Art that brings me comfort

What art that brings you comfort right now? What art do you want to be thinking about? In this episode, we make a book of art by Alec Soth, Miyoko Ito, Giorgio Morandi, Vija Celmins, Sam Gilliam, Sheila Hicks, and Wayne Thiebaud. Make your own art book and share it with #youareanartist.
Order You Are an Artist here: bitly.com/2kplj2h.
Thanks to our Grandmasters of the Arts Divide By Zero Collection and David Golden, and to all of our patrons, especially Anthony Chivetta, Rich Clarey, Iain Eudailey, Tom Forwood, Patrick Hanna, Andrew Huynh, Eve Leonard, David Moore, Jane Quale, Gabriel Civita Ramirez, Andrew Sheeler, Boris Silantiev, Josh Thomas, Constance Urist, and Roberta Zaphiriou. To support our channel, visit: / artassignment .
Subscribe for new episodes of The Art Assignment every other Thursday, and follow us elsewhere for the full Art Assignment experience:
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[@agustinvenegas5238]

I loved the video and I'm fascinated with the prompt given here but I can't shake a question off my head What are you glueing the prints with? I've never seen anything like that and it would be useful for my work in uni

[@theartassignment]

Lots of questions about these dots! There are a variety of adhesive glue dots available for sale. These particular ones have been floating around in a drawer of mine for the last, um, decade, and I'm not sure they are made anymore. They're called "Magic Dots" and were made for photos to tack into albums. I've also used some called "Zots," but if you search around there are other options, too.

[@SkillmanStudios]

Glue dots! I think scotch makes some. They are a life changer.

[@nellygarcia9803]

The Art Assignment hhhhhvkkbvnbnn

[@jasmeenmalhotra2225]

Gotta love 3M

[@debratroyanos1811]

They are glue dots, and come in all sizes and can also be on a long strip. Scrap bookers use them all the time, because it is neater and faster. You can get them at any Michaels, AC Moore, or even Walmart or other crafts store.

[@vlogbrothers]

This is just what I needed today. Calming, thoughtful, caring. Thanks, Sarah. -John

[@Akentrophyta]

My great-granddaughter was born this morning. I'm going to make her a small art book for my work so she'll know me when I'm gone. Thanks for this episode

[@theartassignment]

Wonderful! Congratulations!

[@Mrchair-bk5ns]

Qwen Wan May you live long so that you tell her that yourself!

[@wewemcrhyne]

That is so beautiful!

[@apiramie]

What a wonderful idea! And welcome to the world, little human!

[@teresaribeiro8489]

this comment made me cry of love, thank you

[@TheFlrom]

One of the many reasons i love this channel: While watching this, my boyfriend (he isnt really into much fine art) started watching with me and immediately made the dreaded 'but i can do that' comment. It sparked an hour long conversation on talking to him about the art he does in fact enjoy, and discovering that, its not a paintings seeming simplicity that he doesn't like, its the fact that he doesn't know why he doesn't like it. He also, as a musician, collates complexity with skill (as he works hard to play very fast paced difficult things) and thus inherently thinks simplistic works require less skill. I then asked him wether he liked my paintings (minimalist/op art style) and he said 'well of course, because theyre yours and i know what they mean to you'. He then realised that art doesnt have to be complex and technical to be impactful, it just needs to mean something to someone.

[@matthew_thefallen]

nice! I can relate as a musician and painter! Many many many discussions with my friends and parents are about complexity, whether in music or art. that is a good topic to make people understand and appreciate things more

[@linguaphilly]

Inherently? I think you're wrong there. I think many musicians get to learn about the minimalistic movement pretty early on in their career, which already suffices to learn not to equate skill with complexity

[@TheFlrom]

@@linguaphilly maybe inherently is the wrong word. but also he's self taught and didnt go to school for music so didnt really have that exposure to other stuff. to him its an inherent thing because of the music he's grown up listening to and performing and writing, which is predominantly heavy, fast complex stuff. thats not to say he doesnt like and appreciate other things, its just what he knows best.

[@shaunnolan]

Sorry for the weirdly late response to this comment but this is so true and is exactly what I needed reminding of tonight. So thank you!

[@fictionfatale3913]

I sold my first ever painting today -I’m elated.

[@nishantrai5680]

Congratulations buddy!

[@gabby4558]

At first I read "I stole" and was concerned! Congrats though on SELLING!

[@menicman7044]

Hell yeah!

[@fictionfatale3913]

Nishant Rai thank you 😌

[@fictionfatale3913]

Gabby H. 😂😂😂😂 thank you

[@Noah-yj9uu]

Art that brings me comfort: this video

[@MrKelsomatic]

"We are always the bird to some extent but we are *really* the bird right now." Oh how I love this channel.

[@ChristopherSmith-il6fo]

I always like how Sarah talks about art it's like when you watch something and everything feels so calm, but the closer you look the more you realize how vibrant everything it.

[@AdelWolf]

Your voice has become so soothing to me.

[@letom.359]

For me too...🍒

[@estrellacasias]

So true like the sound really calms me and leaves my mind open to different perspectives of art and the human experience

[@AspienPadda]

Off topic but I love your profile picture. Please forgive my ignorance, since I live far removed from the LGBTQ+ world, but what is it? What does your picture or this flag mean? At least I know it represents queer, right?

[@russelldickenson2022]

@@AspienPadda It's an expanded version of the rainbow flag, which is meant to include various sexual/gender identities not typically associated with just the rainbow flag (because even though the rainbow flag is meant to symbolically include everyone, its more or less come to be associated strictly with being gay). Think of it like the flag for the LGBT +, with more of an emphasis on the +.

[@AspienPadda]

Thank you @@russelldickenson2022 I feel much more educated now. I think the reason I'm attracted to it, now that I think about it, is because it looks like my country flag: 🏳️‍🌈 + 🇿🇦

[@bluebaconjake405]

Wait. What is that blue thing? Ive never seen those sticky dots in my entire life. I want 10.000 sheets of that.

[@aubreypost9549]

I came into the comment section to say the same thing, that looks so awesome for bullet journaling

[@theartassignment]

They’re called Magic Dots!

[@AdaSoto]

And where do we get them?! Do you know how much glue the kids go through?!

[@scorpioninpink]

@@theartassignment can I buy it on Amazon? I need that thing.

[@AspienPadda]

In my country we have something called a Pritt dot that's like this just clear and a bit puffier. You should see krismis presents wrapped using them! So sexy and streamline hahaha

[@KannikCat]

“Because even good digital images can’t come close to recreating what a real life art encounter is like, in physical space, where you can sense its texture and dimensionality and changing appearance as light shifts and you shift around it.” Wow. I’m almost speechless… what a beautiful encapsulation of the visceral experience of space (whether created by buildings or nature both) as well as the way something ‘live’ can hit us in our gut and our heart in unexpected ways (my 2017 was especially filled with moments like that). Wonderfully put. And then, to make my speech recede even more, “…simply to spend time in the presence of another beating heart.” Absolutely moving. This whole video was touching, a great idea/assignment and a poignant reminder of our humanity and the joys of being mindful and present. Thank you Sarah!

[@nickyhopkins852]

You know that cliché question "if you could have dinner with anyone in the world, living or dead, who would it be?", well I think I would choose you, Sarah. I adore every video you put out, your depth of knowledge and ability to convey it in a way that I can follow, a way that makes me question things without feeling intimidated. After watching, I always end up down a Google rabbit hole of new and different art. I guess I just wanted to say thank you for this channel and I look forward to reading your book and watching more from you!

[@smallandhasty]

I would watch about 20 more editions of this video, at least. One of my favorite parts of the Art Assignment is just...listening to you talk about your favorite works? It is simultaneously soothing and horizon-widening and totally enthralling.

[@Arcadian-Nova]

this is similar to an assignment i got from one of my art teachers, we are to make a little book out of our own art works, the art we create is supposed to be our safe space. i think i'g going to combine it with my most recent love, poetry.

[@theartassignment]

I love this idea. I have since added the artist quotes from the video into the book, but I think I'd like to annotate it further, and add thoughts, drawings, etc.

[@mhope4607]

I had a similar assignment too, that’s why i clicked on this

[@heythere444]

I am an extreme introvert and feel that now, for a while, I get to 'not be the bird'. I have been given a break from doing many of the things I am usually expected to do that really drain me. But, I feel bad for the extroverts. I get it.

[@nathantang9964]

video idea: impressionism's role as a merger of the classical and the modern, formality and informality, as well as the beginning of celebrating everyday life as valid subjects

[@sikamaru666]

"Given the real thing, and an indistinguishable fake, which is worth more? The fake is of far greater value, in it’s deliberate attempt to be 'real', it’s more real than the real thing."-Nisemonogatari To fix the image in memory- express really well that idea.

[@rattfratz4288]

This video nearly brought me to tears, and I'm not a person who weeps easily. I don't know what exactly it was that touched me, and I don't have the capability to express my feelings well enough in English - it's not my native language. Maybe it was the calmness. Maybe it was the way this let me see the beauty of other people's minds and the beauty of humanity that we so often doubt. Anyways, I loved it and I am so inspired.

[@Mendertainer]

The inspirational little artbook is such a clever idea! I think there are so many ways to use it, for the creative process for example. As I am making videos then I was immediately thinking I could collect pictures (also words) to create an inspirational storyboard or something like that. Sometimes a detailed artwork can deliver the mood much better than just writing it down. Thanks for the idea!

[@dtuulelohe]

Good idea! Thanks!

[@dudybug]

That colorful ball thing made me actually tear up a little. Just like soft big color is so pretty.

[@maellebardet1351]

When this all thing hit Europe I was touring with my mum in the Netherlands (im from France), we were suppose to see the Belgium grand expositon about Van Eyck, but we Come home earlier and its was a one in a century exposition (piece so fragile its never shown) . Made me feel really Sad, fortunatly I was able to see the the young lady with a pearl earing. Help a little so are the wonderful pièces you show today 🥰

[@jimenafernandez2685]

i found very inspirational to post this type of content during these weird times, thank you for your distinguished appreciation and for sharing it!

[@chimerasofhafgufa]

I love how she stopped leaving the white edges with more 3d art. This kind of small detail represents that it's not supposed to be just a photo in a book, it's something bigger than that.

[@amurphy2922]

Art is soothing in rough times.

[@Emily-ce7hd]

Can't encounter art first hand in quarantine? Then how can I encounter this video, a genuine work of art, in its natural form?

[@danielmcelroy4505]

“Even if we never see them or never will” is how I feel about Sun Tunnels - it sits in my mind, stewing 😌

[@fanniszilagyi6651]

I have a wall of art. I love to look at my favourite painting everyday.

[@lorenabpv]

I am so so happy to see this on my subscription feed right now. once again, this channel comes through when I very much need it. I've been missing the virtual tour lately. thank you :) ps: hope everyone is safe and, if not totally okay, at least okay enough to be comfortable and kind to themselves

[@kwebst1]

this is wonderful. Reminds me of my art school days. Best part was learning and seeing other artists' work and getting to know them. I can go in to a modern art museum (when I could) and see my friends again, feel proud that I know who they are. It is so easy to walk by a piece of art and instantly decide if you like it or not, but when you know the what and why it is like having poetry explained, I love that moment of OH I see it.

[@floschaer]

Dear Sarah
. I didn’t know how much I needed your thoughts and your words in my daily life. Through your channel you’re about to open a door for me that leads into a room from which a completely new perspective on art is possible - and in a way, you are what gives me comfort right now. Thank you so very much.

[@quinsomnia4934]

I have a lot of 'comfort art' one of my favourites is this lady who makes embroidery and carpets that look like moss and grass. Soft, paused decay.

[@imwritinganovel3501]

I love your inclusion of contemporary work! Studying art history definitely can numb you to the amazing pieces being made today.

[@professionalpainthuffer]

I wish I could talk about art like Sarah does. I've always wanted to do a youtube series or a blog or something talking about art, but I don't think I could ever be as impactful as this channel

[@jimsmint]

That was seriously one of the most delightful things I've ever seen. Bless you Sarah Urist Green.

[@IsuiGtz]

As others have said, yes, your voice is extremely soothing; and as always, you never cease to inspire me, even in my lowest points. On the other hand, I didn't know you are actually a mom, you look so young, relaxed and full of energy and creativity; how's that even possible? you might very well be an unicorn. Love to you and your family from Mexico. :) Edit: Oh oh, btw, happy -early- mother's day.

[@JoaoPessoa86]

I'm quickly approaching triple figures in my collection of art books and my airline work gives me the opportunity to visit several museums and galleries to see artworks "in person" which makes me painfully aware of the limitations of book reproductions

[@anjtram9646]

This slowed me down - exactly what I needed today.

[@revisehellenologo]

Real life isn't all that great 😅... Went back to work this week and decided I need to spend more time on art and regret wasting so much of the time I was off. For every one who is still off remember to make the most of it ❤

[@gallerymanifesto9060]

This channel is my therapy

[@sonja5058]

What an awesome idea! It's a bit like a zine. I loved listening to your explanations - they gave me an appreciation for the artworks I would never have had just looking at them. Thank you for bringing some calm to us!

[@sonja5058]

[@ramayanaroxas5457]

When I was in my finals of college in my degree, I was losing all hope and missing home when I saw Monet's Promenade at Argenteuil in a book. Gave me the drive to keep going on. I don't know how but it did.

[@itsdachief]

I got to photograph a piece of Sam Gilliam's work during the launch of a new section of the Kennedy Center last year. His work is a wonderful example of how being present in the space of something so incredibly large (this piece was nearly 75 feet long) can make you feel at ease. I love how the size of his works serves as a reminder that our actions as people can have an impact far larger than we could ever be. Thanks for another wonderful video!

[@matthew_thefallen]

In the last past months of lockdown here in Italy I thought of Hopper many times. First because he is one of my favourite artists but also because his paintings resonate what we have passed the last months.

[@theartassignment]

Yes, he captured emptiness and loneliness so well. Which works of his in particular do you find yourself thinking about?

[@EnriqueAviles]

One of the most beautiful, easygoing and productivity encouraging videos on KZbin. Thanks!

[@monkey93xf]

"I want to luxuriate in this environment, as a fully sensing being"

[@buffienguyen]

Your videos bring me comfort, Sarah. Thank you to you and the whole team 💕

[@AlthenaLuna]

I like that, because of the way you cut it out, the image of the draped art is then suspended (with the blu-tack) and draped in its own right in your art book.

[@suzetteanthony5181]

My father was a mid-century artist. I'm writing a book about him which puts me in so many waves of emotions. When I watch your channel it brings me peace. The book "You Are An Artist" has helped me step out of my mind, appreciate the now and get a new perception. Thanks

[@tubakabakci]

My 7 years old son and I just finished an art book, inspired from this video 🤩 Thank you so much! Although the content turned out to be depressive - he has chosen paintings from whichever represented his feelings in “stay at home” days - he enjoyed every bit of the process and also the result 😊

[@justalittleguy1000]

This kind of feels a bit like Anthroposcene Reviewed and I'm into it

[@gqsnowman]

This is a beautiful exercise and a fantastic video. And I'm weirdly flabbergasted by those sticky dots. I've never seen them before.

[@theartassignment]

Yes, they're called "Magic Dots" and are very useful.

[@andrewmi127]

The Art Assignment they seem really cool! where did you get them?

[@TheGFeather]

This was very soothing. Thanks for walking us through your comfort gallery.

[@janiszogs]

The emotion and the intelligence you bring into the light from contemporary art into wider public, the educational effect, it just makes me feel warm inside :) It's so sad that for the average contemporary person a contemporary artwork is "something that i could do" and anything that tries to rise above this mindset just slips under the flow of news and cat videos

[@DuluthTW]

I decided to weed out videos from my "Watch Later" list and decided to watch this now. I love this idea. I absolutely love this idea. Wow. This project is so simple and yet so meaningful to accomplish. Thanks for sharing!

[@pollynedkova4237]

I’m left with the feeling that your soul is aching despite the beautiful experiment with this book you made. So... I’m not a big leave-a-comment type of girl, but since I feel deeply connected with you, I wanted to tell you how big of a work of art you are yourself. I have my own KZbin channel which unfortunately you will never understand cuz it’s in Bulgarian. But a grand amount of my content is art oriented. I’m an actress but I find myself particularly drown to the visual art/ists. I can’t explain my fascination with art but every time I try to understand myself, I come to this channel. If I was ever making my comfort art book, I wold undoubtedly include this masterpiece here. Every video, every subject you talk about is always exactly the thing I needed. Some of the videos I’ve watched so many times I can’t even count. I even have a video completely inspired by you. And I gave this channel the credit, of course. I just wanted to tell you that no matter what’s going on with the world and where art is going, I’m always happy when you upload and watching your videos is one of the things that inspires me the most. Be safe, be creative and be the person you are.

[@billborrowed3939]

I love both this video and her narrating voice. So calm.

[@Naegradel]

This video brings me comfort in 2022. Thank you!

[@battousai9795]

Oh man, this was oddly therapeutic, I guess this is what asmr videos are supposed to make you feel like, only like a million times better.

[@st.lukesbibliotecaolivos5177]

Oh Sarah, this was wonderful, just what I needed. Thank you so much. Lovely art you just introduced me to.

[@valentina711]

I can see and feel some effects of art therapy here, great discovery and a whole new world!!

[@apiramie]

Making a little art book is such a wonderful idea!

[@denisa-rebecatatar5977]

It's so comforting to have your videos through this time

[@sharanadonnanana4501]

This channel always reminds me why I love art. Loads of love to you guys ❤️

[@nazaretnazaretian778]

her voice is gorgeous

[@biancar5763]

I have a corkboard that works as a collage with my favorite art. Sometimes I even feel like a collage of my favorite art.

[@CetMM]

three cheers for texture

[@rudyspective1870]

What a great idea and easy to do, thanks! Sheila Hick's installation- I want to turn my bedroom into that!

[@kats8776]

Every time I watch your videos, I want to take an art appreciation course. Good thing I’m starting college this fall!! ❤️

[@houston1293]

This book is a far better idea than just taking a screenshot on my phone

[@Ad_Astra2023]

This was so inspiring. I don’t know why making my own art book didn’t even come across my mind till now. Thank you for sharing this idea.

[@tomhuijben1073]

This video is everything! Your voice is so soothing and it always calms me down seeing people work on things with their hands. Also learning about artists that I did not know of yet and can now look into just makes it the perfect video for in these weird times, thank you.

[@emilybrightly]

What a great idea, such a great reminder to think about art and how it influences me instead of just blindly consuming as I do most of the time. Thank you!

[@marylhere]

Thank you for sharing and keeping the borders perfect....never realized I had OCD.

[@krpio5873]

Just wanna thank the team behind the Art Assignment and Sarah. This channel has always been so informative and interesting. Really appreciate you guys putting in the effort through these times.

[@koolcuziwannabekool]

I love this! I'd like to make my own art book this month.

[@carpiioo.806]

playing this on loop as I sleep goodnight everyone

[@rasmusn.e.m1064]

That's it. I have to buy the book for my mum now! She has always loved drawing and painting but lacks inspiration and is bogged down by work in this difficult time. This'll be perfect for her! :D

[@skylar-dm]

This is such a wonderful idea and a great video! Sarah's narration is so soothing. Thank you for this

[@mustardsfire22]

This feels a lot like an Anthropocene Reviewed episode. I guess Sarah's been picking up some cadences from John or else I'm just thinking about AR a lot lately.

[@lorenabpv]

as someone who has listened to the entire anthro backlog again during isolation (kind of a bad idea, you're likely gonna end up crying a lot) i agree. it is also the one of the only podcasts i have been listening to lately because most of my other faves have been hard to focus on. i think the same applies to the rest of my youtube feed x the art assignment. anyway not to wall-of-text in the replies, but you just made me think of it

[@whatawittyusername]

I give art books...four and a half stars.

[@ihavespoken164]

This video and your voiceover is so calming. Thank you!

[@lily4351]

This is so lovely and introduced me to some truly formidable artists+works. Thank you again, AA!

[@brookepage3752]

This was so calming to watch. Was having a bad day until watching this. Thank you :)

[@thesecretthirdthing]

Thanks for this, comforting and a good way to stay busy

[@tomgwerzman3644]

"we are the bird" that a great t shirt !

[@Manj_J]

For my next assignment I have to make a zine and I am so excited! I'll probably end up making like 2 or 3 and one of them is definitely going to be an artbook! I love making all sorts of mini books like these, not too refined with the proper binding or anything, just some pages stapled or sewn together. It's very therapeutic and I love doodling and painting in them so I guess my artbook will be slightly different since I'll be making my own art in it instead of putting pictures of other artworks. It'll still be super fun and I'm greatly looking forward to it!

[@Erin_Wilson_Studios]

Best book promo video ever.

[@SkinsFirstGeneration]

You make such beautifully scripted, compelling, immersing descriptions. I love everything about this channel. Truly inspiring in more than one way. I even took the time to translate one of my favorite videos of yours a couple of months ago, because I didn't want anyone to miss it. Please keep these going, truly one of my favorite channels on KZbin. I'm sure will be remembered as one of the greatest and as an example of what we can do for the love of art. Thank you very much!

[@sushi523]

That interpretation of the photograph by Alec Soth... almost had me tearing up ngl

[@cameroncorp]

Thank you!! Life is really stressful rn and much of what gets me through is the art and media that bring me comfort and these videos are a part of that!

[@parkesdj]

Thank you for this lovely, meditative film. I bought the book, by the way.

[@letom.359]

I love your sensibility and respect towards artists and art itself...

[@MeisterJ]

A painting of I've been thinking about regularly the last few days has been Orestes Pursued by the Furies. I have no printer to make a book like yours but I did do a study of it once as a project in college. I was lucky enough to see it in all it's large beauty at the Chrysler in Norfolk VA. At that time it was hung opposite a study for it so it was great to see the plan and the execution. I'm working on an art by mail project and now I'm tempted to make this month's art all master studies, or at least some of them...

[@ude4225]

I've cried for real watching this video. Thank you for this

[@Asha_Viczsarai]

Thank you for this. Just the kind of gentle, meditation through art, that I need right now. I love to hear your perspective on pieces of art and artist’s practices. It enriches my own.

[@marvinraphaelmonfort8289]

Ur stapler, ma'am! J'adore!! And the stickers!

[@zevizenberg6309]

I love this!! Hope it brings you much joy.

[@theuncommonviewer]

Those rocks are incredible.

[@elineeugenie5224]

Triple like. Those coloured balls❤️💙💛💜❤️🧡💛💚💙 Brilliant idea, love the video!

[@byebyebell1]

this video was ammmmazing!! you should definitely do more of these!!

[@andromedasmoons3647]

this is so calming