INSPIRE ME! Artist, Leonardo da Vinci

"I have offended God and mankind
because my work didn't reach the quality it should have."

~ LEONARDO DA VINCI

"The Last Supper" painted onto a wall at Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Italy

By TAHLIB

Born April 15, Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci (April 15, 1452 – May 2, 1519) is universally regarded (except by Michelangelo) as one of the greatest of all Religious artists. By who is the man? Every other month, or so, I take a fictional journey it the past for a dialogue with one of the world's great religious arts masters. By starting off 2012 with Leonardo da Vinci, I am giving a nod to the wonderful show in London (which I missed). The interview format is simple: I ask seven questions, and below each are seven answers from the great one plus images for illustratration. Next month, Ernest Britton (Indianapolis) returns with contemporary artists.

Self portrait in red-chalk (1512-1515) by Leonardo da Vinci

(1) Why do you paint? And why does your work explore religion? Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.

San Giovanni Battista" (1513-1516) by Leonardo da Vinci

(2) How do you start a new work of art? How do you know where to begin? A painter should begin every canvas with a wash of black, because all things in nature are dark except where exposed by the light.

"Virgin of the Rocks" (1495-1508) by Leonardo da Vinci

(3) You have been criticised for not completing a great deal of paintings, including the portrait of Saint Heironymous, why don't you always finish what you start? Art is never finished, only abandoned.

Unfinished "Portrait of St. Heironymus" by Leonardo da Vinci

(4) As a Christian believer, do you think God is pleased with your work? I have offended God and mankind because my work didn't reach the quality it should have.
 

Computerized match-up of Mona Lisa & da Vinci self portrait

(5) Why do people, including not only Popes, but the rich & powerful, and the not-so-rich & unpowerful, covet your work? Do you think your work offers some kind of new knowledge or insight into life? The acquisition of knowledge is always of use to the intellect, because it may thus drive out useless things and retain the good. For nothing can be loved or hated unless it is first known.



(6) What other artists have influenced your style, or commitment? I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death

"The Baptism of Christ" by Andrea del Verrocchio  (and assisted by Leonardo da Vinci)

(7) What advice do you have for other artists, or other creators in other professions, and careers? Life is pretty simple: You do some stuff. Most fails. Some works. You do more of what works. If it works big, others quickly copy it. Then you do something else. The trick is the doing something else.

"The Sacrament of the Last Supper" by Salvador Dali

In closing, I'd like to share that I really didn't visit Leonardo da Vinci, except maybe in my dreams. All the quotes however are real. They come from Goodreads.com, a wonderful resource for quotations and interesting reads. Of course my questions may, or may not have anything to do with his answers but it was still an enjoyable journey. I hope you enjoyed the journey too, and I'll be back in soon for another journey to INSPIRE ME!