I'm still getting comments on the quotation about Talent in this post. I also shared it with the Alternative Quilt List members. I am amazed at the variety of response it has prompted, and that people are drawn to so many different parts of it for discussion. So far, no one has commented on the quotation in yesterday's post here on Channeling. Are we so unsure of our talents that we have no problem with that particular concept?
Here is the last of the quotations I wished to share. All of these were used in an article highlighting three local artists who accidentally "discovered natural inclinations and unleashed their inner artists." How do you think it relates to the concepts represented in the other two quotations?
"If people knew how hard I worked to get my mastery, it wouldn't seem so wonderful at all." - Michelangelo
2 comments:
Interesting discussion Sheila! I think that talent DOES exist but it seems here that the discussion is mixing up talent with other things like ability, endurance and success. It's possible to become great at certain things with practice but there is no doubt IMO that some people are born with extraordinary gifts that others are not. I think that today with notions of equality for all that the idea that some are more naturally able than others, is a little hard to swallow. I think too that everyone has a talent but what we recognise as talent is very narrow, too much geared to what we can exchange for money. Doing anything continuously and becoming great at it is not the same as being a visionary. That's why I think there is some truth the the idea of the 'suffering artist'. The impulse or talent is there and has to be expressed regardless of whether one gets respect for it or not. 'Ability' is not a mental burden the way talent can be.
The myth that you can be whatever you want simply by wanting it badly enough is now rampant amongst those looking for fame on those awful talent shows. It's sad and dangerous. Some people are more equal than others and we just have to accept it! ;)
Here's the quote I've been looking for:
"All art constantly aspires towards the condition of music."--Walter Pater
Beat that.
BC
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