Welcome to Season 5 Episode 3 of Art Is... a podcast for artists, where we brainstorm the future of the art world and the creative industries.

In this week’s thought-provoking episode, Isotta and Lauryn dive deep into the fascinating dichotomy between art as therapy and art as a professional practice. They share their insights and personal experiences, shedding light on the intersection of creativity, mental health, spirituality, and commerce. They also explore the complex relationship between the tortured artist archetype and substance abuse, toxicity, and the healing potential of artistic expression.

Lauryn speaks about how art can serve as a therapeutic tool for emotional expression, self-exploration, and healing. She also explores the role of creativity in processing trauma, managing mental health, and promoting overall well-being. She shares personal stories of navigating drug and alcohol addiction and finding solace and growth through artistic endeavours.

Isotta shares about a variety of tools like journaling, reflecting, and visualization that she’s been experimenting with to show up more consistently in her art practice. She expresses her interest in the integration of mindfulness and creativity as well as her appreciation for the Design Matters Podcast, hosted by Debbie Millman a pioneer in developing visualization tools to help creatives with goal setting and realization strategies.

Other subjects explored include dispelling myths surrounding the "tortured artist" archetype and its romanticization in popular culture; debunking the notion that suffering is essential for creativity. Lauryn and Isotta also discuss the tension between artistic integrity and financial success in a market-driven industry along with the impact of societal expectations, trends, and commercial demands on the artistic process.

Tune in to this episode to unlock transformative strategies for expanding your artistic journey and gaining mastery over your mindset. Be sure to stay until the end when Lauryn guides you through a tranquil visualization and meditation excersize which seeks to share first hand experience of how to get grounded and connect with your highest creative self.

Topics covered: 

• Art as Therapy: Healing Through Creativity
• The Commercialization of Creativity
• The Tortured Artist Myth
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health
• Drama, Toxicity, and Building Healthy Creative Habits
• Intentions behind performative art and outside validation
• Authenticity and showing up consistently in your practice
• The 27 club
• Mediation, breathwork, soundbaths: the relationship of Spirituality and artistic expression 
• Meditation excersize for creatives

Resources Mentioned: 

Designing Your Life Exercise Debbie Millman episode on Tim Ferris Podcast (#214: How to Design a Life - Debbie Millman): https://tim.blog/2017/01/12/how-to-design-a-life-debbie-millman/ 

Design Matters Podcast: https://www.designmattersmedia.com/ 

Debbie Millman @debbiemillman

The Artists Way Book : https://juliacameronlive.com/the-artists-way/ 

TASCHEN Publishing https://www.taschen.com/en/ 

Learn more about our partner ART MO: https://artmo.com/

Follow along @artmo__

Article about Isotta, Art Is… & ARTMO https://artmo.com/buzz/artmo-introduces-its-new-partner-art-is-podcast 

Learn more and read transcripts at https://www.artispodcast.com/

Follow the podcast at @artispodcast

Learn more about Isotta at @isottapage and see her work http://www.isottapage.com/

Learn more about Lauryn @curatedsplash and her work https://www.curatedsplash.com/

Original music by Black Wonder Twins

Follow them @blackwondertwins

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