Wrestling with Art

November 20, 2024


Creating great art is a challenge, one that often involves a painful, uncertain, and long-winded process. The truth is, the road to making something truly remarkable can be full of frustration and self-doubt. But paradoxically, it’s the struggles, the moments of doubt, and the sheer effort that lead to some of the most breathtaking works in history. It's often said that the paintings with which you suffer the most are the ones that turn out the best — and this notion rings true for artists and creators across time and medium.

The Creative Struggle

Art is not just about inspiration. It’s not merely about putting paint on canvas or pencil to paper. For many artists, the journey toward a great piece of work is marked by layers of experimentation, mistakes, and moments when the outcome seems uncertain. When artists push their boundaries, when they stretch themselves beyond what they know, they encounter obstacles — both external and internal.

There’s something inherently difficult about creating art that truly resonates with people. Artists are not just capturing what is visible; they are striving to translate emotions, ideas, and experiences that can be abstract, complex, and deeply personal. To do this well, one must constantly navigate the tension between the vision in their mind and the limitations of the tools, materials, and techniques at their disposal. This struggle is, in a way, the very act of creation.

Suffering in the Process

Creating art is an emotional rollercoaster. When things don’t go according to plan, it’s easy to feel discouraged, even defeated. Mistakes might feel like failures, and the temptation to abandon the work might be strong. But it’s in these moments of frustration, when the artist feels as if they can’t go on, that the most profound growth can occur.

Consider the famous example of Vincent van Gogh. The Dutch master’s most iconic works, such as Starry Night and Sunflowers, emerged from periods of intense personal struggle and mental anguish. Van Gogh’s emotional suffering fueled his distinctive style, his use of bold, expressive brushstrokes, and his vivid color palette. The intensity of his inner turmoil translated directly into the vibrancy and energy of his paintings. It’s no coincidence that many of his most celebrated works came from his most difficult times.

In this way, the act of struggling with art becomes not just an inconvenience but a crucial part of the creative process. The painting that feels the hardest to complete is often the one that will eventually surprise both the artist and the viewer with its depth, beauty, and emotional resonance.

Power of Perseverance

As difficult as the process may be, perseverance is key. There are times when the act of continuing — of pushing through the suffering — can bring about breakthroughs. A canvas might seem "ruined," but with a few more brushstrokes, it may transform into something magnificent. The act of confronting the challenges head-on is what separates great artists from those who give up too soon.

It is in these moments of perseverance that artists often find the solution they were looking for. They might step back and see the piece in a new light, or they might push through their doubts and discover something unexpected. It’s the persistence to work through discomfort, to remain committed to the art, that brings success.

Suffering Enhances Art

There’s a certain irony in the notion that suffering makes art better. You would think that art would be born from ease, from smooth flowing creativity. But the truth is, it’s often the struggle — the tension between an artist’s vision and the reality of what they can accomplish at any given moment — that makes the final work resonate so deeply with viewers.

Art is a reflection of life. Life is not always easy or straightforward, and neither is art. The messy, imperfect, and at times painful moments are what give a work its emotional power. A painting that’s made effortlessly may look clean and polished, but it might lack the raw energy and depth that comes from true creative effort. It’s the imperfection, the little cracks, the layers of frustration and resolution, that give great art its soul.

Embrace the Struggle

If you’re an artist or someone looking to create, don’t be discouraged by the hard moments. Don’t be afraid to feel frustrated or lost. These moments are part of the process. The path to creating something great is rarely linear. It’s a journey filled with setbacks, doubts, and mistakes, but these are also the very things that shape your final masterpiece. Embrace the struggle.

Whether you are working on a canvas, a sculpture, a piece of music, or any other form of art, know that the times when you feel most unsure of yourself are often the times when you're making the most important progress. So, when your brush feels heavy or your ideas feel scattered, just keep going. The best work often emerges from the moments where you are closest to giving up.

Beauty of the Process

Great art is difficult to create, and that’s okay. The struggle, the frustration, and the suffering are what make it meaningful. They push the boundaries of your skill, your creativity, and your ability to express something profound. When you look at a painting that took everything you had, that seemed like it would never come together, you’ll understand why it’s worth it. Because in the end, it’s the pieces that challenge you the most that often turn out to be the most impactful.

Next time you’re deep in the struggle of creating something great, remember: this is where the magic happens. Keep pushing, keep painting, and let the suffering fuel your masterpiece.