What is the mysterious power of art to excite, confound, challenge and transform us? While artists themselves often struggle to articulate the value of their work, this volume describes artistic thinking as a mindset, a collection of secret powers that we all have access to.
Identifying six areas of creative expertise – lies, multiplicity, fluidity, failure, live body, and imagination – Secret Art Powers shows how thinking like an artist can increase personal resilience, unleash innovation, dissolve unhealthy power relationships, and help us describe and navigate the complex situations we find ourselves in.
Author Jo Randerson weaves together observations, inspirations, reflections and examples from their upbringing in the Anglican church and their experiences as a celebrated writer, playwright, director, performer, comedian, and public speaker.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 272
Imprint: Small New Zealand Publisher
Publication date: 17/07/2025
Secret Art Powers
By Jo Randerson
Review by Claudia
I recommend this book to anyone working in the arts, or anyone who wants to make art, especially those who need to hear some encouragement. Everyone can be an artist! Jo Randerson unravels lessons learned from a career in the arts and spells out why art is so vital for a good life. The book is broken into six parts, each focusing on a different secret art power: lies, fluidity, multiplicity, wrong, live and imagination. Randerson argues the importance of each power, but argues is a strong word. This book feels more like a delightful exploration of thought and performance which detours through several kaleidoscopes, wind-chimes and sausage makers all at once. If you have ever wanted a book that draws together all the reasons why art is important - especially here in Aotearoa - here it is! And it’s written in an approachable, open way that keeps the reader entertained. Plus, there are drawings in the margins (which encourages the reader to draw there too). I once saw Jo Randerson, live on stage, suddenly squeeze several bananas until they burst from their skins. These chapters will do that to your brain. Suddenly, my overwhelming unfinished art projects feel exciting again, and taking time to dream and imagine feels important again. What joy and fun!
