an article from Psychology Today states:
"...theory about the brain suggests that people who are left brain dominant are more quantitative, logical, and analytical, while right-brained individuals are more emotional, intuitive, and creative free spirits; however, there is no evidence to support these classifications. On the contrary, most behaviors and abilities require the right and left side of the brain to work together to achieve a common objective."
My right brain was surprised to read this, but my left brain was not (haha). With this in mind (groan), it takes a versatile person to be a creative genius--someone who can use both sides of their brain in harmony.
Then, another question came to mind: Why do so many creative geniuses seem to have psychological afflictions? Is there a correlation? After doing a minimal amount of research, most of the articles I read said that though many famous geniuses seemed to share a thread of mental illness of some kind, there was no conclusive evidence to suggest an artist needs to suffer to achieve greatness.
My logical side says:
The human mind is fragile and complex. Being a creative person for a living, you are constantly judged. All that negativity and rejection can do two main things: 1) damage your psyche and 2) push you to be better. That's where I believe the relationship lies. Anyone who can't handle the criticisms and callous judgments might give up and never achieve greatness. It's only those who persevere through harsh words and subjective comments, putting emotion and strength back into their work that become incredible artists.
Lately, several artistic friends have been going through doubt, dry spells, and depression. I'm amazed at how many, really. But I believe every one of them will reach success as creative geniuses because they are sticking with it. I applaud them and pray for them and hope this small bit of logical encouragement helps them understand themselves a little better and proves to them how great they can be. How great YOU can be!
Believe in yourself!!
And as we continue with the WINDY HOLLOW -- Beast World #3 Release Tour...
Last week, in case you missed it...
6/20 - Heather Holden - Reverse Interview, I interviewed the Artist
6/22 - Ellen Jacobson - Fun Interview
Here are the stops this week:
6/24 - Patricia Lynne - Keeping Magic Alive
6/26 - MJ Fifield - Fantasy World-Building
I hope you'll stop by for some Magical, Fantastical Fun!
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9 comments:
I've also read creatives tend to go through a lot of stuff in their life, negative crap that adds to the depth of what they create. But I've had a pretty good life with little trauma. Guess it all depends on the person.
You have to think logically and not take things personally.
I've been described as a free spirit.
I think you're right and I'll add one more classification...those who are thin-skinned, but love to create. Maybe they are the ones who stand out as the ones who succeed, but at a great personal toll.
It's important to remember that even the best of us have had critics. And self-doubt. But they never quit, they kept learning and working.
I always joke that I have no left side to my brain. It's all creativity and that's why I'm so bad at math.
I find learning about how the brain works interesting. It is an amazing organ, especially after a brain injury. Some amazing research out there.
I persevere through, but it still takes a toll.
There you go, that is something I've learnt today, thank you.
I'm not entirely sure the depression and mental illness experienced by so many artists is related to the rejection of their work. Maybe for some. As someone who can relate to this, I'd say artistic people are generally very empathetic, sensitive, and introverted. We live inside our minds and tend to overthink things. We also feel much more than others. Believe it or not, I can walk into a room and feel negative energy. It affects me deeply. Maybe there's just something about the wiring of our brains that's a little different.
Yes, I read that same article in Psychology Today. Makes you wonder what other "scientific truths" are just urban legends.
As to mental states of creative types: The average person comes home from work, eats dinner, spends some time with the kids, and watches a little TV. Creative types have to work on the latest work-in-progress: Twilight meets Stranger Things on a submarine. What could possibly go wrong?
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