How To Live An Artful Life
How To Live An Artful Life: 366 inspirations from artists on how to bring creativity into your everyday
Katy Hessel
Hutchinson Heinemann
Art is a gift, just as life is a gift. We can choose to notice it, or keep our head down - survive. We are not all going to be famous artists - we do not need to be, but we do however need to see. See what? Let Hessel guide you.
Who is Katy Hessel? Is she known within the arts? Does it even matter?
She is famed as an Art Historian, with plenty of writing kudos tied to her name. I have often found that the more famous the author, the heavier the downfall, the disappointment on reading. Often those who truly live a life within the arts, get shelved, either by their own self depreciation, or the ‘never known’ status. We are not all social media savvy or wish to be. So when I pick up an acclaimed title within the arts, I do have initial concerns. This one however, has hit the mark. It sits within several categories, which makes it hard to pigeonhole…
What is this particular title about?
Self care, therapy, mental health…all words which could be associated with this title. It is not a ‘Fine Art’ book, or any particular genre. This is about being happy, using art to literally see the world better. Think of self help books, or those touching upon mental health. For me personally, those published my the writer Matt Haig hold a special note. I am an artist, so now give me the healthy mind, shown in an artistic perspective….it is beautiful to consider.
What’s its style?
Every year, I buy an Almanac, my way of calendaring the seasons, the lights and leaves passing, the welcome of a new thing to look for every day. This book has that thematically, it works in sections, giving us support throughout the year.
There is a chapter for each month, with a word or short sentence attached. January, not seen as a dour dark month…no no, this is the beginning - a chance to make peace with or pasts and forget, swim towards the new. December is Joy. A word we might associate this certain festive dates - but really, do they provide real joy?
Who is it aimed at?
Technically it hits a lot of categories. It is the perfect bestseller, the safe buy. For those who do the whole socialising at home, it can be ahem ‘artfully’ placed, ready for its use - generally a sense of status, intellectual or whatever it’s supposed to be. Or it could be bought for someone who we know needs a reason, of more than the next days light over the night dark - maybe they feel dark inside and need someone to open their eyes.
I would say that this book can be used for transformation - I often lecture surrounding the need to actively look into every situation for inspiration. A walk can and should never be just a walk, done for the good of ones’ health. Each day should provide matter, memory, and a thought to go back and at least dissect.
So going back to answer the question - no it is not a book aimed at a young child, but it is for the adult, even if they think they do not like ‘art’, this book will realign your version of what it can be and how it was in your life all along.
What are the moments of matter within it?
Hessel uses much of the book to quote others, so we get a world view of this topic. Little zests of information, which we never knew we needed. For example, in the chapter on April, we are given the illustration of this month being like a daisy chain to get to spring - a rope as it were. Is that not a lovely hopeful thought?
I will not spoil it too much by giving you exact quotes - as I find they are person dependant and mood or life stage dependant - you will need one more one day than the next - life moves on, but we must notice it.
My overall view of this book?
Looking back, it has taught me to look at life differently and it can for you too, a way of exploring and all the happy futures which may come from that seeking.
Art has power. The question is left, will you let it run through you? Strengthen your own ‘reason’?
I hope so.
Where can I purchase it online?
Personally, I love the excitement of walking into a real life bookshop, making a moment of the purchase. These days I make so little book purchases, that I will remember the place I bought the particular book - I may even keep the paper bag it came in - its a gift to me, me alone and that has import in itself. Books are special - pick well.
So yes, it is available everywhere, so go seek out your nearest paper trove. But if you cannot embark the four walls, consider the following link.
