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?Send us a message - we would love to hear from you!Make sure to follow us on Instagram here:@justmakeartpodcast @tynathanclark @nathanterborg
-------- Â
42:44
The Greater the Artist, The Greater the Doubt: Francis Bacon, Van Gogh, Kurt Vonnegut, JD Salinger, Maya Angelou and Charles Bukowski.
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."Send us a message - we would love to hear from you!Make sure to follow us on Instagram here:@justmakeartpodcast @tynathanclark @nathanterborg
-------- Â
1:01:19
From Trash to Treasure: Robert Rauschenberg
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.Send us a message - we would love to hear from you!Make sure to follow us on Instagram here:@justmakeartpodcast @tynathanclark @nathanterborg
-------- Â
43:54
Excavating the Soul of Reclaimed Materials
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.comChris Fay Media: www.chrisfay.deSend us a message - we would love to hear from you!Make sure to follow us on Instagram here:@justmakeartpodcast @tynathanclark @nathanterborg
-------- Â
16:42
Making Art from Forgotten Materials | Minnesota to Germany | Artist Nathan Terborg.
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_mediaSend us a message - we would love to hear from you!Make sure to follow us on Instagram here:@justmakeartpodcast @tynathanclark @nathanterborg
A conversation about making art and the artist's journey with Ty Nathan Clark and Nathan Terborg, two artists trying to navigate the art world, just like you. In each episode, the duo chooses a quote from a known artist and uses it as a springboard for discussion.Through their conversations, Ty and Nathan explore the deeper meaning of the quote and how it can be applied to the artists studio practice. They share their own personal stories and struggles as artists, and offer practical advice and tips for overcoming obstacles and achieving artistic success.Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, "Just Make Art" provides valuable insights and inspiration to help you navigate the creative process and bring your artistic vision to life. With their engaging and conversational style, Ty and Nathan create a welcoming space for listeners to explore their own artistic passions and learn from two artists working hard to navigate the art world.