Creativity, Courage, and a Successful Life are on the table today!

On the first episode of our How to Live a Successful Life series, Ashley sits down with William J. Cranstover. William is a Park City-based painter and sculptor whose colorful, expressive work captures Western landscapes and local landmarks. His unexpected public sculptures earned him the nickname “Phantom Sculptor.”

William joins us to share his journey through teaching, entrepreneurship, real estate, and art, and how each chapter shaped his understanding of success. He opens up about balancing the practical demands of raising a family with his creative pursuits, finding the courage to paint what he loves, and embracing the vulnerability that comes with putting his work into the world.

Together, Ashley and William explore how our definition of success evolves, why curiosity and playfulness matter, and the value of pausing to ask whether we’re living the life we want. From teaching art in a correctional setting to creating alongside his daughters, William reflects on the satisfaction and connection that creativity can bring.

Explore William’s work.

Visit William’s studio and gallery in the historic mercantile building in Peoa, Utah.

Read The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green.

Read Western short stories by Elmore Leonard.

Follow On the Table with Ashley on Instagram and TikTok.

On the Table with Ashley is presented by Âme Atendre, a luxury home goods and tableware brand with a mission to connect people to all that matters.