Adam Savage Interviews Tom Sachs - The Talking Room

Tom Sachs is a New York-based sculptor, artist, and maker of wonderful things. His works include meticulously detailed foam core architecture and Space Program: 1:1 scale recreations NASA vehicles and equipment. Join Adam Savage for a conversation with Tom Sachs on the culture of making, contemporary art, Tom's studio environment, and many other shared obsessions.
For more Tom Sachs, check out www.tomsachs.com or tenbullets.com

[@batchout]

anyone else here from Van Neistat's new channel? I have spent the last day digesting Tom's channel and it really explains the backstory of Van & Casey's ethos!

[@mKruter]

Yup...it all makes sense now!

[@Mintyseden]

You’re not the only one. What I discovered during this interview, is made an entire career out of something I’m totally into. This is the best interview I’ve listed to in a while.

[@alexanderdean8230]

Yes, and it's awesome.

[@MOS6510Models]

i did a video of my scale model bench on my channel which i share how Tom inspired me.. I even created his list onto canvas..

[@AlexKahl]

Fan of Casey like 10 years Fan of Adam almost 10 years Fan of Van 6 months Now digging into Sachs and the best part: His next exhibition Rare Earths comes to Germany in September That really is like a circle ⭕️ is closing

[@neilgooge]

A spirited man led to me to a discovery of Toms work, very very recently. A love of making, movies, special effects and sciene experiments has made me a fan of Adams work for many many years. Having recently found Toms work, its no surpirse Adam would be a fan and they would, apparently, be friends... They seem like the perfect match. Thank you Tom for Spirited Men and Vloggers... Thank you Vlogger, for an introduction to "the" Spirited Man, thank you spirited man for the introduction to Tom. Thank you Adam for the years and years of inspiration and enjoyment you have brought me and for this video and conversation that has helped solidify my appreciation of Tom, and not just his work.

[@skywalker23285]

This is one of the most eloquent and well written comments I have ever seen on KZbin. A spirited man also introduced me to Tom Sachs and I’m a better person for it.

[@mickeypigfish1440]

This was hard to watch, because Tom Sachs seems to have a malevolent sense of life whereas Adams sense of life is completely benevolent. So benevolent in fact, that he found a way to communicate with someone who's sense of life is alien to him. Adam, you're such an inspiration to me. Thanks a bunch!

[@jmacd8817]

I love Tom's work, but his ethos is just so regimented and harsh.

[@go2lucy]

Anybody have a reading list from this episode? I can re-watch and make notes. Thank you Adam Savage! Great interview! LOVE TOM SACHS.

[@Traderjoe]

Its so strange. I do not know how I was totally unaware of this guy until literally 2 days ago. But I happened upon a video by aVe where he talked about him and mentioned the Ten Bullets thing and I sought it out and its exactly me. Ive been watching DiResta for years now and admiring him and emulating him y getting back into building and getting machinery like grinders, drill presses and saws etc and Ive stumbled upon other people who are connected to Tom Sachs like Casey Neistat and something about that guy doesn't intrigue me. I live probably 30 miles from this guy in NY and I can sense the NY aspect in him and in DiResta and its all familiar to me. But Ive never heard of him, like I said, until 2 days ago. I don't know why I was unaware of him. Its very weird. Anyway, I can relate to everything they talked about, including the Barbies leg and the Six Million Dollar Man roll up arm skin and all that shit. Thats exactly how I grew up too. My parents, like Toms, forbade me from building and using equipment and I had to do it in secret, like as if it was a perverted thing. meanwhile it was all because they were fearful I would get hurt somehow and instead of trying to encourage me, they tried to steer me in different directions. Yet here I sit, the same age as Adam and Tom, and only started doing things with my hands within the past 4 or 5 years.

[@wrenchist]

AvE is the lord of sending you to familiar, but unknown places.

[@BrickBike]

traderjoes Lol! I also ended up here by way of AvE. I've been tinkering and modifying things for years, but when watching these guys I have so much respect for the time, creativity, attention to detail, and the vast knowledge of so many different materials.

[@markevens]

That is what normally happens, but Tested isn't an unknown place for me! I just finished watching the 10 bullet points video and was thinking it would be awesome to see Adam interact with this guy, only for the next suggested video to be this one!

[@gc7782]

Same here:) cheers!

[@Ben_Howard]

Make that another one

[@whitelighthouse]

What a beautiful moment when they catch themselves going on about Barbie and have a little chuckle together at 13.50.

[@tested]

I would love for this to happen. I'll bring it up with Adam.

[@fiberwire]

13:51 lol that moment when they realize they've been talking about Barbie for the last minute and a half

[@gizzardwizard1]

this is by far one of the most interesting and ingaging video series to come out of youtube. its very rare to find content as rich as this, i love what has become of tested in the more recent years and months.

[@MagicSwordFilms]

Two of my favorite people in one room, thanks for the inspiration

[@etymology3]

Fun that he compares Bauhaus and Home Depot. The "German version" of Home Depot is also called Bauhaus.

[@anotheruserid2]

so good. he's actually intrested and curious about his ideas. obviously not their first conversation and I love how he can relate to similar experiences. I felt like the third person at an extremely interesting conversation, and not like an advertisement for his next project. so impressed cant wait for the next one.

[@tested]

We've talked about it. We like keeping it as a video for now. We might make a video podcast in the future though.

[@brotherlove100]

I thought I was alone all this time, unique, strange, alien, in my obsessions and tendencies that I have come to realize are actually my philosophies. The verbalization of these same traits is such a wonderful permission to allow myself to be who I am!. thanks for a great video!

[@JohnnyBComplex]

This has to be one of the best "under the radar" series on the internet. Keep making more plz!

[@nomadjiu-jitsu879]

Van, Casey, and through their reach, Sachs, have made the idea of thinking outside the box and creativity prevalent to so many young people.

[@michaelduda4071]

Please make more Talking Room -- it's fantastic!

[@JimsEquipmentShed]

What a brilliant guy, you can tell Adam enjoys talking to someone that is playing at the same level.

[@Aelidiil]

haha I was thinking that same thing these two have the same illness XD

[@deadstick8863]

I have watched this many times. Such a good conversation full of so much good information and real insight.

[@tested]

That's a great idea. We could totally do a video of his library. We'll see if we can do it the next time we're at Adam's house to shoot.

[@GoGreenMan]

Before this video I'll admit I had no clue who this guy was...well even now I still don't know who he is but I see so much of myself in him, I would love to meet him one day! Both of them! Thank you for the chance to watch and partake in these videos!

[@tested]

FWIW, Tom was talking about NYC gun laws, not California gun laws. It's relatively easy to buy a handgun in California if you don't live in San Francisco or (I think) LA.

[@versonova]

what a great interview why was this not something i saw sooner. . .

[@cabe_bedlam]

Such incredible and inspirational discussions as always.

[@40wattdk]

This is the best episode of Tested so far - and some of the best content I've seen on KZbin this year. Great stuff. Keep up the good work.

[@jbratt]

Tom is very likable. This makes the difference between him being inspirational instead of annoying. I am going to build with plywood more than I already do : ).

[@dubbingsync]

I stop paying attention for a couple of seconds and when I start paying attention again, I'm hearing two grown men talk about Barbies where two minutes before it was about guns... What a subject change that was.

[@MichaelDukesShow]

Excellent discussion. I really enjoyed it, thanks Adam and Tom.

[@DAVIDSDIEGO]

An immensely insightful interview!

[@havefunbesafe]

Wow, Tom schooling Adam on many subjects!

[@Herfinnur]

I miss this series

[@PetterLausund]

That blue film book stands out in all the interviews. I guess it's time to buy it!

[@PetterLausund]

Aaand...Bought!

[@gninname]

Petter Lausund the film guide? any good?!

[@PetterLausund]

***** Yes!

[@AmmyWolfable]

Petter Lausund I know you wrote this a while back but do you mind telling me what the full title of the book is?

[@ShibbyLib]

I'm of the opinion that this is the best interview show I've come across in all of my experience. On that note, keep up the good work.

[@Gilmar.Oliveira]

to me is just like two genius talking.

[@rnci]

My mind is blow on how much I liked the topics. Hope to see more as this one was amazing!

[@mikezeke7041]

discovered sachs through ave... now I'm here

[@rorrt]

Absolutely! And his interview with John Landis is one of the best interviews i've heard him give. And considering that i hadn't even heard of this man, it was super interesting. And it was amazing hearing about him and his art.

[@javanmardbehrada1603]

Amazing discussion. You could learn tons of stuff by hyper focusing on all the information/life experiences that are being discussed on this talk.

[@tested]

Thanks!

[@RDeelen]

Thank you Adam for another great and wonderful interview.

[@franzhaas6889]

WOW! THIS WAS SPECIAL.

[@NickUncommon]

I was four, wanted a pocket knife, and was told, I can not have one. So I found some scrap wood and started working on the softer wood with a piece of harder wood and made a wood knife. It took me weeks, but it was sharp enough for me and my 4yo needs. Similar story, but grew up in an environment where art was regarded as uselessly wasting time, so I never thought of selling my artwork, but still dabble. Also play on words and visual fascinates me, so I try to include this as often as possible.

[@cinderblockstudios]

I'm an artist myself and find this absolutely perfect and elegant!

[@chrisvighagen]

Love the beaver holding the names of the interviewed

[@citizendan6390]

At 4:00 we see the power of making. Making as art, as product, as a cultural value, that should be shared with each citizen.

[@fassay]

When Adam and Tom are talking about about Mike Rowe you know it's a killer interview!!

[@IonianRose]

i find the the contrast fun to look at. at the start they talk about working and that we need more people to work and then at the end they talk of fallowing what you think you need to do. any way a lovely video

[@GarettMac]

the intellectual prowess of these two is remarkable

[@castle1138]

Absolutely awesome! I love these interviews.

[@oishisakana]

Love this series! Please get Guillermo on here Adam!

[@ErikFoxJackson]

I could rewatch this video just to look at all of Adam's books. It would be cool to have groups of students come by to read from these books.

[@web95]

This hit so many of my art school buttons. Thank you for making this and posting it. I loved the reference to the Lawrence Weschler book about Robert Irwin. The idea of perfectionism, and craft is dead, and ... wow. Thank you!

[@achoirofneurons]

I wouldn't have guessed you for Francis Bacon fan Adam. And quoting him! My admiration for you has just doubled.

[@son1tus]

Winston!!! Looking dapper as ever!

[@pay0014]

This is now the first video i "liked" on youtube, awesome interview, a pleasure to watch!

[@ventiladordesuco]

WOOOOOOW my mind just exploded! Thank you both, i'm a huge fan of both Adam Savage and Tom Sachs and this interview was incredible. You guys have so much in common. And I feel how Tom Sachs describes perfectly what his art is all about, imprison small bits of reality in our own creation, and I think Adam and Tom have this as a goal in ultimate way. but having their own aproaches on how to learn all the magic bits that comes out of those magnificent real life objects has in it.

[@kimballa]

It’s interesting how we hear of Casey, then Van, and now sachs. Love how it seems we are all going back in time to find out more and more and more. I’m going to run out of content and KZbin won’t be the same

[@Eric_A_Beatty]

YES YES YES please! I love pausing the video on these and just trying to identify some of the titles in Adam's library - Ive spotted at least two dozen books that we have in common.

[@markmui]

Great talks! I find myself really looking forward to watching these shows. Your shows are insightful, in-depth, off-beat and a immensely satisfying to the curious mind. This show is a raft of enlightenment in this sea of ignorance that we call youtube. Please expand and create more Talking Room videos.

[@Neolitico9]

Amazing amazing interview. Delighted with every minute of it.

[@DFOOSKING]

At 9:15 Definitely shows how culture of people in metropolitan environments have no comprehension of firearms. They are nothing more than a shiny thing at first. Then when the concept of the responsibility of posessing such items comes front and center....fear is what immediately takes over. And when the point hits home that it in fact is a responsibility with rules and ramifications...a subversion takes over that because they choose not to acknowledge/accept that responsibility.....then noone else can/should have them either. Versus a rural culture that uses firearms not infrequently. The individual is taught early on the responsibility and shown the practical use and refinement of the skills involved. The concepts of protecting ones self and family as well as learning to hunt and become intertwined with your surroundings, the creatures within it and their behavior/habits. When properly educated and held accountable for its useage.... a firearm is no more dangerous than a car.

[@TheCharlesWinchester]

Brilliantly well said.

[@cac45]

+DFOOSKING I agree, Trump 2016!

[@rileyandersen7346]

+DFOOSKING I have to disagree with you. You think that gang members who live in the city don't understand the power of firearms? What about the single mothers who live with one under their bed? It has nothing to do with metropolitan vs. country... the rest of what you said about responsibility is true, but the metro comparison just doesn't make any sense.

[@NiclasHorn]

+cac45 i just feel sorry for you Americans whom think Trump is a good choise to be your president.... tho America constantly put there nose in other countrys business......

[@DFOOSKING]

I feel sorry for people who don't live in America. But fear not Niclas.....not one American gives a shit what a foreigner thinks about the Presidential election they have no bearing on or ability to vote in. So rest easy.

[@R3W1NDXD]

Why is this man appearing in my feed in every way

[@poppiesrule]

You can tell he really likes Tom

[@sachideshmane5088]

+poppiesrule I bet much talking with full mouths ensued: 54:52

[@knifetimestory]

Best interview of Tom yet. Thank you for being able to ask a question, and then be quiet so the guest can actually speak, pause, and speak some more. Not that you, Adam, are not interesting, but I watch your stuff already and wanted to learn more about Tom, and you delivered. Thank you!!!

[@b.w.22]

This is such a great discussion. Agreed on the fascination of guns, how they’re designed, and the various mechanisms that are built to such insane tolerances. But at the end of the day, they just throw a rock harder. From hand to sling to arrow to gun. I think what virulently anti-gun folks don’t get sometimes is that just as much as the average, normal person would be loath to throw a rock at someone, they’re even more loath to shoot at someone. The vast majority of gun owners are keenly aware of their dangers and never shoot at a living thing, let alone a human.

[@noisyrobot]

I get so distracted by the books on Adam's shelves. I'd love a room like that!

[@fredotcho]

Merveilleuse interview.

[@Sceme1991]

Tom Sachs says oxy acetylene is the "proper oldschool" way of welding and Adam says he's never done it. I'm suddenly quite proud of myself.

[@tomashernandez828]

Back at it for this years re-watch :D ... BTW any chance of another Talking room with Tom? :D

[@mankee2211]

Now that's a great talk!

[@ScottLahteine]

I've been writing code for over 30 years, but skipped out on engineering in favor of liberal arts, music, and life experience. Before coding I had been more into visual arts and making physical objects, but set that aside especially as I got into music. Since the mid-90's I've done web development. All this is a preface, just to say I'm finally getting back to roots, moved to Seattle to focus on learning electronics, welding, etc., and play with Arduino, etc.!

[@jjlwis]

Also, what Adam is talking about was mentioned and had quite the push by John Ratzenburger from Cheers and later on the tv show "Made in America" He also has a documentary called Industral Tsunami

[@MJKToys]

I love these. A cold beer, an hour of Tested/Adam and I'm set.

[@SuperDang2011]

Tom Sachs reminds me of Mark Ruffalo for some reason amazing interview please do more like this the philosophy of this interview is interesting and educational in some ways.

[@GrantParker]

Brilliant guy. Really interesting. Loved the bit about the martial arts master who runs. Great.

[@eyewould]

41:01 The quote is actually directed to Mr. Thatcher not Mr. Kane but the sentiment is still the same.

[@mkusakify]

OUTSTANDING!

[@artfx9]

Awesome as always!

[@jugdas]

This is an exceptionally strong and interesting interview. Not that prizes matter but I reckon Tested should enter it for something as its existence makes the internet a considerably better place. And I'm pretty sure anyone who watches it from start to end would agree.

[@doesnotexist77777]

Great interview... thank you!

[@SecondWindWorkshop]

That was excellent! I am also a big Mondrian fan, and wanted to acquire a piece...ended up making my own interpretation that was made of four panels that could be moved, flipped, raised or lowered to create a different experience. Great discussion guys!

[@wojecire]

Such a fascinating interview!

[@tomashernandez828]

ive re-watched this like 4 times in a span of 2 years the last part gets me every time; Genius! creeps geeks i wish they were my uncles ^^

[@joshnsolomon]

I came across this guy from the Frank Ocean - Provider lyric video and I find him totally inspiring. Gonna try to make my own boom box!

[@lgerback34]

Best one yet.

[@jqount]

Any talk of making these a podcast? Maybe add them to the still untitled subscription

[@Majujar]

Could there be a 'The Talking Room' playlist made? I love these.

[@koulokoe]

Although i'm only 15 i loved tom sachs ode to plywood, and i would love to do something with wood in the future :)

[@Randominality]

The explanations Adam gives in response to Tom Sachs are so much more interesting and natural than any response that is produced by Will and Norm's stilted and awkwardly phrased questions.

[@rorrt]

I fucking love this episode of the Talking Room. On first viewing it seriously took me 7 hours to get through it, just with the quantity of things they were talking about. I checked out Corbusier... That took maybe 3 hours. And so on. But, on the opening. One of his artworks was 10 Bullets, which is fantastic. But its not his. And he says this almost half way through... ITS NOT HIS!!!! TOM SACHS DOESN'T OWN 10 BULLETS!!!!!!!!

[@Actimus123]

Tested is such a great channel

[@psychedelicmushroompeople]

Tom Sachs, thank you for taking the Neistat brothers under your wings way back when…

[@sharingiscaring53]

Ronald McIsaac you can tell that Casey filmmaking is inspired by tom Sachs

[@veganadventure5282]

is there any project where the 3 intersect? or any one thing that stands out as obviously being inspired by Tom?

[@MarkCheret]

Ronald McIsaac search for "the Neistat brothers". Especially the motorboat challenge.

[@djstarsign]

We Play Wax initially, when Van and Casey still worked together, they were very transparent about Tom’s influence.

[@sussvarman]

We Play Wax you must be really fun at parties

[@Yamswool]

Badass interview

[@chandrashekaravijaykumar]

I always think that Lawrence Weschler should have named book "Observing Is Forgetting the Name of The Thing One Sees"

[@simonRTJ]

Thats EXACTLY as intended when two very interesting people are talking about their passions, it rubs off on you, you want to be part of it. Digression is creative 7 dislikes! that means that TESTED received the majority of the intended demographic, by today's standards its brave to make something just for the fun of it, and then others will find the joy in what they are making. This is just the essence of "making", go forth and make, and be entertained intellectually along the way.

[@mobilow]

great interview, I am very curious who will be next, I am certain someone else I d like to get in touch with...Adam : Thats a series of inspiration !

[@Umoade]

Winston is looking better than ever!

[@wshill2]

Absolute genius...all employers should have a simple stated code for their employees and enforce it. The work environments would be better if all employers had a simple code of expectations much like this.

[@Legba24]

That was brilliant!

[@1pcfred]

Now that's a bromance.