On Being an Artist

by Michael Craig-Martin (Artist)

Few living artists can claim to have had the influence of Michael Craig-Martin (born 1941). Celebrated globally for his distinctive art, with numerous retrospectives and honors to his name, he has helped nurture generations of younger artists.

In On Being an Artist , now published in paperback, Craig-Martin reflects with wit and candor on the people, ideas and events that have shaped his professional life. In a series of short, entertaining episodes, he recounts his time studying under Josef Albers at Yale University School of Art alongside Chuck Close, Richard Serra and others; his memories of meeting personal heroes such as Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns and John Cage; and his surreal experience of staking out Christine Keeler at the height of the Profumo scandal.

He recalls, too, his first tentative steps as an artist and emergence as a key figure of early conceptual art, and looks back on his achievements as a teacher at Goldsmiths, where he nurtured two generations of students, among them Damien Hirst and Sarah Lucas, earning himself the sobriquet “the godfather of the YBAs.”

Craig-Martin tackles controversial issues such as the fashionability of contemporary art, the enduring status of painting, the relevance of life drawing and practical skills, the qualities of art schools, the role of commercial dealers and the judgment of what is good and bad in art.

More than the life of one of the most creative minds of our age, On Being an Artist provides lesson after valuable lesson to anyone wishing to know what it means and what it takes to be an artist today.

"An erudite, insightful and hugely readable collection." – It's Nice That

"A gloriously illustrated credo-cum-memoir." –artsjournal.com

Genres: Art, Autobiography, Art History

304 pages, Paperback

First published April 20, 2015

Reviews

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

These short writings “on” different topics gleaned from Craig-Martin’s life and experience were entertaining and interesting to read. Easy to pick and put down as the sections were short.

[Aurelie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well worth the read. I hesitated between 4 stars and 5 stars for most of the book (it is probably a 4.5 star read) but I liked the mix of insights he shared about the art world, the Tate Gallery, making it as an artist and the reproduction of his paintings and sculptures. People hoping for a gossipy book will be disappointed. People hoping for a fail-proof recipe to succeed as an artist will be disappointed as well. He doesn't say much on his personal relationships and focuses on his education and art in a series of short texts that may be too shallow for some. I think he is trying to be helpful to the next generation of artists while recognizing that success can be quite random. You are likely to enjoy this book more if you are not so keen on finding nuggets of wisdom you can directly apply to your career path as an artist and just want to genuinely learn more about the author's view of the art world.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've no recollection of seeing Craig-Martin's work before, so it's not a prerequisite for reading the book. Definitely some valuable insights into a certain era of art, an interesting cross-continental perspective (American and British), and down-to-earth thinking about contemporary art.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I happened to sit next to the artist one night at a restaurant in London. Didn’t know who he was but found out later that night. He seems incredibly genuine, very intelligent and down to earth.

His book reflects the same. What a gift to hear his perspective on art, creating, passion and purpose.

So grateful I had that chance encounter!

[Rhona · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried to read this once more in case I was just in the wrong headspace last night, but it was perhaps more disappointing the second time round. Writing things bluntly like they’re revolutionary does not MAKE them revolutionary. Probably not as bad as one star but Jesus I was disappointed