Favourite art books

I read a lot.  I love learning especially when I find inspiration and guidance from authors who have experienced similar inquiries.  I crave all kinds of different books from money mindset, to habits , to truth telling about what it really takes to have this art career. There have been some wonderful leaders share their wisdom and I feel blessed to be able to learn from them. This short list of titles are the ones that I have in my permanent collection and that I have read multiple times.  No frivolous recommendations here, these are my go-to's.

Let me give you a tour of the books that I find particularly helpful.  Just a note, if you click the title of the books, it is a link to the listing on Amazon. If you decide to purchase using that link I earn a small remuneration. “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.” 

The Creative Act - Rick Rubin

Boy this is a book that a lot of people are talking about.  Do a Youtube search and you will find several interviews with Rick.  If you have not heard of Rick Rubin he is a world renowned music producer.  He has worked with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash, Adele etc.  But you won't find him leading with all his associations.  He is a humble, spiritual guy.  He would like to produce great music, something that has you say "Wow, I've never heard that before." What's interesting about Rick is that he has worked with many different personalities gleaning all kinds of wisdom about the process of being an artist.  This book is an easy read with small vignettes of wisdom and some really great quotes.  I'm really enjoying it. 

The Creative Habit - Twyla Tharp

Twyla Tharp is an American dancer, choreographer, and author who lives and works in New York City. You might wonder what a dancer can teach an artist.  The premise of her wisdom is that art is first created when a habit that supports the art creation is put into place.  She talks about her routine of getting out of bed, hailing and cab and heading downtown first thing.  Her creative expression starts when she climbs out of bed.  Setting yourself up with the habits that foster the creative practice makes being creative so much easier.  Again, it's a lovely read. Her style is easy to follow and makes a lot of sense. 

Excuse me your life is waiting - Lynn Grabhorn

Lynn Grabhorn breaks down how our thoughts and feelings affect what we do with our lives.  I believe that this life of ours is all made up by the experiences and beliefs that we choose to nurture.  Lynn encourages us to take a close look at the thoughts and ideas that we are allowing to occupy our days.  Some of them may not be that helpful.  So how do we change the thoughts and empower ourselves to capture something else?  Lynn goes into that with stories and ideas from her own life.  Great read.  I have to pick it up again myself.  I've read it several times and always get such benefit from them. 

Art Money Success - Maria Brophy

Oh Maria.  Such a lovely woman.  You can find here video teaching online with a quick search.  She has been a business consultant to creative entrepreneurs since 2009.  What I especially enjoy about Maria is her innovative way of approaching business.  Just as an example her husband Drew Brophy is a surfboard painting artist. They wanted to be a part of the big surfing exhibition where all the major brands and fans of the surf culture gather.  However, they didn't want to purchase a booth themselves.  Maria thought to approach one of the surfboard brands and offer that Drew do a painting onsight during the event.  They were thrilled.  This is quite an entertaining draw for the guests to the show.  Seeing an artist in action... very cool and they had one of their boards painted by Drew.  In addition, when you enter the exhibition there was a large wall of the building that was blank.  Maria approached the organizers and asked what they planned to do with the wall.  They didn't have any plans.  She suggested that they bring a number of boards down and decorate that space.  The organizers loved the idea.  This was a huge win. Drew's boards were the first thing people saw when they arrived and he was painting 'live' during the event.  Great promotion and they didn't have to pay for any of that exposure.  Innovation in action. This book is filled with idea that artists can implement in their careers.  

Big Magic - Elizabeth Gilbert

Oh Elizabeth Gilbert.  I love her writing.  Eat, Pray, Love is one of my favourite books.  However, Big Magic - I think I've read it 5 times so far - is a must have in my library.  One of the quotes that stands out from Jack Gilbert, not related, is "Do you have the courage to reveal the gifts you have inside."  This quote has stuck with me.  The other idea is "Which shit sandwich are you willing to eat?"  Not everything in your chosen field is going come up roses.  So what you are willing to put up with in order to have the career/art expression that you want?  It's a great question.  When things get hard are you going to be able to realize the shit sandwich for what it is?

You are a badass at making money - Jen Sincero

Jen is quoted as saying "If my broke ass can get rich, so can you."  Money is such a thing in our lives.  We either love it or hate it, it seems.  If money is not loving you, what can you do to change it?  From Jen's start of living in converted garage with her broken down car, collecting bottles and wondering where the next meal was going to come from, to her revolutionizing the way she thought about what she had to offer.  It's pretty inspiring.  I have really enjoyed getting to know her work.  I think you might enjoy it too.  

Art of Fear - David Bayles and Ted Orland

Observations on the perils and rewards of artmaking.  Now isn't that an awesome title.  This little book is a breath of fresh air.  A no nonsense read that tells it like it is.  For example, the authors tell us to get over the idea that we need to be a genius to make art.  Geniuses are rare, just go make art.  Great art, ordinary art, is made everyday.  

This book explores not only how art gets made but also how often it doesn't get make.  The difficulties that artists come up against and how often they stop the art process because of the challenges. This book is written by artists for artists.  What is it really like to make art?  

This is a go to book for me.  An easy read and one that sets me up on my two feet again when I run into the challenges of making my art. 

Creative Calling - Chase Jarvis

 "Establish a daily practice, infuse your world with  meaning, and succeed in work + Life."

Chase Jarvis is an interesting guy.  He was on his way to Grad School, going after a career he came to realize is not what he really wanted.  He left Grad School, grabbed his camera and set out to attend every extreme sports event he could afford to get to in order to take the action photos that he was drawn to take.  He was largely self taught, and wanted to make a career as a professional photographer.  This refreshing book that he has written outlines the journey he took to his career.  It's quite inspiring and thought provoking.  Check it out. 

​I hope these suggestions help you in your artmaking.  Do you have a book that you are reading that you want to recommend?  Let me know.  I love learning and I'd love to hear what you are reading.  Leave me a comment below.