Art and Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland (Image Continuum Press, ISBN 0-9614547-3-3) is a plain-speak, direct answer to those facing their creative fears.  These authors discuss the pitfalls of creative callings, and the reasons why so many artists put aside their brushes and become “ex-artists.”

Their message is not that being an artist is uniquely difficult; on the contrary Bayles and Orland believe artists and others who pursue creative vocations must put aside their ideas of artistic temperament and concepts like writer’s block in favor of viewing creative work in more mundane terms.  In this way, they claim, artists can depend upon hard work and commitment to solve their creative dilemmas.

Bayles and Orland are also not great believers in talent.  That is, they don’t believe that talent alone, or lack of it, makes or breaks  true artists.  Talent without commitment leads nowhere, they insist.  But a lack of talent is not necessarily an obstacle, because with true dedication learned skill can more than compensate.

They urge those with the desire to create to approach their art as they would a sort of obligation, or any other sort of worthwhile endeavor, rather than as a “magical” process that may overwhelm them.  Whether or not the reader agrees that artists can be made rather than born, this slim read will motivate and inspire.