My Name Is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok is a book I could read over and over and over again. There are so many levels. I can read it as a Christian in regards to living out my faith. I can read it as an artist in regards to working out my art and faith.
It's about a Hasidic Jew who has the gift of great art. I think I was originally drawn to the book because my favorite artist is Chagall (the book does mention Chagall, but it's not about Chagall). But I stay with it and reread it because of its philosophy on art and faith. Asher (the Hasidic artist) struggles with the areas where his faith (or more specifically, his community of faith) clashes with his art.
I'm sure no other artist has struggled with that, no matter what you believe.
Anyway, because of this, I started a discussion using quotes I pulled from the book. You don't have to have read the book to participate in the discussion, and there are no spoilers. I'm begging you, though, to stop over because I want to work out these issues of faith and art with this community.
This book is one of the most profoundly moving books I have ever read. I, too, have read it over and over and never cease to marvel at it and be moved to tears. It was one of those life-transforming ones for me. I love it so much. It's good to find a kindred spirit in this.
You'd enjoy my books that update Potok: ‘The Future of Art in a Digital Age: From Hellenistic to Hebraic Consciousness’ (Intellect Books/University of Chicago Press, 2006, paperback edition 2008) and ‘Educating Artists for the Future: Learning at the Intersections of Art, Science, Technology, and Culture’ (Intellect Books/University of Chicago Press, 2008).
I LOVE that book. I don't know if I could read it over and over, though...it's too painful for me.
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