The Myth of Talent

Posted by Mary Rayme Feb 2, 2007

“If you follow every dream, you might get lost.”

— The Painter, Neil Young

Some beginning art students may become discouraged and use the excuse of not having enough talent to be able to progress in their work. This is a reason why the myth of talent needs to be dispelled and discussed.

Perhaps there are a few gifted people born into this world, Leonardo da Vinci, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Michelangelo come to mind almost immediately. These examples are unusual in that they may be considered that very rare sub-species of human, the genius.

Since most of us are not geniuses and there are plenty of other successful artists, it seems to say that many great artists are not geniuses. In fact, most successful artists, athletes, or musicians are great at what they do because of practice. The sheer act of focusing on one goal and pursuing it to its most divine outcome is what makes greatness.

Paul Cezanne was a grumpy, 19th-century French artist who had a great deal of perseverance. He lived in the Aix-en-Provence region of France and went outside every day to paint his beloved view of Mont Sainte-Victoire. This is just a small example of his work but gives us proof that Cezanne was interested in focusing on one subject until he was satisfied. (Aside: Cezanne was never satisfied. While dying from pneumonia, he burned as many of his paintings as he could as he considered them worthless. Artists are such perfectionistas!)

The myth of talent is furthered by the unfortunate use of the word as a noun to describe actors as, The Talent. There is also the Talent Show that seems to frequently not deliver the promise of the name. Also adding to the confusion is the Talent Scout who seeks out the stars of tomorrow and sometimes comes up with Keanu Reeves.

One could cynically say that greatness is just practiced mediocrity, but I would rather think of it as practiced passion. The next time you hear a student lamenting their lack of talent remind them that there is no such thing.