Went to see 'The Hangover' yesterday, given that everybody we know that has seen it loved it, and a good comedy is hard to find these days. Canmore has a population of 15,000 people but no theatre. We could go to the Banff theatre, but it sucks, and I'm being generous. So we go to Calgary.
A trip to the city always involves some shopping, and while I tried to be the amiable purse holder for a few years, I'm just not that good of an actor. So while my lovely wife shops, I pretty much hightail it for the closest Chapters or Indigo (Barnes and Noble clones, for those of you south of the 49th.) I generally try to exercise restraint, but books are my crack cocaine and it's a rare day I leave without at least one. Yesterday was no exception.
I found two gems that I thought I'd share.
Ignore Everybody And 39 Other Keys to Creativity by
Hugh MacLeod.Such chapter headings include:
- If your business plan depends on suddenly being "discovered" by some big shot, your plan will probably fail.
- Don't try to stand out from the crowd; avoid crowds altogether.
- The choice of media is irrelevant.
- You have to find your own shtick.
- Worrying about "Commercial vs. Artistic" is a complete waste of time.
If you're not familiar with Hugh's blog,
www.gapingvoid.com, I suggest you check it out. Hugh is somewhat famous for drawing cartoons on the backs of business cards. And while I admire his taking a leap for something less conventional, I'm more impressed by his insights into the lifestyle of being an artist. Divided into 39 short chapters (hence the title), each little pearl of what should be common sense, is a ray of light in the void of the obscurity most of us toil in. First, because it hits on all of the universal insecurities and false assumptions that plague most artists, and second, because it offers some perspective on how to avoid them. Once I opened it, I couldn't put it down, and I can honestly say that I will be keeping this one within easy reach. The next time one of those nasty little doubts or unreasonable expectations (either mine or someone else's) of success and art creeps in, this book will be the antidote.
And no, it really doesn't advocate ignoring everybody. Just the naysayers.
Now, for gem #2...
I'm a firm believer that there are no coincidences. I accidentally backed into the photography shelf while looking at the one opposite. When I turned around, I was awestruck by one of the most amazing photos of Clint Eastwood I've ever seen.

It's a large book called
'Wisdom' by Andrew Zuckerman. It is a book of headshots of fifty notable actors, artists, politicians, writers and other well known figures from around the world who are now senior citizens. In addition to some of the most beautiful photos of the elder human face, there are thoughts and ideas from these people throughout. There is also a DVD film included, that I've yet to sit down and give my full attention. I knew within a few seconds of picking this book up that I wasn't leaving without it. While the photos are just headshots on a flat off-white background, the quality and light is almost ethereal, in that it captures every line, crease, pore and wonderful detail in the face of the subject. Rarely does a book make me say, 'Wow,' out loud, but this one did.
With such subjects as Dame Judi Dench, Henry Kissinger, Nelson Mandela, Willie Nelson, Billy Connolly, Buzz Aldrin, Robert Redford, Jane Goodall, Madeleine Albright and many more, this book is a beautiful compilation of a small part of the collective experience gathered from these 50 lifetimes.
One of my favorite quotes from this book.
"Risk it, go for it. Life always gives you another chance, another go at it. It's very important to take enormous risks." Mary Quant.
Have a wonderful week.