I think art can teach us a lot about life, because there are so many parallels. One of those parallels is our need to think for ourselves and ‘defy the influential master.’

All of us find things in life that inspire us. We find it in the way others act, dress, create, think, etc. To copy others, may lead to some level of learning, but to transform… to transform is how we become truly original. We must ‘defy the influential master’ as we search for ways to create our own lives.

Henri Matisse, one of the most famous artists of the 19th, and 20th century understood this concept well. “Known for his use of color and his fluid and original draftsmanship. He was a draughtboard, print-maker, and sculptor, but is known primarily as a painter.” (Source 1). Matisse, however original he appeared, was not afraid to admit the influence of others within his own artistic style.

“I have never avoided the influence of others. I would have considered this cowardice and a lack of sincerity toward myself. I believe that the personality of the artist develops and asserts himself through the struggles it has to go through when pitted against other personalities. If the fight is fatal and the personality succumbs, it is a matter of destiny.”

- Henri Matisse, (Radical Invention: 1913-1917, pg. 54)

Matisse was also heavily influenced by the work of post impressionist artist, Paul Cezanne, 30 years his senior. In relation to Matisse’s admiration for Cezanne’s work, John Elderfield, author of ‘Matisse: Radical Invention: 1913-1917’ stated,

He obviously was speaking of Cezanne, whom he would describe as “a sort of god of painting,” but whom he would also praise for having said, “Defy the influential master,” because to be influenced also means that “we are obliged to create a new language.” As we have seen, with Cezanne- and with other artists besides- that is precisely what Matisse had already set out to do.

John Elderfield, ‘Matisse: Radical Invention: 1913-1917’

I used to think that the peak of an artistic career was two things. One, that I could draw and paint in a photo realistic way. Two, I thought that placing my artwork in hands of famous people would be a peak as well.

Although both of those are nice, and have happened, I no longer see this as the artistic peak. I now see a much higher priority on creativity and originality. I don’t want to just be a copy of someone else, or a small addition to someone else’s achievements. I want to have my own story, pave my own path, and do things my own way.

And yes, I will find inspiration from others along the way, but that’s not where I hope to stop. The goal is to ‘defy the influential master’ in pursuit of creating my own style.

This is not just a good goal for artists. We all can benefit from seeking our own ways of being original. Our main goal shouldn’t be just to copy someone else: our parents, our friends, celebrities, culture, etc. Our goal should be to transform what we know, and to defy the influential master in pursuit of our own story. It’s not a matter of doing things the way they’ve already been done. Rather, it’s a matter of finding a new ways to do things, that is uniquely your own.

Sources

Source 1: https://www.henrimatisse.org/

Source 2: ‘Matisse: Radical Invention: 1913-1917’