Members Interview
In this interview with the Women in Arts Network, Colombian artist and jewelry designer Luma shares how her work with wire crochet grew from childhood memories and her training in design. She talks about finding calm through making, how materials often guide her process, and how jewelry has become her way of opening conversations around mental health and human connection.
How many times have you been told, “You need a website to look professional”? Probably more times than you can count. And sure, that advice made sense ten years ago when having a website was the only way to show up online. But let’s pause for a second. Do you really need to spend endless hours (and dollars) trying to make your site look perfect when there are artist-focused platforms already doing the heavy lifting for you? Think about it. A website is like owning a house. Sounds glamorous, right? But…
What does “home” mean to you? Is it the walls that sheltered you, the sound of rain on the window, or a memory that lingers long after you’ve left? The Women in Arts Network invites women-identifying and non-binary artists from around the world to explore these deeply personal ideas in our International Virtual Exhibition, “The Places We Call Home.
You’ve probably heard artists complain that “my work looks so much better in person.” And yes, that’s true, but here’s the thing, most people making decisions about your art will first see it on a screen. Whether it’s a juror scrolling through applications or a collector browsing online, your photograph is often the first handshake. If that handshake is limp, blurry, or dimly lit, it doesn’t matter how beautiful the original work is, the impression is lost before it begins. Think about it: when you shop online, do you buy the…
Karen Sachs talks about how she found her way into painting by filling a blank wall in her first apartment and how that small beginning opened the door to a life filled with color, mosaic, and exploration. In this Women in Arts Network interview, she shares how she balances her career and art, what keeps her motivated, and the lessons she’s discovered along the way.
Think about your portfolio the way a professional thinks about their toolkit. Even the sharpest tool becomes dull if it is never maintained. A portfolio can look fresh and powerful when first created, but over time it risks becoming outdated, cluttered, or less representative of your artistic direction. A regular checkup is not just about adding new work, it is about asking whether the story being told still reflects your identity as an artist today. Many artists forget that jurors, curators, and potential buyers are looking for clarity. If your portfolio…
When someone opens your portfolio, you want them to instantly sense your vision , like they’ve just stepped into your creative world. Cohesion is what makes that happen. It’s the invisible thread that gives your collection purpose and connection. This doesn’t mean every piece should look the same, but they should feel like they’re part of the same family. Imagine your work speaking the same language, each piece adding to the conversation instead of shouting over one another. Without cohesion, even your most skillful pieces can seem scattered, leaving viewers unsure…
Painter and writer Joann Renner talks about her path from early pastel lessons on the New Jersey boardwalk to creating work that encourages people to notice and care for their surroundings. In this interview for the Women In Arts Network, she shares her process, the challenges she has faced, and the lessons she hopes to pass on to other creatives.
1. Why You Don’t Need to Show Everything Let’s start with a truth that trips up so many artists: more is not always better. When you’re putting together a portfolio, the instinct is to throw in everything, thinking, “The more they see, the more impressed they’ll be.” But here’s the kicker, a bloated portfolio can overwhelm jurors and dilute your strongest work. Every piece should earn its spot, not just fill space. Think of your portfolio as a conversation with a friend. You wouldn’t talk non-stop without letting them digest your ideas,…
The Places We Call Home" invites women-identifying and non-binary artists worldwide to share personal interpretations of home in all its emotional, physical, and symbolic forms. With the final deadline of September 23, 2025, this free, international virtual exhibition is a chance to join a global conversation on belonging, memory, and identity. Any medium is welcome, from painting and photography to digital and mixed media. Submit your work today and let your vision of home resonate across the world.