Living Well: Advice for All Ages – The Irish Times
David Gentleman: Lessons for a Life Well-Lived,Not Just Well-Drawn
Table of Contents
David Gentleman,the celebrated engraver,stamp designer,and illustrator,offers a profound and accessible guide to creativity and living in his latest book,Lessons for Young Artists. Far from being a niche manual for aspiring artists, Gentleman’s work transcends age and profession, providing a quietly wise roadmap for navigating life with purpose and joy.
The Simple Act of making Art
At 95, Gentleman, who has drawn daily for nine decades, challenges the notion of art as a mysterious or rarefied pursuit. “We make art because it’s captivating, and it keeps us in touch with reality,” he writes in the book’s introduction. “And you get better if you stick at it.” This philosophy underscores a basic truth frequently enough overlooked: art, and by extension, life, should be enjoyable.
Beyond the Canvas: Gentleman’s Diverse Artistic Legacy
Gentleman’s prolific career spans a remarkable range of artistic endeavors. He is the unassuming force behind many familiar images, including:
The iconic 1970s Penguin Shakespeare book covers. The evocative platform murals at charing Cross Underground Station.
The impactful “Stop the War Coalition” poster from 2003.
Numerous personal paintings and drawings that reveal his keen observational skills.
His work as an engraver, stamp designer, book illustrator, and poster maker demonstrates a consistent commitment to clarity, impact, and aesthetic integrity.
Lessons for Life, Not just Art
Lessons for Young Artists is more than a collection of artistic techniques; it’s a compendium of life advice.Gentleman distills his decades of experience into actionable principles that resonate deeply:
Embrace Practice: The core message is that consistent effort and dedication lead to improvement.
Abandon Perfectionism: Gentleman advocates for the courage to start, even when the outcome is uncertain.
Cultivate Self-Forgiveness: The creative process,like life,involves mistakes. Learning to forgive oneself is crucial for continued progress.
Trust the Process: Believing in one’s ability to learn and grow is fundamental.
Integrate Ethics: Gentleman’s decision to decline a lucrative stamp design commission due to ethical concerns highlights the importance of aligning one’s work with personal values.
Practical Wisdom for a Creative Existence
Under headings such as “start small,” “travel light,” ”don’t put work off,” and “try and look at a subject from different angles,” Gentleman offers practical guidance for fostering a creative life amidst the distractions of the modern world. His insights on overcoming procrastination are especially poignant: “sometimes,” he writes, “you can feel so anxious about getting it right that you are reluctant to start.”
This book serves as a powerful reminder that creativity is not an innate talent reserved for a select few,but a practice accessible to all. It is a testament to a life lived with curiosity, dedication, and a profound thankfulness for the simple act of making.Lessons for Young Artists* is an essential read for anyone seeking to live a more engaged, fulfilling, and creative life.