In this episode, Adina sits down with salvaged metal artist/figurative painter, Mark Schieferstein for a grounded and inspiring conversation about creativity, sustainability, and forging an artistic path on your own terms.

Mark shares his evolution from painter to jewelry maker, revealing how his work with salvaged and repurposed materials became both a creative calling and a practical livelihood. Drawing from a childhood shaped by resourcefulness—where discarded objects were seen as potential rather than waste—he developed a process of transforming industrial remnants into wearable art.

Together, they explore the philosophy behind his work: the beauty of reuse, the challenge of working within constraints, and the quiet alchemy of turning what’s been cast off into something meaningful and alive again. Mark offers insight into his creative process, from sourcing materials at scrapyards to refining his designs over time, blending raw elements with thoughtful craftsmanship.

The conversation also touches on the realities of being a working artist—navigating rejection, shifting mediums, and finding balance between creative fulfillment and financial sustainability. Mark reflects on his journey through formal art education, his move to Asheville, and how the local landscape and community shaped his direction.

At its heart, this episode is about accessibility, resilience, and the belief that art should be part of everyday life—not reserved for galleries, but available, wearable, and woven into the fabric of our daily experience.

Listener Takeaway:
Creativity doesn’t require pristine materials or perfect conditions. With curiosity and intention, even what’s been discarded can be transformed into something meaningful. This episode is a reminder that art, like life, is often about working with what’s in front of you—and finding beauty in the process.

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Adina Arden Cooper is a Shadow Guide and Holistic Therapist. She helps highly sensitive creative visionaries heal trauma so they can not only survive this human experience but thrive in the expression of their greatest gifts. Adina has over 20 years of experience in education and mental health. She's also an artist, a seeker, a mother, and very curious person.

Visit Adina's website to find out more about her work
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Roberta Anderson is a Professional Home Organizer, Feng Shui Consultant, Home Witch, and Astrologer based in Asheville, NC. With a deep understanding of both practical organization and intuitive energy work, Roberta helps clients create spaces that nourish the mind, body, and spirit. By combining the art of home design with the wisdom of astrology, she guides individuals in aligning their environments with their personal goals and energetic needs. Her holistic approach helps clients clear clutter, improve energy flow, and cultivate a more peaceful and balanced environment.

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Waste and Wonder: Finding Beauty, Purpose and Meaning in the Discarded with Mark Schieferstein