Art & Fear

Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking

By: David Bayles, Ted Orland

Narrated by: Arthur Morey

Length: 3 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

What is your art really about? Where is it going? What stands in the way of getting it there? These are questions that matter, questions that recur at each stage of artistic development - and they are the source for this volume of wonderfully incisive commentary.

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. This is a book about what it feels like to sit in your studio or classroom, at your wheel or keyboard, easel or camera, trying to do the work you need to do. It is about committing your future to your own hands, placing free will above predestination, choice above chance. It is about finding your own work.

©1993 David Bayles and Ted Orland (P)2012 Tantor

I've listened to it twice! Love this book!

Really love this book. As an artist, it was inspiring and motivating and the narrator was fantastic!

A must read for Artists

If you could sum up Art & Fear in three words, what would they be?

honest, insightful, helpful

What was one of the most memorable moments of Art & Fear?

Listing to this in my studio while working on some new pieces. It gave me courage to work through the uncertainty of developing new ideas within my art practice.

Have you listened to any of Arthur Morey’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

A Must Read For Any Artist

Particularly those who experience self doubt. Aka all of us. This is my fifth(?) rereading of this book now, and it gets me though my artistic slumps and always leaves me inspired. I love the narration as well; he captures the intimate tone so well. Listening to this book feels like the author is talking to me while we're sipping good scotch in cozy armchairs.

Gets You Back into Art

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If you needed to re-think your artistic endeavors, it would be recommended.

Any additional comments?

It might get you to pick up your paintbrush again.

ok

I felt a little called out with some of the thinking. It was better than anticipated.

inspiring

love it,I have struggled with my art 🎨
I don't think I do a good job 😕 it changed my perspective.😁 it's motivating to think positive on your art.🥰 thanks

Profound!!

Every creative should keep this and read as a Bible. I've listened to this book at least three times already and every time I read it I feel like I'm learning something new, or drinking a familiar but favorite wine.

Wow!

Great info for artists of any type. Helps you see the bigger picture. The longer range reach of your art and the process of making art as the product.

Short and sweet but to the point

As an artist on the fearful journey of creating art this book was incredibly helpful. I wish I had discovered it years ago. It reinforces many things I already knew but had never mentally articulated to myself. I think it is a great book for any artist at any stage in their career to help dispel the fears behind making art.

Useful information!

I found this to be a useful treatise on the creation of art and what can make you a more productive artist. Also it was helpful on illuminating what stands in my way at times!