Just Make Art – Details, episodes & analysis

We are excited to answer your art questions! In this episode we will discuss: how do you keep your practice thriving while navigating space, money, and access? We dig in with honest, field-tested advice and personal stories from two working artists who’ve built momentum in imperfect conditions.

We start with the studio question everyone wrestles with: home vs separate space. You’ll hear why a “setup” beats square footage, how to protect focus if interruptions tank your flow, and scrappy ways to work larger without taking on a lease you can’t sustain. From there, we lay out a gallery game plan: what a strong approach package looks like (10–15 works with depth behind them), what “consistency” really means, and how to get on the radar through open calls, smart social presence, and showing up at the right level.

International showing gets a reality check. Culture changes the conversation, but logistics can make or break it. We walk through shipping options, customs surprises, and how to avoid vanity traps with contracts that shift costs onto artists. We also talk residencies, including why many invite-only programs pull from boards and alumni, and how relationships can open doors when applications can’t.

Collectors and sustainability round out the heart of the episode. We share favorite delivery stories, why early-stage artists should sell to keep making, and how ideal collectors help build careers over time. For anyone staring down a short financial runway, we offer practical steps: emergency grant resources, low-cost materials that keep you prolific, and the mindset shift that treats bridge income as a patron rather than a detour.

If you found value here, follow the show, share it with an artist friend, and leave a review so more creatives can find these conversations. Got a question for part two? Send it our way—your prompts shape the next round.

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A single question can power a lifetime of work: Why do I make art? Ty and Nathan sit with Ursula Von Rydingsvard’s stark and generous answers—woven from anxiety, labor, faith in process, and the stubborn hope that making can heal—and use it as a mirror for our own practices. From the first splinter to the last pass of the saw, we look at how big work invites big stakes, why the best days feel like discovery, and how the studio becomes a container strong enough to hold whatever we bring into it.

We dig into the creative toggle between object and process: when materials feel right but the method frays, and when the method sings but the object won’t land. That friction is feedback, not failure. Ursula’s line about having confidence in the possibility of seeing the work through reframes ambition without guarantees—an artist’s version of resilience. We also talk about self-doubt as a companion rather than an enemy, and how studying our heroes deeply—films, books, museum visits—feeds our own artistic DNA without imitation.

There’s a human infrastructure behind monumental art. Ursula’s assistants form another kind of family, proof that leadership in the studio is its own craft. We reflect on daily rhythm, showing up without perfect conditions, and making pieces that may outlive us—which is how work reaches into the future. The conversation edges into generational pain and the unanswerable questions art dares to hold. Answers are rare; presence is everything. If you’ve ever needed permission to trust the process and keep going, consider this your sign.

If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a creative nudge, and leave a quick review—tell us your “why” so we can feature it in a future Q&A.

Make sure to check out "Art from the Outside" and the amazing interview they had with Ursula: Spotify    Apple

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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 literal bloodshed.

This physical commitment reflects Drew's deeper philosophy about creation. He describes himself as "the crack addict of art," chasing the highs of creative breakthrough through persistent experimentation and a willingness to fail. His practice demands patience—it took seven years from his initial decision to create what would become his signature style before producing what he considered his first successful piece (which he numbered "8," acknowledging the previous attempts).

Drew conceptualizes artists as antennas receiving creative energy from the universe. He purposefully travels to "cradles of civilization" like China and Machu Picchu, absorbing experiences that later emerge organically in his work. "You don't have to say I'm making work about this specifically," he notes, "because that would cage and imprison the whole idea." This philosophy requires "getting out of the way" of one's own creative process—removing ego and preconceptions to allow authentic creation to happen.

By refusing to title his monumental works beyond simple numbering, Drew extends his transformation-based practice to the viewing experience itself. Each piece continues to transform through viewers' unique interpretations, creating an endless cycle of meaning-making that transcends the artist's original intent. As Drew profoundly states, "As I'm moving closer and closer to answering questions, at the same time I'm moving further away from the answers."

Want to experience this transformative approach in your own creative practice? Keep your channels open by constantly introducing new ideas and techniques. When feeling stuck, switch things up dramatically—if you're a painter, try sculpture; if you work abstractly, attempt representation. The discomfort of new approaches often leads to the most significant breakthroughs.

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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.

What strikes you immediately about Drew is the joyful contradiction between his ebullient personality and the weighted gravity of his installations. His work appears weathered, aged, and discovered rather than created, yet as we learn, this is a carefully orchestrated illusion. "I don't work with found objects," Drew reveals. "Most of my material I actually create in the studio... I become the weather." This transformation process, where new materials are methodically distressed until they appear to carry centuries of history, speaks to Drew's profound understanding of time, memory, and physical transformation.

Perhaps most compelling is Drew's pivotal turning point at age fifteen, when a black-and-white reproduction of a Jackson Pollock painting changed everything. Despite being courted by Marvel and DC Comics for his extraordinary illustrative talents, Drew abandoned this promising commercial path to pursue fine art—a decision requiring remarkable courage. "I decided it was time for me to stop using what I did well," he explains, essentially tying his hands to discover what existed beyond his comfort zone. This willingness to abandon mastery in pursuit of deeper questions characterizes his entire approach.

Drew's extraordinary work ethic—rotating between seven projects simultaneously like "crying babies" needing attention—and his seven-year disappearance into the studio to develop his voice demonstrate a commitment few artists match. His perspective on creative struggle as "the most beautiful part of the journey" reminds us that art-making thrives on questions rather than answers. Experience Drew's transformative installations in person to understand why his work commands such reverence among artists and audiences alike.

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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—"Start copying what you love... at the end of the copy you will find yourself"—the duo examines how creative development flourishes through strategic borrowing. From Quentin Tarantino's open acknowledgment of film references to David Bowie's musical influences, the most distinctive voices often emerge from those who've absorbed the most diverse inspirations.

They unpack wisdom from creative legends including Jim Jarmusch, Paul Schrader, and Jean-Luc Godard, who all emphasize that true originality lies not in where you take ideas from, but where you take them to. Art movements throughout history—from Impressionism to Abstract Expressionism—evolved through artists stealing ideas from each other while working side by side, proving that innovation rarely emerges in isolation.

What distinguishes mere imitation from transformative theft? When does copying become finding your voice? The conversation offers practical advice for artists at every stage: diversify your influences, document what moves you and why, maintain an "omnivorous" approach to inspiration, and create systems to capture ideas when they strike. Ultimately, the episode makes a compelling case that the most authentic artistic expression comes not from avoiding influence, but from embracing it wholeheartedly.

Follow us on Instagram @ty_nathan_clark and @nathanturborg to continue exploring how creative influences shape artistic development.

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Make sure to follow us on Instagram here:
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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 work. From rural sanctuaries nestled in nature to dynamic urban studios, these programs offer artists the chance to step away from daily distractions and immerse themselves in their practice.

The benefits extend far beyond a change of scenery. Residencies foster creative growth through uninterrupted studio time, expose you to new perspectives in unfamiliar environments, build valuable professional networks, provide access to specialized equipment and mentorship, and can significantly enhance your artistic credibility. As one resident reflected, "I left with the certainty that I'm an artist with a commitment to the creative life that I've never since questioned."

Finding the right residency requires understanding what you need. Do you crave rural peace or urban energy? Are you seeking community or solitude? Can you self-fund, or do you need financial support? From fully-funded career-makers like Skowhegan and MacDowell to self-directed retreats, there's something for every artist at every career stage—you just need to know where to look and how to successfully apply.

Ty shares insider tips for crafting winning applications: be specific about your plans, showcase your strongest recent work, explain why this moment and this particular residency are right for you, and always follow application guidelines meticulously. For those who secure a residency, he offers practical advice on preparing materials, absorbing your surroundings before diving into work, and documenting your experience.

Whether you're considering your first residency application or looking to elevate your approach, this episode provides the knowledge and inspiration to take this meaningful step in your artistic journey. Ready to transform your practice through new experiences, connections, and creative freedom?

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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, exemplifying how perseverance through doubt eventually bears fruit. We explore Charles Bukowski's observation that intelligence breeds uncertainty while ignorance fosters unearned confidence, and how this paradox shapes the creative journey.

The conversation weaves through profound insights from Anton Chekhov on asking questions rather than providing answers, Francis Bacon's challenge to "deepen the mystery," and Kurt Vonnegut's call to "jump off cliffs and develop wings on the way down." Drawing parallels between artistic exploration and literal mapmaking, we discuss how venturing into unknown creative territory requires tolerating discomfort while expanding our artistic capabilities.

Whether you're feeling stuck in your creative practice or questioning your direction, this episode offers a refreshing perspective: interesting failures lead to interesting successes. By redefining what success means and embracing experimentation as part of the journey, artists can transform doubt from a burden into a powerful tool for growth.

Ready to make your most interesting work? Join us for a conversation that might just change how you view uncertainty in your creative practice. As Van Gogh wisely advised, "I am always doing what I cannot do yet in order to learn how to do it."

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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"—serves as the launching point for a deep dive into artistic evolution and the creative mindset.

Ty Nathan Clark and Nathan Terborg unpack Rauschenberg's approach to creativity, exploring how his constant medium-shifting—from painting to sculpture, printmaking to performance—wasn't merely restlessness but a deliberate artistic strategy. They examine his famous "combines" that incorporated everyday objects and trash, born initially from economic necessity but evolving into a revolutionary artistic approach that bridged the gap between art and life.

The conversation takes fascinating turns through the concept of the "beginner's mind," the documentation of creative processes, and the tension between commercial success and artistic growth. Particularly compelling is their discussion about creating opportunities in today's art landscape—from organizing house shows to leveraging digital platforms—that echoes Rauschenberg's resourceful spirit.

Whether you're a working artist feeling stagnant in your current practice, or someone curious about the artistic mindset, this episode offers both philosophical insights and practical takeaways about embracing boredom as a creative signal, following your curiosity, and maintaining that crucial sense of wonder throughout your creative journey. Ready to transform your approach to making art? Listen now and discover why sometimes understanding something completely is your cue to move on to the next exciting possibility.

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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 the essence of experimentation, stressing how the relationship between artist and materials is foundational to creating meaningful work. 

Nathan’s approach of curiosity and discovery emphasizes that artistic freedom resides in the acceptance of imperfection and the willingness to explore beyond the surface. The conversation also highlights the importance of communication through art, with Nathan referencing the impactful words of Louise Bourgeois. This insight showcases the intrinsic value of art as an unspoken language that connects both the creator and observer. 

By drawing from personal anecdotes and professional insights, Nathan inspires listeners to reconsider their interactions with materials and art forms. As he encourages audiences to engage with sculptures tactually, he elucidates the transformative potential hidden within the discarded. Dive into this rich dialogue on creativity and allow yourself to be inspired by the alchemy of art! 

Make sure to subscribe, share, and leave your thoughts in the comments! We love to hear how art resonates with you!

Galerie Benjamin Eck: www.benjamin-eck.com

Chris Fay Media: www.chrisfay.de

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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 the concept of Weltanschauung that shapes his artistic vision. With Domenico's engaging questions, they traverse the landscape of impermanence and decay, finding beauty in the overlooked and forgotten materials Nathan incorporates into his works.

Listeners will gain insight into his creative processes as Nathan shares how artists like Kiefer, Burri, and Bradford have profoundly influenced his work with discarded materials. This isn't just about art; it's a narrative of transformation and resilience. From a personal journey from addiction to recovery, they explore parallels between personal growth and artistic creation. This conversation is a heartfelt appreciation of the power of creativity to renew perspectives and give new life to forgotten materials, turning them into compelling stories of renewal. A special thanks goes to Benjamin Eck for this incredible opportunity, Domenico de Chirico for the thoughtful and thought-provoking questions, Chris Fay for doing the videography at the event, and everyone who supported and attended the exhibition.

@galerie_benjamin_eck

@domenico_de_chirico

@chris_fay_media

Send us a message - we would love to hear from you!

Make sure to follow us on Instagram here:
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