In this episode, Ceri speaks with Jennifer Higgie, whose evolution from painting lemons to shaping Frieze magazine spans more than two decades. She opens up about the realities of the art world, the necessity of creative discipline, and her mission to respect artists' work with authenticity. Through her shift from art critic to author uncovering hidden women artists in art history, Jennifer demonstrates what it takes to build and sustain a creative life. Her thoughts and experience of writing's emotional toll and the exposure of sharing creative work resonate deeply, while her practical experience serves as both a roadmap and reminder for other creatives. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Jennifer developed her disciplined approach to writing through 23 years at Frieze, treating it like a ‘normal’ job with strict deadlines and word counts while learning the importance of stopping at the right time to maintain quality
She deliberately positioned herself as an "enthusiast" rather than a critic, choosing to write primarily about work she felt passionate about rather than producing negative criticism
To sustain her writing career, she worked as a waitress for 15 years, preferring this to desk jobs as it didn't interfere with her creative headspace
She built and maintained vital creative networks across London, Berlin and Australia that have supported her throughout her career transitions
After experiencing burnout and anxiety, she sought CBT support, which helped her learn to distinguish between real and hypothetical anxieties
Her research into overlooked women artists led her to discover how much messier and more inclusive art history is than she was taught
As reviews editor at Frieze, she developed a systematic approach to balance coverage between established institutions, emerging artists and everything in between.
Her experience taught her that writing requires accepting that most work goes into a void of silence, with rare but meaningful moments of connection with readers

BEST MOMENTS

"Writing is very much like dropping a pebble into a very deep pool or well, and very occasionally you hear a faint splash, and that's about it" 

"The idea of super bohemian artists going wild and drinking or taking lots of drugs... you can't last very long if you do that" 

"Paintings are like portals, you look in, you look into them, and you go into them, and then you travel around a bit, and you come out again" 

"Everyone has a story...and it's your responsibility to find out what that story is" 

"Art history was for too long taught as if it was carved in stone" 

"I'm infuriated by the idea that history was written as if it was all about white male achievement" 

EPISODE RESOURCES

Guest Links:

https://www.jenniferhiggie.com/

Instagram @jennifer_higgie

Book Link:

https://www.weidenfeldandnicolson.co.uk/titles/jennifer-higgie/the-other-side/9781474623322/

PODCAST HOST BIO

With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals.

****

Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today! 

https://cerihand.com/membership/

****

Build Relationships The Easy Way
Our self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today.

https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/

****

Book a Discovery Call Today
To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com

****

Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity 
Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

In this episode, Ceri speaks with Jennifer Higgie, whose evolution from painting lemons to shaping Frieze magazine spans more than two decades. She opens up about the realities of the art world, the necessity of creative discipline, and her mission to respect artists' work with authenticity. Through her shift from art critic to author uncovering hidden women artists in art history, Jennifer demonstrates what it takes to build and sustain a creative life. Her thoughts and experience of writing's emotional toll and the exposure of sharing creative work resonate deeply, while her practical experience serves as both a roadmap and reminder for other creatives. 
KEY TAKEAWAYS
<ul>
<li>Jennifer developed her disciplined approach to writing through 23 years at Frieze, treating it like a ‘normal’ job with strict deadlines and word counts while learning the importance of stopping at the right time to maintain quality</li>
<li>She deliberately positioned herself as an "enthusiast" rather than a critic, choosing to write primarily about work she felt passionate about rather than producing negative criticism</li>
<li>To sustain her writing career, she worked as a waitress for 15 years, preferring this to desk jobs as it didn't interfere with her creative headspace</li>
<li>She built and maintained vital creative networks across London, Berlin and Australia that have supported her throughout her career transitions</li>
<li>After experiencing burnout and anxiety, she sought CBT support, which helped her learn to distinguish between real and hypothetical anxieties</li>
<li>Her research into overlooked women artists led her to discover how much messier and more inclusive art history is than she was taught</li>
<li>As reviews editor at Frieze, she developed a systematic approach to balance coverage between established institutions, emerging artists and everything in between.</li>
<li>Her experience taught her that writing requires accepting that most work goes into a void of silence, with rare but meaningful moments of connection with readers</li>
</ul>
BEST MOMENTS
"Writing is very much like dropping a pebble into a very deep pool or well, and very occasionally you hear a faint splash, and that's about it" 
"The idea of super bohemian artists going wild and drinking or taking lots of drugs... you can't last very long if you do that" 
"Paintings are like portals, you look in, you look into them, and you go into them, and then you travel around a bit, and you come out again" 
"Everyone has a story...and it's your responsibility to find out what that story is" 
"Art history was for too long taught as if it was carved in stone" 
"I'm infuriated by the idea that history was written as if it was all about white male achievement" 
EPISODE RESOURCES
Guest Links:
<a href="https://www.jenniferhiggie.com/">https://www.jenniferhiggie.com/</a>
Instagram @jennifer_higgie
Book Link:
https://www.weidenfeldandnicolson.co.uk/titles/jennifer-higgie/the-other-side/9781474623322/
PODCAST HOST BIO
With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals.
****
Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today! 
<a href="https://cerihand.com/membership/">https://cerihand.com/membership/</a> 
****
Build Relationships The Easy Way Our self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today.
<a href="https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/">https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/</a> ****
Book a Discovery Call Today  To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at <a href="mailto:hello@cerihand.com">hello@cerihand.com</a>
****
Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity  Visit<a href="http://www.cerihand.com/"> www.cerihand.com</a> to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Extraordinary Creatives: The Premier Art Podcast

Welcome to the Extraordinary Creatives podcast, your gateway to the world of exceptional artists and creative leaders who have defied the odds to make a significant impact in the arts and beyond.

Hosted by Ceri Hand, creative coach, curator, and seasoned arts and business insider, this podcast offers a wealth of insights into art and creativity through in-depth interviews. Ceri’s extensive experience and genuine passion for the arts make every episode a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice.

At the heart of Extraordinary Creatives is the belief that creativity is essential for success. However, it is the courage, confidence, and resilience to dare to be different that truly transforms the world. With her warm, playful, and straight-talking style, Ceri delves into the ideas, processes, mindsets, victories, and challenges of trailblazers who have paved the way in the arts.

Ceri’s mission is to support 100,000 artists and arts leaders by 2025 by providing exclusive access to information, inspiration, and expertise. Discover the transformative power of art with Extraordinary Creatives. Tune in and follow so you don’t miss an episode!

Extraordinary Creatives: The Premier Art Podcast
Welcome to the Extraordinary Creatives podcast, your gateway to the world of exceptional artists and creative leaders who have defied the odds to make a significant impact in the arts and beyond.
Hosted by Ceri Hand, creative coach, curator, and seasoned arts and business insider, this podcast offers a wealth of insights into art and creativity through in-depth interviews. Ceri’s extensive experience and genuine passion for the arts make every episode a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice.
At the heart of Extraordinary Creatives is the belief that creativity is essential for success. However, it is the courage, confidence, and resilience to dare to be different that truly transforms the world. With her warm, playful, and straight-talking style, Ceri delves into the ideas, processes, mindsets, victories, and challenges of trailblazers who have paved the way in the arts.
Ceri’s mission is to support 100,000 artists and arts leaders by 2025 by providing exclusive access to information, inspiration, and expertise. Discover the transformative power of art with Extraordinary Creatives. Tune in and follow so you don’t miss an episode!

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