There’s a growing awareness of the beauty in conscious creativity, where every brushstroke, word, and note is infused with intention, breath and mindfulness. My art and my 1:1 classes are rooted in this sacred connection. To enrich your journey, I’ve created a Wonder and Awe booklist to inspire and deepen your exploration.
Though I haven’t read every one of these books, I’m honoured to share them with you as pathways for us to explore together. Perhaps you’ll feel drawn to try one, as I will too. Maybe you would like to join a class or two?
Let’s walk this journey side by side, letting these guides open us to a more joyful, authentic, and purposeful way of creating.
1. "The Artist’s Way" by Julia Cameron
A classic in creative self-discovery, this book provides exercises and prompts for those who wish to dive deeper into their creative process. Perfect for reconnecting with the playful, fearless side of artistry.
2. "Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear" by Elizabeth Gilbert
Gilbert explores the nature of creativity as a living entity, inspiring artists to co-create with curiosity, wonder, and courage, even when fear appears.
3. "Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking" by David Bayles and Ted Orland
This book tackles the doubts and fears that every artist faces, offering honest insights on pushing through creative resistance.
4. "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield
A guide to overcoming creative blocks, Pressfield encourages artists to conquer resistance and persist in their creative journey.
5. "The Zen of Creativity: Cultivating Your Artistic Life" by John Daido Loori
Merging Zen Buddhist practices with artistic expression, this book is a beautiful read for those seeking to create from a place of presence and peace.
6. "Steal Like an Artist" by Austin Kleon
A guide to discovering your own voice by learning from the artists who inspire you. It’s about finding your place in the creative landscape with humility and ingenuity.
7. "Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All" by Tom Kelley and David Kelley
The authors share insights on how creativity is accessible to everyone, with an emphasis on cultivating confidence and trust in the creative process.
8. "The View from the Studio Door" by Ted Orland
Orland explores the meaning of being an artist, focusing on the practice of creativity as a lifelong path.
9. "How to Be an Artist" by Jerry Saltz
A practical, inspirational guide from an art critic offering insights on finding meaning in one’s creative process and the art world.
10. "Conscious Creativity: Look, Connect, Create" by Philippa Stanton
A call to artists to deepen their observational skills and appreciate the interconnectedness of their surroundings, inspiring them to bring more mindfulness into their practice.
11. "On Becoming an Artist: Reinventing Yourself Through Mindful Creativity" by Ellen J. Langer
This book connects mindfulness with creativity, encouraging artists to approach art-making as a process of exploration, experimentation, and reinvention.
12. "The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life" by Twyla Tharp
Tharp’s insights on discipline and routine reveal how structure can serve as a foundation for limitless creativity.
13. "Let the Elephants Run: Unlock Your Creativity and Change Everything" by David Usher
Blending creative thinking exercises with personal stories, Usher encourages a fearless approach to creative expression.
14. "The Soul’s Code: In Search of Character and Calling" by James Hillman
For artists seeking purpose, Hillman’s philosophical exploration of individual calling and creativity is both grounding and illuminating.
15. "Women Who Run With the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype" by Clarissa Pinkola Estés
This poetic, deeply spiritual book invites artists to reconnect with their inner wilderness, fostering authentic, soul-centered creation.
16. "Awakening Creativity: Dandelion School Blossoms" by Lily Yeh
Yeh’s story of using art to transform a community provides a powerful look at how creativity can bring healing and connection.
17. "Art Is a Spiritual Path" by Pat B. Allen
Allen combines art-making with introspective, healing practices, helping artists to turn inward and find spirituality in their process.
18. "Mindfulness and the Art of Drawing: A Creative Path to Awareness" by Wendy Ann Greenhalgh
By focusing on drawing as a mindful activity, Greenhalgh encourages artists to explore creativity as a path to awareness.
19. "Breath by Breath: The Liberating Practice of Insight Meditation" by Larry Rosenberg
Though primarily about meditation, this book offers tools for cultivating awareness, an essential quality for artists exploring conscious creativity.
20. "Your Inner Critic is a Big Jerk: And Other Truths About Being Creative" by Danielle Krysa
Krysa’s playful yet insightful take on silencing self-doubt is perfect for artists who want to embrace their uniqueness and banish the inner critic.
If you simply can’t wait for your books to arrive, why not start with one of my eBooks and jump in right away?
Enjoy! x
As you continue to infuse your art with love and wisdom, may you find renewed energy and passion in each carefully chosen word and note!
