Artist and Addict

Is there something you really want to do but just aren’t doing it? Something you’ve had a secret thought about but... well...how could you ever… Do you want to write a novel, a memoir, a poem? Study ballet, tango, tai chi? Do your eyes light up at something creative—designing a room, watercolor, scrapbooking?

And have you ever noticed that when you do let your self play with color, fabric, shapes, colors, words or ideas—when you allow yourself to “play” with your creative life that your food is cleaner and that drinks or drugs or dresses stop calling to you?

I believe there is a connection between creativity and addiction. I believe there is a specific connection between what is suppressed and what is used to cement that suppression. That is the addict-artist connection. The addiction-and art correlation.

You can test this. You can even try it at home.

Julia Cameron (of The Artist’s Way) recommends artist dates—specific time set aside to see or smell or play with creative energies. You can go to an art supply store, fabric store, floral market or a hardware store—if that appeals and just see. Are you happier, calmer, quieter, something more? And do you start to think, “What if I…”

Feed your artist, not your addiction.

(Next up for me—a sewing machine!)