Matt Lamb: The Art of Success

Matt Lamb emerged from the rough–and–tumble streets of 1940s Southside Chicago to transform a cash–poor funeral parlor into a multimillion–dollar business empire. But when a mysterious midlife illness caused him to question the true value of his myriad accomplishments, Lamb stunned family, friends, colleagues, and competitors by turning his back on business to become a self–taught painter.

The undulating spirits and flamboyant depictions of heaven and hell that sprang from his brush were at once sophisticated and primitive, uplifting and disturbing.

Today, Lamb′s unique vision has made him one of the world′s most controversial painters. Tagged by some as an “outsider artist,” a designation he has alternately embraced and rejected, Lamb has seen his work collected by museums, universities, celebrities, and royalty even as his art has been blacklisted by some of New York′s most powerful dealers. He has won rapturous reviews from critics in publications from London to Shanghai and has been hailed as an heir to Pablo Picasso, even as he and his millions have been derided as the antithesis of starving–artist chic.

In Matt Lamb: The Art of Success, renowned writer and critic Richard Speer tells Lamb′s story in a no–holds–barred style that is both uncompromising and uplifting. Given unprecedented access to Matt Lamb′s inner circle and the artist himself, Speer traverses the world to discover what drove Lamb to triumph in the diametrically opposed worlds of art and business. Speer coaxes Lamb to open up about his personal and artistic crises, the unconventional spiritual beliefs that inform his paintings, and his daunting current project: painting for world peace.

Matt Lamb: The Art of Success is a fascinating biography and artistic chronicle filled with inspiration for finding true success in every aspect of life.

MATT LAMB: The Art of Success

“An entertaining and educational read for the lay person as well as the scholar, Matt Lamb: The Art of Success is a well–conceived, cleverly written global view of Lamb′s personal and artistic life. With clarity and humor, Richard Speer engulfs the reader in Lamb′s world. An apt retelling of a boisterous life, full of fascinating vignettes and Lamb′s paradoxical blend of charm and irony.”
Enrique Mallen, PhD, Picasso scholar and professor, Texas A&M University

“Mr. Speer guides us with insight and humor through the amazing story of Matt Lamb, an artist who lives large while tip–toeing on the sidelines of death.”
George Wendt, actor

“Emphasizes that ′The American Dream′ is alive and well. A great story.”
Robert L. Waltrip, Chairman and CEO, Service Corporation International

“Richard Speer brings insight and sensitivity to the envisioning, making, and business of art through the evolution of Matt Lamb.”
Nancy Azara, artist and author of Spirit Taking Form

“Showcases an extraordinary life built on hard work and raw talent. Richard Speer′s biography of Lamb shows that being an artist, entrepreneur, visionary and Teamster are not mutually exclusive. In this inspiring story, they are all parts of one man′s remarkable life.”
James Hoffa, General President, International Brotherhood of Teamsters

“Lamb is an earthy blend of multiple strata: keen business acumen, spiritual curiosity, uninhibited artistry, and infectious enthusiasm. The man, his work, and this book catch and hold our attention.”
Fabrice Braunrot, Managing Director, JPMorgan Private Bank

“Like Lamb′s paintings, this book is created in layers and allows us to go into each period of Lamb′s life, so we may better understand him and the spirits coming out of his canvases.”
David Sabin, founder and chairman of Salton USA