Part 3. Breaking down: How to Be An Artist by Jerry Saltz.

Just Make Art

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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Chapters

1. Starting Part Three: Learning to Think Like an Artist (00:00:00)

2. Art as an Unchanging Thing That Changes (00:10:06)

3. Becoming a Seeing Machine (00:18:34)

4. Artists Need to Be Inconsistent (00:28:05)

5. Creating Art for Your Visceral Present (00:34:55)

6. The Art World: A Guide to the Snake Pit (00:41:30)

7. Courage and Creative Angels (00:49:15)

8. Don't Define Yourself by a Single Medium (00:55:38)

9. Artists Need to Form a Coven (01:00:40)

10. Defining Success on Your Own Terms (01:07:37)