Flow from the Dark

What if a state of flow is attained coming from a dark and sad place?

It occurred to me, after having written the last blog, that I may have found the answer to a question that has long haunted me.

Why is it so often the case that amazing art, be it in itself, be it in its reception by the public comes from the deepest and darkest place…sadness, despair and hopelessness?

Someone even suggested to me recently that I take such a direction, citing artists whose work I almost can’t look at!

I don’t want to live in that dark place!

My place is in the light and this is where I find my creative energy.

Still, it occurred to me that perhaps an artist, while in that horrible place of suffering might get to their studio and create some wonderful art.

They could decide to use the energy within that sad domain, challenging his or her ability, pushing through the level of his or her skill and reach the state of flow.

The result is a work of art built in truthfulness and honesty.

It is real, even if sad and filled with angst, a certain truth could be captured within the work.

This is perhaps why the public perceives it as being so brilliant, because the level of honesty is such that it cannot be denied.

Furthermore, I wonder if the life of the artist has been spared thanks to the new creation.

Could it be that the state of flow has brought with it a certain serenity that might appease at least part of the pain?

Could it be that the ego was set aside long enough to finish a work of art that the artist might actually be proud of?

Has self-esteem been restored?

Potentially yes, but only temporarily, and if I am right, we will have to wait for the next wave of darkness to bring on a new creation for this life saving process to recommence.

If this is true then I would say that ” Art saves lives”.

By Boky and Blake

 

For more information about “A State of Flow” see our last blog or reference  http://www.ted.com/talks/mihaly_csikszentmihalyi_on_flow/transcript