I always take these grandiose versions of the artist with a grain of salt. Not because there isn't merit in pushing against the grain, questioning the State, or easy presumptions of life (see superficial beauty, wealth hoarding, etc), but because it creates a version of writing that feels intimidating. As a woman who comes from a working-class background, I certainly never saw myself in this god-like light when I was younger and so put off even attempting to put pen to paper. I mean, I'm sure the main reason why he made these assertions is more for his own ego (natural, given that writing does need a certain amount of bull) but still... I wonder if glorifying art in this way does more harm than good.
Also, poverty is not inspiring. It's hard work and mentally draining. No surprise I do more writing now with a comfortable job and a roof over my head, than I did as a teenager, wondering if I might end up homeless after university ended.
Well, I presume to judge him: Easy for Henry to talk about “freedom” and the “truth” of the artist, without once mentioning that it was Anais Nin’s cuckolded husband who paid for Henry’s “freedom” (his bills) while in Europe.
Lol. I’m not angry (no dog in this fight). But I remember reading the complete Anais Nin diaries and being nauseated by her admissions of milking her husband to economically support her lover/s. And crazy-making her husband by lying to him about it all.
I try to enjoy all art despite the behavior of the artists, but…sometimes it’s kinda gross.
You make some very valid points. It's often pained me to be deeply moved by a person’s artistic creation and to later learn of that same individual’s self-centered and unempathetic stance towards others in their personal orbit. The only thing I’d add to this discussion is that despite the pervasive stereotype of the artist as a tortured genius, some of the greatest and most prolific artists are individuals who are quite centered, grounded in their deeply cultivated values, and honorable and respectful towards their lovers, marriages, and children.
Great timing. Have to fill out my papers for food help through the state. Years ago growing up in a town that was football and beer, I left and never found any respite anywhere. Could have used these guidelines but had to find out in my own time and now know its truth in my bones. Imagination is my refuge and life now. As a young person lost in an insane world I felt cursed to wander meanwhile creating art. Now I know I was fucking blessed and this is also great timing.
Growing up with a DNA glitch made me feel inadequate especially where words are involved. Hearing these differing views and thoughts concerning art is very helpful for me.
Finished reading Tropic of Cancer last year. It was definitely enough to nudge me to read more, Miller has an honesty in his writing a lot of writers lack.
Tropic of Cancer was the book that sent me on a literary journey. I was a late bloomer with reading and writing. The first paragraph of that book changed me. I reread it every year. Which reminds me …
Not much privilege (how I loathe that overused word) for Miller. He lived with little money and resources most of his life. Stayed true to his art without ever selling his soul to the machine.
Miller's books and attitudinal disposition are indispensable.
I always take these grandiose versions of the artist with a grain of salt. Not because there isn't merit in pushing against the grain, questioning the State, or easy presumptions of life (see superficial beauty, wealth hoarding, etc), but because it creates a version of writing that feels intimidating. As a woman who comes from a working-class background, I certainly never saw myself in this god-like light when I was younger and so put off even attempting to put pen to paper. I mean, I'm sure the main reason why he made these assertions is more for his own ego (natural, given that writing does need a certain amount of bull) but still... I wonder if glorifying art in this way does more harm than good.
Also, poverty is not inspiring. It's hard work and mentally draining. No surprise I do more writing now with a comfortable job and a roof over my head, than I did as a teenager, wondering if I might end up homeless after university ended.
Well, I presume to judge him: Easy for Henry to talk about “freedom” and the “truth” of the artist, without once mentioning that it was Anais Nin’s cuckolded husband who paid for Henry’s “freedom” (his bills) while in Europe.
You sound angry. He lived in poverty almost his whole life. People took care of their geniuses back then.
Lol. I’m not angry (no dog in this fight). But I remember reading the complete Anais Nin diaries and being nauseated by her admissions of milking her husband to economically support her lover/s. And crazy-making her husband by lying to him about it all.
I try to enjoy all art despite the behavior of the artists, but…sometimes it’s kinda gross.
You make some very valid points. It's often pained me to be deeply moved by a person’s artistic creation and to later learn of that same individual’s self-centered and unempathetic stance towards others in their personal orbit. The only thing I’d add to this discussion is that despite the pervasive stereotype of the artist as a tortured genius, some of the greatest and most prolific artists are individuals who are quite centered, grounded in their deeply cultivated values, and honorable and respectful towards their lovers, marriages, and children.
Great timing. Have to fill out my papers for food help through the state. Years ago growing up in a town that was football and beer, I left and never found any respite anywhere. Could have used these guidelines but had to find out in my own time and now know its truth in my bones. Imagination is my refuge and life now. As a young person lost in an insane world I felt cursed to wander meanwhile creating art. Now I know I was fucking blessed and this is also great timing.
Awesome friend, thanks for sharing.
Growing up with a DNA glitch made me feel inadequate especially where words are involved. Hearing these differing views and thoughts concerning art is very helpful for me.
High time to choose artists as our leaders.
I appreciate what anna commented, but if you mentally swap the he's for more gender-neutral terms then this is gold!!
And whoever claimed that machismo was dead.
He wrote these 80 years ago.
Yes, and you quoted him yesterday...😉
I will to the day I die.
Finished reading Tropic of Cancer last year. It was definitely enough to nudge me to read more, Miller has an honesty in his writing a lot of writers lack.
Tropic of Cancer was the book that sent me on a literary journey. I was a late bloomer with reading and writing. The first paragraph of that book changed me. I reread it every year. Which reminds me …
Thank you for these great quotes, and the book suggestions.
I wonder if you have favorites among the books written about Henry Miller.
Have you read the one by Erica Jong?
Miller was one heck of a writer !
Team outlaw poetry - I am 2 years old on Substack and taking my shot at a substack feature (i do alm,ost zero newsletter promotion, its time).
Hoping if you like my work you can support a fellow poetry lover and writer :)
Thank you!
https://tumbleweedwords.substack.com/p/its-my-second-birthday-on-substack
Not much privilege (how I loathe that overused word) for Miller. He lived with little money and resources most of his life. Stayed true to his art without ever selling his soul to the machine.