Artists recommend books that made them re-evaluate everything

Artists constantly learn and evolve. While each person is on their own path towards growth, for an artist, every moment can feel significant. It’s the small things they look at, which grab their attention. It can be the color of the sky, or the way rain pours down. From a blooming flower to the sound of a fluttering butterfly, it can be the smallest of the mundane things in life that can make them stop and think. When we talk about books, the potential to introspect becomes even greater than ever. Words have a power of their own, and when an artist reads a book that resonates with them, it can create a huge difference.

This week on our Arts to Hearts Instagram handle (@artstoheartsproject), we asked our artist community to tell us about a book or a post they recently read, which made them stop and reevaluate everything.

Our follower were quick to comment books they know can transform an artist’s life. Almost all of the books that were mentioned encourage the readers to contemplate the world around them. They offer a unique perspective on arts and creativity, something which an artist is always looking for.

Let’s take a look at some of the most recommended books!

Most recommended books by artists

The most recommended/liked book was The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. If you are the kind of artist that needs inspirational quotes and gentle affirmations, this book is for you. It also includes tasks, fill-in-the-blank lists, and anything that can help you discover and develop the artist within you.

Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross talks about how the art transforms us. If you want to change the way you look at creativity, this book is a must-have, especially for artists. This New York Times best seller delves into the science of neuroaesthetics, which basically talks about how your body and brain can transform if you participate in the arts.

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield is a practical and engaging guide that will help you create an action plan. Even its subtitle urges you to “Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles”. The book discusses some of the things that are in a creator’s way, including our internal resistance and the battle between our self and our ego. This book is super helpful for those who are particularly struggling with their art journey.  

The Creative Act by Rick Rubin is a self-help book that is also a The Sunday Times Bestseller. The name itself implies that this book is all about the creative journey, and rightly so, the contents of the book convey one message; anyone and everyone can be a creative.  

Atomic Habits by James Clear is a great book if you want to reevaluate the way you live your life. It provides a framework where you can identify your problematic habits and how you can change them. By reading this book, you will realize that even the smallest of changes, can make a big different if done right.

You want to know the path of heart? Be Love Now by Ram Dass is the book for you. In the book, Ram Dass has chronicled his own lifelong spiritual journey, which in turn, is also a means to inspire the reader. Those who have read it describe it as truly insightful and full of wisdom.

In a world that promotes work culture to an extent where your own life takes a back seat, books like Rest is Resistance are a breath of fresh air. They are a way to ground you and remind you, that at the end of the day, it’s you who is important. Written by Trisha Hersey, the book aims to deconstruct some of the ideas that have been ingrained in us, including a very famous belief that productivity is the cornerstone of success. By reading this book, allow yourself to get some rest as an artist and not feel guilty about it!

Art/Work by Heather Bhandari is a book that will tell you everything you should know as you pursue an art career. From navigating your crucial art business to tackling the legal aspects of your career, this book an amazing guide for especially those artists who are still new in this field and are trying to find their own way.

There were many more amazing books that our artist community shared with us, and if you want to look at them all, you can always check out our original post. However, one thing is for sure, the above-mentioned books should definitely go on your must-read list of books.

As an artist, one thing you must remember is that reading books is always a good idea. Books expand your imagination and inspire you in ways you would not expect. Which is why, we highly encourage to get your hands on at least one of these books. As a matter of fact, you can set yourself a target. Give yourself three months, during which you will read one of these books. After you are done, you will move on to the next. We guarantee you, that you will not be disappointed by this activity!