The most exciting part of life hides in its unpredictability. Looking back, I can hardly believe how random opportunities shaped my journey, how paths appeared almost by chance, leading me to where I stand today. What I do know for certain is that I was already an artist as a child.
But growing up, the limitations of my environment—expectations, criticism, and a lack of nurturing for creative expression—gradually distanced me from that path. It wasn’t until much later, with the freedom to make my own choices, that I found my way back to it.
Could it be a coincidence that studying psychology rekindled my desire for self-expression? Or was it part of a deeper need—to explore myself, my emotions, my origins, and the inner workings of my psyche?
During my years of study in Tartu, Estonia, I chose to focus my bachelor’s and master’s thesis on visual artists and musicians. Do they experience emotions differently? Are artists naturally more expressive, perhaps even closer to emotional extremes? As I researched, something unexpected happened—I started taking private painting lessons. In a way, I was conducting two studies simultaneously: one academic and one deeply personal.
What did I discover?
There were many findings, but one that stays with me is this: visual artists often experience higher levels of depression and introspection. This heightened sensitivity to the world around and within them often drives their creative expression, acting as a vital coping mechanism.
Imagine responding to every event in your life with profound intensity—a beautiful song, a stranger crying on the street, tragic news, or moments of family joy. Both positive and negative events evoke equally deep reactions. It’s overwhelming for the psyche and demands an outlet. I can’t help but think of Van Gogh, his immense emotional turbulence, and how it found release in his paintings. His art, I believe, was a tool for unburdening himself.
For most people, the emotional baseline is different. While we all cope with daily stimuli, we also seek relief when overwhelmed—through music, films, or viewing art. These experiences offer solace, creating an emotional response that helps us process and heal. One person’s suffering becomes another’s salvation.
Art is a complex phenomenon, born from the depths of our psyche. It is not merely a gift but a necessity—whether we create it or consume it.
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