The Magic of Books & Paintings

As I was staring at a painting by a local San Diego artist while pausing from editing my fantasy novel, I was struck by the connection between paintings and books. I’m speaking beyond picture books and graphic novels, and even cover design and fantasy maps. 

There are paintings inspired by books and books inspired by paintings. Although of different mediums, paintings and books are cut from the same creative cloth. They have the same life cycle. Both begin as a blank canvas. Both bloom from a seed of thought. Both go through the process of nurture, near abandonment, revision, and finally completion to become a world of its own. 

Often when I buy art, I do it for its beauty as much as the story behind it—much like the way I buy books. I find I need more than just what’s visually accessible. The “why” behind the story. The “who” behind the creator. The “how did you get here.” I just need more. 

I love listening to writers and artists talk about their inspirations and processes, even if it doesn’t follow a linear path. As a matter of fact, a linear path is a rarity. Often, I hear of “magic” in the process—a kismet encounter, an organic shift, a surprising idea that seems to have emerged out of nowhere. As an artist and a writer, I’m endlessly fascinated by this magical moment and I’m in awe every time it happens in my own life. 

There are those who spend their time searching for the perfect wave, a flawless love, or the ultimate cup of coffee. I journey and linger behind for that moment of creative magic in mine. It doesn’t always happen, but when it does it’s…life-changing. I remember when the idea for my book, RESET, came to me. It was late. I was frustrated with a plot that went nowhere. I decided to delete everything and start from scratch. Tabula rasa. And that’s why I’m here. Magic. 

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