Are you a "Moody" artist?
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| Moody |
The moody artist. I think it's fair to say that's a pretty common perception of creative people. I most certainly can attest to that, being that I am creative, and most definitely a moody one at that.
Yes, I own it.
My emotions can run the gamut, like a wild, out of control, belligerent roller coaster ride that will leave an audience with unapologetic whiplash (just ask my husband). Moodiness has always been a part of who I am, and no matter how hard I try to control it, seems to get the best of me. And it strikes without warning.
I know. Sounds like a mental condition, but I think there's a difference between being moody, and having to struggle and cope with a mental illness.
For one, being moody doesn't run that deep. It's like one minute the lake top is smooth and pristine, and the next it's a bit choppy. Whereas, I think of mental challenges to be more like smooth pristine to rogue wave action.
And, moodiness, in my opinion, is harder on the moody person then it is on the people around the moodiness. "Oh, she's just being moody today." Whatever, walk away.
The Moody Blues.
Today, I'm moody. Everything is getting on my nerves, and I'm prone to outbursts of cursing, sighing heavily, and pulling out the 'whoa is me' violin that plays long notes filled with dramatic vibrato. And I can't tell you why that is. It just is. And I kinda hate it when I get like this because now I'm getting on my nerves.
Oh, to be creative, and cursed with moodiness.
Please tell me I'm not the only one?
**Do you have something to contribute or expand on this topic? If so, would you like to be a guest writer for my blog on this topic? Email me alisasteadyart@gmail.com if you're interested. I'm always looking for writers to contribute!
Oh I'm very moody. But I'll do you one better in clarifying too: my brother is bipolar, my mom depressive and anxious, my father severely anxious. I'm the only person not on medication in my family, but there is a big difference between being a moody artist and needing some help with the situation. My mom worked on a psych unit and she used to watch me closely, but it never quite crossed into the other side, and she didn't understand me, but she left me alone. As an adult, I definitely have anxiety issues now (which I manage in myriad ways), but I can clearly see the difference between moody and other.
ReplyDeleteI think moods help us create. We experience things intensely in order to have the fodder for creating and communicating those feelings, that others then relate to on their own levels.
You're just special! See?
Lol - special is right, Kyra :o) It's very true that creative people experience things intensely. And it's good fodder. I'm off the low swing today, and feeling back to normal. Oh, the creative life! xo
DeleteSo funny I stumbled across this post today. I was just thinking about this. I am sooooo moody. The funny thing is I come off pretty even keeled. I feel like if people really saw the emotional roller-coaster underneath they would flip out :). Thanks for making me feel like I am not alone.
ReplyDeleteMuch love!
Jaime Barks
www.barksblog.com
Hi, Jaime Lynn! Nice to meet you fellow moody gal! My last name is my married name - Steady - which my husband is to the core. But not me. So, having this last name is an interesting dichonomy - Alisa Steady, the emotional roller coaster without a seat belt. LOL! Thank you so much for stopping by! xox
DeleteI didn't know there was a term for it! Thanks for saying what we're all thinking. The great thing is an artist can turn just about anything into art. Some of the greatest masterpieces are a result of moodiness. So you never know!
ReplyDeleteSo true Ravenmaid! Like Kyra Wilson said in her comment, artists use the fluctuation in emotions to add to the artwork. Van Gogh was a moody one, so I'm told...in fact, I think it's safe to say a lot of artists were / are! :o) It's all part of being in the tribe. xo
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