Art & Fear: Observations On the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking

This small book is a fabulous tool for artists of any medium. The authors explain motivations and thought processes behind the fears that keep artists from producing work. At times it felt like they had read my diary and then psychologically analyzed it! Any artist can benefit from this wonderful read.

I am reading this book now for the third time and have purchased many copies for friends - a must for the bookshelf of anyone on a creative journey.

Art & Fear was first published about 15 years ago. Since then it has become a classic and is a must read for any artist serious about their work. There is a chapter that will speak directly to you as an artist, regardless of your current circumstance.

The topics are written for any artist regardless of medium or area of artistic interest. Whether you are a beginning artist or an old hand, this book is for you.

(This is Frank's wife writing.)
My daughter who is a struggling artists recommended this book to us. It's short, but packed with good thoughts about making art and coping with one's fears about the process. It's not only helpful for artists in dealing with their thoughts about why they make art, but also to their friends and relatives. The explanation of the essence art vs. craft (a topic that has long interested me) is excellent. The writing is clear and accessible. There are examples of how real artists in various genres have dealt with the basic problems of making art. The book works for both the professional artist as well as the amateur, regardless of medium.

By naming the fears that artist experience, and giving simple and direct answers to those fears; David and Ted have given artists a tool to name their own fears and overcome them. The book had a profound impact on me and how I approach my work as a potter. I owe a lot to having read this book, in the confidence I gained, and the risks I am willing to take becasue of their writing. I have already recommended it to friends, and have it on display in my gallery. It is the best book on Fear that I have read, outside of the Bible.