Art Without Compromise

the Optical Observer

I picked up Wendy Richmond's new book + I cannot read it fast enough but I don't want it to end and then there is so much meat to each story that I quickly remind myself to read s l o w ly. Wendy's style of connecting words, relaying sentiments and stories is so inspiring and compelling.

Muriel Cooper!!!! INCREDIBLE. I love, love this character profile!

I feel that Wendy writes about her thoughtful and perceptive insights and is such an acute observer of what is also around everyone else (what some may call the obvious) but not many people are feeling or are seeing what she notices. It is entirely relate-able and I love, love her language.

In reading each story no matter what order, Wendy has woven all of her loves to make a dynamic career that continues to inspire and fuel her art and in-turn inspires the reader. This book is a treasure!! WOW!! I know I will re-read this book many, many times. What a treasure. Thank you for this gift.

A must have!

For all the thoughts and questions you have, this book is the best companion. It expands the dialogue and gives a brave look into the challenges and changes we face as artist and art lovers in the digital age. This book is a must have!

Pushing artists to grow...

Wendy Richmond brings a fresh, contemporary and honest perspective to the making of art. For Richmond, it isn't just about the process, it's about context and self reflection. This book challenges artists of all kinds to understand themselves better and to push for more personally satisfying and successful work.

Intelligent encouragement

I'm reading it for the second of the next hundred times. Like Roland Barthes, it will be a touchstone at critical moments forever. Thank you. There are so many resonances, things to and with which we connect-- history, place, chosen environments. Your book is wonderful, smart, concise, inspiring and even sassy. I selfishly can't imagine anyone who could appreciate it more. That said, I'm sure it will influence all the best souls.
Truth spoken to those excited about celebrating truth.

"Art Without Compromise"

Wendy Richmond's art is both a reflection of our social selves in the public sphere and a practice filled with the formal beauty that comes with years of working and thinking about art making. Her book, "Art Without Compromise", is a primer for artists and designers with insights for anyone interested in the arts but its spirit of generosity is what sets it apart from other books of its kind. Wendy Richmond is an artist, a teacher, and a writer. There is an openness and respect for the work of others that is uncommon in the artworld; a serious consideration of peers and of students alike. The book covers a surprising amount of ground looking at the creative process, at the intersection of contemporary art and technology, at cross disciplinary collaboration. In its role as primer it is filled with useful information, practical, theoretical, conversational. But again, it is the spirit of the book and Ms. Richmond's engagement that we care about most. There is a commitment to art making and to visual art in particular. There is a great chapter on the subject of visual thinking and a consideration of why visual thinking is a second class citizen in the United States. There is a voice that encourages artists to allow themselves the time and space to develop their own vision and to trust their own notions of what is important. This is not a utopian voice but the voice of someone who has worked in the commercial world and who understands the pressures exerted on artists to compromise and to second guess. It is a book that considers authenticity as subject matter but describes authenticity best by way of example.

any time, any day!

this book is so very useful and relevant for artists today. the best thing about it is its structure-- though there seems to be a fairly linear progression, i can open to any page any time, and whichever column i open to almost doesnt matter, because they all matter.

the information and especially the insight that richmond gives is priceless, in order to help any artist along the journey that is life. i think this book can even apply loosely to anyone's life!

richmond gives such helpful and relevant information, with a casual and very accessible tone. i feel as if i'm having a conversation, and so i can relate and learn and take what i can even more so.

this is a book i am so glad to have, and it will be so in later years as well. its the kind of book you can pick up and learn new things many times; from reflecting in a new way even on sections youve read earlier in your life. highly recommended!

This book feels like a friend!

I just found your book in B&N in Kingston, NY...talk about serendipitous. Am reading it now as I have resumed painting after a tough year. I revamped my website & started a blog. Which is so empowering. Art Without Compromise feels like a new friend. Thank you...I will recommend to every creative person I know.

open your eyes

this book will challenge you to think differently and more deeply about the work you do, the life you lead, and the world you inhabit on a daily basis. a refreshing read!

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