Welcome to On the Irregular, a space where we celebrate the non linear creative paths. How they inform our work, how they make the journey more interesting and how we can help breakdown the out-dated idea that there is only one way to arrive at where you want to be.
I am interested in talking to women, trans and non-binary folk about their thoughts on creativity, whether they find themselves represented in their chosen creative field and how they navigate these.
A few recurring themes that have come up in conversation on each episode of ‘On the Irregular’:
- The value and richness in the non linear path.
- The roles that societal & educational expectations play in our creative and career choices.
- The importance of representation in the creative fields.
- How best we can support each other and forge a strong, creative community to help us thrive on our paths.
In September 2022 I received Arts Council Funding to host a recording of the podcast with a live audience at HOME in Manchester. Through the conversations we had here and feedback from the audience, I have been inspired to create more live events and workshops where we can encourage even more people to tell their story and support them in pursuing a creative path.
Take a look around, listen to the podcast, and if you’d like to get in touch, I’d love ot hear from you.
Java x
‘Stimulating, free-flowing conversation. The podcast is like having Java and guests round for morning coffee, helping me stay connected to my own identity and the outside world. As the title suggests, conversation meanders in ways you would not expect due to Java’s astute ability to identify and open up interesting talking points with her guests as they naturally arise.’
‘I have followed Java Bere on instagram for a while and was excited to listen to her podcast. It is inspiring and also realistic about different creative journeys. I find it comforting to hear how other creatives have also found success through rocky paths or unexpected ways. This is a new favourite to have on, while I’m painting and felting.’
‘Absolutely fascinating. I have been meaning to try this podcast for a while and finally had an opportunity. It did not disappoint! Inspires at the same time as prompting you to reflect and so many things resonate. I’ll be back for more.’
‘Comforting and inspirational. Loved listening to this podcast back to back when I discovered it a couple of months ago and can’t wait for the next series to start. Java’s guests are always so inspiring as is Java herself and listening to their conversations feels like listening to friends.’
‘Inspirational! Just listened to the episode with Saima Kaur and LOVED it so much – i’ll definitely be bingeing on the other episodes and will be following from now on. It was so well presented – it felt like I was listening in on friends having a really interesting chat and left me feeling really inspired. Thank you!’
‘Listening going YES YES YES! I listened to the first episode of the podcast and it’s brilliant. First, how is this woman only just starting podcasting, it’s SO professional. Second, the guest is fascinating, I found myself agreeing with so much she said, and learning from her too. I’ll definitely be listening to the rest!’
‘Truly fascinating interviews with women about their journeys into creative work. I’ve smashed through the first three episodes this week. And as a new mum whose finding her feet in a new identity it’s really resonating with me. And Java has a really lovely relaxed manner. Definitely recommend!’
