My Favorite Creative Books
I keep a stack of books in my studio — some I’m currently reading, others I’ve read and just keep around for inspiration!
So I’ve put together a list of creative resources for you! These are books that I’ve enjoyed and highly recommend for other artists and makers. I’m also including a couple of podcasts that I’m loving lately at the end of this post!
Book Recommendations:
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert: If you’re looking for a bit of inspiration this book is perfect. This was the first of Gilbert’s books I read, after which I promptly got a copy of Eat Pray Love, which is phenomenal as well!
Ninth Street Women by Mary Gabriel: This book is on my nightstand right now, and I just love it so much! It focuses on the life of five painters in New York City, NY, from 1928–1959 and their impact on modern art. I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed history so much!
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron: The Artist’s Way is a good one if you’re interested in honing your creative practice. You’ll explore what’s blocking you creatively, learn what your true passions are and by the end you’ll be hooked on daily journaling (a.k.a. Morning Pages)!
In the Company of Women by Grace Bonney: This is my favorite for a quick dose of inspiration. Bonney gives you a peek inside the world of 100 women makers, spanning all kinds of creative disciplines. I started reading one a day to get to 100. Now, I like to flip to a profile at random to get a little pep talk from one of these incredible entrepreneurs!
Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon: This book is just fun! It’s a really fast read, filled with illustrations and tidbits about forging your creative path.
Walking on Water by Madeleine L'Engle: Walking on Water is a spiritual book delving into what it means to be a Christian artist. It helped me put words to my relationship with faith and art!
Building a Story Brand by Donald A. Miller: An interesting read about the art of storytelling. My big takeaway was that I’m Yoda (yes, I love Star Wars), the guide, on the art collector’s journey! My job is to bring people beauty and inspiration, and to make art buying easy. (Shop via Footprints Cafe LLC.)
All book titles are linked to Black-owned bookstores. You can find more independent, Black-owned bookstores to support here.
Podcast Recommendations:
Art For Your Ear by Danielle Krysa (a.k.a. The Jealous Curator): I sometimes listen to Krysa interviewing artists while I paint. She also has several books — A Big Important Art Book (Now With Women) is on my desk at the moment!
Creative Pep Talk by Andy J. Pizza: This is another podcast I enjoy listening to while I work. (I recently listened to it while varnishing the Faith collection!) Pizza brings the creative wisdom and pep to every episode!
Krysa happens to be joining a podcast network with Pizza, so I’m excited to hear more about what that is going to look like!