Creativity and Perfectionism

When is a painting finished?

I haven't painted in years, but I've spoken with others who struggle with the final steps, adding those finishing touches to artwork. This also applies to music, or writing.

How much pressure should an artist put themselves under to create a product they're completely happy with?



Today, if asked for an example of "genius", many would bring up the name Leonardo da Vinci - painter, scholar, engineer, inventor. He himself thought he could have done better. Here are his reported last words, translated into English:

I have offended God and mankind because my work did not reach the quality it should have.

Another great artist is Hokusai Katsushika, famous for painting thirty-six views of Mount Fuji. His last words:

If heaven had only granted me five years more, I could have become a real painter.

Now that's perfectionism.

Reboot... coming soon

Reboots

Batman Begins.

The Amazing Spider-Man.



I'm not saying my reboot of this blog is going to be as well-done or as impressive as those movies. But a relaunch (or reboot or revision) is what I'm going for. Some older posts may be edited and reposted.

This will be a place for serious issues. Politics. Faith. Art. The crossroads and intersection of the realms mentioned in my blog's title.

I may even get some guest authors from time to time.

My personal blog, with travel stories, pictures, movie reviews, etc, will remain at its usual place - see sidebar for the link.