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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Coffee, rain, and a table full of half-built ideas set the stage for a candid deep dive into how artists actually move work forward in our second conversation at Poolhaus studio. We trade the comfort of endless polishing for a stubborn rule—get to the next step sooner—and unpack how that one shift stops overworking, preserves strong moments, and helps a real body of work take shape. Along the way, we turn useful decisions into mantras, write them on the wall, and repeat them when stamina dips. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s momentum with intention.

We also open the door on critique: how to build a trusted brain trust, weight feedback from mentors versus peers, and curate with clear eyes when your favorite new experiment ranks dead last. Likes are not the art world, and honest notes from people who know your context can be the difference between a scattered show and a resonant one. Confidence matters too—not as posturing, but as fluency in your own language. We talk about answering tough questions from curators, claiming simple choices with conviction, and studying both your work and the person making it.

Life intrudes. A recent loss in the recovery community brings the conversation to grief, meaning, and the privilege of making anyway. Borrowing strength from Nick Cave’s reflections on grief as an exalted, remaking state, we choose boldness over hesitation and practice that isn’t conditional on perfect circumstances. Stock your studio with wisdom like winter coats: books, notes, mentors, and sentences that steady you when the weather turns. Then finish the damn thing, explore the dancing sparks, and move to the next with courage and care.

If this resonates, follow the show, share it with an artist who needs a nudge, and leave a quick review so more makers can find it. What mantra keeps you moving?

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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 psychology of creative evolution. Both artists share candidly about their current struggles and triumphs, with one revealing a year-long process of private experimentation that's finally beginning to bear fruit. They discuss the delicate balance between methodically refining established techniques and daringly exploring new territories – what one describes as "exploiting the known while exploring the unknown."

The discussion reveals powerful strategies for navigating creative uncertainty, including developing systematic approaches to idea management, embracing the cyclical nature of creative development, and maintaining belief in the process even when progress seems elusive. Both artists emphasize the importance of the mantra "the work is taking me somewhere" as a touchstone during difficult periods.

Today's artists face unique challenges in the social media age, where the pressure to maintain visibility conflicts with the traditional approach of developing work privately before revealing a cohesive body. The conversation explores finding personal balance, using platforms like Instagram as a "visual journal" without feeling obligated to share finished work prematurely. As Simon de Pury noted, "Instagram will have the same impact on the art market as YouTube had on the music industry" – removing gatekeepers and creating direct connections between artists and audiences.

Whether you're struggling to find direction in your practice or contemplating a bold new direction, this episode offers a raw, honest look at the breakthrough process from artists who continue to push their own boundaries. Schedule a studio visit with a fellow artist this week – virtual or in-person – and see where the conversation takes your work.

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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 earned places in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Whitney, reveals how embracing the "ugly" phases of creation leads to unexpected beauty.

"I have to have a real appetite for ugly," Shechet, confesses about her creative process. "There are so many points where this thing is just hideous and yet I have to believe in it." This sentiment resonates profoundly with our own artistic journeys—recognizing that every meaningful piece goes through an awkward adolescence before reaching maturity.

What truly sets Shechet, apart is her approach to artistic control. After carefully crafting her ceramic sculptures, she surrenders them to a 2,000-degree kiln where "all bets are off." This balance between meticulous creation and acceptance of unpredictability forms the heart of her practice. She meticulously documents every experiment in notebooks, creating a scientific approach to artistic discovery that allows her work to continually evolve.

We're particularly struck by Shechet,'s description of her studio as "both a farm and a factory"—a place that cultivates growth while producing tangible objects. Her commitment to pushing boundaries by creating open systems rather than settling into comfortable patterns mirrors our own philosophy of artistic development. When she declares, "I want to make something more than an idea," she articulates the ultimate challenge facing every serious artist: creating work that resists easy description and demands deeper engagement.

Join us in this fascinating conversation about embracing discomfort, fighting against creative stagnation, and finding joy in the uncertain journey of making art that matters. Whether you're a seasoned creator or just beginning your artistic path, Shechet,'s wisdom offers valuable perspective on sustaining growth through perpetual discovery.

Please visit:

https://art21.org/watch/art-in-the-twenty-first-century/s7/arlene-shechet-in-secrets-segment/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dh_lDHY0ZO4

https://www.frieze.com/video/arlene-shechet-and-sheena-wagstaff-frieze-masters-podcast

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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 an art career that didn't even exist," he confesses. This vulnerable moment becomes a masterclass in transforming criticism into creative fuel—a skill every artist must develop.

The conversation weaves through the phases of artistic development: wanting it, doing it, and living it. They explore how Instagram has weaponized envy, why self-imposed deadlines create surprising breakthroughs, and the myth of overnight success that derails so many promising careers. "Art gives up its secrets very slowly," they remind us, encouraging patience and persistence.

Perhaps most powerful is their discussion of "radical vulnerability"—following your work into uncomfortable psychological territory that reveals your truest voice. As Ty shares stories of gallery disasters and damaged artwork, a portrait emerges of the resilience required to survive the inevitable setbacks of creative life.

The episode concludes with Jerry's most memorable advice: after the demons of doubt have spoken, simply tell yourself "I'm a fucking genius" and get back to work. It's strategic delusion as artistic superpower—and it just might be the difference between giving up and breaking through.

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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 artistic eye, examining artwork up close, questioning materials and processes, and truly noticing rather than merely looking.

One of the most powerful concepts we explore is embracing artistic inconsistency. When Saltz writes, "Don't resist something if you're afraid it's taking you far afield from your usual direction. That's the wild animal in you feeding," he reminds us that creative evolution requires following our instincts even when they lead us into unfamiliar territory. This is how artists avoid becoming creatively caged – by allowing ourselves to experiment freely.

The conversation takes a particularly meaningful turn when discussing courage as "a desperate gamble that will place you in the arms of creative angels." We examine how artists throughout history, from Alice Neel to Ellsworth Kelly, displayed remarkable bravery by pursuing their unique visions despite working against prevailing movements of their time. Their courage to follow their intuitive logic ultimately led to extraordinary contributions to art history.

Perhaps most reassuringly, we break down Saltz's practical insight that an artist's career can be sustained by surprisingly few supporters – just one dedicated dealer, a handful of collectors, and a few critics or curators who understand the work. The challenge lies in putting yourself out there consistently, showing up at exhibitions, and actively participating in the art community.

What will you discover about your own creative process by training yourself to see differently? How might embracing your artistic inconsistencies lead to unexpected breakthroughs? Join us as we continue our exploration of what it truly means to be an artist in today's world.

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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 capturing ideas—through sketchbooks, journals, voice memos—creating an ever-expanding archive of inspiration that artists can mine for future work. We share personal systems for documenting fleeting thoughts and how this practice often reveals what's truly happening in our minds. These captured moments become the seeds from which our most authentic work grows.

We tackle the intimidating challenge of finding one's artistic voice, challenging the myth that great artists spring forth with fully-formed originality. All masters begin as students—imitating, copying, and gradually infusing their personal perspective into established forms. The studio becomes the sacred space for this transformation—a sanctuary where imitation evolves into innovation without judgment or shame. Whether your workspace resembles the pristine order of Agnes Martin or the chaotic energy of Francis Bacon, it should serve as your laboratory for experimentation.

Perhaps most profound is the discussion of embedding thought and emotion into physical materials—creating work that communicates even when you're not present to explain it. This alchemical process requires deep listening to both your materials and your inner voice. Great art puts out more energy than went into its making, resonating with viewers on levels beyond literal understanding.

We close with an essential reminder: there are no wasted days in the studio. Even apparent failures move your practice forward. The struggle itself is valuable—often taking you further than easy successes ever could. Learn to finish work and move forward rather than getting trapped in perfectionism. Your next piece will benefit from everything you've discovered in creating this one.

Whether you're a seasoned artist or just beginning your creative journey, this episode offers practical wisdom and permission to embrace both the struggle and joy of making meaningful work that's distinctly yours.

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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 dismantling the barriers that keep so many from pursuing their creative calling. Whether you're wondering if you can be an artist without formal education, while working full-time, or while wrestling with crippling self-doubt, his answer rings clear: "Of course you can." Through our conversation, we unpack how Saltz's decades of observing artists have yielded insights that speak directly to the heart of the creative struggle.

The book's wisdom resonates powerfully throughout our discussion – from embracing the uncomfortable vulnerability of making art to recognizing that "the faster your work makes sense, the faster people will lose interest." We explore why certainty kills curiosity, how imagination forms the very essence of human existence, and why getting productively lost might be the most direct path to finding your voice. Saltz's practical advice – "cast your nets into the waters" of inspiration and "work, work, work" – offers a refreshing antidote to creative paralysis.

Perhaps most encouraging is Saltz's insistence that it's never too late to begin. Through stories of artists who found success later in life (including Saltz himself who didn't become serious about his calling until age 40), we confront the myth that artistic accomplishment requires early specialization. Whether you're just starting out or seeking to deepen your existing practice, this episode offers a roadmap filled with practical wisdom, compassionate encouragement, and the liberating reminder that "nothing happens if you're not working, but anything can happen when you are."

Buy "How to be an Artist" by Jerry Saltz

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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 rituals—fundamentally transform our creative practice and the work that emerges from it.

Drawing wisdom from Mary Oliver's poetry collection "Redbird" and Jack Whitten's studio journals, we unpack what it means to create "not for the sake of winning, but for sheer delight and gratitude." Oliver's observation that "it is a serious thing just to be alive on this fresh morning in this broken world" reminds us that pausing to notice our surroundings isn't just pleasant—it's essential to developing our artistic voice.

We share our personal soul care practices, from morning reading rituals and mindful walks to the transformative power of travel and trying uncomfortable new experiences. The conversation explores how these moments help us break free from achievement-oriented creation and return to our work with renewed vision. As Whitten noted, "Nature does not think"—it simply exists. There's profound creative wisdom in learning to sometimes just be rather than constantly do.

Whether you're struggling with burnout or simply seeking to deepen your creative practice, this conversation offers practical inspiration for incorporating soul care into your artistic journey. Take a moment with us, slow down, and discover how the small pauses might actually hold everything you need.

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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.

Sources:

Leonardo Drew in "Investigation" - Season 7 - "Art in the Twenty-First Century" | Art21

An Interview with Leonardo Drew | Wadsworth Antheneum

Woodcuts: Leonardo Drew | useum of Arts and Design (MAD)

Artist Talk: Leonardo Drew | Amon Carter Museum of American Art Fort Worth

Carrie Scott, SEEN Podcast | Leonardo Drew

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