Austin Kleon, a prolific writer and artist known for his books like 'Steal Like an Artist,' dives deep into the complexities of creativity and emotion. He discusses how his best work often springs from dark times, emphasizing the importance of balancing light and dark within us. Austin advocates for embracing a beginner's mindset and finding joy in ordinary moments, while sparking curiosity over wisdom. He challenges the notion that creativity must reflect personal struggles, suggesting that art should simply bring joy and connection.
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insights INSIGHT
Duality of Creativity
Austin Kleon views his creative process as a duality, with "dark" emotions like jealousy and anger informing his "light" work.
He uses the "dark wolf" for information, finding nourishment by exploring the opposite of negative feelings.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Wisdom from Struggle
Eric and Austin discuss how wisdom often comes from personal struggles and the need to learn specific lessons.
Austin mentions his mom, a guidance counselor, observing that many in her field seek counseling themselves.
insights INSIGHT
Nuance and Balance
Cultural preference for clear-cut narratives makes it difficult to reconcile artists' imperfections with their art.
Austin emphasizes the importance of nuance and balance, referencing historical figures who created beauty despite personal flaws.
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Newspaper Blackout is a unique collection of poems by Austin Kleon, created by eliminating unwanted words from newspaper articles with a permanent marker. The book includes original poems by Kleon, submissions from readers, and an appendix on how to create your own blackout poetry. It has been praised for its innovative approach to poetry and has inspired a movement in blackout poetry across the internet.
Keep Going
10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad
Austin Kleon
In 'Keep Going', Austin Kleon offers ten simple yet profound rules to help creative individuals stay inspired, focused, and true to themselves. The book emphasizes the importance of daily routines, disconnecting from the world to connect with oneself, and finding inspiration in everyday life. It also delves into themes such as the value of tidying up, the importance of fresh air, and the need to leave things better than you found them. The book is filled with motivational quotes, anecdotes, and artwork, making it a unique and inspiring read for anyone looking to sustain their creative journey[1][3][5].
The Comedy of Survival
Literary Ecology and a Play Ethic
Joseph W. Meeker
The Comedy of Survival is a foundational work in literary ecology, examining how literature shapes our relationship with nature. Joseph Meeker argues that comedy promotes survival by integrating us with nature, while tragedy estranges us from it. He introduces the concept of a play ethic as a necessary component of the comic spirit, advocating for harmony with the environment.
The Gift
The Form and Reason for Exchange in Archaic Societies
Marcel Mauss
In 'The Gift', Marcel Mauss explores the concept of gift exchange in various cultures, particularly in societies without monetary exchange or legal structures. He argues that gifts are not freely given but are part of a complex system of social obligations involving giving, receiving, and reciprocating. Mauss examines practices such as the potlatch among North American peoples and the kula in Melanesia, emphasizing the role of gifts in binding people together in a web of reciprocal commitments. The book also discusses the spiritual and economic implications of gift-giving, highlighting its significance in understanding social relations and cultural practices.
Sum
Forty Tales from the Afterlives
David Eagleman
Steal like an artist
10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative
Austin Kleon
This book, which began as a speech given by Austin Kleon to college students, expands into a manifesto for creativity. It outlines ten transformative principles such as 'Steal like an artist' (honoring, studying, and transforming ideas), 'Don’t wait until you know who you are to start making things,' and 'Use your hands' (emphasizing physical work). Kleon argues that creativity is not original but builds on what came before, and he provides practical tips and inspiring concepts for artists, writers, musicians, and anyone generating creative work[2][3][4].
Still
The Art of Noticing
Mary Jo Hoffman
Austin Kleon is a writer, artist, and speaker. Austin also speaks about creativity for organizations such as Pixar, Google, SXSW, and many others. He is the author of many books, including Steal Like an Artist, and Newspaper Blackout.
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In This Interview, Austin Kleon and I Discuss How to Stay Creative and …
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