3 minute read
Drug Induced Creativity
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II A lot of my performances and video work were done under the influence of dIfferent drugs [ ... ] I would say specifically LSD opened my mmd in, not just an artistic way, but in the way I perceive almost everything. Plus, flashbacks can be fun."
Mike Prentace Michael Skattum Illustration
Enhanced creativity by drugs is a constant temptation for artists. With the historical and recent deaths of several artists, drug use for intended creative highs has proved to be a dangerous path.
Some reasons for drug use among artists and art students include boredom, writer's block and a sense to outdo oneself, says Camille Adams, substance abuse treatment specialist of VCU's University Counseling Services. "Any student who is feeling the need to use drugs for creative influence should seek advice and counseling with UCS," Adams said. "The student or artist should ask themselves if they really need drugs to be creative."
However, the temptations of drug use are sometimes hard to avoid.
"I'm not gonna lie. I've been tempted," said Jonathan Jones, a freshman printmaking and painting student. "We all have ... I just realize I can do better work sober."
The reasons students are tempted to use drugs to enhance creativity vary. "I was tempted purely because of writer's block," Jones said. "Sometimes it's hard to come up with original materiaL"
Other students agree there is some sort of connection between drugs and art. A lot of albums, television, film and poetry come from drugs, says Sarah Williams, a junior film and photography student. "You can see a lot of blatant drug references in art of the past and present," Williams said. "You'll probably see it in the future too."
VCU prohibits the use of illegal drugs and alcohol on MCV and Monroe Park campuses. The VCU alcohol and drug policy can be found on the university Web site at http.//www.provost.vcu.edu/pdfs/alcoholdrugpolicypdf
Cheap Dates
Christine Erickson Matt Schimdt Illustrations
The traditional dinner-and-a-movie date can cost at least 20 bucks a person, but you don't have to break the bank to win over that cute girl in your class.
Here's what we're doing to keep our wallets lighter and our partners impressed. VCU students give you their ideal dates at a discount.
"Ride through the Fan, hit up a food mart, and go to an art gallery." - Mark Sanchez
"Get take-out, and then stay inside and cuddle while watching a movie." - Knox Colby
"Have a barbecue and go to a shooting range." - Brandon Hamraz
"Bike ride to the train trestles in Shockoe Bottom, and then go to Sheetz, and we'll finish by watching a cheesy movie." - Jasce Burrow
"Grab some 40's and see a movie at the Byrd." - Sebastian Gocan
"Start at Maymont and go to 821 afterward, then go to the SPCA to play with the puppies." - Andrew Collichio
"Watch the sunrise on the roof of the parking garage on Main and Harrison." - Chris Ercolano
"Make dinner together at home." - Andy Kotsch
"Watch all three Star Wars movies together." - Chris Smith
"Taco Bell picnic and reruns of 'Freaks and Geeks' on the computer, and perhaps a game of Scrabble." - Hannah Guthrie
"We'll start by meeting up at Shafer, go all out with Upper Cuts, then take a walk around Monroe Park and go for a bike ride." - Addie Bell
"You, me, and a bottle of Lambrusco - Kroger's finest five-dollar wine." - Samantha Newton
"Take-out Chinese in bed and watching 'Dexter' on DVD." - Kaitlyn Grimsland
"Go to each fast food restaurant and order something off the dollar menu, and then have a picnic." - Blair Mack
"Walk around the city, or do something outdoors, like hiking." - Erica Terrimi
"Make PB&Js and have a picnic, then make a fort and get flashlights and tell ghost stories." - Ashley Wright
"Share a pitcher of Dos Equis at Little Mexico and then ride bikes home to watch 'The Fresh Prince' all night." - Lauren Dilisio
"Go see a free show at Shafer Street Playhouse and then find a roof to sit on." - Michele Lombardy
