Creative Codex

Is art dangerous? On this minisode, I share a personal story about the art project that almost killed me. I call this: The Devil Wood Incident. This is Exhibit A in a miniseries exploring the theme: Art Is Dangerous.  Here is a link to the Devil Wood music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TTL-GKBMTk If you would like to share your own Art Is Dangerous story for a future episode, reach out to me: info@mjdorian.com Instagram of singer / songwriter / vocal alchemist, Shelley Thomas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TTL-GKBMTk The song featured in this episode is called Dwell Within Me (feat. Shelley Thomas), on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/track/45TKlkP734PwRGYbhKaLzZ?si=9f6e26d2826444a2 --------- If you'd like to become a Patron of Creative Codex, and gain access to all the Creativity Tip episodes as well as Episode Exclusives, head over to: https://www.patreon.com/mjdorian Thank you for your support! --------- Let's connect on social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjdorian/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mjdorian

On this episode we explore the tragic death of Vincent van Gogh. We seek to answer, once and for all, was it: suicide or homicide? In the process we discover that the two popular theories explaining Vincent's death are deeply flawed, and a new theory emerges.  This episode follows the events of that fateful day through Theo's perspective. After a thorough investigation, we explore the aftermath, and meet the woman who made Vincent van Gogh a household name: Johanna van Gogh-Bonger. The original music of this episode features a very special guest, singer & songwriter: L'FREAQ. (Also known as Lea Cappelli.) Follow  all of L'FREAQ's music through her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lfreaq/ Listen to L'FREAQ on Spotify: L'FREAQ Spotify And enjoy her YouTube music vids (one which I directed!): https://www.youtube.com/user/leacappelli --------- Explore the paintings mentioned in this episode by visiting this companion gallery I made: https://mjdorian.com/vincent/ --------- Diaries of Johanna van Gogh: https://www.bongerdiaries.org/dagboek_jo_3_section_83 --------- Watch my video about Vincent's most disturbing painting, done while he was suffering from a psychotic episode: https://youtu.be/EHkm6LMXjiA --------- Become a supporter of the show, and receive access to all the Creativity Tip episodes and Episode Exclusives here: https://www.patreon.com/mjdorian --------- A full transcript of this episode is available here: https://mjdorian.com/transcripts/ --------- Creative Codex is written & produced by MJDorian. Let's connect: https://www.instagram.com/mjdorian/ For Merch & News: https://mjdorian.com/

On May 8th, 1889, Vincent van Gogh checks in to a mental asylum. What begins as a three month stay extends into a year. A period of time during which Vincent paints 141 masterpieces in between bouts of debilitating psychotic attacks.  On this episode, we dive into Vincent and Theo's letters to finally uncover all of the details about Vincent's yearlong stay in the asylum.  The original music of this episode features a very special guest, singer & songwriter: L'FREAQ. (Also known as Lea Cappelli.) Follow all of L'FREAQ's music through her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lfreaq/ Listen to L'FREAQ on Spotify: L'FREAQ Spotify And enjoy her YouTube music vids (one which I directed!): https://www.youtube.com/user/leacappelli --------- Explore the paintings mentioned in this episode by visiting this companion gallery I made: https://mjdorian.com/vincent/ --------- Watch my video about Vincent's most disturbing painting, done while he was suffering from a psychotic episode: https://youtu.be/EHkm6LMXjiA --------- A full transcript of this episode is available here: https://mjdorian.com/transcripts/ --------- Become a supporter of the show, and receive access to all the Creativity Tip episodes and Episode Exclusives here: https://www.patreon.com/mjdorian Creative Codex is written & produced by MJDorian. Let's connect: https://www.instagram.com/mjdorian/ For Merch & News: https://mjdorian.com/

Explore the 10,000 Hours Rule for achieving mastery in any skill, with examples from Van Gogh and Malcolm Gladwell's book 'Outliers'. Learn about the implications of the rule and the importance of deliberate practice and dedication to mastery. Discover the role of formal education and the need for full attention during practice. Understand the importance of sustained effort and discomfort in the process of mastery.

On this special episode, we dive into the full truth about the most infamous event in art history: Vincent van Gogh's ear incident. The 'ear incident' serves as a catalyst event, which signals the onset of a mental affliction which will torment Vincent van Gogh for his final three years. Paradoxically, at the same time his mental health is in decline, his paintings are showing the signs of a creative genius.  Explore all of the paintings mentioned in this episode at this companion gallery: https://mjdorian.com/vincent/ --------- Music featured in this episode: Necro-Future (Featured during the 'Vincent van Goth' section of the episode @9:43 of this episode.) Song written & performed by Horned Head: https://soundcloud.com/user-86360942 Guitar / Vocals: Michael Pisano / Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papa_pisano/ Website: https://www.michaeljamespisano.com/ Drums: James Aqua / Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_aqua/  --------- If you'd like to become a patron of Creative Codex, and unlock access to all of the exclusive Creativity Tip episodes (and Episode Exclusives), head over to my Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/mjdorian --------- A full transcript of this episode is available here: https://mjdorian.com/transcripts/ --------- Do your own research and explore Vincent's incredible correspondences at: http://vangoghletters.org/vg/ --------- Creative Codex is written & produced by MJDorian All music by MJDorian (except as mentioned above) Creative Codex YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9xwt3hz49VBbgqN80driTQ Check out my art and follow behind the scenes content about the show on my social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjdorian/

Can madness and genius be contained in one individual? Can psychosis and the rarest artistry be contained in one mind? These contradictions pervade the story of Vincent van Gogh. And in the final three years of his life, they culminate in a whirlwind. You may think you know Vincent, you may have heard about him on a TV show or a podcast. But not like this.  Over the next three episodes, we will explore Van Gogh’s personal letters, doctor’s reports, police reports, and family letters, to paint a vivid picture of Vincent in his three final years, these are the years that produced his most famous and beloved works, and the years in which Vincent’s final tragic descent begins. Was he actually psychotic or just misunderstood? Did he really cut off his ear and commit suicide? Was he actually a creative genius or is it all just hype? Let’s find out. Episode Notes: • Here is a special gallery I made (as mentioned in the episode) where you can view selections of Vincent's paintings from 1880-1887: https://mjdorian.com/vincent/ • If you are enjoying CREATIVE CODEX please share it with someone! Anyone who you think would enjoy it. It is the number one way to help this show grow! And thank you in advance. • If you'd like to become a patron of the show, and receive access to all of the exclusive patron-only Creativity Tip mini-episodes, please head over to my Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/mjdorian • Thank you for your support! --------- A full transcript of this episode is available here: https://mjdorian.com/transcripts/ --------- Creative Codex is written & produced by MJDorian. All music in this episode was written & produced by MJDorian. --------- Follow me on social media to stay up to date on all the new releases: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjdorian/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mjdorian All rights reserved. 

This is a special Guided Meditation episode called Discover Your Heart. (You do not need to have any experience with meditation for this experience to work for you. Give it a try!) Oftentimes we only truly listen to our body when we are feeling pain or pleasure. This means we ignore the subtle sensations which are happening every minute of every day. This meditation specifically focuses on your heart. The engine of your body. Your body is the vehicle you will be using for your life journey. So why not become familiar with the engine that runs your vehicle?  We begin this meditation with a breathing and relaxation exercise that brings the body to a point of profound stillness. Next, we explore the sensations which become much easier to notice in this stillness, specifically your heart, and the ripples that its beating send into specific areas in your body.  This Guided Meditation is based on a meditation mentioned in the book: Projection of the Astral Body by Sylvan Muldoon.  --------- If you would like to become a Patron of CREATIVE CODEX, and gain access to the exclusive Patron-Only Creativity Tip episodes, head over to my Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/mjdorian --------- Creative Codex is written and produced by MJDorian Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjdorian/

Is there a line between genius and madness? What is the difference between the madness of artists and the madness of genius? This is a brief opening lecture which I presented for an event called The Madness of Genius, which was held on April 20th, 2021, on the Clubhouse app. This was the first event held by the Creative Codex Club, and featured two special guest speakers: Emily Dickinson scholar, Justin Horm, and holistic psychiatrist, Dr. Kelley O'Donnell.  If you have Clubhouse, follow Creative Codex Club and myself (MJ Dorian), to join the community and enjoy future conversations! Here is a link: https://www.joinclubhouse.com/club/creative-codex-club --------- ...To be an artist means to be possessed by something unreasonable; to be devoted to something entirely impractical... ...Artists are the only people in the world whom we give the rare permission to be — strange. We expect them to be bold. In fact, we even need them to be. Because when we see an artist embodying something strange and bold, it gives us the permission to be ourselves. It presents us an opportunity to accept the parts of our psychology we often keep in the shadows... --------- Thank you for your support! Creative Codex is produced and written by MJDorian

Dive into Salvador Dali's eccentric world with his '50 Secrets of Magic Craftsmanship.' Discover the bizarre 'slumber with a key' technique that links rest to creativity, alongside Dali's unique methods for oil painting. Learn about the metaphorical role of mustaches in enhancing awareness and the playful dynamics of a love triangle between an artist, their work, and personal life. The podcast also humorously portrays Dali's flamboyant entrances and innovative techniques, leaving listeners captivated by his surreal legacy.

Learn how to find ideas that excite you and encourage inspiration within familiar structures of habit. Discover the benefits of engaging in unfamiliar activities within your expertise. Explore the importance of practicing your craft in new places to spark creativity and gain new perspectives.