Is it normal i go into absolute seclusion whenever i start making art?

94% Normal
8 Comments

Whether intentionally or unintentionally, I always go into these varied periods of absolute seclusion when I start to draw/paint and it always affects the small bit of social life I have because I keep vanishing then reappearing.

I do always suffer/enjoy my seclusion episodes because I can actually feel like my whole self and have a beautiful run of non stop creativity. But as a result I have lost all my friends. For a lack of a better explanation, all noteworthy artists from the past seem to also go through this.

I know artists are wacky, and they defy most rules, so should I feel bad about my behavior?

Voting Results
94% Normal
Based on 52 votes (49 yes)
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Comments ( 8 )
  • [Old Memory]
    12 years ago

    Totally normal. I'm an introvert and have been making art all my life.

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  • squirrelgirl
    12 years ago

    I'm an artist and I go through the same thing. Peace, quiet and being left alone means a steady flow of creativity and in turn productivity - while background noise and unwanted social contact completely shatters my concentration. Don't get me wrong, I need to socialize as much as any other human (even though I'm bad at it); I just don't like to when I'm in a particularly artistic frame of mind.

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  • otaku1105
    12 years ago

    You just have to have a good balance of social time and work time.

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  • ilovearts
    12 years ago

    It's normal. I do that too sometimes. To me it just feels like this complete concentration, where the only thing on your mind is what you are working on. I personally enjoy it cause it gives me the chance to forget everything else, any stress or problems throughout the day, at least for a little while.
    But as for friends, you should save some time for them too and go out once in a while, just try to keep your social life and art in balance.

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  • mekzpop
    12 years ago

    I find that I can't draw or paint half as well when I'm with friends as when I'm on my own listening to music. It may take longer on my own as well, but my art is always hell of a lot better and more detailed when I'm done.

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  • Avant-Garde
    12 years ago

    I prefer to be alone when I make my art. I can focus so much better and I don't feel pressured. If people try to come into my space when I work, I stop what I'm doing until they leave.

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  • TheLlidD
    11 years ago

    I have a friend who locked her self off for 3.5 weeks. NO CONTACT. it was odd... BUT! she produced a freakin' awesome piece!
    For me - I have produced some memorable work, but I don't _need_ the seclusion. I can work in groups and what not, I find that most onlookers get bored in big projects so 85% of my time I am alone and focused.
    So Yeah, I think the seclusion and Isolation method makes for a comfort zone - but as some one who works in a studio, you miss out on fun things like sharing mistakes and mixed advice and inspiration.

    Otaku1105 says: Balance between social and work time.
    - I say likewise.

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  • [Old Memory]
    12 years ago

    I do the same with homework. I need peace and quiet to study.

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