One of my favorite subjects while attending college classes was art history. I took three art history courses in my undergrad program and ended up teaching one as an adjunct some years later. What intrigued me as much as the art itself, was the story behind the art. Over the next few weeks I’d like to offer a series on Art is Life and Life is Art. First up: Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s Damned Soul.
The Damned Soul is a sculpture made by Bernini in 1619 when he was only 20 years old. It portrays a human soul that is damned to hell. What I find most interesting about this work isn’t the work itself, but the dedication of the artist. Bernini wanted to capture the five human senses as they experienced the first moments entering hell, and he wanted to make this sculpture as lifelike as possible. To do this, Bernini set up a mirror and a sketchpad. He then built a small fire, took off his shoes and stuck his feet in the fire. Then he quickly sketched the horrified expression on his face. Since hell has fire, the expression on the Damned Soul was pretty realistic.
But that’s a nutty artist. How dedicated are you to your craft? If you want to apply Bernini’s drive with your own and have a successful job, hobby, or career, consider the following:
- Determine what excellence means to you. My definition of excellence might differ from yours, but for me it’s a pretty high standard. You have to know what excellence looks like for you in order to make it a motivator.
- Assess your current drive. We don’t know for certain, but if Bernini was dedicated enough to burn his feet for the sake of realism, it’s safe to say he was driven. How driven are you for success?
- Be prepared to tell your story. Bernini’s sculpture is something to look at, but I wouldn’t want it my office. I’m more inspired by the drive behind it. How will you inspire others with your story of success?
I wonder if Bernini ever knew that his story would be more famous than his creation? Think about how you want your own version of excellence to be remembered.