Are you someone who holds an interest in the arts? Do you enjoy knowing about the elements of paintings, sculpture, and even martial arts, for that matter? Well, you’re at the right place as we present you the best arts book to choose online. Here are some great books released in recent years that’ll give you great insights into the world of arts.
- Bodily Arts – Rhetoric and Athletics in Ancient Greece by Debra Hawhee
This book offers a fascinating exploration of the interconnectedness of rhetoric and athletics in ancient Greece. Hawhee’s in-depth analysis reveals how the Greeks viewed the body as a powerful tool for communication and persuasion. It is probably the best book for online shopping if you’re into bodily aesthetics. The book delves into the significance of physical training and performance in the context of ancient Greek society.
The book takes an interdisciplinary approach, combining elements of classical studies, rhetoric, and sports history to provide a comprehensive examination of the topic. This arts book discusses how rhetoric played a vital role in shaping the way athletes presented themselves and communicated with the audience. It analyses the speeches and gestures of athletes during competitions and how these were designed to persuade and engage the spectators.
Hawhee’s work delves into the Greek perspective on the human body as a means of communication. It explores how physical prowess and appearance were used to convey persuasive messages and create a powerful presence. Overall, “Bodily Arts” is a thought-provoking and well-researched work that deepens our understanding of ancient Greek culture.
- Spiritual Arts by Jill Briscoe
Jill Briscoe’s book Spiritual Arts is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of faith and creativity. In this spiritual arts book, Briscoe explores how art can be used to express and deepen our spiritual lives. She provides practical advice on how to use art in worship, prayer, and meditation. She also includes examples of how artists have used their work to explore and communicate spiritual truths.
Briscoe believes that spiritual arts are essential for living a life that is full of joy, intimacy with God, and impact on the world. She uses the book of Philippians as her guide, and she draws on personal stories and insights to illustrate each of the eight spiritual arts. These are –
- Contentment
- Intimacy
- Suffering
- Simplicity
- Ministry
- Tranquility
- Humility
- Harmony
Practising these eight spiritual arts is necessary to lead a fulfilling life, according to Briscoe. She explains the connection between art and spirituality beautifully in the book. She also provides a variety of exercises and prompts to help readers explore their own creativity.
- Arts Entrepreneurship by Richard Andrews
Arts Entrepreneurship by Richard Andrews is a comprehensive guide to the business of art. Andrews covers everything from developing a business plan to marketing your work. The best part about his book is the interviews with successful artists and entrepreneurs. If you’re a budding arts entrepreneur yourself, it’ll be helpful to you.
The Arts Entrepreneurship book is divided into three parts:
- Part 1: The Foundations of Arts Entrepreneurship
- Part 2: The Business of Art
- Part 3: Career Development for Arts Entrepreneurs
Andrews’ arts book is written in an informative yet engaging style. A wealth of practical information is given in the book on how to go about the starting phase and then efficiently run a successful arts business. He also covers some of the more challenging aspects of being an artist. These include dealing with rejection and managing your finances.
- Art This Way by Shopsin and Fulford
Art This Way by Shopsin and Fulford is a comprehensive introduction to the arts. Painting, sculpture, architecture, music, and dance – this book covers the whole spectrum of art forms. Shopsin and Fulford provide a clear and concise overview of each art form. The explanations are complete with examples of famous works of art.
The book features a variety of interactive elements – flaps to lift, pages to unfold, and mirrors to gaze into. These elements allow children to explore the artwork in a hands-on way. It helps them form their own perspectives.
Reading Art This Way is the perfect way to build your knowledge in this genre. This book is a great resource for anyone who wants to have a firm footing in arts. It is also a great book to use as a teaching tool in the classroom. It’s the best book for online shopping in this genre.
- Peacebuilding and the Arts
Peacebuilding and the Arts is a collection of essays. These essays dwell into the role of arts in peacebuilding. From the use of art to promote social change, the use of art to heal trauma, and the use of art to build community, the insights in this book are priceless.
Peacebuilding and the Arts is divided into five sections:
- Visual Arts
- Music
- Literature
- Film
- Theatre/Dance
Each section in this arts book includes a conceptual overview of the art form, as well as case studies from around the globe that illustrate how the arts have been used to promote peace and social justice.
Key Takeaway
Reading an arts book gives you a whole different perspective on the finer matters of life. It grows your knowledge and also equips you to appreciate the beauty of life. Books like Bodily Arts, Spiritual Arts, Arts Entrepreneurship, Art This Way, and Peacebuilding and the Arts are some of the best books in this category.
