Magic Lessons Ep. 202: "Make the Brutal Into the Beautiful" Featuring Brandon Stanton
Aug 5, 2016
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Brandon Stanton, the creator of Humans of New York and two bestselling books, joins Elizabeth Gilbert to help a photographer named Anne navigate her fears of sharing her powerful photo-essay about her brother's struggles with PTSD and addiction. They delve into themes like healing through creativity and the vulnerability necessary for personal storytelling. Stanton emphasizes the importance of taking action against self-doubt and explores how artistic expression can transform pain into beauty, inspiring listeners to embrace their own creative journeys.
Creativity is an evolving process filled with uncertainty, yet essential for human experience and personal growth.
Storytelling serves as a healing mechanism, allowing individuals to confront stigma surrounding addiction and recovery through shared narratives.
Embracing emotional depth in creative work fosters impactful storytelling that resonates with audiences, reflecting universal truths and personal struggles.
Deep dives
Creativity and the Journey Beyond Fear
Creativity is often perceived as a daunting journey filled with uncertainty and fear, yet it is crucial to acknowledge that it is an intrinsic part of the human experience. The host emphasizes the importance of continuing the conversation around creativity beyond the completion of a book, highlighting that it is an evolving process that involves overcoming obstacles and embracing joy in creation. This is supported by the idea that artistic expression can be a profound act of courage in the face of self-doubt. By engaging with various art forms, individuals can explore their unique narratives and find solace within their creative endeavors.
The Personal Story of Healing
One compelling narrative shared in the episode revolves around a documentary project focused on a woman’s experiences with her brother, a veteran struggling with addiction and PTSD. The discussion reveals that the act of documenting this journey not only serves as a therapeutic outlet for her but also reflects her growth in understanding and forgiveness. The host reminds listeners that storytelling can act as a powerful means of healing not only for the storyteller but also for those who share similar experiences. In doing so, it opens a space for conversations about addiction and recovery that are often shrouded in stigma.
The Role of Emotion in Art
Through her conversation with the guest, the significance of emotion in the creative process is highlighted, particularly in how it can inspire impactful storytelling. The guest expresses vulnerability by acknowledging her struggles with judging her brother’s situation, showcasing how this journey has evolved into a profound exploration of compassion. This emotional depth is essential, as it allows for richer connections with the audience, who may resonate with the pain and triumphs being shared. The episode reinforces that embracing emotions can lead to powerful artistic expressions that speak to universal truths.
Finding Agency and Structure in Creativity
The podcast illustrates the necessity of creating structure within one’s creative process, demonstrating that devoting time to an artistic pursuit can transform the entire narrative of a person's life. The advice to dedicate just an hour a day to creative work serves as a practical starting point for individuals feeling overwhelmed by ambition and self-doubt. By breaking the creative process into manageable tasks, the artist can create a rhythm of productivity that fosters growth and exploration. This framework ultimately empowers individuals to take ownership of their artistic journeys, fueling their narratives without overly relying on external validations.
Courage, Vulnerability, and Creative Agency
Lastly, the conversation sheds light on the concept of courage as it relates to creativity, emphasizing that it is a skill that can be cultivated through practice. The host encourages her guest to recognize the bravery inherent in pursuing a creative path, particularly when it involves personal and emotional themes. Engaging in this work becomes an act of rebellion against the fear that often holds creatives back from sharing their truths. By fostering a sense of agency and articulating their stories, artists reclaim their narratives, challenging societal norms and illuminating the complex layers of the human experience.
This week on Magic Lessons, Elizabeth Gilbert advises Anne, a photographer in Pennsylvania. For the last few years Anne has been documenting her brother's life. He's a veteran with PTSD and a recovering drug addict. She imagines turning all this material into a photo-essay exhibit or book, but she's afraid to take the next steps to make it happen. To help guide Anne, Liz calls up her friend Brandon Stanton, the photographer and creator of the photo series "Humans of New York.” Several weeks later, Anne reveals what she's been up to since getting all this advice. Special Guest: Brandon Stanton is the photographer and creator behind Humans of New York. He is also the author of two number 1 New York Times-bestselling books, Humans of New York and Humans of New York: Stories. Find out more about him at HumansofNewYork.com This week's sponsors: Casper, The Great Courses Plus, and Stamps.com And use the promo code: Lessons
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