Amazing book!
Beautiful cover and book… exquisitely designed and executed. Ambitious topic to tackle and done very well. Moss is a great writer, funny and engaging—and easy and enjoyable to read. You will not be disappointed, and will return often and enjoy as an object on the table in between reads. Also a perfect gift!

This book changed me
I am a creative human who has abandoned so many projects because of inevitable doubt and difficulty with the tediousness of refining/editing. I thought it was just me that the “work” part was so hard. I thought (if I was really an artist) it should all come more easily than it does. Sure, people have told me the process is hard, but that always discouraged me. Made me feel like I wasn’t tough enough somehow.What Adam Moss (and the incredible graphic designer) did with this book is put stories together in a way that demonstrates1) Creative flow-states are amazing. A gift. Something to enjoy. Many of the artists he spoke with talked about their flow-states and I could relate. It was so validating. It made me want to give my creative self more time in my life. And more respect.2) so many artists struggled with self-doubt and the tedium of refining, fixing, reworking their “drafts.” All these stories together with Adam’s narrative brought this truth into focus. Self-doubt and difficulty working through are so common—they are normal. I learned that the “work” of art isn’t just the tasks of editing, the “work” is being patient and kind and persistent with yourself while you keep reworking something that isn’t yet good enough. I learned that when an still-imperfect project isn’t done being refined (yet), it’s ok—it’s normal—it doesn’t mean I’m not a good/worthy artist.The “work” (and the gift) of making art, is the inner work. It’s hard, but so good. And this book shows that the work of creating art is always worth it.

A Masterclass in Artistic Process
“The Work of Art: How Something Comes from Nothing” by Adam Moss is an illuminating exploration of creativity, capturing the intricate and often unpredictable journey from idea to masterpiece. Through engaging conversations with over 40 renowned artists—including Stephen Sondheim, Kara Walker, and Ira Glass—Moss offers an intimate look at their creative processes, enriched by personal sketches, drafts, and journal entries. This beautifully designed book not only demystifies the artistic endeavor but also celebrates the resilience and ingenuity required to transform inspiration into reality. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the inner workings of the artistic mind.

Get inside 43 creative minds
Have you ever wondered how artists, writers or other creative types begin their creative journey? How do they continue from the bare idea to the final product? Most importantly, how do they know they are done? The Work of Art lets forty-three creatives speak in their own words about their process to create one work for which they are famous.Despite the broad creative areas covered, most of the interviewees displayed a feeling of awe over what they created. Most had explanations for where the original idea had come from (i.e.; a dream, a book, an image or a random conversation overheard). However, few expected the adulation that their work engendered. They just wanted to finish their project because it needed to be completed. Most explained step-by-step how they proceeded from idea to final product. Their preliminary sketches, notes, etc. are included. Extensive footnotes add the author’s comments about what he is hearing rather than distracting from the creative’s monologue. The bottom line of the book is that art, at least great art or art that makes you famous, which is not necessarily the same thing, takes a lot of hard time-consuming work.If you are a struggling artist in any medium (painting, sculpture, writing, photography, fashion design, etc.), The Work of Art is an interesting way to see the methodology of other creatives. It may make you feel better if you have struggled for years with a project to know you are not alone. It may encourage you to try another artist’s method for getting past blocks or uncertainty. Even if art is not your love, it is still fascinating to see how others think. 4 stars!Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Press for providing me with an advanced review copy.

I have bought this book for myself and for two creative friends. It looks at the creative process of a variety of artists across the realm of visual art, music, writing and composing.

A thoughtful and well written exploration of the art of creating a work of art. Highly recommended!