Artistic Explorations: Never Give Up

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Never Give Up

Number 19

Jackson Pollock

Scheduled for auction 15 May 2013

photo courtesy of Christie's

(estimated value $25,000,000-$35,000,000)

"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes."

Marcel Proust

This week we discussed the work of Jackson Pollock and the upcoming sale of Number 19, the first significant Pollock to be made available in two decades. Part of our conversation had to do with:

success

fame

art prices

In light of the question someone posed, "Why do some artists 'make it' while others do not," I thought a recent post by my friend, Andrew Zahn, was a well written response-

1. The entrepreneurial artist embraces obstacles as opportunities.

He knows that each challenge is an opportunity for breakthrough problem solving, leading to greater creativity, greater freedom and potentially greater profit.

2. The entrepreneurial artist fosters an environment of sustainability with his creativity.

She gives freely, charges freely, and shares freely.

3. The entrepreneurial artist believes that what he creates has value.

He knows his worth and therefore his work has worth as well.

4. The entrepreneurial artist believes business is not boring.

She flavors even the most mundane email or social media update with unique zest.

5. The entrepreneurial artist rebrands everything to the positive.

He masters positive spin. Where others would be negative, he always sees a positive (see #1).

6. The entrepreneurial artist serves others.

She is self-confident without arrogance, knowing that any artist entrepreneur ultimately is a servant.

7. The entrepreneurial artist never gives up.

He never gives up. Ever.