Creative Time and Space: Making Room for Making Art

Rice Freeman-Zachery has managed to write a book that manages to be very entertaining and warm while still delivering the goods on what it takes to make time and space in one's life for making art. I think that a lot of us who work traditional non-art related jobs have a tendency to believe that if we just had the right tools, or the right space, or enough time that we could be artists or creatives also. This book puts that tired excuse to bed. Not all of these artists have ideal working situations and not all of them are working on their art full-time or have always worked on their art full-time. Some of them are also juggling families as well as their careers. Managing time is very much as difficult for them as it is for the rest of us. Rice and the artists interviewed helped to explain what they gave up to make the most of their time and the things that they knew that they could not give up because it would make their lives impoverished from their standpoints and these lists varied from artist to artist.The examples of how the artists managed their time and whether they kept calendars and were strictly scheduled or were more fluid in their scheduling varied greatly. It was interesting to see how each made time work for them. I also enjoyed reading about artists' rituals for getting ready to do their work each day. I also loved the sneak peaks that we got into the artists' studios. The examples of the artists' work throughout the book gave life and color to the text as well. I enjoyed the tips and techniques boxes and found a lot of useful information in them.I enjoyed Rice's first book on creativity but if you made me choose, I'd say that this one is even better! If you haven't already bought this book, drop what you're doing and order it NOW! Buy some for gifts. Your friends and family will thank you. I am not related to Rice nor am I a participant in the book. I just love the book--a lot!

*****Such a pretty, pretty book, and SO much fun as well. I needed some creative inspiration, and this wonderful book provided it--it was a great kick in the butt! It is a beautiful book filled with the work of the fourteen artists interviewed. Packed with information, ideas, and stories that caused me to reflect on how I work and how different or the same I am from the various artists--this book was a lovely adventure.It is a book about how to befriend time when it comes to being creative. It's an opportunity to see how other artists view, manage, and befriend time, how they prioritize, weed out, organize, play, and get unstuck. The enormous variety in the ways each artist works helped me to identify what was and wasn't for me. And to get new ideas on other ways I might approach my work in order to have more time and be able to be more creative.My favorite chapter was on mental space. It was enormously validating for the way I think and work and for my preoccupation with creative endeavors and my living in my imagination.Even if you have a lot of art books already, you won't regret this purchase.Highly recommended.*****

I have always enjoyed Rice Freeman Zachary's work - she's a good writer and always finds intriguing and fascinating artists to interview. So, of course, I was on the spot to buy this new book as soon as it came out. I have found this the most helpful of her books so far - and I do enjoy the others and reread them occasionally - perhaps because finding time to do art is one of my hardest hurdles. The ideas and methods these successful artists use are well worth bringing back, exploring, and adapting to my own situation. I am making notes and changing some of my plans and head sets in an effort to get into my studio and do the kind of exploration and experimentation that is where art begins. This is not a rehash of Rice's articles or previous books - don't worry about that. The material is fresh and different, and she has brought some artists to my attention that I hadn't previously been aware of. For example, I had just bumped into Theo Ellsworth's work and am one of his biggest fans - he is just becoming known and deservedly so. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to make art, but feels stymied by the way life keeps intruding into studio time. Try it, I think you will definitely like it.

If you follow Ricë's (rhymes with "Lisa's") blog, Facebook posts, and Somerset columns, than you already know that you're in for a real treat with this book. And true to form, you'll find that she does NOT disappoint! :-) With the same entertaining wit and irreverent humor exhibited in her first book, Ricë reminds us of the importance of setting aside time each day - as well as setting aside space within our souls - to nurture our creative spirit. Through the stories offered by Ricë and 14 other artists, we are gifted with inspiration and motivation, and given a glimpse into the methods and routines that these folks employ to maintain their sacred spaces of creativity. Not to put any pressure on this author, but I've loved both of her books so much that I'm ALREADY eagerly awaiting her next book. :-)

I have read this wonderful book cover to cover and know I will refer back to it often. This book deals with those important issue of time and space. The mix of artists Rice has makes for a nice cross-section. I appreciated that there are new faces here- not the same mixed media regulars. And...some MEN! Being a male mixed media artist- this was a real plus.In addition to being a mixed media artist, I teach in the art department of a small university and will use this book as a resource for some of my classes. The content here is gold. A last comment- I love that this is flat out practical information and isn't full of do these things to feel your inner what ever- some artist do that but plenty here don't. The humor in this book will have you laughing at yourself and the artists--I have thought this way or I have done that... very affirming! Buy the book make some art!

I have been reading this book both page by page and just dipping into sections. Every time I do, I find I understand better why I have a problem finding creative time for myself. She doesn't just take a prescriptive approach (do this, make a schedule, etc.), she asks questions that make you question and really think about your relation to time, to creativity and - dare I sound so cliche - to life. Also it is an utterly gorgeous book visually. I found the artwork inspiring. So - helpful, beautiful to look at and well written. Need I say more?

The book came quickly , considerable earlier than anticipated..Having just stocked up my library with about 2 dozen art techniques books, ( now that the prices used have never been better and make this possible ) I have to say that this is easily within the top 3 bought.More a motivation facilitating book than the myriads of artistic techniques books out there it still gets my wholehearted recommendation.Kudo's to both author and supplier who I would use again.

It's a lovely book - beautifully put together. But I felt I didn't learn much from it. Less a practical how-to and more a glossy aspirational. Nice to have but not need to have.

Excellent book

this book is so creatively briliiant.nice pictures, and featured artists really bring out the best of this book.clever combination of art presentation and passion .highly recommended.buy now reduced price at amazon.