Instead, van Gogh did it his way (I think he actually credited Frank Sinatra’s song “My Way” for the inspiration.)
And so what lesson do I take from this story? That we must each find our own “My Way” and not follow another’s approach simply because they are successful, have a degree or because we respect their work. If their approach works for them, then there’s a good chance it will not work for you!
Find your “My Way.” Listen to the different approaches and gravitate towards that which resonates with you. Then take those ideas and make them your own.
Colefucius say: they who walk in another’s footsteps,
never finds their own path.
Hey Cole,
What a great analogy about finding your own path. What works for one may not work others, is true in every aspect of our life. Be it surgery, philosophy, bike riding, etc. Well pointed, thanks for sharing.
Thanks for this Cole. That is a great movie. And though I realize that there have been a handful of movies about Van Gogh, I cannot imagine any other actor portraying him than Dafoe.
Yes, Dafoe was incredible, the perfect amount of crazy.
Very inspiring commentary Cole. And I agree we must find our own way.
Thank you for sharing.
Now to see the movie
See you in Sept. in Bandon
Linda
I haven’t been to Bandon since Covid, I can’t wait!
I partially disagree with Colefucius. It’s important to have mentors and persons of great wisdom and skill and to be able to walk in their footsteps. That is how much learning has been done over the history of mankind. However, I agree that part of the wisdom learned is when to step out of those footprints and create your own.
For some, walking in the footsteps of another until they are ready to make their own way, is best for them. For other, forging ahead on their own is the “right way” for them. I really think it goes to one’s personality.
Great read Cole. I’m gonna stop following you now. I suggest you stop following me… I’ve taught you all that I can. Its time to fly grasshopper… FLY!!! 😂
Where’s the delete or spam key???
How do I get rid of this imposter?
As a non-professional artist or photographer, I see the “right way” as something that taps into the mythic without smashing it into our faces. That way, it is both personal and universal. Of course, that’s an oversimplification.
Cool comment!
The group I belong to, FYV (Find Your Voice) is structured just around that difficult topic. What is one’s voice? Sometimes very difficult to accept that what you are looking at is good enough, or the page is blank, so the temptation to “look” elsewhere for ideas. I would have loved to see Van Gogh’s throwaways.
What a great sounding group!!!
Tying this idea to mentorship: how does a mentor help a person find their own “my way?“
I share your belief in respect for creative diversity. Photography is the means and art is the end. The photographer lends his/her personal expression into the picture (the art) and is at liberty to use what means he/she thinks necessary to achieve the goal.
If only everyone understood that!
It’s so liberating once you understand that you can do whatever you want.
Another song:
‘Go your own way”
(Fleetwood Mac)
Thank you for this inspiration Cole!
Greetings from Holland,
Ulbe Spaans
In Henry David Thoreau’s 1854 work, Walden, he wrote, “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away”.
Loved the movie and your views posted here. Thanks for keeping me involved in creative thinking.
Thanks for sharing this, Cole! Now I have a movie recommendation that sounds fascinating! This reminds me of two instances in grade school when teachers told me I was doing the art project “wrong”. Even at a young age, I knew I was right to do it “my way”. Thank you for your insights!
Thanks for sharing this inspiring article, Cole!
It’s a great philosophy for those who ‘succeed’. I wonder how to comfort those who remain abject failures.
Such a great question! (which I assume was said in jest) It brings to mind two thoughts:
First, what is success and what is failure?
Second, I was already thinking about writing an article about how if you follow your Vision, you’ll likely be a failure (how it’s most commonly defined).
Good comment John!
As always COLE is interesting and inspiring, I got a lot from your newsletter and of course this is like wood that needs igniting.
“You cannot teach a man anything. You can only help him discover it within himself” — Galileo Galilei
Thank you for sharing your precious experiences!
Greetings from Albania
Such a great quote! Thank you.