Vincent Van Gogh was most sane when he used to paint. When he painted, he never knew he would become the pioneer of impressionism. He painted because he wanted relief from his utmost struggle that was created in his mind.
Frida Kahlo painted when she was fighting her personal life and disease. She did not tagged herself as surrealist. And Salvadore Dali’s painting was unearthly, intangible and yes, surreal.
Did this painters knew they would be studied over and over again? No, they painted to release some form of emotion.
As an artist, over the years, I have done some pen and ink illustration which was in most cases to find relief from the then ‘present’ state of mind. Although I don’t remember if the moments were struggle, joy, time-pass or sorrow, nevertheless I can assure, all of them were done in a state of mental-isolation. May be I had company during the art piece, may be I didn’t. But all I can remember I put my mind and soul when my hand was inking those A5 papers.
Essays, Thoughts and Writings by Mohona Reza 