215: What Is Art?

Writing Lessons from Nora Ephron 

Nora Ephron was one of the most popular and accomplished writers in American literature and film. She did it all. Movies, books, essays, magazine articles and more.  

Today I’m sharing her strategies that you can use to improve your own writing.  

For more helpful writing tips check out podcast episode 171: Words that Sell: 5 Top Copywriters Share their Best Advice with Laura Belgray, Lacy Boggs, Tarzan Kay, Kimberly Houston, and Danielle Weil 

The New York Art Scene Circa 1962 

There’s an exhibit called New York 1962-1964 covering that 3-year period of art in the city. It was a time of epic changes, and the exhibit explores the way artists documented the era.  

Looking at art through the lens of the events during that time frame reminds me that what’s happening in our world impacts how we see and experience events which affects our expression and the art we create.  

Does the Supreme Court get to decide: What is Art? 

This fall the supreme court is going to hear a case about Andy Warhol’s paintings of the artist known as Prince. Specifically, the legal concern is if the images violate the copywrite law with a portrait of the musician.  

Essentially, they are deciding “what is art?” Why is this coming up now? The Andy Warhol foundation has licensed work that was originally based on a single-use license.  

It’s complicated and I have lots of questions. Let me know what you think on Instagram.  

Want to know how to make sure you’re protected? Check out podcast 44: Protect Your Art from Copycats and Freeloaders with Legal Expert Katie Lane 

Take Yourself Seriously as an Artist 

Did you read any books written by July Blume? Her book Are you There God, It’s me Margaret was instructional for me as a young 4th grader. A movie based on the book will be released in 2023.  

This was the first of 29 books written by Blume but when this was published everyone, including her husband (at the time) laughed at the idea that she was a writer.  

Not Judy. She knew she was a writer.  

It’s time to re-write your story. Start taking yourself seriously. I want you to choose to believe in yourself as the artists, the writer, the creator that you are.  

Your Friends Shape Your Mindset  

A new study from Harvard found that poor children found that kids who had friends from across class lines has better outcomes that those who didn’t.  

I became friends with a group of girls, and we decided that we were gifted. We talked about becoming poets and artists and though I am not in touch with them now, I found out that is exactly what happened for at least 2 of them. The seeds of who we were and who we became were planted during those 6th grade friendships.  

Our friendships shape what we see as normal. It helped us all believe what was possible for us.  

Listen to Master the Emotional Side of Goal Setting with Miriam Schulman schulmanart.com/175 

If you are looking to surround yourself with other artists and creators, check out the Artists Incubator. 

Pre-order the book Artpreneur: Schulmanart.com/BOOK

Come tell me what you think @schulmanArt