Come Walk with Me: Exploring Why Art Matters

Book Synopsis: COME WALK WITH ME asks and answers the question of why artistic practice is important and beneficial. After decades of making art, Roberta Wagner asked the questions, “Why did I make it such a priority? Was it worth it?” Like a walk through her garden, with its hidden curves and vistas, understanding the importance of making art was only in her peripheral vision as she wrote most days about what was on her mind: memories, making art, love, grief, and frustrations. Over the next five years, she saw how her artistic practice colored every corner of her life. Practicing artists will recognize Roberta’s experiences and benefit from the clarity and camaraderie. Would-be artists of all kinds will see the humor, curiosity, joy, intuition, and love that can be gained from a creative practice. All readers gain insight into the importance of their own intuition and self-reflective practices. These explorations provide inspiration and courage while inviting the reader to dig deep for their own truths and to nurture intuition and curiosity.

Author Bio Roberta Wagner has been a practicing artist for four decades and has worked in various mediums including clay, paint, textiles and mixed media. She has shown artwork in Washington, D.C., VA, and WA galleries and completed an eight-foot diameter commissioned fountain for the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, Virginia. Follow the author for more information.

Reviews“If you have ever felt like there is a whole world out there that is locked to you, if you have ever loved and lost, if you have ever felt the pull and push of living an artistic life …. Roberta’s book, Come Walk With Me, is for you. Roberta takes you on a journey in and out of life and art, expressing her thoughts and realizations about the importance of asking the right questions, finding the right mentors and learning to embrace the discipline the frustrations that come with being an artist and remembering to come back to play!” Angela Truscott, Fibre Arts Take Two

“Roberta Wagner has composed a moving, impressionistic odyssey of her creative life and search for meaning in Come Walk with Me: Exploring Why Art Matters. Ceramics, textiles and paintings thread through this elegant book, reflecting life’s seasons as Roberta explores love, loss and the redemptive power of art.” Nancy Hillis, Author, The Artist’s Journey

“Wagner has delivered a trove of timeless moments, inviting the reader to discover life on the art side.” Gail Ferguson, author Cracking the Intuition Code

This book will resonate with anyone who has loved fiercely and said goodbye too soon. I can imagine gifting this book to a young woman starting her own journey. Truly a gem to be enjoyed over and over.” Laurie Stewart, CEO/President, Sound Community Bank, Seattle, WA

“Come Walk with Me by Roberta Wagner is the most nourishing, nurturing book I’ve read in a long time. I found I was racing through it because I was enjoying it so much. I tried to slow down to savor the meditative pages, so beautifully written and illustrated with Roberta’s exquisite art. While reading her book, I recognized parallels in my life and have had several epiphanies about my art practice and life, which helped me to grasp where I am going on my own journey.” Robyn Gordon, South African artist and curator of quotes on art posted on FB and IG

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