Words of Delacroix from 1853

In his journal entry for March 28, 1853, Delacroix ponders the origins of the artistic drive to both create and to lose oneself in the rewards of the creative process.

Delacroix’s March 28 entry from his famous “Journal” reads:

“…When I am at my easel I forget all the worries and cares that beset mankind. In this world the chief thing is to defeat boredom and sorrow, and I am sure that the man who chooses an occupation like painting out of all the forms of recreation will find attractions that the ordinary run of pleasure does not afford. One of its greatest charms is to remember the time spent in painting after the work is done…Work all you can; therein lies the whole of philosophy and the best way of organizing one’s life.”

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Perhaps in Delacroix’s world the chief elements of life to forget were boredom and sorrow.

Today the creative soul may wish to escape the miseries of ever-growing government expansion and control, rising inflation, the shrinking dollar, and lowered property values.

Today’s lifestyles are stressful. Though Delacroix lived 150 years ago, his message has credibility even today; I agree with him that a valuable way to enhance the quality of life is to involve yourself – no, lose yourself – in art. Those who can make a decent living at it too are fortunate indeed.