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Dare to be different
'It has bothered me all my life that I don't paint like everyone else'
Henri Matisse was born in 1869 and died in 1954. His statement now sounds very odd doesn't it. These days everyone is striving to be distinctly different and to stand out from the crowd, somehow. In Henri's prime, conventionality must have been the measure of success. He was born at the dawn of 'Impressionism' which was horribly criticized by the establishment. I guess all the Impressionist painters struggled with the same problem. Now, their way of painting is the new 'convention'! How strange the turn of history is.
When someone chooses to be a creative whether in music, art, theatre, literature or dance, they are making a statement that they are happy to stand alone. Despite the enormous growth within and success of the creative industries and the more opportunities available to illustrators, actors, contemporary musicians, set designers film and TV production teams, there is still resistance from parents to allow their children to choose art, music, drama and film as study subjects at college or university. Yet, we all love the products and productions of those graduates. Who produces our favourite TV shows, popular music, movies, fashion, novels and stage shows - it's all those determined creatives who dare to stand out from the crowd.
Henri Matisse was worried that his work was not like everyone elses but his influence on our lives has been enormous! Thank goodness he had the courage.
