
See VIDEO of the “KnoW Safe Place”
All She makes
RAW FOOTAGE: With The Artist: Debra Disman Part I

Please see VIDEO of the “KnoW Safe Place”
“With The Artist: Debra Disman Part I“
In conversation with Erika Sukstorf
developer of “raw footage” (more to come)
Please click link to view
Candid Conversation with Kristine Schomaker: “Art, Community, and the Beautiful Chaos of Creative Life””
“A Candid Conversation with artist Debra Disman: Art, Community, and the Beautiful Chaos of Creative Life“
Conversation with Kristine Shomaker
Founder and Director of Shoebox Arts
It was wonderful to talk with Kristine, and I thank her for this opportunity to share!
“I’m excited to share this heartfelt conversation with the incredible Debra Disman, an artist whose generosity and support of the LA art community never ceases to amaze me. What started as our usual Instagram dialogues evolved into this deeper YouTube discussion about the realities of being working artists in Los Angeles.
In this conversation, we dive into topics that I know so many of us struggle with but rarely discuss openly: the overwhelming guilt that comes with LA’s abundance of art events, the paralysis of wanting to support everyone while managing our own creative needs, and the constant juggling act between community engagement and studio time.
Debra shares her thoughtful daily practice – from morning walks and I Ching readings to the “wonky” reality of studio life at 18th Street Arts Complex. We explore how authenticity means accepting our imperfections (yes, I’m talking about being a messy painter!), the geographic challenges of our sprawling city, and how some of our best ideas come when we least expect them.
This isn’t a polished conversation about artistic success – it’s an honest look at the beautiful messiness of creative life. We talk about anxiety, health challenges, the pressure to attend everything, and the importance of forgiving ourselves for being human. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by opportunities or guilty about not doing “enough,” this conversation is for you.
Whether you’re part of LA’s art scene or creating anywhere else, I hope you’ll find something that resonates. As Debra wisely notes, we all need practices that help us reset and come back to ourselves throughout the day.
Thank you, Debra, for always being such a supportive voice in our community and for being so open about the real challenges we face as artists. Your wisdom and authenticity shine through every word.
Watch the full conversation below, and let me know in the comments what resonated most with you.”
—Kristine Shomaker, Founder and Director of Shoebox Arts
“A Candid Conversation with artist Debra Disman: Art, Community, and the Beautiful Chaos of Creative Life“
Raw Sound: The Podcast with Erika Sukstorf


In Conversation with the inimitable Erika Sukstorf….
We listen, we talk, we listen again…
Raw Conversation Podcast Part 1:
Raw Conversation Podcast Part 2
Making Art Inspired By Great Artists: “Channeling” Louise Nevelson
It was great fun to work with my girrrrlll power (my moniker) CREST Santa Monica Malibu School District after school programming students for our last meeting of our “Making Art Inspired By Great Artists” class, inspired by extraordinary artist Louise Nevelson.
The girrrllls (from grades 1-5!) used a variety of scrap and other wood object and pieces to create their own sculptural constructions using wood glue. They became designers, planners, builders, engineer and of course, artists and sculptors. Very inspiring!


When there is kNOw Safe Place, Try to Create Safe Space



