Sometimes I just like to browse books. I like all kinds of books and writings, and I have a HUGE interest in creativity. Yesterday I found this book by happenstance. Have you read it, heard anything about it or do you own it? Would you like a little sneak as to what it is about? Visit Ian Roberts web site for the book to read a sample chapter. This chapter is Principle Fifteen - Finding Poetry in the Everyday. I copied this off last night and really enjoyed reading this chapter. If the remainder of the book is similar, I will be buying. The book has very good reviews, too.
Are you reading any good books related to art and or creativity? If so, please share them with me. I did place an order for the book, Art from Intuition which I spoke about a few months ago on this blog. Additionally, I ordered The View from the Studio Door. If you own either of these books, I would also be interested in hearing your thoughts on them.
The main thing I want to say today as we head into the weekend is this is the weekend in the United States, and other places around the world where we honor our mothers. I often think of the passion of motherhood and how that is very much like the passion of art. In this sample chapter, Ian Roberts shares on his web site, there is a paragraph I thought expressed the experience of the artist as well as that of the mother:
When on another occasion we can't find that spiritual level of experience, and so can't repeat it, the frustration can be cruel and the separation painful. Here lies the myth of the suffering artist. It isn't the art making when it goes well that has any suffering in it. That is the union with the beloved. It's the loss that causes the suffering. And the problem isn't something we can necessarily control. We are instruments, conduits for that expression. It comes through us by grace.
What do you think? As artists and as mothers we are instruments for creation and we access that through our grace. So with this, I will say to all of you who are mothers, have been mothers, want to be mothers and have mothers...
HAVE A HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
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19 comments:
Kim beautiful post. Really, eveything comes to us through grace I think. Through striving I get nowhere. My graduate class which you had to teach to obtain your MFA degree(in Writing) was called "A Moment of Grace" in which I explored a number of short stories and discussed "grace."
I have not read nor heard of any of those books so thanks for pointing them out. I'll follow the links anon. and think about whether I have any books to throw into the fray.
Hope you have a great mother's day. Blessings, Suki
Thank You, Suki!
I totally agree, when we struggle we just continue to multiply the negative and with that no good comes to anyone.
What a beautiful grad class that seems to be. I know all about having to teach those classes for grad degrees! I would have liked that class a lot.
I think you would like reading the entire chapter Roberts shares on the site. It is not long but thoughtful. I would also love to hear of any books you might suggest!
Blessings to you, as well, Suki!
Oh gosh ! Now there is a lot to chew on for today ! I've been in a rather creative/reflective mood here lately, maybe it is Mother's Day coming that has me in this space.
Last night I called my son and his family in Denver. Everyone was in such a good mood and it was such a fun call, but I tell you what ~ as we prepared to hang up, hearing my son say "I love you and I'll talk to you on Sunday" just made my life worth living over and over again.
Truly, today I live in a state of grace. And it shows up in my art. Glad it is Friday and I've got a block of time ahead to create what is on my heart and soul.
Smooch! Thanks for the great post. Yeah, I'm a book-a-holic. Will check out your recommendation.
I know what you mean, Paula. When we hear our children and parents express their love...no matter when it is fills a well deep inside us which makes us know just how important all we do really is. Don't think your expression of love over at your blog has gone unnoticed .... yes, it is clear where you have been lately with all of your grace.
I am glad you liked the post... Let me know if you find any other books worth reading.
Hugs!
I agree - there really is poetry in everything.
Thanks for mentioning those books... the Robert's sample chapter had some lovely thoughts. I am terrible bookaholic so I definitely want to hear what you think once you get them! I found 'Finding your Visual Voice" by Dakota Mitchell was useful for making me think about where i am coming from etc. namaste Elis.
Kim, A VERY HAPPY MOTHERS DAY to you too!! 'Creative Authenticity' looks like a book I would just love to read. Let us know how it turns out. The only thing I'm reading right now is some weird sci-fi paperback which isn't very good. It's one of those books that you can't stand to not finish but you're in no hurry to get back to it, if you know what I mean LOL.
Thank You, David! You are right!
Have a Lovely Weekend!
Hello Elis,
"Finding Your Visual Voice" is a very good book...I am one of those who enjoys books with 'finding your muse' themes.
I will let you know about the other books, too.
Thanks Elis!
Kim, I finally got to read the chapter. So much in that one. I loved what he was saying and will read it again. I have always vaguely thought a similar thought to his re: the subject matter is just an armature to hang the relationships to color etc on. Georgia O'Keefe was usually my example. That the flowers were really just an excuse to work with color and form. Or something like that. Ian says it much better than it was formulated in my mind.
Funny he mentioned Diebenkorn too. I've loved his work for years. Saw it in San Francsico and at the Kansas City Art Museum. Colors, shapes and the quality of the paint on the canvas.
Thanks for pointing out these books. I may order one or two for some inspiration.
Funny Lynette! I know the kind you mean, though. I am not a sci-fi reader at all but can totally understand the draw of the book!
I think it was Julia Cameron who said it was the visual activity which drew artists/creative types to reading. Since I read that, I have been an observer of that very fact. That was when 'The Artist's Way' fell apart for me...when I wasn't suppose to read for a week! :)
Thanks Lynette
Hi Suki,
It is a good read, I agree. You are right, I think, when artists pick a theme it gives us an excuse to do what we do, but it also give the viewer and the artist an opportunity to study something in greater visual detail or in a different way.
It is always wonderful to read about an artist we love or have observed intensely.
Well, Suki, let us know if you choose any of these books and what you think of them.
Thanks so much for your further thoughts.
Just stopping by and read this entry in your blog. I truly believe that any talent, especially art is a gift. What a wonderful way to put it: "union with the beloved". So glad you shared that. KC
Hi K.C., thank you for stopping by and for leaving a nice comment.
And don't you think acknowledging that talent as a gift magnifies it?
Thanks K.C.
Hi Kim, I came by your blog through Suki and I had to comment. Firstly - can you post any thoughts you have about this book? Authenticity is one of my key words and to find it mixed with creativity intrigues me very much. I will see if my library has it ... and your posting generates so many thoughts in me -- but someone once asked me what I liked so much about writing, and I told them it was because it confirmed for me that there was grace. That's how I feel when I write -- like I am connected to something out there bigger than me in such a real and concrete way -- I know I'm only the conduit, for certain. Such lovely thoughts, thanks for posting. Here is a link to creative tips I found once (see below) ... I found one book I like on creativity, but more for writing - "The right to write" (Julia Cameron as well, but more organic, not so "step by step") ... http://www.gapingvoid.com/Moveable_Type/archives/000876.html
Best wishes!
Hello Honour, I have just ordered this book and am waiting for it's arrival. As I begin to read it, I feel quite sure I will be posting some of my thoughts about what I am reading.
Being authentic in one's creativity I feel goes hand-in-hand. If one cannot hear their own heart and be authentic to themselves, then can they truly access their creativity? I, personally, find that doubtful.
I really love your response to the person show asked you why you love writing so much! Literary arts, like visual arts, comes from a place of grace, to be sure. I am sure not everyone approaches their creative work in that way, however I am not one who believes they are true to themselves or to the work they do. That is MY belief...and may not hold true for others.
Thank you so much for the web site. I am going to be going there as soon as I finish this response to your comment. I also like the work of Julia Cameron who has done a great deal of work in the area of creativity. I haven't read the book you mention, but maybe I should.
Additionally, thank you for commenting here today and I hope you will return again.
Peace!
Happy Mom's Day Kim,,I plan to order that Intuition book also. Is it available now, or did you pre-order ahead of the publishing date?
It sounds really interesting to me.
ooops, I also meant to comment on the 'grace' thing.
My favorite spiritual song is Amazing Grace,,,,because it truly is,,,,, Amazing!
I hope you've heard it by Judy Collins. Fabulous!
Hello Babs! Happy Mother's Day to You, As Well (and to dear M).
The book is available now. I actually saw it in a brick and mortar store yesterday. It looks good...of course I did not stand there are really read.
I love Judy Collins' rendition of Amazing Grace! It is a beautiful song and gets you going, doesn't it?
Thanks Babs!
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