Finding the Muse: A Sociopsychological Inquiry into the Conditions of Artistic Creativity

by Mark Freeman

Finding the Muse explores the lives of a group of aspiring fine artists from the mid-1960s, when they completed art school, to the mid-1980s. It focuses on problems of artistic creativity as they relate to such issues as the mystique of the artist, the challenge of establishing community among artists, the place of the art market in the construction of artistic identity, and the limits and possibilities of modern and postmodern art itself. By identifying the salient problems of artistic creativity, the author provides a realistic portrayal of the contemporary artist and some useful suggestions for addressing the problems that curb creativity. Focusing on problems of creativity that have arisen in recent years, the book articulates the more optimal conditions within which the process of artistic creation might occur. Part psychology of creativity, part sociology of art, and part cultural criticism, the book will be of interest to psychologists, sociologists, philosophers, art historians, art educators and especially aspiring artists.

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 1994

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Reviews

[AttackGirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like I was being nagged most of the book like these poor pitiful artist, one after the other, it was exhausting. The Author definitely used enough examples of the artist “Template” pitiful demanding whining suicidal etc.

I do agree with several comments about the “artist” behavior and the direct correlation of success to outrage though I Don’t necessarily agree as to with why or when it manifest. Especially since all who reading my writings know I believe its all in the DNA.
The most important thing we have yet to universally realize and put into practice in this world is the yin yang, pos, neg, light and dark, the artist needs to be paired with the analytical.

I also think Mark might want to take a stroll through art history to understand the real MUSE.