I had not intended to post anything but a spring photo today, but situations sometimes present themselves that need some care. Someone close to me painted this woman. It was never finished, but I framed it anyway because it said more to me just as it was. This afternoon I went to a movie by myself. It was a special film done by the Metropolitan Opera titled The Audition. I love opera and this was exceptional. Finalists for the Met sang all the best and well known opera arias one could ever hope to hear in one performance. Toward the end of the film, six out of twelve were chosen. One was an African American man, Ryan Smith, 30 years old. He held the audience in his hand, his performance was riveting. His life had been one of struggle. He had not had the opportunity to study voice or acting or stage presence as the others, and at one point, had been so financially broke that he stopped singing altogether for three years. Now he was chosen to follow his dream to the extraordinary and exceptional demands of the Met. It was a remarkable and amazing achievement. Within a year he had died of cancer. To me it seemed a cruel fate, but think of the world that had opened up for him. He was able to fulfill a dream that for many is never reached in a lifetime. It was a poignant story, sad but also rich with meaning.
Now I ponder this. The person who painted the painting above has immense talent, natural talent, but because of circumstances has left the dream in obscurity. There is so much richness and joy and fulfillment in staying true to your vision everyday, every moment.
(Note: If you are interested in seeing Ryan Smith perform in this film, you can go to the website here and then click on Watch and Listen, then scroll down to The Audition: A Documentary.
It is a poignant story and a timely reminder, as you say, to live each day to the best of your ability. That is a lovely painting.
Judith,
I have tried to not write too many lengthy posts, but this was a story that I needed to share. I will get back to textiles now. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.
The subject that you write about is something I am struggling with right now. I have to say it is one of the hardest things that any person can work with in life. Or maybe, for me, it is the apex and others are born able to handle it easier. That man had tremendous courage and hurray for him. He must have felt very happy at the end of the audition, looking into the future.
Pat,
My hunch is that we all struggle with these questions most of our lives. Look how many books are written on the subject. The choices are never clean either however we choose.
Yes. Absolutely.
luckily it is possible to realize a dream in an instant.
A beautiful blog post and a beautiful painting. Maybe your sharing of this beautiful painting will make the artist reconsider! Thank you for sharing this lovely inspiration.
Debraann,
How I wish this could be true. I guess we each have to come to our artistic callings when we are ready. Thanks for your thoughts.
I am Ryan’s father. I have been browsing the web reading reviews from the Audition and comments about my son. Yours really captures what he was all about. Thank you very much for this beautiful tribute.
Paul,
In a world that often seems mired in trivia, Ryan’s story was more than one of success. He set an example that encompassed hope, perseverance, joy, enthusiasm, and passion. I think it should be a story we remember and repeat. In a culture that offers few heroes of worth and sincerity, Ryan became the ideal that was exemplary and indelible.