Dismissing an artist’s early promise can blind friends to real talent
Evidence
But just like Lucy and Ethel, we could not stay mad at each other for long. … During the two years we lived together, Roberto continued his painting in between film projects. He made hundreds of small 12x12 abstract paintings, and after each one was completed he would hold it up with pride and say, “One day these are going to be worth a fortune.” … I rolled my eyes and replied, “Yeah, dream on!” I’d further criticize him because I thought he’d never succeed as an artist. In my opinion he couldn’t even draw well, but what did I know of fine art? Just a few years later when he started to emerge as an art star in NY, I had to eat those words. Roberto taught me a valuable lesson in how important it is to have vision and to believe in yourself, no matter what the world thinks of you. — Dolores DeLuce, Blow Jobs, 204
Categorization
- XREF: Connects to the psychology of prediction and how observers underestimate outlier success — similar to narratives about early dismissals of major artists (e.g. Vincent van Gogh, Frank Gehry). — connects to: Friends frequently fail to recognize the potential of an artist on the rise. — Dolores DeLuce, Blow Jobs: A Guide to Making It in Show…, 203
Related
- Friends frequently fail to recognize the potential of an artist on the rise. (similarity 0.93)
- Believing in one’s own artistic vision can outlast early derision from friends. (similarity 0.84)
Broader Connections
- Friends frequently fail to recognize the potential of an artist on the rise.
#corroborates(0.80) — Dolores DeLuce, Blow Jobs, 203