Camille Pissarro: 'I regard it as a waste of time to think only of selling: one forgets one's art and exaggerates one's value.'

I regard it as a waste of time to think only of selling: one forgets one's art and exaggerates one's value.

In his insightful words, renowned painter Camille Pissarro once stated, "I regard it as a waste of time to think only of selling: one forgets one's art and exaggerates one's value." At first glance, this quote encapsulates the inherent conflict artists face between their creative integrity and the pressures of commercial success. Pissarro stresses the danger of prioritizing profit over artistry, emphasizing the potential loss of artistic authenticity that accompanies such a mindset. However, delving deeper, this quote also serves as a gateway to a philosophical examination of the human tendency to attach value to external measures, often at the expense of intrinsic worth.To comprehend the essence of Pissarro's words, it is essential to understand his unique perspective as an artist. Pissarro, a prominent figure in the Impressionist movement, was deeply invested in the pursuit of capturing the beauty of the natural world through his artwork. For him, the act of creation was a labor of love, born out of a profound connection with his artistic vision. However, he laments the detrimental impact that fixating on selling can have on an artist's work.In the realm of art, the notion of selling is closely associated with commodification. Artists cater to the demands of the art market, creating artworks that are likely to fetch high prices and secure financial gain. But in doing so, they often risk deviating from their unique artistic voice and diluting the purity of their creative expression. Pissarro, through his quote, brings attention to this pernicious cycle that traps artists, urging them to reevaluate their priorities and reclaim their artistic integrity.Yet, beyond the realm of art, Pissarro's sentiment raises thought-provoking questions about the human tendency to seek extrinsic validation and attach value to external factors. Society, influenced by consumerism and materialism, often measures the worth of individuals based on their accomplishments, possessions, or social standing. Similarly, artists may fall prey to this trap, associating their value as creators solely with the commercial success or recognition they attain.The contrasting concept introduced here is the philosophically rich notion of "intrinsic value." While external measures such as monetary gain, fame, or societal validation may offer tangible rewards, embracing the idea of intrinsic value emphasizes the importance of authenticity, integrity, and the inherent worth of an individual or creation. It urges artists and individuals alike to reflect upon their inner motivations and acknowledge the significance of personal growth, self-expression, and impact beyond mere external validation.By highlighting the dangers of prioritizing financial gain over artistic fulfillment, Pissarro not only makes an important statement about the art world but encourages us all to reevaluate our own relationship with external measures of value. As a society, we tend to place excessive importance on external markers that may distort our self-perception and the way we interact with the world. Pissarro's words serve as a reminder to prioritize creativity, self-expression, and personal growth over the allure of commercial success or societal recognition.In conclusion, Camille Pissarro's assertion that it is wasteful to solely focus on selling, as it leads to a forgetfulness of one's art and an exaggeration of one's value, holds significant meaning for both artists and society at large. Through this quote, Pissarro implores artists to preserve their creative integrity and prioritize authenticity over financial gain. Simultaneously, he provokes all individuals to reassess the value systems that often overshadow intrinsic worth. By embracing the concept of intrinsic value, we can liberate ourselves from the confines of external validation and perhaps rediscover the true essence of our unique talents and contributions to the world.