You have no idea how relieved I was when I found out that Stendhal Syndrome was a thing.
Ever since I was a child, I’ve cried at art.
I cried at the symphony. I cried at the museum. I left my own little trail of tears all over Paris.
Art – and when I say “art” I mean any creative work – makes me cry for a bunch of reasons, but the primary one is this:
I am deeply moved by any art that stands the test of time.
I mean, that’s what we all want, right?
To create something that survives after our death?
So, witnessing a creative act that fulfilled the artist’s vision of longevity…eternity, even…?
That just wrecks me.
“We work in the dark–we do what we can–we give what we have. Our doubt is our passion and our passion is our task. The rest is the madness of art.” – Henry James, The Middle Years
We work in the dark indeed.
We do not know where our work is going. We do not know what will happen to our work or our reputation once we’re gone.
Would Van Gogh’s impoverished life been different if he’d somehow known that he would go on to be one of the world’s bestselling artists of all time?
My grandmother made seriographs and lithographs, and I just heard from someone who bought one of her works 25 years ago. She wrote to tell me how much the piece had meant to her and to her special-needs child all these years.
I cried at that, too.
So my question for you is: what are you creating that will live after you’re gone?
It doesn’t have to be anything big or “important.”
It can be anything.
As long as it comes from your heart.
What ‘s your heartfelt project?
(drop it into the comments)
—Sam
I am painting abstracts in acrylics on canvas, exploring different styles. I never know what it will be until it announces itself as complete. every piece is a journey that goes through many stages. It is a dance between my training and my muse. Mostly my m use leads the way.
Yes! Let the muse lead the way : ) Well done, Charlotte.
Hi Sam,
Right now, my heartfelt project is a singing Recital that I will be performing on March 29, 2020 as part of a Master’s Program at Western University. I think it gets recorded. But this is definitely a heartfelt project.
Wonderful, Pamela!
Healing books to support children in difficult situations: Have you Ever Been A Child? & Private Keep Out! Plus eBook Yes After Cancer (Digestible Dollops for Well being after Treatment) & maintaining the vision of a 50 foot labyrinth now open & welcoming visitors. Just recently decided to un/retire to work on new project for the Sacred Grounds around the labyrinth. So grateful to have energy to carry on😍🙏tenacity, perseverance, with a dose of “YES, I can!”
Hooray for you, Leslie! I can’t wait to hear how the new Sacred Grounds project emerges…. : )
I’m working on a memoir about three of the men that I loved most in the world and who all died way too young, and as part of that project also look at how loss as a young child impacted my life, and how I was finally able to break the pattern.
I am hoping it will be my books, to be enjoyed by the masses.
I love this post. It makes me kinda wish I was someone who cries at art! Is that weird?
Thanks, Lisa. Just the other day I was browsing in an Antique Mall (mostly junk) when I saw a painting in a corner and immediately puddled up. When I got closer, I wasn’t surprised to see that it was for sale for $10k. In a sea of crapola, my inner art radar had kicked in. It’s an odd superpower, but a pretty harmless one….
I remember when I first read about Stendahl Syndrome, I knew it was real. I have always been moved by great art, including great writing. I am an artist and a writer myself, working both in the visual arts, painting and sculpture, and writing, all kinds of writing but lately I am trying to finish a memoir I have been working on for decades. You have been very helpful in that process, especially the fifteen minutes a day suggestion. I still paint frequently too, lately experimenting with alcohol inks. I have sold a trickle of art over the years, but the therapeutic aspect of painting is what keeps me at it.. Thanks Sam for you real help, lo these many years.
Thanks so much, Stan. It’s an honor to be part of your process and witness your success.
You mean there are people who DON’T weep at great art?
I know, riiiiiight?!?!?
I took my trauma and put it into two songs I wrote, recorded and released. Hopefully they will still be around long after I’m gone, still telling my story.
I wept today watching the film Maestro- in awe at the art that was created at every level of this masterwork.
But I really lost it when the credits began, and I saw that Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg have both joined Bradley Cooper in producing this film. That level of recognition and support had me sobbing aloud.