What Van Gogh & Tchaikovsky Needed To Pursue Their Art and What It Cost Them

Photo credit: marc carpentier :-) on Visualhunt.com / CC BY

In the dark recesses of our minds we get the idea that lurking within ourselves is the ability and drive to create great works of art. We understand that all humans were given creative ability. How that plays out depends on our motivation, characteristics, conditioning, and willingness to explore the depths of our soul. We see the end result of people who pursued what they loved and determine to be like them. Do we understand what we are really getting into and are we willing to go to their extremes to focus on what we feel we are meant to do?

Are you ready to Van Gogh?

Van Gogh gave up everything to paint 8–12 hours a day. He was convinced that he was meant to paint as he explained to his mother, “I beg you to have a little faith in me. I know this job has to be done, and if you will only give me time I will succeed.” He had a clear understanding of what he was supposed to do. What could be referred to as the artists illusion. The view that they have to do what they are doing and that what they create is a one of kind gift to the world. They think this whether or not anyone has seen their art or supports it. This drive to do what must be done overshadows everything else. They understand that happiness is found in it. Because they are sold out on it they are willing to do…