26 Jul Book Review of Make Your Art No Matter What: Moving Beyond Creative Hu…
Make Your Art No Matter What: Moving Beyond Creative Hurdles – A Disappointment in Disguise
When I first picked up Make Your Art No Matter What by shah (who I previously admired for her insights into artistic expression), I was buzzing with anticipation. I approached it with the hopeful mindset of a creatively embattled soul seeking radical inspiration and encouragement to push past the mundane barriers of everyday life. Instead, what I encountered was a disheartening dose of "businessy" advice wrapped in a liberal veneer that left me feeling frustrated and bewildered.
At the heart of Make Your Art No Matter What is the encouragement to create art under any circumstances, which is a noble endeavor. The book starts strong with an exploration of the intersection between creativity and grief, a chapter that resonated with me deeply. It’s here that the author’s understanding of the emotional weight behind creation shines through. Yet, as I dove deeper, the enthusiasm began to fade, overshadowed by what felt like a lack of genuine class analysis, nuanced political context, and even empathy toward artists from less privileged backgrounds.
The book itself is structured around the idea that anyone can overcome their creative blocks if they simply find the time and distinct categories for their work. One of my biggest peeves was the author’s tendency to downplay systemic barriers in favor of individualistic solutions. For instance, her assertion that familial wealth brings its own hardships made my blood boil. While I can empathize with emotional struggles, waving off the very real disparities faced by less fortunate artists felt dismissive and frustratingly naive.
In her "Considerations on Capitalism" section, she posits that while capitalism is oppressive, we have power over our individual economic realities. This neoliberal individualistic perspective felt particularly disingenuous. By placing the onus on the individual to ‘influence’ their financial situation, it undermines broader societal movements aimed at dismantling the very system that keeps so many of us confined in cycles of struggle. If change is to occur, it cannot be fueled solely by personal responsibility or that ever-elusive notion of hard work; it requires collective action, solidarity, and a recognition of systemic inequality.
There were moments of lucidity in the writing, especially when the author touched on the nuanced emotional landscapes of creators. However, the overall tone felt overly sanitized and clinical, in stark contrast to the rawness of the topics she was tackling. I found myself racing through sections in annoyance rather than savoring them, caught up in my own biases—an unfortunate state of affairs for a reader who wanted to draw inspiration.
Upon reflection, I believe this book might resonate with those who are looking for practical tips rather than a deep dive into the cultural and economic implications of creating art in a capitalist society. However, for readers like me, who crave that radical analysis and want to see the gritty complexities of our artistic existence acknowledged, this book could feel lacking and maybe even infuriating.
While Make Your Art No Matter What contains some redeeming segments, particularly dealing with grief, I ultimately found it to be more about navigating the art market than igniting a revolutionary spirit. For those inspired by personal development narratives, it may hold appeal, but for me, it missed a crucial opportunity to encourage a more profound dialogue on art, community, and the fight against an oppressive system. If you’re looking for deep, incisive commentary on the role of art in activism or an embrace of the radical spirit within your creative pursuits, you might find yourself as disappointed as I was.
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