tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20654551.post500116230043076709..comments2023-10-05T03:06:42.081-07:00Comments on Eric Maisel Creativity Central: FROM YONKERS TO THE BRONX: A CRISIS OF MEANING AND AESTHETICSEric Maiselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03616912091956978071noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20654551.post-9331945837429754122008-08-05T07:31:00.000-07:002008-08-05T07:31:00.000-07:00I am an addict of sorts by how I feel strangely ad...I am an addict of sorts by how I feel strangely addicted to art. I do not feel good about it as when I wish to not paint I go through withdrawals. These come in the form of remorse, grief, and self-criticism. I wonder why, or, what it is that causes this pain. Why can't I just walk away from art without the hurt.Pat Noirhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00302673953521091240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20654551.post-14863167967798038512008-08-04T02:27:00.000-07:002008-08-04T02:27:00.000-07:00Denise, I haven't been on a 12-Step programmme but...Denise, I haven't been on a 12-Step programmme but I do know it's important to isolate to be an artist. Up to a point. I write-mainly poetry-and I just can't do that in a crowded room where I'm in and out of conversations, supporting the children with homework and, in general, being social. On the other hand, if I locked myself away almost permanently, what would feed the writing ?<BR/><BR/> I saw a locum doctor a while ago because my usual doctor was on holiday. This doctor said, very disapprovingly, "You do seem to spend a lot of time alone." Rubbish. I have a husband, three children (one of whom is autistic and learning-disabled) and have to CARVE OUT time alone. What I should have said as a rejoinder is "And you seem to spend a lot of time with sick people !"<BR/><BR/> As for someone doing a study about addicts/artists, I think someone did. I'm afraid I can't recall the book I read about it in. Technically speaking, it wasn't about addiction, it was about the high levels of depression and bipolar in creative people.There IS a connection. . .but (this was the book's main conclusion) healthier people tend to create more and better than people mired in their problems. For example, Sylvia Plath had mental health issues, and they certainly fed into her work,but she was most creative when she was well.<BR/><BR/> Thank you for this article.<BR/><BR/> best wishes, PantherAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com