Gaudier-Brzeska: A Memoir

Writen by one of the greatest writers of the 20th century, this is a documented example of an artist determined to go against the odds of poverty and obscurity to create his passion in art. Henri Gaudier, killed in WWI, who had created such a large body of work at an age when most people were still trying to figure out what to do in life, probably would have fallen from existance completly if it was not for the tireless promotions done by Ezra Pound. Pound's quest in bringing to light the few of worthy talent who would otherwise be lost in the sludge of mediocracy is an example of the "rather than looking at the master's finger, look at what the finger points at" belief by following in example rather than observing what is shown. Instead of fawning over the man brought to the attention of the artworld, you are persuaded to become aware of those who have yet to be recognized. With being more sensitive to that which defines the 'good' from the 'not-so-good,' we benefit by learning from those who are worthy to learn from.