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therkive's review against another edition
5.0
One of the most insightful books - interviews - I have ever read between an artist I knew relatively little about (outside of his extensive career and beautiful work) and a renowned art critic.
I read this from Namjoon's recommendations and now understand why he loves this book. At 85 years of age, David Hockney is still full of vitality and innovation that persists through his artwork and his understanding of the craft. As Martin Gayford becomes closer to Hockney and documents his conversations with the artist, we too can see the reasons behind Hockney's endless originality. He persists in creating new studies, despite finding his personal style, the hunger for documenting reality over and over again never fading. Hockney continues to utilize new mediums and learn about new techniques through the history of art to adapt and create with the times.
It is admirable, the way Hockney became settled in one part of Yorkshire, England, fascinated with the minute changes in his daily scenery - and thus, never tiring of drawing the environment through whatever changes occur.
As a budding photographer, Hockney's views on the misinterpretation of photography (that it depicts reality in its clearest form when the photograph created is still is within the eye of the photographer) - yet how it can contribute to the quickly changing nature art and art techniques in this day and age are fascinating. His insights into visualizing the world, as an artist trained to depict the world, is equally fascinating "Most people don't look at a face for too long; they tend to look away. But you do if you are painting a portrait. [...] "Drawing makes you see things clearer, and clearer, and clearer still." (84)
I learned significantly from this book - on art, on living quietly, on seeing, on the changes of time - and urge people to read this.
I read this from Namjoon's recommendations and now understand why he loves this book. At 85 years of age, David Hockney is still full of vitality and innovation that persists through his artwork and his understanding of the craft. As Martin Gayford becomes closer to Hockney and documents his conversations with the artist, we too can see the reasons behind Hockney's endless originality. He persists in creating new studies, despite finding his personal style, the hunger for documenting reality over and over again never fading. Hockney continues to utilize new mediums and learn about new techniques through the history of art to adapt and create with the times.
It is admirable, the way Hockney became settled in one part of Yorkshire, England, fascinated with the minute changes in his daily scenery - and thus, never tiring of drawing the environment through whatever changes occur.
As a budding photographer, Hockney's views on the misinterpretation of photography (that it depicts reality in its clearest form when the photograph created is still is within the eye of the photographer) - yet how it can contribute to the quickly changing nature art and art techniques in this day and age are fascinating. His insights into visualizing the world, as an artist trained to depict the world, is equally fascinating "Most people don't look at a face for too long; they tend to look away. But you do if you are painting a portrait. [...] "Drawing makes you see things clearer, and clearer, and clearer still." (84)
I learned significantly from this book - on art, on living quietly, on seeing, on the changes of time - and urge people to read this.
elinevdg's review
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
5.0
A couple of years ago I watched John Berger's Ways of Seeing documentary (it's on YouTube) on how artists look at the world. I remember it being mind opening to me. I pretty much had the same, but even more impactful feeling, while reading A Bigger Message. Reading about how Hockney sees and experiences the world and the eloquent directness he uses to express himself was a joy to read. It also has the added bonus of having lots of amazing pictures, paintings and drawings, both by Hockney and others, to illustrate the text.
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide
brisingr's review against another edition
DNF at 52%.
Me, with no knowledge or interest in art, entirely out of touch with painters and art history: reads this book just because Namjoon also did.
Me, with no knowledge or interest in art, entirely out of touch with painters and art history: reads this book just because Namjoon also did.
diyankilaco's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
I will never be an artist, maybe a doodler but thats about it. But I do believe that reading about an artist and their visions, will always make your mind open up to the possibilities and views the world is seldom aware of.
mkozlow1's review against another edition
5.0
Wonderful book! I have always been into the arts but have never really read a book or article or anything really from an artist. Reading this really was enjoyable and has changed my perspective on my artwork and the process of creating art. It took me a long time to read because I didn't want it to end and I just loved everything Hockney had to say. I will 100% be buying a hardcopy of this book -the images on the kindle weren't the highest quality.
ezzah025's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
4.75