So something I’m trying to work on this year is reading more. I have actually created a list of books for myself that I’ve written down in my planner to try and read this year. And we’re only two weeks into 2016, but book one is done! So I figured I’d share my thoughts about each book as I finish them up with you in case you’re interested in them too 🙂

So book one! “Show Your Work” by Austin Kleon. I’ve seen Austin’s book “Steal like an Artist” many times (though I have yet to read it), but when I saw him speak at Story Conference in October last year I decided I had to read this book. Okay so why? Well first of all because he was a great speaker and I figured since his passion originated in writing – surely his book must be good. And also because this book is about sharing your art… how to make yourself more visible… and let’s be honest, we artists can always stand to be a little better at that.

I’ve heard (and read) some mixed reviews on this book, but I personally really enjoyed it. I liked it’s simplicity and how Austin broke it up into easy to absorb chunks, making it an easy read. There are a lot of quotes from artists within the pages to reiterate points he wants to make as well as some fun diagrams and flowcharts.

Is the advice new or profound? No. But he gives some very basic steps to help encourage artists in the process of sharing. Like share something small everyday. It lets people know what you are currently working on and keeps them interested. I loved his advice on showing your process… because that is something a lot of people are interested in. It’s easy for us as artists to get caught up in waiting to share our work until we’ve completed a piece perfectly. But the truth is – people are just as interested in the process that resulted in that finished piece as they are in the completed art itself. Honestly, I see this book as a wonderful little written encouragement to not be afraid and to get out there and start sharing.

There are two pages I dog-earred in the book because I loved it. The first was about how in 16th and 17th century Europe, it was fashionable to have a Wunderkammern, a “wonder chamber” or a “cabinet of curiosities.”This was basically a room in your home that was filled with unique and wonderful things that served as a display of your thirst for knowledge. They were kind of a precursor to our modern day museums. Austin goes on to talk about how we all have our own Wunderkammerns… whether it’s tangible or just memories. And that it’s our duty not to just keep these treasures to ourselves but to share them with the world.

And probably my favorite quote in the whole book:
‘Writer Colin Marshall says: “Compulsive avoidance of embarrassment is a form of suicide.” If you spend your life avoiding vulnerability, you and your work will never truly connect with other people.’
How true this is! I believe this sentiment whole-heartedly and it’s why I try to be genuine and honest with what I share on here with you.

All in all I thought this was a great, quick little read that was fun to soak up.