Making a Life, written by Melanie Falik and published by the Artisan Division of Workman Publishing
What drives us to create? Why do we seem to feel an inner need to vocalise this in tangible terms? Why do others feel differently or never imagine they require creativity in the first place? Within this 320 page strongly bound publication, Falik debates and illustrates the working world of many makers; investigating the questions above and much more.
Without leaving our own location, let this writer walk you through the lives of many contemporary makers. Get nosey via the interior images shown, the inner sanctums, not just the artists squeaky clean professional shoot mug shot.
I found the research which this book is most obviously founded upon humbling. As the writer, within the introduction, Falik describes the personal path which she had to walk down to come to this project. I found her honest bear all text very appealing. This is no agony aunt confessional, rather it is a writer, having had her chance to publish, using the opportunity well. On page eleven, I liked the end comments where she confesses to her own visceral need to maker and be the maker. Why does she herself create? ‘I needed the bond to stay whole’. I completely comprehend her meaning - she no longer felt lost, because she effectively became what she was always meant to be (Falik was once an editor, perusing over similar proposals by writers, the writer which she has now in fact become - life certainly turns us upside down at times). She has travelled across the world to discover like minded individuals, the real raw talent artists who create art because they are driven by an instinct, not a monetary premise. The sheer pleasure found from the outworking of ones’ hands. What was her aim and outcome for the writing of this book? Its as see-through as a window pane - she wishes that others like her would discover their own narrative creative path. What will yours, mine be? Or what is it right now? At the time of writing this, I may be already in the midst of my own artistic career, however its made me press pause and isolate my thoughts surrounding my own inner answers. What are my hands saying to me?
Discover the work of an umbrella of makers, from potters to painters, printmakers to quilters, she had created a cross coverage of all. Use this book as a life lesson, this is no project manual, no how-to guide; remember and listen to her and the illustrated makers voices. Connect with their story, say hello to your own - check in for a moment and ask…am I feeding my soul?
Give your own life meaning today, yes it is up to you personally, no one can dictate and shape our lives, however we can follow paths….read about your contemporaries, pour over the eye fuel planted throughout this book and make it a fresh start for you yourself - a chance to become the hand worker - hard worker - maker.
Making a Life, written by Melanie Falik is out now and available to purchase through this link.