Leonardo Drew. Art as Physical Transformation. Part 2
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.Sources:Leonardo Drew in "Investigation" - Season 7 - "Art in the Twenty-First Century" | Art21An Interview with Leonardo Drew | Wadsworth AntheneumWoodcuts: Leonardo Drew | useum of Arts and Design (MAD)Artist Talk: Leonardo Drew | Amon Carter Museum of American Art Fort WorthCarrie Scott, SEEN Podcast | Leonardo DrewSend us a message - we would love to hear from you!Make sure to follow us on Instagram here:@justmakeartpodcast @tynathanclark @nathanterborg
--------
38:18
Leonardo Drew. Art as Physical Transformation. Part 1
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.Sources:Leonardo Drew in "Investigation" - Season 7 - "Art in the Twenty-First Century" | Art21https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymMGgOCoK8k&list=PLfV5vsCYQApkupBnzNY3YxKpFJeNb7HqR&index=5An Interview with Leonardo Drew | Wadsworth Antheneumhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-75fm_UzhYg&list=PLfV5vsCYQApkupBnzNY3YxKpFJeNb7HqR&index=4Woodcuts: Leonardo Drew | useum of Arts and Design (MAD)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N3S2nvDcvU&list=PLfV5vsCYQApkupBnzNY3YxKpFJeNb7HqR&index=3Artist Talk: Leonardo Drew | Amon Carter Museum of American Art Fort Worthhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtsqaHfEYxc&list=PLfV5vsCYQApkupBnzNY3YxKpFJeNb7HqRCarrie Scott, SEEN Podcast | Leonardo Drewhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/1a54U1cidMrWratJewuyFy?si=27cd5abd710f4439Send us a message - we would love to hear from you!Make sure to follow us on Instagram here:@justmakeartpodcast @tynathanclark @nathanterborg
--------
42:41
Copy, Steal, and Become: Why Great Artists Take What They Need: Basquiat, David Bowie, Wes Anderson, Sylvia Plath and others.
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.Send us a message - we would love to hear from you!Make sure to follow us on Instagram here:@justmakeartpodcast @tynathanclark @nathanterborg
--------
1:11:56
A Complete Guide to Artist Residencies.
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
--------
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
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.
New Zealand