I was lucky enough to receive this book for my birthday, a very good choice by my husband, it turns out – I hadn’t even heard of it. ‘A Bigger Message – Conversations with David Hockney’ has received great reviews since its publication some years ago. (Just take a look at the Amazon reviews and goodreads)
I found it very accessible and, contrary to my usual greedy, gobbling approach, I paced myself so that I actually stood a chance of digesting some of the ideas Hockney explores. Bitesize chunks, with time to consider in between.
The book takes the form of a wide-ranging dialogue between the author and Hockney, giving an insight into the mind of the artist, his approach to art and his constant quest to represent the world and imagination. The dialogue roams widely, from comparing the use of different types of perspective (I’d never considered there could be more than one) and the limitations of photography, to how the iPad is changing art. There are plenty of pictures too!
I found the ideas gave me a new perspective (haha), and Hockney himself seems very engaging and a real ‘live wire.’ It was revealing also to hear the back story behind some of his pictures, which helped me to make sense of his progression in art and how he’s arrived at the style he has today.
I know that I will come back to this book, and I’ll be lending it to friends with an interest in art. If you get a chance to borrow a copy, I’d say ‘Yes,’ find a comfy chair and take the phone off the hook…
Thanks Rebecca, I will give this book a look.
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Hopefully you’ll find it as interesting as I did… š
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Interesting ! I love Hockney’s way of interpreting
the world. I was offered a book of his work a couple years back, and regularly browse through it when I need to “wash my eyes”. I never heard of that one, thanks for sharing.
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You’re welcome, Julie – I hope you find it intriguing! š
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Thanks Rebecca!! I’ll have to check this book out! ššš»
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There is another, earlier book of interviews with Hockney by Lawrence Weschler should you have withdrawal symptoms, Rebecca.
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Ooh, I might try to get it from the library – thanks Michael! š
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Thanks for the recommendation Rebecca, I shall have to check this one out. Have you ever been to Salts Mill? There is a great collection of Hockney’s work there including “The Arrival of Spring” exhibition. It sounds like your husband made an excellent choice with your gift š
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Yes, but it was a long time ago, with my then boss; we had a meeting next-door at Pace. I remember enjoying the gallery, although much of the work was Hockney’s 70s and 80s (naturally). I think I’d like it even more now as I prefer his more recent paintings, and would love to see ‘The Arrival of Spring.’ Hmmm, we have friends who live in Leeds – I might be able to persuade them to take a jaunt over to Saltaire when we’re next up North… š
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That sounds like a good plan, just remember to keep a tight hold on your purse in the art shop!
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Oh, thank you for the recommend Rebecca. I love to read so this really gets me excited.
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Well, I really hope you enjoy it, Cathe! š
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This book goes to my next goodreads!
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Hope you find it interesting. š
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Yeah. š
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