What It Is: 01/15/25

What It Is by Lynda Barry (2008) is a mixed media exploration of the human condition and the creative process. The book was recommended in Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon (2012).

When I first opened the book (an ebook version) I didn't know what to expect. The early pages are massive collages with text worked into them. The text if you read it has questions on the human condition, on memory, on writing, etc.

When I re-read the book I plan to take notes. There are a lot of quotable questions.

The second half of the book is aimed at the person who wants a creative way of journaling. You'll find the exercises that the author used to make the earlier pages in the book.

There's also an afterword that shows more of the creative process before the final pages. There's one with a piece art I absolutely love with a note from the author that it was rejected by the editor for not being enough in the artist's style.

Five stars

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