Finished my book

Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I read this book as requirement for part of my art class; I found it a surprisingly easy read. It talks of the challenges todays artists face, it addresses every negative aspect that comes with being an artists, and makes you relies, whether your an artist or not, that you as an individual are full of self doubt. The author uses plenty of helpful examples to prove his point that people (artists especially) are consistently telling themselves their not good enough, some one else’s art is always better, and then the artists are made to believe there frauds. There art isn’t even art. This is not true of course. I found it surprising that David explained the stages and emotion of doubt, failure, and trial and error with such accuracy and detail, David brings you into a realization of yourself, gives you ways to manipulate your brain to seeing your strengths (we all have them believe it or not), and he encourages you all the way to make art. There are definitely lessons to be learned here.

The only reason I did not give this book five stars was because I really had to force my self to finish it. There are plenty of books I would of rather been reading, "Art and Fear" as well written as it is, becomes repetitive in some areas and more than once a chapter was just plain boring. I highly recommend this book to any artist; photographer, sculptor, painter, sower, quilter, basket weaver, and every craft in-between doer, if you’re a master or beginner at your craft, read the book.