Even though I could not say everything literally, and my English accent is not the best: I´m very #happy I`ve done it.
Here it is, my #unperfect perfect speech for #TEDTalk.
In the year that we commemorate the 50th anniversary of Pablo Picasso's death, I would like to take this opportunity to share some reflections on his legacy.
The first thing that comes to our mind and would seem more obvious would be me talking about his grandiose and extensive work. But today, that will not be the case because his legacy went far beyond his Art.
Against all odds, Picasso changed artists' attitudes toward their destinies.
He showed us that we don't have to live forever in this preconceived and kind of romantic idea of the miserable artist who lives in poverty, is emotionally unstable, and only gets recognition after death unless, of course, he's lucky enough to find a patron.
I will share with you four life lessons I`ve learned from Picasso on having a more prosperous life.
Lesson 1
You know when you never start anything, just waiting for motivation or inspiration to strike? What you do instead is imagine how well it could be, seeing yourself at the top of the world, with all your dreams coming true, but never taking any action.
Dreaming of painting that landscape but never taking steps toward that canvas or easel. Add mastering drawing but never schedule time for practicing it daily. You will win the lottery; you just never bought the ticket. You keep your goals on a dreamy level or, even better; you add a touch of magical thinking: remember that lucky brushstroke that went well last year? I`m praying that I can do it again today during my art exam.
Surprisingly, many believe disciplined people must be "in the mood" to do their work or go to the studio. Disciplined people know they can't rely on motivation or willpower.
Because, like anything, motivation comes and goes. It's a bonus when it's there, but it's impossible always to be present. So what do they do instead?
They keep showing up.
You must design your timetable and prepare your environment to be more conducive to completing your goals. And take action, no matter your mood,
You keep showing up.
And here you will say that we all know that Picasso arrived late at his studio. It is true, but it is also true that whe was living late and returning every single day. He kept showing up.
Freeze, block, schedule some time on your timetable to work consistently daily. It can be fifteen minutes. Yes, it`s incredible what fifteen minutes a day can do for your skills. And here I`m talking about Art, which can also be applied to Maths, Physics, Sports, or even learning a new language.
You keep showing up.
You must prepare your space to be ready for you to start working. It can be a corner of your room or the entire table. But, must be ready to go. You should carefully reduce the countless distractions around you, so leave your phone silenced away.
You keep showing up.
And you will see, in the long run, that inspiration will catch you working, no matter your mood. That will become more frequent with time.
Lesson 2
Now that you have settled your time and space, you need a plan. And a plan means that you need to respect instructions and follow the steps. Oh, No! it looks like I`m going to talk about rules.
Regarding innovation, rules are often seen as constraints that limit our imagination and potential. However, the truth is that rules can actually be a powerful tool for creative expression.
Because by learning by heart the rules and understanding their structure, you gain a deeper knowledge of how, when, and where to break them in innovative ways to create something that is both technically and personally meaningful.
Because note that breaking the rules doesn't mean disregarding them completely; they are just a way to progress smoothly on a path that was already traveled by others, avoiding losing time or making expensive mistakes.
So, my advice to all aspiring artists out there is to embrace the rules, learn them inside and out, and then use that knowledge to push the boundaries.
I even say to my students, limit yourself! Choose a tiny color scheme, the same material, the same technique, and practice, practice, practice until exhaustion that same theme or motive.
When you finally master all those shapes, colors, and textures and do them without thinking, in an almost meditative way, your hand and your mind will dance together. That unique and genius brushstroke will emerge, repeatedly, breaking all the rules you were following.
Lesson 3
There are several different versions of this story. Did it happen? Is it a myth? We don`t know, but it serves the purpose and goes more or less like this...
Picasso was seated in a coffee shop, using the paper napkins placed before him to draw. probably a traditional French or Spanish pavement cafe, where this is quite common.
He finishes his drink, pays, and leave.
A lady seated near was observing. She has recognized him. At this point in his life, he was already quite famous... and old. She approaches the tables and starts picking up the sketches he left behind. He doesn`t know how and why he returns, interrupting her.
- "Excuse me, I believe those drawings are mine."
- "Of course..." - the lady replies - "I know you! You`re Pablo Picasso, aren`t you?"
He nods his head.
- "Oh, what a great artist you are! I love your paintings; they are all so good! Can you give me your drawings?",
- "Of course!" - he replies and sets a quite high price for them.
Do not forget that at this point, he was already exchanging a unique painting for a house, if he wanted.
- "How come? I saw you doing them, and you took five minutes! Common!" - she exclaimed.
Picasso leaned over, carefully took the napkin back, and said:
“No, dear lady, that took me a lifetime.”
This story goes for both sides.
Can you imagine yourself entering that same coffee shop, calling the waitress, and asking: "Oh, what a great barista you are! I love your cappuccino; they are all so good! Can you give me one, free?",
Can you imagine paying your grocery bills, rent, and electricity with that unique compliment you've received in exchange for that three-week project?
Observe your landlord and grocery owners' reactions. Please, put that surprised face on: "What do you mean you do not accept compliments as payment?”
So next time you ask your friend... (you are really his friend? Are you that kind of friend?) to give you that drawing or painting that was so easily done before you, or when you ask to copy the homework five minutes before the lesson, please think twice.
And to artists, I would like to add that I do not think that sometimes he shouldn`t give our Art for free, In some occasions that will make sense. I´m just saying that that should be an exception, but never our rule.
Lesson 4
Here, I would like to ask you; it doesn't matter what you're doing or where you are, never to take yourself too seriously.
(I imagine my art students thinking: "Coutinho, is that you? Are you feeling well?"
Don't get me wrong; I'm not saying you shouldn't do your best—that lesson, I will never give.
I'm just saying: Accept your imperfectly perfect path. Be ambitious in your progress, but respect your pace.
Take care of that child still living in your heart, the one with a twinkle in her eyes, the one who sees the world with a look of wonder and joy and a smile on her face. Have fun, be fearless, and for God's sake, make some mistakes. You are going to do some bad Art, so what? Is life! Part of the learning process. Learn how to fail, learn how to fall. Fall often but fall well because those who learn how to fall never get hurt.
Like a child learning to walk, they fall several times, but they also quickly get back up and try again. Some children even laugh at these small falls. But they never, ever assume that they are not capable of learning how to walk. Once on their feet and able to balance their steps, they will start running.
(Probably with a smile on their face.)
No one, or should I say, everyone?
Nobody sees everything at once and completely. We see parts of reality: we believe them to be true. And don't forget that context is everything. We look at the world according to our culture, experiences, skills, and time. And don't forget that context is everything.
Our shared views complement each other to build a more complex perspective closer to reality.
Nothing is as simple as we wish: right and wrong, black and white—so many shades in between.
When you choose to remain in your bubble and not to hear both sides, to make your own conclusion, you are limiting yourself.
Nowadays, many times when people cannot compete with someone's skills or capabilities, they choose the easy path and destroy reputations. Gossip has become the most used weapon. Half-truths, fake news… And this is also happening with the reputation of Pablo Picasso.
Was he perfect? No, but who, being human, is?
I choose to accept his complex personality and not forget his genius and insightful lessons. Against all odds, I choose not to be distracted by gossip and embrace Pablo Picasso's positive legacy for humanity.
How about you?
Thank you!
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