Future Perfect Now #319
Life’s achievements so often involve rejection and acceptance on a different level to what I expected. I am so glad that I rejected all the religions, gurus and other so-called prophets—in both the spiritual and my business life—in order to gain my own self, independent of the ideas and even the convictions of others. Sometimes it has felt like self-sabotage, especially when I had no valid argument for rejection, no thoughts of better alternatives, just a feeling that ‘this is not for me’. Sometimes, to trust that feeling, in the face of a well-established status quo, crowds of people who have already ‘bought in’, intelligent and clever people with seemingly bullet-proof arguments ‘for’ whatever, it was the hardest thing. Especially when I was young, and searching, uncertain and vulnerable. I could not know then that each of us learns our own learning and, like religious fanatics, defend what we think we have learned merely to support our own identity and survival. We ultimately have no reason or purpose in convincing others of anything, and what we have learned may or may not serve us on our journey, and only we can find out anything for ourselves. That’s the rub of life. And that’s why rejection is the most healthy way to lean, because truth wins out inside. The rest is just colour and confusion. And that is why I know I am an artist, whether I produce or not.
About this image
Achievement through rejection: ink and pastel on paper,
18 x 24 inches
Some of the rejections of my life. This seemed like a nice way to illustrate the concept. No offence intended to followers of Ganeshi, whose image I borrowed and altered (I added another four arms and changed what he was holding in his hands). Here, he is holdingthe Bible, a cellphone, a property (representing mortgage payments, for me), a gun that represents violence, pharmaceuticals and fossil-fuel (represented by a car). In his two 'normal' hands he has processed foods (and computer spam!) and WiFi. In his trunk he is holding vaccination.
To view available artworks by Lewis Evans, click below:
Thank you for creating ‘Achievement through rejection’ Lewis, it is a wonder-ful image! Best wishes, Mirjam Schouten.
Many thanks, Mirjam. So glad you like it!
Achievement through rejection: “If you hear a voice inside your head saying ‘you cannot paint’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” Vincent van Gogh. Never stop painting, my friend, your art and words will inspire a new generation to believe that “we ultimately have no reason in convincing others of anything.” You certainly don’t! Dee
Vincent’s letters are something that every artist should read. Wonderful inspiration! So, Thank you, Dee, for the timely and very welcome reminder.