Overview

When is an artistic work finished? When the copyeditor makes the final correction to a manuscript, when the composer writes the last note of a symphony, or when the painter puts the last brushstroke on the canvas? Perhaps it's even later, when someone reads the work, when an ensemble performs, or when the painting is hung on a gallery wall for viewing? Art from Start to Finish gathers a unique group of contributors from the worlds of sociology, musicology, literature, and communications—many of them practicing artists in their own right—to discuss how artists from jazz musicians to painters work: how they coordinate their efforts, how they think, how they start, and, of course, how they finish their productions. Specialists in the arts have much to say about the works themselves, which are often neglected by scholarsi n other fields. Art from Start to Finish takes a different tack by exploring the creative process itself and its social component. Any reader who makes art or has an interest in it will value this book.

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9780226040844

Table of Contents

Reviews

The contributors have produced something akin to 'free jazz.' They have collaborated on a profound meditation about art that suggests topics even more profound. . . . Beyond opening collective reflection on 'the artwork itself, ' this volume opens a line of inquiry into the nature of beauty and the meaning of life.--Mark D. Jacobs Newsletter of the Sociology of Culture (1/3/2006 12:00:00 AM) There are many stimulating ideas in these essays. As a whole, the book is an existence proof that we can fruiifully study a single artwork, and it challenges sociologists of art to explore this new domain.--Grant Blank American Journal of Sociology (1/3/2006 12:00:00 AM) By making 'start' and 'finish' analytically problematic, everything in between becomes more interesting. This volume flashes with new clarities and, inspired by the wit of its editors, makes art and society come together in novel ways. --Harvey Molotch, New York University --Harvey Molotch (1/3/2006 12:00:00 AM) This refreshing, invigorating volume contains high quality, relaxed writing by an array of scholars and artists who have thought deeply about questions of framing and finishing in the arts. Art from Start to Finish works as a set of riffs on the theme: each author gets to shine in their own solos while rich cross references underwrite its integrity. It is a wonderful book to think and play with. --Geoffrey Bowker, Santa Clara University --Geoffrey Bowker (1/3/2006 12:00:00 AM)

The contributors have produced something akin to ''free jazz.'' They have collaborated on a profound meditation about art that suggests topics even more profound. . . . Beyond opening collective reflection on ''the artwork itself,'' this volume opens a line of inquiry into the nature of beauty and the meaning of life. -Mark D. Jacobs, Newsletter of the Sociology of Culture -- Mark D. Jacobs Newsletter of the Sociology of Culture

Author Information

Howard S. Becker is the author of several books, including, most recently, Tricks of the Trade, also published by the University of Chicago Press. Robert R. Faulkner is professor of sociology at the University of Massachusetts-Amberst. He is the author of Music on Demand and Hollywood Studio Musicians. Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett is professor of performance studies at New York University. She is the author of Destination Culture.

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