For two years, the Stevens twins struggled to sell a single piece. They faced creative differences, self-doubt, and even a gallery robbery. But instead of giving up, they leaned into their vision, their roles as artists, and their belief in what they were building. In our conversation on The Art Biz, I talked with Stella and Gemma about:

• How they transformed sibling disagreements into a creative advantage.
• The strategies that helped them push through early struggles and build momentum.
• The business mindset that keeps them going, including their marketing and expansion efforts.
• How they inspire the next generation of artists through school visits.

One of the biggest takeaways? Determination isn’t just about working hard—it’s about believing in your work and staying the course.

In this episode of The Art Biz I talk with Nanci Hersh about an exhibition she organized with 25 artists from multiple states and countries.

The show used the central theme of tears to explore empathy, compassion, and understanding within a sacred space—a metaphorical chapel. She says, as artists “we are so fortunate that we can use our art to make sense of life experiences.”

Nanci and I discuss:

• The ripple effect of art when it impacts the artist first.
• The training she received to facilitate uncomfortable conversations.
• The benefits of taking on such a big project and why it’s important that it aligned with her values.
• How the exhibition was paid for and ideas she has for improving funding options in the future.
• How she stayed organized.
• The importance of clear lines of communication, accepting help, and practicing gratitude.

[ See also: The Art Biz ep. 136: Putting Artists First in Curatorial Projects with Melissa Messina ]

I had heard Detour’s name around Denver, and I knew he had recently written a book for artists. You don’t forget the name of an artist who goes by Detour.

After the encounter with the mural, I started seeing Detour’s name in more places.

Maybe it’s another mural, every bit as impactful as the one I watched him paint. Or there’s an article. Or he pops up on the local news.

He’s everywhere. Not just Denver. He travels to communities all over to paint murals, but he also works on canvas, and in music, installation, and sculpture.

In this episode of The Art Biz, I talk with Detour to find how he does it all. By himself and without an assistant.

We discuss his various income streams—prints, murals, corporate sponsorships, and grants—and why he doesn’t want to be limited by what he currently knows. 

To that end, he’s learning how to use new technologies that will help him land complex opportunities requiring new skillsets. He’s not afraid to discover that the best way to approach an artistic problem is something he hasn’t done before.

Detour is big on collaboration and presenting himself in the most professional light. He says, “You never know who is watching.”

I encourage you to listen closely to the questions he asks himself before agreeing to take on new work. Good stuff there.

Willie and I spoke about the faith he has in his work as a result of being consistent throughout the years. And, actually, why he says work is a bad word and prefers to approach his studio in the spirit of play.

We discuss his art and why he challenges people to perceive recognizable objects, like shoes and musical instruments, in new ways. 

Willie has also perceived what is possible for his art and career in new ways by considering possibilities beyond galleries and museums. He says, “They are part of the game but not the whole game.” (Yes, he used the word game. Again, adding an element of play to his vision.)

You’ll hear how one of his Instagram posts—where he mocked up his art as if to appear on the cover of Vogue (see below)—led to collaborations with major fashion brands. Such opportunities continue coming his way, which might be the result of his faith in his practice.

Spoiler: Visualizing success plays a role.