Books to inspire: Big Magic
Ok, so you may have noticed that the book choices are becoming less about making specifically. But bear with me. This book deals with creativity and the impulse we all possess to be curious, to create. It tries to unpick the narrative that we have all inherited that creativity is mysterious and that the artistic way of life should be fraught with worry and suffering. The author believes in the paradoxes of the creative life: “Creativity is sacred, and it is not sacred. What we make matters enormously, and it does not matter at all. We toil alone, and we are accompanied by spirits. We are terrified, and we are brave. Art is a crushing chore and a wonderful priviledge”. But she also believes in Big Magic. Big Magic is what happens when you live an authentic, creative life (and creative is incredibly broadly defined here), when you have the courage to honour the things that are hidden within.
Books to inspire: Art in the Making
This book critically investigates the making of art and examines the narratives of production in art, because “making is a form of thinking”. The authors believe that the method of making the art work and its conceptual meaning are tightly bound. Which makes this book an important read for any craft maker.
Books to inspire: Making & Drawing
It’s possible that I’m a little biased about this book; I was Kyra’s studio assistant for a year and a half when I was a student. And in that time I saw how integral drawing was to her making practice, how her ceramic work is itself a form of drawing. In this book she asks makers from all disciplines to share how they use drawing in their work.
Books to inspire: London in Fragments
A long time ago I trained as an archaeologist. It’s where my love of objects, of the narratives we weave about our lives, and of searching out unseen things comes from. If you’ve ever nosied around on London’s Thames foreshore, you’ll have had a glimpse of these things for yourself. I’ve written about it before (and no doubt will again) as it’s an amazing experience and connection to the past, a connection to things people have made.
Books to inspire
You will never find me without a book (or three) on the go. I am not sure I know who I am without books; they have been a constant in my life since I can remember, and reading brings me joy day after day, especially when the world feels tough. I love stories, but never […]