While it might not be possible or wise to try and transform trauma into art, it’s entirely within your power to USE it in your art. But only if you want to.
Thank you so much for writing about this, Skye. It's the words I didn't know I needed to read. I often try to exhume too much of my trauma at times, for the sake of the art, of putting it on the page, or because I think it needs that witnessing for myself to be free of it. But I usually end up feeling the opposite, exposed and raw and not in a good way. Some things can be sacred or private, including this old pain. I also recently started writing beautiful creative short stories that do have those traces of my story and it has been truly wonderful. Thank you!
That's very meaningful to hear, thank you so much Cole. It's been a really tricky series to write, because anything involving pain and the drive to do something with that pain - which can be so potent and *can* contribute something vital to both self and world - is a sensitive matter. But I've worked with enough wounded artists to see some common threads, plus my own repetition compulsion over the years.
Link me one of your short stories? I'd love to have a read.
I'm so glad you're collecting what you and others' have experienced and are writing it down for others now. It definitely solidified some truths I've been feeling. I don't have them anywhere yet, but will certainly let you know when I do!
Glad to hear it! It's also the common factor in a lot of the best concerts, albums, books etc ... you can tell when the artist was having fun playing with something.
Thank you so much for writing about this, Skye. It's the words I didn't know I needed to read. I often try to exhume too much of my trauma at times, for the sake of the art, of putting it on the page, or because I think it needs that witnessing for myself to be free of it. But I usually end up feeling the opposite, exposed and raw and not in a good way. Some things can be sacred or private, including this old pain. I also recently started writing beautiful creative short stories that do have those traces of my story and it has been truly wonderful. Thank you!
That's very meaningful to hear, thank you so much Cole. It's been a really tricky series to write, because anything involving pain and the drive to do something with that pain - which can be so potent and *can* contribute something vital to both self and world - is a sensitive matter. But I've worked with enough wounded artists to see some common threads, plus my own repetition compulsion over the years.
Link me one of your short stories? I'd love to have a read.
I'm so glad you're collecting what you and others' have experienced and are writing it down for others now. It definitely solidified some truths I've been feeling. I don't have them anywhere yet, but will certainly let you know when I do!
Brilliant. Emotional. Thank you. 🥹💜
Thank you! Really appreciate you sharing your thoughts.
Omg totally with you on the 'serious art is born from serious play' point!! This does not get said enough!
Glad to hear it! It's also the common factor in a lot of the best concerts, albums, books etc ... you can tell when the artist was having fun playing with something.