S2 Ep17. Freedom as a Practice: Gherdai Hassell on Creativity and Co-Creation

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In this inspiring episode, host Aderonke Bademosi Wilson sits down with international artist Gherdai Hassell to explore powerful themes of freedom, creativity, and dreaming. Gherdai opens up about her personal journey, one rooted in a deep desire for freedom across all areas of life: personal, financial, and creative. Rather than seeking a final destination, she embraces the ongoing process of becoming, constantly evolving through her experiences.

One of the central themes of the conversation is living free. Gherdai shares what freedom means to her, describing it as a life rooted in authenticity and spiritual alignment. As she navigates her personal and creative paths, she emphasizes the importance of honoring her truth and making choices that align with her core values.

Gherdai also offers profound insights into creativity, not just as a profession, but as a way of life. She views each day as an opportunity to create, expressing herself fully and intentionally. For her, it's about being a producer, not just a consumer and infusing every moment with imagination and purpose.

A key part of Gherdai's philosophy is the idea of co-creation. She speaks about co-creating her life in partnership with a higher energy or God, highlighting the power of choice and perception in shaping our lived experiences. This perspective fuels her artistic expression and personal growth.

The episode also delves into the dreamer’s mindset. Gherdai reclaims the term dreamer, seeing it as a symbol of hope, power, and potential. For her, dreaming is an ongoing process of setting new goals, imagining possibilities, and courageously stepping into the unknown.

Of course, no creative path is without its challenges. Gherdai candidly discusses her relationship with fear and resistance, two constant companions in the life of an artist. Drawing inspiration from Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art, she explains how she has learned to walk with fear and take consistent action despite it.

Adding a personal touch, Gherdai shares her passion for learning and new interests outside of her studio. She recently picked up roller skating and continues to explore sewing as an extension of her artistic practice, always looking for new ways to grow and express herself.

A recent milestone in Gherdai’s career underscores her commitment to her craft: a groundbreaking solo exhibition at the Masterworks Museum in Bermuda. As the first contemporary artist to have the museum’s entire collection removed for a solo show, she marks this achievement as a turning point in her career and her collaborative artistic journey.

This episode is a heartfelt conversation about growth, empowerment, and the creative journey, filled with wisdom and encouragement for anyone striving to live authentically and fearlessly. Whether you're an artist, a dreamer, or simply someone navigating your own path, Gherdai’s story is sure to resonate.

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