Monet in Venice
The 2-year pause that gave us water lilies.
I’m one of those museum nerds who loves the introductory panels that tell the story about an exhibit. Most people breeze past these placards, but treasure often lurks in the text.
Such was the case at the de Young’s “Monet in Venice” exhibit.
Behold…
Woah.
Monet’s water lilies were a flop when they were first shown. His time in Italy was a self-imposed exile.
When I got home I Googled and learned even more:
Monet struggled with failing eyesight due to cataracts, which altered his color perception, hindering his ability to perceive blues and greens. (Blues and greens! The color of ponds and water lilies!)
His perfectionism lead him to destroy many of his own canvases — knifing and attacking over 500 paintings throughout his lifetime. (The John McEnroe of painting!)
To build his famous water garden, Monet diverted a Giverny river, sparking anger from neighbors who feared his imported plants would poison their cattle and water supply. The town council initially demanded he remove them, but Monet won the appeal and built an environment meant to immerse the viewer in shifting light and water. (The 1908 version of an HOA nightmare.)
It took years for his water lilies to be seen as more than the “postcard niceties” reviews received at first showing. (The nerve!)
I will never forget being a 20-year old student doing my junior year in Paris and standing before these panels at L’Orangerie. More like being encircled by them. Now, 40 years later, I learn that they almost didn’t happen. Unthinkable.
So, back to you.
Whatever is standing between you and that thing that wants to be born from inside you? Your version of water lilies? Maybe, like Monet, you just need a sojourn in Italy and some friends who remind you not to give up.
Until next time, remember that creativity knows no bounds.