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MOTIVATION Monday

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Words as Paint: How Reading Fuels Artistic Inspiration

I’ve always believed that as artists, we’re more than just creators of visual beauty—we’re storytellers, myth-makers, and the keepers of our own spiritual traditions. Recently, I reflected on the profound connection between reading and art, especially after picking up a book (A Short History of Myth by Karen Armstrong) that explores the ancient myths humans have cherished for millennia. 

Myth is a subject I have explored for most of my studio career.



Why Artists Should Read

This book made me realize how much reading can influence and inspire our art. As artists, we often draw from our personal experiences, emotions, and inner visions. But there’s a whole world of ideas out there, just waiting to be explored through books. Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, reading opens up new perspectives, sparks fresh ideas, and sometimes even challenges us to rethink our creative approach.

For me, reading isn’t just a break from the studio—it’s an extension of my creative process. When I dive into a book, whether it’s about ancient myths or modern-day stories, I’m reminded that art has always been about more than just what’s on the surface. It’s about digging deeper, uncovering the layers of meaning beneath the obvious, and expressing something that words alone can’t capture. I love the idea that when traditional sources of wisdom falter, it’s up to artists and writers to step in and offer new insights. It’s a responsibility, but also a privilege.

Drawing Inspiration from History and Myth

Think about the cave paintings at Lascaux. These weren’t just random doodles by early humans; they were expressions of their worldview, their spirituality, their connection to the natural world. When I reflect on those ancient images, I’m reminded that my work, too, is an expression of my personal mythology. It’s not just about creating something visually appealing—it’s about telling a story that resonates on a deeper level.

Throughout history, many artists have turned to literature for inspiration. Botticelli, for instance, famously illustrated Dante’s Divine Comedy, bringing the epic poem’s vivid imagery to life. Shakespeare’s plays have been reimagined in countless paintings, each artist interpreting the stories in their unique style. 

These creators didn’t just draw inspiration from the words on the page; they engaged deeply with the ideas, emotions, and narratives, translating them into a different medium that could reach people in new and profound ways.



How Reading Sparks Creativity

I’ve found that reading can be like a breath of fresh air for my creativity. It challenges me to see things from different angles, to think about how I can incorporate new themes or ideas into my work. Sometimes, it’s a specific story or concept that grabs me; other times, it’s just a line or a quote that sticks in my mind and finds its way into my art.

There’s something about the act of reading that stirs the imagination. Whether you’re delving into a historical account, exploring the nuances of a philosophical treatise, or getting lost in the world of a novel, the words have a way of sparking ideas that you might never have considered before. They can lead you down new creative paths, inspire you to experiment with different techniques, or even help you find a deeper meaning in your work.

Making Reading a Part of Your Artistic Practice

If you’re feeling stuck or looking for something to reignite your creative spark, I encourage you to pick up a book. Let it take you on a journey—whether it’s through ancient myths, historical events, or a fictional world that’s completely different from your own. You never know where it might lead you or how it might influence your next piece of art.

For me, reading has always been more than just a way to pass the time; it’s a way to enrich my work, to keep my ideas flowing, and to stay connected to the broader human experience. Art isn’t created in a vacuum—it’s shaped by everything we encounter, including the stories we read. So why not make reading a part of your creative practice? You might be surprised at the new directions it takes you, the new ideas it sparks, and the new layers of meaning it brings to your art.



Rediscovering the Joy of Reading

The next time you sit down with a book, think of it as an opportunity to expand your artistic horizons. Let the words sink in, let them inspire you, and see where they take you on your creative journey. Who knows—your next great work of art might just be waiting in the pages of your next great read.


See you in the studio!





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