Full Show Notes at: https://www.pencilkings.com/podcast-home/ “Just let go of any intention towards making a cool drawing, and somehow that cool drawing comes of itself.” ~ Ian Ingram. Art and mindfulness are closely linked,, but what really happens in your brain when you put pencil to paper and lose yourself completely in your art? In this interview, hyperrealist artist, Ian Ingram, explains why he swapped the craziness of US city life for the more relaxed surroundings of a seaside town in Mexico… ...and why not being bombarded with advertising and the demands of 21st century culture has helped him find a new inner calm where he’s free to let his imagination roam. Interview Chapters [00:49-03:28] Introduction and Overview Your host. Mitch Bowler, introduces today’s guest, Ian Ingram, an American hyperrealist artist now based in Mexico. Having worked primarily in charcoal for the last 15 years, he’s recently started creating highly detailed self-portraits in oils which explore the human condition in deep and incredibly powerful detail.   [04:18-06:53] Why Did Ian Move to Mexico? A few years ago, Ian and his family made the bold decision to swap the hustle and bustle of urban American life for the more serene surroundings of a small coastal town in Mexico. In this chapter, he explains why he did this, and how escaping the noise of the city has helped him find a new inner calm. [07:58-10:03] How Did Moving to Mexico Change Ian’s Life as an Artist? Since moving, Ian has found it’s not only his lifestyle that’s changed - his new surroundings have also had a positive effect on his creative process as an artist. In this chapter, he explains how this happened, and reveals why leaving city life behind has helped him discover who he really is as a person. [10:27-11:50] What Stage was Ian’s Career at When he Moved? Do you need to establish yourself as an artist before moving somewhere new? In this chapter, Ian talks about his career so far, and why big changes regarding his agent and galleries led to him starting afresh in a new town and seeking new inspiration from his surroundings. [12:42-15:59] Was Moving to Mexico Easy? In this chapter, Ian reveals the struggles he faced in adjusting to life in a new country and continuing to develop as an artist. On one hand, he wasn’t feeling overwhelmed by modern life any more...but, on the other, it took many months of hard work and intense concentration to produce many of his more recent paintings. [16:41-19:14] What’s the Reality of Working as an Artist in a new Country? Many of us have a fantasy about a new life in a different country, but how does this differ from reality? In this chapter, Ian explains how his vision of life compared to the practical realities of working as an artist in Mexico, and how these changes eventually filtered into the art he started making.   [20:28-22:38] Art and Mindfulness. Why Creativity is the Perfect Tool for Meditation. Ian believes art and mindfulness are strongly linked, and that the creative process is the perfect tool for meditation. In this chapter, he explains how intense concentration on drawing an object can help unlock parts of the subconscious mind, and why so many people can benefit from this in their daily lives. [22:52-38:57] How has Mindfulness Influenced Ian’s Teaching Methods and his art? In this chapter, Ian explains his teaching methods and philosophy on art in great detail. You’ll hear why he believes the eye is superior to the brain in how we perceive and interpret things, and why certain works of art resonate with us on a deeper level than others. If you’re looking for a fascinating insight into the mind of a fine artist, you’ll find plenty of food for thought in this section. [40:35-42:27] Conclusion and Where to Find Ian Online In this final chapter, you’ll hear Ian’s final thoughts on the creative process as he shares some of the biggest insights and advice from his career as an artist so far. You’ll also find out where to see more of