What is the relationship between alcohol and creativity?

There is a commonly accepted idea that alcohol and creativity come hand in hand. When we look at many creatives who have been in the spotlight over the decades, it isn't uncommon to see problematic drinking habits linked to prolific creative output. In this conversation, creatives share how they changed their drinking, and the things they learned along the way. They all share their fears, and the sense of freedom to create that sobriety brought. We also discussed this recently with Kyle Ambition, a musician who took a break from alcohol and now moderates his consumption.  Liz Horsman is a songwriter, producer, blogger and sometimes videographer.  Her songwriting and production work feature on albums by artists such as Gabrielle Aplin, Rudimental, Emeli Sande, Rizzle Kicks, JP Cooper and Tom Walker. She hosts this discussion on alcohol and creativity. Sharon Walters is a London-based artist who creates hand-assembled collages celebrating Black women. The series, entitled 'Seeing Ourselves', explores under-representation in many arenas in particular, the arts and heritage sector and mainstream western media. So often blackness is represented as 'other'.  Sharon provokes an alternative narrative of empowerment.  Each piece is a reaffirmation of the right to ‘take up space’ even when you don’t see yourself in certain settings. Since graduating with a degree in Fine Art from Central St Martins (University of the Arts) in 2011, Sharon has developed her practice and continued her work with community arts organisations and museums, using them as platforms to explore and collaborate with the voices of those who are often unheard. The work encourages us to 'take up space', be seen and create our own spaces. You may know Chris Hamilton better as Ill Tone, a hip hop artist from Vancouver Island, Canada, where he's also a prominent member of the recovery community. Known for high-energy performances, he's toured in nine countries, appearing on bills with such acts as Tech N9ne, Xzibit, Talib Kweli, Rakim, Maestro Fresh Wes, Snak the Ripper, Merkules and Pete Rock & CL Smooth, among others.  

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Bringing you news, events, recipes, advice and interviews to support your changing drinking habits.