How to Be an Artist: A Conversation with Jerry Saltz and Michael Rips

Jerry is so amazing. We need his insight, reminders of what is important, guidance and encouragement.

Thank you! I have not made art in many years but am determined to begin again because of , well for many reasons, but using my voice is primary. I am always making something. I am weird and I would rather be in a workshop than a normal house. The other day I realized that I had lived in a culture that was ideal for "facing the headwinds" as you put it. Surrounded by about 250 artists, in Pilsen in Chicago. It was my heart. It was the only audience I cared about. Still is. So I am in the process of connecting with some of those artists and I'll see what I can do. Scary, but at 75 I would like to put my head and heart back in Pilsen, making art. I had to leave 24 years ago. Listening to you is like being there. Of course it's not the same now. But not having artists in my life is forever painful. Fellow weirdos, conversations like this. The constant question ¨Are you working?¨ You are absolutely right.

Jerry is great, he represents some parts of the art world that wants to understand art his way, and admits he is not the only way, he is trying to say he could be wrong and could be right, and for someone who has never studied art could understand art just as well as anyone in the industry. Like a boxer in the ring, he has a natural talent for the game in the industry just like any other art, sport, or career, he happens to deliver his intelligence towards the art industry because he enjoys the system even if he makes no profit from it… hence well respected for his passion and talent in the industry, talk the talk but also love the jargon that goes with it, including conceptual philosophy. He would be just as good if he became a medical doctor or an astronaut etc! He is brave and intelligently humble with it, he agrees that he could be wrong…If I may add that, wouldn’t it be even greater if he doesn’t have to put himself down at times, but humble in a way that he has all the knowledge and integrity to own his knowledge without excusing himself or that he could be wrong in his opinion or trend in the art world as an art critic, hence he received the prize award, he chose to be in the profession and enjoying it despite its flaws, contradictions, and confusions in the art industry...hence his explanation are valid as we embrace him with open arms…

I love Jerry Saltz, he's a blessing. Have bought one of Mr. Rips books, too. He is a hero. Thank you for filming and sharing this outside the ASL. You, too, are a blessing.

This was such an amazing, insightful and entertaining interview. Both are incredible personalities!

I hate how America has highjacked art and what art is. Jerry Saltz contradicts himself more than a beehive has holes. Maybe less reading of post-modern fatalistic dribble. I am glad there's someone like Jerry in the art world, he is a great conversation started and this will lead to more opportunities.

Thank you for your warmth and welcoming spirit!

Michael Rips is an incredible writer. Pasquale’s Nose and The Face of a Naked Lady are actual masterpieces

Thank you so much for this talk.

Jerry you have inspired me to make art abstract as ever you have given me confidence in painting so thank you for your kind words to all artists

I've enjoyed the classes I've taken, and am enjoying hearing your guidance. Thanks!

שלום ג׳רי Very enlightening conversation, I really enjoyed this interview as it is timely and inspiring for me making a life changing move at the age of 60 to concentrate on Art and Design. However as visually oriented as I am writing is an integral part of my process of making. Thanks 🙏

Wonderful! Thank you!

Fabulous interview. Invigorating and helpful. Found my tribe! What a relief.

Thanks for this interview

Excellent interview.

🎉this is gr8

So wonderful. I have read the book 5 times. When I finish it I start at the beginning again.

I 💘 this guy

Kincaid is a genius. Amazing artist. On par with Klee, Malevich and all the greats.