I had the opportunity to visit the Royal Academy of Arts over the weekend. They have the Leonardo, Michaelangelo & Raphael exhibition on until 16/02/2025. If that’s your thing, I’d recommend dropping in to see the works of some of the best to put brush to canvas or chisel to marble.
I love when art in its various forms moves me. It’s unexplainable, especially when it resonates with your current or past experience. Even better when creative work inspires a conversation or positive action.
This classic art doesn’t stir my soul but there are some aspects I thought were worth a mention.
I downloaded Dan Sullivan & Benjamin Hardy’s “10x is Easier Than 2x” audiobook on Audible last year, recommended by a friend.
The first chapter talks about the “David”, a marble sculpture by Michaelangelo and the great lengths he went to to produce it.
It’s well documented that Da Vinci also went above & beyond so that he could study the human anatomy which was not so well known back in the 1500’s.
In both cases, their technical ability may have exceeded their creative energy.
The “David” marble sculpture wasn’t at this RA exhibition although it was referenced. What was clear is that these revered artists were fanatical about practice & preparation. They honed their skills through multiple sketches & models before attempting the actual masterpieces they created.
Even though Da Vinci was described a polymath & genius, my takeaway is that their success was partially about their dedication to the artistic craft than just their innate ability.
I guess it does help when wealthy patrons such as the Medici appreciate your good work and are willing to pay top dollar to buy & preserve it! 😁 That being said, something suggests to me, these greats were not doing it for financial gain, it was their passion.
What craft sparks your interest to a degree that you would do it whether you were paid or not?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on what value we should place on technical skill vs innate ability.
CanDoAttitude #LeanIn
#Articulate #CallNextLevel #KnowWhenToWalkAway #Clackology
Click here for Kindle Unlimited 30 Day Free Trial
Get the Kindle Edition on Amazon.co.uk
