Darkness doesn't drive creativity: an unpopular opinion by Megan Schaulis

Darkness Doesn’t Drive Creativity: An Unpopular Opinion

There’s a long-held stereotype that artists of all kinds (including writers) are dark, brooding people. That we pour all our pain into our art, and it’s that darkness that makes the work deep and meaningful. Think of the common depiction of “artsy” folk: moody, introverted, overly emotional, antisocial.

As someone who used to proudly identify as all of the above, I have formed the following opinion of the depressed artist image—it’s a total lie!

Dark breeds dark

Great art does NOT come from darkness or depression. They only bring more darkness and more depression. Powerful, transformative, life-changing art comes from light! Goodness! Wholeness.

I know what you’re thinking. Duh! Everyone knows happy is better than sad.

But do we? In the writing community, there’s a lot of emphasis on pain and suffering. And I think damage is done when we act like this is a necessary part of creating great stories. We paint a picture where creativity is directly linked to pain—and that’s not okay.

God did not speak the universe forth in misery. He didn’t form you in pain. He didn’t breathe life into your precious body while depressed. 

Scared of joy

Can art be a source of catharsis as people are processing struggles—yes! But when we act like the dark times are a required ingredient for powerful stories, we trap people in those dark places. 

I’ve always been involved in the arts, be it music, theater, speech team, or dance. Like many teenagers in those communities, I wore my depression like a badge of honor. It made me feel special, like I had access to a deepness that the happy kids did not. I’d seen the depths of brokenness, I told myself, and it fueled my artistic endeavors.

Given the choice between true peace and a lead role in the next play, I would’ve taken the spotlight. Because I believed shutting out the darkness in my mind would cut off the fountain of inspiration. I thought I could know joy or be great, but not both.

Let Him carry the scars

Wow. Cheerful topic you’ve picked this month, Megan.

But it is! This is good news: As believers, we are plugged into the Source of creativity. (Read my blog on this topic.) We don’t need a worldly muse. We don’t have to draw from our scars. His scars provided everything we need! He endured the darkness, so I don’t have to.

Take it from me. I’ve done the depression/anxiety thing. Not a fan.

Joy, peace, life—these are so much better than darkness and despair. And the art I’ve created on this side of the pit is better crafted, more powerful, and 100% greater than my “deepest” outpourings from those days.

Creative worship

Today, I write as an act of worship. I rejoice in every second of it. You’re not going to read my beating heart ripped out and spilled on the page. Gross. My soul is quite happily nestled in the peace of Christ, thank you very much. Even the tough topics and dark moments in my books are created from a place of hope, light, and security. I do this wonderful work with power, love, and a sound mind.

For the one or two of you who resonate with this, please hear me. Your pain isn’t your ticket to greatness. The wellspring of life God placed within you is. Stop clinging to the hurt like a lifeline.

Let. It. Go. Take a breath. And come see the beautiful things you can create out here in the light.

Photo by Dyu – Ha on Unsplash