This letter is a bit more difficult to write because it hits
close to home. Apparently 15 percent of the general population
are what psychologists now call "Highly Sensitive Persons," or
HSPs. Among creative types the percentage is much higher. In
part, it's the sensitivity that makes us creative. Carl Jung
suggested that we are just introverted, shy or depressed.
Recent research indicates that HSPs are genetically programmed
to be that way. Getting rid of the condition would be like
changing our eye colour. HSPs have valuable assets that have
traditionally been given a bum rap by the not-so-sensitive
majority. Highly sensitive persons often grow up feeling
they're outsiders. We are easily hurt, stressed, frazzled and
overwhelmed. The worst afflicted don't like loud noises,
crowds, ruckus or confrontation. We are known to shut doors on
others. On the positive side, we hear, see and feel more, and
have more empathy than regular folks. Often loners, we have
vivid dreams and keen imaginations.?

So what's the problem? The trouble is that we often live and
work with a sense that we are flawed. And what we do or create
tends also to be seen by us as flawed. Much of the obsessive
perfectionism in art comes from this source. Also, as HSPs, we
tend to withdraw into the processes of our work. Withdrawal
increases sensitivity. Psychologist Elaine Aron, a leading
authority on HSP, and an HSP herself, says: "We are
extra-sensitive when the time comes to show our work, perform
it, explain it, sell it, read reviews of it, and accept
rejection or acclaim." This is a central dilemma for many
artists: "How do I manifest my innate sensitivity in a
not-so-sensitive world?"

There are many ways. One of the handiest is the simple
realization that many we interact with are not so
sensitive--dealers and even collectors, for example. They may
not know or admit it, but they couldn't get along without our
sensitivity. They need us. And we need them. A sensitive person
needs to learn how to interact in this lop-sided world. Humour
and playfulness are valuable. So is immersing oneself in the
history of art and artists. The timeless brotherhood and
sisterhood of art (which includes other HSPs) gives us a sense
of community and a philosophic balance. The knowledge derived
from like-minded companionship gives a feeling of "I'm
okay--you're okay."?More than that, one finds that the world
needs more HSPs--these days, more than ever.


PS: "There is an aristocracy of the sensitive. They represent
the true human tradition of permanent victory over cruelty and
chaos." (E. M. Forster, "What I Believe")