Sally Mann. Penguin Books, (288p) ISBN: 9780241774540. Memoir, read 10/05/25, eBook ★★★★☆
Art Work- On the Creative Life
I’ve got to admit I have ‘Hold Still’ by Sally Mann on the shelf waiting to be read but this came up on Netgalley and I thought I may as well give this a go first.
Though this is a craft book the craft is explained through memoir and in the most loose of senses. It looks at different aspects of what it takes to be a photographer and then goes down a rabbit hole of experience to show this strength.
Each of the section was a rambling journey through her life that led her to the conclusions on her art that sometimes had very little to do with art itself but for me emphasised that art and life are not two separate spheres but are interlocked and refelct each other.
I was gobsmacked by the trailer incident…
If you are reading this for some technical help or real insight to practice this may not be for you but if you are willing to synthesise the lessons here with the overarching theme of the chapter you can at least get a look at how Sally Mann works.
She has an interesting writing style that does keep you hooked all the way through and the reflections are always edifying.
I really enjoyed the inserts and type-written extra to her friends and families, I also enjoyed how she held little reverence for her own work often penning off notes on the back of ‘failed’ prints.
Overall well worth a read, but more a memoir than a manual so know what you’re going to get.
I received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
