Are you becoming an artist because you want the world to look at you? Or are you becoming an artist because you would like to get people to see themselves and the world differently through you?
This is a book that every artist of every age – and especially those in the early steps of their careers – should read. Smith writes in the form of letters to a reader whom she names BZ, a teenager and an aspiring painter. An actor herself, the author relates her memories of encounters with well-known personalities, and writes the letters under topics that touch on every aspect of an artist’s life. It makes me wish I read this book earlier, but still I found inspiration in it.
These letters offer courage and hope.
Often, ‘mentor books’ explain as if the reader does not know much about the topic. But this book is different; it offers inspirational advice on practical matters, and concludes with topics that both reaffirm the value of art and the need to pursue it –whether the reader is a writer, a dramatist, or a graphic designer.
It makes me wish I read this book earlier, but still I found inspiration in it.
Artists need books like this one, because though the world is invested in movies and commercial art, it does little to respect the profession and to appreciate talent. The book touches on the struggle of artists, and the phenomenon of the ‘starving artist’. Smith makes the case that an artist does not need to be starving, and does not need to be miserable in order to be remembered or successful – despite romantic ideals that prevail. Artists can, and should, be happy, she argues.
They say books cure the soul, and in this one the artist can ruminate over letters that touch every emotion, from self-doubt to frustration.
Smith spends half a year traveling and the other year teaching at a university, sometimes acting, sometimes producing. The letters are from all over the world, and written over the course of that year and a half. In this book Smith stresses the importance of being ‘present’ in the field, wherever it may be, and the importance of knowing and interacting with ‘big names’ and with competition. The advice is presented directly, yet comfortingly. It presents the cold hard truth about making money to survive and offers some solutions. Through it all it makes pursuing an art career seem not such a crazy idea after all.
The book touches on the struggle of artists, and the phenomenon of the ‘starving artist’.
This motivational book is essential reading for the artist. They say books cure the soul, and in this one the artist can ruminate over letters that touch every emotion, from self-doubt to frustration. These letters offer courage and hope.
