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Vendor
Fritz Agency
Christian Dittus
Original language
English

AM I PRETTY WHEN I FLY?

Joan Baez

An Album of Upside Down Drawings

Like a long, funny letter from an old friend, an album of drawings by the legendary singer and activist for social justice, Joan Baez.

Since retiring from active performing, Baez has focused her formidable talents on painting and drawing. This collection of drawings shows another side of Baez: lovingly loose and charming sketches on reoccurring themes such as politics, relationships, women, animals, and family. Each section, organized thematically, includes an introductory piece by the artist. Baez approaches her line drawings as exercises in freedom: she begins drawing upside down—often using her non-dominant hand—without any preconceived notion of where the lines might lead her.
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Book

Published 2023-04-01 by David R. Godine

Comments

“A book exploding with spontaneity and humor, and a grand tour through the mind of one of the great artists of the twentieth century.” —Steve Martin “Am I Pretty When I Fly? shows me a side of Joan Baez I could not have imagined. It is entertaining, moving, ridiculously funny, insightful, and mysterious.” —Lana Del Rey “Joan Baez's book of upside down drawings is moving, subversive, and heartbreaking. Childlike but not childish, full of wonder as well as despair. I loved it. Just like life. Thank you, Joan.” —Bette Midler “These drawings elicit a stunning depth of feeling as they spin off from humor and romp through tenderness, cynicism, anger, heartbreak and—cloaked in silliness—a terrifying peek at current events. She has put down the guitar and reached for a pen and paper without missing a beat.” —Lily Tomlin and Jane Wagner

Quote Praise

"By gracefully walking a fine line between blunt-force honesty and flights of fancy, the book is satisfying, enjoyable, and rewarding. Fans and newcomers alike will appreciate this intimate look into Baez's unique artistry."

Review Kirkus Reviews