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The Van Gogh Blues: The Creative Person's Path Through Depression
From The Van Gogh Blues ... "...virtually 100 percent of creative people will suffer from episodes of depression. Why virtually 100 percent? Because every creative person came out of the womb ready to interrogate life and determine for herself what life would mean, could mean, and should mean. Her gift or curse was that she was born ready to stubbornly doubt received wisdom and disbelieve that anyone but she was entitled to provide answers to her own meaning questions." Creative people of all kinds look for understanding, empathy, and meaning in life. That is what they do, what they work with. This will often lead to depression-- but not because understanding, empathy, and meaning are not possible. They are simply not always on terms that are easy to accept. This depression of creative people does not have to be physiological, nor does it necessarily respond to pharmaceutical treatments. Dr. Eric Maisel, an internationally known expert on the creative process and best-selling author, has developed a four-step plan for engaging this type of depression and moving past it. Using examples of famous creators like Vincent van Gogh and Fyodor Dostoyevsky and not-so-famous creators who have struggled with this kind of depression, he shows that despite the difficulty, creative people hold the ability to forge relationships, repair themselves, and create meaning in an utterly unique and powerful way. Dr. Maisel's approach legitimizes creative people's own instinctual beliefs that standard treatments are not the answer.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published November 25, 2002
74 people are currently reading
1099 people want to read
About the author
Eric Maisel
136 books163 followersEric Maisel, Ph.D., is the author of more than 40 books in the areas of creativity, coaching, mental health, and cultural trends. He is a psychotherapist and creativity coach, and writes for Psychology Today and Professional Artist Magazine and presents workshops internationally.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
October 4, 2010
I have to say this right at the outset: I wish someone had handed this book to me years ago.
Eric Maisel examines the link between creative people and depression, and comes to some very sensible conclusions about the reasons for it. He then proceeds to provide the reader with some pragmatic tools for managing depression that is not based in physiology (and is thus medically resistant).
Maisel's work is revolutionary, because it considers the depth of feeling that creative minds experience without attempting to smother that depth. Instead, he talks about ways to harness that depth of feeling and apply it to non-creative and creative aspects of life alike.
Highly recommended for the artistic soul who struggles.
Eric Maisel examines the link between creative people and depression, and comes to some very sensible conclusions about the reasons for it. He then proceeds to provide the reader with some pragmatic tools for managing depression that is not based in physiology (and is thus medically resistant).
Maisel's work is revolutionary, because it considers the depth of feeling that creative minds experience without attempting to smother that depth. Instead, he talks about ways to harness that depth of feeling and apply it to non-creative and creative aspects of life alike.
Highly recommended for the artistic soul who struggles.
December 30, 2015
A psychologist/creativity coach outlines a plan for artists and other creatives who are stuck in a blue period.
While acknolwedging that depression has roots in biological causes, various traumas, and poor self-care habits, Maisel argues that for the creative person, depression is a question of meaning...specifically, the lack thereof. How do you go about creating meaning? Well, by practicing your art. How do you motivate yourself to do that when you're down in the dumps? That's the trickier part, and most of the book revolves around ways you can lift yourself up out of the muck for five seconds to get started doing something, ANYthing. Rather than a list of "things to do," however, Maisel provides you with a lot of "things to think about," which may or may not be helpful if you are the kind of person who just wants "THE answer."
The answer, of course, is that you MAKE the answer. Maisel argues that it's every person's responsibility to create their own meaning of life. It's hard work, and it sucks, but unless you want to be miserable all the damn time, you have to do it. Other topics discussed include addictions, narcisissm, and--interestingly--the difference between meaning-making when you believe in some sort of higher reality/god, as opposed to when you don't, and how the tactics differ. There's a glossary of "meaning terms" in the back, which offer new ways of looking at your current situation, and a notes section that contains many interesting titles for further reading, if you're so inclined.
So, basically, see a therapist, take your meds (if prescribed), eat right, sleep well, move your body, etc. But for pity's sake, get up off your butt and make art. He's a lot nicer about it than I am, but the overall message is the same: just do it. All this talk of meaning is not going to appeal to everybody, but it will hit a nerve--and possibly do some good--for those who already inhabit an existential mindset.
While acknolwedging that depression has roots in biological causes, various traumas, and poor self-care habits, Maisel argues that for the creative person, depression is a question of meaning...specifically, the lack thereof. How do you go about creating meaning? Well, by practicing your art. How do you motivate yourself to do that when you're down in the dumps? That's the trickier part, and most of the book revolves around ways you can lift yourself up out of the muck for five seconds to get started doing something, ANYthing. Rather than a list of "things to do," however, Maisel provides you with a lot of "things to think about," which may or may not be helpful if you are the kind of person who just wants "THE answer."
The answer, of course, is that you MAKE the answer. Maisel argues that it's every person's responsibility to create their own meaning of life. It's hard work, and it sucks, but unless you want to be miserable all the damn time, you have to do it. Other topics discussed include addictions, narcisissm, and--interestingly--the difference between meaning-making when you believe in some sort of higher reality/god, as opposed to when you don't, and how the tactics differ. There's a glossary of "meaning terms" in the back, which offer new ways of looking at your current situation, and a notes section that contains many interesting titles for further reading, if you're so inclined.
So, basically, see a therapist, take your meds (if prescribed), eat right, sleep well, move your body, etc. But for pity's sake, get up off your butt and make art. He's a lot nicer about it than I am, but the overall message is the same: just do it. All this talk of meaning is not going to appeal to everybody, but it will hit a nerve--and possibly do some good--for those who already inhabit an existential mindset.
January 19, 2023
This is a dense, insightful book about creatives and depression. It's not something you can hurry through, but I found quite a few passages that made sense. While quite a lot of the advice inside is "Cheer yourself on and make yourself do it even though you're depressed," I felt it was delivered with kindness and compassion.
November 18, 2015
Eric Maisel notes that for creative types, depression can take on qualities and circumstances not seen in other sufferers. He focuses on the existential elements of depression for creative people, and suggests that a way through the pain is to focus on making meaning with art, and meaningful choices in life. While I do struggle with some aspects of the existentialist view, Maisel's main idea here is one I find helpful.
April 15, 2008
We all know the story of the brilliant yet tortured Van Gogh. His mind blowing creativity was only matched by bouts of deeply destructive depression. We've also become accustomed to hearing gossip about rock stars, artists, actors, and writers whose drug use, alcoholism, or suicide make the evening news. It seems the pairing of creativity and self destruction is a natural one.
The Van Gogh Blues doesn't seek to break this stereotype. Instead, it looks to examine the reason why creative people tend to have such extreme highs and lows. The answer seems so obvious that most of us probably would never have thought of it.
People who create tend to put all of their effort into their work. I do it myself, I can sit for hours and just type fully immersed in my own words and thoughts. Having such clarity of focus and such a single minded drive is fantastic.
However, once the project is complete, the creating is done. Suddenly, there is no more purpose. The individual is suddenly lost without any sort of direction. I can relate. I always know it's time to get back to my writing when I start to get depressed. Over time, I've learned that I have to a project. I have to create.
The Van Gogh Blues doesn't seek to break this stereotype. Instead, it looks to examine the reason why creative people tend to have such extreme highs and lows. The answer seems so obvious that most of us probably would never have thought of it.
People who create tend to put all of their effort into their work. I do it myself, I can sit for hours and just type fully immersed in my own words and thoughts. Having such clarity of focus and such a single minded drive is fantastic.
However, once the project is complete, the creating is done. Suddenly, there is no more purpose. The individual is suddenly lost without any sort of direction. I can relate. I always know it's time to get back to my writing when I start to get depressed. Over time, I've learned that I have to a project. I have to create.
July 2, 2013
Was it a helpful book? Yes, very. Is it a *good* book? Not entirely. Would I recommend it to other writers-in-crisis? Yes - but is tell them to be prepared to be very irritated with Dr Maisel at times. There's a hard core of evidence that's missing. Too much depends on testimonies of other "creative coaches" with a clear investment on affirming Maisel's ideas. At its worse, he devotes pages to the hagiographies written by people who read the books manuscript, all if whom declare how marvellous the book is and what an impact it's had on them. But I can't deny that all too much of it rings true and that I've acquired a number of useful tools for thinking about meaning and the lack of it in my life and work.
So, four stars for utility but through slightly gritted teeth.
So, four stars for utility but through slightly gritted teeth.
December 4, 2013
A remarkable book I bought by mistake. There was a time when I wanted to know everything possible about color theory, so I went on an Amazon shopping spreed, ordering every book that seemed remotely connected to color. Boy, as I ever in for a surprise. This book has nothing to do with color, but everything to do with mood.
It's tempting to believe his theory that virtually every artist will go through a period of profound depression (they can see the ideal but never achieve it), but equally tempting to debunk the romantic notion of the artist as tortured. But in the spirit of creative exploration, the author gives the reader plenty to think about, try on for size, and either accept or reject, or take whatever bits and pieces they can and integrate it into their own understanding of self. I enjoyed the book and found it helpful.
April 16, 2012
I related to this book but I expected more from it. The stories are familiar to me. I was looking for answers as usual in this type of book. There are no easy answers just experiences to learn from. I do agree with the author in his premise that creative types do have meaning crises that can exacerbate depression. What I didn't find in the book was a true direction on how to find the meaning that we are looking for. A plan of action to overcome the fear that creative pursuits instill in us who are easily drowned in the blues of life looking for meaning in a day to day life that must involve creativity to overcome the day to day boredom that can overcome us.
August 25, 2014
I've read this book twice now. It contains some hugely helpful perspective and advice for life and creating meaning, but is also hugely insulting to those who are suffering from mental illness. It smacks of "just pull yourself out of it" and presents depression as something that can be desirable or useful, and that it can not just allow for but even stimulate creativity. I can't disagree with this more having had the experience. In any case, I feel the premise of the book is flawed but it still contains valuable information once you can get past Maisel's perspective on mental illness.
September 8, 2016
It probably would have been a very helpful book, but it offered a lot of solutions and very little help as to how you can come to those solutions, it mostly just said "you need to figure it out on your own." And that's not very helpful. If the reader could figure out the problem on their own, they wouldn't need the book.
October 21, 2012
Eric Maisel is that rare breed of therapist writing in the self-help genre, he understands the existential pain of living. Several years ago his book, “The Atheist’s Way” helped me to articulate in plain words what had previously eluded me. It sent me on a journey of self discovery that I hadn’t thought possible since coming to grips with my non-belief and rejection of supernatural enthusiasms. Today, The Van Gogh Blues is helping me enter the second stage of this journey.
I will be reading, rereading, underlining, highlighting and generally tattering this book to pieces as I work at infusing my creative projects with the meaning that I have decided for myself. Maisel provides no easy answers, guarantees or solutions in the Van Gogh Blues. He just helps us to consider new ways of dealing with the facts of existence when the hammer away at our attempts to create meaning in our lives. He guides us to infusing our language with new vocabulary of meaning making.
This work is deceptively simple and if you don’t plan to spend time wrestling with the ideas presented you may find yourself disappointed. This is no step by step guide that promises you success beyond your wildest dreams if you but just follow the plan. When Maisel speaks of authenticity he is speaking of the process of wrestling with depression, the facts of existence and the anxiety we have over our creative endeavors.
He understands that creating is the only thing that gives meaning to our lives. Creating is life for those who must wrestle with meaning in a world that would have us roll boulders endlessly up steep hills, only to watch them roll back down to the bottom.
I will be reading, rereading, underlining, highlighting and generally tattering this book to pieces as I work at infusing my creative projects with the meaning that I have decided for myself. Maisel provides no easy answers, guarantees or solutions in the Van Gogh Blues. He just helps us to consider new ways of dealing with the facts of existence when the hammer away at our attempts to create meaning in our lives. He guides us to infusing our language with new vocabulary of meaning making.
This work is deceptively simple and if you don’t plan to spend time wrestling with the ideas presented you may find yourself disappointed. This is no step by step guide that promises you success beyond your wildest dreams if you but just follow the plan. When Maisel speaks of authenticity he is speaking of the process of wrestling with depression, the facts of existence and the anxiety we have over our creative endeavors.
He understands that creating is the only thing that gives meaning to our lives. Creating is life for those who must wrestle with meaning in a world that would have us roll boulders endlessly up steep hills, only to watch them roll back down to the bottom.
June 24, 2009
This book was very influential and helpful to me when I was struggling through a depression and wanted to create something (poetry) but for a long time felt that I couldn't. I couldn't understand my block nor my depressed feelings and how they were related. I thought Maisel's viewpoint was a helpful addition to traditional psychotherapy--my therapist was good about talking about family dynamics, self-worth, and all of that...but she couldn't help me much when it came to a writer's life. I like to know the whys and hows of things, so this was another perspective from which to view my life and my experiences. I won't say it lifted me out of my depression, but I can say it helped me through it and made me feel, well, comforted and understood. I'll return to it again one day.
June 7, 2017
Maisel deals here with the existential issues that often plague creative people and can lead them into depression. I've definitely dealt with this myself and probably will in the future sometime, so for that I found this book helpful. However, if you're a creative person and depressed, this book really should be taken as a side aid to seeking other outside help. It doesn't really address other issues that can lead to depression. I find using Van Gogh as a primary example a bit rough because he dealt with other mental illness beyond existential-related depression. Solving a crisis of meaning may not be the only barrier before you as an artist, so while I really liked what this book discusses and find it helpful, it's probably best paired with therapy or counseling.
March 14, 2009
Eric Maisel does a marvelous job of showing how a creative person’s depression is not the same as a typical case of clinical depression (something I myself have believed for quite some time). I have been writing poetry since my pre-teens, using it as an outlet for all the emotions and feelings that I go through and yes, I have been depressed numerous times in my short life. Creative people are sensitive people, we feel things on a much, much deeper level than average persons. The Van Gogh Blues is a groundbreaking catalyst offering various exercises and contemplations to bring true and profound healing and understanding into your life, and I tip my hat to Eric Maisel.
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July 7, 2015I found this book very helpful. I am prone to depressive episodes and since reading this book have been able to curtail them when I've felt one coming on. Maisel talks about how creatives are more prone to depression because they are always questioning. He suggests that creatives must provide some kind of meaning to their lives in order to be happy and then he makes suggestions as to how to do this. Great book.
July 29, 2015
This is a slightly different take on recovery from depression. It is based on the thought that depression, especially for those in creative fields, is a meaning crisis. There is a lot of information given on how to restore meaning, your own personal meaning. And how to recognize when your own meaning is interrupted or endangered.
A lot of the information you have read before. Here, it is couched in a new and useful framework for artists everywhere.
A lot of the information you have read before. Here, it is couched in a new and useful framework for artists everywhere.
June 22, 2008
Very useful for artists of all ilks. Discussion of depression peculiar to artists. Eric Maisel has written many books for creative people, and I recommend him esp if you need help with the mood swings and depression that appears to follow us. The book has useful tasks for artist blocks, but what I liked was his discussion of the 'whys' of artistic depression
July 1, 2010
Wonderful, wonderful book about working with artists in a therapy setting. Maisel gives great insight to non-artist therapists into ways of working more effectively with artists. And teaches non-artists about the process that goes on for artists before any physical work is created. This is a book I will read again, and again, and again.
January 5, 2025
After a wandering, wordy introduction, this book delved into some very abstract yet practical help for creatives who deal with depression in their search for meaning. It helped me on various levels, understanding my own fears and triggers, while providing some mechanisms for moving forward. A serious help for those seeking guidance through the obstacle course of creative emotions.
February 4, 2010
Another book that changed my life. Maisel is a true visionary and creative healer. He helped me deeply understand my creative impulses and the darkness of my depression and how the two are inherently linked. I'm a much happier artist after reading this book!
February 22, 2016
Great book. It gave me insights about why I am the way I am as a creative. Having read it, I now better understand myself and can work at my art well, knowing what pitfalls to avoid and what paths to follow. Highly recommended.
September 14, 2017
I'm not currently suffering from depression, but went through a serious depression in my 30's. So many friends were raving about this book, and I read it because I was curious if there was anything that could shed more light on what happened in my 30's. I had a psychiatrist that worked with me, no meds.
I found the book's language problematic. He has married himself to a theory and like most people with theories he has stuck to it and made it fit. He has catch phrases I liked, but if I followed one of them they unraveled in my experience.
I will give an example of what I don't like about the book. When my husband died, I was given a stack 18-inches high of grief books (I'm a reader.) I the 20 or so books, only one as very good, a Rabbi (if someone has to know this I may be able to find it.) He had experienced grief, and did not give the banal answers or suggestions so many did, completely inappropriate to a newly grieving widow/er. Books that helped considerably, and I reread one of them several times like an old friend, were "Land Circle" by Linda Hasslestrom, where she shared her grief about George. Or a more stilted writer that finally let his hair down, Ken Wilber, " Grace & Grit: Spirituality & Healing in the Life & Death of Treya Killam Wilber." In both instances, creative people and thinkers wrote from their own experience, and that is where the juice was!
As a recovering addict, I did not resonate with MOST of what he said about addiction.
Artists need community, but a supportive community, camaraderie, not a yakking analysis of their work. I have shared my studio with one artist and it was bliss. She was also quietly creating; we listened to music... made dinner together... talked at the end of the evening about other things, including the mystery of life. They need to understand they will live in mystery. They need a spiritual path. For me the spiritual path was Buddhism, with a wide interest in several other traditions, but for some it is the outdoors. They need to get exercise -- hike or walk in places that are interesting to them, that wander. They need to understand less about what their art is about (in fact, I need to not think about it at all, but to follow my creative urge without thinking.) They need to hold it close and not take advice from others during their creative processes (I don't mean questions about materials.) They need to read books that share the mystery first hand, and stop the analysis.
That isn't to say that a real live good therapist sitting in front of you that has not experienced your issues can't dig deep and understand you; I don't think Maisel is much more than a creative coach, with less understanding of deeper SOUL issues.
And BTW, MOST artists are not seriously mentally ill, as Van Gogh was -- I wasn't, though I was in a deep depression for nine months, and it was hell. Van Gogh did not have the blues.
I recommend " The Creative Fire: Myths and Stories on the Cycles of Creativity" by Clarissa Pinkola Estés. I recommend getting your hands on the tape she did (same name) because she spoke to the must, and how to handle muses. I recommend reading writers who write about creative processes not for others, but as an autobiographical statement. It is like breaking bread with them. May Sarton, Stephen King (his book on his process), Henry Miller, Kathleen Norris, Natalie Goldberg ("Long Quiet Highway: Waking Up in America" -- though her books on writing are gems, especially her first.)
I found the book's language problematic. He has married himself to a theory and like most people with theories he has stuck to it and made it fit. He has catch phrases I liked, but if I followed one of them they unraveled in my experience.
I will give an example of what I don't like about the book. When my husband died, I was given a stack 18-inches high of grief books (I'm a reader.) I the 20 or so books, only one as very good, a Rabbi (if someone has to know this I may be able to find it.) He had experienced grief, and did not give the banal answers or suggestions so many did, completely inappropriate to a newly grieving widow/er. Books that helped considerably, and I reread one of them several times like an old friend, were "Land Circle" by Linda Hasslestrom, where she shared her grief about George. Or a more stilted writer that finally let his hair down, Ken Wilber, " Grace & Grit: Spirituality & Healing in the Life & Death of Treya Killam Wilber." In both instances, creative people and thinkers wrote from their own experience, and that is where the juice was!
As a recovering addict, I did not resonate with MOST of what he said about addiction.
Artists need community, but a supportive community, camaraderie, not a yakking analysis of their work. I have shared my studio with one artist and it was bliss. She was also quietly creating; we listened to music... made dinner together... talked at the end of the evening about other things, including the mystery of life. They need to understand they will live in mystery. They need a spiritual path. For me the spiritual path was Buddhism, with a wide interest in several other traditions, but for some it is the outdoors. They need to get exercise -- hike or walk in places that are interesting to them, that wander. They need to understand less about what their art is about (in fact, I need to not think about it at all, but to follow my creative urge without thinking.) They need to hold it close and not take advice from others during their creative processes (I don't mean questions about materials.) They need to read books that share the mystery first hand, and stop the analysis.
That isn't to say that a real live good therapist sitting in front of you that has not experienced your issues can't dig deep and understand you; I don't think Maisel is much more than a creative coach, with less understanding of deeper SOUL issues.
And BTW, MOST artists are not seriously mentally ill, as Van Gogh was -- I wasn't, though I was in a deep depression for nine months, and it was hell. Van Gogh did not have the blues.
I recommend " The Creative Fire: Myths and Stories on the Cycles of Creativity" by Clarissa Pinkola Estés. I recommend getting your hands on the tape she did (same name) because she spoke to the must, and how to handle muses. I recommend reading writers who write about creative processes not for others, but as an autobiographical statement. It is like breaking bread with them. May Sarton, Stephen King (his book on his process), Henry Miller, Kathleen Norris, Natalie Goldberg ("Long Quiet Highway: Waking Up in America" -- though her books on writing are gems, especially her first.)
January 19, 2018
I enjoyed this book a lot. I had to keep stopping to pick out quotes from for future reference. As someone who has dealt with depression many times, this book helped me feel less shame about my penchant for sadness. Maisel considers depression as a consequence of struggling to find meaning in one's life, an idea I hadn't considered until recently. He prefaces that he doesn't necessarily think people shouldn't use antidepressants or psychotherapy, but argues that a lack of meaning may be the true root cause of depression. Not everyone will agree with this, but I found the argument compelling at least in order to explain my own struggles with depression. I don't think you have to be a creative person to take something interesting away from this book, but it does seem like he's speaking to those who are bright, sensitive, ambitious and perhaps overthink life a bit too much.
I think the best part of the book is that he doesn't give any easy answers, as existentialism doesn't tend to. He tells the reader the only way to maintain meaning is take responsibility for creating meaning in his or her own life regardless of the indifferent universe. I think, in all honestly, this book didn't exactly tell me anything I didn't already know. The appeal of this book, for me, is that I feel less shameful about my struggle and it forces me to realize how much control I do have my perspective on life.
If any of that appeals to you, then I highly recommend this book.
I think the best part of the book is that he doesn't give any easy answers, as existentialism doesn't tend to. He tells the reader the only way to maintain meaning is take responsibility for creating meaning in his or her own life regardless of the indifferent universe. I think, in all honestly, this book didn't exactly tell me anything I didn't already know. The appeal of this book, for me, is that I feel less shameful about my struggle and it forces me to realize how much control I do have my perspective on life.
If any of that appeals to you, then I highly recommend this book.
February 9, 2023
An interesting read for sure. I didn’t agree with absolutely everything Maisel said, but I definitely think he raised some poignant arguments. There were some Insightful takes regarding the explanation and combatting of depression, specifically within creative individuals.
I enjoyed the extracts and anecdotes from various prominent creators (letters and journals, etc.) paired with Commentary from Maisel.
I feel however that the discussion about mental health in this novel wasn’t necessarily subjective to creative people; I think it’s a very relevant topic for most people in contemporary society who will at some point struggle with things like ‘meaning’ and self image.
Furthermore, none of Maisel’s arguments were rooted in biological or scientific study, however he did outline that he very purposefully made that decision. I feel that with this book it’s imperative that it is approached with individualism and each point is challenged.
I’ve certainly taken some good things from this novel, Maisel offered up some helpful and productive suggestions on combatting anxiety, challenging thought processes and embarking on Journeys of ‘great heroism’ when dealing with the challenges of existentialism.
Holistically, A worthwhile read.
I enjoyed the extracts and anecdotes from various prominent creators (letters and journals, etc.) paired with Commentary from Maisel.
I feel however that the discussion about mental health in this novel wasn’t necessarily subjective to creative people; I think it’s a very relevant topic for most people in contemporary society who will at some point struggle with things like ‘meaning’ and self image.
Furthermore, none of Maisel’s arguments were rooted in biological or scientific study, however he did outline that he very purposefully made that decision. I feel that with this book it’s imperative that it is approached with individualism and each point is challenged.
I’ve certainly taken some good things from this novel, Maisel offered up some helpful and productive suggestions on combatting anxiety, challenging thought processes and embarking on Journeys of ‘great heroism’ when dealing with the challenges of existentialism.
Holistically, A worthwhile read.
December 9, 2019
A special resource for the artistic soul. This book lays the foundation that a vast percentage of what is understood as 'depression' as it relates to the contemporary artist is actually existential in nature & not rooted in biochemical deficiencies.
Modern artists burden themselves psychologically with expectations of critical & commercial acclaim, & when this expectation is not reached they find themselves feeling anesthetized & abandoned by the culture of which they crave the acceptance of.
This book offers an alternative mindset that has profoundly helped me in managing my own artistic expectations & truly finding more meaning in my life. I recommend it for any artist in any medium who feels stuck.
Modern artists burden themselves psychologically with expectations of critical & commercial acclaim, & when this expectation is not reached they find themselves feeling anesthetized & abandoned by the culture of which they crave the acceptance of.
This book offers an alternative mindset that has profoundly helped me in managing my own artistic expectations & truly finding more meaning in my life. I recommend it for any artist in any medium who feels stuck.
May 2, 2023
Presents an existential view of depression rooted in the ideas that meaning is central to our happiness and that all meaning is transitory. That second part is not discussed enough. We aim and strain for the right school, relationship, salary, project, etc., but when we get it, we sometimes don't like what we bought with our time and energy. There's no easy way to return or exchange what you have, and that's if you have the benefit of something that remains from your initial dreams. Sometimes you're left with a vacuum of meaning without a clue on how to proceed.
This book does more than any I've read in this genre to encourage one to continually face the ever changing landscape and making new meaning. That is indeed where true creativity lies.
This book does more than any I've read in this genre to encourage one to continually face the ever changing landscape and making new meaning. That is indeed where true creativity lies.
December 26, 2024
This book is quite problematic, for anyone who has experienced or is experiencing any form of mental illness. The fact that the author thinks that mental illness can be reduced to a meaning problem or a creative block is insulting.
The entire chapter about anxiety is trying to change your mindset. For anyone who has suffered with anxiety or panic attacks, knows that that’s not possible. He almost talks down to therapy, which is unusual because he himself is a psychotherapist.A
The whole premise is that you have to pull yourself out of it and create a life that is worth living through meaning. That is easily done when you’re not in a depressive episode. I’m very disappointed that this is so popular.
The entire chapter about anxiety is trying to change your mindset. For anyone who has suffered with anxiety or panic attacks, knows that that’s not possible. He almost talks down to therapy, which is unusual because he himself is a psychotherapist.A
The whole premise is that you have to pull yourself out of it and create a life that is worth living through meaning. That is easily done when you’re not in a depressive episode. I’m very disappointed that this is so popular.
June 15, 2020
The first few chapters really resonated with me and my current situation. However, I did start to lose interest during the second half of the book. I don't know how I would have felt if I had read this during a different time, but the book provided the exact guidance that I needed right now. I would recommend it to any depressed-creative.
September 28, 2024
Better than expected! I’m always skeptical of self help books, especially books around depression and creativity. Really enjoyed the idea of a meaning statement and defining the “painting” of your life rather than just the details. Solid read and will likely read several more times to really internalize.
February 24, 2017
More technical than expected.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews