While this book doesn't contain a magic formula for quickly discovering what ingredients you will use in your specific work, it offers a road map to discovery. She begins by breaking down voice into a combination of "skill, subject matter, medium, and consistency", and argues that if practice, honesty, and persistence is applied you will arrive at your own work. According to Lisa, that arrival is "entering your own orbit", a thought that makes so much sense to me.
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In Pursuit of Inspiration is a beautiful, slim volume illustrated with gorgeous pictures and whimsical watercolor paintings on matte finished pages. Scattered throughout are the author's ideas, observations, and stories about where to find and how to look for inspiration.
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This book changed my life and I absolutely recommend it to anyone, whether you are a runner or not. However, I DO NOT advocate barefoot running - but this book is also not about barefoot running, which is a common misconception about it.
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If any of you are feeling stumped in your practice - or like you don't know where to begin with one, I would recommend giving sketch journaling a try, and this lovely book provides a wonderful and inspiring guide to getting one started.
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This book is about more than "rediscovering a forgotten passion" as the the cover suggests. It is about doggedly pursuing something new outside of your routine. It is about finding inspiration in unlikely places and finding new friends even geekier than you are.
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This book both surprised me and confirmed some of my preconceived notions about it. It surprised me in that it wasn't a fast read. It's a relatively slim volume that I figured I would absolutely devour. Instead I nibbled at it. Some nights I would only read one paragraph, as that could provide enough food for thought for the entire next day.
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I've read Christopher Moore before. He is completely zany, but very well-researched, and hilariously irreverent. When reading his books I find myself rolling my eyes one minute, bursting out laughing the next, bothering Matt to read a passage out loud, and all the while rapidly turning pages.
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I'll admit right off the bat that I am only an occasional Hemingway fan. I can appreciate his genius while not always enjoying his stories. However, I found A Moveable Feast to have some exceptionally inspiring parallels to painting.
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This book is an oldie but a goodie, and by 'goodie' I mean excellent and life-changing. It was actually years ago when I first read this book, and it has remained one of my favorites ever since. You know how when you think back over the books you've read - the most memorable and influential books in your life always stand out? For me, this book is one of those.
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