I always treasure your replies Reinhard, you are so wise and so intelligent I feel it is an honour to have you as a friend here on Steemit. I understand what you mean regarding "important people" - I have worked as a designer/illustrator for some very rich and powerful people and the more "important they are the less they seemed to act important but more like down to earth folk.
I agree that probably health it the most important thing - if you are too ill or mentally ill to be able to love, then the love part comes from the nurses who care for them sincerely. Without the love and empathy of decent nurses where would we be?
Your story of moving to towns and cities and then returning made me laugh lol. What does it say in the Bible: "A person can not be a profit in their own town" lol
Personally I rather like being unimportant. When I was young I wanted so much to be famous. As I have grown older I began to see though the nonsense. What does it all mean of you do not have contentment within. Marylin Monroe was one of the most famous people who has ever lived and yet she was miserable. She needed all that attention to cove her internal pain, but if you use attention as a form of self medication then it will never be enough. You will crave attention for the rest of your life and it will end up being your own form of torture. Look at how the Hollywood stars go under the knife of the plastic surgeon and do anything to get their name or picture in the newspaper.
Fame can help an artist sell their work easier but that is about all. If your painting does not satisfy your own creative needs then fame will not help you achieve contentment. It took me a long time to realise that and it changed my entire view of art and why I paint. It also opened my eyes to being able to see other artists who are genuine. Such as yourself Reinhard.
Best wishes for 2018 my talented friend.
Dear Arthur, the pleasure is all mine and it means a lot to me to have you as a friend here. Your posts are always very valuable for me and I'm thrilled, when I see you taking the time to answer my comments.
Feel exactly like you about being important. Particularly by today's superficial standards. I want to be important to the ones close to me, but in a different sense.
So true, what you say about artists and the pursuit of fame. Of course, I wanted to be famous too, when I started out. Getting some recognition helps you to better cope with self doubt and like you say, it makes it easier to sell your work and make a living... But when success by itself becomes the primary goal, I don't think you achieve the peace of mind we all seek in the end.
Thank you for what you said about me. I feel the same way about you!
Nicely said Reinhard. I have great respect for you my good fellow and I mean that sincerely. I look forward to 2018 and seeing more of your art and reading more of your posts.