Artists With Unwavering Perseverance and Courage

During the first months of her missionary work Mother Teresa had no income and had to resort to begging for food and supplies. She often experienced doubt, loneliness and the temptation to return to the comfort of convent life. But, she refused to give up and return to easier times. Her innate sense of purpose gave her the courage to persevere.

Like Mother Teresa who was on an unstoppable mission many artists have no choice but to create art. They often grow stronger and more determined in the face of adversity and hardship. Among the strongest and most successful artists I know are those who persevere no matter how bleak their situation or what obstacles lay in their path.

For instance, the award-winning movie “My Left Foot” portrayed the Irish artist Christy Brown, who had cerebral palsy and learned to create art with his left foot.

When Henri Matisse developed cancer and became weak, he picked up scissors and started to create his famous cut-outs that took him into a new artistic direction. Many say it was the among best work he created.

When Frida Kahlo was stricken with chronic physical pain she was compelled to create extraordinary self-portrait paintings as a way transcend her physical limitations.

When Monet suffered from almost total blindness his passion to create paintings in his gardens never ceased to inspire him.

When Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s arthritic hands failed him he continued to paint with brushes tied with rope to his crippled hands.

Another artist who epitomizes the artist who has courage and perseverance is Chuck Close, one of the world’s most respected artists. Close knew he wanted to be an artist from the age of four. At the age of eleven his father died. Then, despite learning disabilities he attended college. Later as an established artist he was struck with a sudden near-fatal illness. A catastrophic spinal artery collapse in 1988 left him severely paralyzed.

Although Close is now quadriplegic that doesn’t stop him. He sits in a wheel chair with a brush strapped to his wrist in order to paint his magnificent, large paintings that are sought after by museums and collectors.

Chuck Close is world renowned for his unique portrait style. What many people may not know is the artist suffers from Prosopagnosia (also known as face blindness), in which he is unable to recognize faces. As a result of this affliction Close was first driven to paint portraiture to help him try and recognize and remember faces.

Chronicles of Courage: Very Special Artists by Jean Kennedy Smith and George Plimpton, is one of the most profound books I have ever read.  You may want to check it out on Amazon.com.  In this book there is a quote by Close with regard to his 1988 tragedy and passion to make art: “One thing that was clear to me early on was how important it was to have something to do – something that you’re anxious to get back to. I wanted to get back to work because I enjoy what I do. I love making art… It’s largely how I see myself. I’m an artist; therefore I have to make art.”

When an artist embraces their talent and their tremendous urge to create art, nothing can stop them. I’m sure you’ve seen the videos in social media about artists without hands who hold paint brushes with their feet and those who cannot see who create art by touch.  Their stories and unwavering courage to triumph in spite of challenges offer us inspiration and give us strength to persevere.

Read inspirational Artists’ Stories written by artists who have courage and perseverance and have turned tragedy into triumph. Find out how they have used art as a healing catalyst for bringing positive change to their lives and the lives of others. Or, you can type the word courage in the search box.