A few of my favorites, you can always email me for recommended reading across a number of topics.
Thinking in Systems: A Primer
Donella Meadows
This book will square you with all of the complexity in life as we know it. A thesis that boarders on religious to me. This book will open your minds eye.
The Book of Five Rings
Book by Miyamoto Musashi
I was introduced to Musashi Miyamoto in the late 80’s as a kid. This book is a masterpiece of strategy and attitude. A work similar to “The Prophet” for the Samurai class.
Twilight of Painting
Book by R. H. Ives Gammell
I was exposed to this mans work in the late 90’s and it rocked me to the core. In Boston I have been fortunate to work with many of his former students. Gammell is the reason classical training survived in the US.
Visual Explanations
Edward Tufte
This book is a gamechanger for anyone working in design. A practical guide filled with techniques and thinking- don’t sleep on this book if you work in the arts.
Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder
Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Nassim Nicholas Taleb, is the man. This stuff is right on, rationality at its finest. I have a profound connection to this book which has taught me so much.
The War of Art
Book by Steven Pressfield
One of the best descriptions and embodiments of what holds us back as artists. If you thought Rick Rubens had it right- this is the way to break through to the plane of creative detachment he describes. TACTICS FOR ARTISTS
How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way
Book by John Buscema
I drew every page in this book as a teenager. My Brother, Gerry and I would sit and stare at it working up our best versions. Real gold for impactful image making.
The 48 Laws of Power
Book by Robert Greene
One of the most important books I’ve read. Masterclass in human behavior and reason. Our own nasty traits reflected back in this manual for modern life.
Meditations
Book by Marcus Aurelius
I have spent a great deal of my life heeding his words. A true spiritual father figure - If you need a moral North Star, read this mans thoughts and words. Written during his time as EMPEROR AD 160-181.
Origins of Form
Christopher G. Williams
If you are curious about the symmetric and fractal nature of reality, this book is a must read. Packed with awesome concepts to delight any engineer or designer.