Last Artist Standing - (Living and Sustaining a Creative Life) by Sharon Louden (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A look at how seasoned artists stay relevant and inspire new generations.

Last Artist Standing presents essays on the lives of thirty-one artists over the age of fifty, which explore how they have sustained their creative lives and the different paths they have taken throughout their artistic careers. The artists discussed here have learned how to thrive and be creative through decades of life's challenges, and they have become mentors to other artists. This collection addresses the ability of these artists to remain contemporary as they adapt through generational shifts, the challenges--the physical, financial, and professional--they have overcome to remain vibrant and sustaining artists, and their role as inspirational models to others who may be turning to art late in their lives.

By sharing these artists' stories, this book hopes to offer examples of living an engaged and creative life that can be replicated across all age groups, both within and beyond the art world.

Cover image:
Jaq Chartier
Blues w/8 Whites
2020
16" x 16"
Acrylic, inks, dyes, stains & spray paint on wood panel
Courtesy of the artist

Review Quotes

"I don't recall the last time I was so moved by a collection of art essays. These mini-memoirs remind us that every artist's life is an epic journey through hurdles both private and institutional. From their first breaks to the challenges of continuing a practice while working other jobs, raising families, and getting older, the artists in this collection never gave up on their true calling. This is a valuable resource for art scholars and an essential read for artists of all ages."-- "Hakim Bishara, Senior Editor, Hyperallergic"

"I have always admired how Sharon Louden gives vital voice to artists. Her latest anthology affirms the enduring creative force artists over 50 represent, both individually and collectively. Younger artists will find authentic inspiration in these essays, which offer reassurance: amid global and generational change, there will never be a last artist standing, at least, not alone."-- "Sascha Gianella, Founder and Curator of We, The Muse"

"Louden is unique in her ability to build rich and multifaceted communities, which is reflected in this diverse anthology that shows us that artistic reinvention, creative problem solving, and the daily practice of art and life only benefits from experience and time."-- "Nisa Mackie, The Edward John Noble Foundation Deputy Director of Learning and Engagement, Museum of Modern Art"

"Sharon has assembled a collection of voices so rarely heard but who should be shouted from the rooftops--activism, artmaking, creative thought, and inspiration find their fullest manifestation among artists who have the benefit of both hindsight and the freedom that comes with no longer having to play the art world game. The artists featured in this anthology remind us that it is only through years of hard work, risk-taking, setbacks, and doubt that the best art emerges."
-- "Beth Venn, Director of the University of Wyoming's Neltje Center for Excellence in Creativity and the Arts"

About the Author

Sharon Louden is an artist, educator, advocate for artists, consultant, community builder, and the editor of the "Living and Sustaining a Creative Life" series of books. In addition, Sharon is a visionary leader with decades of experience as an educator in academia, community connector, and catalyst fighting for underrepresented artists within established institutions. She is a collaborator who convenes initiatives with siloed stakeholders across the non-profit and business sectors. All of this work is considered a creative practice under the umbrella of a working artist.