For 900 days, art kept Sybil Archibald alive. Gravely ill from a rare autoimmune disease, Archibald used the practice of creating a monotype print each day to heal her mind, spirit, and body.

Part art book, part memoir, The Inner Life of the Artist lays open the most intimate moments in an artist’s studio, telling a story of struggle and transformation.

Inspired by sacred poetry from around the world, Archibald’s prints are paired with works by more than 30 poets, ranging from Mary Oliver to Rumi, Issa, and Rilke.

This combination of art, writing, and poetry gives rare insights into the healing nature of art and the inner life of an artist.

Order this book! It is an absolutely magnificent production, rich with superb images matched with moving essays and evocative poetry. AND it has mind-boggling extra magic -- the animations Sybil added, enhancing some of her pictures.

— Elaine D.

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Book details

The Inner Life of the Artist is a beautifully printed full color book featuring Sybil’s artwork and writing paired with sacred poetry from around the world.

It is a full color 10” x 12” hardcover with perfect binding.

Contains:

• 305 high quality images of Sybil’s original monotypes

• Sybil’s writings about life in the art studio. These writings explore the spiritual side of daily studio practice—from unruly art materials and self-judgment, to the nature of creativity and transformation

• 47 deeply spiritual poems from 30 prolific poets. In Sybil’s words, “A single poem can change your world, heal your heart, and move you to action.”

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This book moves!

I’ve added a layer of Augmented Reality (AR) to some of the images which causes them to move. For instructions on how to access them and a current list of images follow this link.

This an amazing book, I open two pages a day and leave the spread open to be viewed and read out loud. A holy healing masterpiece. Bravo! 

— Barbara K.

The Inner Life of the Artist is much more than merely a beautiful art book by a gifted artist, it is a window offering a glimpse into what is true and worthy about our own lives, no matter who we are or what we do.

— Maureen B.

This book is a treasure for what it says about the strength of the artist and the power of the art! Kudos

— Paul P.

Sybil Archibald is an artist with a lifelong interest in sacred art practices and poetry. While still in her twenties, she was diagnosed with scleroderma and given five years to live. She credits the healing nature of making art with keeping her alive more than 25 years past her prognosis. Primarily a self-taught artist, she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in medieval spirituality from New York University. Archibald’s work has been shown nationally and internationally in museums, galleries, and universities. She currently creates out of her light-filled studio in South Orange, NJ, encouraged by her husband, two dogs, and 12 koi.