Art and Soul: Notes on Creating

by Audrey Flack

One of our foremost female artists conducts us on a visionary journey into the heart of the creative process
 
At a time when the art world is dominated by trendy egotists and art itself is marketed like toothpaste, Audrey Flack is both an anachronism and a a photorealist painter and sculptor who eschews glamour and who clings to a vision of art as a form of shamanism—a means of self-transcendence whose ultimate aim is the healing of the planet. In this provocative book, Flack shows how the transcendence occurs, in the art of looking as well as in the moment of creation. With its wonderfully acute critiques of artists from Tintoretto to Jackson Pollock and its insistence on reforging the links between the artist and larger world, Art and Soul is a brave, nourishing book that will inspire not only visual artists but anyone who has chosen the creative path.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1986

Reviews

[Deborah Eater · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you're a fan of Audrey Flack you'll probably enjoy this easy-to-read book much more than I did, because a great deal of it is all about her. I particularly take exception to her view of artists as shamans. A professional artist myself, I believe that being creative is a fundamental human drive, not the mystical realm of a privileged few.

[Leifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a sweet book, presenting the collected thoughts of an artist. She makes a compelling case to follow art as a calling, and to let art be a force that heals, going against any popular notions of career or commerce.

[Joann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book I reread every few years because each time there is something new for me to learn. Flack shares her own artistic endeavors and offers encouragement for those pursuing their creativity.

[Marybeth Heikes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great tips and inspirational quotes. Enjoyed it!

[Sheryl G · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disjointed. While I appreciate some of the thoughts, this is basically a series of tweets, not a book.

[Sandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were a couple of noteworthy things in this book. And I learned about Ruth Kligman.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief commentaries and excerpts from speeches, presentations, question and answer sessions, essays, etc. by the author provide insights into the creative process.

[Kit Wachelka · Rating 5 out of 5]

To keep open to the inspiration & to let one's thinking stay out of the process as much as possible . . . among other things.

[Carrie LeAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creating thoughts. Some are inspiring. Some quotes I underlined to re-read later.

[Serinity Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

LIFE SAVING!!!

[Regina Viqueira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of wonderful gems of wisdom in this book, which either affirmed or challenged my own thoughts on creating.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an inspiration to any one in any area who is creative! I have given it to many people and I never fail to get an enormous thank you!

[Elizabeth Andrew]

More about painting.