Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Creative Strength Training Giveaway


I was recently provided with a copy of the book Creative Strength Training written by Jane Dunnewold to review. As I started to read the introduction, I found myself compelled to turn the pages and keep reading. What struck me first about the book was that it was very different from other art books I have read. While it is filled with creative exercises, this is not a typical art instruction book. And that I like.

Jane introduces a series of "cross training" exercises to help you grow as an artist, break through obstacles, explore your limitations, and discover who you are as an individual, creative person. These exercises involve both art making and writing. She accurately notes that many artists might resist the writing component...but that aspect of the exercises really seems to facilitate a deeper exploration of yourself as an artist.

The book includes the results from many other artists who have already completed the same exercises  and it was fascinating to see the very distinct approaches and styles that each one took. The majority of the featured artists were new to me and I loved being able to get to know a whole new group of creatives.

The chapter titles give the reader a quick idea of what the focus of the book includes: Defining Creative Stamina, Overcoming Stumbling Blocks, The Power of Limitations, Learning to Make and Take Time, What does Alignment Look Like to You?, Making Work Distinctly Your Own, Each of Us is Fascinating, and Discovering Grace through Acts of Making.

Giveaway is now closed. Congrats to Erin O' Brian who won a copy of the book.

I was fortunate to be provided with a second copy of this book to giveaway. To be eligible, simply leave a comment to this post and make sure I have a way to reach you should your name be drawn. International readers are of course eligible too. The giveaway closes on Sunday 11/6.


78 comments:

Erin O'Brien said...

Seth, you provide so many great resources and a vast array of visual treasures! This book sounds like another great find! Thanks for offering the second copy. See you next year at A Work of Heart? Erin

Cindy said...

This looks great. Thank you!
cndycab@yahoo.com

stregata said...

Sounds like an absolutely fascinating read. Thank you for offering it as a giveaway.

Claudia N. said...

That sounds like a very interesting read indeed, Seth! Thanks for the chance to win a copy! ;)
Greetings from Vienna!
Claudia (vonpappe2@yahoo.de)

Pia said...

I would love, love to win this book, I've enjoyed your blog very much from the back row ;-) and need to get my collage self unstuck a bit. cantering(at)yahoo.com

Jorin said...

That sounds great, thank you for the chance to win a copy!
Jorin

Inky and Quirky Designs said...

Sounds like a wonderful book Seth and unusual, I'd appreciate a different way to look at things
hugs
Donna xx

jezebel said...

This sounds fascinating, Seth. It seems like such a different way to overcome stumbling blocks to creating and pushing through whatever is hindering the creative process. More than that, it seems like the processes in this book allow for a different path to one's creativity. I like that!thanks for the opportunity.

Jennifer

Jenjzj at yahoo dot com

Denise said...

I have always thought that developing an art practice is like strength training - I'd like to see how this writer develops that idea! Thanks! Denise - createfulstudio@gmail.com

Queen Esther said...

amazing! I'd so love this as an inspiration for future art work! qesther63@gmail.com

Francine Perri said...

Would love to win this seth I love all your products thanks francine

ProfessionalPro said...

Always enjoy a new perspective on things - would live to win this book. mnelsen01@comcast.net



beenebag said...

Thanks for the giveaway! I can always use another source of inspiration in my library:)

Jo said...

Definitely sounds inspirational...I'd love to read it and pass it on! I can be reached @ poegerl at yahoo dot com.

geezercrafter said...

Very interesting, I believe this would benefit me as I am always creating obstacles in my creations.
belleleo@live.com
Thanks
Bryan.

seaslay27 said...

Love what I see on the internet of your mixed media work and approach to designing a background page. Really wonderful.

Renee said...

I would love to win this book, I've checked out her website and she is fascinating.
renee.zarate2015@gmail.com

Indigogh Girl said...

Sounds like a great book and may not even have to break a sweat for the exercises! Thank you for sharing, Seth! claywithme1@gmail.com

bobbie said...

That sounds like just the book for me!!!
Thanks for the give-away!

Jo Murray said...

Oh boy! Who doesn't need strength training?....particularly as the years advance. Sometimes I feel like I'm butting my head against a brick wall. This book sounds like it is the perfect 'workshop'....but within easy and permanent reach.

jordi said...

I love Jane Dunnewold, and have forever. I am really intrigued by this book, as it seems to meld a bit with The Artist's Way by including writing. I am wondering what she does with the crossover exercises. I have done morning pages for more years than I can remember and have often found them shaping my art projects, I'd love to see how Jane looks at that..

Kathe krbartist@hotmail.com said...

Could use this until Inam able to set up my studio after our move!

Mary C. Nasser said...

Looks like an amazing book with a unique perspective! Would love to read it!

Jill McDowell said...

Always looking for new insights on how to improve. Would love to read this book. Thanks for the chance to. Jilldmcdowell(at)gmail

Unknown said...

Sounds intriguing! Thanks for your generous offer. You're always so willing to share :)

Jennifer Armstrongs said...

Yes please - sounds very appealing armstrongjennifer1 at mac dot com

Rosemarie said...

I could definitely do with some help with my creativity and art projects. This book sounds like just the thing....mosie_007@hotmail.com

Karen J. McLean said...

This book sounds very intriguing. Good luck, everyone!

Meg said...

She once cowrote an interesting workbook for textile people to approach their work differently.

cHim-prints said...

Sounds like a very helpful book. Even if I'm not the lucky winner, I'm happy to know about it. Thanks for the review, Seth

Pilgrim said...

This book sounds so interesting and something I would like to read as i attempt to be more creative in 2017. It would be nice to win this book. I can be reached a ghoagland at msn (dot) com

Julia @ Vintage with Laces said...

This sounds very intriguing. Thank you for a chance to win this book, Seth!

jacki long said...

Sounds wonderful Seth, and I so trust your opinion!
Thanks for the opportunity!

Maris said...

Would love it here in Australia not many people include us in their give aways.

Unknown said...

This sounds like the next step in my art journaling process! Thanks, Seth. Jeane

Felicity said...

I would so love this book! Jane is brilliant and I have her books Art Cloth and Complex Cloth - the new book looks like a perfect next step.

Thanks for the generous offer, Seth :)

PS I really enjoyed watching your Halloween tours on Periscope, it was great fun!

Toni Newman said...

What I love about how you describe this book Seth is that it is different from other art books out there. As artists, creators and innovators we need to see things differently and to do that, we need to challenge ourselves with new perspectives and new ways of looking at things. I would love to have a copy of this book to help me expand my artistic journey. Hugs from Montreal,
Canada.

Jeanne Kelly said...

Hmmmmm....looks like a great book. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

Poetryqn said...

Any tools that help support creativity are most welcome. Thanks for the recommendation, Seth! Poetryqn(at)Optonline(dot)net.

Nan G said...

Sounds like an interesting way to develop one's self as a artist. Thanks for offering a copy.

Anonymous said...

This book would certainly help my creative process. hrscheidt@yahoo.com

cecile said...

Thanks for the chance to win a copy! ;)

Darlene K Campbell said...

Hi Seth, I love to read anything on creativity. I like the direction this book has taken. Thanks for the introduction of it and a chance to win a copy. Cheers-

SharyleD said...

Sounds like a fascinating book! It's always good to read about creativity and see what sparks are generated. Thanks for offering this giveaway. Smdoxford@yahoo.com

Amanda Springer said...

The idea of cross training for the artist sounds so cool, and the exercises will definitely get you to push pass the resistance barriers we often put up. I normally find when I am stuck on a particular technique that writing always brings me back to the creative space, I feel that they go hand in hand. Good luck to the winner, looks like a great addition to our creative library. Amanda amanda@realityarts.co.uk

NM_Creatrix said...

Love Jane Dunnewold and would love to win this book. weatherscf at yahoo dot com

Squirrel66 said...

Thank you for the opportunity to win this book. It sounds really interesting.
Gill - gillandcolin.kingsman@btinternet.com

Becky said...

Thanks for the chance to win!

Deborah Guthrie said...

Hi Seth, Nice to get a chance to say hi and thank you for this opportunity. Fan of Jane Dunnewold and all her work and I have this book in my wish list so an opportunity to maybe win is great. Love your posts always. Art is so grand. Bye for now. debbiesg@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

Thanks for this giveaway! Would love to have this book.
gahebert7@comcast.net

Unknown said...

I love the idea of this book, refreshing take on art instruction. I can't wait to get my hands on it, it's definitely going on my wish list. Thank you so much for always bringing great resources to us. jessica at jleighdesigns dot com

Anonymous said...

Wow, what an interesting book! I'd love to use it to get my creative juices flowing! (Anna - lumpy_lump_in_my_oatmeal@yahoo.com)

Anonymous said...

This book sounds like one I must have! Thanks, Seth, for the opportunity to win it.

My e-mail address is: phoebeowlf5@hotmail.com

Judi K said...

If it ges a rave from you, Seth, that's eough for me to want the book.

goze said...

Love the premise of this book. Would be thrilled to win a copy to use in my own creative journey. Thanks for sharing.

Jean Goza

Diva Kreszl said...

This book sounds like a wonderful addition to anyone's library, I would be so happy to win a copy! I absolutely love your links post every week, I have been introduced to so many amazing artists through your pages. Keep posting, I love seeing what you are working on, it's such an inspiration !!!

Moonsilk Stitches said...

Thanks for posting this review. I've been waiting for reviews to see if I need it. I like Jane's thoughtful and insightful writing style. Thanks for the giveaway.

Anne O said...

Sounds like an amazing book! I enjoyed your review. Thanks for hosting a giveaway.

phinner said...

I'm intrigued! phinner00@yahoodotcom

Kathy Plourde said...

My interest has been captured... I'd love to win. Thanks for the opportunity.. Kathyplourde86@gmail.com

Kathy Plourde said...

My interest has been captured... I'd love to win. Thanks for the opportunity.. Kathyplourde86@gmail.com

Catherine said...

Sounds great! Thanks for the chance to win a copy! clen3@sbcglobal.net

Anonymous said...

I hope to win! Sounds like a fantastic book! marshagetz@comcast.net

Stephanie said...

I have enjoyed looking through your blog site. Wonderful information. The opportunity to win this book is just a great bonus! stephaniebergeron00 at@gmail.com

Unknown said...

With winter hibernation season on its way, this book sounds like an inspiring and valuable read!

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I suspect I need some strength training, because when I see what others have created, I often think I stopped too soon, or didn't add enough layers to a body of work. This might get me over that obstacle, and would be a welcome addition to my art library. Thanks for allowing the chance to win a copy.

Hannah said...

Thanks for sharing! This will be a great gift for my roommate! Hankline@comcast.net

Jackie PN said...

Seth,
This book sounds really neat. I was intrigued about the writing part as I also have a stumbling block when it comes to that. For some reason, I hedge at writing things out, or "journaling" thoughts and words. It would be a pleasure to read this and gain some new insight and inspiration.
Thanks so much for the opportunity and keeping my fingers crossed!
Jackie ")

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing, Seth! Would love to get a copy.

Missouri Bend Paper Works said...

Thanks for sharing this book info, Seth. This one does sound like a good one for me to look into, as I'm thinking of ways to help others in my area unlock their creativity. I think it is an innate part of the being of each one of us, but we've lost touch with it along the way. Cheers, Patti

Jean said...

Looks like a wonderful read - one that I could really put into practice. Thanks for sharing and the chance to win!

Terry said...

Hello from MD. Sounds like my kind of book. Thanks for the opportunity to win it!
quinn8561@gmail.com

Gwen Buchanan said...

Your review is very instructive eth. and you mention a chapter on the Power of Limitations.. I have always found Limitations to be a creativity stimulator. the confines of it make you reach deeper. cheers

Anonymous said...

The booksounds interesting. I struggle with some of the things you listed. I would love to get a copy of it. Thanks for the opportunity. barbaragreve123@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Intrigued to come across your blog, courtesy of Ro Bruhns page. Enjoyed your review of the book as struggle to allow the play for the art child to emerge. judypedro1@gmail.com

Amber K said...

Sounds like a very interesting book. I have a lot of art instruction books and would really like to delve a little deeper. Thanks for the opportunity for a FREE book!

cathy said...

looks like a great book/tool to help us with our artistic journey. it covers a lot of what I am struggling with right now. Thanks for sharing and giving us a change to receive a copy. cheers.

Anonymous said...

I am a creative dabbler and find myself blocked in writing and art. I think it would be fascinating to read about exercises that have helped other artists. I'm especially interested in the approach each artist has taken to same exercise.
Betty Hedstrand
Stampattic@gmail.com