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

A must for everyone in the arts

I have never heard a more clear and concise analysis of the art makers quest than this . Every artist , art professor , art dealer , collector and wanna be should get this book now .

art and courage

loved it. fun read. read it with a group of artists and musicians, we loved it. everyone's inspired. thank you. ^_^

A book of pure wisdom for every artist.

This book’s short run time comes not from a lack of depth but rather a surplus. It states what in retrospect seem obvious truths that any artist must abide by to go on making their art, to endure, and to define what it means to make “their art .” An absolute must read for anyone seriously pursuing the creative endeavors.

A fantastic read

this book was referenced in Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon, so I knew I had to read it. it's an inspiring look at artists in relation to society and their work. I will definitely be revisiting Art & Fear in the future.

Excellent book on making art

I have listened to this book many, many times. If you're making art (or used to, but are stuck), it's a good listen.

Contemplative content

The book content focuses on being creative and making art while being fearful and self-conscious. I especially liked the fact it didn't try to convince me that I could eliminate fear or that creating art would make me more confident -- the message I got from it was that the best artists (the true artists) felt fear and created anyway. It's a contemplative topic and one that inspires an introspective review of ones own motivators and demotivators. My one fault with the Audible version is the narrator. While he is easy to understand and speaks very clearly, his voice and tone seem too slow and plodding for what I found to be interesting and potentially vibrant thinking. This narrator's almost pessimistic reading personality sounded out of place when juxtaposed with the more positive advice in the book. I would love to hear a version read in a more upbeat and positive tone.

Best book on creativity and art making

i read every book I can find on the subject. I always glean something, but I can't think of another book on art or creativity that I've read more than once. I just finished this book for the tenth time.
I'm an aspiring fine art photographer dealing with the struggles that all aspiring artists struggle with. This book doesn't talk about apertures or composition or posing models. It discusses something much more relevant: how to continue trying among my self doubt.
Whenever I ask myself why I'm even bothering to try, anytime I feel silly for thinking of myself as an "artist", phrases from this book give me the nerve to just keep working.

Important information for the working and not working Artist

I found this book helpful in the expectation process of making art. I always find it comforting to hear that others have the same fears and insecurities in their art that I myself have. This helps muster the courage to continue.

Gems Of Wisdom, Morsels of Truth, Sage wisdom of the Ages!

I had little idea of what this book would hold for me, but I was wonderfully enlightened by its pages and I remain beholden to its words. So much to ponder ...

Worth Reading More than Once

I have the audio version of this and have listened to it several times. Each time I feel like I get more insight on myself as an artist. It reminds me I'm not alone. My struggles and perceptions are shared by other artists. It has been helpful for me to get past my procrastination and the negative self talk that causes it. This is a the perfect book if you need a boost to start working again.