"The reason we create is to make a legacy that will outlive us, to reach those who might never meet us," writes artist Jasa in his debut work, an earnest reference guide for aspiring professional artists. With the help of art historian Charney, Jasa touches upon a wide range of subjects, including where to find inspiration, how to exhibit work, and the mindset one should have when deciding to seriously pursue a career in art. Along the way, a number of maxims are doled out. Concerning art school: "Do not mistake life and success at art school for life and success outside of it." Another grounding lesson is how the medium will always be lucrative, if only for a select few. "The market is ruled by those with big bucks... almost all of that money goes to a tiny percentage of artists." As a general how-to guide, the work offers indispensable advice; however, its wisdom is still highly subjective. The real strength resides in the autobiographical accounts, as when Jasa recounts the personal highs and lows he's encountered in an industry that only offers "just a few minutes to demonstrate that you're worth more." Written with a dry wit and heartfelt emotion, this will appeal to Jasa's fans and those dreaming of a career in art.
A smashing story of how an artist never stops working, always keeps moving, doesn't allow rejection to define him, and who makes art that finds large audiences against all odds. An every-artist story.
In the form of a guide on how to become an artist and still survive, in a playful and easy digestible way JASA and Noah Charney present the nature of contemporary art, and provide the signposts for young people. In times of lack of confidence in didactics and authorities, facing depletion and break-up of existing culture paradigm, they get to the heart of the issue, that art is not a profession, nor a hobby, but a specific condition rather, state of existence, an endless process consisting of a combination of dreams, doubts, successes, failures and hopes.
JASA's book has perfect timing as we emerge from a kind of historical hell where art and metaphysics now have a restored powerful role to play. The promising young need all the wit and support that they can muster to continue the pleasures of the great journey of modernism.
Making It: The Artist Survival Guide is a book every true artist cannot but love. It is, of course, impossible to condense the complex process of creativity into the form of "making it" guides which provide ready-made formulas for success, love life, getting friends, etc. - but for this very reason one should do it. This book gives you the freedom to follow its proposals or to mock them - to mock the rules, the rules should be there. If you do not need a "making it" guide for your work, you are not an original creative genius, you are an idiot.
Part Kurt Cobain, part Charles Bukowski, part Art school confidential, a 1990s journey through legend and reality from the Venice canals to the gutter and back again. JASA is Virgil to the Dante that is any young artist: guide and sage.
Wittily written as an autobiography, this book is a useful guide for any aspiring artist looking to navigate and engage the professional artworld. Through the conceptual lens and story of an acclaimed performance artist, it provides valuable insight into the machinations of the business, critical and social implications of this career path, leaving no stone unturned.
