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

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

From the author of Wreck This Journal, an interactive guide for exploring and documenting the art and science of everyday life.

Artists and scientists analyze the world around them in surprisingly similar ways, by observing, collecting, documenting, analyzing, and comparing. In this captivating guided journal, readers are encouraged to explore their world as both artists and scientists.

The mission Smith proposes? “To document and observe the world around you. As if you’ve never seen it before. Take notes. Collect things you find on your travels. Document findings. Notice patterns. Copy. Trace. Focus on one thing at a time. Record what you are drawn to.”

With a series of interactive prompts and a beautifully hand-illustrated two-color package, readers will enjoy exploring and discovering the world through this gorgeous book.

About the Author

Keri Smith has illustrated for The Washington Post, the New York Times, Ford Motor Company, People, The Body Shop, and Hallmark.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Perigee Trade (October 7, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399534601
• ISBN-13: 978-0399534607
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3,665 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #4 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Psychology & Counseling > By Topic > Creativity
  #6 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Self-Help > Creativity
  #6 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Psychology & Counseling > Creativity & Genius

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How to "Be" Guide for Artists, November 12, 2008

By	C. Campbell "earthgirlie" (California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not My Favorite . . ., January 11, 2009

By	Tracee Jones "Busy Mom & 'Altered Art' Artist" (Iowa, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good ideas, November 29, 2008

By	L. Velarde (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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!