Any type of creative work will create outliers who combine skill, talent and a sense of cool into something unique. Neil Gaiman has, over the years, become a rock star of genre literature. Though not easily pigeon-holed, Gaiman has produced a wide and varied array of iconic and memorable work. Charismatic, creative and clever, he’s definitely an icon of geek culture.
As such, he has a lot to say about working in the creative industry and on the subject of being a writer. And he says it all in such a pretty way that it deserves illustration. Art Matters brings together four of Gaiman’s well-regarded musings on the subject of creativity, and combines them with art from former Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell.
The first piece is Credo, which originally appeared in the New Statesman. It’s about the nature of free speech and how ideas are pretty hard to stop. It’s a notion that is unpalatable to some and inspiring to others, and a rallying speech about freedom of expression. Inspirational and strong.
Next up is a thing called “Why our future depends on libraries, reading and daydreaming”, and it was originally a lecture given to The Reading Agency. It’s a short, sharp speech on why reading is good for the soul and good for society. It’s something that shouldn’t need saying, but obviously does, and it’s wonderfully put.
Making A Chair comes from a CD called An Evening With Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer. It’s about making a damned chair. Because sometimes you have to make a chair. There’s a clever metaphor here, we’re sure. The illustrations are great and it is quite funny.
Finally we get to Make Good Art, originally a keynote speech for The University of the Arts in Philadelphia. It’s a speech about how Gaiman got to where he is today. It’s filled with clever observations and witty asides, but its essential message is Make Good Art. It’s a good speech, one designed to encourage people struggling with the creative process. It’s a reminder that the task ahead is possible. It’s filled with hope, and very useful, especially when things seem gloomy.
Riddell’s artwork is delightful throughout, punctuating Gaiman’s intent and making powerful words all the more poignant.
This is a small pocket-sized book filled with inspirational words and ideas. It’s the sort of thing that can brighten your mood during a gloomy English winter, when everything is dark, work feels like it’s too hard and every time you try to do something creative, something else gets in the way. This is a lifeline of sorts, something to keep the creative spark going during a storm. Invaluable for anyone who creates, which is pretty much everyone.
ART MATTERS / AUTHOR: NEIL GAIMAN / ILLUSTRATOR: CHRIS RIDDELL / PUBLISHER: HEADLINE / RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
