Paul Cezanne: 'My nervous system is enfeebled, only work in oils can sustain me.'

My nervous system is enfeebled, only work in oils can sustain me.

In the realm of art, there are quotes that encapsulate the essence of an artist's journey and their deep connection to their craft. One such quote is from the influential French painter, Paul Cezanne, who once said, "My nervous system is enfeebled, only work in oils can sustain me." At first glance, this statement may seem simple, suggesting Cezanne's preference for oil painting as a medium. However, delving deeper into the quote, we discover a hidden philosophical concept that intertwines the artist's mental and physical well-being with his artistic creation. This unforeseen layer of analysis allows us to explore the profound connection between an artist's medium of choice and their personal sustenance.To better understand the quote, we must first grasp the context of Cezanne's life and work. Born in 1839, this post-impressionist master painter is renowned for his innovative approach to capturing the essence of his subjects on canvas. Cezanne's artistic journey was plagued by self-doubt, anxiety, and personal struggles. Therefore, his choice of medium carried profound significance; it became both a creative outlet and a means of sustaining his mental and emotional well-being.The specific mention of oils as Cezanne's sustenance evokes several interpretations. Firstly, the technical nature of oil painting demands a particular focus and meticulousness. Working with oils requires patience, as each layer must dry before the next can be applied. This deliberate process visibly manifests on the canvas, reflecting the artist's thoughtfulness and meticulousness. Engaging in this artistic process, Cezanne found solace in the structured routine, allowing his mind to find peace amidst the chaos.Furthermore, the physical act of wielding brushes and mixing colors translated into a form of therapy for Cezanne. Immersed in the world of oils, he could channel his anxieties into the creative process, finding catharsis through his artistic expression. Painting, in this context, acts as a conduit for his emotions, transforming mental and emotional turmoil into strokes of color and texture.Moreover, the choice of oils as his preferred medium may signify Cezanne's affinity for longevity and permanence. The durability of oil paints, when properly preserved, allows Cezanne's artwork to transcend time, serving as a lasting testament to his creativity and personal struggles. The process of creating these lasting masterpieces would have undoubtedly brought comfort to an artist who often grappled with his own sense of insignificance.Introducing an unexpected philosophical concept, contrasting Cezanne's quote, brings further depth to this analysis. It is fascinating to juxtapose Cezanne's focus on oils as sustenance with the broader question of artistic sustenance itself. Is it solely the choice of medium that provides an artist with mental and emotional nourishment? Or does this concept extend beyond the physicality of their work?Perhaps, there exists a metaphysical sustenance in the act of creation itself, independent of the medium employed. Artists of various disciplines, from painters to writers and musicians, all share a common thread— the need to express and externalize their inner thoughts and emotions. The act of transmuting these intangible elements of the human experience into tangible forms may be the true sustenance for artists, providing them with a sense of purpose, self-discovery, and fulfillment.In Cezanne's case, the quote acquires further significance when viewed through this philosophical lens. It serves as a reminder that while the choice of medium and the physicality of the creative process can indeed sustain an artist, it is the act of creation itself that rejuvenates their spirit. Whether working in oils, watercolors, or any other medium, artists find solace and sustenance in the transformative power of their own imagination.In conclusion, Paul Cezanne's quote, "My nervous system is enfeebled, only work in oils can sustain me," reveals a profound connection between an artist's chosen medium and their personal sustenance. Beyond the mere technicalities of his preferred medium, Cezanne's words speak to the emotional and mental solace he found in the process of creating with oils. Delving deeper, we discover a philosophical concept that transcends the physicality of the artist's work, highlighting the dynamics between artistic sustenance and the act of creation itself. In the broader context, this quote serves as a reminder that artists, regardless of their medium, find profound nourishment in externalizing their innermost thoughts, emotions, and experiences.