In this episode, we sit down with artist and educator Ann Baker to talk about a lifetime devoted to art, teaching, and creativity. Ann earned her undergraduate degree in Art Education from Greensboro College and her MFA from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She spent 20 years teaching high school art in Guilford County, North Carolina, helping generations of students discover their creative voices.

After her husband's retirement, Ann returned to Harrisonburg, where she now works from her home studio and teaches private art lessons. We discuss her artistic journey, the rewards and challenges of teaching, how her work has evolved over the years, and what continues to inspire her today. Whether you're an artist, educator, or simply someone who appreciates creativity, this conversation offers insight into a life shaped by art and the joy of sharing it with others.

In this episode of Canvas Commentary Podcast, Derek Jackson sits down with potter and author Rob Barnard to talk about a lifetime dedicated to ceramics, philosophy, and the search for meaning through art. From studying in Kyoto, Japan under legendary ceramic artist Kazuo Yagi to building his studio practice in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Rob shares stories about pottery, writing, wood firing, and the role of functional art in modern life. The conversation explores creativity, craftsmanship, and how everyday objects can carry deep emotional and artistic significance.

Follow Rob Barnard’s work on Instagram @rob__barnard__pottery and visit his website at Rob-Barnard.com.

In this episode of Canvas Commentary, Derek Jackson sits down with artist and acupuncturist Joseph Goldfedder to explore the connection between art, energy, healing, and intuition.

Joseph shares how his background in acupuncture, intuitive healing, and mediumship influences his creative process, leading to paintings filled with floating orbs, emerging faces, and powerful emotional energy. Together, they dive into the meaning behind his work, the idea of transformation through creativity, and the unseen forces that inspire his art.

Follow Joseph Goldfedder on Instagram @JosephGoldFedder and explore more of his work at www.JosephGoldfedder.com.