Just Make Art

Artistic breakthroughs don't happen by accident. They emerge from dedicated practice, willingness to fail, and persistence through periods of frustration and doubt. But how do you recognize when you're on the cusp of something transformative versus simply taking another step in your creative journey?

Recorded face-to-face at Poolhaus Art Studio in Waco, Texas, this intimate conversation dives deep into the psycho...

Have you ever looked at your work-in-progress and thought it was absolutely hideous? According to acclaimed sculptor Arlene Shechet, that's exactly where the magic happens.

In this eye-opening exploration of artistic process, we dive deep into Shechet,'s philosophy of creation, where listening to your work becomes just as important as making it. The American sculptor, whose gravity-defying arrangements have earne...

What separates artists who give up from those who thrive despite rejection? In this fourth installment exploring Jerry Saltz's "How to Be an Artist," Ty and Nathan tackle the emotional armor required to navigate the art world's toughest challenges.

When a Pulitzer Prize-winning critic featured Nathan's early work as an example of what not to do, he was devastated. "I was mourning the loss of a...

Part 3. Diving deep into Jerry Saltz's "How to Be an Artist," we explore the transformative journey of learning to think like an artist. This episode unpacks the beautiful paradox that while art remains unchanged physically, it's never the same when we experience it – as Saltz writes, "an unchanging thing that is never the same." We discuss how becoming a "seeing machine" develops your artist...

What transforms raw materials into meaningful art? How do artists develop their unique voice while standing on the shoulders of those who came before them? In this thought-provoking second part exploration of Jerry Saltz's "How to Be an Artist," we unpack the practical realities of the creative journey and the mindsets that sustain artistic growth.

The conversation begins with the critical practice of captur...

What if the path to becoming an artist wasn't shrouded in mystery but illuminated by practical wisdom? In this deep dive into Jerry Saltz's transformative book "How to Be an Artist," we explore the Pulitzer Prize-winning critic's generous, accessible, and remarkably grounded advice for creative souls at any stage of their journey.

"Art is for everyone," Saltz declares, immediately dismant...

Have you ever felt like your artwork knows more than you do? In this intimate, unplanned conversation recorded during a Montana retreat, Ty and Nathan explore the vital yet often overlooked practice of soul care for artists.

Surrounded by the sounds of birdsong and nestled in Montana's rolling landscape, we dive into what happens when artists intentionally step away from their studios. More than just a luxury, these m...

Leonardo Drew invites us into the physical, philosophical, and sometimes painful world of material transformation. Unlike artists who work with found objects carrying built-in histories, Drew deliberately purchases new materials that he must personally weather and transform. "I need to become the weather," he explains, describing a process where he subjects materials to rigorous physical manipulation that often results in...

The journey from discarded material to transcendent art forms the foundation of our conversation about Leonardo Drew, one of contemporary art's most physically committed and philosophically profound creators. Drew's remarkable journey began in the most unlikely of places—playing in a dump as a child in Tallahassee, Florida—a formative experience that would later inform his artistic sensibility and material relationship.

From Jan 2024. Dive into the provocative world of artistic "theft" as Ty and Nathan explore how creative innovation truly emerges from our influences. This conversation challenges the myth of pure originality, arguing instead that the greatest artists throughout history have been masterful collectors and transformers of ideas.

Beginning with Japanese fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto's transformative quote—&qu...

Have you ever wondered what exactly an artist residency is and whether it might be the missing piece in your creative journey? In this comprehensive guide, Ty Nathan Clark takes you through everything you need to know about these transformative opportunities.

Artist residencies aren't just retreats—they're powerful creative accelerators that provide dedicated time, space, and freedom to focus exclusively on your ...

Doubt isn't the enemy of artistic greatness—it's the catalyst. Reuniting after two months apart, Ty and Nathan dive into the profound relationship between artistic excellence and uncertainty through Robert Hughes' provocative quote: "The greater the artist, the greater the doubt."

Ty shares his exciting news about being accepted to the Marfa Invitational after years of persistent applications, exem...

This episode is a replay from Dec 28th 2023. Just Make Art will be back with a brand new episode on March 20th.

What happens when an artist truly understands their medium? For Robert Rauschenberg, that's precisely when it was time to stop and move on. His philosophy—"I usually work in a direction until I know how to do it. Then I stop. At the time I am bored, or understand, and I use those words interchangeably"—serve...

Join us for an exploration of art and materials in this interview Nathan Terborg, recorded at his solo exhibition at Galerie Benjamin Eck in Munich. Nathan skillfully transforms found objects into thought-provoking art pieces. Discover how his early experiences in his grandfather's woodshop influenced his artistic journey, leading him away from traditional painting towards an immersive sculptural practice. Nathan dives into th...

Imagine the thrill of witnessing your art travel across oceans for a debut in Europe. Join Nathan Terborg he recounts the exhilarating journey of his solo exhibition at Gallerie Benjamin Eck in Munich and the captivating artist talk with curator Domenico de Cirico. This episode promises an insider's look into the logistics of moving over 1,300 pounds of art, the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi that fuels his worldview, and th...

What if the mind could fish for ideas just as easily as one casts a line into the sea? Join us on a voyage into the enigmatic world of the late David Lynch as we explore his profound influence on creativity. From the haunting landscapes of "Twin Peaks" to the visceral imagery in "Eraserhead," Lynch's work has left an indelible mark on the arts. We share personal stories about encountering Lynch's films...

The episode explores the importance of creating art for oneself rather than seeking outside validation. Through insights from influential figures like Rick Rubin and Patti Smith, it emphasizes the need for genuine expression, resilience amid challenges, and setting clear goals for the creative journey.

• Rick Rubin advocates making art for oneself 
• Reflecting on the year highlights periods of apathy 
• The import...

What if embracing uncertainty could unlock your artistic potential? Inspired by Jack Whitten’s "Notes from the Woodshed," Nathan Terborg embarks on a reflective journey through the philosophical depths of creativity and doubt. This episode unpacks Whitten’s profound insights, shared through compelling quotes and personal anecdotes, revealing how his struggles with self-doubt and conviction resonate with our own artistic j...

Ever had your Black Friday order turn into a comedy of errors, with just a single tube of paint arriving instead of the anticipated haul? Join us in our reunited episode as we kick things off with this true-life mishap, setting the stage for a deeper discussion about the role of vulnerability in our creative lives. This lighthearted tale leads us to reflect on the joys and challenges of celebrating a milestone birthday and how such...