The Art Elevator

In this episode of The Art Elevator, host Larissa Wild sits down with Emily McCulliss to explore a creative path shaped by curiosity, science, and lived experience. With a background in biology, neuroscience, and psychology, Emily shares how her journey, from marine research and global travel to endurance athletics and deep-ocean encounters, ultimately led her to photography as a way of seeing, understanding, and engaging with the world.
This conversation moves beyond gear and technique to examine what it truly means to become a photographer: listening to intuition, responding to moments of awe, and allowing curiosity to guide both creative practice and life decisions. Emily reflects on transformative experiences across the globe, the courage to follow unlikely paths, and how art can emerge when we align with what calls us forward.
In this episode, we discuss:
The role of curiosity in creative becoming

Bridging science, observation, and visual storytelling

Letting intuition guide artistic evolution

How profound experiences in nature reshape perspective

Redefining success through alignment and purpose

This episode is an invitation to consider how creativity unfolds, not as a destination, but as a continuous act of becoming.
To see more about Emily McCullis and sign up for her email list, go to: https://www.emilymcculliss.com/
To sign up for our podcast mailing list go to: https://larissawild.com/podcast-signup

🎙 Episode Summary:
In this powerful episode, internationally recognized appraiser and thought leader Alvah Beander returns to The Art Elevator to discuss how families can preserve cultural memory, personal property, and intergenerational wealth through art. Alvah is the founder of Legacy of Value: Art Across Generations, and the first African American fellow in arts and antiques of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. With her deep knowledge and passion, she offers transformative insights into the often-overlooked emotional and cultural significance of collections—and how to plan responsibly for the future.
💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode:
Why "value" is about more than price—it's about history, impact, and meaning.
How to start involving the next generation in preserving family collections.
The biggest misconceptions about legacy, inheritance, and what families truly value.
Why personal property like art and quilts requires different estate planning approaches than stocks or real estate.
How race, culture, and community histories shape legacy and the stewardship of objects.
The critical role of qualified appraisers in legacy planning and estate management—and why DIY doesn't cut it.
Steps you can take today to document your own collection.
🛠 Practical Takeaways:
Start by photographing your collection and recording stories orally.
Involve your children or grandchildren in the process—they bring tech-savvy and fresh perspective.
Assemble a team of professionals: appraisers, estate attorneys, wealth advisors, and accountants.
Don't wait—legacy planning is an act of love and clarity.
🔗 Resources & Links:
Learn more about Legacy of Value: Visit Alvah Beander's Website
Stay informed and inspired: Join the Art Elevator Email List
Follow Larissa Wild Fine Art on Instagram
Follow Artifactual History on Instagram
📢 Special Thanks:

This episode is brought to you by Artifactual History and Larissa Wild Fine Art—bringing meaningful stories and artworks to collectors and communities alike.

Today we are delighted to welcome Dr. Erin Smith and Dr. Timothy Imafidon Jr, passionate art collectors and owners of Goldsboro Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics.
Originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, Dr . Erin Smith completed her undergraduate education at Duke University in Durham. After her graduation she earned her Doctorate from Howard University before heading south to continue her training at Jacksonville University School of Orthodontics, earning certification in Orthodontics and Maxillofacial Orthopedics. Professionally, Dr . Smith is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, and the National Dental Association. Personally, she is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
Dr. Timothy Imafidon Jr . is a Board Certified pediatric dentist who was born in High Point, North Carolina. Growing up, he called North Carolina, Ohio and Indonesia home before heading off to Guilford College in Greensboro where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Following college, Dr. Imafidon completed four additional years of dental school at Howard University in Washington D.C. before completing a two-year residency program at Jacobi Medical Center, a teaching hospital affiliated with Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. While in N.Y . he received extensive training in treating special needs and medically compromised children at the Rose F. Kennedy Center for Developmental Disabilities. He is a member of the North Carolina Dental Society, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association. He is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi. 
In this episode of The Art Elevator podcast, Sarah Reeder and Larissa Wild speak with Dr. Erin Smith and Dr. Timothy Imafidon Jr. about their journey in collecting art. I
Topics discussed:
- How to start educating yourself on the type of art you are interested in
- Their tips on how to start a collection
- How their collecting focus on African American art has influenced their friends, family and clients
- The importance of supporting artists whose work speaks to you
- The joy of living surrounded by art
You can read more in the show notes here: https://larissawild.com/post/13416-the-art-elevator-episode-48---insights-on-collecting

Podcast Show Notes

Makeba Boateng is a cultural strategist and the founder of Fashion Forum Africa, dedicated to preserving and promoting Ghana's rich textile heritage and fostering sustainable fashion practices. With over three decades of experience in public relations, appraisal, and curation, she has worked on globally recognized projects, including the Victoria & Albert Museum's Africa Fashion exhibition, now touring internationally. Makeba is reshaping the narrative around African heritage and creativity for a global audience. 
Makeba is an Accredited Public Relations Practitioner, a USPAP-Compliant Personal Property Appraiser leading her company Boaten Appraisal Service, and a passionate advocate for indigenous African design. Her work bridges Ghana's textile traditions with global innovation, inspiring a sustainable future for African fashion and design. 
Her work celebrates the intersection of history and modernity, blending storytelling with advocacy to elevate indigenous African textiles and design. A champion for sustainability and cultural preservation, she collaborates with artisans, designers, and institutions to create meaningful projects that honor tradition while inspiring innovation. By promoting indigenous techniques and fostering cross-cultural dialogue, she aims to inspire the next generation of creators to embrace their roots while shaping a global impact. 
Makeba's work is a testament to the power of tradition in driving contemporary relevance, making her a trailblazer in the world of fashion and cultural advocacy. 
Links:
Fashion Forum Africa: https://fashionforumafrica.com/ 
Makeba on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/makeba-boateng/ 
Boaten Appraisal Services on LinkedIn
Makeba's ISA Profile
Fashion Forum Africa Instagram 
Fashion Forum Africa Facebook
Makeba's main garment worn during the interview: Hand-Batiked Silk Long Kimono by: Studio 189
Join the Conversation:
We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Don't forget to subscribe to The Art Elevator on YouTube for more behind-the-scenes stories from the art world.
Sponsor Shoutout:
This episode of The Art Elevator is brought to you by Appraisal Scribe, where you can optimize your appraisal process with their all-in-one platform. Learn more here!
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