Famed for providing legendary artists with the space to rediscover their authentic selves, music producer Rick Rubin reflects on the creative process and its engagement with the wider world in this masterful, engrossing volume.
Many famed music producers are known for a particular sound that has its day and then ages out. Rick Rubin is known for something else: creating a space where artists of all different genres and traditions can home in on who they really are and what they really offer. He has made a practice of helping people transcend their self-imposed expectations in order to reconnect with a state of innocence from which the surprising becomes inevitable.
Over the years, as he has thought deeply about where creativity comes from and where it doesn't, he has learned that being an artist isn't about your specific output; it's about your relationship to the world. Creativity has a place in everyone's life, and everyone can make that place larger. In fact, there are few more important responsibilities.
The Creative Act is a beautiful and generous course of study that illuminates the path of the artist as a road we all can follow. It distils the wisdom gleaned from a lifetime's work into a luminous reading experience that puts the power to create moments - and lifetimes - of exhilaration and transcendence within closer reach for all of us.
Publisher: Canongate Books
ISBN: 9781838858636
Number of pages: 432
Weight: 586 g
Dimensions: 222 x 162 x 37 mm
Edition: Main
This book is a companion to anyone on the creative path; for me, Rick Rubin's attention, consideration, ideas have dug themselves down deep into my consciousness and grown with my work, so that over time, I have found myself in the shelter of a huge resplendent tree, and remembered that it all started with a word or two from a person who really, really listened. May it start something similar in you - KAE TEMPEST
A gorgeous and inspiring work of art on creation, creativity, the work of the artist. It will gladden the hearts of writers and artists everywhere, and get them working again with a new sense of meaning and direction. A stunning accomplishment - ANNE LAMOTT
The legendary producer of artists from Adele to Black Sabbath, Johnny Cash to Jay-Z, distils the insights of a glittering career to reveal how to get the best out of musicians - and offers useful lessons for the rest of us in the process - Financial Times
An existential enquiry into the nature of creativity, art and being part of the human race . . . a deep look at the most fundamental of human impulses - Big Issue
Rick Rubin is the definition of a creative genius and he has put his wisdom in one place and it is possibly the most inspiring book on creativity I have ever read . . . For those wanting to feel some new life and confidence in their creative bones, this book is a godsend - MATT HAIG
You'll probably read this extraordinary book four times. The first time, you'll gobble it up. The second time, you'll savour it. The third time, you'll take notes in the margins. But the fourth time, the fourth time it will be part of you as you create the work you were ready to ship - SETH GODIN
A gorgeous, delicious and wildly practical interrogation of the creative process. A master of his craft, Rubin supplies rich insights, sound advice, helpful suggestions and supreme comfort to anyone living to create, or endeavouring to live creatively - JJ ABRAMS
I want my kids to read it. I want everyone to read it. It is a manual for creativity and creative thinking. A reference book for now which will continue to be of service in the future. Much needed - MIKE D
In this extraordinary book, Rick Rubin beautifully captures the sacred but commonplace practice of creating. I find it so powerful when someone gives voice or form to what we know but perhaps don't understand. Designers from any discipline will find Rick's words profoundly encouraging and inspiring - SIR JONY IVE
A distillation of the wisdom Rubin has accrued over decades of bringing records to fruition . . . Seductive - Guardian
Rick Rubin has captured the perfect guide for artists as they wade through life and pursue their seeds of inspiration. Through short, intense chapters, Rick outlines what the artist needs to do and how they can... More
I was thankful to receive a proof of The Creative Act and I found it to be a joy to read. Rubin uses brief, simple chapters to share lessons he has learned from many years of working with a long list of legendary... More
I absolutely adore this book. Rick Rubin is a master in his own right, by producing music and taking a wholly different approach to creativity and how he takes in the world around him. I remember watching a video of... More
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