The Creative Path

A View from the Studio on the Making of Art

By: Carolyn Schlam

Narrated by: Coleen Marlo

Length: 5 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

The Creative Path is an inquiry into the creative process from philosophical, psychological, spiritual, and practical points of view. In this welcoming work on the creative process, Carolyn Schlam encourages the listener to embark upon his or her own journey of discovery, identity, and wonder through art. The author started her career in art under the tutelage of master teacher Norman Raeben in the Carnegie Hall Studios in New York. Raeben's students included Bob Dylan, who said of him: "He put my mind and my hand and my eye together, in a way that allowed me to do consciously what I unconsciously felt". Chapters discuss the meaning of inspiration, intention, talent, authenticity, and many other aspects of art creation.

Included in The Creative Path are: six lectures by Norman Raeben with commentary by the author; exercises designed to strengthen listeners' creative muscles; analysis of aesthetic criteria; reflections on the artist's role in society; and a discussion of the mindset required to make art a life path.

A celebration of creativity, this inspirational book examines why we make art. Though it makes primary reference to visual art, The Creative Path will resonate with all creative practitioners, whatever their chosen discipline.

©2018 Carolyn Schlam (P)2018 Tantor

For Every Artist at Any Level

The Creative Path truly is a gem. I've listened to it a few times and will again. It was very thoughtfully written by the author and perfectly narrated. One of my all time faves.

Rich with insights

A book full of gems for the practising artist.

A compassionate, informed and wise look at the artist's way of being.

I warmly recommend this book as a valuable investment of time and attention to everyone interested in the world of making art.

Emphatic narrator's performance.

Congratulations to all involved in delivering this book to Audible :-)

Very old fashioned, but worth the pep talk.

The artist comes from the old art world which was overwhelmingly white, European, and male. When she mentions visiting with the masters, she only mentions European men. It’s a little annoying, but extremely common of the previous generation who had to either work with steely resolve, or pretend that being repeatedly passed over for shows doesn’t matter because you do it for the passion of it.
Keeping that in mind, it just might be your favorite new year’s book.
The mediums she mentions are all the traditional ones: ceramics, sculpture, and painting.
It’s a sweet book that is a little tired and needs updating. If you need a little pep talk, it is pretty good.