Having mastered the art of the sword, Musashi applied his insight and skills to writing, poetry, painting and sculpture among others. He is noted for saying, "The Way of the warrior does not include other Ways...but if you know the Way broadly you will see it in everything." His surviving work is proof of his talent and some periods are among the most recognized for that period.

One of Musashi's more famous pieces is that of a shrike perched on a slender piece of bamboo. The way the upward reaching bamboo is painted, with a single impressive stroke, shows the feeling and merit of Musashi's work. Looking carefully, you can see a small worm crawling up the bamboo. The bird is in a ready stance and has its eye focused on the worm, just about ready to make its move.