Magazine Fall 2008 Why did You grant me so much?
Why did You grant me so much?
As I was leaving the studio of one of the most prominent contemporary French painters, Jansem, I asked him, “What are you going to do now, right after I leave?” He replied, “I’ll have a snack and will continue working.” That’s how the monologue that started with the words, “I love to paint,” should have ended.
I love to paint. This kind of love, just like anything else in the world, had its own beginning. When I was only eight years old in school I could copy any picture. I received my first set of oil paints as a gift from my brother when I was eleven. When we moved from Greece to France, I began attending Art school. Over the course of several years I participated in various contests, and received many awards. There have always been two very important factors in my life – “luck” and “encounters.” I was often given a chance in life, and I met with famous people who appreciated my work. Of course, my paintings weren’t bought right away – an eighteen year-old boy cannot sell his paintings.
And i didn’t paint them for that purpose
Today I could be happy, but the painting that I make might be sad, or the other way around. I am not influenced by momentary perceptions, or fleeting moods, but by my overall feelings. Who can explain why people sing in sadness, or cry in joy?
In reality, a painting isn’t a mood, but a lifetime search. The world is created in such way that many puzzles remain unsolved, and yet men continue to search for eternal truths, final answers. Philosophers contemplate the meaning of life and death; they try to understand what comes after death. I think that they know for sure that the answer in unattainable, but that’s how it is…
A man always looks for answers
Entering life each one of us takes the path that he or she must. Some manage to reach the end of it, and some stray far away from their original path. Once, long ago, I spoke harshly about Picasso in an interview. Now I regret it, of course. Picasso is a great artist, but his work does not resonate to my feelings. In any case… I love him at times, and sometimes I hate him. I love Cezanne, Van Gogh, and Klimt. They always took one straight path - their own, till the end. Picasso was wavering left and right, mixing up everything on his way. He seems to be wandering, drawing others into his confusion. Many young artists have lost themselves trying to follow his path. I am not fond of artists and people like Picasso. I like those who don’t seek fame, or money – those who just do their work.
Great wealth is given even to the poorest among us. Our head, our eyes, arms and feet, beautiful things, colors, the world – it’s so beautiful. Fifty, or even one hundred years ago we weren’t here. Life – this is the greatest gift. We should try to use our.
Chance to live at its best
When I was a young boy I always took the same road to school, passing by a house with a window into a small studio. It was full of dust and firewood. And every time I passed, I would stop by that window and ask God, “Give me a place like that, tie my foot to the wall, give me a bit of bread, and I will draw my whole life.” That was all I wished for. Now I have several large studios. I was not longing for fame, property, or money. I just lived my life, I just live my life. I have much more than I ever wished for. Sometimes I ask God for something small, and He gives me much more. And then I ask Him, “Why did You grant me so much?” But I don’t get an answer.
