How Does Mental Illness Impact an Artist's Work?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the impact of mental illness on artists' work, highlighting that conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, and addiction can profoundly influence creativity. Participants reference notable figures like Kay Redfield Jamison, Vincent Van Gogh, and Eddie Van Halen, illustrating how personal struggles often manifest in their art. The consensus is that while mental illness can hinder productivity, it can also serve as a source of inspiration, leading to significant creative output during certain emotional states.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of mental health concepts, particularly depression and bipolar disorder.
  • Familiarity with the works of artists like Vincent Van Gogh and musicians like Eddie Van Halen.
  • Knowledge of psychological theories related to creativity and suffering.
  • Awareness of literary references, such as those by Kay Redfield Jamison and existentialist philosophers like Sartre and Nietzsche.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Kay Redfield Jamison's book "Touched with Fire: Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament."
  • Explore the relationship between creativity and mental illness in artists through case studies.
  • Investigate existentialist philosophy, focusing on Sartre's "Nausea" and Nietzsche's later works.
  • Examine the psychological effects of depression on artistic productivity and expression.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for art students, psychologists, and anyone interested in the intersection of mental health and creativity, particularly those studying the lives and works of artists affected by mental illness.

  • #121
hc_17 said:
i have been actually, i just wanted some peoples opinions on the matter, the whole project isn't about peoples opinions, but its a very helpful thing to have, I've already had 3 months for this and have done a large amount of research in artists biographies and researching mental health. Although to get high marks and to create a successful project i have to do more than that, i have visited various art museums, interviewed an artist, compared artists work and wanted some people opinions on artists and mental health.I thought some people might be kind enough to share their opinions which most people have been, and i thank them for that.

When is your paper due?
 
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  • #122
rewebster said:
Do you like reading things of/in that professional field?

Usually not so much, because I am focused on cognitive rather than abnormal psych, but we had some overlap last year when I worked on a study of how different mental health professionals use DSM IV criteria to make diagnoses. We also did a few studies with lay people, so it is interesting to hear what their concepts of it are and how they think it is used (especially from people who aren't psych undergrads, because that's about all we get in the lab!)
 
  • #123
Math Is Hard said:
Usually not so much, because I am focused on cognitive rather than abnormal psych, but we had some overlap last year when I worked on a study of how different mental health professionals use DSM IV criteria to make diagnoses. We also did a few studies with lay people, so it is interesting to hear what their concepts of it are and how they think it is used (especially from people who aren't psych undergrads, because that's about all we get in the lab!)

Most of the time, I would guess, there's no fresh cases (everyone already has a diagnosis), ---so where does my opinion of it fit on the Bell shaped curve?
-----------------------------

were you looking for percentages?---(# correctly or incorrectly diagnosed?)


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I'm watching football, and one of the players was asked something- and he said like -that his team IS going to the Superbowl --and the interviewer said something about being mentally prepared, and (it sounded like) the player answered, "Yeah, I'm already there,--you know...--your mind doesn't know the difference between fake and fiction"

---------------------------
Evo--I wish you would answer my post (from a couple pages back now)
 
Last edited:
  • #124
rewebster said:
When is your paper due?

beginning of october

i think i have everything i need now

thanks everyone for your help! :)
 
  • #125
hc_17 said:
beginning of october

i think i have everything i need now

thanks everyone for your help! :)

and I thought it was just beginning to get interesting
 

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