The Insane Artist Myth
Posted by BlissSt on Oct 3, 2009 in Creativity | Subscribe
There are many romantic scenarios of the solitary artist living alone in a loft, with plenty of lovers of course.
The misunderstood artist who cannot create and be in a relationship, the working spouse just doesn’t understand. The all consuming artist the one that does nothing but breathes, eats and sleeps art. Basically lives his or her art. The latter is the most favorite of patrons. It feeds in to the myth of artist being so different that they are insane. It also raises the value of art. It raises the adrenaline rush, which quickens the blood and loosens the wallet.
Van Gogh smoking and healing from the loss of his ear In no small way the gossip spreads.
Before Hollywood gossip there was artist gossip. Did you know Van Gogh cut off his ear? Picasso was known not only to save his hair but that of his son’s. Oh and Hemingway….could that man drink! Gossip still goes with art today. Yet gossip, even odd behavior, does not make you insane. It’s good press. That’s all. Ok maybe it’s just press.
Picasso Getting a Hair Cut. Yep that’s him. Today we know that Van Gogh is like to have been an epileptic. The depression that he wrote about was, by some, believed to be manic depression. If he had either or both would he be…insane today? Or would he be part of the thousands that take medication or are otherwise treated? Hemingway was an alcoholic. Know one? Are they insane? OK Picasso he was nuts. You got me there. Or not. We could take apart each artist and see what made them tick, what “damage” we could find. Yet that would only lead to post mortem therapy (possible- many famously dead are on twitter, go ahead check) or it would lead to us finding out simply that artists are human. Each artist with their own quirks, manners and abilities.
The equation artist = insanity or artist =odd or that artist = solitary or artist =broken is wrong. And a bit insulting because it is much too simplistic.
Hemingway pouring a drink. Would you have a drink with him? 
Of course the question on the face is simplistic, however, that could be said of any person who excels in their industry with some high degree of passion.
The question(s) that should be sought are the possible connections that the myth feeds to an already highly individualized mind as often seen in the artist community. Who, by several accounts, both meet the myth and shun it. Just as their are those passionate about their art and those who simply make commercial art. In short, this is a question of the individuals *identity* as an artist, which can be quite powerful and influential in their lives.
Learning a craft versus being born with a talent is in fact, a physical and neurological difference. This could impart how one aligns with a concept that the world is different naturally — despite what society informs — could be seen as the key between the range of those who call themselves “artists” and those who simply learn a skill or could lead their lives in any direction without a thought.
Not to say the question should be confined to the idiot savant, which marks the extreme condition of seeing the world differently, but a closer look that smaller and deft versions of that condition could exist and be molded by great artists. Likewise, the romantic myth of the loner artist is continued and fed. It’s not up to the artist to sustain the myth, but for society to embrace it. And likewise, as in a dance, it continues as it is needed by society and the culture that created it.
To debunk either side of the discussion dismantles the concept which lives on its own terms. Like a human romantic relationship, it’s not the man, or the woman, but also the relationship that exists in the center and around all three. Likewise, the myth of the artist, much as in the church, evolves and coexists with each person who has a relationship with their art. Picasso, in your opinion, may have been “nuts” but even that is subjective to definition and lord knows what he may have been prescribed as a mental patient, haha!
We can only guess what meds would have done to his art.
Likewise, I can only speculate on all these theories since I only live inside my own head and I’m not privy to the inner workings of others. Still, I can’t see it as a singular or simple question, either.
Humans are just way too complicated.
My name is Piter Jankovich. oOnly want to tell, that your blog is really cool
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My name is Piter Jankovich. oOnly want to tell, that your blog is really cool
And want to ask you: is this blog your hobby?
P.S. Sorry for my bad english
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