For
anyone who wants to learn about, I heartily recommend Becky Hendrick's new
book Getting It: a Guide to Understanding and Appreciating Art (Houghton
Mifflin).
Originally
self-published with only word-of-mouth marketing, this books was so successful
it was picked up by a major publisher. I reviewed it when it first came out.
Following are quotes from my review and others:
"Becky
Hendrick makes the obvious seem exceptional and the particular universal. Getting
It reminds us of what Art is all about and why we love it." Bill
Dunlap, artist, curator, art commentator, Washington, D.C.
"This
book initiates a dialogue on contemporary art for the contemporary art
novice." Wendy Sears, education curator, Laguna Art Museum, Laguna
Beach
"This
little book provides the best introduction to the complex and often confusing
realm of fine art that I have ever seen." George Elliott, Louisiana
State University, Baton Rouge
"Hendrick
simplifies the process we need to go through in order to do the work.
Exercises and theories are followed by what may be the most concise history of
art ever written. This slim volume
should be owned by all students,
teachers, docents, curators and collectors." Alec Clayton, Tacoma
(Washington) City Paper
