Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with writing and art

How much to charge for a catalog essay?

serial_consign — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:00:13 -0800

How much should a freelance writer charge for a catalog essay? An emerging artist peer asked me to write an essay for an upcoming show of hers. As a freelancer I know one generally tends to "ask for as much as they can" (and not blink) - but I really have no clue what the standard fees are for this type of gig. Anybody have experience and insight to share here? If it matters - I'm guessing this document will be 1000-1500 words.

Innovative Book Designs

0bvious — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 04:37:46 -0800

Innovative Books: I am looking to compile a list of the most innovative uses of the book format. Books that break the mould in their layout and design, perhaps books that use online systems to extend their content value or push their form into new places. I am most interested in narrative and theory, but any book that is interesting (artist books etc.) would be really appreciated. I have a few examples, in order of publication, to set the ball rolling:

Compendium for literates : a system of writing by Karl Gerstner - A book about book form in an innovative form. Beautiful and still fresh

Dictionary of the Khazars: a lexicon novel in 100,000 words by Pavic - a 'dictionary novel' "written in two versions, male and female, which are identical save for seventeen crucial lines"

A Humument: A Treated Victorian Novel by Tom Philips - an artist who has used one particular edition of one particular book as a space for his work for many years

The Selected Works of T. S. Spivet by Reif Larson - extended use of footnote, side-note and illustration to give the narrative dimension

I would love any ideas you have!

Does too much constant incoming content = dangerous, or damaging somehow?

Ash3000 — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 18:35:22 -0800

Can you think of any recent writing, or art, about it being somehow intellectually damaging, or spiritually dangerous, or in any other way harmful to constantly be plugged into content, particularly via an ipod or some other mp3 player? Have you ever gotten into a state where you have your ipod available whenever you are, say, exercising, or going for a walk, or on a subway - really, any kind of stasis made use of such a background-filler, listening to podcasts, audiobooks, music, etc.? And then you inevitably have headphones on when you're on the computer, whether it's to block out distractions, or for its own sake? And if headphones aren't the carrying agent, there's some other way you always have *something* in front of you, some fount of content, be it the computer in front of you or the book in your knapsack? (Though, if I'm being honest with myself, for me it's more often electronically-based than not.)

I've been thinking about this lately, how I will sometimes live like this for a bit, but eventually feel a kind of nausea growing in me and have to take the headphones off, have to remove the informational source...and yet I'll sheepishly admit that sometimes I delay even this.

And it's got me to wondering - surely people have written about this in some way, about it somehow being a danger to constantly be receiving content, rather than in just taking part in neutral, unmediated experience, or creating content yourself? Surely there must be some neuroscience-based case that this is unhealthy, or some sociological polemic someone wrote against this phenomenon, or some case that it's spiritually draining? And yet the closest thing I can think of to this offhand is a passage in A.J. Jacobs' book The Know-It-All, an account of a year spent reading the Encyclopedia Britannica in its entirety that I read a while back, where a Buddhist friend warns that the author that his undertaking might truly warp his mind. (This isn't, as far as I remember, ever explicated, so I have no idea if he's citing some piece of Buddhist thinking on memorization, or monkey mind, or something else entirely.)

This need not even be a modern question; someone 20 years ago who finished a book and immediately put pick up another without a moment's reflection might be guilty of the same, not to mention getting ready in the morning with the public/talk-radio on, etc. But it seems more probable in an age where you can have many GB of information loaded up on your ipod or whatever other device at all times, and somehow I feel like I want to read more about this issue - I just don't know where to look.

Insha'Allah or jihad?

FatherDagon — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:25:53 -0800

Can anyone translate this Arabic calligraphy? I'm looking to pick up a Muslimgauze shirt with this design, but I'd like to know what it says beforehand. I know Muslimgauze, and so I'm aware the message may be rather... confrontational, if not downright violent. Any ideas?

Who are the best feature writers out there?

reenum — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:21:10 -0800

Who are the best magazine and newspaper feature writers, past and present? I've been on a magazine and newspaper kick lately. I've gotten tons of articles by Michael Lewis, William Langewiesche and Jack Hitt. For sports, I love Gary Smith. I also like to read the in-depth articles put out by ProPublica.

Could you suggest others who write deep, delving pieces about a subject? The subject itself doesn't matter; I care more that the writer have the ability to engage a reader and explain a situation or subject in an interesting way.

Thanks!

AHRC Funding for PhD - How to ensure it!?

0bvious — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 07:16:50 -0800

Applying for AHRC funding for an Art PhD. Any advice? I am very much at the end of a very long, and arduous, PhD application procedure. I am applying to do Art Practice, with heavy emphasis on practice-based research. I got the place at the university, now I need to get the funding!

I have one very good reference already finalised and am waiting to hear back from my proposed supervisor on the other (required) reference.

What are the most imperative aspects of my 500 words proposal for funding?

I realise that this subject is rather contextual, but any advice would be appreciated.

Examples of teaching drawing or writing in Second Life?

zainsubani — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 09:46:37 -0800

I will shortly be introducing a friend of mine to Second Life. She's an academic, and will be most interested in locations in SL that are related to the teaching of art (especially drawing and cartooning) and the teaching of writing. I would be most grateful for any suggestions anyone might have of locations we could visit.

The ideas are all around, floating away...

reenum — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:43:13 -0800

I feel the need to be creative, but can't figure out what sort of outlet is the best to get my ideas out. How do I figure out what sort of creativity I have? All my life, I've had lots of ideas, but I've never found an appropriate way to bring them to life.

I tried to write and got a novel done in NaNoWriMo last year, but I can never get the motivation to actually write a story. I've tried poetry, but it all comes out as maudlin and ridiculous. I established early on in my life that I can't draw. I feel like I have a lot of ideas, but nowhere to go with them.

My question is: How can I figure out what type of creativity most suits me? Any websites, books, or personal anecdotes would be much appreciated.

I want to write for interesting online magazines

0bvious — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 03:16:42 -0800

I am looking for online magazines to submit art/literature/experimental/fun articles to. I think 'The Believer' magazine is a good example of the type I crave. UK based would be best, but not completely necessary. Any ideas?

How Things 'Become': The Infinity of Definition

0bvious — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:18:41 -0800

I am looking for writings on the infinity of definition. I am interested in the exponentially divergent curve that is definition.

We create writings and art to better define the world, yet true definition is infinite.

We mediate the universe by erecting borders of definition, i.e. all striped, four-legged, hooved mammals are probably zebras. We categorise the universe into hierarchies, but the more we examine the more pronounced and expansive these hierarchies become.

Language is our greatest defining tool. Yet, the metaphors we evolve to expand the potential of language can themselves only be made to refer back to the language which created them. An infinite loop emerges in most definition.

As new technology emerges we use it to 'add' meaning to artifacts which are already partly defined. By looking at the world with ever more refined microscopes we bring reality into greater clarity. This metaphor can be expanded to refer to texts, art, archaeology, culture etc.

Who has written on the problem of definition? What critical theory has been written on the emergence of infinity?

This question adds on to past questions I have asked at MeFi including (in reverse order):

- Art and artifacts experienced through technology
- The mimetic and narrative capacities of artefacts
- Examples of 'The Infinite' in Myth and Their Effect on Conditions of Truth

Here's hoping you have some ideas...

I have no original ideas! Help!

Eudaimonia — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 01:07:32 -0800

I need to recultivate my artsy hobbies, most specifically my writing and drawing. The problem is that I can't seem to initiate anything - I have no new ideas, nothing to work on. I'd also like to grow as a writer, but I'm my own worst critic and stop before I start (fear of failure and whatnot) - I'd like to hone my skills but I'm petrified of, well, sucking. I feel fairly competent technically. Give me a drawing or photo and I can recreate it ok, or give me a writing exercise ("describe the weather," "recount a defining moment in your life," etc.) and I do ok (...just ok.)

But I just can't make that leap out of learning to actually...making, initiating, and creating. So, Mefites, how do you tap into that font of creativity? And how do you simply get better at your creative endeavors? Any advice specific to art or writing would be much appreciated. Thanks!

I've got the "crap" part down, but...

loiseau — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 22:38:31 -0800

I'm looking for Web sites premised on the production of "crap art", structured art projects for non-artists, inspiration and instructions. I know about Album-a-Day, 24-Hour Comics, NaNoWriMo and the RPM Challenge.

I'm looking for more sites that instruct, encourage and/or showcase art by non-artists. Communities are helpful, but pages with instructions or blogs are also good.

I'm interested in writing-related, visual-art-related and/or music-related projects and challenges to embark upon. The sites I list above are based on a time-limited format but suggestions don't necessarily need to be. What's good is a project aimed at production rather than perfection, with some manner of timeline or milestones so that there is structure built in. I can have a hard time with follow-through in the early part, so accountability to others or peer pressure would probably serve me well.

The point isn't to make bad art, but to regularly make art in order to enjoy the process, gain confidence and build skills.

What are tomorrow's avant-garde monuments

jayder — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 16:20:35 -0800

What are tomorrow's avant-garde art/film/writing monuments that are being done today? What are the contemporary avant-garde works that will be regarded as classics in twenty years? What are the works being done right now, or in the last couple of years, that everyone will know in twenty years, but that few know about today? I'm talking about works in literature, film, music; things like Einstein on the Beach, Matthew Barney's Cremaster Cycle, Steve Reich's Music for 18 Musicians, the art and sculpture of Bruce Naumann, James Joyce's Ulysses, the films of Ernie Gehr and Stan Brakhage, etc.

(I realize that it requires a large element of conjecture to answer this question, but I think that people "in the know" often have a pretty good idea what works of art will eventually be widely known.)

I need a patron so I can quit making lattes

Galen — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 20:12:29 -0800

PatronFilter: I'm tired of working for Starbucks. I want to write full time. Help me construct a letter to the opulent to remind them of yesteryear when the arts were supported by benefactors. Help me convince the rich that paying for me to live comfortably will serve humanity. Here's the catch: I've only been published in my university's journal, for an experimental poem. I want to continue experimenting in poetry and eventually write an experimental novel.

Thus, getting an advance from a publisher is out of the question (publishers aren't to be trusted anyway).

I'm counting on people with more money then they know what to do with bestowing upon me an allowance in exchange for bragging rights ("I'm a patron for a young man experimenting in poetry"). I'll even go to their parties and let them gawk at me.

Is Bohemia a mobile state of mind?

Happy Dave — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 10:53:41 -0800

Where are our art movements? Where is the new Bohemia? So, my SO and I were talking the other night about artistic movements in the past and how many of them were inextricably linked to a particular moment or place. Examples we came up with are the 'Lost Generation' of poets, writers and painters in 1920's Paris, the Beats across the US in the 1950's, the Hippies and the Pop Art movement in the 60', 70's and 80's, centered around New York. We also noticed a trend that most of these movements directly followed major wars or changes in society.

Try as we might, we had a hard time identifying modern equivalents. My SO suggested emerging democracies in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, So, our question to Ask MeFi is actually multi-faceted:

1) Where are the current centres of experimental or 'movement' based art in the world?
2) Is it possible to identify these movements while they are in progress, or is it always a retrospective labeling?
3) Is the tendency of these movements to cluster around areas of low-living cost still holding true?
4) Is the Web the next 'place' which arts movements will gather around? Is it already happening? Does the massive interconnectivity of the web disarm the entire notion of place/time based 'movements'?
5) What artistic movements exist outside Western society, and how are they affected by the factors listed above?

Arabic tapestry?

nervestaple — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 19:40:47 -0800

What does the writing on this tapestry mean? It looks like Arabic, but I'm not sure. It's been hanging in the house for a while, but nobody has been able to figure out what the writing in the center means. Anyone? Any other information about the tapestry would be helpful, too. Thanks!

The Flâneur exposed

0bvious — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 16:38:54 -0800

'The Flâneur': What fascinating titbits can you add to my knowledge about this concept? Art, history, philosophy and literary theory links all welcome. Walter Benjamin wrote on them; Edgar Allan Poe supposedly utilized the concept in his story 'The Man of the Crowd'; the 19th century Parisians relished them. Art, literary theory, have been altered irrevocably since.

Insights please!

Thanks

Creativity by the Thames

Happy Dave — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 15:07:52 -0800

Where can I go to get involved with regular creative workshops and/or discussion in London? A little bit Having moved to London a couple of years ago, I find myself hankering for creative feedback, inspiration and contact. I was part of a very successful creative writing group that organised pub readings, workshops and all sorts of cross-genre participation (readings mixed with gallery displays mixed with live music) back in Scotland, and I'd like to get involved with something similar down here. So, my question is, does anyone know of a gallery, workshop, artspace, cafe, intermittent travelling circus or any other kind of social grouping in London that might do this sort of thing? Googling fails me I'm afraid.

Help me find an obscure R.A. Lafferty quote.

rwhe — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 06:53:41 -0800

Help me find an obscure R.A. Lafferty quote. Just saw Little Miss Sunshine and was struck by its message of embracing one's own utter dorkiness. It reminded me of a quotation by SF writer R.A. Lafferty about finding or inventing for yourself a field of knowledge or an art form so unique (excuse me; you know what I mean) that you will be the first to study it and create in it, and since the first, therefore the best. Knowing Lafferty's inclination to use Biblical allusions, Adam may have been mentioned in there as the first to do a lot of things.

Lafferty has always been an inspiration to me. Ghod knows he certainly lived his advice, and didn't just spout it. Can you help me find it?

Should I sell handwritten stories?

dobbs — Tue, 23 May 2006 10:43:34 -0800

Someone has asked to buy some paper I've written on... A few questions inside. A long-time reader on my mailing list has been asking about my writing process. I mentioned that I write a lot by hand in rough and then just type once into the computer and send. She's asked if I'd be willing to sell the rough, handwritten version of a particular piece.

Some details:

-- the final piece (that was typed and sent out) was short (352 words) and the rough is about that--fits on one blank (unlined) piece of 8.5 x 11 paper.

-- my handwriting is pretty awful and is exaggerated because I often write on busses or when half-asleep. ie, the document is probably not legible to most folks. it looks like a 3 year old wrote it. (woman says she doesn't care as long as I'm guaranteeing it's the only copy of it.)

-- the piece she's requesting is probably the 2nd most popular thing I've written, based on reader feedback. (for those of you who've read my stuff, it's a Victory Shag piece about K----).

I asked how much she was offering and she said that was my decision. How much should I ask for?

And, since I find this whole situation rather bizarre, I have a few additional questions:

-- are there other writers who've done this? sold rough drafts to individuals? i've never heard of such a thing. got any links so I can see how/what they're doing/charging? i mean, i've heard of writers who sold originals to people who hired them to write them (ie, sponsors or whatever. e.g. anais nin.), but this strikes me as something different.

-- since this is the first time someone's ever asked for such a thing, am I correct in assuming it's rare for anyone to want such a thing? or am i being stupid and is there a market out there that I could cater to with one-off originals?

-- should i put up an archive of my work and offer the originals for sale or is that just idiotic?

As someone who's never even been published (haven't tried), the thing seems pretty strange to me. Any advice is appreciated.

Where do writers go for artists?

blueneurosis — Mon, 04 Jul 2005 23:05:39 -0800

Is there anywhere online a writer can find artists searching for a story?
Recent Something Positive strips have reminded me that I've got several ideas for webcomics, but I lack some of that 'Artistic Talent' the kids have these days.

financing the Great American Novel

lustra — Tue, 01 Mar 2005 12:14:42 -0800

I want to spend three to six months writing a novel as my primary activity. I have savings, but not enough. What kinds of work can I pick up and do, wing in and out of, make money but have maximum flexibility to do my writing? I have published two books previously and have strong well-developed skills in technology writing, web writing, some copy writing, etc., if that matters to your answer. Many thanks.