Can being under the influence of some kind of drug make an artist more productiv

Question:

Can being under the influence of some kind of drug make an artist more productive?

For example, can an artist create a better painting or open up his/her imagination more if he/she somked weed? How about a poem, can a excellent poem be written while under the influence?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Some artists think so, but I think it's different for everyone.

There's an interesting book on the subject: "Altered States: Creativity under the influence" by James Hughes.

There is a stereotype that authors are alcoholics, but I write, and I find it impossible to write anything worthwhile when I'm drunk. And when I'm smoke marijuana, I'm too paranoid that everything I write is terrible.

On the other hand, my boyfriend is an artist, and sometimes he smokes marijuana then draws. And I know artists that say they owe some of their most creative pieces to LSD.

To each his own, but if you aren't already into drugs, I don't suggest getting into them for the sole purpose of creativity.