The Tao of Art

About the Book

Whether Taoism is a nature philosophy or simply pantheism, it is clearly one of the world's oldest and most important philosophies of life. In The Tao of Art, Ben Willis brings together two widely disparate fields of thought, art and philosophy, and shows the unity between them in Taoism. A recent major exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago confirmed what Willis makes clear: that most historical Chinese art was heavily influenced by the cosmic concepts of the philosophical Taoists. Through a brilliant synthesis of the procedures and values of art with the inner meaning of the Tao, Willis establishes compelling reasons to believe that both art and creativity are imbued with a universal spirituality. The Tao of Art is a valuable contribution to art theory, as well as a benefit to readers interested in spiritual development and a broader understanding of Taoism. Well researched, with 18 B&W reproductions of beautiful Chinese watercolors.

About the Author

As both author and artist, for Ben Willis Tao of Art was the culmination of creative life experience and a long exhibition record as a prizewinning painter. He studied at the Philadelphia College of Art, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and The Académie Julian in Paris. He is listed in Who's Who In The East, and Who's Who In America.