Reviews
Life After Art: What You Forgot About Life and Faith Since You Left the Art Room by Matt Appling
emilyhathcock's review against another edition
4.0
This book is, categorically, a Christian Living book; and while there is an obvious Christian influence throughout the writing, I found that it wasn't oppressively pushing an agenda or in-your-face preachy that is often characteristic of the category. The basis of the book is seemingly simple: we, as human beings created in the image of the ultimate Creator, are born to create, and create. Yet, over time, we've turned from this calling, forcing ourselves to abandon the “childish” behaviors that brought us most joy and commanding our creative natures to find another outlet, often resulting in complex stressors and an underlying lack of happiness.
Matt notes that as children, we embrace this truth. We freely and happily share our art with anyone that will have it. We sing, we paint, we draw, we imagine elaborate games – all without care, concern, or fear. However, as we grow older and more experienced in the world, we begin to fall into the trap of comparison. We see that our peers are better than we are. We are embarrassed by our creations. We fail in our attempts and then become too scared to try again. We settle for good enough instead of good. We stop thinking about creating.
While I consider myself a very creative and artistic person, I must admit that it's been a while since I've picked up a paintbrush. And, after reading Matt's book, that's exactly what I'm inclined to do – stretch a huge canvas and paint away – without hesitation and fear of mistakes. Without over thinking and over stressing. Without focusing on the perfect-ness and instead just letting the brush go…. I'm sensing a weekend project in my near future. Because after all,
An amateur artist tries to erase a mistake. A master artist learns how to work with a mistake.
Matt notes that as children, we embrace this truth. We freely and happily share our art with anyone that will have it. We sing, we paint, we draw, we imagine elaborate games – all without care, concern, or fear. However, as we grow older and more experienced in the world, we begin to fall into the trap of comparison. We see that our peers are better than we are. We are embarrassed by our creations. We fail in our attempts and then become too scared to try again. We settle for good enough instead of good. We stop thinking about creating.
While I consider myself a very creative and artistic person, I must admit that it's been a while since I've picked up a paintbrush. And, after reading Matt's book, that's exactly what I'm inclined to do – stretch a huge canvas and paint away – without hesitation and fear of mistakes. Without over thinking and over stressing. Without focusing on the perfect-ness and instead just letting the brush go…. I'm sensing a weekend project in my near future. Because after all,
An amateur artist tries to erase a mistake. A master artist learns how to work with a mistake.
kevinhendricks's review against another edition
3.0
Some interesting thoughts on rediscovering creativity. Some arguments rubbed me the wrong way, but getting past that there were some quality insights.
ajcain92's review against another edition
4.0
As someone who was home schooled from Kindergarten to Graduation, I was a bit hesitant about Life After Art. I never actually had “art class” in school, other than the occasional class a lady from our church would offer.
My mom still has the pitiful paintings I made hanging in frames on the wall, and truth be told, I don’t remember any great, life-changing lessons from those art classes of my childhood.
So I was delighted and happily surprised when I began to read Appling’s discussion of art, and the changing way we view art from a broader perspective.
Discussing everything from puppets and video games, to tattoo artists and finger paint, I found Life After Art to be an enjoyable survey of the way we create, view and understand art.
Perhaps the most inspiring connection Appling draws in Life After Art, is the one between God and ourselves. As Appling accurately points out, God created everything, and we are created in His Image, so we have an in-born desire to create. Even though we may not all have the desire or capability to paint timeless masterpieces, we create in our own unique ways, whether that be the photograph we take, the meal we cook, the book we write, or the cabinets we craft.
I came away from Life After Art, not only wishing I could take Appling’s art classes, but also having a greater appreciation for the creativity that God has gifted each of us with. I would give Life After Art a “B”, as I found the first chapter a bit slow, though my attention was captured and held throughout the remainder of the book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Moody Publishers Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 .
My mom still has the pitiful paintings I made hanging in frames on the wall, and truth be told, I don’t remember any great, life-changing lessons from those art classes of my childhood.
So I was delighted and happily surprised when I began to read Appling’s discussion of art, and the changing way we view art from a broader perspective.
Discussing everything from puppets and video games, to tattoo artists and finger paint, I found Life After Art to be an enjoyable survey of the way we create, view and understand art.
Perhaps the most inspiring connection Appling draws in Life After Art, is the one between God and ourselves. As Appling accurately points out, God created everything, and we are created in His Image, so we have an in-born desire to create. Even though we may not all have the desire or capability to paint timeless masterpieces, we create in our own unique ways, whether that be the photograph we take, the meal we cook, the book we write, or the cabinets we craft.
I came away from Life After Art, not only wishing I could take Appling’s art classes, but also having a greater appreciation for the creativity that God has gifted each of us with. I would give Life After Art a “B”, as I found the first chapter a bit slow, though my attention was captured and held throughout the remainder of the book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Moody Publishers Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 .
lesread's review against another edition
4.0
STAR RATING:
4.75 Stars
REACTION:
I think the biggest thing I did not like about this book is that it did not give me a formula on how to make my life beautiful-- a set of steps to follow when I feel stuck...
But that would have defeated the purpose of the whole book. Appling is honest and shares a message I believe we all need to hear about creating beauty in our lives. We're all artist and creatives.
Life After Art is inspiring and challenging because it makes you think about your life and actually DOING SOMETHING if you want to see change. Real beauty, real hard work. We need to stop settling.
CRITIQUE:
My complaint about the book is it was a bit wordy at time, I felt he repeated the same thought in different ways sometimes and that could have been cut back some. The writing was pretty good, but could have been better. However, that did not detract from the book too much, and his message is so good and unique that it makes up for it.
4.75 Stars
REACTION:
I think the biggest thing I did not like about this book is that it did not give me a formula on how to make my life beautiful-- a set of steps to follow when I feel stuck...
But that would have defeated the purpose of the whole book. Appling is honest and shares a message I believe we all need to hear about creating beauty in our lives. We're all artist and creatives.
Life After Art is inspiring and challenging because it makes you think about your life and actually DOING SOMETHING if you want to see change. Real beauty, real hard work. We need to stop settling.
CRITIQUE:
My complaint about the book is it was a bit wordy at time, I felt he repeated the same thought in different ways sometimes and that could have been cut back some. The writing was pretty good, but could have been better. However, that did not detract from the book too much, and his message is so good and unique that it makes up for it.
thekidlitmama's review
3.0
Appling mentions two different types of boundaries - the good, positive ones God places on people's lives and the negative, unnecessary boundaries people place on themselves (p. 100). But then, he talks about people who defy boundaries and do things like escaping exploitation, achieving despite a painful past, etc. Which one of the two previous types of categories would these acts fit into? I don't think they fit into either - these people are not by any means placing limitations on *themselves* when their situations force them into tough or even horrific situations. He says people complain too much about our circumstances being the cause of of our failures. I don't think it is fair to say this, especially not for the examples he in that previous section. For some people, the circumstances they are born or thrust into are far too great to overcome without additional supports. It would be awfully unfair to suggest otherwise.
My questions are…which boundaries/limitations can and should be overcome? Which can and should not? What would Appling say is the right balance between laziness and perfection? I could use more of a practical guide for this, but he says there is no formulaic response for beauty, so I doubt there is for this either.
Despite my critiques, I really loved some of the things I read in this book, too. I agree that the world needs us and our gifts and that we far too often hold back for fear of failure. I really like his emphasis on how our creations reflect who we are as creators. I agree that beauty takes time and that as a society we often substitute true beauty for cheap, quick, and easy satisfaction. True beauty is fragile and in need of protection.
One line I really loved:
"You never know how far the beauty you create will reach. It reaches far beyond ourselves, out into the world. Who taught Michelangelo to sculpt? Who taught Martin Luther how to read his Bible? Who taught Mozart how to compose music? They are people who don't make the history books, but they created other people. Without those anonymous creators, there is no history." As a future teacher, paragraph inspires me deeply!
My questions are…which boundaries/limitations can and should be overcome? Which can and should not? What would Appling say is the right balance between laziness and perfection? I could use more of a practical guide for this, but he says there is no formulaic response for beauty, so I doubt there is for this either.
Despite my critiques, I really loved some of the things I read in this book, too. I agree that the world needs us and our gifts and that we far too often hold back for fear of failure. I really like his emphasis on how our creations reflect who we are as creators. I agree that beauty takes time and that as a society we often substitute true beauty for cheap, quick, and easy satisfaction. True beauty is fragile and in need of protection.
One line I really loved:
"You never know how far the beauty you create will reach. It reaches far beyond ourselves, out into the world. Who taught Michelangelo to sculpt? Who taught Martin Luther how to read his Bible? Who taught Mozart how to compose music? They are people who don't make the history books, but they created other people. Without those anonymous creators, there is no history." As a future teacher, paragraph inspires me deeply!
colleenish's review
4.0
This book is about creativity, about living lives that are full and beautiful. Mr Appling (I think it's because he's a teacher, but I can't think about the author by any other name, so I'm going with it) doesn't think quite way I do, about creativity or childhood. I find myself wanting to ask him about quilting, and mistakes, blogging, and Pinterest. I think it's a good sign when you find yourself talking back to an author. And I think it's noteable that I want to lend this book to other people, and that I flew through it.
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