Customer Reviews

Letters to a Young Artist

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

 

 

This small book should be mandatory reading for anyone in art school or passionate about being an artist. These letters cut through much of the bohemian idea of the artist that saturates their portrayal in the mass culture. The letters are inspiring for any creative person and is very portable so its perfectly suited for opening when a moment of doubt creeps into the mind while in the studio. I especially liked the letter by Kerry James Marshall and Cai Guo Qiang who recently had an excellent show at the Guggenheim in NY.

I wasn't that impressed with the letters, and you don't get to read the actual letter sent to these artists. If anything stuck with me it was the last five letters written back. I think that would be Yoko Ono, Adrian Piper, Jo Baer, and Joseph Grigley.

This is a great little book that is full of insightful commentary from some of the best-known artists around. Take their suggestions to heart---they are open and up front about sharing their points of view with those about to embark on a rich, intense, often daunting artist's life. I only wish I could find this book at bulk-rate prices so I could afford to purchase one to give to all of the young artists I work with at my school!