The Art of Play: Ignite Your Imagination to Unlock Insight, Healing, and Joy

by Joan Stanford

At forty-two, Joan Stanford―a busy mother, innkeeper―discovered, to her surprise and delight, a creative process for insight and healing that allowed even her, a self-proclaimed “non-artist,” to start making art. In The Art of Play , Stanford shares her journey through art and poetry as an example of how taking―or, more appropriately, making―time to pay attention to the imagery our daily lives presents to us can expand our awareness and joy, and she offers readers suggestions for how to do this for themselves, inviting them to embark on their own journey.

208 pages, Paperback

First published June 28, 2016

Reviews

[Doreen Schmid · Rating 5 out of 5]

As this book's first editor I may be biased but I couldn't herald its arrival with more genuine professional and personal enthusiasm. When Joan first contacted me I was immediately attracted to her concept of using her own life and creative work as the linchpin of a systematic—but gentle and encouraging—approach to unclogging our creativity and imaginations. I am thrilled to see the terrific job She Writes Press has done in producing it, affording the text and images just the right breathing space. Brava to all!

[Rod · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like many books of inspiration, this one has a basic positive message to give you -- and it does, over and over and over again. That's the cranky cynical grown-up side of me talking. Having said that, the book is in fact a refreshing look at inspiration, and (importantly) an encouragement and perhaps permission to play at creativity (specifically through art and poetry) without worrying about if the result is going to sell for a million or change the world as we know it. If it expresses what's inside you sincerely, it's good. And that's what counts.

[Redwood Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was like sitting down with a good friend.
It was so inspiring that I got out my paints and poetry sitting in boxes!
I plan on giving this book as a holiday gift to a friend or two.
It has a special place on my bookshelf!

[Keri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful work of art and words! Joan Stanford did an elegant job putting her thoughts and experiences into this short read. The art pages, in my opinion add a personal touch and inspiration for those who are trying to self heal. Her writings are beautifully put together with exercises to help the mind. I absolutely love the suggestive writings as well. Reading something as mind soothing such as this book can be considered therapeutic for me. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this fantastic read.

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed By Susan Violante for Reader Views (12/16)

“The Art of Play” by Joan Stanford reflects the author’s journey within as she consumes her own reality through creative play. This is basically journaling on steroids. Her own experience of self is produced not just through essays or poetry; it is experienced through imagery with her art. Yet the sharing doesn’t stop there. Following each poem-graphic combination the author not only shares the process, she also explains her playtime. The book design is exquisite and filled with color, which makes this book perfect as a coffee table conversation piece.

I have seen a few books, which utilize art as a healing tool this year, and am beginning to believe, this will be the journaling of the future. Stanford did an amazing job making this one personal yet welcoming to the ‘non-artistic readers’ through her warming and inspiring candidness as she opens her heart and unique vision of life and the visual world. I felt so welcome to experiment that I actually played with her book by reading it in order first, and then reading her process notes before the poem. Doing so, I was surprised how the same poem gave me a different experience each time. I did this with the “Best Poem,” among others. But my favorite poem was “Seeing.” I also loved how Stanford created a ‘before and after’ chart to visualize what this type of creative playful journal has done for her.

Overall, I found “The Art of Play” by Joan Stanford to be inspiring and enlightening, but also entertaining and relaxing. It is truly a five star experience for any audience. I will definitely work some of the concepts of this new journaling trend into my own process going forward!

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through Joan Stanford's class at the Stanford Inn and book, The Art of Play, I have begun to create art in a new way. The Art of Play outlines a refreshing approach where art serves as a way to express themes in life, and develop new understandings.

The book is split into two parts. Part 1 describes Joan's approach and how she came to practice art. In Part 2, Joan has included art pieces, poems, process notes, and a section called playtime where she provides a general prompt for the reader to explore on their own.

I have done art throughout my life. Looking back I see a progression of art from a fun activity and way to express myself, to required projects and composition analysis for class. After reading Joan's book I have realized that the process of creating art lost an important quality of excitement and exploration.

This book is an excellent resource for beginner and seasoned artists alike. I experienced stress relieving effects, deeper analysis, and an exciting exploratory process in Joan's class. She has described it well in her book. The Art of Play provides a new way to approach analysis and creation which I think will have many applications.

[Christine Gustafson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring, Transformative ... Let the Magic Begin!

I have just finished reading Joan Stanford's beautiful "The Art of Play." I spent a full month with this insightful book - reading a page or two a day ... savoring the artwork and the message. I could see from the beginning that Joan's book could be transformative, if I allowed it to work its magic on me. The biggest and most important message for me is that taking a holistic approach to life bears the greatest rewards. My work is in a field that is both creative and intellectual. Joan's writings inspired me to dig deeper into both and to reach as high as my spirit could possible soar. Thank you for bringing your vision to fruition, Joan. "The Art of Play" has touched my life in a revolutionary way. I am sure it will have the same impact on many many others.Joan Stanford

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a beautiful exploration of using the creative process for healing and self realization. Joan uses simple yet eloquent language to inspire others with examples from her own life. She shares poems and art pieces that vary from collages, drawing and even sculpting to find meaning in the world. I found most inspiring her simple suggestions to get past the typical artistic blocks of "I don't have time" or "my work won't be good enough." Anyone can benefit from creative play and following Joan's imaginative prompts is encouraging words is a fabulous place to start! Besides enjoying the beauty of the book I found great personal benefit in a time where I was hitting creative road blocks.

[Marilyn Hagar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. If you are looking for creative inspiration Joan Stanford's journey with her own creative process will inspire you. It is a powerful reminder that our creative self is there just waiting for us to come to the table. Many will be encouraged to find that neither gift or talent is required to participate in the process of letting the arts teach us about our own life. This book is a joy from beginning to end. I read it in one day but it would be a delight to open to any one page and receive inspiration for your day. We are all artists. We are all poets. It comes with being human.

[Irene Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful surprise!

This book came at exactly the right time for me. I bought it because of its promise to explore in a playful way the link between creativity, joy, and healing self-awareness. And that’s exactly what it delivered in the most enjoyable way. The exercises are enchanting, the examples insightful and provocative, and it’s all wrapped up with the warmest generosity of spirit. This book has inspired me by opening doors to greater delight in the midst of my day-to-day routine.

If you need a dose of joy, or a shakeup in your creativity, this might just be the book for you!