A meticulous, industrious man; prolific and proficient artist, he was never good enough - as hard as he tried, his writings indicate a compulsion to deride his own work, hoping for the elusive stage of one day 'getting good enough'.
I have reflected over the years that often, it isn't necessarily those most talented who achieve success. The most successful may have only a fraction of the talent, but they believe in it, right - OR WRONG.
I have noticed in my associations, very successful people who believe without question their own 'brilliance'. In fact the knowledge and capacity may be poor, substandard, and clearly flawed. It has caused me to wonder how far belief is carried. Can blind belief in oneself also cause others to believe that way also, overlooking otherwise glaring flaws?
Irises, Saint-Remy, c.1889
Art Printvan Gogh, Vincent
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(The famous 'Irises' series was painted while in assylum at Saint Remy. The master's vast body of work over 1000 drawings & 600 paintings was largely created the last three years of his life)
One complex I staged had 24" inner doorways. I had to get the delivery guys to remove the millwork to get the sofas through. The builder, clearly cutting corners (while brilliant in certain areas, lacks as a designer) came along and blasted me. I blasted him back, telling him his doorway was too small and that we'd replace the millwork.
This same complex and others, while sound, typically were fraught with poor and patchy planning. The units once staged, were purchased by intelligent wealthy people who apparently overlooked the many flaws!
Self Portrait, c.1889 Giclee Print van Gogh, Vincent
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Of many self portraits, this one is my favorite. It appears most naturally revealing. I believe it was either during or after his time in assylum at Saint Remy. This one does not reveal an artist painting himself as the others do, but his essence & vulnerable innocence.
Then you have a poor talented man like Van Gogh who was very possibly right on the brink of success. Or would he have continued to undermine his success? Clearly the man did have some medical/neurological problems, which modern professionals have tried to diagnose.
No matter. The point is people like Van Gogh are among us. They are rarely understood 'eccentrics'. We can even relate if we're honest to some of Van Gogh in ourselves - both the brilliance and the insecurity.
One almost feels they know Van Gogh, through his work, his history, and the remarkable legacy of his writing and letters.
Would he have succeeded? The fact - it is what it is.
My studies of this master of his art cause me to marvel and appreciate the struggle some have in believing in themselves. It leads me to want to honor, encourage & support the point of talent wherever I see it. There is every reason to honor the purity of light in ourselves and all others.
Deborah Pearce is a Kelowna Business Woman, established with locals and internationals in various aspects of Interiors, Art, and Business for over 20 years. Returning to Interiors & Staging Real Estate Property Presentation she is pleased to offer consultation and complete services.
The contact link here or at Living Spaces website may be used for service enquiries. Also find over 100 ARTICLES on Staging, Art and Interiors.
Deborah's blog frequently features interior design, real estate, community, environmental art and human interests. All guest comments below will be answered.
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Deborah, you make a very good point. However, those that are the most successful while alive, tend to be, at least to me, the most difficult to live with. Their pomposity sometimes overshadows their success. Then there are those that "stumbled" into great success and carry their humility with them throughout their lives. I think the great masters were all insecure, always striving to do better, and in doing so continued to improve on their work. I know my uncle was always the first to criticize his work. He never felt it was good, but carried on. Now he is nationally recognized, which fortunately for him happened during his lifetime. But, even that wasn't a good enough seal of approval for him.