"Deep gratitude for your incredible gift of beauty. Your book really captures life's ephemeral and yet eternal nature in form and beyond any form. Your art moved our hearts with its magnetic, multifaceted transmissions. With love."

 ―Zaya & Maurizio Benazzo, Co-founders of Science and Nonduality gatherings and conference

“There seems to be a trend today of approaching the mystery of faith and healing through various platforms of the beauty of art and prose - what delights the eye opens one to deeper levels of awareness - you are contributing beautifully to this trend by your journey of many years of creating new ways of seeing - ways that are rooted in your contemplative souls, I invite seekers to plunge gently into Illuminations: Art Embracing Awareness and come out baptized with new streams of consciousness -Come out a new creation.” 

 ―Fr. Carl J Arico a founding member of Contemplative Outreach

 “Illuminations: Art Embracing awareness is a deeply revealing portrait into a multigenerational family’s journey to understand their innermost feelings, reconcile past traumas, find love, forgiveness, redemption, and gratitude. It is told in heartfelt prose while celebrating the creative process through Strouhal’s poignant, wistful, dreamlike, ethereal, masterfully hand-manipulated photographic images, which he creates using his unique Oil printing process.

The written sentiments are perfectly paired with Strouhal’s images, giving deep insight into the words through the eyes of an imaginative and inspirational artist. This is a book to be savored and digested over time, with introspection it evokes even deeper meaning.”

―Stu Goldberg, Film and TV composer, Yvonne Goldberg, Fine Artist, YGO Music & Art

“Everyone wants to enjoy their stay on Earth as completely as they can, and the artistry of Illuminations: Art Embracing Awareness—through both image and word—offers a wonderful means to help anyone step closer to that goal. Most sages agree that the key to a better life is to slow down and pay attention to where and who we are. Frantisek Strouhal’s evocative art invites the viewer to assess the mood, locale, and ideas communicated by the artwork, and by so doing to reflect on his or her own emotional state and worldview. Similarly, the book’s engaging text provides a model response to the art—sometimes directly, sometimes obliquely. The composite experience provides a unique opportunity for anyone to learn more about themselves and their interactions with the human society and natural environment in which we live out our days.”

―Tom Wayman, Fiction Writer, Poet, winner of the 2012 Acorn-Plantos Award

"Illuminations: Art Embracing Awareness is a beautiful synthesis of visual art and philosophical prose. Frantisek's multi-layered method defies orthodoxy and brings a feel and overall atmosphere to the book that matches the poetry and ushers the reader to surrender in a way that many literary works cannot. The images are soft, yet gripping; the poetry is forgiving, yet sharp. This encourages one to turn the lens inward and implores the observer to address his or her own traumas. The linguistic contributions from Frantisek's son, Jakub, break the generational boundary revealing an authentic family dynamic inherently broadening the book's reach. This book is intimate and sincere in its display, yet general in its applicability. It is, by its very nature, the practice that it preaches." 

―Ryan Munro, Songwriter/Performing artist.

"Illuminations: Art Embracing Awareness is an extraordinary book. A must buy, read, and share with loved ones. It is the rare type of book that you will treasure for a lifetime and want to pass it on to future generations."

—Renee Phillips, Founder, Director and Curator of Manhattan Arts International

"I’ve found the most effective literature allows the reader to associate, reflect, then find motivation within the body of work. Illuminations – Art Embracing Awareness does just that, combining Frantisek Strouhal’s emotive imagery, and Jakub Strouhal’s authentic writing. Frantisek’s blend of film photography and oil printing gives visceral illustration reminiscent of dream state memories. The textures give a sense of motion, as the images often include magnificent settings in nature. Meanwhile, Jakub offers honest perspectives from experiences with love, sorrow, nostalgia, and desolation. He finds ways to speak on hardships with eloquence.

It can be very difficult at times to contemplate the past, indulge in emotion, seek forgiveness, and find comfort as one’s own being, but this father-son duo encourages such practices throughout this book, in relatable means to the reader. It’s a book worth revisiting often, to marinate on and process your thoughts; or to spark pensive conversation with others. It’s a strong reminder to address what forces have shaped us, and find power in the path to healing."

―Kelvin  Aliasthesame, Recording / Performing artist, Musical Director of Borealis Soul

"I just have to tell you how impressed I am with your book, Illuminations – Art Embracing Awareness.  I find it so inspirational! It really makes you stop and think about life's journey. I wish I had all that wisdom at a younger age but cherish all the lessons learned on the way. You two were destined to be together! Your son also has talent well beyond his years. I cherish our friendship."

―Shirley Coupland, Retired Health Professional

“Your writings give me strength and courage and something else, a belief that my efforts are not for naught, they have meaning and value, whatever happens. It all comes down to being authentic with an open heart and trust. I am energized and calmed at the same time. Thank you for that."

―Cathy Berman, Founder of ForMotherNature.com and artist