Steve Martin, An Object of Beauty

Sitting down to write about a book that the author wrote so well feels pretty silly and is not an easy task.  I give it to the critics for this; I am not a believer of ‘those that can’t do, teach –or- those that can’t do, critique’.  This is less of a critique than an expression of enjoyment and an urging to read.  To read a real critique check out the NYTimes. 

People often ask me, how does one get their art shown in a gallery or museum? -or- How do ‘you’ get in?  Steve Martin’s book, “An Object of Beauty” shows you one version of this answer and gives the reader a secret tour through the art market, auction houses, collectors mind and the ladder of moving up in the art world all through the eyes of a generic ambitious young woman. 

Three and a half years ago when I moved back to San Diego from London [where I did my grad studies], the idea was to move in with my parents and Recover from the happenings of the past three years, but just for a few months.  Then it was off to New York or San Francisco or anywhere but my home town.  This however did not happen; classic story of boy meets girl mixed with the not so classic story, girl finds great job unexpectedly.  So here I am loving life in SD and Curator at one of my true loves, a contemporary art museum.  But don’t we all wonder what could have been, only if….. “An Object of Beauty” documents one of my ‘if only’ paths.  Seeing as how I am not all that special and there are a lot of people out there like me, I think it can do for you what it did for me, and show you your road not taken, or maybe a road you’re thinking of taking.  If you love the art world at all, or hate it, you will love Martin’s newest book.  I have been a fan of his writing for a long time and also highly recommend “Shop Girl.”