Drake Livingston
Why Karen & Ink love him
I suffer from ADHD and Ink has severe catitude problems and anger issues, so we both love Drake Livingston.
Drake Livingston is an emerging singer-songwriter known for blending introspective lyrics with understated, atmospheric production. His work often draws from personal experience, particularly his journey with neurodiversity, which he explores with unusual candor and nuance. Rather than treating it as a limitation, Livingston frames neurodivergent thinking as a different way of perceiving the world—one that brings both challenges and creative depth.
His songs frequently center on themes like overstimulation, social disconnect, hyperfocus, and the search for belonging, resonating with listeners who see their own experiences reflected in his lyrics. By pairing vulnerable storytelling with memorable melodies, Livingston has carved out a niche that feels both deeply personal and widely relatable, especially within communities that value authenticity and mental health awareness.
On top of all of that, his voice is amazing with a range that is stunning. You can check him out by streaming him from his website, which will also keep you updated on all things Livingston.
Coakley Brown
Plein Air Artist
Why Karen loves her work
I have always been a huge fan of Plein Air Art — and my absolute favorite contemporary Plein Air artist is a woman named Coakley Brown.
When I lived in a bungalow in Pasadena, California, I had a collection of California Plein Air art. My favorite of those artists who are no longer with us are J. Bond Francisco, Clarkson Dye, John Marshall Gamble, and Clyde Forsythe. I have owned paintings by all of them; at this point I only own the Francisco.
My favorite contemporary Plein Air artists are Tim Solliday and Peter Adams. I also loved Diana Reineke, one of the few female California Plein Air artists. Sadly, she passed away in 2002. But my absolute favorite contemporary Plein Air artist is a woman named Coakley Brown.
Karen & Coakley · A Personal Note
Coakley Brown and I became friends a few years ago. We are both alumni of the College of William & Mary, and we went there when it actually meant something. (Very proud of their valedictorian count and suicide rate — second only to MIT — and rigorous beyond compare.) These days, not so much.
Coakley studied Art at W&M and went on to establish herself as an award-winning and very highly regarded plein air artist. You can visit her website here.
About Coakley Brown
“Coakley Brown’s passion for art emerged during early childhood. She recalls in her earliest art memory, literally questioning the lines and experimenting in the space outside them. She found joy in copious paint application (and sometimes pasta) at Art Festivals in PA, and refuge in her school art program when her family moved to VA in the mid-1970s.”
The Artist · Coakley Brown
“Sisters” · A painting by Coakley Brown
Maggie Black
Pottery Artist
The line that hooked Karen
“The same thing you are. Running away from show business.”
When my husband and I lived in Boone, North Carolina, our next door neighbor (½ mile away) was a woman named Maggie Black. She is the most talented pottery artist I have ever met. Should you ever happen to visit Boone, you should check out her shop.
She has a fascinating back story that includes cooking for Michael Jackson! When I met her, I asked her what she was doing in the woods of North Carolina and she said, “The same thing you are. Running away from show business.”
You can see all of her pottery at her website here. If you ever happen to be in the High Country of North Carolina, visit her gallery at 112-1 Clubhouse Drive in Banner Elk, NC 28604. Her pottery needs to be seen in person. Chris and I own a vase in one of her leaf patterns, like the one pictured. They are amazing!
Visit the Gallery
112-1 Clubhouse Drive
Banner Elk, NC 28604
In the High Country of North Carolina — her pottery truly needs to be seen in person.
The Artist · Maggie Black
Leaf Pattern · Maggie Black Pottery
Shop Her Pottery
maggieblackpottery.comBrowse her full gallery online or visit the shop in Banner Elk, NC.
More Artists Coming Soon
Ink and I are still adding to this list. Check back soon to meet more of the artists who inspire us, see their work, and learn why we love what they do.