Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Book Review -- Living the Creative Life

I just finished reading the book "Living the Creative Life" by Rice Freeman-Zachery.


When I first opened the book, I felt immediately intimidated by the artists featured. THESE are ARTISTS, I thought. What the heck am I?

First, their art is fantabulous. Exquisite, unique, and ground-breaking. Second, their studios are divine. Beautiful fabulous places that are portals to creative energy.

Then I started reading. In addition to information about the specific artists and what make them tick, the book offers little vignettes of wisdom that can actually be used -- things like immersing yourself in color by picking up paint samples of every color at the hardware store, or making a list for a day of all the things you saw, smelled, or heard.

(An abandoned bee hive I found... what will it trigger?)

This is the sort of book that you can pick up and put down as needed just as easily as you can read it cover to cover. It's a great book for any artist to have on hand to refer back to when they're having a stagnant time (that would be me right now!), and the visuals are just excellent.

Highly recommended! Click here to buy it on Amazon.com.

7 comments:

Barbara Lewis said...

I have this book. I agree with Lori. Not only is it beautifully photographed and illustrated, it has some good messages.

Lynn said...

I have this book and love it! Every time I open it, I see (or read) something I didn't notice before. There is sooooo much in there and it is just beautiful. Worth every penny.

Alice said...

This is the first I've seen of this book. Looks like a good one to put on my wish list.

Liz Revit said...

The book sounds divine. Can't wait to pick up a copy.

Patty said...

Great review, Lori, and now I'm tempted to get that book! I was especially intrigued by the phrase..."Beautiful fabulous places that are portals to creative energy." I could use one of those. A portal - what a cool way to link the creative process with our work spaces.

Orion Designs said...

I've had this book on my nightstand for months. Now I may actually pick it up and read it!

TesoriTrovati said...

I have this book and it is pretty cool. I remember having the exact same feeling that I couldn't compare to these artists. I will have to pick it up again (that is if I can locate the box it is housed in!). Thanks! Enjoy the day! Erin