I came across Amie McNee’s name not long ago, via boosted social media images of her inspirational quotes talking about being brave and bold and free with your art, whatever form that may take.
I more recently heard that she had written this book and I put it on hold at the library ASAP. Shortly after that, I found it on the Holds shelf waiting for me and grabbed it, diving into it that same day and not wanting to put it down.
From page one, I was in. I was so in.
It’s a casually worded, easily absorbed and exceptionally persuasive treatise on how everyone everywhere should feel free — nay, obliged — to make and share whatever art they wish as often as they practically can. McNee argues that artwork is at least as, and even more, deserving of our time as traditional “work” is, while also cementing the conclusion that art is absolutely work in and of itself and shouldn’t be considered anything less worthy of our time and attention (and potentially money, if that’s what an artist wants as a career). She argues that art is integral to making our very society who we are; that it informs and moves us in a way our everyday jobs simply can’t. That to not follow your inner artist and make and share whatever is inside you leaves the world a poorer place for the loss of that artwork.
It goes on in broad categories, examining from various different angles her undying encouragement of making art and how to contend with various (apparent) obstacles and issues people may encounter on their path to unleashing, or maybe just discovering, what art they have within themselves. Each section concludes with thoughtful, sometimes deep-diving questions the reader is asked to answer to better understand why we have the opinions we do about ourselves that may prevent us from making art.
Suffice to say, everyone everywhere on the scale between people who love art and maybe even make their own, to the the other end, those who feel art is all frivolity and not to be taken seriously, should read this book. There’s a very good chance it’ll forever change how you look at making art, for your benefit and the benefit of everyone else.
It’s the most inspirational book I’ve ever read.
I simply can’t recommend it highly enough.
Read it as soon as you can.