Abstract #2102, 20"x16", mounted on canvas
I mentioned last week that I was going to do a sort of book review. The book is titled “Make Your Art No Matter What” by Beth Pickens. According to her About page, she is a consultant for artists and holds a masters degree in counseling psychology.
Anyone who owns a Kindle knows that every time you turn it on, there is often a list of recommended reading just for you. This book appeared and I was intrigued. I’ll admit that I haven’t read the whole book. There are chapters that really don’t relate to my situation like the one on creating while still working. I’m officially “retired” even though I still make and show artwork.
A lot of this information is very familiar. I have read so many of these books that I think I could write one myself. There are a couple of chapters that did resonate with me. One of them is the chapter on fear. This is, of course, an issue for most of us. Take me for instance. Sitting here writing this blog post. Will anyone read it? Will everyone think I’m boring? Will I write something stupid? How will I keep coming up with things to write? And on, and on.
I like her suggestions. I have heard them before but Ms Pickens makes some good points and offers some doable solutions. The main one that seems fairly easy for anyone to do is to just “make friends” with your fear. Don’t try to deny or push it aside. Acknowledge and accept. Work through it anyway. I would have to say that this is some of the best advice artists, or anyone for that matter, should strive for. Truly one of the best things anyone can do for themselves.
The other chapter I felt I gained some insight from was the one about artists and money. As I mentioned last week, she goes into reasons why artists in particular have a difficult time dealing with money. It’s good to be reminded that you are not alone in these feelings and that many working artists have inheritances and supporting spouses. Most still have to have jobs.
All in all, I would say it’s worth the read. I do think it would be more helpful for early to mid-career artists. There’s even a chapter on the pros and cons of getting a MFA.
You can purchase the book here.
Disclaimer: I am not an Amazon affiliate and receive no income from the sale of this book.
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