Over the decades; London has become a diverse landscape for all forms of graffiti and street art. From the better-known artists; down to the constant stream of fresh new talent attracted to the streets; London is a graffiti artistrsquo;s paradise and the images represent a London simmering with artistic flair. Featuring glossy photos of ground-breaking graffiti; London Graffiti and Street Art is the perfect companion for anyone excited by this most vibrant and changing of art form; and aims to give an insight into the creative output lost and found in and around the capital.
#839925 in eBooks 2014-09-10 2014-09-10File Name: B00IISHOEG
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Enjoyed every essay and its presentation. Straightforward and honest.By Dori DecamillisAs a professional artist; I was very taken with this refreshing book of essays about the practical side of making a living as a visual artist. My path of making a living as an artist has been as unique and unexpected as many of the stories represented in Loudens book; and I found myself feeling validated and supported. As in my experience; the book shows how serendipity; hard work; luck; talent; and building relationships play a part in developing the careers of artists. There are quite a few essays included; and each path and perspective shared was interesting in its own way. The editor; Sharon Louden; presented the pieces in a straightforward manner; forgoing too much opinionated commentary that can take away from the clarity of the material. In fact; my favorite thing about the book was how each author stuck to the topic (making a continuous living as a visual artist) without intellectual discourse. The mystery of creativity is a powerful and wonderful part of being an artist; but the day to day workings and the meanderings of a career are a thing of fascination; too. This book celebrated the functional side of art; presented by professionals who can instruct by honest experience rather than didacticism. It was at times funny; surprising; and triumphant. I recommend it to artists at the dawn of their possible careers or artists whove been at it for a lifetime.12 of 12 people found the following review helpful. This book is filled with insight that one only gets with experience.By David A. ClarkThere are many wonderful things about this book. Each artists chapter reveals the layers of what it means to balance life as an artist. The term working artist can mean many; many things. Defining what is a "working artist" is indeed one of the great intangibles of learning what it is to be an artist. The bottom line is we all figure it out and define it in different ways. Sharons book illuminates the various ways artists define what it is to be and do and function as a working artist. The essays; most narrative in form; peel back the layers of daily life and work. They reveal the sometimes precarious balance that artists walk with their daily practice; their business and their personal lives. I wish Id had this book when I was at NYU. It would have demystified the artistic world I so desperately wanted to be a part of. Now many years later I have figured out the daily ins and outs of what it means to move through life as an artist. But back in school this book would have been an invaluable tool in putting a creative life together bit by bit as it works for the individual. I say it should be required reading for art students of all disciplines. Its filled with insight that one only gets from experience. Its a rare gift to get an inside view of the path to come. I loved every page. Wonderful book.20 of 21 people found the following review helpful. A concise; well edited; humorous and quick read for artists; students and arts professionals.By GBAs a young artist and nonprofit arts professional who graduated with an art degree; I wish I could have read this book when I was in undergrad! It has still been an insightful and timely read for me 10 years after graduating. I thought it would be more of a how to guide and describe specifically how to make money in art; but it is much more. The book is a collection of personal essays from working artists who each describe their personal challenges; practices and approach to work life balance. I have appreciated the sincerity and honesty of the essays.There are many books about arts marketing and trade publications offering specific advice for specific arts markets and strategies for making a living as an artist. Whats different about Living and Sustaining a Creative Life is the personal approach; which is helpful for understanding how working artists have individually designed their careers with work-life balance and economy in mind. The art field is truly unique encompassing such a wide variety of talents; interests; and micro economies. Ive enjoyed the variety of perspectives and experiences compiled in this collection. The life of a working artist is as much about lifestyle as it is about breadwinning and I think this title articulates both the challenges and possibilities of earning a living with ones art; while maintaining creative perspective; practice; and having a life.The essays are concise and well edited; its a quick read; with a human voice; peppered with a few swear words and humor; while maintaining seriousness; depth and being informative. Most of the essays express struggle at different levels; some overcome and some outstanding; but without a negative or depressing vibe.If youre and artist looking for a bit of insider art business advice; without specific numbers or a bit of creative self help; without a cheesy angle or positive inspiration and ideas to keep trucking in your arts career; this collection of essays is for you. I would highly recommend this title to art students or as a gift for a recent graduate looking for what to do next. University art school educators will find excellent contemporary group discussion points to prepare students for entry into the field ldquo;professionallyrdquo;. A seasoned artist will hopefully find comfort in the like minded struggles we all share and feel motivated reading the well written; entertaining behind the scenes essays.
