Category Archives: On Creativity

Book Review: Art & Fear

Posted on July 27, 2020 by

Art & Fear:  Observations On The Perils And Rewards Of Artmaking, by David Bayles & Ted Orland This is a strange book, not a bad book, but definitely one that deliberately sets out to be unusual and even a bit … Continue reading →

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Book Review: It Speaks To Me

Posted on July 27, 2020 by

It Speaks To Me:  Art That Inspires Artists, by Jori Finkel There is a strong tendency among many people to want to downplay the influence of others, and this book features a wide variety of artists (most of whom are … Continue reading →

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Ecomium Burnside

Posted on February 13, 2020 by

It’s easy to make fun of Ambrose Burnside.  Aside from his amazing mutton chops that remain his sole contribution to history outside of his military endeavors, which received the moniker sideburns, he was not a particularly successful general.  For Civil … Continue reading →

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Book Review: They Drew As They Pleased

Posted on February 13, 2020 by

They Drew As They Pleased:  The Hidden Art Of Disney’s Golden Age:  Volume 1:  The 1930’s, by Didier Ghez There is something uncomfortable about this book.  It is by no means a bad book, nor a bad way to appreciate … Continue reading →

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Book Review: The Little Spark

Posted on January 22, 2020 by

The Little Spark:  30 Ways To Increase Your Creativity, by Carrie Bloomston I did not consider this to be a bad book, though I think the author was herself somewhat confused as to what she was trying to accomplish with … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Find Your Artistic Voice

Posted on January 22, 2020 by

Find Your Artistic Voice:  The Essential Guide To Working Your Creative Magic, by Lisa Congdon This book characterizes much of what is disastrously wrong with literature about creativity.  The author considers herself an expert as someone who had once desired … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Keep Going

Posted on January 22, 2020 by

Keep Going:  10 Ways To Stay Creative In Good Times And Bad, by Austin Kleon The author notes at some point during this book that he began this particular book with a series of blog posts relating to creativity, and … Continue reading →

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The Art Of Monsters

Posted on January 16, 2020 by

Over the past few years there has been an increasing tendency to look harshly at the art of monsters.  We have found our appreciation of Bill Cosby’s calls for decorum to younger comedians and his family friendly entertainment like the … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Dear Ally, How Do You Write A Book?

Posted on January 16, 2020 by

Dear Ally, How Do You Write A Book, by Ally Carter I am not familiar with any of Ally Carter’s fiction work (which she refers to a bit ad nauseum here), but this book is mildly entertaining.  To be sure, … Continue reading →

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Book Review: From Chaos To Creativity

Posted on January 16, 2020 by

From Chaos To Creativity:  Building A Productivity System For Artists And Writers, by Jessie L. Kwak I always feel a mix of compassion and interest in reading the efforts of people to attempt to systematize for fun and profit those … Continue reading →

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