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Soberful

283: The Call of the Self with Sarah Gillespie

Sep 11, 2024
In this engaging discussion, Sarah Gillespie, an artist and director of the Create Now Academy, dives into the profound relationship between sobriety and artistic identity. She explores how addiction masks our true selves, framing the call to be an artist as akin to the call to embrace sobriety. The conversation touches on the challenges women face in the creative industry, the evolution of artistic expression throughout history, and the transformative power of vulnerability in embracing authenticity. It's a compelling blend of art, identity, and personal journey.
53:27

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Addiction significantly obstructs our ability to embrace our authentic selves and stifles true artistic expression and creativity.
  • Women face distinct societal barriers that inhibit their recognition as artists, revealing the challenges of balancing creativity with societal expectations.

Deep dives

The Nature of Identity

Identity is framed as a perception influenced by how we believe others see us. It occurs in social contexts where identity markers such as roles and labels have value, as opposed to a state of isolation, where one's identity does not hold the same significance. This concept is particularly relevant in the context of sobriety and creativity, where individuals often struggle with the transition from one identity to another. The profound impact of perceptions on artistic expression suggests that freedom from external judgments is crucial for genuine creativity.

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