Let Them Catch Up

March 23, 2025


The idea that an artist’s audience needs time to "catch up" with their work is not a new one. In fact, it is the cornerstone of many successful, long-lasting careers. Art, especially in its more complex or unconventional forms, often needs repeated exposure and time to truly sink in. It’s the nature of creativity: the first interaction with a piece of work may stir curiosity, but it might take months, years, or even decades for the full emotional and intellectual impact of that work to be realized.

Role of Repeated Exposure

One of the most crucial factors in an artist’s long-term success is repeated exposure. The first time we experience something new—whether it's a painting, a song, a film, or a performance—we are often too caught up in the novelty of it all to fully understand or appreciate its deeper meaning. It’s only after seeing it again, and again, that the layers begin to reveal themselves.

This doesn’t mean that an artist's work should be immediately accessible or universally understood. On the contrary, the best art often challenges the viewer, forcing them to dig deeper, engage more, and reconsider their initial impressions. Over time, this gradual process of exposure allows the artist's vision to sink deeper into the minds of their audience.

The longer an artist’s work is in circulation, the more likely it is to resonate with new generations. Icons like Picasso, Van Gogh, or Miles Davis were often not understood or appreciated in their time, but their works are now fundamental to the art world. The public needed time to catch up, but their art has remained timeless because of the depth it offers.

Importance of Passing Time

Time plays a pivotal role in cementing an artist’s place in history. It allows their work to evolve in significance, to reflect the changing cultural and social landscapes, and to resonate differently with each new generation of viewers or listeners. As time passes, the context in which the work is experienced shifts, and with it, the interpretations of the piece itself.

The passage of time gives audiences the opportunity to gain perspective. It allows trends to settle and provides clarity on what has lasting power and what was simply a passing fad. Artists who continue to create with integrity and excellence during this period of time are eventually recognized for the consistency and depth of their work. Their art becomes part of a larger cultural conversation, a conversation that can span years, decades, or even centuries.

This slow-burn approach to recognition can be frustrating for artists, especially when they see their peers enjoying immediate success. However, it is important to remember that art, in its highest form, is not just about the moment—it is about how it endures over time. A lifetime of laboring over one’s craft is not a race, but a journey that will eventually yield its rewards.

Excellence is the Key

While time and exposure are critical factors, none of this would matter without excellence. In the competitive world of art, only those who consistently produce work of value will survive the test of time. The most successful artists are those who have devoted themselves to honing their craft, experimenting with new ideas, and pushing boundaries.

Excellence is the fuel that powers an artist's career over the long haul. It’s the thread that ties together their body of work and keeps their audience coming back for more. Whether it’s through innovation, emotional depth, or technical skill, excellence is what guarantees that an artist’s work will still be relevant years after it is first created.

As an artist, it's not enough to just get by with one good piece or a few lucky breaks. Success is the result of a lifelong commitment to producing high-quality work. The audience may not recognize that work at first, but as the years go on, they will start to see what sets you apart from the rest. It is the quality of the work, paired with perseverance, that solidifies an artist’s position in the public’s mind.

A Fruitful Career Awaits

For those who persist, the rewards of a long career in the arts can be profound. The journey may be slow, and the public's understanding of the work may take time to catch up, but with continued excellence and patience, an artist will find their place in the world. It’s not about seeking instant fame or popularity, but about creating work that stands the test of time—pieces that will remain relevant, inspiring, and influential long after they are created.

An artist’s life is not a sprint; it is a marathon. And while it may take years or even a lifetime for an audience to fully appreciate the depth of one’s work, that doesn’t mean it isn’t worthwhile. The process of growing, evolving, and refining one's art over time is a reward in itself. When an artist remains dedicated to their craft and the quality of their work, they will eventually enjoy the rewards of a fruitful, laborious career that resonates through the years, continuing to impact and inspire generations to come.

So, let them catch up. Let time do its work, and trust that the pieces you create today will eventually find their place in the minds and hearts of your audience. Excellence and perseverance are the keys to lasting success in the world of art.