Recommended Reading
Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking
by David Bayles and Ted Orland (1993. Image Continuum Press, 2001). Two master photographers combine their wisdom as artists and teachers to write a small book that remains perhaps the clearest and most concise description of the artistic condition that I have ever read.
Old Masters and Young Geniuses: Two Life Cycles of Artistic Creativity
by David Galenson (Princeton University Press, 2006). An economics professor from the University of Chicago brings his analytic skills to world of painters and sculptors with this fascinating investigation of artistry in the visual arts. Note: Galenson and I do not always reach the same conclusions, but he certainly asks the right questions!
The Creative Process: Reflections on Invention in the Arts and Sciences
edited by Brewster Ghiselin (1952. University of California Press, 1985). Successful innovators from across the arts and sciences, including the noted composer and Brandeis professor emeritus of music Harold Shapero, weigh in on the nature of creativity in this classic text.
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
by Stephen King (Scribner, 2000). The master of horror has high words of praise for a classical approach to writing in this inspiring book that functions as part autobiography, part how-to manual. One of my favorites!
The Maverick and the Champion: Musical Craftsmanship in the 21st Century
by Derek Strykowski (About the Artist, 2011). Never pass up a chance to promote your own book, right? If you have already enjoyed the writings of other authors on this list, take a look.
The Oxford History of Western Music
by Richard Taruskin (Oxford University Press, 2005). What can I say? Taruskin’s Oxford History is essential reading for anyone hoping to study the history of artistry and style in music. Indeed, Taruskin himself first proposed the definition of maximalism as it appears throughout this website.
The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life
by Twyla Tharp (Simon & Schuster, 2003). We musicians sometimes forget that dance itself is a powerful art, but in framing her own experiences within a larger discussion of artistry, Twyla Tharp illuminates the profound behaviors of classicism which have nourished her decades-long career as a master choreographer.
Elizabeth Gilbert. “A New Way to Think About Creativity.” TED2009. Long Beach, California. 2009.
Steven Johnson. “Where Good Ideas Come From.” TEDGlobal 2010. Oxford, England. 2010.
Drake Bennett. “The Imitation Economy: Innovation is overrated. It’s time to appreciate the power of the copycat.” The Boston Globe. April 18, 2010.
Lisa Donchak. “Do We Really Need Deep Thought?” View From the Cubicle Farm. October 7, 2010.
Garrett Hardin. “The Tragedy of the Commons.” Science. December 1968.
Cal Newport. “The Craftsman in the Cubicle.” Study Hacks. July 25, 2010.
William Zinsser. “Life and Work.” Zinsser on Friday. The American Scholar. June 18, 2010.
Check the archives of the News and
Events Digest to discover more articles
and videos from across the web…
