On Being an Artist

Few living artists can claim to have had the influence of Michael Craig-Martin (born 1941). Celebrated internationally for his own art, he has also helped nurture generations of younger artists, among them Julian Opie, Damien Hirst, Sarah Lucas, Liam Gillick and Gary Hume. Often described as the godfather of the YBAs, he taught by combining personal example and individual guidance, offering students practical advice and insights gained from his own professional highs and lows. Part memoir and part instructional guide, On Being an Artist mixes reminiscence, personal philosophy, self-examination and advice for the budding artist. In a series of short episodes, Craig-Martin reflects with both wit and candor on the many ideas, events and people that have inspired and shaped him throughout his life, from his childhood in postwar America through his time as an art student at Yale in the 1960s and subsequent work as a teacher, to his international success in later years.