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Booklist
This section is for those who might enjoy artistic guidance in the form of a book. Our booklist is divided into two sections: The first part contains material that explores creativity and the process of artmaking in the context of psychology, mental health, spirituality, or neuroscience. The works in this part are meant to help you understand why art making is so beneficial and encourage you to take the next step: actually creating art. The sources in the second part will give you direct advice and ideas for how to do that!
Most of the sources on this page link to the item's record in an NYC Public Library online catalog. You are encouraged to search for the items in your local library's catalog using the search tips discussed in this guide, or ask a librarian for help.
Literature on the Psychology, Science, or Spirituality of Art and Creativity
The Artist's Way by Call Number: 153.35 CISBN: 9780143129257Publication Date: 2016-10-25Since its first publication, The Artist's Way phenomena has inspired the genius of Elizabeth Gilbert and millions of readers to embark on a creative journey and find a deeper connection to process and purpose.
The Artist's Way encourages artists to build self-confidence and relieve artistic blocks. The source provides weekly exercises to put theory into action. The book leans into creativity in a spiritual context and how art can be used to connect with God.
The Place of All Possibility by Call Number: 296.3 AISBN: 9781961814035Publication Date: 2024-07-30A groundbreaking work on spirituality and creativity: a paradigm-shifting work that reframes the whole of Torah as a contemporary guidebook for creativity.
Another work that examines art and creativity in the context of spirituality, The Place of All Possibility mainly focuses on using art activities to connect with Jewish sacred texts. She hones in on using these texts to encourage self-discovery and exploration. However, it can appeal to artists from any spiritual or cultural background. Rabbi Allen claims that as artists, we serve as vessels for God's creativity to flow through, and that we all have the potential to tap into the universe's creative energy.
Craftfulness by Call Number: 745.5 DISBN: 9780062883544Publication Date: 2019-01-29Integrating mindfulness, neuroscience, positive psychology, and creativity research, Craftfulness offers a thought-provoking and surprising reconsideration of craft, and how making things with your hands can connect us to our deepest selves and improve our well-being and overall happiness.
Craftfulness explores creativity within a discussion of neuroscience and psychology. The authors present an argument in favor of using arts and crafts for mindfulness. They provide extensive scientific and anecdotal evidence for the benefits of crafting on mental health. They provide some instructions for a starting crafting practice, but you might feel the need to supplement this with other sources.
How Art Can Change Your Life by Call Number: 701.15 HISBN: 0500024936Publication Date: 2022-09-13Brimming with upbeat guidance, this accessible handbook shows how anyone can use art to enlighten, uplift, calm and ease stress and anxieties.
How Art Can Change Your Life tells how artists have used art to work through their emotions. It might introduce you to some new artists, which could serve as a catalyst for further research. The book explores how to mindfully view and consume art, which is a slightly different focus from the other sources in this guide. This is important for your artistic journey as you will learn to understand your own creations and those of your peers in the context of your emotions.