded, observant, and always learning from the world around her.
What I Learned from Naomi
Talking with Naomi felt like standing in the woods during golden hour — quiet, soft, and full of tiny details you don’t want to miss.
She reminded me that creativity isn’t about chasing inspiration; it’s about slowing down enough to notice what’s already there. The color of a leaf. The sound of your own breath. The movement of your hand when it’s not overthinking.
One of my favorite moments was when she said, “You can’t force inspiration — you have to create space for it to arrive.” I just love that. It’s such a gentle truth.
We talked about the joy of imperfection, about family traditions that shape us as artists, and about how the creative process mirrors nature itself — always changing, sometimes messy, but always beautiful.
And as she spoke, I couldn’t help but think: this is what art is really about. It’s gratitude in motion. It’s noticing the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Why You’ll Love This Episode
If you’ve ever needed a creative reset…
If you’ve ever stared at a blank page or canvas and felt stuck…
If you’ve ever wondered how to balance your art, your life, and your own expectations…
This episode will wrap you up like a cozy blanket and remind you that the world is constantly creating — and you’re part of that process.
Naomi’s calm wisdom and bright curiosity will make you want to grab your sketchbook, lace up your dance shoes, or just take a walk outside and notice. It’s a breath of creative fresh air.
So pour a cup of something warm, light a candle, and join me for a conversation that feels like sunlight through the trees — gentle, joyful, and full of wonder.
Until next time, Craftonians — keep noticing, keep creating, and keep saying yes to the beauty all around you. 💛
With love and laughter,
Joleen
PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:
Guest Bio
Naomi Christenson is a painter, educator, and dancer based in Duluth, Minnesota. With a BFA and current MFA studies in painting, she draws inspiration from the natural rhythms of the world—color, movement, texture, and form. When she’s not creating in the studio, Naomi teaches tap dance and explores how motion, intuition, and nature influence her art.
Follow Naomi
Episode Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00 – 02:29] —Welcome from Joleen’s studio and retreat season reflections
[02:30 – 05:44] — Big Raven Yoga Mats
[05:45 – 07:59] — Guest intro: Naomi Christenson
[08:00 – 13:19] — Naomi’s creative journey
[13:20 – 18:59] — Multidisciplinary art and the challenge of defining yourself as a maker
[19:00 – 22:14] — How nature inspires Naomi’s work
[22:15 – 25:59] — Mushrooms as natural art forms—unexpected beauty and texture
[26:00 – 32:59] — Capturing inspiration: using photos, color references, and nature walks
[33:00 – 35:59] — The joy of imperfection and working intuitively
[36:00 – 41:59] — Community questions: favorite natural patterns, mushroom magic, and process
[42:00 – 44:59] — Lessons from nature about growth and transformation
[45:00 – End] — Final reflections
Quotes from the Episode
“I create from the rhythms and patterns I see in nature—color and movement are my language.” – Naomi Christenson
“You don’t have to be perfect to be creative; you just have to start.” – Joleen Emery
“Mushrooms are the best teachers—constantly changing, always surprising.” – Naomi Christenson
“Art is how we connect to the world and to each other.” – Joleen Emery
Resources and Links
Big Raven Yoga Mats
Big Raven Farm Retreats
Book Nook for Makers: Cut Paper Pictures by Clover Robin
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