Passion for Art, what is?

We always use the expressions passion for this and passion for that in particular passion for art. What does it mean having passion for something or to be passionate about something?

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 having 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 have led very successful life.! This factor would induce artists to examine the inner motives and find out if there is 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 discovered that art was not meant for them?

When some millionaires were asked “what made them successful?” they stated that “when doing something you are passionate about, the money will follow”!!

Art career is one of the most difficult path one can have to make living 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 while working hard) 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 - Realist fine artist