It would be difficult for me to express all my thoughts about it. It remains a constant disappointment to me that my drawings are not yet what I want them to be. The difficulties are indeed numerous and great, and cannot be overcome immediately. Making progress is like miners' work: it doesn't advance as quickly as one should like, and also as others expect; but faced with such a task, patience and faithfulness are essential. In fact, I don't think much about the difficulties, because if one thought of them too much, one would get dazed or confused.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Van Gogh expresses frustration with his current progress but emphasizes patience and faithfulness in overcoming artistic difficulties. He avoids dwelling on obstacles to prevent confusion, viewing creation as slow, steady labor.
- In plain terms
- Progress in art takes time and patience.
- What can you take from it?
- Stay patient and focused instead of worrying about obstacles.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you handle slow progress?
- What gives you faith in your work?
Another view
Patience alone may not resolve technical barriers.
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