Young at art
New book will help everyone unleash their creative potential
HAVE you ever dreamed of making a masterpiece? Author Ruth Millington gets us excited about painting, drawing and sculpture with her latest project, This Book
Will Make You An Artist.
There are some amazing artists in your book. How did you select them?
There were too many to choose from!
I wanted the book to feature 50/50 male and female artists, from around the world and diverse cultures. I also wanted to include some big names alongside lesser-known figures.
Everyone recognises Pablo Picasso and Leonardo da Vinci, who are included. However, Janet Sobel, Esther Mahlangu and Judith Scott are among those artists who may be new to both children and adults.
Have any of the artists in your book inspired you?
Artemisia Gentileschi is a huge inspiration – during the 17th century she was making a successful living out of painting when women were largely barred from accessing formal art education.
Overcoming huge obstacles to follow her dream, she has taught me a great lesson: never give up, as good things take time, effort and resilience.
Did you like art at school or did you prefer writing?
At school, I spent so much time in the art classroom that my teacher gave me a key to it! I’ve always loved to make art – there’s a real freedom to it, and I like to listen to music while making.
I also loved writing at school, which meant that when it came to choosing what to study at university I was torn: I ended up reading liberal arts which allowed me to do a bit of both. Now, I get to write about art which is my dream career.
Which art activity in the book is your favourite?
‘Carve a sculpture like Barbara Hepworth’ [see above] is an enjoyable and mindful activity. I designed activities that don’t require specialist materials, as everyone should be able to make art.
Which artist in your book would you most like to have afternoon tea with?
It has to be the great Surrealist, Salvador Dalí, who placed a lobster on a telephone and called it art.
He actually wrote a cookbook, filled with recipes for frog pasties, pepper cocktails and other outrageous dishes fit for a surreal feast.
Why is art important?
Research has proven that both making and looking at art are good for us, improving our mental wellbeing.
This book encourages both of those things, which I feel are more important than ever in the age of the smartphone. It also encourages children to experiment, play, use their imagination and express themselves, which all build confidence while feeling like fun!
■ This Book Will Make You An Artist (right) by Ruth Millington is out now (£14.99, Nosy Crow)