On today’s episode of Creative Space, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Merideth Hite Estevez, a world-class oboist who shares her transformative journey from burnout to bliss. Learn how her experiences at Juilliard and her subsequent creative recovery led her to establish Artists for Joy, a thriving community that helps artists overcome their blocks and rediscover joy in creativity.

Merideth delves into the profound impact Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way” had on her life, and how it inspired her to pen her own book, “The Artist’s Joy.”

Together, we explore a holistic definition of creativity inspired by Eric Booth and underscore the importance of self-care. Merideth’s personal anecdotes and practical tips illuminate the cultural and spiritual challenges artists face while emphasizing the power of small, consistent steps in achieving creative goals. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of finding sustainability and joy in your artistic journey. Enjoy!

For more on Dr. Merideth Hite Estevez, visit: artistsforjoy.org. 

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SHOW NOTES:

0:00—Intro

2:18—Hosting her first creative cluster

3:52—Discovering Julia Cameron in 2016

5:50—Life in Detroit, Michigan

6:56—Merideth’s first creative outlet

8:00—”Music was a getaway car.”

8:18—Growing up in a creative family

10:10—Falling in love with the oboe

11:15—The influence of “Appalachian Spring,” Barbara Streisand and Emile Pandolfi

13:15—A musical life with her husband and daughter

15:30—Merideth’s definition of creativity

17:58—Using achievement to outrun shame

19:30—How Merideth got unstuck

22:11—The difference between being good and being well

24:00—The creative devotion routine

26:30—Her new book, “The Artist’s Joy”

30:35—80% of musicians struggle with anxiety or depression

33:28—Social media can be really toxic for artists

38:30—What’s next for Merideth?