For those who don’t know me well, the only television station I need in life is the classic movie station. So, I was watching it, as usual, when they played a film called “Lust for Life.” Although it sounds like a retro “50 Shades of Grey,” it’s actually a biography about Vincent van Gogh. (Sorry to disappoint some of you.)
The movie was tragic and inspiring because it showed me that few people in this world had as much determination to do what they’re passionate about as he did. It also showed me that, as college students, we have a couple things to learn from this unconventional Dutch guy.
Most people’s knowledge of van Gogh includes one or more of the following tidbits:
“He painted Starry Night. I know because I got a copy at the poster sale last week.”
“He chopped his ear off!”
“He practically invented the ‘starving artist.’”
And that’s the gist. But his chopping off his ear was not the unrivaled dramatic moment of the film. Turns out, he dealt with more naysayers and threats to his art career than most people realize. First, he decides to pursue art and quickly slips into poverty and arguments with his family. He falls madly in love with his widowed cousin, who replies to his marriage request with a sympathetic, “No, nay, never.” His next foray in companionship involves living with a prostitute. Things seem calm for a while, until she hops on a train saying she isn’t returning, because he doesn’t make enough money. Even his best friend Paul Gauguin seriously judges his technique.
Misery and loneliness follow him from the Netherlands, to France, to the asylum he admits himself into, and back to his brother’s home. Painting the world’s overlooked details, he develops a new style the public does not yet understand or appreciate. Because of this, he only sells one painting during his lifetime.
Via: wikipedia
We know how the story ends from here. He is world-renowned, his paintings have gone from worthless to nearly priceless, and his name is branded into the history books — he is a success.
And in his grave somewhere, van Gogh is saying, “Haters gonna hate.”
The movie made me realize that just because other people aren’t appreciating what you are doing does not mean what you’re doing isn’t important. Or more importantly, that you shouldn’t hold on to your passions for dear life.
Having an army of people that don’t support someone happens repeatedly throughout history. Usually, the people receiving this hate are doing something innovative and worthwhile.
Van Gogh is an example of this idea on steroids. Although he didn’t see his art’s influence during his lifetime, he painted with the vigor of a successful artist, as if to say, “The only obvious response to these incredible odds is to keep painting.” Like, wow, I’ll have what he’s having.
In our own lives, many of us are studying to become what we love. But how much power will we allow our passions to propel us against opposing forces?
If a prostitute tells us to get our life in check, if the love of our life rejects us, or if no one loves what we love, do we throw in the proverbial towel? Van Gogh says no. There’s a mix of hard work, dedication and joy that comes from loving the work we’re doing. And isn’t that worth pursuing no matter how other people receive it?
At some point, we will doubt what we love doing, and we will wonder whether it’s worth continuing. During these dark times, think of van Gogh. Could you imagine if he had given up? He would have denied the world a gift.
Featured photo courtesy of: WordPress
