The Power of Perseverance
Sadly we have now arrived to the final post on this blog, I know it's sad but hopefully you all have learned as much as I have throughout this process. The overarching theme of this blog has been the idea of not letting the little things get to you, and making sure to keep working towards the things you want. To finalize this blog and keep that theme going, I'm going to tell a little story about perseverance.
Paul Cézanne is a legendary painter in the world of modern art, but if you were to ask him or his peers during the majority of his lifetime they would likely say he's a failure. He developed an interest in art early on (despite the discouragement from his father) and went to Paris to study it at twenty-three years old in 1862. He continued to paint prolifically and hone his craft, working with the likes of Pissarro and Monet, until he was finally accepted into an exhibition over twelve years later in 1874 as well as 1877. This was not as wonderful as it seemed however with the modern impressionists receiving harsh criticism, and Cézanne receiving the worst criticisms of all. Cézanne continued to struggle to be financially independent until he had the inheritance of his father, and he continued to live an isolated life writing letters to his friends about his hardships and feelings.
Despite having the recognition of his incredibly talented peers including that of Vincent van Gogh, and having Monet describe him as "the greatest of us all." Cézanne did not succeed in having any form of public artistic success until his first solo exhibition in 1895, at fifty-six years old. By the time Cézanne died in 1906, he was on of the most revered modern artists of all time. If he had decided to quit due to the lack of support from others or a lack of confidence in himself he never would have made it, but instead he persevered in his passion for well over forty years of his life. Now, he's known by many as the father of modern art and one of the most influential artists in cubism.
People like Cézanne are the perfect example of not letting your lack of success bring you down, and having faith in your abilities as a person. I hope this blog has helped whoever is reading understand just how much they are capable of, and how much control they have over themselves.
It is hard sometimes to keep pushing when you see so many people around you succeeding, and you are still in the same position. I find that especially hard today when everyone is posting their successes and highlights of their life all the time. Of course, being happy for people is good but you can't help but think, when it will be my turn. I am however a firm believer that success comes from how much hard work you put in. Your example you provided of Cézanne is an excellent example and really encouraged me today!!
ReplyDeleteHey Henri,
ReplyDeleteI really like the message that you decided to end your blog with. I feel like a lot of us are at a point in our lives where we find ourselves asking "why bother" or "why does this matter." Let's be real, for the most part none of us really like having homework, tests and school, but we're all doing it for our own reasons. Sure, college isn't the most exciting thing in the world, and in the future some of us may never use it. However, at the end of the day we are working hard towards the goal of a degree that may not seem important, but in the scheme of life, more than likely will be. Thank you for your great post!
Hey Henri,
ReplyDeleteIt's really inspiring that Cezanne continued to paint even though critics were saying his art wasn't good enough. He still chose to pursue his passion regardless of others recognition. I was glad to hear he finally received public praise when he was 56! It's so nice that he was able to see his work celebrated within his lifetime. Some artists and creators don't get recognition until after their death! This blog inspired me to keep pursuing what I love regardless of what others thing of it. Thanks for sharing!