Art & Fear: Observations On the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking

EAN:9780961454739 Label:Image Continuum Press Author:David Bayles Binding:Paperback

I read this book in hopes it would help me break through a current bout of "writer's block" Essentially useless unless you are really consumed with yourself. Uh, no2009-02-24 Rating 3. This slim volume took the authors seven years to write. It is so ponderous, that it feels like it takes seven years to read. The basic problem is that the authors think that being an "artist" somehow makes the self-perceived artist both different and more important than the ordinary person. For example, "healthy artistic environments are about as common as unicorns. We live in a society that encourages competition at demonstrably vicious levels, and sets a hard and accountable yardstick for judging who wins". Read it in context and I think it is trying to assert that even the worst "artist" should be judged by different standards than merely "Yuck! You call that art?" There is a desired here to romanticize art, "artists" and the creation of "art", to raise all above the level of mere mortal efforts. For example, one of their conceits that they call attention to is headed "Crea**vity", followed by an expanation: "Readers may wish to note that nowhere in this book does the dreaded the [sic] C-word appear. Why should it? Do only some people have ideas, conront problems, dream, live in the real world and breathe air?" Wow . . . isn't that meaningful? I don't think so. I think it is more meaningful that the authors are grandstanding, calling attention to their little conceit of not using "creativity" to describe the artist's work. Those who consider themselves "artists" may find solace here: they are misunderstood creatures who themselves deal with processes that they don't understand. They are, after all, artists and as "artists", "you declare what is important". You. You! You!!! It's all about you. In my humble opinion, the authors spent seven years trying to create a Zen of art . . . and they failed. Thst doesn't mean "Art & Fear" is an awful book. It is, in fact, occasionally interesting and the quotations at the beginning of each chapter are well selected and undoubtedly the most profound words in the book. But "Art & Fear" comes nowhere near satisfying the authors' boastful claim that it is "An Artist's Survival Guide". It is more like an ode to insincerity, bucking up the person who self-designates themselves as an "artist" and feels that their genius is under-appreciated. Isn't this true for all of us, artist or not? Jerry. I had to read Art and Fear for a photography class I am taking a good book for beginners. The idea behind the book is to remind artists that creating art is about you and no one else2009-02-13 Rating 4. Whether people understand or appreciate your art is irrelevant. It's a great book for anyone just starting their art career, but those of us who have already been through the machine a few times will find the information in this book to be more of a reminder of what we deal with everyday. It's a fast read and raises some good points. I'd recommend this book for anyone that thinks they are an artist, or for those who don't think they are good enough to be an artist. I suggest this book to every artist young or old and recommend it to every one of my students Best Book on creativity. A real eye opener!2009-02-10 Rating 5. Other reviewers have said what needs to be said about this succinct, invaluable book; it's one to own and to dip into year after year The best book on the creative process. It's so much more "real" and to the point than the pretentious, silly "creativity" books such as the ones Julia Cameron writes, with all their time-wasting "exercises2009-01-28 Rating 5. " If you want to make art, just start somewhere, and let one work lead to another, as these authors suggest. This book changed my life ...from ArtsyFartsy News, February 2008. 2009-01-25 Rating 4. and my painting direction. Successful painters who are "in the know" have read this book. It has no photos, no step-by-step techniques and no color charts. This book will help you know why you paint, and not how to paint. This is one of the very few books I read and re-read over and over. It's been earmarked, underlined, highlighted, bent and very well used. I noticed I dated my original copy on the inside cover -- 1998. I still read this book today. (Buy several copies so you can keep one in your studio, one in your house and some to pass along to your artist friends!) Art & Fear is about committing your future to your own hands, placing free will above predestination; choice above chance. It is about finding your own work. This book is about YOU. In fact, you can open this small book (5-1/2 x 8 inches x 1/2 inch thick) anywhere, read four pages and swear they are writing about you (you're not alone). This book will get you out of your funk and into your studio to paint the way you have been born to paint. While reading this insightful and inspirational book, you will feel really good about being a "creative type!" We all have identical fears-- sorry, you're not that unique. You will be able to speak eloquently to yourself, your family and your friends. David Bayles' and Ted Orland's writing style is easy to read, understandable and relaxed. They do not do artspeak, phony babble or use big words. This must be your book if you want to move on and do art that is meaningful and significant to you. . An artist's survival guide, written by and for working artists The authors explore the way art gets made, the reasons it doesn't get made, and the nature of the difficulties that cause so many artists to give up along the way.