NCJ Number
198792
Journal
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs Volume: 34 Issue: 3 Dated: July-September 2002 Pages: 249-262
Editor(s)
Richard B. Seymour M.A.,
Terry Chambers B.A.
Date Published
July 2002
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This article examines the nature of drug experiences and intoxication on the creativity of artists.
Abstract
Historically, states of intoxication, such as dreams and madness, are seen as either “possessed” or “under the influence” of an external agency or revealing hidden feelings or truths (in vino veritas). On the basis of in vino veritas, alcohol is intended to disinhibit, making an individual more honest, spontaneous, and courageous in expressing feelings. This article examines the experiences of artists who have used drugs, such as LSD, mescalin, or psilocybin during work and experienced a raise in creativity, inspiration or at least aesthetic sensibility to levels that would be much harder to reach under normal conditions. The explanation for these experiences can be explained partly by their expectations and partly by their evaluations. However, these interpretations can obscure one another, or it is posited the paradoxical nature of the drug experience itself. An analysis of a protocol shows that intoxication might comprise feelings of possession, as well as liberation together, and mediumistic and some psychedelic art shows stylistic traits that can be seen as the visual expressions of both these feelings. It may be concluded that whether a drug experience will turn out to be “demoniac” or “liberating” is largely dependent on the user’s expectations. However, relying on information on retrospective accounts that are rarely neutral protocols should not be overlooked.