TALES OF TWO PAINTERS

The early years of great painter Paul Cezanne were difficult and his career was, from very start, troubled with frequent rejection and failure. His family considered him peculiar and were unsupportive of his art.

After much family turmoil in his younger years, his father gave him a small allowance and he left for Paris where he worked alone and ignored.

Another painter Camille Pissarro became his mentor both lending him moral support, and influencing his palette. Cezanne, in a relatively short time period, switched from dark tones to bright colors.

Cezanne produced beautiful works as an unknown painter for many, many years. His commitment to, and passion for, his art was strong and unwavering and he did not strive for fame or even lesser recognition.

One day, a French art dealer happened to see masterpieces of Cezanne. He was so impressed that he collected several of paintings and arranged an exhibition in his gallery. Visitors to dealer’s gallery were stunned as they saw for first time works of unknown master.

The story goes that Cezanne arrived at gallery and was also stunned. He had never before seen his work featured and admired this way. He walked around looking at his paintings, leaning on his son for support. Slowly he turned his head and looked at his son in surprise and awe. Cezanne then said, “They have put them in frames!”

And second painter story: Picasso was being interviewed by an inexperienced critic. The critic asked why Picasso did not paint things to look as they actually do.

“I am not sure what you mean,” Picasso replied.

The critic took a photo of his wife out of his wallet and showed it to Picasso saying, “Like this. This is how she really looks.”

Like many people, you’re intrigued by speaking profession. So was I. Ten years ago, I was teaching English as a Second Language to adult immigrants and bored silly. I was looking around for a profession that would supplement my income.

When my friend Danniel Star took a leave of absence from his teaching job, he started speaking to groups. He was getting paid more as a speaker than as a teacher and he got to repeat his material! Sounded good to me.

Danniel’s first year as a speaker was a little lean financially, though. When his leave of absence was over, his old employer called him in for a new opening for a part-time position. Danniel agreed to an interview and then later called to cancel it.

I thought he was nuts! I said “Danniel, you know speaking is not that secure a profession. It’s good to have something to fall back on!” And he said something that changed my life.

He said, “Cathleen, when you have something to fall back on, you fall back!”

It rang so true! I saw immediately and with a shock that teaching job that I thought provided a financial cushion in fact was holding me back from pursuing my true talents and interests.