Windowsill Chats

• The Art of Sound: Silas Hite on Scoring Stories, Creative Variety, and a Life in Music

  In Part 3 of the Dawn Dusk series, where Margo explores the creative forces behind the documentary, she sits down with Emmy-winning composer Silas Hite, whose music spans blockbuster films, hit TV shows, museum installations, bestselling video games, and award-winning commercials. With over two decades of experience and an unmatched ability to move between genres, Silas shares how an early love of rhythm and melody grew into a multifaceted career in composing and recording. They explore how the industry has shifted over the years — from strikes to the rise of AI — and how Silas balances commercial projects with deeply personal creative work. He also offers a behind-the-scenes look at his collaborative process, translating visual stories into sound, and the joy of creative experimentation. Margo and Silas discuss: Silas’ early inspirations and how his musical path evolved from performing to composing Navigating major industry shifts and the impact of AI on music creation The art of translating visual storytelling into sound, including scoring Dawn Dusk Balancing commercial projects with personal artistry and creative fulfillment Why being a musical generalist has been key to Silas’ success Insights into composing for short formats like commercials and TV segments The inspiration and creative process behind Chicha Macabre and My Happy Place Upcoming projects and how personal work keeps his creativity thriving Connect with Silas:https://www.silashite.com/ https://www.instagram.com/silas_hite https://soundcloud.com/satincowboy https://www.facebook.com/SilasHiteComposer/ Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.comwww.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

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• From Dawn to Dusk: Chelli Look on Grief, Beauty, and the Healing Power of Creativity

  In Part 2 of a special Dawn Dusk series, Margo sits down with designer and maker Chelli Look, whose story is at the center of the documentary Dawn Dusk. Directed by Jason and Blue Gerber, the film follows Chelli’s journey through grief and healing after the devastating loss of her sister to domestic violence. In this conversation, Chelli shares how creating leather handbags under her brand CHC became both a lifeline and a language for navigating profound loss. She offers her perspective on how the documentary came to be, what it means to create beauty amidst grief, and how creativity continues to shape her work as a designer, advocate, and visual storyteller. Through her story, we’re reminded of the resilience found in making and the quiet strength of simply being. Margo and Chelli discuss: How the documentary Dawn Dusk unfolded from Chelli’s perspective The role of creativity and design in navigating grief and emotional recovery Why beauty is a necessity—not a luxury—in the healing process How CHC handbags became a vessel for processing and storytelling The evolution of Chelli’s work as an advocate for domestic violence survivors Learning to slow down, be present, and allow healing to unfold over time   Connect with Chelli: https://www.dawnduskfilm.com/trailer https://www.chellilook.com/ www.instagram.com/chelli_look www.instagram.com/dawnduskfilm Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.comwww.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

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• Creative Current Events: Analog Tools, AI Ethics, and a Vintage Catalog Revival

  In this episode of Creative Current Events, Margo and Abby dive into a whirlwind of fascinating stories and fresh perspectives from the worlds of creativity, tech, and everyday life. They chat about the accidental invention of the snow globe and the surprising rise of art fairs hosted in U-Haul trucks — celebrating human resourcefulness and the scrappy side of creativity. They also dig into AI and authenticity — from lawsuits against media companies accused of data theft, to AI-generated actors in Hollywood, and the ethical gray areas of algorithm-driven platforms like Spotify. Together, Margo and Abby unpack how these developments are reshaping creative industries and what it means to stay human in a data-driven world. Whether you’re a maker, dreamer, or just looking for a new lens on today’s creative headlines, this episode proves that inspiration is everywhere — sometimes in the most unexpected places. Articles Mentioned: AI Lawsuits: Japanese Media Giants vs. Perplexity AI Actor Sparks Outrage in Hollywood Cities & Memory: Global Sound Mapping Project The Sphere: Wizard of Oz Experience Magnopus: Storytelling Through Immersive Tech Banana Republic’s Vintage Catalog Revival Carhartt x Bethany Yellowtail Collaboration Coach’s Coffee Shops Connect with Gen Z Ugmonk: Intentional Design Meets the Analog To-Do List   Connect with Abby: https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/ https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/   Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry  

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• The Magic of Two Voices as One: Jason & Blue Gerber on Filmmaking, Storytelling, and Human Connection

  Margo is joined by husband-and-wife directing duo Jason & Blue Gerber, an award-winning team working across films and commercials. Their creative synergy has led them to direct for brands like Walgreens, 7UP, Chipotle, Intelligentsia, and LOEWE, while also producing heartfelt storytelling work for organizations such as The Boys & Girls Clubs, Athletes Unlimited, and Lincoln Park Community Services. Their short film Otis’ Dream, about voter suppression, was shared by Oprah as an official Super Soul Sunday short film, and their commercial and nonprofit work has been recognized with industry honors including a Silver Telly Award. Together, Jason & Blue bring both tactful precision and deep feeling into everything they create, evoking imagination and authentic human narratives as one voice. In this conversation, Margo, Jason, and Blue dive into the power of collaboration, storytelling that heals, and the journey of their new feature documentary, Dawn Dusk. Margo, Jason & Blue discuss: From college pals to co-directors: how their friendship at Columbia College Chicago grew into a collaborative career. What it takes to truly direct as a duo—prep, trust, communication, and playing to each other’s strengths. Choosing projects that center the human spirit, resilience, and creativity. How a short five-minute idea evolved into the four-year feature documentary Dawn Dusk, following artist Chelli Look’s journey of grief and healing through her leather goods business, CHC. The role of composer Silas Hite’s score as the “unseen narrator” guiding the emotion of the film. Why experimentation, patience, and deep listening are essential for creative work that connects. Lessons from navigating both commercial and narrative filmmaking, and how storytelling always comes back to empathy. Connect with Jason & Blue Website: jasonandblue.com Film Website: dawnduskfilm.com/trailer Instagram: @jasonandblue, @dawnduskfilm Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.comwww.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

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• Heart & Hands of a Maker: Building Creative Confidence and Connection through Teaching with Tamara Honaman

  Margo is joined by the ever-creative and generous Tamara Honaman. Tammy is a passionate jewelry artist, educator, mentor, and connector who has spent more than 30 years inspiring others to explore their creativity. From publishing and television to workshops, books, and now her own podcast and maker community, Tammy’s career has been defined by helping others feel empowered to make something beautiful. As the host of Heart & Hands of a Maker and founder of the Mixed Media Makers community, Tammy shares stories, resources, and techniques that make art more approachable for everyone. She’s also the author of several books—including her newest release, Projects and Techniques for Metal Clay Jewelry—and continues to teach across the U.S. and internationally. With a brand-new studio space and a full calendar of workshops and shows ahead, Tammy is embracing this next chapter with her trademark heart and enthusiasm. Margo and Tammy discuss: How one color-filled polymer clay project (and a “no torches in the house” rule!) changed the trajectory of her life Decades in publishing: from Lapidary Journal and Interweave to producing 13 series of Beads, Baubles & Jewels for PBS Why teaching and mentorship are at the heart of everything she does—and how she helps others feel confident and creative Tips for aspiring teachers and anyone who wants to carve out more time for creativity The story behind her brand-new studio and her latest book, Projects and Techniques for Metal Clay Jewelry Why “permission to try”—and to fail—is one of the most powerful tools a maker can have Connect with Tammy: www.tamarahonaman.com instagram.com/tamarahonaman https://www.facebook.com/TamaraHonaman https://open.spotify.com/show/1DRnpkazZDNFScrZ03pLnU?si=8f110053efc1445d https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAUEiuRH8Q-bykMuxsnJAnA Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.comwww.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry  

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