Creativity vs. Self-destruction

The best and the most passionate art are often created at the peak of emotional times. We are more sensitive and prone to the delicacy of feelings. As we experience deeper bond or separation with another, our art would also reflect the sublime at the moment and spread like an uncontrollable forest fire. The deep passion experienced at the moment would transform and burst out as creativity. However, if emotions are going strong towards the negative direction, depression and various forms of self-destruction would happen on the artist likely. Creative people are always on the edge on tipping over the being-conscious-and-rational line. Some sort of beyond the typical or normal state experience will bring in new things and ideas.

For further reading regarding the topic of creativity and self-destruction, I would suggest Live Through This: On Creativity and Self-Destruction, edited by Sabrina Chapadjiev. It collected stories from multiple creative female contributors describing their own self-destruction and how they dealt with the challenges. See more information here.