Passion for art, what is?

[Mona Youssef]

Dear Members,

I would like to share this subject with you and your feed back is always welcome.

Passion for art, what is? Word passion has been driven from the Greek word “pathos” and has more than one meaning. It can mean something good or bad happens to us, in particular, bad thing carries the meaning of suffering! Passion in Latin word is “passion” means suffering and the verb is “pati” means to suffer!

I definitely, do not wish to talk about suffering but about the passion for art in the positive sense. Our common understandings of word ”passion” has been always as great a quality to have. In a way yes, it is, for the fact that passion works as internal forces and as an inner agent to motivate oneself. It is inner feelings or needs to express oneself one way or the other. Passion motivates us to have devotion, desire, deep interest, intense love and affection for what we do, wish to do or have.

When intense emotion exists usually become uncontrollable and stirs us to reach what has been foreseen from a distance. This deep feelings or needs create enthusiasm which leads to action, in turn, action will lead to success. So, we can say that Passion creates action and action creates result.

But how about the suffering part and why that was included in the original meaning of the word? When passion is left uncontrollable with no guided goals or constructive plans can cause the negative results and suffering. However, having self-discipline, strategy, clear vision and determination can result in the positive part of passion.

Now, what does all this have to do with artists and passion for art? In general artists, of all disciplines, have much passion for what they do. Yet, we see that some artists have quieted their art, some are complaining and others are very successful! This factor would induce artists to examine the inner motives and find out if they have enough passion for what they have chosen to do! Has the financial issue contributed to their decisions of quitting? Have they made enough research of how to promote their art? Have they inquired about how to turn art to business or even asked for assistance from professionals? Have they taken the necessary steps to reach the next step? Or have they discover that art was not for them?

When some millionaires were asked “what made them successful?” they stated that “when doing something you passionate about, the money will follow”!! Here are selected videos for you that may refresh your passion for art and enrich your motives:

1- Promotion Tips for artists: Having Passion for Art: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8fs9oDUcgc

2- "Passion of Art" Cultural Society-by writer Ada Cartianu: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBPuKtmLZC0

Art career is one of the most difficult path to have and to live from. However, my fellow artists, I am not a dreamer neither am I encouraging you to be. But keeping your passion alive and passing the suffering part (the waiting period) is one of the most important ingredient to success.

And this what I wish you all, not the suffering period but the SUCCESSFUL results.


Mona Youssef
http://www.mona-gallery.com