Bridges in the Mind

Book excerpt: Literary Nonfiction. Art. Psychology. Finally—someone is saying what successful artists have always known. This practical book helps the creative mind to thrive, not just survive, in the everyday world. A systematic approach to the fascinating and complex topic of the artist's imagination as revealed in ordinary situations is explored in Dr. Marianne Roccaforte's useful, honest, and encouraging book. Drawing on well-grounded psychological research and theory—and informed by years of direct experience counseling and teaching college-student artists—Dr. Roccaforte examines the realities, delights, and challenges of having a strong sense of wonder and an imagination that's constantly "on." In a tone that both honors and guides the reader, the author weaves in voices of successful writers, visual artists, musicians, actors, and dancers, and offers easy-to-practice techniques for such situations as transitioning from an absorbing session of art-making, communicating effectively in social and business settings, managing intense sensory and emotional experience, and sustaining a healthy and active creative life. Insightful and applicable for any person possessing an artistic sensibility—as well as for parents and teachers of young artists—this book enlightens, validates, and empowers, ultimately helping to build new bridges of understanding.