Art & Fear: Observations On the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking

Great book. Need more like this. Interesting and helpful for anyone who is creating in any field

David 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.

I 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.

Review of: Art & Fear: Observations On the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking This book really helped me relax, get rid of my white paper paralyses, and unleash my creative potential. I highly recommend it to anyone who has a burning desire to create, but can't overcome the paralysis caused by external and/or internal influences that keep you from doing your thing. I have spent years reading/learning about art, and how to make it. I am more knowledgeable about the how and why, the materials and practices of artmaking and artists, than most of the working artists I know. But I could not overcome the paralysis, caused by the thought that, I will spoil/soil/waste any paper/canvas/ink/paint that I use to make something, if it does not produce a masterpiece comparable or better than, the best artwork I have ever seen, or earn me enough money to pay for my time and materials. The easy to read/understand words in this book, finally gave me permission to use all those artists materials I have been collecting/hoarding, and actually make things with them. I feel an incredible sense of relief, excitement, and exhilaration making art, that I have been waiting for all my life. One of the reasons we feel free to create when we were kids, is that we did not have to pay for the materials, or know how precious they are, and we were given the time to create, that was not otherwise needed to do "more productive/important" things (like earn money, eat, sleep, shop for groceries, clean the house, find a mate, raise children, watch TV, read a book, pick your nose, scratch your butt, etc.) Even though I still do most of those things, this book has motivated me to also find/make time for creating art, without guilt. Hope it has the same affect on you. Now go play!!! Life dose not last forever, You have earned this, and deserve the joy of making art :-) If you don't, you'll be depriving yourself and others of the enjoyment of your creations. Don't sweat it if everyone doesn't dig it, that is an impossible/unrealistic goal. Focus on the pleasure of the process, and not what happens afterword. That will take care of itself. Happy trails... Dave Finberg, the "Playing Mantis"

Et ça fait du bien de savoir qu'on est pas seuls à se poser ce genre de questions, existentielles ou non. Un très bon livre qui fait du bien au moral, et qui peut aussi être très instructif. Pour tout ceux qui se posent beaucoup de question et qui se demande s'ils sont vraiment des artistes ou s'il sont fait pour ça. Comme on dit souvent : si vous avez déjà pensé à tout laisser tomber, rassurez vous ... vous êtes bien un artiste ! Ne lâchez rien ! :)

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.

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

This is the first art book I have read that can only be classed as a great comfort. Creating any kind of art full or part time is hard on so many levels that only artists ( like the authors themselves ) know how draining and frustrating it can be. Opening this book up to the first page I felt a sense of relief that I was not the only one out there with these secret unarticulatable thoughts. This pocket size guide is basically a map of sorts to the very difficult life that being an artist is. With this map come very funny, intelligent, observant and warming advice and insights aimed at showing you yourself through the eyes of others. These authors clearly care about other artists as their very clear compressed observations are straight to the point and very filling food for thought. Because art just gets harder after leaving art college/school ( 98 percent quit eventually they say ) it is great to know why this is. Having less or no fellow artists to relate to or confide in after leaving school is a large part of it so having a book like this is a warming comfort and a joy to read. It is like having two very helpful and caring tutors you can turn to when you want to throw in the towel...unlike many real tutors who just make you want to plain quit. This book is a keeper and not very expensive. I recommend this to all artist / musicians / writers etc of all mediums. You won't let it go if you buy it. If you like sensible helpful advice you can relate to that is well above average quality this book is for you.

This book should be required reading for everyone in a career, or considering a career in art ... art of any kind. The book talks in plain language about all of the fears and concerns that roam through the artist's mind, whether they are emerging or well established in their career. Issues of self doubt - am I really good enough - can my work compete - is he/she really so much better than me - issues that can slice the confidence of an artist to ribbons and deflate an already fragile ego to nothingness - these issues and many many others are addressed in a straight forward approach that makes you recognise that it's not just you...it's everyone who has ventured down this path of creativity. The authors have been there themselves. They know from first hand experience that these fears haunt ALL of us and better still, they let us know that it's okay to have these doubts. The book offers up common sense advice and common ground...a safe place for all of us plagued with these fears to make the realisation that it's not "just me" - that it's everyone else too! As one with a bulging library of books on style, technique, etc. etc., THIS book does not ever get put away, but is always within reach. If you are an artist or trying to be one, then buy this book! Come on...it's small and you can afford it. You can't afford not to read it!