“Tasting chartreuse”, laying in fields of peonies, and sitting under tables at some of Canada’s most important art events. My first guest of this new podcast season is Anong Beam. She is an artist, a mother, a paint maker, and she’s from an Ojibwe family that is part of both Canada’s Indigenous history and art history. Now, if any of you use Beam Paints… and I already know that a LOT of you do, then you might recognize Anong as the founder of this beautiful, sustainable, creative brand. Listen right up there under Anong out in her happy place on Manitoulin Island, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify.
First up, a little peak at Anong with her artist parents, Carl and Ann Beam:
How beautiful… and a part of Canadian Art History! You can read more about both of her parents and their work: Carl Beam / Ann Beam.
Speaking of work, here are some of the most recent pieces by Anong:
Gah! Gorgeous! The final image above is the first WIP in her dad’s studio. So, so special.
And of course, this post wouldn’t be complete without a look at Anong’s absolute beautiful, hand-crafted paints. WARNING: Do not eat them, even though you’ll really want to:
Aren’t they stunning? And clearly her dad would be very proud… here he is, back in the day, making his own paint on the hood of car!
And finally, to THE GIVE-AWAY!
If you’d like to enter to win this little combo, brought to you by two artsy Canadians, just leave a comment here. I will draw ONE NAME next Saturday, September 18th and that lucky person will receive Beam Paints’ “Mixing Six” and a signed copy of my kids’ book, HOW TO SPOT AN ARTIST. Thanks soooo much to Anong for sharing all of her stories, thanks to Storyblocks for supporting this episode, and huge thanks to you for listening. There will be a brand new episode of ART FOR YOUR EAR in two weeks. See you then!
Other links:
- Beam Paints
- Beam Paints on Instagram
- Anong on Instagram
- Carl Beam
- Ann Beam
- Ojibwe Cultural Foundation
- Indian Residential School Survivors Society
- National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa
- No Such Thing As Too Much Art Society
- Storyblocks
Her paintings are practically buzzing! Those colors are gorgeous .
After so many years I was asked to put a piece in a group show. The opening was tonight. I came home and listened to the podcast and thought about serendipity Or whatever causes things to meet each other at the right time. Beams voice is so calming. Her way of seeing the world profoundly moving. I’ll be listening again and again
Utterly vibrant and delicious work!
I’d love to try these paints, they look fantastic!
Very impressed by her work. It so vibrant!
What a lovely story. The paints look amazing – please enter me in the drawing. Thank you.
Her paintings practically jump off the page! I love her paints.
Wow, those gorgeous paints soar right off the canvas into our eyeballs! I would love to be entered into the drawing. Thank you!
These are stunning!
Those colors seem to be alive !
Absolutely love. Thank you!
Love the colours.
So vibrant ! Makes the world bright .
These colors are crisp and beautiful!
YAAYYYYYYY, Art for Your Ear is back. My Saturdays are complete now. And starting off with a bang with Anong. Her paints are dreamy and her paintings are making me strangely weepy. I can’t wait to hear her story.
Colours are gorgeous! Would love to try these paints.
Loved the interview. I’m DYING to try these paints! They will be on my Christmas list for sure.
Welcome back! Wonderful interview with Anong. So much to savor from your newsletter and interview. Thank you!
Her paintings are gorgeous! And so are those paints — they’re so adorable; they make me smile.
That chartreuse chair, tho! If i win i will buy your red book and a set of shimmery beams to round out set ❤️
I’m a pigment nerd, but the packaging is making my heart race! Thanks for this introduction!
Ooff, you’re the best in championing all the colours of the visual arts Danielle! All art supplies are treasured and of course free ones are even more special.
A beautiful story with beautiful artworks and the paints are amazing. I’ve seen them before and am so glad to hear the background story of how these are made. Thank you so much
So much support to my fellow Canadian female artsies!! Whoop!!
Your artist spotlights are so inspiring!
I continue to discover new artists working well outside the box. It’s beautiful. Thank you for sharing and I’m so excited to discover Beam Paints. Can’t wait to try the paint!
The art using these paints is just beautiful! I can’t wait to listen to the podcast this afternoon, especially to hear her backstory & childhood experiences.
Anong’s paintings are so colorful! Especially love the one with the car in the foreground. Amazing that she makes her own paints.
Would love to try them.
I would be honored to receive and use these personally crafted paints in my work.
I can’t wait to listen to this podcast…and learn about these paints and Anong’s story!! Thank you for bringing yet another interesting art experience our way!
I would love the chance to try these delicious paints!
I love Beam Paints and Anong’s artwork is gorgeous! Listening to Anong’s story while sipping tea in my studio 🙂
Inspiration is splashing of all your posts and podcasts right on to my own artwork, thank you for introducing us to so many artists we otherwise never would have known!
I don’t just want to eat them, I want to wear them! Visual and (imagined) tactile heaven. Static ASMR.
I have been following Beam Paints and Anong’s work for a little while now, excited to hear this episode!
jealouscurator is back with a beautiful story and gorgeous paint!
Just LOVE those juicy paints and the names are fabulous and very poetic!
I have been soooo looking forward to the next season!
And again, incredible inspiring.
Thank you very much, Danielle
What lovely paints! I’d love to try them!
Ha! I do want to eat them! Or at least that’s how I feel about colour. I get an excited feeling and then wish I could eat them! They lol so yummy! Can you imagine how many delicious colors one could make with a starter kit of six?!… I’m getting that excited feeling!
I’ve seen people talk about these paints, and how much they love them. Would really like to try them, but haven’t found them yet.
I cannot get over how cool Anong’s Dad must have been! I love the vibrant colors and controlled chaos of her imagery. Thanks for introducing me to so many amazing artists.
So thrilled that Anong is your first guest this season! I can’t wait to listen to the episode.
Stunning and vibrant paints and paintings! Would love to try the paints.
so great to discover new paint and esp made by an artist! Love the red ground in her paintings too–gotta try that!
I had never seen Anong’s work before and the saturation of colour and deeply Canadian feeling are just stunning! I would love to try these paints too…so gorgeous even to look at, never mind all the beautiful things they could create!
Enchanting: Anong’s paintings, the story of Beam paints, and the paints themselves! Thanks for introducing them all to us. Her paintings tell the ineffable wildness of much of Canada and how to live and feel one with it, cool old cars and all.
What a happy Saturday to have a new AFYE season starting! Making one’s own paints still blows my mind…so so cool.
I am so excited to find this podcast. Love the colours of Anong’s paints and love her paintings too!
Gosh! This makes me want to run/swim to Manitoulin right this minute!
Hi Danielle,
Your interview with Anong is very interesting. What an adventurous life! I especially loved hearing her talk about her love of chartreuse.
That’s how I feel about colors, but I’ve never heard anyone else talk about it. So thank you for your window on art and artists. I really appreciate your efforts.
Beautiful conversation, beautiful artwork, beautiful paint. Love it all.
Hand made paints sound and look amazing! This is the only book of yours that I don’t have yet! It’s all so cool!
Thank you for this interview…helped with some indecision
Very interesting story and interview – I love everything about Anong’s business, especially that she collaborated with her partner by using his forestry off-cuts. Gorgeous paints, would love to get my hands on a set!
I love, love loved listening to this podcast- it was definitely one of my faves and I’m going to go buy her paint right now because I can’t even wait to see if I may possibly win a set- and your fabulous book- which I will buy anyhow too ❤️
Love her as a guest and your interview of Anong Beam! Definitely agree that a movie could be made from her life. Thanks for the chance to win your book and her mixing set 🙂
Wow – can’t wait to listen to this episode! Beautiful!
I learned so many things during this episode – about her, her art and her parents’ arts as well. I am so glad I discovered her.
Such beautiful artwork and paints!
Loved the episode (as usual)- very inspiring, thank you! The paintings are beautiful and vibrant.
❤️❤️❤️❤️love love the paints
I already had these on my christmas list!
The vibrancy and richness of her colors is breathtaking!
I absolutely love your podcast and what you bring to the world thank you for everything you do and represent!❤️
These colours are just stunning! And I loved listening to Anong speak, there’s something so grounding of how she tells stories I found myself lingering in her words, a pleasure as always
Loved this episode! Thanks for addressing tough topics. And who doesn’t love new paint!
love love love these paints!
Love Anong’s work! The paint pots actually look delicious.
I am wrestling with the presentation of my own art right now and the first thing I noticed about your paints was the beautiful way they are packaged. The natural setting is beautiful.
Thank you! Thank you! I have been waiting for this first of the season episode ALL SUMMER! What a fantastic artist to interview! I want ALL the colors, and I am so excited you’re doing a giveaway. (Not that I need more paint, but I NEED MORE PAINT, ya know? You do.) Anong’s work is beautiful and I drooled looking at Beam Paints’s Instagram. Thanks again. And “see” you on the 25th!
Thank you for sharing these beautiful creatives and your creativity with us. I always enjoy seeing what you post. This was wonderful!
great episode and gorgeous work!
I’m a huge fan of Beam paints, for their colours and their origins and their lovely natural packaging. I’ll be listening to the interview today!
I love Beam paints for their colours, their origin and their beautiful, natural packaging. I’ll be listening to the conversation on your podcast today!
I love your book and found Beam paints thru your Instagram posts. I am a huge fan! And 1/2 Canadian❤️
Great guest! During the summer I usually take a hiatus from my artwork which makes me feel a hint of guilt. Your podcast usually sparks my creativity and the timing is great. Now I must get my hands on some of Anong’s paints!
I’ve been so fascinated with Beam paints. What an interesting story! Thank you for having her on. I would love to try Beam paints and have a copy of your book!
I adored this episode, Danielle. Thank you especially for opening the topic of residential schools – these conversations are so needed.
Sooooo happy you’re back! I missed the new episodes this summer but I went back and listened to a TON of older episodes. They’re my favorite thing to listen to while at my driving job. I also started your Inner Critic book on audible to help get me out of this summer funk and into the studio. This episode did not disappoint and Anong’s journey was really fascinating! I already dove into her website and checked out all of her products. Sooo cute! Anyways, I hope you’re doing well and staying safe Danielle!! 🙂
I came across this artist and her gorgeous paints a while back. Thanks Danielle for bringing my attention back to her. These are gorgeous!
So looking forward to learning more about Anong and her parents. I follow beam paints on instagram and don’t remember seeing her beautiful paintings. This is a special giveaway – beam paints and your book? Wonderful.
I love beam paints and I enjoy the newsletters and podcast!
This was such an incredible interview with a fascinating guest. I always take something away from Art for Your Ear that I didn’t know I needed to hear.
Such a special story! and the paints look gorgeous! Thank you for sharing it
An inspiring episode! And those colors… wow!!!
I’m so excited that the podcast is back!! Can’t wait to listen to this episode!
Hooray for the new season!
Absolutely loving this whole podcast! These paints look AMAZING and her artwork is stunning. Great stories. Thanks for sharing!
I love Beam paints and am so glad to see them highlighted – not only are the paints lovely, but it so wonderful to be supporting a female Indigenous artist!
So happy that you’re back and the new season of Art for your Ears has commenced. Truly fascinating story of Anong Beam and would love to have my name picked to win her paints and one of your books.
Beautiful!! I would love to try these paints.
I have just listened to this episode while on a walk back our lane. I stopped anytime to take pics of the stunning fall colours. Two of the faves are goldenrod beside purple fall asters …zoiks, Mother Nature really knows her stuff!
I haven’t been to Manitoulin island since I was a child and have been wanting to take a trip
back- it is sooooo beautiful. Now I have another reason calling me there, I can’t wait to get on the island again.
Also— LOVE LOVE LOVE your podcast. (A fellow Canadian)
Wonderful podcast..a great way to welcome autumn in. Something that truly resonated (among so many things) was her Mom holding on to all her work, including those that weren’t good, and her Dad curating his work and getting rid of those that did not live up to his standards. Opened up my eyes and taught me a lesson. thank you for the entire podcast and I am looking forward to this new season!
Beautiful, vibrant, and full of life! Huge gratitude for sharing the beautiful way you see the world.
What beautiful paints! And an inspiring woman.
Thank you for sharing. I was moved by today’s podcast. What an inspiring journey. The hardship, the percerverence, the absolutely overwhelming positivity and gratitude, and a happy ending. And you’ll be happy to know that you’ve introduced at least ONE person to Beam paints 🙂
Wow. Thank you for finding and sharing this moving story.
I cannot get over how delicious that paint looks…a visual feast!
Thank you for always introducing such interesting people! I’m a late bloomer to the art world and trying to catch up as quickly as possible. So much to learn! Love your podcast!
This was the first time I’ve listened to your podcast…I’m hooked! And what an interesting guest. I checked out her paintings, her paint, her whole history…Fascinating!
I’m a huge fan. I binge to your podcast in my studio. This has been one of my favorite episodes. I absolutely love that Beam paints are handmade and the packaging is sustainable. The wood! The beeswax! So perfect. I had no idea this line of paints existed and I plan to purchase some immediately. Thanks for the intro to Beam!
I loved this episode, such an amazing mixture of contemporary art and history that is relevant and powerful today. I just started learning to paint and mixing colors myself, so I would love to try these!
As an artist and homeschooling mom, this giveaway combo would be a dream and today’s my birthday (I’m in my f*uck it 40’s right there with you) so I’m feeling extra lucky. Pick me, Pick me, lol. Incredible episode as always, the depth of your discussions never fail to inspire!
Such good listen on a drive home from stressful day. Cool giveaway too!
I loved everything about this episode. Thank you and Anong for beaming (yes – intentional pun – sorry!) light and beautiful colour into what have been some dark times of late. Beautiful and appreciated.
What a lovely discovery today. These paints are gorgeous as is their story.
I dig everything about these paints, this podcast, and this particular episode. Thank you both for taking the time and sharing your stories.
I listened to this episode twice…..I have been seeing Beam Paints for a couple of months while taking random rabbit hole trips through the internet. They are like little precious gems I’d loooove to try these watercolors. Now off to dig for more info about the Beams.
Anong is a multi-talented person and I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. I had never heard of Beam paints, but I now can’t wait to try them and maybe get some for my father’s wife who is an amazing watercolor artist.
I love, love , love this book and I gift them all the time to the kids I meet that are budding artists! These paints are on my wish list! The colours are so beautiful and it is awesome to support a fellow Thank you for the great seas Danielle and Anong!
Loved this interview!!! I bought the Beam paints for my daughter for Christmas, and then I am using these paints as we speak! I need that GOLD and Silver!!! love your podcast!
seriously, the metallics look like magic when they go onto the paper!!! … and thank you : )
I love the colors of your paints and your unique way of storing them. In particular I love the paints in shells. I live on the North Carolina coast and this is so cool to me. I am new to your business. I look forward to getting to know you, your art and sharing with others. Blessings
I am SO impressed with your products! The paints are creamy and vibrant, the travel brush of metal and wood is a delight to hold, and the fact that you make, package and present everything using NO PLASTIC is more than wonderful!!! Thank you from a customer in New Mexico.
Everyone is an artist! We all have it in us to express our inner thoughts and feelings. Painting is a way to do that whether it is real or abstract!
Greetings! I’ve recently acquired Beam Paints in Maple Creek, Sask. I am a working artist/tutor and I find they are absolutely a dream to work with. Such PURE and BRILLIANT pigments! 🙂
I visited local arts Store “Upwards” in Owen Sound. Lo and behold I chance upon your gorgeous paints and find they are invented and manufactured right here Lake Huron – the mighty Manitoulin Island at M’Cheeging. We holiday throughout the summer on the Island and had no clue. Will be buying at M’Cheeging and in Owen Sound to support your family’s awesome business. Wrapt we found you! Chi Miigwetch! 🙂 Mary-Kate
Aaniin! I am an Owen Sound artist and have discovered from my cousin visiting from Saskatchewan who is an arts teacher that she uses Beam Paints. You stock your paints in Upwards Art Store in Owen Sound so I will be visiting the store this week to check out your pigments and range. I am a wildlife watercolour artist. Feeling pumped I found out about your paints! Miigwetch! 🙂
Your colors inspire me to keep on practicing. Started my journey in watercolor this year and feel like a kid again with a new box of crayons!!!