Art and Courage: Stories to Inspire the Artist-Warrior Within

by John Paul Thornton

Art and Courage is an artist's call to action. It challenges readers to trust in their creative dreams even in the face of adversity, and reveals how real artists, dancers, musicians, writers, and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0981957315
• ISBN13: 9780981957319
• Release Date: November 2009
• Publisher: Fire Opal Publishing
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.9" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Touches and connects the souls of all artists past,present and future

John Paul Thorton has written about his life journey with art and how it has shaped and actually created the spirit in him that drives his work today. His book touches upon key points in his life that have inspired him and moved him along a path that is ever changing. He weaves his experiences together with the stories of human courage and sometimes heartfelt lives of artists through the ages to present time. In doing this he has created a guide for all like minds to use as they develop along the way from having an idea of what may be to aspiring to bring that idea into fruition and actualizing the dream they first envisioned. He points to the journey as individual for each person but highlights common points along the way for each to recognize as spring boards that can be used to achieve new levels. His book helps us to realize the beauty in this process and how courage plays a role along the way.He helps us to be aware of the Artist-Warrior we all carry within us. Mr Thorton also shares his personal story involving the lives of missing children and the program he has created to bring awareness of their plight to others in a meaningful way with the use of art and courage. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has an artist's soul but also anyone who wishes to have the journey of his or her life touched in a way they will never forget!

Art and Courage: Stories to Inspire the Artist-Warrior Within

"Art and Courage" is a beautiful book that illustrates the importance art can have on an individual and on society. It shows how artists can be led to fulfill their purpose in the art world; proving that art is not mearly fluff that should be cast aside in hard times. John Paul Thornton writes with humility and grace. This is not a how-to or high-brow book, but rather a look into what can happen when art is allowed to happen. Enjoy and be inspired.

A PASSIONATE, URGENT CALL TO ARMS FOR ARTISTS

Author John Paul Thornton has thrown down a gauntlet. His book, ART AND COURAGE: Stories to Inspire the Artist-Warrior Within, screams passionately at everyone who does art for a living. Like a football's running back, artists need to push through their comfort zone, remain true to their vision and never, ever give up on their obligation to share their creative self. That is the 'touchdown'. We are living in an unpredictable economic climate. Traditional galleries are closing daily. Artists are going to have to not only get creative in the exhibiting of their work but also challenge themselves inwardly; spiritually. ART AND COURAGE is your passport! Like Robert Henri's ,"The Art Spirit", ART AND COURAGE awakens that passion and asks some tough questions along the way. In the chapter entitled, "Portrait of the Artist as a Mother", Mr. Thornton relates the true-life 'art-o-biography' of the underrated painter and sculptor Kathe Kollwitz. Her experiences with war- virtually wrestling with death as it were- in the face of overwhelming loss and hardship, are truly unforgettable. John speaks not with the cold, reserved voice of an art historian but as if speaking of his own mother. ART AND COURAGE does not just look just at the visual arts however. An inspirational chapter devoted to one womans dedication to dance is wonderfully written. And when Mr. Thornton does address painting, it is with Tommy Hollenstein, whose unorthodox 'paintbrush' ( a wheelchair), challenges the very perceptions of the medium itself. In one of the most moving stories of all, the author takes us on his own artistic odyssey of his life changing experience incorporating the harrowing subject of missing children. If you are an artist or one who just appreciates the arts, ART AND COURAGE's moving and provocative true stories are at times heart-warming as well as heart-wrenching. At 153 pages, ART AND COURAGE is a quick read. But don't be fooled. ART AND COURAGE will continue to resonate with you long after you have finished reading it. I myself, am an exhibiting artist. I have literally hundreds of art books in my library. John Paul Thornton's, ART AND COURAGE speaks volumes. Not just to the artist in me. But also to the man that I am.