Isolation vs Solitude

Journal Entry - Tuesday, February 20, 2024

om.2010.026 - Lisa Temple Cox - No Title - assemblage - permanent collection Ontological Museum Archives

Isolation vs Solitude

To be in isolation has certain negative connotations. It gives the impression of being cut off from others, being in quarantine, being lonely or even depressed. In fact, I think most of us when in a depressed state want to isolate ourselves from others.

On the other hand, solitude suggests something different. Creatives need solitude. Among many artists, composers, writers, solitude is a highly prized and desirable condition that many creatives strive for and design into their lives. In solitude creatives can clear their minds of the daily hubbub, achieve a state of quietude which reduces stress and increases a feeling of inner peace which helps to open us up to our intuition which cannot be heard amidst all of the mental chatter of everyday distractions.

Those who have a fear of or feeling of loneliness without others around constantly might at first be afraid of solitude. Solitude does take some practice in that case. You might have to ease yourself into it. But ultimately, you can be alone without feeling loneliness. When one gets accustomed to solitude and inner quietude, one becomes one’s own best friend, then solitude becomes a preferred condition to find oneself in. Solitude, the endless inner landscape, becomes a wonderous place to explore.

"When you start working, everybody is in your studio- the past, your friends, enemies, the art world, and above all, your own ideas- all are there. But as you continue painting, they start leaving, one by one, and you are left completely alone. Then, if you are lucky, even you leave."  John Cage

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