The Handyman of High Art: Tom Sachs On Why Creativity Is The Enemy, Why Talent Is Overrated, & The Disciplines That Define A Life

The Rich Roll Podcast

Tom Sachs is a contemporary artist and cultural provocateur known for turning branded consumer objects into high art.

This conversation explores the paradoxes that define Tom's art and his iconoclastic philosophy of living; why creativity is the enemy, the power of sympathetic magic, consumerism as secular religion, the infamous Barney's nativity scene that launched his career, and why persistence — not talent — is omnipotent.

And in doing so, Tom dismantles the intransigent myth that artists are a different species and makes a compelling case that we're all creative beings irrespective of what we do for a living.

Tom is equal parts Werner Herzog and blue-collar craftsman. Enjoy!


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Tom Sachs is a contemporary artist and cultural provocateur known for turning branded consumer objects into high art.

This conversation explores the paradoxes that define Tom's art and his iconoclastic philosophy of living; why creativity is the enemy, the power of sympathetic magic, consumerism as secular religion, the infamous Barney's nativity scene that launched his career, and why persistence — not talent — is omnipotent.

And in doing so, Tom dismantles the intransigent myth that artists are a different species and makes a compelling case that we're all creative beings irrespective of what we do for a living.

Tom is equal parts Werner Herzog and blue-collar craftsman. Enjoy!


Show notes + MORE

Watch on YouTube

Newsletter Sign-Up 


Today's Sponsors:

Rivian: Electric vehicles that keep the world adventurous forever👉🏼https://www.rivian.com


Seed: Use code RICHROLL25 for 25% OFF your first order👉🏼https://www.seed.com/RichRoll


BetterHelp: Get 10% OFF the first month👉🏼https://www.betterhelp.com/richroll


Airbnb: Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how much at👉🏼https://www.airbnb.com/host 


Check out all of the amazing discounts from our Sponsors👉🏼https://www.richroll.com/sponsors 


Find out more about Voicing Change Media at https://www.voicingchange.media and follow us @voicingchange

2026-03-02 106 min
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