Customer Reviews

Creating from the Spirit: A Path to Creative Power in Art and Life

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Acclaimed novelist and "inspirational" author Dan Wakefield has created a nice volume about the creative process, titled "Creating From the Spirit". Wakefield basically gives tips on how to utilize the creative spirit to its full potential, using the ins and outs of everyday life as a springboard to greater artistry. As a writer of poetry myself, I see a lot of value in Wakefield's simple hints and suggestions. As the title would suggest, Wakefield writes with a decidedly "spiritual" slant, but some traditional Christians may be put off by his rather all-encompasing "Unitarian" theology, as he quotes everyone from liberal-minded Catholics, to feminist extremists, to new age-y "self-help" gurus, treating all with equal vigor! Wakefield also quotes from several artists from varying worldviews and creative mediums, who give their own theories on creative inspiration. One of the most interesting chapters deals with what Wakefield calls "the myths of creativity", as he convincingly debunks the oldest "myth" of all...that drugs, alcohol, and self-destructive behavior somehow enhance an artists creativity! As a reformed alcoholic (which he admits openly), Wakefield obviously speaks from experience, and makes a great case for a clear-headed, drug-free approach to art and life. This book is highly recommended to anyone seeking enlightenment about the creative mind, but some readers will no-doubt have to take Wakefield's "open minded" theology with a grain of salt.