Facebook Fan Page, Talent Vs. Hard Work
Cedar Lee January 30th, 2009
If you’re on Facebook and haven’t seen it yet, I’ve finally gotten my Art By Cedar Facebook Fan Page up and running! If you enjoy my paintings of trees, flowers, and cosmic universe scenes, I invite you to visit the page and join: Click here.
Today I came across some musings I had written to myself in one of my journals:
Perfect confidence is a sign of the mediocre. Talent comes not from some miraculous mysterious power but from an attitude of tenacity and strength. It’s easy to give up when we fail. Artists don’t give up–they do it again, but better–then again. And again. It’s a neverending process. Good art is just a residual effect of being a good artist, which means never giving up–constantly questioning, reaching and striving.
I think I was warning myself never to become complacent, and reminding myself of the importance of hard work.
What do you think about this? When it comes to a person’s success in whatever field of work s/he has chosen, (not limited to artistic endeavors) how important is natural talent or inclination vs. hard work and perseverance? Do you think it takes equal amounts of both to do something well, or is one more important than the other?
Comments imported from Myspace:
When it comes to art I think its about good ideas. Hard work might produce more good idea but it may also be just the same old crap that has no ideas. Talent is overtaken by enjoyment.
Posted by MegTleG on Friday, January 30, 2009 – 8:12 PM
I think success is a personal thing. I find success in being able to get what I feel in my heart and see in my head out in the world for others to (hopefully) enjoy. I don’t think an artist suffers for their art, they suffer if they don’t create art. I do agree that artists don’t give up they just do it again and again. There are tons of talented people out there who most would never call an artist but do things I could never do. Are they less talented? The brilliant auto mechanic? The java programmer? They are artists in their own right. Eh? Talent is a big part in any endeavor but I’ve known many talented people who have squandered their gifts and not done anything with them. Does it require equal amounts? I don’t know. Anyone can grow a flower but it takes a gardener to help the flower thrive and flourish. Why do you make me talk so much?
Posted by Marc on Friday, January 30, 2009 – 9:25 PM
I think it takes both. I know even in life in general — hard work and perseverence is never ending… it can’t be. In my case — in every avenue — when I slack off, I lose ground. When I stay strong and steady — I make progress. It seems in pretty much everything. and I’m tired… a lot.
Posted by ~~ pdLitch ~~ on Friday, January 30, 2009 – 11:24 PM
Cedar!…I ADORE YOU for your latest words….. I agree wholeheartedly > “never giving up–constantly questioning, reaching and striving.” You certainly have the PASSION. But most of all, AWARENESS of ‘SELF’ Love and Blessings for ALL your hard work.
(((CHEERS)))
Posted by Diosdado Mondero on Saturday, January 31, 2009 – 1:37 AM
I created a quote that I follow (but not believe in – Beliefs … ughh … that’s another story!
Some of the most wonderful creations by us, the human race, happen when we don’t get in the way.
I also say that “I simply hold the brush”.
I hope that makes sense.
CP
Posted by Christopher Pew on Saturday, January 31, 2009 – 9:22 AM
Comment via email from an artist:
I decided a long time ago that I’ll never become the artist I hope to be; the moment I realize I’m close, I’ll move the goalposts.
Right now I’m much better than I had ever hoped, yet I’m nowhere near where I want to be. If I can ever see where I want to be from where I’m standing, then I’ll pick a new place on the map. Someplace way beyond the horizon. Then I’ll pick up my camera and keep going.
Cedar my most precious daughter, I’m the perfect example of someone who has held the same dream for 27 years, since the day you were born. After years of taking steps toward the dream, step, by step, by step, I’m now on the sprint to being a midwife! Yes I’m tenatious, and if I wasn’t, I wouldn’t be where I am today. LOVE from your biggest fan, and I can claim (with Daddy) the first champion of your talent and artistic soul…Mama (aka Ellie Lee)
Comments imported from Facebook:
Wayne Haag at 10:02am January 31
1% Inspiration and 99% perspiration… isn’t that the formula!
Rick Santiago at 1:15pm January 31
I think Creativity is so much more important than talent or hard work. Kelly Bilette said it best, “Creativity is an objective truth that cannot be taught…” and is so true IMHO. It is each individual’s unique creative energy that allows us to be distinguished from one another.
But I also think, “LUCK” is an overlooked factor. Without luck, (and by working hard we do make our own luck) it’s almost impossible to succeed at anything…