I really liked this book. I think it is best enjoyed in physical form because of the size of the pictures and how lovely the layout is. I would love to have this on my coffee table. I felt very inspired by Stuart Semple’s words and art. I’ve used some of his art paints - they are amazing! Thank you to NetGalley for the digital file of Make Art or Die Trying.

Art is for everyone is clearly the message of this book. Every chapter ends with an exercise that's related to the text. None of them ask for much skill, only a few simple tools and some courage.

Although well written, this book didn't work for me. It mainly focuses on Stuart Semple's work and inspirations. They are modern, connect with the world and are more than just pretty pictures. But that is not the type of art that inspires me. So where the book has plenty of depth, I wish it was broader, so it could connect with more people and their different tastes.

I'm not Anish Kapoor nor in any way associated with him.

Thank you NetGalley and Rockport Publishers for giving me access to this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

A great book on creativity. This book is packed full of interesting and accessible ideas to boost creativity and creative thinking. Anyone running workshops, teaching, looking after children, or just wanting to light a spark in their life will find a lot of fresh ideas. There are activities for solo artists, groups or community level projects. All can be tweaked to fit most situations. I feel this book will become the new "must have" and will easily be sold outside of the traditional bookshop. Once my ARC has expired, I will be buying my own copy.

Review...

I want to thank Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book.

I want to start by saying I am a huge lover of art & have been since I was a child & I love museums. Along with libraries, I find them my sanctuary where I feel most at peace but modern art has been off and on love for me since I don't understand it all.

I got this book today and I have been reading through it absorbing its pages one after the other, (I don't get a lot of modern art or certain styles) but this book mentions so many of the artists from these kinds of art styles I didn't understand opening my eyes up to see what they have made or done in a new light & to get a bit more of an appreciation for them and their work. I am thankful for this because I also want to understand art beyond my field of view, but this book also shares a little bit about the (Artist. Author) his beliefs as well as the passion he has not just in art but in life & people. He wants everyone to look at the art shown in the book & then to look at themselves to research inside and do the kind of art that speaks through and to them, to me this is a beautiful message to put out in the world and also a beautiful form of showing the art of the soul (connection and unity).

I have always believed that the world we live in is one big canvas and we are the brushes that stroke across it making a difference in the smallest or largest of ways, each day the world changes and so do we so we are the art of our designs but what path we take all depends on the strokes we take. ( this is and has always been my belief since I was a child).

This was a book full of insight with a guy who has passion and compassion and was a joy to read.

3.5 star

Its art, alright! Thank you netgalley and Quarto Publishing for access to the digital ARC. As someone who loved art as a child but finds it hard to start now as an adult, I find envy in reading this artful title. Its just that the whole title evokes a sense of living art, from the way it is presented with color and photos, to the way the prompts lead you to think about the art being presented. Its unique, I haven't read anything like it, oh and the QR code videos where such a cool touch to add in to the book. It may take a while to digest and work through it all but my art will be better for it! Interesting read, more words than I was expecting, I suppose I thought it would be more of a wreck this journal style with more open ended prompts.

For one, this book is visually appealing, oh the art, the vibrancy and colors and not just that- the way it involves the reader, calling you to act and try some things- made this an interesting read.
Anyone who is new to art, or an expert could learn a lot from this book.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

This is a cool book by an artist about making art like performance art and modern art. He talks a lot about what inspired various things he’s done and other modern artists have done with pushes for the reader to do their own. I am not really moved to do such abstract art and was hoping for more traditional stuff but this is great for people who want to make public statements. It’s packed with examples of modern artists I wasn’t familiar with and does a great job of showing the meanings of them all.

I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.

A very practical and inspiring guide to making art and projects. It summarises artistic urges, inclinations and tips to make art quite well.

This book is fun. With lots of illustrations, exercises, and stories, you're encouraged to explore all kinds of art - music, performance, and visual arts. Whether it's about using your original ideas or revising what others do, you'll be inspired and energized as you read.

The cover seems kinda bland for the delights and excitement inside. Enjoy every bit of it! Pull that creativity off the shelf. Get moving and make something new.

Loved being able to hear this perspective & it was inspiring for me and my team. Thank you so much for the opportunity to preview this for our store!