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The Secret Dao of Art: Meditations on a Philosophy of Life
Penned as a series of letters from a renowned artist to his child, who aspires to follow in their father’s footsteps, The Secret Dao of Art imparts paradigm-breaking insight for a creatively fulfilling life. Drawing on ancient Chinese philosophy and a theory of creativity for healing, and based on the true story of a remarkable artist, this book embraces an inclusive vision of what it means to be an artist—giving transformative lessons to creators in any field on the universal way of self-discovery.The Secret Dao of Art has gained a diverse readership that includes actors, writers, musicians, and philosophers, sparking debate in underground artists’ circles in China. The first edition features an accessible commentary and detailed discussion questions by behavioral health expert Bently Wood, R-CPRS.“Not since Julia Cameron’s "The Artist’s Way" has a book reshaped creativity and healing so profoundly.” —Dr. Charles K. Alexander, 1997 IEEE President and CEO
200 pages, Paperback
Published September 21, 2023
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March 10, 2024
The Secret Dao of Art: Meditations on a Philosophy of Life
Beautifully written book told in letters from a famous artist to his son, the two estranged, that celebrates art as a transformative act of creation.
Stunning artworks by Rod Lathim are married perfectly to this beautifully meditative and life-affirming book penned by contemporary philosopher, Z (x) with commentary by Bently Wood and a foreword by Thom Ray.
Anyone invested in the exploration of how art informs life, how the past informs the present, and how the act of living and nurturing a creative life offers healing will enjoy this book.
A favorite passage: “So why do I, and why do you, create? We create because an urge cries within us to give into the world something that is missing from the world — to cure a void and redress the insufficient — challenging and surmounting an unjust paradigm of the past. Henceforth through each great act of creation, this reality of ours that reels from ugliness is reformed; an art once hidden emerges in the distance, and a higher future suddenly becomes possible. Creation, therefore, is an act of healing.”
The hardcover version is recommended; worth it for the color version of the artworks and will be a treasured gift that one can return to again and again.
Beautifully written book told in letters from a famous artist to his son, the two estranged, that celebrates art as a transformative act of creation.
Stunning artworks by Rod Lathim are married perfectly to this beautifully meditative and life-affirming book penned by contemporary philosopher, Z (x) with commentary by Bently Wood and a foreword by Thom Ray.
Anyone invested in the exploration of how art informs life, how the past informs the present, and how the act of living and nurturing a creative life offers healing will enjoy this book.
A favorite passage: “So why do I, and why do you, create? We create because an urge cries within us to give into the world something that is missing from the world — to cure a void and redress the insufficient — challenging and surmounting an unjust paradigm of the past. Henceforth through each great act of creation, this reality of ours that reels from ugliness is reformed; an art once hidden emerges in the distance, and a higher future suddenly becomes possible. Creation, therefore, is an act of healing.”
The hardcover version is recommended; worth it for the color version of the artworks and will be a treasured gift that one can return to again and again.
Displaying 1 of 1 review