I have the good fortune to be visiting Paris where my partner is from, and it certainly has its charms. One thing in particular that I’m enjoying is the way so many things are perfectly curated by highly specialized purveyors. For certain things, you go to Merchant A, while Merchant B may have a slightly different variation and selection, so if you want what they have, you go there too.

I go to the butcher for juicy rotisserie chicken, the boulangerie for delicious bread and the fromagerie for the most incredible  selection of cheeses, which are to die for. Just give me a bag of aged Mimolette chunks and I’m in heaven (hoping my arteries aren’t hardening just thinking about it). And don’t get me started on the patisseries which have been raised from an art form to pure spectacle (check out Cédric Grolet, one of my favorites).

These highly talented artisans have attained a level of mastery that comes from their creativity, art, refined taste and appreciation of exquisite beauty.

So much more to say about other things I’ve noticed,  but I most wanted to share my recent experience at the Fondation Louis-Vuitton (which I highly recommend).  The building was designed by Frank Gehry whose architectural designs are always inspiring.  I thoroughly enjoyed the Matisse exhibit (among other highlights) and felt there were many lessons to unpack.

This exhibit focused exclusively on The Red Studio, a pivotal painting that displayed several other works within the artist’s studio. He basically did a painting that referenced multiple other paintings and sculptures of that time, which were also on display.  It mapped the journey of this work of art, which was originally a commission rejected by Matisse’s patron and primary collector in 1912. This deeply impacted him, causing him to withdraw the work from the next Paris art show.

Matisse painted most of the canvas dark red, completely changing the image layout by removing the foreground and depth perception. This reflected a significant change in direction for Matisse, who wasn’t even sure why he had made that specific artistic choice, but he had felt compelled to paint over existing colors. He later displayed the work of art in London and New York (at the Armory) to derision and mockery.  The work didn’t sell until 15 years later, when it was acquired by a British restauranteur who displayed it for 13 years at The Gargoyle Club, an artist’s haunt. It was then taken out of circulation for many years.

In 1949, a decade later  the Museum of Modern Art in New York purchased and displayed it to a receptive audience where it met with a reprisal. Matisse’s son displayed another work, Large Red Interior, modelled on the same themes, which was painted in 1948.

Patience and Persistence

All of this is to say that our work and love need nurturing.  One of the most widely acclaimed modern artists of our era left the law to pursue his art. His major fan rejected a risk he had taken to create one of the most important works that foreshadowed a complete change in his creative direction.  It wasn’t until his 60s, much later in Matisse’s life, that he received widespread acclaim and recognition for his ouevre and the risks he took to broaden his perspective.

What does this mean for you?

It’s not uncommon for clarity, recognition and self-acceptance to come with time.

• Our path is not always easy or direct. Sometimes we may struggle and face doubts.
• You will find fans along the way, and sometimes detractors.  Don’t let that keep you from doing your work.
• Persistence, willingness to take risks, luck and timing all can influence your experience.
• Be patient with your process.  Your life is a work of art.

On a more personal note, here are some additional reflections from Paris that I’m likely to share more about.

• Don’t skip the bread (find gluten-free if need be).
• I’ll have more cheese please! And so should you because you’ll enjoy it.
• Always have dessert because we all deserve a happy ending.
• Prepare for rain, hope for sunshine and appreciate whatever day brings
• Beauty and lessons are everywhere, particularly when you look for them.

Ready to live more and make your life a work of art?  Or just want to parlez francais and talk all things French, setup a Discovery Call to connect!