I Am An Artist (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-- ``I am an artist when I look at a bird until I feel feathery too/ and at an orange until I know what it is to be perfectly round.'' This lyrical, almost poetic, text puts forth the idea that art is a process--a way of living and seeing--as well as a manifestation in the form of a finished product. The emphasis is on that process rather than on an end result. This is a valuable concept to share with children as they are natural artists in that they see the world with fresh eyes and can be encouraged to continue doing so. Illustrations are detailed drawings with delicately applied color. They are a bit uneven in quality in that some are quite fluid while others are awkward. Each double-page spread reads as a separate statement without much continuity or connectedness between thoughts. The illustrations reflect the words but do little to extend them. A good idea, but a less-than-successful execution. --Alexandra Marris, Rochester Public Library, NY
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"A gentle, attractive nudge to the creative process..." -- Kirkus Reviews

"This lyrical, almost poetic, text puts forth the idea that art is a process...as well as a manifestation in the form of a finished product." -- School Library Journal

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Millbrook Press (March 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 156294729X
• ISBN-13: 978-1562947293
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.6 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #147,056 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Taking time to smell the roses", April 18, 2000

By	Sue (Michigan, USA) - See all my reviews

I am using this book, I am an Artist, as part of a homeschool curriculum for my four year old son. We have enjoyed it very much. I think the best thing about it is it really teaches a child the importance of noticing and appreciating this beautiful world we live in; that is, it tells us to "take time to smell the roses". The illustrations of nature in the book are wonderful and thought provoking, too.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I am an artist!, August 3, 2000

By A Customer

ONE OF MY TEACHERS READ THIS TO MY CLASS. IT MADE US ALL FEEL WE ARE ARTIST. IT REALLY INSPIRED ME TO CREATE. I LOVED IT SO MUCH I WANT TO BUY IT SO I MAY BE ABLE TO SHARE IT WITH MY FRIENDS. JUST IMAGE IF YOU SEE SHAPES IN THE CLOUDS YOU TOO CAN BE AN ARTIST LIKE ME!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Celebrating the artistic experiences we all have every day., October 9, 2001

By	ArtCat (NY City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I Am an Artist (School & Library Binding)

This book beautifully and simply expresses the philosophy of the Lincoln Center Institute for Arts in Education, where I received training (I'm an elementary teacher). Basically, it is that art is about WAYS OF LOOKING, noticing, and interacting fully with our environment........appreciating the different, the beautiful, and the meaningful, for each of us as individuals. Cultivating this aesthetic awareness helps us live more fully, and connect to humanity. This book, appropriate for about age 4 and up, gently demonstrates this, and provides a valuable reminder for us grownups. On each page of 1-2 sentences, the narrator describes how her careful noticings of simple beauty makes her an artist. Truly, we all have it in us. Also, if this type of thinking excites you, try the work of Lincoln Center Institute's philosopher-in residence, Maxine Greene. Her new book, Reflections on the Blue Guitar: The Lincoln Center Lectures, can inspire your own reflections and connections. Enjoy!