Art As a Way: A Return to the Spiritual Roots

by Frederick Franck

Franck offers a spiritual celebration and examination of art, illuminating the aesthetics of artists and philosophers as well as presenting his own drawings

Genres: Art, Spirituality

148 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

Reviews

[Brett Marcus Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need to reread this more quickly than I initially read it to better take in Frederick Franck's ideas on drawing as a form of meditation, art as hope, the experience of seeing the world as opposed to looking at it, of losing your sense of self as you draw the subject in front of you, as a form of religion. His handwriting is a bit tough to interpret sometimes, his prose maybe a little snooty here and there, but there's something here that really resonates with me and with how I view art as a part of my life as a human being. His own drawings are beautiful as well, not the most technically accomplished, not what you'd call finished, but clearly drawn from life in a way that reminds me of my love for figure drawing.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Een dame in een lovend filmpje noemde dit boek "haar bijbel". Ik raakte nieuwsgierig, deed mijn best het boek te bemachtigen, maar ik vond het nogal pretentieus. Lastig leesbaar door het met de hand geschreven verhaal (wat trouwens nog een reden was dat ik interesse had in dit boek). Het zijn gedachtes die je toevertrouwd aan je dagboek. Mijmeringen, innerlijke gesprekken die je met jezelf voert en niet zozeer deelt met anderen. Ik ben enigszins teleurgesteld; het is voor mij een te persoonlijke benadering van het onderwerp.

[ChrissieP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Art As A Way informs us as to the pure way, the authentic way of being, seeing, drawing and how when achieved we can become illuminated by all things. A piece of paper and a pencil are all you need to have a conversation with a beautiful scene or object in nature. This practice will bit by bit reveal the hidden core of your being.

[Robbin Vokes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hand written, difficult to read.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

2007 wrote: A gift from Becky. This well compiled book is a combination of the author's notes and sketches on art over several years. Franck has also wrote books on Zen Buddhism and relates the creation of art to several religious and spiritual philosophies. Art as a representation of self and as a way to communicate and heal are emphasized. Besides this, the art work is unique and ties in well with his words. An overall good calm read as I tend to freak out about where my work is going. also paired well with the next read.

[Jonathan]

Great follow up book to Zen Seeing/Zen Drawing!