Welcome to my book page!
The Confident Creative /
Drawing to Free the Hand and Mind
(Findhorn Press 2010)
The simple act of drawing can connect with our true creative selves and this book shows how. It’s for both the practicing artist and the person who wishes to explore drawing. The focus goes beyond drawing skills to ways to overcome mental blocks and grow creative courage. There are over 100 pieces of art by a dozen contemporary artists and members
of The Saturday Morning Drawing Club, a class taught by the author upon which the book is based.
The Confident Creative was a 2011 gold medal winner in the Nautilus Book Awards, which seek to honor “exceptional literary contributions to spiritual growth, conscious living, high-level wellness, green values, responsible leadership and positive social change as well as to the worlds of art, creativity and inspirational reading…”
Available on Amazon.
Reviews
5/5 stars "Find Your Creative Confidence"
Sue B / VINE VOICE March 24, 2011
Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase
There is so much more to this book than the title would lead you to believe. If you're looking for a book that will teach you how the technical techniques of drawing lanscapes, portraits etc, this is not the book you want. But if you're looking for a book that will help you find the confidence to draw without judgement in your own artistic style then you need to buy this book.
This is a beautifully written book whose pages I will turn to again and again when I am in need of a creative push. it doesn't matter what artistic medium you work in or even whether or not you're interested in drawing, you'll find inspiration in these pages that will nurture and help you find your own creative confidence.
5/5 stars "A brilliant book full of creative ways to find your artistic self and give you confidence as well."
M Grossman on March 13, 2010
Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase
This book is a masterpiece. It's fearless, beautifully written, and accessible to all artists and writers. Filled with creative ideas and passion, this book is the best of its kind. Through insight and fun exercises, Cat Bennett, replaces the fear of "I can't draw" with, "I can and I will." If you "show up" something will happen. Her humor, in combination with profound insight make this book a MUST HAVE!!!! Her art is magical and it's a page turner. Close your eyes and draw. It's fun.
5/5 stars "Spirited, intimate, sharing of the navigation of an artist."
heliojeff June 29, 2011
Loved this book and its real and profound approach to moving beyond the self doubt and self critics that take such a heavy toll on young artists and more mature artists as well. It is a fun and nurturing book, I am sharing with friends and family, and recommending to any aspiring creative.
Making Art a Practice /
How To be the Artist You Are
(Findhorn Press 2013)
Learn how to show up and create a vital art practice. The book contains 30 ways we can connect with our true creative selves and grow our art. Some of the practices work with the mind and are based in yoga, others are various ways we can experiment with drawing and painting. The book is illustrated with the art of twenty contemporary artists from around the world working in various media.
Making Art a Practice won Foreword’s 2014 “Book of the Year” award in the Arts category. (Foreword is the review magazine for libraries.)
Available on Amazon.
5/5 stars "Attention Artists! Do your work, keep making more work, don't give up!"
Becca Campbell April 9, 2015
This is an awesome book. I find myself exhaling in relief, highlighting sentence after sentence to write down so I can see the love, support, and acceptance everyday. If I could listen to this book on tape every day I would feel so much better. It's filled with reflections, meditations, actions, and comforting words. As an artist, I think it's the salve that I need to keep working. If you are an artist who needs that support and encouragement, I think you'll enjoy the depth of this book.
5/5 stars "A thoughtful and inspiring book for creatives!"
Medusa Akron June 20, 2014
I sat in the bookstore and perused this book for an hour and had to buy it. It's full of great advice, exercises, insights, and more . . .
5/5 stars "Helpful for Seasoned Artists, Too!"
Jazzbrat July 28, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
I am not a beginning artist. But I found this book to be so helpful in remembering why I make art. I loved the tips on how to push through the blocks and times of doubt. The exercises have been helpful and the comparison to yoga made the book even more meaningful to me. The ideas have been flowing a lot more easily since reading this little gem. It was just the confirmation I needed to recommit to my work.I highly recommend this to anyone who needs a push, whether you're new to art making as an adult or a (jaded) pro like me.