I believe I have a mild case of OCD and that many artists do as well. I can't tell you how many times I've heard artists who had their studios featured in a "studio-beautiful" type magazine and admitted it's all lighting and image and their studio is usually an out of control mess! And then many artists in the room hearing that laughed because, they too have their studio in disarray. I know when I'm in creation mode I don't like to stop and focus on how orderly my surroundings are at the time. And I certainly am guilty of collecting and storing items and objects that are loaded with art project potential. That's part of the mixed media fun!
I find OCD to be helpful to the creative process because it's about detail and wanting the creation to be as perfect as humanly possible before "our nurtured child" goes out into the world.
I enjoy listening to this radio show on NPR on Saturday mornings and am thrilled they have replays online. I love to hear the truth and behind-the-scenes-knowledge about health. I got OCD when I missed this episode on OCD and I enjoyed hearing it online and hope you find it interesting too.
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2012/01/28/844-overcoming-obsessions/
