Living the Creative Life. Ideas and Inspiration from Working Artists

Editorial Review
How DO they do it?

If you could ask your favorite artist or crafter only one question, chances are you'd ask about creativity: Where do your ideas come from? How did you get started? What are your tricks for overcoming blocks?

In Living the Creative Life, author Rice Freeman-Zachery has compiled answers to these questions and more from 15 successful artists in a variety of mediums--from assemblage to fiber arts, beading to mixed-media collage. Creativity is different for everyone, and these artists share their insights on the muse (if you believe in her), keeping a sketchbook (or not), and prioritizing your art, whether you aspire to create solely for your own pleasure or to become a full-time artist.

* Try your hand at creative jumpstarts straight from the pros.
* Glimpse the artists' innermost thoughts and works in progress as you peruse pages from their journals and notebooks.
* Share textile artist Sas Colby's triumph over creative block during an exotic art retreat.
* Learn how internationally acclaimed artist James Michael Starr uses experience from his former "day job" to fuel his creation today.
* Explore the work of Michael deMeng, Claudine Hellmuth, Melissa Zink and the other artists right alongside their insights.

No crafter or artist should live the creative life without Living the Creative Life! The inspiration is contagious.
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Customer Reviews

Very informative and full of ideas for growing artists

2008-03-06
I did not finish to read the book, however I already love it.
It is a very well-documented and encouraging book for the ones who would like to live a creative life but think they are not able to. A lot of tips to help you find your creative way. The interviewed artists come from different fields and it is very interesting to know more about the way they work and organize their work/life. You learn that there is no magical recipe to become a successful artist (a part maybe of hard work)but that you have to experiment and try, and never give up...

Good peek into artist's lives

2008-03-05
I really enjoyed this book and its approach to looking at what it means to be creative. It was thought provoking and inspiring and she used a nice cross section of artists.

Enchanted Book

2008-02-16
My local librarian called this book to my attention. It is enchanting, engaging, and it helped break a year-long dry spell in my own very traditional art.

Insight into Creativity

2008-01-25
I starting my second re-read of this great book! We would all love the opportunity to visit a particular artist's studio and look over their shoulder for a day or two. "Living the Creative Life" lets you do it in the comfort of your own home. It explores in depth creativity; where does creativity come from, does everyone have it and what is it about each of us that produces such diversity in our individual work. I really liked getting into the minds of other artists, seeing how they differ in thought from one another, and how external influences as well as cultural influences determine the outcome in the art we produce.

Lifesaver!

2008-01-08
I picked this book up on a whim a week and half before I was quitting my day job to go into art full time - and it was a perfect find! This really gave me more of an insight on what it is like to live as a creative person not working the nine-to-five job like have been for all too long. I feel more confident knowing what challenges I have ahead of me, what I have to face, and where I have to change my habits. This book fills in very nicely between the "this is how you handle your finances" and "how to be more creative" books that are out there in droves. It also helped me realize that this is the right move for me. I highly suggest that young artists get this, as well as us older people who are just breaking out. The main thing is how so many non-artists find the life as an artist frightening, and this is a good book to share with parents or significant others to say - this is feasible and ultimately a better life for me as well as you! I know I was one of those people whose parents fought me tooth and nail to keep me out of art, and I am proud to say they ultimately failed. This book is a great bit of support for those of you out there that are dealing with that!!!

Truly Inspiring...

2008-07-18
You can't but be inspired after reading this wondrous book! I will admit first hand, I personally have no intention (nor the talent), to ever become a world class artist by any means. I do have passion to create however, and this book along with another I received around the same time, Your Home A Living Canvas: Create Stunning Faux Finishes & Murals with Paint, by Curtis Heuser, have almost convinced me to rethink my day job. How rewarding (and envious), it sounds from all these talented souls, to be devoted and fortunate enough to get to spend their time without a doubt, doing what they love. Not to say it is without effort, but the pure joy and love for expression, explodes off the pages and simply can not be denied in both of these glorious titles.

Unlike the various first hand artistic testimonials featured throughout "THE CREATIVE LIFE..." - "YOUR HOME..." follows just one decorative artist's amazing creative journey, leading to the publishing of his extroidinary first book which documents the rebirth of his ordinary historic home, through must see mural and faux painting techniques and decoration. In addition, Heuser's book is full of beautiful before, during and after photography, and inspiring how to do the same for your own home-projects. There are similarities in both of these titles however, as the reader will discover and can almost touch the often unexplicable creative passion in the hearts and spirits of these diversely talented artistans.

There appears a special kinship between the artists and authors of both these books - as each are driven by the undeniable desire to express themselves through a wide range of interesting art mediums. I want to personally "Thank" both authors for so eloquently and unselfishly sharing their work and individual views on creativity with us! Both books offer rare insight and are worthy of our every penny! ENJOY!!!!

Creative incentives

2008-06-03
It is hard to imagine anyone could read this book without stopping multiple times to experiment with some form of art explorations of their own. The author makes it seem natural and oh so inviting. The only drawback is the small print on busy pages. It is sometimes difficult to read the suggestions.

inspiring

2008-05-05
Living the Creative Life is challenging me to look at creativity in many new ways. The approach taken from the viewpoint of many different artists in many different media shows the versitality of our innate creative spirit. The idea that all humans are creative if they allow that part of the whole person to flourish is not new to me, but the way this author discusses the creative spirit is fresh. The book is beautiful to look at and I love the format -- small size, lovely illustrations and great ideas for jump starting creativity.

Living the Creative Life~Idea's and Insptiration

2008-04-04
I know a couple artists that submitted their work to this book and I was happy to see them included!
I think any book that helps people with inspiration is great.

I do think this book is a bit fluffy. At least for me. I was hoping for something different maybe. Something meatier ~ Thanks

Very Enjoyable

2008-03-19
By asking several artist's the same question, it shows there is no "right" way. Everyone comes to their art with their own style. Great idea's to jump start the muse. The imagery was beautiful.