Embracing the Intense Legacy of Clyfford Still: Authenticity in Abstract Expressionism
03/14/24 • 49 min
Stepping through the doors of the Clyfford Still Museum, I found myself enveloped in the emotional intensity of an artist who revolutionized Abstract Expressionism. On this journey, Ty and I embark on a profound exploration of Clyfford Still's dynamic brushstrokes and vibrant colors that echo his internal struggles and profound emotions. As we navigate Still's decision to resist the commercial art market, we uncover the paradox of how an artist's demand for independence and control over his work can lead to greater public accessibility after his passing—a poignant discussion for artists contending with their legacies today.
Amidst the gallery's quiet, our conversation amplifies the raw power of Still's canvases, which continue to command attention and evoke deep responses from viewers. This episode doesn't just honor Still's command over negative space and bold coloration; it's a reflection of my own artistic journey, inspired by his fearless integrity. Ty and I also share the stories behind Still's audacious actions to defend his life's work, including a dramatic confrontation that underscores the rights and respect artists seek when their creations venture into the world.
As paintbrushes stroke canvases and colors bleed into one another, imperfection becomes a gateway to authenticity in our final chapter. We celebrate those moments where art's beauty lies in its flaws, and where the courage to be true to one's vision transcends the pursuit of flawlessness. This episode is a tribute to artists like Still, Pollock, and Rothko, whose legacies challenge us to embrace our unique voices and to continue pushing the boundaries of expression, no matter the medium. Join us as we honor the raw intensity and enduring influence of Clyfford Still, whose work remains a testament to the power of authenticity in art.
Send us a message - we would love to hear from you!
Make sure to follow us on Instagram here:
@justmakeartpodcast @tynathanclark @nathanterborg
Stepping through the doors of the Clyfford Still Museum, I found myself enveloped in the emotional intensity of an artist who revolutionized Abstract Expressionism. On this journey, Ty and I embark on a profound exploration of Clyfford Still's dynamic brushstrokes and vibrant colors that echo his internal struggles and profound emotions. As we navigate Still's decision to resist the commercial art market, we uncover the paradox of how an artist's demand for independence and control over his work can lead to greater public accessibility after his passing—a poignant discussion for artists contending with their legacies today.
Amidst the gallery's quiet, our conversation amplifies the raw power of Still's canvases, which continue to command attention and evoke deep responses from viewers. This episode doesn't just honor Still's command over negative space and bold coloration; it's a reflection of my own artistic journey, inspired by his fearless integrity. Ty and I also share the stories behind Still's audacious actions to defend his life's work, including a dramatic confrontation that underscores the rights and respect artists seek when their creations venture into the world.
As paintbrushes stroke canvases and colors bleed into one another, imperfection becomes a gateway to authenticity in our final chapter. We celebrate those moments where art's beauty lies in its flaws, and where the courage to be true to one's vision transcends the pursuit of flawlessness. This episode is a tribute to artists like Still, Pollock, and Rothko, whose legacies challenge us to embrace our unique voices and to continue pushing the boundaries of expression, no matter the medium. Join us as we honor the raw intensity and enduring influence of Clyfford Still, whose work remains a testament to the power of authenticity in art.
Send us a message - we would love to hear from you!
Make sure to follow us on Instagram here:
@justmakeartpodcast @tynathanclark @nathanterborg
Previous Episode
Bringing Childlike Wonder into the Artists Studio.
Discover the secret to infusing your art with the timeless vibrancy of childhood wonder—a theme Aldous Huxley and Madeline L'Engle have both touched upon. Our episode unravels the delicate balance between preserving that infectious enthusiasm and the professionalism demanded by the art world. Join Nathan and Ty as they share tales from their own creative journey, facing critics while staying true to the abstract expressionist passion, and discuss the universal struggle of artists to protect and rekindle the creative spark that adulthood often dims.
Feel the tension lift as we uncover ways to bring playfulness back into the artistic process. We discuss why fear of failure can be the biggest blockade to creativity and share strategies that help silence the inner critic. From personal anecdotes of working through the stormy days to the euphoria of those moments when everything clicks, we explore how a childlike approach can transform the way we create—remembering that the true joy is found in the journey, not just the outcome.
In our final chapter, we reflect on how embracing the fresh-start mentality of a child can build resilience in our creative lives. Whether it's reaching for a new canvas after a disappointing effort or molding ideas with the flexibility of play-doh, adopting this mindset can reignite the spark of youthful enthusiasm in your work. So, join us for a heartfelt conversation that promises to leave you inspired to approach your next creative challenge with the same vigor and freshness as a child's first foray into a box of crayons.
Send us a message - we would love to hear from you!
Make sure to follow us on Instagram here:
@justmakeartpodcast @tynathanclark @nathanterborg
Next Episode
Unexpected Wins and Hard Lessons: Ty and Nathan Recap the Last 2 Years of Their Art.
Embark with Ty and Nathan on a reflective odyssey through the ebbs and flows of our art careers and the burgeoning community of our podcast. The artists peel back the layers of their journeys, from the leap into full-time artistry after two decades in another profession, to Ty's lifelong commitment to creative expression, inspired by his family's artistic legacy. Together, they delve into the significance of mentorship, the bond of friendship, and celebrate the milestones that have marked their paths in the unpredictable world of art.
Step inside the artists' studio where the canvas of conversation stretches from the pressures of preparing for solo exhibitions to the collaborative harmony of a joint museum show. The artists share the transformative experience of seeing their work in the tangible reality of gallery spaces and the exhilarating challenge of translating themes like the ever-shifting "Warm Impermanence" into a visual narrative. Listen as they reveal the nuanced dance of inspiration, from the tangible beats of a Nine Inch Nails album to the immaterial yet potent acknowledgment from peers that propels us forward.
Closing the episode with an encouraging brushstroke for emerging artists, the artists share hard-earned insights on navigating the art landscape—from the power of consistent creation to the joy of unexpected recognition. Whether discussing the anticipation of upcoming exhibitions or reflecting on the evolution of the podcast, our dialogue is imbued with the shared aspiration to inspire you to craft your own artistic journey. So, connect those headphones and prepare to explore the rich tapestry of creativity that awaits in our latest auditory gallery.
Articles referenced in the podcast.
https://www.laweekly.com/from-trash-to-transformation-the-art-of-nathan-terborg/
https://drawinginspiration.fm/podcast/109-finding-beauty-in-brokenness-with-nathan-terborg/
Chatabix Episode with Russell Tovey
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/russell-tovey-celeb-chataguest/id1560965008?i=1000630901990
Send us a message - we would love to hear from you!
Make sure to follow us on Instagram here:
@justmakeartpodcast @tynathanclark @nathanterborg
Just Make Art - Embracing the Intense Legacy of Clyfford Still: Authenticity in Abstract Expressionism
Transcript
you're gonna say actually ready .
Speaker 2Are you ready ? Action ? I mean , it's good to laugh in the intro anyways , right , 100% yeah .
Speaker 1All right , welcome to just make art . I am here on site at the Clifford Steel Museum , so we told you we're gonna up our game for season two . We're actually
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