Paper short abstract:

Complementing anthropological perspectives that highlight the joy of sociality and connection, this paper explores the joy to be found in moments of withdrawal and immersion in creative practice among contemporary artists in Japan.

Paper long abstract:

Complementing anthropological perspectives that highlight the joy of sociality and connection, or moments of collective effervescence, this paper explores how joy may be found in moments of withdrawal, through immersion in creative practice. It builds on ethnographic fieldwork with contemporary artists in Kansai region of Japan, working in a variety of visual and performance activities, including painting, contemporary dance and improvised music. Many of these artists participated regularly in art events, which were no doubt at times a source of joy. Yet the creative practices described by many also called for quiet introspection and immersion in the process of making, often by oneself. Being “alone” here does not imply absolute solitude, however, as their practices entailed careful engagement with a range of non-human others, including materials and sounds, as well as close attention to affects and atmospheres. To complement the focus on the senses in much recent ethnographic literature on making, therefore, I draw particular attention here to the role of affect and emotion, asking how affect and creativity are intertwined. While making can involve immersion and intense concentration, akin to what has been described as a feeling of flow, many artists also emphasise a certain compulsion to make, as well as frustration if circumstances impede their creative practice, pointing to an account of joy that is not unambiguous or simple.