So glad you enjoyed it. I love discovering connections like this. When I look at a Cezanne, I can see how his painting influenced Hemingway. But I would never have come to that conclusion had I not read “A Moveable Feast.” That’s what I love about reading. It constantly enlarges my appreciation of the world. Thanks for checking out today’s Art Drop!
I've always thought Hemingway was an example of how far you could go without exceptional talent, meaning that talent is almost a pointless luxury. Cézanne, I think, is an example of how far raw talent will carry you.
Someone famous (I forget who) said talent is 1 percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration. I give credit to people who work hard for their success whether they have talent or not.
An artist friend told me once that she was in the bottom of her art class upon graduation but became quite successful (financially) while the truly talented students produced hardly anything in real life.
I know financial success is not a sound gauge, but I do wonder how you arrived at your conclusion about Hemingway and Cezanne. It’s really intriguing. Thanks for giving me something else to mull over for awhile.
I've always thought Hemmingway produced lackluster prose compared to, say, Faulkner, but with relatable instincts and acute observations, and above all, a lots of writing. Cezanne, on second thought, was not only talented but productive, so I will yield to you on that count. As regards talent in general, I will insist it exists, and makes a huge difference. I have known people, both successful and not, who could pick up an instrument, brush, chisel or whatever appropriate tool and produce art of high quality with minimal effort. Some made a living at it, others only dabbled. I have also known people who have worked their asses off but, alas, couldn't produce anything worthwhile. I'm convinced the difference is talent. Is it enough? Of course not; you still have to make the art. Is mere effort enough? I would say no, 10,000 hours of practice notwithstanding.
Thanks for adding this, Mikels. I see what you mean now. And that's a great point about Faulkner too. Though I could never have made it through "The Sound and the Fury" without taking a class. Faulkner didn't much like Hemingway's prose either. But if I remember correctly, he did begrudgingly recognize the latter's stature.
I've also known people who don't have the right stuff no matter how hard they try. Natural ability, pure talent, is just a gift. You can't fake that. If I decided to become a musician, I could never hold a candle to Louis Armstrong or Miles Davis no matter how long I practiced or how hard I tried. Them's the facts. So I listen to their recordings instead. And give thanks.
I should add that I was in no way demeaning Hemingway's literary accomplishments. I should think he was the epitome of the 1% inspiration 99% perspiration trope. On the other hand, there is a young man of my acquaintance who taught himself to play the piano and plays brilliant and innovative music on it. He's a national fiddle champion as well. I asked his mother today at what age he started teaching himself piano. She said, "as soon as he was tall enough to reach the keyboard." Talent. He might not have even been awake10,000 hours at that point in his life. Is he successful? He's in his late 20s or very early 30s. He's a very successful IT professional. Does that count?
Why not? Not everyone wants to be an artist or is meant to be. If your friend is happy doing what he’s doing in the way he’s doing it, more power to him. It’s wonderful that he has multiple avenues of self expression.
His case reminds me of the so-called Mozart effect and the connection between the music and math centers of the brain. His prodigious aptitude for one may make it easy to have success in the other. It’s certainly fascinating.
And no, I didn’t think you were demeaning Hemingway’s literary achievements. Thanks again for your insightful contribution here. I really appreciate it.
Wow, how wonderful. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much to you too, Jenn! Much appreciated.
I never knew Hemingway was influenced by Cézanne! Thanks for another mini class on art, Andrew. Love it!
So glad you enjoyed it. I love discovering connections like this. When I look at a Cezanne, I can see how his painting influenced Hemingway. But I would never have come to that conclusion had I not read “A Moveable Feast.” That’s what I love about reading. It constantly enlarges my appreciation of the world. Thanks for checking out today’s Art Drop!
I've always thought Hemingway was an example of how far you could go without exceptional talent, meaning that talent is almost a pointless luxury. Cézanne, I think, is an example of how far raw talent will carry you.
Someone famous (I forget who) said talent is 1 percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration. I give credit to people who work hard for their success whether they have talent or not.
An artist friend told me once that she was in the bottom of her art class upon graduation but became quite successful (financially) while the truly talented students produced hardly anything in real life.
I know financial success is not a sound gauge, but I do wonder how you arrived at your conclusion about Hemingway and Cezanne. It’s really intriguing. Thanks for giving me something else to mull over for awhile.
I've always thought Hemmingway produced lackluster prose compared to, say, Faulkner, but with relatable instincts and acute observations, and above all, a lots of writing. Cezanne, on second thought, was not only talented but productive, so I will yield to you on that count. As regards talent in general, I will insist it exists, and makes a huge difference. I have known people, both successful and not, who could pick up an instrument, brush, chisel or whatever appropriate tool and produce art of high quality with minimal effort. Some made a living at it, others only dabbled. I have also known people who have worked their asses off but, alas, couldn't produce anything worthwhile. I'm convinced the difference is talent. Is it enough? Of course not; you still have to make the art. Is mere effort enough? I would say no, 10,000 hours of practice notwithstanding.
Thanks for adding this, Mikels. I see what you mean now. And that's a great point about Faulkner too. Though I could never have made it through "The Sound and the Fury" without taking a class. Faulkner didn't much like Hemingway's prose either. But if I remember correctly, he did begrudgingly recognize the latter's stature.
I've also known people who don't have the right stuff no matter how hard they try. Natural ability, pure talent, is just a gift. You can't fake that. If I decided to become a musician, I could never hold a candle to Louis Armstrong or Miles Davis no matter how long I practiced or how hard I tried. Them's the facts. So I listen to their recordings instead. And give thanks.
I should add that I was in no way demeaning Hemingway's literary accomplishments. I should think he was the epitome of the 1% inspiration 99% perspiration trope. On the other hand, there is a young man of my acquaintance who taught himself to play the piano and plays brilliant and innovative music on it. He's a national fiddle champion as well. I asked his mother today at what age he started teaching himself piano. She said, "as soon as he was tall enough to reach the keyboard." Talent. He might not have even been awake10,000 hours at that point in his life. Is he successful? He's in his late 20s or very early 30s. He's a very successful IT professional. Does that count?
Why not? Not everyone wants to be an artist or is meant to be. If your friend is happy doing what he’s doing in the way he’s doing it, more power to him. It’s wonderful that he has multiple avenues of self expression.
His case reminds me of the so-called Mozart effect and the connection between the music and math centers of the brain. His prodigious aptitude for one may make it easy to have success in the other. It’s certainly fascinating.
And no, I didn’t think you were demeaning Hemingway’s literary achievements. Thanks again for your insightful contribution here. I really appreciate it.