Why You Should Read Eric Fischl's Memoir

The earliest issue of Art in America that I remember having in my possession was one with Eric Fischl's painting The Old Man's Boat and the Old Man's Dog on the cover.

Eric Fischl Painting
©1982 Eric Fischl, The Old Man's Boat and the Old Man's Dog. Oil on canvas, 84 x 84 inches.

At the time, I held on to art magazines for about 15 years, so this one is etched in my memory. And it reminds me of my early connection to art history and contemporary art. It's nostalgic for me.
So I was thrilled to hear that Fischl had a new memoir out and even happier that my local library had a copy.

Eric Fischl memoir

I devoured the book and thought I'd share why it should be on your reading list. Here's a quick video review of Eric Fischl's Bad Boy: My Life On and Off The Canvas.

Have You Read It?

I'd love to hear your insights after reading Bad Boy. Please share.

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10 thoughts on “Why You Should Read Eric Fischl's Memoir”

    1. Alyson Stanfield

      Oh, that’s so sweet. Thank you, Sara. I think the book starts a little slow (lots of personal baggage), but stick with it. You will be rewarded!
      Love seeing your pic with your comment. 😉

    1. Alyson Stanfield

      Enjoy, Diane! See what I wrote to Sara above. Just stick with it and you’ll be rewarded.

  1. I just finished Bad Boy and it was a walk down memory lane for me. I lived in NYC from 1980-1985 and worked in two galleries. Fischl travelled in different (higher) circles than me, but I really enjoyed this book especially about how he painted and his thought processes and professional rivalries, especially with Schnabel. The writing was weak in some places but he’s an artist, not a writer!

  2. Debora Stewart

    I would be interested in this book and if I ever finish the one about Lee Krasner I will move on to this one. I have appreciated his honesty about his life. At one time I used a video of his in a groups for children of alcoholics. He made a movie about his life and the personal influence on his art of growing up with a mother who was an alcoholic. It was a very unique perspective of how his art helped him cope and how his art helped him heal from his past.

    1. Alyson Stanfield

      Debora: Interesting. I don’t seem to remember him mentioning the movie.
      Totally forgot about that Lee Krasner book. Are you liking it?

  3. I’m almost finished this book and LOVE IT!!! It is so well written — how can Eric Fischl be such an extraordinary painter and a good writer to boot?! Next on my list is Rachel Kushner’s The Flamethrowers — about the art world in the 70s in NYC and Rome.

    1. Alyson Stanfield

      Diane: I’m so glad you like it. You’ve read it a lot faster than I did! Sounds like I need to look up Kushner’s book. I do miss having a good book in my hands. Thank you.

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