Art & Cocktails by Ekaterina Popova
Art & Cocktails
When It All Feels Like Too Much: Art, Survival, and Reinvention
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When It All Feels Like Too Much: Art, Survival, and Reinvention

A candid look at navigating chaos, creativity, and change

In this episode, I’m sharing the real story behind my recent trip to Spain—a trip that was both beautiful and unbelievably stressful, because polarity is such an (annoying) staple of the human experience.

From co-curating the Emergency Exit exhibition in Menorca to getting frantic calls about my dog’s health, dealing with roof leaks back home, and managing the constant uncertainty of being an artist, this was a reminder that our highlight reels never tell the whole story.

I also dive into what’s happening in the art world right now: gallery closures, a cooling market, and the collapse of old systems that once felt so stable. But instead of seeing this as an ending, I see it as an invitation—an opportunity to reimagine what an art career can look like on your own terms.

We’ll explore:

  • Why traditional gallery representation isn’t the only path (and often never was)

  • A look at the art market’s cycles over the past decades—and why change is nothing new

  • Practical ideas for diversifying your income and building more resilience

  • How to reconnect with your purpose when everything feels like too much

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, questioning your worth, or wondering whether your dreams are still possible, I hope this conversation reminds you: you’re not alone.

Cheers to keeping going—no matter what.


Book Recommendations for Tough Times:
Start With Why by Simon Sinek
Grit by Angela Duckworth
Art as Therapy by Alain de Botton and John Armstrong
Make Your Art No Matter What by Beth Pickens

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