Customer Reviews

The Art of Creative Living: Making Every Day a Radiant Masterpiece

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I was astonished to find that there weren't dozens of reviews up for this book by Thomas Kincaid. This is a very creative book, discussing the kind of creativity and artistry that can be found in each of us.

Kincaid, a painter by profession and vocation, starts with the basic question - how does an artist do what she or he does? How does one turn a blank canvas or a block of stone (or materials even less 'naturally' artistic in mode) into something that is a work or art, a creative work? Kincaid says that the mechanics of the process are necessary, but far from being the whole story. Kincaid states that the artist needs to believe that she or he can create, that there is inside something that has the power to produce something wonderful.

Creativity is not something confined to the visual or aesthetic arts. Creativity is something that belongs to all things in life - from things as basic as everyday cooking to relationships and spirituality, from business to hobbies to art in its more pure forms, these things all afford opportunities for creative living and creative expression.

Kincaid touches on spiritual and religious ideas and images throughout this text, but it is not a philosophical/theological text by any means. This is much more practical guide of thinking about and incorporating a sense of the creative and the creator in all that we do. Kincaid writes in a broadly ecumenical way, not being tied to the dogma or doctrine of any particular faith, but rather providing insights that can prove valuable to those of many different kinds of faith and religious practice.

Some of Kincaid's suggestions are very practical - finding space for oneself, both inner and outer, physical space; minimising distractions, etc. He incorporates elements of spiritual practice into these - for example, once one has found the inner and outer space in which to explore one's creative side, has gratitude been expressed. 'Your special place of solitude - defined by both your inward values and your chosen work area - is an essential "brushstroke" in your life if you hope to become truly adept at the art of creation. So accept this current place of yours with thanksgiving.'

Kincaid draws on the arts and artists from throughout the ages, but also draws from popular and familiar culture as well. For example, he uses the character of Rob Petrie from the television series 'The Dick Van Dyke Show' as an example of a creative soul, highlighting in this particular example the aspect of creativity that is hopeful and optimistic - 'chronically optimistic' in Kincaid's words.

One of the very nice aspects of the organisation of this book is that the chapter subdivisions are set at a length so that they can be easily read even by the slowest of readers in one sitting. This is not heavy reading by any means, but those who read over it too quickly will be bound to miss something - the creative process, like the reading of this book, should be a deliberate task, one that often fails in the mad rush of the pace of the world today.

This is a wonderful book, with a nice look-and-feel to it, Kincaid's pictures adorning the chapter headings, and the typeface, white-space and page layouts done in a very pleasing manner.

In Kincaid's final chapter, he writes, 'worship itself is a creative act.' Kincaid sees the vocation of creation as one of God's highest callings, and can be a form of prayer and praise.

"The Art of Creative Living" by Thomas Kinkade will challenge the reader to think more creatively in all areas of life. Whether in our home, career, relationships, hobbies, etc., we could all stand to broaden our horizons and look at our lives with a different perspective.

Kinkade uses the 7-day creation model of creative thinking:

1. Art of Solitude - create your own space or find a local area where you can retreat to for quiet and reflective thinking. This was my personal favorite.
2. Quest for a Passionate Heart - learn how to focus on the correct things for your life.
3. Experience of True Love - loving others and finding a true friend.
4. Call to Community - look at your current world and see how you may be a positive impact on others for God's glory.
5. The Joy of Work - look for creative ways to improve your job and career. Liked this chapter a lot also.
6. The Cauldron of Conflict - instead of running away from challenges, embrace them and use them to help mature you.
7. The Spirit of Worship - remembering that all we are and have is a gift from God.

Admittingly, Kinkade writes from a Christian perspective, which may turn some people off. Before you do so, read the book and see what you think.

Highly recommended. Read and enjoy!

THE ART OF CREATIVE LIVING is written for anyone who would like to break out of the rut they are living in and who wants to explore some neglected dream. Mr. Kinkade addresses the issue of how to go about reaching their desires.



Mr. Kinkade tells us in seven simple steps how to go about reaching your goals and he shares helpful examples and some true life stories to help make his point. The seven steps are:



. Solitude - learning to listen to your inner sensitivities

. Passion - exploring the inner fire that nurtures you

. Love - the single most essential ingredient

. Community - how will your ideas impact the world

. Work - discovering how it can be a pleasure

. Conflict - the opportunity to expand your personal possibilities

. Worship - why diverting your eyes from your goals helps you reach your goals



THE ART OF CREATIVE LIVING is an interesting book to read, and every chapter is graced by one of Mr. Kinkade's beautiful paintings. My son, Michael, read this book, hoping that some of Mr. Kinkade's painting techniques would be revealed. This is not the case. However, this book does teach you the necessary steps to drawing into yourself and developing your creative touch, whether you are an artist, a musician, a writer, or anyone else who relies on their imagination--or just wants to develop one. $19.99 hard cover. 249 pages.



Publisher: Warner Faith

April 2005

ISBN: 0-446-53234-7

Genre: Inspirational/nonfiction

I opened up this book to start reading it last night. I was interested in the subject matter because I have gotten away from my creative side in the busy-ness of life, which is what this book addresses.

The prologue turned me completely off to it. In the second paragraph of the prologue he says, "On the canvas touched by a gifted artist's hand, we see something familiar -- something we remember in Grandma's house, or a vacation in the mountains... or of a Victorian house set amid a garden of roses. It seems almost miraculous. How did the artist achieve such effects? How was he able to go from nothingness to a visual image so magnificent it takes our breath away?"

Gee, I WONDER what 'gifted artist' he is referrring to??? When I first read that, I thought surely the prologue must have been written by someone other than Kinkade himself. I mean, COME ON! First of all, what about all the MASTER artists such as Michelangelo, Titian, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Picasso (and so on) whose art does not portray scenes like that? And secondly, I'm sorry, but Kinkade's art is certainly not "magnificent" enough to take my breath away. Kinkade is a decent artist whose art is pleasant to look at, and who has a brilliant marketing strategy. That's all. Not some kind of art demi-god as he seems to think. His success has gone to his head.

I remember reading an article in Guideposts about Kinkade and thinking at the time that he seemed a bit enamored of himself. This confirms it. The blatant self-aggrandizement is ridiculous.

I flipped through the book and looked at all the chapters briefly, just to see if it would be worth pushing through the ego to try to find some nuggets of wisdom. I wasn't 'hooked' by anything I saw.

Needless to say, I did not continue reading the book. It's going to be a library donation.

P.S. I might be mistaken but I remember learning at some point that pride is denounced in the bible more times than any other sin. Having read the bible several times I could believe that. C. S. Lewis also has some sterling points to make about pride in Mere Christianity.