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Art & Fear: Observations On the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking Paperback – April 1, 2001
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"This is a book about making art. Ordinary art. Ordinary art means something like: all art not made by Mozart. After all, art is rarely made by Mozart-like people; essentially—statistically speaking—there aren't any people like that. Geniuses get made once-a-century or so, yet good art gets made all the time, so to equate the making of art with the workings of genius removes this intimately human activity to a strangely unreachable and unknowable place. For all practical purposes making art can be examined in great detail without ever getting entangled in the very remote problems of genius."
—-from the Introduction
Art & Fear explores the way art gets made, the reasons it often doesn't get made, and the nature of the difficulties that cause so many artists to give up along the way. The book's co-authors, David Bayles and Ted Orland, are themselves both working artists, grappling daily with the problems of making art in the real world. Their insights and observations, drawn from personal experience, provide an incisive view into the world of art as it is expeienced by artmakers themselves.
This is not your typical self-help book. This is a book written by artists, for artists -— it's about what it feels like when artists sit down at their easel or keyboard, in their studio or performance space, trying to do the work they need to do. First published in 1994, Art & Fear quickly became an underground classic. Word-of-mouth response alone—now enhanced by internet posting—has placed it among the best-selling books on artmaking and creativity nationally.
Art & Fear has attracted a remarkably diverse audience, ranging from beginning to accomplished artists in every medium, and including an exceptional concentration among students and teachers. The original Capra Press edition of Art & Fear sold 80,000 copies.
An excerpt:
Today, more than it was however many years ago, art is hard because you have to keep after it so consistently. On so many different fronts. For so little external reward. Artists become veteran artists only by making peace not just with themselves, but with a huge range of issues. You have to find your work...
- Print length122 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherImage Continuum Press
- Publication dateApril 1, 2001
- Dimensions5.5 x 0.4 x 8 inches
- ISBN-100961454733
- ISBN-13978-0961454739
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Product details
- Publisher : Image Continuum Press; 1st edition (April 1, 2001)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 122 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0961454733
- ISBN-13 : 978-0961454739
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 5.5 x 0.4 x 8 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #14,238 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #3 in Art Encyclopedias
- #12 in Arts & Photography Criticism
- #13 in Arts & Photography Study & Teaching
- Customer Reviews:
About the authors
David Bayles is a conservationist and author of "Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking" and "Notes on a Shared Landscape: Making Sense of the American West."
Ted Orland began his professional career working as a young graphic artist for designer Charles Eames, and later served as Assistant to photographer Ansel Adams. Ted currently lives in Santa Cruz CA, where he pursues parallel careers in teaching, writing and photography. He is co-author (with David Bayles) of the best-selling artists’ survival guide, “Art & Fear”, and author of its recent companion piece, “The View From the Studio Door”. He also leads workshops on a variety of artistic issues and photographic topics. Ted’s own fine art photography is represented by The Ansel Adams Gallery.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book easy to read and well-written. They appreciate its insights into the creative process and the importance of creating art. The book addresses issues of art and fear, providing rationale and encouragement for artists. Many readers find it a short, direct, and to-the-point read with interesting stories. Overall, they describe the book as an enjoyable and relevant read that provides many AHA moments.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book easy to read and understand. They say it's a great read for studying artist methodologies and processes. The writing is clear and concise, making it a must-read for artists.
"...The authors’ conversational tone and relatable anecdotes make the book both approachable and inspiring...." Read more
"...It writes on finding your own path, questioning why you do what you do, and appreciating every step of the artistic journey...." Read more
"I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book...." Read more
"...The book is beautifully written with flowing, majestic language that brooks no questions about the authors' pronouncements about the difficulties..." Read more
Customers find the book enlightening and profound. They appreciate its clear, concise writing style and valuable information. The book helps them build an appreciation for even the most mundane and universal things. It challenges them to reevaluate their expectations and reframe their artistic pursuits.
"...Bayles and Ted Orland’s Art & Fear is an insightful and deeply resonant exploration of the challenges faced by artists during the creative process...." Read more
"...It focuses not just in executing art, but building an appreciation for even the most mundane and universal things so many artists experience...." Read more
"...I think this book is a great source of reflection and inspiration because it can help artists like myself recognize why creating genuine art can..." Read more
"...Although the book is brief there are many opportunities for deeper contemplation. For example the authors distinguish between craft and art...." Read more
Customers find the book offers great insight into the importance of creating art. They say it's a good little book on art and art-making that will keep artists happily creating. The book embraces the creative process and people who engage in the creative. It takes the complex tumble of an artist's brain and reduces it to relatable examples and simple phrases. The authors clearly and thoughtfully articulate themes of concern to artists. It gets them excited to make art again, focusing not just on executing art but building an appreciation for even the most ordinary pieces.
"...It focuses not just in executing art, but building an appreciation for even the most mundane and universal things so many artists experience...." Read more
"I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It explores the process of making art and everything that comes along with it-- the fears, the successes,..." Read more
"...This is a book about the process of making art. This book is a road map, not a survival guide...." Read more
"...but as a realistic and practical look at what it takes to lead a life in the arts, when in all likelihood art..." Read more
Customers find the book inspiring and helpful for artists. It provides rationale for the fears and concerns that artists face, and helps them understand their own concerns. Readers describe it as an excellent read that puts art making in perspective.
"...For example, it deals with topics like fear, uncertainty, acceptance, vision, imagination, talent, perfection, expectations, understanding, approval..." Read more
"ART & FEAR is a book that should be required reading for the whole of humanity...." Read more
"...This book is about the art of life. The art of fear the art of conquering doubt, heartache and pain!!..." Read more
"The book Art & Fear is the best book I know for the artist dealing with uncertainties about his/her work or calling--artists in any field..." Read more
Customers find the book short and concise, with only 100 pages. They find it a quick read that packs many ideas into a small package.
"...It is short, well written, easy to read, and important to makers of art and lovers of art." Read more
"...This is a very short book, direct and to the point, not a ponderous tome to get lost in...." Read more
"...The writing is clear and direct. The chapters are short, so it is easy to read a bit here and there. And it stands up to re-reads." Read more
"Not a long read, but I enjoyed it, and I truly don't read often! Would recommend you try a sample before buying" Read more
Customers find the book interesting and fun to read. They appreciate the relevant content and introspective journey through stories that make them feel good. The book is a little gem full of truth about what stops us from making art.
"...The authors’ conversational tone and relatable anecdotes make the book both approachable and inspiring...." Read more
"...I feel an incredible sense of relief, excitement, and exhilaration making art, that I have been waiting for all my life...." Read more
"...It was interesting, but it felt a little redundant as I continued through the chapters...." Read more
"...Paul is a wonderful writer and draws you in to his story through wonderful stories and sharing of his many experiences in the art world. I..." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's emotional content. They find it a thoughtful and personal analysis of an artistic vision. The book helps readers understand their feelings are legitimate and shared by others. It is relatable and inspiring for practicing artists, helping them explore their authentic selves.
"...Far from being a technical manual, this book delves into the emotional and psychological struggles that often accompany art-making, such as self-..." Read more
"...ready for the knowledge here, but it seems to be the distilled essence of a thoughtful, deep analysis of a great deal of experience...." Read more
"...It is rather a way of knowing that the feelings we have are legitimate and shared by many who struggle to produce their art...." Read more
"...It also had a sort of joyless and depressing tone. It was hard for me to finish...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the book's pacing. Some find it quick and enjoyable, while others find it less than enthralling and difficult to finish. The book is described as well-written and well-paced, but some readers feel it's not a quick scan through due to its many points to consider.
"...It's well written, well conceived and a quick read. I rarely re-read a book, but this one I'm letting settle in and then I'm reading it again...." Read more
"...However, I also have to say that I found this book very annoying and patronizing...." Read more
"...This book is a quick, easy, must read for anyone interested in starting, restarting, or continuing a life of making art." Read more
"...It exposes both the arrogance and irrelevance of the academic art world. It is written pre internet and it shows. I would recommend passing on this...." Read more
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Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2024David Bayles and Ted Orland’s Art & Fear is an insightful and deeply resonant exploration of the challenges faced by artists during the creative process. Far from being a technical manual, this book delves into the emotional and psychological struggles that often accompany art-making, such as self-doubt, fear of failure, and the pressures of external validation.
The authors’ conversational tone and relatable anecdotes make the book both approachable and inspiring. They acknowledge the fears and frustrations that all creators encounter, offering reassurance that these struggles are not only normal but integral to the artistic journey. Their insights are not limited to visual artists; writers, musicians, and other creatives will also find their observations universally applicable.
One of the book’s most compelling aspects is its emphasis on perseverance. Bayles and Orland argue that the act of creating, even in the face of uncertainty or imperfection, is what ultimately defines an artist. They challenge readers to focus on the process rather than the end result, cultivating resilience and authenticity along the way.
While some readers might wish for more concrete solutions to overcome creative blocks, the book’s value lies in its ability to validate and empower artists. Art & Fear is an essential companion for anyone seeking to navigate the complex, often daunting path of creative expression.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2024This is such a great book for any artist. I believe every artist needs to read this at least once in their life. It helps ‘disarm’ anxieties and helps the artist consider why taking the risk is the best decision in the end. It writes on finding your own path, questioning why you do what you do, and appreciating every step of the artistic journey. It focuses not just in executing art, but building an appreciation for even the most mundane and universal things so many artists experience. I’ve given this book to 2 other friends and will continue to talk about it until the day I pass. It’s helped me triumph over my fears, and make art that’s incredibly connective to my soul; despite not knowing the path ahead. Thank you for all the work that went into this book!
- Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2013I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It explores the process of making art and everything that comes along with it-- the fears, the successes, the struggles, etc. It provides great insights into why creating art that is truly your own can be extremely difficult because of the expectations of others and the fear you have of being accepted by everyone else. I think this book is a great source of reflection and inspiration because it can help artists like myself recognize why creating genuine art can prove to be such a struggle at times, and that is part of the process of overcoming the struggle. It can provide opportunities to think about what fears you have and address and overcome them through your work. Granted, this book does not provide a checklist of things to do to overcome fear, but it does include various situations where you might come across it so you can recognize it. More than anything, Art & Fear is a novel you can empathize with and ponder over as you consider various obstacles such as the misconception that talent is more successful than developed skills, or being able to be vulnerable by putting your art out there to be critiqued and judged by the world. Art is a very personal process and it comes with a lot of risks and sacrifices. It is scary to give a little piece of yourself to something that may not even be considered art by the rest of the world, but this book will help you face those fears and give you the opportunity to come to terms with them and turn them into strengths.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2006The fear to which the authors refer in the title is the fear that an individual may have that will lead him to quit being an artist. The authors believe that artists quit either when they believe their next effort will fail or when they lose the destination for their work. This is a book about the process of making art.
This book is a road map, not a survival guide. The authors provide a list of the obstacles that the artist will encounter in making his art, but they do not provide methods for overcoming these obstacles. In fact they seem to say that the artist must expect these obstacles and if he or she wants to make art, keep plowing through them.
The book is beautifully written with flowing, majestic language that brooks no questions about the authors' pronouncements about the difficulties the artist faces. As factors that interfere with the ordinary individual's ability to make art, the authors dismiss fear that you are pretending, or that you lack talent or that you must seek perfection. Ordinary people, they say, can learn to make art. Similarly they dismiss the artist's fear of others, whether because the others lack understanding, or acceptance, or approval of the artist's work.
The pithy statements that fill the book can certainly provide a ready source of affirmations if that's the way one deals with fears. For example the authors say:
"Vision, Uncertainty, and Knowledge of Materials are inevitabilities that all artists must acknowledge and learn from: vision is always ahead of execution, knowledge of materials is your contact with reality, and uncertainty is a virtue."
And they say:
"Unreal expectations are easy to come by....Unfortunately expectations based on illusion lead almost always to disillusionment."
Although the book is brief there are many opportunities for deeper contemplation. For example the authors distinguish between craft and art. Consideration of this distinction may help the artist to realize whether he is really creating art or just doing the same old thing. And yet as the critic Mark Schorer noted, "technique is discovery". Squaring away the distinction is important to an artist.
Who should read this book? Not the consumer of art. The authors make it clear that there is no relationship between looking at art and making art. Probably every aspiring artist. It might be that the list of difficulties could lead one to quit before starting. But foreknowledge of the difficulties of making art may help the would-be artist to take those difficulties in his or her stride. Certainly the practicing artist will benefit from reading the book, with its message not to despair when fear occurs, but to keep pushing on if one really wants to make art.
Top reviews from other countries
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Carolina MantovaniReviewed in Brazil on August 3, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars MUITO BOM
Muito bom esse livro, e agora temos uma versão em português dele (Arte e Medo)
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Adrian K MtzReviewed in Mexico on March 4, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Hermoso libro
No tuve la oportunidad de asistir a una escuela de artes para educarme. Lo hice gracias a maestros particulares y autodidactica. Todo lo que hubiera querido escuchar de algún maestro o escuela de artes que no se te dice , está en este libro.
Muchismas gracias
- Luciana S. GomesReviewed in Germany on November 17, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Deep knowledge for life, not just for making art
I read that this was a cult, underground book and got the impression it would somehow discuss alternative or abstract concepts. It turns out, on the contrary, to be a ‘wow’ concrete, down-to-earth piece of art about facing the difficulties every artist faces but few overcome.
Worthwhile knowledge for life, not just for making art.
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cristinaReviewed in Italy on March 18, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars La svolta!
Sono anni che resto bloccata sul fare arte in generale e mille parole di sprono da persone amiche non sono riuscite a smuovermi.. questo libro fin dalla prima pagina ha parole che toccano il tasto giusto ..descrizioni perfette delle ns paure e motivazioni che ho cominciato a smettere di giudicarmi e sentirmi frustrata, e ho ripreso i colori in mano! Questo libro ci è riuscito davvero! Grazie a chi lo ha scritto perché è meglio di dieci sedute da uno psicologo. È in inglese ma comprensibile se di base si ha la conoscenza buona. Anzi è un ottimo modo di esercitare la lingua.
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in India on January 6, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing
Page quality: 10/10
Content: Really good. This book verbalizes the fears inside heads of all the artist’s. Talks about why art is made and sometimes, not made. 100% value for money.
Amazon CustomerAmazing
Reviewed in India on January 6, 2022
Content: Really good. This book verbalizes the fears inside heads of all the artist’s. Talks about why art is made and sometimes, not made. 100% value for money.
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