Customer Reviews

How to Be an Explorer of the World: Portable Life Museum

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Smith's newest book is the most recent installment in her passionate, ongoing process to distill life and the art process (indistinguishable to most artists) down to it's bare matter. If you can embrace playfulness, open courageously to the idea of art as life, are willing to turn off the television and look around you, love to challenge yourself to learn to BE and create from essence as opposed to trend or fancy, Explorer is for you.

As an author, she seems to live her life exactly the way she writes (as one can easily pick up when visiting her blog The Wish Jar Journal).

As an artist, she is apparently very well read on the subjects of art and life and willing to push beyond art school rules to find her own voice among so many artsy voices that seem to blend together these days. For an insightful, modern perspective on gathering the fodder to create amazing experiences, I was not disappointed with this book.
I completely disagree with other reviews which state that this book is not for deep thinkers. I find her simple, freshened concepts to be timely and revolutionary, just what artists have been missing from our creative processes.
I also recommend Wreck This Journal and Guerilla Art, also by Keri Smith.

Let me preface this, by saying I love Keri Smith. I do. However, to me, this book fell short on so many levels. There is a lot of space to the book with few words to really sink your teeth into. If you are like me and LOVED her "Wreck This Journal", I think you will be a little disappointed, because I was expecting the same type of book with a new twist, maybe?? This isn't that book. Now, I don't want to ruin it for other fans of Keri Smith. Maybe you WILL enjoy this book, but if you haven't tried "Wreck This Journal", I would definitely recommend that book over this one.

this book is cleverly written and has some wonderful ideas for exploring your world. most all of them are ideas I have never seen before and want to try in my sketchbook. there are examples too. I highly recommend this book for the artist, journaler or someone that just wants to see their world with FRESH eyes!

great book that encourages us all to get outside and experience the world! It's truly awesome. I teach environmental/ecology education, and it is really useful for coming up with new activities to do with the children.

I really enjoyed reading this book. Each exercise seems like sound advice from a caring friend. Reading Keri's blog, or any of her wonderful books is a great place to soak up inspiration.

I love Keri's book.
It' s the third book i buy...
They are creative, a wonderfull philosophy and an amazing design.
Everyone should have this book at home: for kids, adults...
It doesn't mind who you are: read this book, use this book!

I teach middle schoolers how to strengthen their writing skills. I ran across this book while searching Amazon for some journal ideas for my own children at Christmas time. I bought the book for prompt ideas for my class. It has been amazing. So much so that I'm facilitating a class for teachers wanting to learn more about building their students' writing skills and our LA department is going to buy a copy of the book to give to each of the workshop participants. Yay! I can't wait to show more teachers how this book can be used to begin some fantastic activities in the classroom.

I first picked up a copy of this book while waiting for my son in the mall. Within 10 minutes of opening this inspiring work by Keri Smith, I purchased 9 more copies and distributed them to friends and family, I then purchased more for a few teachers at my son's school. I visited the author's website (even more fantastic ideas to add to the journey), wrote to her, and I was delighted to hear back from her. So far, I have loved every minute of the journey. The author has a gift for getting you "unstuck" creatively, and inspiring you to look at the world in a new way. I definitely plan to purchase more copies to keep on hand. Bravo Keri Smith, Bravo!!!

Keri Smith never fails to write books that unlock hidden aspects of my mind. This book is excellent in every way, and I am going to purchase Mess after I am done with this book. This is a great buy and will make an excellent stocking stuffer!

Here is the Link for Mess Mess: The Manual of Accidents and Mistakes

If you wish to purchase the trilogy (this book, mess, and wreck this journal), click on this link Keri Smith Boxed Set

I've purchased several books by Keri Smith and have never been disappointed. Her creativity is inspiring and motivating. I look forward to anything she publishes in the future.