
Keep Painting: John Walker on a Life in the Studio
From I Like Your Work: Conversations with Artists by Erika b Hess
January 9, 2026 · 1h 18m · Season 8
About this episode
John Walker reflects on the discipline and evolution of a lifelong painting practice in this revisited conversation.
We're revisiting one of my favorite conversations from the archive with painter John Walker, an episode that feels just as relevant now as when it first aired. In this conversation, John reflects on what it means to stay with the work over decades , how a painting practice evolves over time, and the quiet discipline required to keep showing up to the studio. We talk about the deeply meaningful realities of a life devoted to making art. As we move into a new year, this episode feels like the perfect reminder that sustainable creative lives aren't built overnight they're built through intention, consistency, and returning again and again to what matters most. Goals Giveaway To celebrate this rerelease and the new year, I'm offering a free Goal Workbook to anyone who joins I Like Your Work on Patreon. The workbook is designed to help you clarify what you want from your creative life this year without burnout, hustle culture, or unrealistic pressure. Join Patreon to receive the Goal Workbook: https://www.patreon.com/c/ILikeYourWork Whether you're setting intentions for the year or simply needing encouragement to keep going, I hope this conversation meets you where you are. LINKS…
People in this episode
Host: Erika b Hess
Guest: John Walker
Topics covered
- painting
- art practice
- creative life
- discipline
- sustainability
Keywords
- painting
- art
- creative process
- sustainability
- discipline
- John Walker
- I Like Your Work
Sponsors
2026 Canopy Program
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: I Like Your Work, Patreon, Alexandre Gallery, Canopy Program
Books & works: Goal Workbook
More episodes of I Like Your Work: Conversations with Artists
- Color and Craft with Artist Lisa Solomon · April 17, 2026 · 49 min
- Exploring Race, Class, and Social Standing though Painting with Artist Kyle Hackett · April 3, 2026 · 47 min
- Building Structures and Community: Weaving, Sculpture and Painting with Artist Beck Lowry · March 20, 2026 · 47 min
- Artist Richard Raiselis: Painting the Boston Landscape · March 6, 2026 · 1h 1m
- Live Interview with Painter Dion Johnson at Contemporary Art Matters · February 20, 2026 · 44 min
- Tribeca Gallerist Jared Linge on Building High Noon Gallery · February 6, 2026 · 59 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the I Like Your Work: Conversations with Artists podcast page.