I think it was my first painting class of of my first day in my new major, when our professor, who was one of the most intimidating men I have ever met, told our class of fresh-faced, hope-filled, art students, that none of us would ever become the next Picasso. And, that if we were here thinking we were going to be great artists, it wasn't going to happen. Most, if not all, of us would never be famous. Sorry.
I am not sure his tactic was the best, but I liked him a lot (after that little speech, let's just say I was in the minority), and what he said, stuck.
Because, it was a question about motivation and desire. It spoke to the reasons why you are doing something - is this for your own personal gain, or is it something deeper. Do you love whatever (in this case, painting) enough to make bad paintings. Over and over? And have everyone tell you how awful they are...because it's true...in order to get better? Would you paint if you know one saw them, or heard of you, or appreciated what you made?
The school I went to was great and competitive and demanding and many fine artists have emerged and have gone on to have success beyond what I could ever have dreamed - and clearly I have squarely fallen into the "decidedly not Picasso" category, but of the people I saw who went on to make great work, being the greatest was never really a consideration. Neither was fame nor image for the most part. Partly because the work they made, really was work. It required long hours, and tons of research, risks, and more failures than successes. It involved crits where teachers and fellow students tore all of that hard work apart. And it required them not to take any of it personally. To realize that this is how we get better. In short, it required amazing love and devotion. The kind of love that we, idealistically, would give anything worthy of our time and energy.
I am sure there was more to it than that. He was a pretty bright guy. But anytime I start something new, it always comes to mind. So, welcome to my new blog. I have no real tie-in for the following video, except well, it is about loving your work. maybe a bit too much...but it's Josh Ritter, and the song is fantastic, and the video is awesome. enjoy.
