Forget tortured artists – joy is the key to creativity, study finds
PAIN is often perceived as a catalyst for creativity, with the Irish poet WB Yeats saying that “only an aching heart conceives a changeless work of art”.
But the myth of the tortured artist has been debunked after scientists found positivity and well-being spark inspiration more readily than misery.
Researchers at Goldsmiths, University of London, surveyed 290 creative professionals about their emotions and creativity over a fortnight. Most found that their creativity seemed to increase when they were feeling upbeat.
Prof Joydeep Bhattacharya, of Goldsmiths’ psychology department, said: “Our findings show that emotions and well-being are crucially linked to feeling creative in the daily lives of creative professionals.”
The ill-fortune of some artists was thought to have spurred on their creative endeavours. Frida Kahlo, the Mex can painter, was hit by a bus at the age of 18 and endured life-long medical problems and chronic pain.
Kaile Smith, former MSC student at Goldsmiths, said the idea of difficulties triggering creativity stems from the belief “that creative people are inherently troubled”.
The finding has a basis in biology, as stress hormones tend to create tunnel vision, reducing memory, the ability to see the bigger picture and to make the innovative leaps that lead to great art.
The research was published in the