Lee Bardugo’s Artistic Message
Lee Bardugo, the bestselling fantasy author behind the popular “Shadow and Bone” series, recently shared her thoughts on the importance of embracing discomfort in art during an event in the Hamptons. The audience included notable figures like “White Lotus” star Alexandra Daddario and actress Kathryn Gallagher from “You.”
Bardugo recounted how her work had sparked strong reactions. Some criticized her for not providing “trigger warnings,” labeling her book as dangerous and questioning her motives. “They were furious,” she recalled, adding that they accused her of writing just for shock value.
Initially, Bardugo was taken aback, thinking, “No, no, I didn’t.” She emphasized that her writing comes from the heart.
The event, themed “Forbidden Magic Night” and hosted by Deborah Rose, was not only a gathering of talent but also a reflection of artistic expression. Gallagher, known for her role in Broadway’s “Jagged Little Pill,” was also in attendance.
Bardugo’s latest book follows trauma survivors at Yale as they uncover the secrets of a hidden society. She highlighted the distinction between general discomfort and the kind that pushes creative boundaries, particularly in today’s social media landscape.
In her view, having control over our inputs can limit creativity. “The more uncomfortable we get,” she noted, “the harder it is to create interesting art.” This suggests, perhaps, that discomfort can lead to deeper creativity.
During her talk, Bardugo urged budding artists to view their projects as welcome challenges rather than burdens. She stressed that true artistry often happens in solitude, away from applause and validation. “It’s not the artist’s job to skip to the good parts,” she explained, reinforcing the idea that real art requires patience and perseverance.
As for her children’s book, “The Invisible Parade,” released in August, it reflects on themes of loss and grief, set against the backdrop of Dia de Muertos. Illustrated by award-winning artist John Picacio, this work adds depth to her already rich literary repertoire.
