You can truly tell a lot about a person based on what's on their bookshelf which I believe should be a place of beauty...Do the content of the pages make you come to life? Allow me to share a handful of my personal favorites:
Hero of a Thousand Faces - Joseph Campbell
Anyone who's been within 10 feet of me especially within the last few years should not be surprised with this choice. Joseph Campbell's groundbreaking work in the world of world mythology lit the pilot for me as a mythical artist. His message to pursue our adventure comes with clear recognizable phases recurring throughout our lives. These guideposts inspired each of the 7 pieces in 'The Edge of Myth' series I created between 2019-2020. My wife and I later utilized each piece to create 'Immerisve Art Meditation' or IAM, cathartic focused art experiences through the lens of guided meditation. I owe a massive debt of gratitude to Campbell, not the least of which my realization as a mythic artist.
2.
Bone - Jeff Smith
Bone has long held a special place in my heart and bookshelf...Imagine a cartoonized Lord of the Rings
complete with dragons, rioutously funny moments, magic, an a dynamic blend as serious as it is lighthearted. If you're anything like me, this tale is bound to steal your heart is it did mine.
3.
The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho
This literary classic should come as no surprise among this list. This book came into my life at a pivotal time, lighting a path towards living your 'personal adventure' and ultimate faith in God. 'Maktub' (meaning "fate/destiny" literally translates "It is written") spoke to me to rest in ease that my path is what is, and that life is a grand adventure.
4.
Sacred Mirrors: The Visionary Art of Alex Grey - Alex Grey
When I say that Alex Grey stands in a rarified category of his own, I mean it without the slightest shred of exaggeration. His artistic path has informed him to create art that promotes cosmic consciousness through renderings of the mind, body and spirit. His creative message extends beyond self expression
to spiritual illucidation.
5.
Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience - Mihaly Csikszentmihaly
We know those golden moments of total enrapturement, when every move lines us up with potential, otherwise called 'The Zone'. If only we could capture that feeling and summon it up at will...This groudbreaking book reveals the blueprint of this elusive state. Whether our passion is creating visual art,
juggling, bowling, selling, any skill that speaks to us, we can tap into a wellspring of potential ability and life satisfaction.
6.
The Road to Mastery: A Guide for Lifelong Learning - Dr. Bryan Davis
I had the great fortune to experience a Critical Thinking class with this gentleman. Throughout the class, we kept a daily journal tracking things you're grateful for, accomplished, sketches, and much more. This project was for his disertation which allowed him to receive his very well deserved doctorate. This swiss army knife of a book illuminates levels of skill mastery along with pitfalls, motivations and remedies to keep you in tune along the journey. Understanding what it's like to be a novice, adept, expert, virtuoso and master provides an easily graspable roadmap regardless of your chosen discipline.
7.
The Alabaster Girl - Zan Perrion
Zan's resounding message for men calls to live extraordinary lives defined by beauty and ease, falling in love with life and thefore with women. This poetic masterpiece cuts through the noise and calls to be authentic towards your desires, sending invitations without expectations. The contents aren't meant as a 'how to' but rather infuse the spirit of a man who loves and is loved by women.
8.
The Legend of Zelda: Art and Artifacts
My eyes practically popped out of my head when I saw this on the shelves of Mile High Comics. Inside is contained a staggeringly comprehensive collection of both concept and character art for every single Legend of Zelda game at the time of publishing. Yes, you read that correctly and yes, it's a heavy ass book. You simply have to check it out for yourself!
9.
Warrior, Magician, Lover, King - Rod Boothroyd
Over the past couple years in particular, I've found continual value in men's work through the archetypal framework. First introduced through the Brotherhood of Kings program pioneered by Scott Harris, we leaned heavily on the insights in this holistic guid to our human system. Understanding and working to embody the centered forms of these aspects is a lifelong journey that's only increased my self awareness. These archetypes are accessible to anyone, however this book speaks specifically to the lens of men.
10.
The Crow - James O'Barr
The story that sparked a flame for my love of graphic novels, the inimitable opus written and illustrated by O'Barr. Blending poetry with the macabre, we follow Eric Draven on his quest for romantically driven revenge against the ones who took his life away. A magical crow keeps him alive to his quest's completion. I had the great pleasure of meeting O'Barr at a convention some years ago and can confirm, he is a very rad and humble person.
I wish you many literary adventures filled with brilliant insights, epic art, moments of awe and ultimately positive expansion!