The Art of Aliveness: A Creative Return to What Matters Most

Reading this book was transformative. Since reading it I have been seeking increasingly to lean into uncertainty not only in art making but in life. The author's connecting of creativity and spirtuality have led me to see the connection between them and to live it out in my personal life. I highly recommend this book especially to artists ans spiritual seekers.

As always, Flora delivers insight and inspiration.

Heartfelt & genuine & inspiring. Gave me hope.

I have been following Flora Bowley's blossoming career as an artist for about 15 years now and gobbling up her other publications (and art pieces) along the way but this latest release feels like the most well-timed blessing in my own life. Part memoir/part spiritual road map to a life more well-lived, this little book really packs so many insightful gems into its 200 pages. While I consider myself artistically inclined, I have always felt like there was something holding me back from really letting my creativity flow and this book has helped me to identify what has been at the root of that which has largely fear: of failure; not being good enough; having to work at something instead of being naturally talented at it; etc. etc. So often I would sit down to create a piece of art only to get stuck part way through and then give up because it wasn't living up to the high expectations I had set for myself when it comes to making art. If it wasn't flowing easily or turning out the way I wanted then why even stick with it, right? Well, Flora has figured out a beautifully succinct way of translating the lessons she imparts to her art students into a guide for living and I am so here for it. Each chapter gives really helpful prompts to help you figure out what is holding your creativity back that can be applied not only to your canvas but your day-to-day navigation of this crazy world we live in as well. I am excited to now go back and reread many parts of this book so I can apply these simple principles for aliveness to all the realms of my life. Thank you Flora for sharing your art and some of your more life's personal story with us. What a gift you have given us!

I got this book during very challenging period of my life. I had always wanted to explore painting but had a block. Then I was grieving death of a family member and kept feeling like I needed a creative outlet. I was emotionally stuck, creatively stuck and felt lost. I ordered this book and it became my lifeline. Flora uses beautiful personal stories, sharing her wise and creative ways to navigate the challenges of life, while shifting your view on the what, why and how of creativity. This book lit me up in such an unexpected way. I now have her online art course and have begun painting. I LOVE it! And no longer care what others may think, I’m doing this for ME! The book was my guiding light in transforming deep sorrow into healing creativity. I’m so grateful and will be getting this book for many friends. Thanks Flora! Xo Lulu Bonner