Romanticizing Suffering: The Realities of Artists in Recovery
Episode Overview
Exploring the dangers of the 'starving artist' myth and its impact on creativity Uncovering the need for authentic power and spiritual authority in the creative process Reflecting on the journey of recovery from under-earning and the concept of reparenting oneself Understanding the obligation to fulfill the archetype of the 'starving artist' and the impact of past conditioning Embracing the responsibility of discerning what truly belongs to oneself and the journey towards authenticity
The act of showing up at the studio, showing up at the writing desk, showing up in your life is a state of emptiness purposefully, emptying out the flotsam and jetsam of life and all the bits and pieces of it, putting those aside deliberately to do things like arrange your studio or clean up some mess, preparing the way for a silent meditation to prepare for receiving.
What happens when the romantic notion of the 'starving artist' clashes with the harsh realities of addiction? In this episode of 'Liars, Thieves, Gluttons, and Whores', host Nanci Adair welcomes Marianna Casagrande as the new co-host for season 3, focusing on artists in recovery.
They kick things off with an engaging discussion about sculptor Russ Coleman from the UK, who shares his journey from believing that drugs and alcohol were essential for creativity to realizing the destructive nature of this myth. Russ's candid account reveals how this misguided belief can stifle true potential and often lead to tragic outcomes like premature deaths from overdoses.
Nanci and Marianna dive deep into the themes of 'drama' and 'victimhood' that often accompany substance abuse, shedding light on how these narratives can hinder recovery. Marianna brings a fresh perspective by highlighting the role of humor in early recovery, suggesting that laughter can be a powerful tool for healing. The episode also explores Russ's multiple 'rock bottom' moments and how his experience with Covid-19 served as a crucial wake-up call.
Both hosts admire Russ's unwavering commitment to his art, even during times of low inspiration, showcasing the resilience required to maintain creativity in recovery. This episode isn't just about the struggles; it's about breaking free from damaging myths and finding authentic power and spiritual authority in the creative process. Themes like under-earning recovery and reparenting oneself are also discussed, offering listeners a comprehensive look at the journey towards self-discovery and authenticity.