Anthony, others on this site have mentioned musical and even scientific connections to art, and you've touched one of my favorites with your literature reference. In my artist's statement, I tried to articulate this, John de la Vega (portfolio is here) just taught a portrait workshop, and he was the perfect blend of philosopher/boot camp instructor. Among other things, he taught that a painting has to forge an emotional connection with the viewer to be successful.

I decided to leave my books out of my studio - for clutter control - but I must say a large stack always finds its way to a pile on one of my counters.... as well as a legal pad for a continuous journal/sketchbook.

Sacred space
 

It's blues and jazz here, all the way. Norah Jones, Eric Clapton, Miles Davis, B.B. King, Johnny Lang, Susan Tedeschi, and when I'm really working, Keb Moe's Mississippi delta blues keeps me happy.

Jean