Affirmations for Artists

by Eric Maisel

Meditations and guidance for creative and performing artists and the creative spirit in each of us, to provide self-help and inspiration.
 
To create is to take serious risks. An understanding of the affirmation process is an invaluable resource for the creative risk-taker. In Affirmations for Artists , Eric Maisel provides keen insight into the challenges to create life and the solutions that bring joy and success. The descriptions of artists’ issues that this book contains, and the affirmations and quotations it offers in response to them, will help you become a stauncher, wiser, and more loving friend to your own creative nature.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, Reference, Writing

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 24, 1996

About the author

Eric Maisel, Ph.D., is the author of more than 40 books in the areas of creativity, coaching, mental health, and cultural trends. He is a psychotherapist and creativity coach, and writes for Psychology Today and Professional Artist Magazine and presents workshops internationally.

Reviews

[Djrmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

More than a collection of quotes from well known artists and crestive thinkers, little book includes guidence from Maisel on how the 200 issues he's chosen relate to the artist that lives inside every one of us. Despite the need in many of us to express ourselves, we find that we're also the first ones to silence outselves. The quotations Maisel has chosen, along with affirmations he has written to help is be our own best cheerleader, are words you can fall back on the self criticism gets in the way of the process of creating.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great little book of quotations and essays from artists of all genres organized alphabetically by subject. For example, under Mystery is this quote from Francis Bacon: "The job of the artist is always to deepen the mystery."

[Danaë · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ordered this online based on the title alone. It wasn't quite what I expected though still a great little book. Topics are arranged alphabetically. Each has a little write up, some relevant quotes from artists, and of course the affirmations.

Most of the affirmation books I have seen are full of gentle encouragement, while Maisel apparently believes in more of a kick-in-the-pants approach. I can see why another reviewer thought it presented a pessimistic outlook on the life of an artist, but I for one appreciated the realistic look at the challenges that come with creativity.

[Rose Margaret Deniz · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a lot of essential goodness in this small book. Great for a pick-me-up or diversion when stuck in a rut, or even better, a great way to start the day, I read this by both selecting pages at random and looking for a "word of the day" that resonated with me.

[Kristen · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a horrible and depressing book that expresses such pessimist fews about an artist's life. Many artists are already insecure about their art as it is.