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MassArt Alumni in Print: Books to Add to Your Reading List
Whether you’re looking for visual inspiration or thought-provoking narratives, these titles from MassArt alumni deserve a spot on your reading list.
Charlotte Cotton with Jess T. Dugan. Photo by Chris Bauer
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Written by Rachael Dubinsky
MassArt alumni continue to shape the worlds of art, design, photography, and storytelling long after graduation. Their books are as varied as their creative practices, spanning photography, memoir, architecture, social commentary, and personal reflection. Whether you’re looking for visual inspiration or thought-provoking narratives, these titles from MassArt alumni deserve a spot on your reading list.
Love Pictures
Jess T. Dugan BFA ‘07 Photography offers an intimate portrait of love, identity, and the passage of time. Created over several years, the book combines deeply personal photographs with thoughtful reflections that explore the many forms relationships can take—between partners, families, friends, and ourselves. Dugan’s evocative portraits celebrate vulnerability and connection while challenging conventional ideas about gender and intimacy.
Both visually stunning and emotionally resonant, Love Pictures is a powerful testament to the beauty of authentic human relationships.
Good Character: Design with Intention to Reveal Your Home’s Personality
Known for transforming historic homes with warmth and creativity, David and Stephen St. Russell BFA ‘13 Architecture, share more than renovation advice in their latest book.
The HGTV Battle on the Mountain winners have created a blueprint for making the most of your existing space. Richly photographed and filled with approachable inspiration,this accessible guide is equally appealing to home design enthusiasts and readers who are looking to break down the complexities of home renovations.
Check out their recent appearance on Good Morning America and Boston Globe article.
Cover of Good Character by Stephen St. Russell BFA ’13 Architecture and husband, David.
MassArt Alumnus Stephen St. Russell BFA ’13 Architecture poses with husband, David, and MassArt Associate Director of Advancement Communications Rachael Dubinsky at their book signing.
Into the DAX
After spending decades designing and inventing toys—including the wildly successful Bop It—and producing acclaimed video games such as Civilization and RollerCoaster Tycoon, Bob Welch BFA ‘92 Industrial Design has turned his creative talents to fiction.
His debut novel, Into the DAX, is a eco-dystopian thriller that blends imaginative storytelling with immersive world-building, transporting readers to a vividly realized landscape where adventure, discovery, and survival intertwine. The novel has already earned a rare “GET IT” verdict from Kirkus Reviews and a four-star rating from Foreword Clarion Reviews.
Into the Dax by Bob Welch BFA ‘92 Industrial Design. Image courtesy of Forward Clarion Reviews.
Little Creatures of the National Parks
John Boilard (aka JP Boneyard) BFA ’11 Graphic Design is the Creative Director of The Fifty-Nine Parks Print Series and the Creative Director, Producer, Designer of The National Poster Retrospecticus. Little Creatures of the National Parks, published on September 1, is a project of Fifty-Nine Parks. Their second children’s book offers a lively, accessible way for children and families to explore the natural world while celebrating the wonder and diversity of America’s national parks.
Little Creatures of the National Parks cover. Image courtesy of Fifty-Nine Parks.
Eric Aho
This landmark monograph celebrates the four-decade career of Eric Aho BFA ’88, tracing his evolution into one of America’s most accomplished contemporary landscape painters. The book (follows Aho’s progression from his iconic Ice Cuts series to his more recent Fire Paintings, Wild Meadow, and Firefly works, exploring themes of memory, transformation, and the changing natural world.
Eric Aho monograph cover. Image courtesy of Rizzoli New York.
From intimate photography and thought-provoking contemporary art to imaginative fiction and inspired design, these books highlight the breadth of creativity that defines the MassArt community. Each author brings a unique perspective to the page while embodying the curiosity, innovation, and artistic vision that have long been hallmarks of a MassArt education.
If you are a MassArt Alum and would like to submit your book to our list, please email alumni@massart.edu.
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