From the faraway nearby

It has always been difficult to separate Georgia O'Keeffe's art and life from the powerful myths that grew around her. Many recognize her paintings of flowers or desert bones, or know some detail of her interesting life. From the Faraway Nearby attempts to separate O'Keeffe's art and her carefully-marketed public image from her closely-guarded private life. It is a composite biography of critical essays, memoirs, poetry, and photographs from twenty-two artists, writers (including Alan Cheuse and Terry Tempest Williams), and scholars who examine O'Keeffe's life from many different points of view. The first part of the book, "The Work," contains critical essays on various aspects of O'Keeffe's art and career. The second part, "The Woman," looks at the personal life of Georgia O'Keeffe through memoirs and reflections by people who knew her and whose lives were touched by her. The book is highlighted by stunning black-and-white portraits of O'Keeffe. Even though Georgia O'Keeffe died in 1986, the story of her fascinating life continues to unfold. From the Faraway Nearby captures the current position that the artist and her work hold in American culture.