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Your Art Will Save Your Life
As a teenager visiting the Andy Warhol Museum, Beth Pickens realized the importance of making art. As an adult, she has dedicated her life to empowering working artists. Intimate yet practical, Your Art Will Save Your Life helps artists build a sustainable practice while navigating the world of MFAs, residencies, and institutional funding.
136 pages, Paperback
First published April 10, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
November 5, 2018
This book was ok but what I found problematic was that it was far more a book about how to deal with the current trump administration and those who align with it while not getting depressed as an artist (or person). I picked up the book thinking it was about the nuanced issues that all artists face in the contemporary art world (and politics can certainly be one of those issues) but I felt little of this book was explicit advice for artists but just basic tips of emotional intelligence. And not even in reference to the art world but just toward the current administration. I truly didn’t learn anything new and am worried that if this book was revolutionary for you you probably need to seek more help than can be found in this book. It really felt like common sense and tips that really would be basic emotional intelligence. Such as: you are allowed to be happy when bad things are happening in the world; If the media is overwhelming have less time with your phone; You can still associate with and even have relationships with people if different ideologies. - really none of this should be groundbreaking.
September 19, 2019
Beth Pickens worked for nonprofits for years and then got a master's in counseling psychology, after which she mostly worked as a consultant for arts nonprofits, helping them raise money and figure out how to thrive, particularly in a country that can be weirdly hostile toward the arts. She also worked with artists/writers individually in the same way, counseling them through their insecurities, advising them on how to balance their creative work with all their other responsibilities (not to menti0n earning a living), and helping them with grant applications. Because she didn't have the time to have a lot of individual clients, Pickens often thought of writing a book about these subjects. After Donald Trump was elected, she noticed a lot of strife in her arts communities: about whether their art actually mattered, about whether there would be funding, about whether they, if they were a member of one of the many groups Trump has shown hostility toward, could even still feel safe making art. At that point Pickens decided it was finally time to write her book. Your Art Will Save Your Life is the result.
This is a really short book, more an overview than anything else, but it addresses creativity in ways I've never really seen it done before. Mostly, Pickens wants to emphasize that if you have a drive to be creative, you must obey it; it's the only way to ensure that you have a chance at being happy and well, and if you won't do that for yourself you won't be much good to anyone else or the world in general. Beyond that, she talks about balancing art with activism: whether your political beliefs should be a part of your actual creative work—and if not, how you might use your creativity in other ways to help the causes you support. She also talks a lot about practical aspects, like how to get your creative work done if you have many other obligations pulling at you; how you can help other artists and how other artists might be able to help you; and how to apply for grants. I've never really encountered a book that was so practical about all of this—reading it was eye-opening.
Pickens admits she's not really a writer, and although the writing was honestly fine, I would describe it as bare-bones, which made this book occasionally a bit tedious to read despite its brevity. Still, if you consider yourself a creative person, and particularly if you're still pretty much an amateur, you'll get a lot out of Your Art Will Save Your Life, and I recommend it.
This is a really short book, more an overview than anything else, but it addresses creativity in ways I've never really seen it done before. Mostly, Pickens wants to emphasize that if you have a drive to be creative, you must obey it; it's the only way to ensure that you have a chance at being happy and well, and if you won't do that for yourself you won't be much good to anyone else or the world in general. Beyond that, she talks about balancing art with activism: whether your political beliefs should be a part of your actual creative work—and if not, how you might use your creativity in other ways to help the causes you support. She also talks a lot about practical aspects, like how to get your creative work done if you have many other obligations pulling at you; how you can help other artists and how other artists might be able to help you; and how to apply for grants. I've never really encountered a book that was so practical about all of this—reading it was eye-opening.
Pickens admits she's not really a writer, and although the writing was honestly fine, I would describe it as bare-bones, which made this book occasionally a bit tedious to read despite its brevity. Still, if you consider yourself a creative person, and particularly if you're still pretty much an amateur, you'll get a lot out of Your Art Will Save Your Life, and I recommend it.
May 3, 2018
I loved this book. I read it one sitting, but I know I’ll go back to it again and again. Highly recommend for the creative person who wants to be more productive than they currently are, especially in this political climate!
June 23, 2020
Es un manual sobre cómo ser creativo en una sociedad capitalista y reinante por Trump. La autora escribió y publicó este libro al comienzo del gobierno de Trump y está recagadísima de miedo. Escribe el libro para animar a artistas progres a no abandonar sus creaciones y da algunos tips. Es un poco ensayo, un poco manual, un poco autobiografía, un poco autoayuda. Se lee rapidito. Algunos consejos con los que me quedo:
"A useful lesson I've gleaned over the years: I am not responsible for my first thought. I am responsible for my second thought and my first action".
"Perfection will not serve you because it's an illusion".
"Courage is not the absence of fear; it is being afraid and doing the thing anyway".
Y ésta que también aparece en Matadero 5:
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference"
En conclusión: Trátate como a alguien que amas. Termina tu trabajo y compártelo con quienes respetas. No te compares, sé generosa, haz tu arte como sea, en algún momento, eso tocará el corazón de alguien más y ese vínculo es toda la recompensa que necesitas. Gracias a Nico Escarpentier que me prestó este libro.
"A useful lesson I've gleaned over the years: I am not responsible for my first thought. I am responsible for my second thought and my first action".
"Perfection will not serve you because it's an illusion".
"Courage is not the absence of fear; it is being afraid and doing the thing anyway".
Y ésta que también aparece en Matadero 5:
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference"
En conclusión: Trátate como a alguien que amas. Termina tu trabajo y compártelo con quienes respetas. No te compares, sé generosa, haz tu arte como sea, en algún momento, eso tocará el corazón de alguien más y ese vínculo es toda la recompensa que necesitas. Gracias a Nico Escarpentier que me prestó este libro.
August 23, 2019
This book was a little more intense/serious than I had expected it to be. That's not a knock, it just didn't end up being quite what I thought, nor exactly what I needed. I think the advice it contained is useful to a lot of folks, but it was a lot more than I needed and not all of it was relevant to my circumstances. That being said, there were some nuggets that I particularly appreciated and want to take to heart, like "fun is not optional and joy is not a luxury - this is an actual anti-burnout strategy" and "your fear is much bigger than the task at hand." Even reminding myself that my art has intrinsic value, to me and to others, even when I don't share it, is empowering, as well as the notion that artists of any medium *have* to create, that it is part of us and that failing to create is to deny part of ourselves, and that even with the state of the world as it is, making time to create things is valuable and worthy. So yeah, not all the advice worked for me, but I appreciated what I got out of it. And I dusted off my latest novel draft for the first time in five months so I think it worked. :)
December 13, 2021
I wanted to like this book (the hosts of Call Your Girlfriend raved about it) but it fell super short. Kinda disjointed in what the actually message of the book is. A bit stuck in it’s time (2016-2018ish) too. Felt basic and I didn’t find anything revelatory or super interesting. Bunch of white feminist-y moments too. I saw what she was trying to do, but wish it had stuck with something and not be a hodge podge.
March 30, 2018
I went to one of the Making Art During Fascism events that started this book and I'm so happy it is finally here for me to read and reread and do all the exercises in and generally love. It is vital to be reminded that making art is necessary to the maker and the larger world. Buy a copy for every artist you love.
May 15, 2020
I had higher expectatons from this book but I think it was just not for me. Overall it had some great ideas and it was a new persective for me.
January 20, 2021
I think the quote on the cover says it best: "A slim, necessary revelation." (Maggie Nelson)
This book was specifically written for surviving the Trump administration, which thankfully is coming to an end tomorrow, but it will sadly still be relevant. Pickens refers to her book in the final chapter "a framework for maintaining your practice regardless of the political climate."
Pickens is not an artist herself, but rather a consultant/counselor for artists, which I found to be a very unique and helpful perspective. She makes a living counseling artists in their practice, mental health, and future.
The book talks about the balance between art and activism, how important it is to keep making art no matter what's going on in the world, and provides lists and exercises to keep going as an adult human who depends on their creative practice.
I took pages of notes while reading and am so excited to use the book's tips to further my practice! This is worthwhile for artists of any medium or career stage.
This book was specifically written for surviving the Trump administration, which thankfully is coming to an end tomorrow, but it will sadly still be relevant. Pickens refers to her book in the final chapter "a framework for maintaining your practice regardless of the political climate."
Pickens is not an artist herself, but rather a consultant/counselor for artists, which I found to be a very unique and helpful perspective. She makes a living counseling artists in their practice, mental health, and future.
The book talks about the balance between art and activism, how important it is to keep making art no matter what's going on in the world, and provides lists and exercises to keep going as an adult human who depends on their creative practice.
I took pages of notes while reading and am so excited to use the book's tips to further my practice! This is worthwhile for artists of any medium or career stage.
February 19, 2022
this is a short, energizing read that digs into the vitality of artists consistently creating. pickens provides great examples of ways to connect with art and creative process at various mental states, including at very low capacity, and i felt like i really needed to hear that. pickens’ point of view placed itself in a sweet spot between self-compassion and firm accountability for putting or not putting time into your craft.
one thing — the book was released midway through tr*mp’s term in office, so pickens speaks directly to coping with the emotional impact of that time. (honestly though, isn’t that weight and dread still here?)
one thing — the book was released midway through tr*mp’s term in office, so pickens speaks directly to coping with the emotional impact of that time. (honestly though, isn’t that weight and dread still here?)
March 2, 2019
A very useful, smart and moving little book. Definitely going to buy and recommend to artists in my life!
December 15, 2018
Pickens works as a therapist, an artist, a grant writer, and an activist. This slim volume was written in the wake of Trump's 2016 election as a way for her to focus her energies on supporting artists in an era of political turmoil. Consequently, this will appeal to those who take a counter cultural approach to the role of the artist. Well, maybe not. Her advise is helpful for all types of artists, but those who are beholden to Trump might bristle at the book's occasional negative comments about the 45th president.
I enjoyed Picken's book for the way it balances ideals and pragmatics. As a grant writer for artists and a therapists for artists, she very much understands the roadblocks that artist must clear in order to produce art.
I am tempted to type in much of the 130 page book, but that would be ridiculous. Just get your hands on a copy. But here are a few morsels to whet your appetite:
* Artist need to secure for themselves "an ongoing art practice, a community of working artists, and lots of varied art consumption" (p. 53).
* Artists need to combat negative self-talk that self-sabotages through criticism and fear. She suggests listening to the inner dialogue, question these statements, and then address them through taking contrary action. "It is crucial that your meta-observation process results in an action that runs contrary to the mean inner voice" (p. 80).
* Artists often cower beneath the unrealistic ideal of perfectionism. They either don't start a project, abandon a project, or refuse to show / publish a project because it isn't "perfect." Pickens counters: "Perfection simply does not exist as long as we are in our human brains, which do not cease analyzing, creating, wondering, and comparing. In a sense, everything is already perfect and nothing is ever perfect" (p. 83).
* Pickens' next two points--comparing and generosity--are related. She cautions artists against comparing the best exterior life with their own worse interior life, of course the results will be discouraging. She asks artists to support each other with a generous spirit rather than comparing and competing with each other. She has observed hundreds of artists, and the ones who are the happiest are the ones who can cheer for other artists instead of being competitive, critical, or jealous of others.
* The second half of the books is filled with concrete suggestions for how to apply for grants, how to transition from a BFA/MFA into being a working artist, and how to respond productively to the political atmosphere. The sections about limiting consumption of news stories hit home for me. I spend entirely too much time worrying about the state of the world when I could be acting (even in small ways) to better the world.
She concludes with a little two page blessing and positive visualization for her readers / artists entitled "My Wish for You." She has a big heart and a lot of practical tips. It's worth the evening I spent sitting with this book.
I enjoyed Picken's book for the way it balances ideals and pragmatics. As a grant writer for artists and a therapists for artists, she very much understands the roadblocks that artist must clear in order to produce art.
I am tempted to type in much of the 130 page book, but that would be ridiculous. Just get your hands on a copy. But here are a few morsels to whet your appetite:
* Artist need to secure for themselves "an ongoing art practice, a community of working artists, and lots of varied art consumption" (p. 53).
* Artists need to combat negative self-talk that self-sabotages through criticism and fear. She suggests listening to the inner dialogue, question these statements, and then address them through taking contrary action. "It is crucial that your meta-observation process results in an action that runs contrary to the mean inner voice" (p. 80).
* Artists often cower beneath the unrealistic ideal of perfectionism. They either don't start a project, abandon a project, or refuse to show / publish a project because it isn't "perfect." Pickens counters: "Perfection simply does not exist as long as we are in our human brains, which do not cease analyzing, creating, wondering, and comparing. In a sense, everything is already perfect and nothing is ever perfect" (p. 83).
* Pickens' next two points--comparing and generosity--are related. She cautions artists against comparing the best exterior life with their own worse interior life, of course the results will be discouraging. She asks artists to support each other with a generous spirit rather than comparing and competing with each other. She has observed hundreds of artists, and the ones who are the happiest are the ones who can cheer for other artists instead of being competitive, critical, or jealous of others.
* The second half of the books is filled with concrete suggestions for how to apply for grants, how to transition from a BFA/MFA into being a working artist, and how to respond productively to the political atmosphere. The sections about limiting consumption of news stories hit home for me. I spend entirely too much time worrying about the state of the world when I could be acting (even in small ways) to better the world.
She concludes with a little two page blessing and positive visualization for her readers / artists entitled "My Wish for You." She has a big heart and a lot of practical tips. It's worth the evening I spent sitting with this book.
May 26, 2018
This book wasn't what I expected. It is a unique blend of artist self-help, motivation, kick in the ass combined with catalyzing social activism and political engagement. I really enjoyed it for both aspects!
September 24, 2018
I read this in bed on a Sunday morning in about an hour.
It's about the importance of creating art in the time of Trump and why it is worthwhile and important to keep creating.
Pickens is very knowledgeable and has the background to prove it. Loved hearing her voice.
It's about the importance of creating art in the time of Trump and why it is worthwhile and important to keep creating.
Pickens is very knowledgeable and has the background to prove it. Loved hearing her voice.
January 30, 2024
Pickens nos invita a abrazar el poder del arte como herramienta de transformación personal y social. A través de su propia experiencia como artista y consultora, nos ofrece consejos prácticos para:
Cultivar la creatividad: Crear un espacio y tiempo para la creación artística, vencer el miedo al fracaso y desarrollar la confianza en uno mismo.
Desarrollar una práctica artística sostenible: Encontrar el equilibrio entre la vida personal y la artística, gestionar el tiempo y los recursos de manera eficiente.
Navegar el mundo del arte: Buscar oportunidades de exposición, financiamiento y desarrollo profesional.
Más que un libro de instrucciones, "Your Art Will Save Your Life" es un mensaje inspirador y esperanzador. Pickens nos recuerda que el arte tiene el poder de sanar, desafiar el status quo y construir un mundo mejor.
Cultivar la creatividad: Crear un espacio y tiempo para la creación artística, vencer el miedo al fracaso y desarrollar la confianza en uno mismo.
Desarrollar una práctica artística sostenible: Encontrar el equilibrio entre la vida personal y la artística, gestionar el tiempo y los recursos de manera eficiente.
Navegar el mundo del arte: Buscar oportunidades de exposición, financiamiento y desarrollo profesional.
Más que un libro de instrucciones, "Your Art Will Save Your Life" es un mensaje inspirador y esperanzador. Pickens nos recuerda que el arte tiene el poder de sanar, desafiar el status quo y construir un mundo mejor.
February 17, 2022
Some solid advice on squelching artistic anxieties and guilt, delivered with a direct approach.
2018 already feels like a lifetime ago, and this book focuses on Leftist cultural anxiety. I remember that anxiety, for sure, but it's center stage here, and it feels antiquated compared to the advice evergreen on getting grants, or finding and getting involved in communities.
2018 already feels like a lifetime ago, and this book focuses on Leftist cultural anxiety. I remember that anxiety, for sure, but it's center stage here, and it feels antiquated compared to the advice evergreen on getting grants, or finding and getting involved in communities.
June 3, 2018
Very timely; since there are useful exercises in it that I will complete slowly, I'm considering picking up a copy of my own.
Read
October 9, 2018I thought my sister Andee was being silly when she wrote that this book is about making art in the era of Trump. No, really. It is a book about making art in the era of Trump.
July 9, 2023
Explicit instructions on how to have a growth and performance mindset as an artist that transforms their reflection of the world into art.
April 4, 2023
A lot of wonderful primer and prompts for conceptualizing one's approach to art. Retracing what importance creativity is given in my family life and historically really had an impact. Enjoyed the practical suggestions even if I'm a person who can't ever implement a plan and stick to it with much consistency
December 30, 2021
Ohh, I just noticed this comes recommended by Maggie Nelson!
There’s too much trump election drama but the rest is really good and helpful.
There’s too much trump election drama but the rest is really good and helpful.
April 29, 2018
This book is a great introduction to anyone looking to get their creative life on the right path, and for anyone doubting their creative life in the current political climate. It’s brief (I was able to read it in less than a day), but it is full of ideas on how to recondition your thoughts and practices.
The author calls this her love note to artists, and it is just that. It is an encouraging read.
The author calls this her love note to artists, and it is just that. It is an encouraging read.
September 24, 2019
Creating in a world that is literally burning is indescribably hard, especially when you’re neurodivergent, queer, and a woman. This book understands, and is like a realistic but hopeful pep talk with a friend who is also struggling but keeping it together. It helped me to remember that I do have a responsibility to my art, and that I do need to connect with other creative people.
July 19, 2021
Got this solely based on the title and had no idea it would be so political. My politics are in pretty close alignment with hers, so I didn’t mind too much (even though I’m kinda over politics right now); but I’m sad less people will probably read it as a result. The author is a therapist and this book is basically therapy for creatives. I really enjoyed every part pertaining to creating art and being an artist. I found the book so helpful that I’ll be buying a physical copy now that I’ve finished the audible version. The author offers such a great mental adjustment for creatives, and so many great actionable steps, that it’s the kind of book I can see myself keeping close at hand and and revisiting often.
July 22, 2018
This was wonderful, in a way, but also felt like it was written for Artists with a capital 'A'. I'm actively trying to develop an art practice, but I'm still not super comfortable with the identity of artist, since I didn't go to art school and it's not my goal for it to be my main source of income. Or any source of income, really. Also, the way Pickens writes about what makes an artist, namely, someone who processes the events around them through a creative practice, and someone who needs to create to live...I just didn't feel like those applied to me, and so this book felt like it was written for "real" artists, where I'm just someone who really likes to sew and loved art classes in high school. I'd still recommend it to many, though, as it's a petite book that only takes a day or two to read, and does have some nice encouragement to continue creating even when it feels like art doesn't matter when the world and politics are so effed up. That was nice.
October 31, 2020
This book was written in response to the 2016 election in the aftermath of Trump’s presidency. It wasn’t what I expected the book to be after listening to Beth Pickens’ podcast, Mind Your Practice. The advice is more tailored to dealing with Trump’s presidency than being an artist. I found some tips to helpful but most of it is skippable in light of what’s currently happening (the COVID-19 pandemic and the US elections in the coming days).
I would recommend skipping this book and listening to Mind Your Practice instead.
I would recommend skipping this book and listening to Mind Your Practice instead.
May 17, 2019
A bit disjointed. The beginning and end focused very heavily on the 2016 election outcomes and felt like a general pep talk for activism. The middle, though, seemed like the practical minutiae of being an artist/writer that the author already had sitting on her hard drive. Different people will probably find different sections the most useful, but I enjoyed the middle advice the most.
December 1, 2018
Self-Inventory
p.46 – Our jobs, educational experiences, and financial lives all intersect with the other parts of ourselves, including our social identities and internal characteristics. These different parts of ourselves are inextricably linked.
I am constantly amazed at the different stories artists share. Their stories are filled with themes of immigration, war, global economic shifts, social progress, political climates, family fractures, prison, white flight, migrations, risk, failure, and resilience.
The Artist’s Three Basic Needs
p.54 – In my estimation, artists need to be active creatively in order to be alive, processing the world and other people. I find that artists who have been away from creative engagement for a long period of time frequently describe feeling depressed, agitated, anxious, disconnected, and empty. Making art is an essential form of self-care in their lives. If my clients tell me they haven’t made anything in a while, the first thing we do is get them making work without putting pressure on what that work is.
You, as an artist, have to continue making art using the time, space, and resources you can access now – not later, not someday.
Pro Tips
p.123 – How to Stay Active and Engaged While Maintaining Your Practice and Well-Being:
• Don’t normalize this political climate
• Do not keep your phone in your bedroom. Need an alarm? Alarm clocks are inexpensive. Avoid starting your day with “the scroll.”
• Make art. Be in a community of active artists. Take in new art.
• Remember that you are in your life, the only one you have. You get to make it meaningful and well lived each day, regardless of the political climate. People make community and beauty in the most treacherous and fascist climates.
• Think of resistance and activism as a new hobby or one that you are devoting more time to now
• You know that friend who you meet at the gym, who helps you get there? Your gym buddy. You can have an activism buddy, too. Do your action, activism, and volunteering with someone if you prefer.
• Ask organizers and organizations what they need; you don’t have to guess or try to figure it out.
• Being of service is a strong antidote to depression.
p.46 – Our jobs, educational experiences, and financial lives all intersect with the other parts of ourselves, including our social identities and internal characteristics. These different parts of ourselves are inextricably linked.
I am constantly amazed at the different stories artists share. Their stories are filled with themes of immigration, war, global economic shifts, social progress, political climates, family fractures, prison, white flight, migrations, risk, failure, and resilience.
The Artist’s Three Basic Needs
p.54 – In my estimation, artists need to be active creatively in order to be alive, processing the world and other people. I find that artists who have been away from creative engagement for a long period of time frequently describe feeling depressed, agitated, anxious, disconnected, and empty. Making art is an essential form of self-care in their lives. If my clients tell me they haven’t made anything in a while, the first thing we do is get them making work without putting pressure on what that work is.
You, as an artist, have to continue making art using the time, space, and resources you can access now – not later, not someday.
Pro Tips
p.123 – How to Stay Active and Engaged While Maintaining Your Practice and Well-Being:
• Don’t normalize this political climate
• Do not keep your phone in your bedroom. Need an alarm? Alarm clocks are inexpensive. Avoid starting your day with “the scroll.”
• Make art. Be in a community of active artists. Take in new art.
• Remember that you are in your life, the only one you have. You get to make it meaningful and well lived each day, regardless of the political climate. People make community and beauty in the most treacherous and fascist climates.
• Think of resistance and activism as a new hobby or one that you are devoting more time to now
• You know that friend who you meet at the gym, who helps you get there? Your gym buddy. You can have an activism buddy, too. Do your action, activism, and volunteering with someone if you prefer.
• Ask organizers and organizations what they need; you don’t have to guess or try to figure it out.
• Being of service is a strong antidote to depression.
February 16, 2023
I really enjoyed Beth Pickens' recent interview on the Everything Is Fine podcast. She seems great, and I'd love to hire her as a creative coach. Her book is short and to the point, with a bunch of lessons that she covers with her clients, one of my favorites being on p. 53: "You need a foundation comprised of three things that must be balanced in your practice: an ongoing art practice, a community of working artists, and lots of varied art consumption."
There's a list of questions on p. 48 that will help you excavate your past. Is sounds like a really intense journaling/therapy experience.
This was published in 2018, and at one point she says she's writing two weeks into the start of the Trump administration. This is a book about making art, but it's definitely got a heavy dose of politics in it. To be clear, it's politics that I'm on board with, but I just wasn't expecting or looking to pick at that 2016 scab as I consider how to be a writer in 2023. If you just want the creative consultation, you could skip part one.
I liked this insight about growth: "My beliefs and activism at thirty-eight years old is very different from when I was twenty-two. And when I was twenty-two, I insufferably believed that my way was not only right, but the only way. I have a more nuanced and expanded understanding of other people now, and I know my beliefs and methodologies are just that--mine." (p. 121)
At the end of the book, in response to "where do I start?" she says, "In the week ahead, plot out time for the following: move your body for an hour at least three times, have fun with people you love at least once, carve out two hours for your art practice, and reflect on the questions on page 45."
I love small, doable steps.
There's a list of questions on p. 48 that will help you excavate your past. Is sounds like a really intense journaling/therapy experience.
This was published in 2018, and at one point she says she's writing two weeks into the start of the Trump administration. This is a book about making art, but it's definitely got a heavy dose of politics in it. To be clear, it's politics that I'm on board with, but I just wasn't expecting or looking to pick at that 2016 scab as I consider how to be a writer in 2023. If you just want the creative consultation, you could skip part one.
I liked this insight about growth: "My beliefs and activism at thirty-eight years old is very different from when I was twenty-two. And when I was twenty-two, I insufferably believed that my way was not only right, but the only way. I have a more nuanced and expanded understanding of other people now, and I know my beliefs and methodologies are just that--mine." (p. 121)
At the end of the book, in response to "where do I start?" she says, "In the week ahead, plot out time for the following: move your body for an hour at least three times, have fun with people you love at least once, carve out two hours for your art practice, and reflect on the questions on page 45."
I love small, doable steps.
March 12, 2022
I don’t read very many descriptions of books - I just kind of go with what sounds interesting and, when I saw this title, I thought “hey, I like art! Maybe this will be fun!”
It wasn’t fun. But it WAS completely necessary. A lot of my recent issues were addressed within the first few pages and yesterday’s concern of whether or not it’s moral to be able to have fun in today’s “moral upside-down,” as Tom Fuerst describes it was addressed specifically. The catalyst was the executive order banning all Muslims from coming to the US and a lady was at dinner having a good time when she laughed and suddenly felt awash in guilt.
Also, it isn’t so much an art book or even a book about how pursuing your own art enriches your own life. It is solidly a book written by an angry artist as a reaction to the 2016 election and instructions on how artists can avoid depression, burnout, and moral quagmires and get through to the next administration.
Dramatic? I’m inclined to say yes because I like to think that administrations (of all sorts, not just presidential) act more like lines in which one operates and that’s all, but I am not a female or gay so I don’t want to discount the opinions and feelings of people who have had wildly different lives than I have.
Regardless, there was a lot of good stuff in here and it felt like it was exactly what I needed yesterday.
It wasn’t fun. But it WAS completely necessary. A lot of my recent issues were addressed within the first few pages and yesterday’s concern of whether or not it’s moral to be able to have fun in today’s “moral upside-down,” as Tom Fuerst describes it was addressed specifically. The catalyst was the executive order banning all Muslims from coming to the US and a lady was at dinner having a good time when she laughed and suddenly felt awash in guilt.
Also, it isn’t so much an art book or even a book about how pursuing your own art enriches your own life. It is solidly a book written by an angry artist as a reaction to the 2016 election and instructions on how artists can avoid depression, burnout, and moral quagmires and get through to the next administration.
Dramatic? I’m inclined to say yes because I like to think that administrations (of all sorts, not just presidential) act more like lines in which one operates and that’s all, but I am not a female or gay so I don’t want to discount the opinions and feelings of people who have had wildly different lives than I have.
Regardless, there was a lot of good stuff in here and it felt like it was exactly what I needed yesterday.
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