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 moments of pause—whether through travel, immersion in nature, or simple daily ri...
Jun 26, 2025•50 min
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 philoso...
Jun 12, 2025•38 min
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 ...
May 29, 2025•43 min
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 exami...
May 01, 2025•1 hr 12 min
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 progr...
Apr 17, 2025•43 min
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 obser...
Mar 27, 2025•1 hr 1 min
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 creati...
Mar 13, 2025•44 min
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 a...
Feb 27, 2025•17 min
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 Dome...
Feb 13, 2025•23 min
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 for the first time and how his distinct vision has shaped our own artistic paths. The episode ...
Jan 30, 2025•1 hr 31 min
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 importance of setting micro-goals for artistic progress • Patti Smith’s insights on artist...
Jan 16, 2025•29 min
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 journeys. Nathan navigate's the beauty of complexity and the transformative ...
Dec 26, 2024•38 min
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 personal experiences fuel our artistic endeavors. Navigating the...
Dec 12, 2024•1 hr
Can an artist truly live without creating? Join us as Ty Nathan Clark explores this compelling question and offers an intimate view of his creative journey while Nathan prepares for his much-awaited exhibition in Munich alongside the talented Kit King. Through the lens of cherished literary works by Lewis Hyde and Rainer Maria Rilke and the poetic brilliance of Theodore Roethke and Allen Ginsberg, Ty shares insights into the transformative power of turning inward for inspiration. Together, we un...
Nov 28, 2024•20 min
Could social media be the key to unlocking an artist's full potential? Join us for a special episode of Just Make Art as VIsionary Projects co-founder Blayne Planit sits down with our Ty Nathan Clark, to uncover the transformative power of digital platforms in the art world. Ty takes us through his journey, enriched by family influences and global experiences, demonstrating how modern tools like Instagram have become critical in building connections and expanding an artist's reach. With tales of...
Nov 14, 2024•57 min
Is turning 50 the new beginning you've been waiting for? Join us as we explore this exciting milestone and the possibilities it brings for personal reinvention and artistic growth. We dive into a lively conversation inspired by our listener, Brittany Clifford, who is contemplating a move from New York's art scene to Miami's vibrant landscape. Learn how to establish a new creative community by attending local gallery openings, connecting with fellow artists, and leveraging the power of social med...
Oct 31, 2024•45 min
Join us as we wrap up our exploration of "Art and Fear," where we uncover the tumultuous yet exhilarating path artists navigate. We dive into the artist's struggle and the high cost of idealism, emphasizing the need for lifelong learning and self-education beyond the structured confines of art school. Uncover how embracing curiosity and self-education can prevent stagnation and nurture continuous artistic growth. As artists, are we just chasing shadows, or is there more to be gleaned from comple...
Oct 17, 2024•1 hr 36 min
What if chasing your dreams and confronting your fears are two sides of the same coin? Join us on a journey through the intricate dance of art and fear. We unveil the tightrope artists walk between ambition and dread, sharing personal stories and insights on how external expectations and internal critics can often hijack our creative instincts. With a nod to Agnes Martin’s studio rituals and Andrew Wyeth's secretive Helga series, we discuss how action and routine can triumph over fear, creating ...
Oct 03, 2024•1 hr 44 min
What if every artist experienced the same fears and hurdles, regardless of their success? Join us as we unpack the timeless wisdom from David Bayles and Ted Orland's "Art and Fear: Observations on the Perils and Rewards of Art Making." Discover how the intense stress of a blank canvas and reflect on the profound insights of Gene Fowler and Hippocrates. We'll explore the poignant reality that envisioned works often feel more real than their completed counterparts, and how this universal uncertain...
Sep 19, 2024•1 hr 35 min
Ty Nathan Clark and Nathan Terborg are taking a moment to reflect and recharge after a whirlwind week filled with residency applications, art making and family milestones—Nathan's oldest daughter just started college! But don't worry, we're gearing up for some incredible new content on Just Make Art. From artist features to Q&A sessions, and even guest co-hosts, there's a ton of exciting stuff on the horizon. We're kicking it off with an in-depth discussion on "Art and Fear" by David Bayliss...
Sep 11, 2024•9 min
What happens when an artist's "unit" of work is rooted in "trouble"? Join us as we explore this fascinating concept through the insights of Amy Sillman, uncovered in an enlightening Art21 episode. We dive into the gripping narrative of how tension and contradiction can be both a hurdle and a muse, shaping the creative grammar that artists use to articulate their vision. By reflecting on Sillman's methodology and the wisdom of experienced artists, we uncover the power of understanding and definin...
Aug 22, 2024•51 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Ever wondered what it truly means to be a perpetual student in the world of art, or more simply put, an Art Nerd? We're pulling back the curtain on the relentless pursuit of knowledge that fuels creativity. Join us as we share our personal stories of embracing the titles of "nerd" and "elitist" with pride, and reveal why there is a heavy responsibility on an artist of continuous self-education. We also reflect on wisdom from Winston Churchill, Gandhii, Haruki Murakami and others about the real j...
Aug 08, 2024•53 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Ever wondered how to turn happy accidents into artistic masterpieces? Join us as we sit down with Jeremy Cowart, the visionary photographer known for his high-profile subjects like Taylor Swift and Barack Obama, to explore the unpredictable nature of art and the magic of childlike creativity. Jeremy shares his journey from launching the impactful Help Portrait initiative to pioneering the world of Lightographs and NFTs. Get ready to be inspired by his relentless pursuit of innovation and his uni...
Jul 25, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 11
What if the rules you live by are holding you back rather than guiding you? Join us as we dive into the complex relationship between rules, creativity, and personal freedom. Inspired by Laurie Anderson and Lou Reed's three profound rules—don’t be afraid of anyone, get a good bullshit detector, and be really tender—we kick off a conversation that challenges conventional thinking. Ty opens up about how childhood trauma influenced his rebellious spirit and artistic path, shedding light on the neces...
Jul 11, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Discover the transformative journey of Helen Frankenthaler (in her own words), a pioneering artist whose mantra "Let Her Rip" symbolizes a fearless approach to creativity. In this episode, we unpack Frankenthaler's innovative philosophy, where she blends the past and present to achieve a fluid, emotionally rich conversation with her art. From her early encounters with Jackson Pollock's radical drip paintings to her evolution within the Color Field movement, we explore the monumental influences t...
Jun 27, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Join us on "Just Make Art" as we tackle this age-old dilemma of pricing your art, when to show the world the work you have been experimenting on, exploring new ideas, maintaining studio focus and more. In our latest episode, we uncover strategies for setting art prices with confidence and consistency, exploring methods like per square foot pricing, market research, and peer comparison. We emphasize the delicate balance between overpricing and undervaluing your work, and the critical role of supp...
Jun 13, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Season 2Ep. 8
In Part 1 of this special episode, we respond to our listener's questions. What if you could seamlessly navigate the art world, securing gallery representation and maintaining creative momentum, all while maximizing your visibility? This episode promises to equip you with practical strategies for approaching galleries, managing artwork accumulation, and staying productive post-show. We delve into the nuances of continuous creation, setting realistic goals, and forging genuine relationships with ...
May 30, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 2Ep. 7
The intimacy of a personal journey weaves through this episode, with our special guest host who recounts a moment back in 2006 when a dream compelled them toward the canvas, marking the beginning of a lifelong passion. Their narrative strikes a chord with anyone who has discovered art's calling later in life, illustrating that it's never too late to reimagine your path. I mirror this sentiment, sharing the defining day I chose art over the corporate ladder, a reflection of my own quest for deepe...
May 16, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Season 2Ep. 6
When we first encountered the visceral sculptures of Louise Bourgeois, their raw emotion struck us in ways we couldn't articulate. Join Ty Nathan Clark and Nathan Terborg on a profound exploration of art's power to heal and transform, as Bourgeois' life and work become the prism through which they examine the intimate dance between creation and the human experience. Her belief that art should evoke without explanation serves as our guiding principle, leading the artists through her biography and...
May 09, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Have you ever watched an artist wrestle with their inner demons as they try to capture something ethereal on the canvas? It's this very struggle between ego and insecurity that we unravel in our latest episode, where we uncover how artists balance confidence with vulnerability. We discuss the critical role of ego—not as a symbol of arrogance but as a beacon of assurance—and how this impacts an artist's interaction with the art world. Join us and a panel of artists as we share candid experiences ...
Apr 25, 2024•54 min•Season 2Ep. 4
