Art & Fear: Observations On the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking,   ISBN:9780961454739

Customer Rating: 

A very thoughtfull and revealing look at what can happen not only in the psyche of an artist, but anyone who is passionate about his/her work or profession.

Customer Rating: 

I thought I was alone in the world of art, fearing being not too good, comparing constantly with others, and not knowing if there were other artists that felt like me. Well, since the first page I felt like if this book was talking personally to me.
Not only amateur artists fear being not too good, compare to other artists, and try to fit their art to what they think others may like, but even succesful artists all around the world have the same feelings.
Your thoughts are always ahead of the creative work. In your mind your picture is already finished, and when you notice what you are creating isn't exactly what you envision, delusion appears. This book teaches you how that happens to EVERYBODY, how you must be true to your art, and how to accept your achievements.

In a word: this book has helped me greatly. It is a must.

Customer Rating: 

I needed this over the summer for one of my Art classes.... I enjoyed reading it so much that I passed it along to my Instructor from High School.

Customer Rating: 

My copy is now dog-eared, underlined and almost worn out. I've only had it for a few months!
The insights are invaluable and quite well presented. It turns out that I had already read a book by Ted Orland, one of the authors, and had enjoyed it as well.
It may be that I am now ready in my life to enjoy a bit of philosophical discussion about art/for whatever reason, the book seemed to speak to my art/heart in a way that I hadn't encountered before. "Art and Fear" is very empowering and "bigger" than its small size.
Even a non-artist would find value in the book, I feel. Beginning and long-time artists will find nuggets for inspiration.
Though I wasn't so impressed by the title, I am glad that it came highly referred by an actual librarian who was in a mosaic smalti class that I took. Some of the topics that he brought up in class from the book intrigued me enough that I ordered the book. I consider myself fairly fearless in my own approach to my art. Since I teach as well, it seemed that there might be something in the book for class discussions. More, I found it great for my own work. I guess that the word "fear" is a good marketing tool? If there are monsters in your art closet, this book will take away much of the charge.

Customer Rating: 

This slim, densely packed volume was written by and for people who create art, discussing subjects all such people have in common. Why do we make art? How do we capture the spark of genius? Why can some artists overcome the fears that paralyze me? What do I do when the rest of the world is indifferent to my work? Why do some artists succeed and others quit?

If you're looking for a how-to manual, keep looking. This book is a philosophical exhortation, calling upon all people who would be artists to reach deep inside, past the fear that burdens us all, and uncover the will to create. The authors approach the arts--visual, performing, literary--with an eye toward the traits that make some people flourish and others fail.

The authors gather George Santayana, Tennessee Williams, Heraclitus, Mozart, Frank Lloyd Wright, Robert Mapplethorpe, Ezra Pound, Plato, Ansel Adams, and more, in the effort to understand how art changes, and how it stays the same. Their overview challenges the biases of young artists, the lazy habits of old veterans, and reminds us all why we began in the first place.

This is not a book to consume in one sitting, though it's slim enough that you could. This is a book to linger over, finding the parts that reflect your own fears and limitations, so you can draw strength when you need it most. It's a needed balance to our artistic burdens and a reminder that our work matters. It's a lively, penetrating, honest companion for artists of every stripe.