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Life After Art: What You Forgot About Life and Faith Since You Left the Art Room
You will be creating for the rest of your life. You might as well do it on purpose. Everyone was an artist, once. But somewhere between kindergarten and now, we lost the confidence to create. We’ve crumbled under the pressure to find our place in the “real, grown-up” world and now see the art room as a happy memory with no real value. Instead of approaching the world with childhood freedom and peace, we fear unmet ambitions. We fear that our lives have little meaning, purpose, or value. We fear that God has a plan for us, but we’re missing it. Yet if we travel back to our seats in the art room, art teacher Matt Appling reminds us of lessons we’ve forgotten, the joy of creating, and the freedom we had to succeed or fail. We can relearn these lessons and practice them to lead the contented, joy-filled, and productive lives that God created us to live.
160 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2013
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299 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 1, 2014
This book is, categorically, a Christian Living book; and while there is an obvious Christian influence throughout the writing, I found that it wasn't oppressively pushing an agenda or in-your-face preachy that is often characteristic of the category. The basis of the book is seemingly simple: we, as human beings created in the image of the ultimate Creator, are born to create, and create. Yet, over time, we've turned from this calling, forcing ourselves to abandon the “childish” behaviors that brought us most joy and commanding our creative natures to find another outlet, often resulting in complex stressors and an underlying lack of happiness.
Matt notes that as children, we embrace this truth. We freely and happily share our art with anyone that will have it. We sing, we paint, we draw, we imagine elaborate games – all without care, concern, or fear. However, as we grow older and more experienced in the world, we begin to fall into the trap of comparison. We see that our peers are better than we are. We are embarrassed by our creations. We fail in our attempts and then become too scared to try again. We settle for good enough instead of good. We stop thinking about creating.
While I consider myself a very creative and artistic person, I must admit that it's been a while since I've picked up a paintbrush. And, after reading Matt's book, that's exactly what I'm inclined to do – stretch a huge canvas and paint away – without hesitation and fear of mistakes. Without over thinking and over stressing. Without focusing on the perfect-ness and instead just letting the brush go…. I'm sensing a weekend project in my near future. Because after all,
An amateur artist tries to erase a mistake. A master artist learns how to work with a mistake.
Matt notes that as children, we embrace this truth. We freely and happily share our art with anyone that will have it. We sing, we paint, we draw, we imagine elaborate games – all without care, concern, or fear. However, as we grow older and more experienced in the world, we begin to fall into the trap of comparison. We see that our peers are better than we are. We are embarrassed by our creations. We fail in our attempts and then become too scared to try again. We settle for good enough instead of good. We stop thinking about creating.
While I consider myself a very creative and artistic person, I must admit that it's been a while since I've picked up a paintbrush. And, after reading Matt's book, that's exactly what I'm inclined to do – stretch a huge canvas and paint away – without hesitation and fear of mistakes. Without over thinking and over stressing. Without focusing on the perfect-ness and instead just letting the brush go…. I'm sensing a weekend project in my near future. Because after all,
An amateur artist tries to erase a mistake. A master artist learns how to work with a mistake.
August 19, 2013
My friend Sonny Lemmons made the observation that Life After Art is less of a how-to book than a kind of manifesto, and I think that’s perfect word for it. It’s a short book and an easy read. It paints the whole thing in broad strokes. And while I would have loved to see more nuanced blending, more detail, more complexity, I don’t think that was really the point.
I think the point was to remind us who we once were and to give us a little jolt of inspiration. I think it was to remind us that beauty matters in a world obsessed with productivity and utility. It’s to help us return, just a little, to that kid with a paintbrush who was so excited to just create.
I think the point was to remind us who we once were and to give us a little jolt of inspiration. I think it was to remind us that beauty matters in a world obsessed with productivity and utility. It’s to help us return, just a little, to that kid with a paintbrush who was so excited to just create.
November 2, 2014
There was one thing in the book I didn't agree with, several ideas I did agree with, and more that caused me to think... which are the makings for a good read. I gave it a 3 because I didn't really like the structure of the chapters and that 1 part of his book I just did not like at all. It could be that I wasn't understanding his view on it, but I thought it over for several days. I do think that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What 1 person thinks is beautiful is different from another's. Some like a colorful Rothko others don't, some like a Kirby comic book others don't, some like the slim lines of a sofa others prefer cushy couches. Overall, I'm glad I read this book.
December 9, 2019
Impowering
Very well written. You emphasise on creating was unique and interesting. Striving for beauty is so important in this day. Beauty is not just in art but also in how we live our lives and treat our fellow man. Thank you for your in site.
Very well written. You emphasise on creating was unique and interesting. Striving for beauty is so important in this day. Beauty is not just in art but also in how we live our lives and treat our fellow man. Thank you for your in site.
July 5, 2018
Interesting book - enjoyed the topic. Several different bits to sit on and think about.
March 29, 2013
I'm a sucker for movies and books that transport you back to the carefree days of childhood. The Sandlot. The NeverEnding Story. The Chronicles of Narnia. These are touchstone narratives of my youth, stories that I can read or watch now and recall what it was like to not be so cynical. Matt Appling's
Life After Art: What You Forgot About Life and Faith Since You Left the Art Room
does just that: it amplifies quiet echoes from my past, beckoning me to heed their call well into my future.
Years ago I read Alan D. Wright's A Childlike Heart . As far as I know, it's not a well-known work, but it should be. Wright reveals layers upon layers of meaning from Jesus' stunning words in Matthew 18:3, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." The book brought me face-to-face with my own hardened heart, lost of its innocence, imagination, trust, and wide-eyed wonder.
In Life, Appling ponders the same issues, but in a much more specific way. As an elementary school art teacher, he uses the lessons he's learned from his students to offer his readers a way to look at their artistic, and even their spiritual, lives. He points to three particular notions we've lost about ourselves since childhood:
"Creating was important to you."
"You were generous with your creations."
"You lacked self-conciousness in your creating."
From his real-life research, Appling's noted that it's around the 5th or 6th grade that his students begin to become too self-aware, causing them to devalue creativity, hold back from sharing, and fear embarrassment for creating anything. Unless their course through life takes a detour, these children are likely to become complacent when it comes to artistic endeavors. Appling writes toward altering that course.
Through succinct personal stories, he shares about his dismay with his students' lack of enthusiasm, their parents' ignorance of the necessity for an art class ("Just be creative!"), or his own struggles with trying to effectively teach both art and life lessons. His candor and insight provide ample fodder for further discussion, as evidenced by the questions included at the end of each chapter.
Throughout the book, Appling includes spotlight sections on creative giants like Jim Henson and Ole Kirk Christiansen, creator of Legos. Though short, these asides affirm that creatives can thrive, even in the "grown-up" world.
As a consistent blogger writing through the lens of his Christian faith, Appling includes a few smart tirades in Life. Reminiscent of Michael Gungor's The Crowd, the Critic, and the Muse , Appling ponders the death of creativity in the church at large (pgs. 60-61). He also wonders if anyone currently creates timeless works of art in our otherwise "disposable" culture (pgs. 68-69).
After presenting what we've forgotten, Appling offers what we should remember. Namely:
"It is time to stop living for 'good enough.'"
"Failure is not always something to be feared."
"You are a creator."
Each chapter expounds on these issues. They're encouragement to the wrestling writer and the angsty artist, as well as to the yearning creative who's been trapped by fear since childhood to ever delve into that world again. In the end [spoiler alert!], Appling says that our job, as creative image-bearers of a creative God, is to create beauty.
"You can make time every day to joyfully, generously, unabashedly create beauty."
Read Life After Art, then start creating, fearless of failure, wide-eyed with wonder, and bent on beauty.
This review originally appeared at FaithVillage.com.
Years ago I read Alan D. Wright's A Childlike Heart . As far as I know, it's not a well-known work, but it should be. Wright reveals layers upon layers of meaning from Jesus' stunning words in Matthew 18:3, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." The book brought me face-to-face with my own hardened heart, lost of its innocence, imagination, trust, and wide-eyed wonder.
In Life, Appling ponders the same issues, but in a much more specific way. As an elementary school art teacher, he uses the lessons he's learned from his students to offer his readers a way to look at their artistic, and even their spiritual, lives. He points to three particular notions we've lost about ourselves since childhood:
"Creating was important to you."
"You were generous with your creations."
"You lacked self-conciousness in your creating."
From his real-life research, Appling's noted that it's around the 5th or 6th grade that his students begin to become too self-aware, causing them to devalue creativity, hold back from sharing, and fear embarrassment for creating anything. Unless their course through life takes a detour, these children are likely to become complacent when it comes to artistic endeavors. Appling writes toward altering that course.
Through succinct personal stories, he shares about his dismay with his students' lack of enthusiasm, their parents' ignorance of the necessity for an art class ("Just be creative!"), or his own struggles with trying to effectively teach both art and life lessons. His candor and insight provide ample fodder for further discussion, as evidenced by the questions included at the end of each chapter.
Throughout the book, Appling includes spotlight sections on creative giants like Jim Henson and Ole Kirk Christiansen, creator of Legos. Though short, these asides affirm that creatives can thrive, even in the "grown-up" world.
As a consistent blogger writing through the lens of his Christian faith, Appling includes a few smart tirades in Life. Reminiscent of Michael Gungor's The Crowd, the Critic, and the Muse , Appling ponders the death of creativity in the church at large (pgs. 60-61). He also wonders if anyone currently creates timeless works of art in our otherwise "disposable" culture (pgs. 68-69).
After presenting what we've forgotten, Appling offers what we should remember. Namely:
"It is time to stop living for 'good enough.'"
"Failure is not always something to be feared."
"You are a creator."
Each chapter expounds on these issues. They're encouragement to the wrestling writer and the angsty artist, as well as to the yearning creative who's been trapped by fear since childhood to ever delve into that world again. In the end [spoiler alert!], Appling says that our job, as creative image-bearers of a creative God, is to create beauty.
"You can make time every day to joyfully, generously, unabashedly create beauty."
Read Life After Art, then start creating, fearless of failure, wide-eyed with wonder, and bent on beauty.
This review originally appeared at FaithVillage.com.
April 1, 2013
Life After Art is not as much about art and creativity as one might suspect judging by the book cover. This book is more so about how to learn the art of making life beautiful, though it is not an instruction manual. Believe you me, you are going to find yourself immensely challenged and asking yourself a lot of questions about how you can live a more beautiful life after you've closed the cover . . . but you're going to be insanely happy about it.
Matt Appling invites us to journey into thought with him, a thought of a time long ago in every person's life. A time when we were that joyful and carefree five year old who wanted nothing more than to create something beautiful to share with the world. It was that time in every young person's life when the most important things to us were our crayola crayons, playing make believe, telling wild stories and singing aloud for the world to hear us, whether we were any good or not. Back then, when we were that bright-eyed five year old, we were as close to what God had intended for us to be as ever. We were the indomitable believers, dreamers and eager beauty-sharers. In the words of the author himself, "This book is about discovering and living in that moment."
Somewhere along the way most of us adults lost a bit of that creative wild eyed wonder. We lost that driving indomitable child-like faith in our art, life and dreams. We stopped creating, we learned our base limitations in life, and ultimately we got lazy (or at least I did.) But our adult lives don't have to stay this way forever. We are all capable of creating beautiful lives, lives of which are begging to be shared with the world, because we have been made in the very image of the most beautiful Creator of all. We are the created-to-create ones, whether you are a photographer, painter or writer, etc. We were created to make beauty; that is every child's gift. Now, whether we choose to challenge ourselves and run after that child-like faith or not, that driving force which begs for us to create beauty because it is such a primal desire running within us . . . well, that is our own choice to make, isn't it? And in the wise words of the writer J.R.R. Tolkien, "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” Ultimately I think this is what Matt Appling is getting at: use your time wisely to create beauty wherever and whenever you can, and be bold while doing it!
Life After Art does not tell us how to live, but rather how to run after that innate desire that has been within us along, that desire which longs to create and share beauty with the world; to live a unique life that will surely leave a legacy. To quote the author once more: "You will be creating for the rest of your life. You might as well do it on purpose."
Matt Appling invites us to journey into thought with him, a thought of a time long ago in every person's life. A time when we were that joyful and carefree five year old who wanted nothing more than to create something beautiful to share with the world. It was that time in every young person's life when the most important things to us were our crayola crayons, playing make believe, telling wild stories and singing aloud for the world to hear us, whether we were any good or not. Back then, when we were that bright-eyed five year old, we were as close to what God had intended for us to be as ever. We were the indomitable believers, dreamers and eager beauty-sharers. In the words of the author himself, "This book is about discovering and living in that moment."
Somewhere along the way most of us adults lost a bit of that creative wild eyed wonder. We lost that driving indomitable child-like faith in our art, life and dreams. We stopped creating, we learned our base limitations in life, and ultimately we got lazy (or at least I did.) But our adult lives don't have to stay this way forever. We are all capable of creating beautiful lives, lives of which are begging to be shared with the world, because we have been made in the very image of the most beautiful Creator of all. We are the created-to-create ones, whether you are a photographer, painter or writer, etc. We were created to make beauty; that is every child's gift. Now, whether we choose to challenge ourselves and run after that child-like faith or not, that driving force which begs for us to create beauty because it is such a primal desire running within us . . . well, that is our own choice to make, isn't it? And in the wise words of the writer J.R.R. Tolkien, "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” Ultimately I think this is what Matt Appling is getting at: use your time wisely to create beauty wherever and whenever you can, and be bold while doing it!
Life After Art does not tell us how to live, but rather how to run after that innate desire that has been within us along, that desire which longs to create and share beauty with the world; to live a unique life that will surely leave a legacy. To quote the author once more: "You will be creating for the rest of your life. You might as well do it on purpose."
April 1, 2013
Matt Appling's Life After Art: What You Forgot About Life and Faith Since You Left the Art Room is about many things: “… faith, family, hope, disappointment, dreams, failures, and all the other things that make up adult life.”
It’s also about creativity, motivation, and enthusiasm … which children possess in abundance, but adults have to work hard to regain.
Matt combines psychological, sociological, and spiritual insights deftly and in a style which engages us from page one. Since he is an experienced art teacher (and a very passionate one), Matt uses this territory to make his points and does so skillfully. He knows and marks the trail clearly for us to follow.
His basic premise (in my words):
As children, we start creative, then lose our creative abilities … so we have to intentionally regain those things we knew and did naturally as children.
In his words, the topic broadens:
“There are a lot of things you and I used to know about life and faith and the world. No one taught us these things. They were just given to us by our Creator. But over the years, this native knowledge about the world around us got covered up. And that has shaped and colored our lives in negative ways every since then.”
Most developmental and learning curve models that we see and use show the person starting at Square One – a place where no skills or even much motivation exist. Matt gives us a much different model where we start with skills, knowledge, and motivation.
Matt uses the elementary school art classroom as the central stage where he builds his first premise of this book. Here’s his description of five-year olds:
“… most of us had uncanny creative drives, we were generous with what we created, and we created with abandon and lack of self-awareness.”
In other words, we start creative, trusting, and non-judgmental.
Does this sound like you now, or most adults you know? Me, neither … but I wish it did.
Along the path of growing and in social group experiences, most of us lose these natural and wonderful skills. This book is about how we fix this.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book ... and now I’m remembering the delicious smell of fresh crayons and clean art paper in the morning.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review purposes. As always, I only comment on books that I find to have value for people and this one is an easy recommendation.
It’s also about creativity, motivation, and enthusiasm … which children possess in abundance, but adults have to work hard to regain.
Matt combines psychological, sociological, and spiritual insights deftly and in a style which engages us from page one. Since he is an experienced art teacher (and a very passionate one), Matt uses this territory to make his points and does so skillfully. He knows and marks the trail clearly for us to follow.
His basic premise (in my words):
As children, we start creative, then lose our creative abilities … so we have to intentionally regain those things we knew and did naturally as children.
In his words, the topic broadens:
“There are a lot of things you and I used to know about life and faith and the world. No one taught us these things. They were just given to us by our Creator. But over the years, this native knowledge about the world around us got covered up. And that has shaped and colored our lives in negative ways every since then.”
Most developmental and learning curve models that we see and use show the person starting at Square One – a place where no skills or even much motivation exist. Matt gives us a much different model where we start with skills, knowledge, and motivation.
Matt uses the elementary school art classroom as the central stage where he builds his first premise of this book. Here’s his description of five-year olds:
“… most of us had uncanny creative drives, we were generous with what we created, and we created with abandon and lack of self-awareness.”
In other words, we start creative, trusting, and non-judgmental.
Does this sound like you now, or most adults you know? Me, neither … but I wish it did.
Along the path of growing and in social group experiences, most of us lose these natural and wonderful skills. This book is about how we fix this.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book ... and now I’m remembering the delicious smell of fresh crayons and clean art paper in the morning.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review purposes. As always, I only comment on books that I find to have value for people and this one is an easy recommendation.
April 2, 2013
I believe you are creative – whether or not you have an artistic bone in your body. I believe you have the potential to do great things. I believe that when you use your creativity, you reflect the image of God, the Creator.
The question is, do you believe these things?
If so, you will love Matt Appling’s first book, Life After Art. If not, you need to read it!
Life After Art is about creativity – life – faith – and a whole lot more. It’s about losing and rediscovering ourselves. It’s about what happens when we move from the kindergarten art room – where we blossom as creative risk takers who revel in art and play – to elementary and high school – where we become self-conscious slackers, driven by peer pressure, content to do just enough to get by – to adulthood, where our dreams and passions slowly become buried under the grind and pressures of daily living.
Life After Art describes what happens when we grow up – then guides us back to the kindergarten art room, where we can rekindle our passions and revive our souls. It teaches us how to relearn all of the important lessons that we have forgotten and so desperately need to remember. It shows us how to create beauty in a world filled with ugliness. It implores us to stop being satisfied with the status quo and to start aiming for something extraordinary!
Life After Art embodies all of the life lessons that Matt Appling wants his art students to remember long after they leave his classroom – and imparts wisdom we need to remember, too!
Matt challenges us with the really important questions we need to ask ourselves about our lives – and in the process, inspires us with stories of some of the best creative minds who have influenced our generation.
What kind of legacy are you building?
What would you like your life to mean when it is over?
Are you creating with intentionality?
Sometimes, you come across a book you wish that everyone could read. Life After Art is one of those books. I thoroughly enjoyed Life After Art – and look forward to more books from this author!
The question is, do you believe these things?
If so, you will love Matt Appling’s first book, Life After Art. If not, you need to read it!
Life After Art is about creativity – life – faith – and a whole lot more. It’s about losing and rediscovering ourselves. It’s about what happens when we move from the kindergarten art room – where we blossom as creative risk takers who revel in art and play – to elementary and high school – where we become self-conscious slackers, driven by peer pressure, content to do just enough to get by – to adulthood, where our dreams and passions slowly become buried under the grind and pressures of daily living.
Life After Art describes what happens when we grow up – then guides us back to the kindergarten art room, where we can rekindle our passions and revive our souls. It teaches us how to relearn all of the important lessons that we have forgotten and so desperately need to remember. It shows us how to create beauty in a world filled with ugliness. It implores us to stop being satisfied with the status quo and to start aiming for something extraordinary!
Life After Art embodies all of the life lessons that Matt Appling wants his art students to remember long after they leave his classroom – and imparts wisdom we need to remember, too!
Matt challenges us with the really important questions we need to ask ourselves about our lives – and in the process, inspires us with stories of some of the best creative minds who have influenced our generation.
What kind of legacy are you building?
What would you like your life to mean when it is over?
Are you creating with intentionality?
Sometimes, you come across a book you wish that everyone could read. Life After Art is one of those books. I thoroughly enjoyed Life After Art – and look forward to more books from this author!
October 20, 2014
Appling mentions two different types of boundaries - the good, positive ones God places on people's lives and the negative, unnecessary boundaries people place on themselves (p. 100). But then, he talks about people who defy boundaries and do things like escaping exploitation, achieving despite a painful past, etc. Which one of the two previous types of categories would these acts fit into? I don't think they fit into either - these people are not by any means placing limitations on *themselves* when their situations force them into tough or even horrific situations. He says people complain too much about our circumstances being the cause of of our failures. I don't think it is fair to say this, especially not for the examples he in that previous section. For some people, the circumstances they are born or thrust into are far too great to overcome without additional supports. It would be awfully unfair to suggest otherwise.
My questions are…which boundaries/limitations can and should be overcome? Which can and should not? What would Appling say is the right balance between laziness and perfection? I could use more of a practical guide for this, but he says there is no formulaic response for beauty, so I doubt there is for this either.
Despite my critiques, I really loved some of the things I read in this book, too. I agree that the world needs us and our gifts and that we far too often hold back for fear of failure. I really like his emphasis on how our creations reflect who we are as creators. I agree that beauty takes time and that as a society we often substitute true beauty for cheap, quick, and easy satisfaction. True beauty is fragile and in need of protection.
One line I really loved:
"You never know how far the beauty you create will reach. It reaches far beyond ourselves, out into the world. Who taught Michelangelo to sculpt? Who taught Martin Luther how to read his Bible? Who taught Mozart how to compose music? They are people who don't make the history books, but they created other people. Without those anonymous creators, there is no history." As a future teacher, paragraph inspires me deeply!
My questions are…which boundaries/limitations can and should be overcome? Which can and should not? What would Appling say is the right balance between laziness and perfection? I could use more of a practical guide for this, but he says there is no formulaic response for beauty, so I doubt there is for this either.
Despite my critiques, I really loved some of the things I read in this book, too. I agree that the world needs us and our gifts and that we far too often hold back for fear of failure. I really like his emphasis on how our creations reflect who we are as creators. I agree that beauty takes time and that as a society we often substitute true beauty for cheap, quick, and easy satisfaction. True beauty is fragile and in need of protection.
One line I really loved:
"You never know how far the beauty you create will reach. It reaches far beyond ourselves, out into the world. Who taught Michelangelo to sculpt? Who taught Martin Luther how to read his Bible? Who taught Mozart how to compose music? They are people who don't make the history books, but they created other people. Without those anonymous creators, there is no history." As a future teacher, paragraph inspires me deeply!
March 13, 2014
As someone who was home schooled from Kindergarten to Graduation, I was a bit hesitant about Life After Art. I never actually had “art class” in school, other than the occasional class a lady from our church would offer.
My mom still has the pitiful paintings I made hanging in frames on the wall, and truth be told, I don’t remember any great, life-changing lessons from those art classes of my childhood.
So I was delighted and happily surprised when I began to read Appling’s discussion of art, and the changing way we view art from a broader perspective.
Discussing everything from puppets and video games, to tattoo artists and finger paint, I found Life After Art to be an enjoyable survey of the way we create, view and understand art.
Perhaps the most inspiring connection Appling draws in Life After Art, is the one between God and ourselves. As Appling accurately points out, God created everything, and we are created in His Image, so we have an in-born desire to create. Even though we may not all have the desire or capability to paint timeless masterpieces, we create in our own unique ways, whether that be the photograph we take, the meal we cook, the book we write, or the cabinets we craft.
I came away from Life After Art, not only wishing I could take Appling’s art classes, but also having a greater appreciation for the creativity that God has gifted each of us with. I would give Life After Art a “B”, as I found the first chapter a bit slow, though my attention was captured and held throughout the remainder of the book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Moody Publishers Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 .
My mom still has the pitiful paintings I made hanging in frames on the wall, and truth be told, I don’t remember any great, life-changing lessons from those art classes of my childhood.
So I was delighted and happily surprised when I began to read Appling’s discussion of art, and the changing way we view art from a broader perspective.
Discussing everything from puppets and video games, to tattoo artists and finger paint, I found Life After Art to be an enjoyable survey of the way we create, view and understand art.
Perhaps the most inspiring connection Appling draws in Life After Art, is the one between God and ourselves. As Appling accurately points out, God created everything, and we are created in His Image, so we have an in-born desire to create. Even though we may not all have the desire or capability to paint timeless masterpieces, we create in our own unique ways, whether that be the photograph we take, the meal we cook, the book we write, or the cabinets we craft.
I came away from Life After Art, not only wishing I could take Appling’s art classes, but also having a greater appreciation for the creativity that God has gifted each of us with. I would give Life After Art a “B”, as I found the first chapter a bit slow, though my attention was captured and held throughout the remainder of the book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Moody Publishers Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 .
August 7, 2013
Book Review: Life After Art by Matt Appling
As usual the subtitle gives an accurate synopsis of what the book contains: what you forgot about life and faith since you left the art room.
Written by an art teacher, this book is certainly different. One very good thing that is does is to challenge and stretch your thinking. Who doesn’t need that?
Life After Art is a far cry from a Bible study or devotional guide. It isn’t “billed” as such, so good thing. But coming from Moody, I expected a little bit more along those lines. There are no scripture references at all. There are occasional references to God or to a Bible story character to make me think the author may be a Christian.
The main plus for this book was the way it challenges the status quo of thinking. It addresses things such as the meaning of art, creativity, beauty, laziness and constraints.
If you like to read books that stretch your thinking or that are different than your ordinary devotional or Bible study type of book this book may be just what you are looking for.
To purchase your own copy of this book go here:Life After Art: What You Forgot About Life and Faith Since You Left the Art Room
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Moody Publishers through their blogging for books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
(c) 2013 Cheryl Cope
As usual the subtitle gives an accurate synopsis of what the book contains: what you forgot about life and faith since you left the art room.
Written by an art teacher, this book is certainly different. One very good thing that is does is to challenge and stretch your thinking. Who doesn’t need that?
Life After Art is a far cry from a Bible study or devotional guide. It isn’t “billed” as such, so good thing. But coming from Moody, I expected a little bit more along those lines. There are no scripture references at all. There are occasional references to God or to a Bible story character to make me think the author may be a Christian.
The main plus for this book was the way it challenges the status quo of thinking. It addresses things such as the meaning of art, creativity, beauty, laziness and constraints.
If you like to read books that stretch your thinking or that are different than your ordinary devotional or Bible study type of book this book may be just what you are looking for.
To purchase your own copy of this book go here:Life After Art: What You Forgot About Life and Faith Since You Left the Art Room
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Moody Publishers through their blogging for books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
(c) 2013 Cheryl Cope
April 4, 2013
We are all born creative, Matt Appling reminds us. We are all born to want to create with abandon, to take risks, to eschew affirmation. But then, over time, those desires are drummed out of us, steady and hard. And Matt would know - he's an elementary school art teacher.
This book affirmed something I have been thinking for a long time - the purpose-driven life is over-rated. Okay, not in the sense of serving your life's purpose, but in the sense that everything we do must always, for every moment, be focused on efficiency and pragmatism. Sometimes, we just need to create something beautiful.
A great read for anyone who feels the challenge of being creative in a society that says creativity is a waste of time, for anyone who wants to reclaim their creativity, and especially for parents and other people who spend time with young children. What if we could drum - beauty, art, risk, fun - into kids as loudly as we do - money, focus, career? That's the question Matt asks us to consider.
This book affirmed something I have been thinking for a long time - the purpose-driven life is over-rated. Okay, not in the sense of serving your life's purpose, but in the sense that everything we do must always, for every moment, be focused on efficiency and pragmatism. Sometimes, we just need to create something beautiful.
A great read for anyone who feels the challenge of being creative in a society that says creativity is a waste of time, for anyone who wants to reclaim their creativity, and especially for parents and other people who spend time with young children. What if we could drum - beauty, art, risk, fun - into kids as loudly as we do - money, focus, career? That's the question Matt asks us to consider.
November 27, 2014
STAR RATING:
4.75 Stars
REACTION:
I think the biggest thing I did not like about this book is that it did not give me a formula on how to make my life beautiful-- a set of steps to follow when I feel stuck...
But that would have defeated the purpose of the whole book. Appling is honest and shares a message I believe we all need to hear about creating beauty in our lives. We're all artist and creatives.
Life After Art is inspiring and challenging because it makes you think about your life and actually DOING SOMETHING if you want to see change. Real beauty, real hard work. We need to stop settling.
CRITIQUE:
My complaint about the book is it was a bit wordy at time, I felt he repeated the same thought in different ways sometimes and that could have been cut back some. The writing was pretty good, but could have been better. However, that did not detract from the book too much, and his message is so good and unique that it makes up for it.
4.75 Stars
REACTION:
I think the biggest thing I did not like about this book is that it did not give me a formula on how to make my life beautiful-- a set of steps to follow when I feel stuck...
But that would have defeated the purpose of the whole book. Appling is honest and shares a message I believe we all need to hear about creating beauty in our lives. We're all artist and creatives.
Life After Art is inspiring and challenging because it makes you think about your life and actually DOING SOMETHING if you want to see change. Real beauty, real hard work. We need to stop settling.
CRITIQUE:
My complaint about the book is it was a bit wordy at time, I felt he repeated the same thought in different ways sometimes and that could have been cut back some. The writing was pretty good, but could have been better. However, that did not detract from the book too much, and his message is so good and unique that it makes up for it.
June 19, 2014
Overall I am quite happy I read this book, and found a lot of ideas and thoughts to highlight and consider at a later date. I definitely appreciated Appling's insights as a teacher who both lived and watches this all unfold. I don't know if I buy in to all of his thoughts about beauty which seemed to have almost absolute value in his eyes (possibly that ties in to his perfectionism and fear of failure) and think he deems some things as laziness that might actually have more to do with interest (I would have probably sought for ways to engage that child more) but I thought that the anecdotes about the people he admired as well as the importance of creating were really thought provoking. Definitely a book I will reference.
April 20, 2018
This one disappeared on me during some bookshelf reorganization and I’m so glad I rediscovered it. I really love this book. I don’t even want to give quotes and points on my review because I want everyone else to read it. Everyone who has ever been a Kindergartner and has given up art because they thought they weren’t talented... everyone who has ever said “I can’t even draw stick figures”... everyone who believes that there’s beauty out there in all shapes and sizes - all professions - all people ... this book is for everyone. I would lend you my copy, but it’s stained, dog eared, and marked in. I normally don’t write in books, but this one had too many take aways to resist.
May 2, 2013
This book is about creativity, about living lives that are full and beautiful. Mr Appling (I think it's because he's a teacher, but I can't think about the author by any other name, so I'm going with it) doesn't think quite way I do, about creativity or childhood. I find myself wanting to ask him about quilting, and mistakes, blogging, and Pinterest. I think it's a good sign when you find yourself talking back to an author. And I think it's noteable that I want to lend this book to other people, and that I flew through it.
November 29, 2014
What started out as an entertaining and quirky look at what we have lost of art as adults quickly turns into christian fundamentalist preaching. This book is just another opportunity for a religious sermon, taught under the guise of art education. Opinions about god are spoken of as facts, and in the brainwashed eyes of the author, any idea of inspiration can only be thought of as divine. Avoid this at all costs if you are a critical thinker who has moved past Sunday school dogma, it's a complete waste of your time.
June 3, 2013
This book had some good things to say, however, I found them to be obscured by the way the author tried to make everything universal (which it was not), the insecurity of the author and the writing style. Honestly, I just don't think that this was a book-length subject. I am sad about this review, because the reason I read this, was at the recommendation of lots of blogger friends, whom I trust. Oh well.
July 31, 2016
Read my full thoughts on this book and hundreds more over at Read.Write.Repeat.
I loved this book. It reiterates so much of what I teach in my Intro to Humanities course. We are all created to be artists. God, as our Creator, made us in His image. Therefore, creativity is an innate part of our being. We all can create in different ways, even when it seems like a long forgotten part of our person.
I loved this book. It reiterates so much of what I teach in my Intro to Humanities course. We are all created to be artists. God, as our Creator, made us in His image. Therefore, creativity is an innate part of our being. We all can create in different ways, even when it seems like a long forgotten part of our person.
November 6, 2013
i thought this was a good book. It was really short but it got across the points it needed to. I really loved how he discusses the beauty is NOT in the eye of the beholder. I like how he discusses just because someone likes something it does not necessarily beautiful.
December 14, 2014
Read like a series of blog essays compiled into a book. While I agreed with a lot of the content, parts of it were repetitive and not fully fleshed out. I would have liked to see more research to support his claims rather than solely relying on anecdotes.
February 3, 2015
Concept is great. The idea has bounced around my head since I started the book. I lost a bit of steam toward the end. I felt like he had played all his cards and was now basically reiterating the point he had already made and I started losing interest.
Enjoyed it overall, though
Enjoyed it overall, though
April 11, 2013
Some interesting thoughts on rediscovering creativity. Some arguments rubbed me the wrong way, but getting past that there were some quality insights.
August 13, 2013
Enjoyable and a simple read. I imagine Appling's next book will dig deeper into the root of creativity encouraging kids to maintain the flow of creativity.
April 1, 2014
After reading Life After Art, I decided immediately to share it with the team of people I create with. Accessible, incite full, and engaging, Life After Art is well worth reading.
April 2, 2014
This book is a beautiful reminder that we were placed on this earth not just to exist, but to create, and to bring God glory in creating. Well worth the read.
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