Creativity: Best Expressed Through Grief or Joy?

I was curious to know if creativity is as possible during times of grief as times of joy. Is there something to the concept of the “tortured artist?” While there’s not a clear answer to that question (each unto him/herself), there are some interesting findings we dug up. First, let’s establish this: grief is a normal part of life, and each individual deals with grief differently. Some get stuck in a non-creative rut while others choose to channel negative emotions into something creative. 

Pat Conroy, author of The Prince of Tides, found it impossible to write during his battles with depression. Furthermore, a study conducted in 2016 at Brandeis University by economics professor Kathryn Graddy uncovered that famous artists including Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner produced paintings during times of grief, but those creations were among the least successful pieces. The study pointed to the fact that those particular paintings tended to be auctioned off for 30% less than the artists’ other works.

Monique Malcolm, who dubs herself a “multi-passionate creative person” shares her personal story. The Florida-based entrepreneur lost a brother who was only 26 when he died unexpectedly. Dipping into her artistic self, she became immersed in creative outlets as she recovered after his death. She didn’t set out to be creative, per se, but within a short time, she found she was fueled by the realization that time is precious. With such a strong impetus, she dove into her work and was even inspired to do a trade show. You can learn more about Monique’s work as a “creativity instigator” via her website: www.keepchasingthestars.com

Some people find they’re creative during times of grief while others find grief so debilitating that nothing comes out. While creative works produced during less happy times may not yield masterpieces, the process can be uplifting and aid in emotional healing. If you’re an artist, you might think not of perfection, but of tools at your disposal for recovery. By involving yourself in creative activity, the brain and body respond positively in many ways including raising serotonin levels, enhancing well-being, and supporting healthy emotions.

And what about times of joy? A study conducted at Harvard (and who doesn’t perk up their ears when they hear that name) indicated that among thousands of subjects recorded, happy states spurred notable creativity among participants, especially when it came to creative problem-solving. Think about the times you’ve felt balanced and clear-headed and not buried under depression or debilitating stress. You were probably doing pretty well creatively, and functioning productively in your life, maybe without even realizing it.

Creativity dwells within everyone, and the more creative a person is, the more he or she is able to frame situations, relationships and events in such a way as to rise up with a new, unique perspective. Creativity is at its best when emotions are allowed to be expressed and the individual doesn’t feel constrained (think: stiff upper lip at all costs). Said psychologist Scott Kauffman, “Creative people aren’t characterized by any one of these states alone; they are characterized by their adaptability.”