Sometimes I'll find a sentence or paragraph in a book and the quote will just stick with me, sometimes for years and years. Maybe it haunts me. But in any case, that's what happened with this particular sentence from the memoir, 'Finding Me' by the actor Viola Davis (good book btw)
Here is the full quote: "For every one actor who makes it to fame there are fifty thousand more who did exactly the same things, yet didn't make it. Most of the actors I went with to Juilliard Rhode Island College, Circle in the Square Theatre, the Arts Recognition Talent Search competition are not in the business anymore. I think I can name six, and many, you wouldn't even know. It doesn't speak to their talent, it speaks to the nature of the business. Trust me when I say most were beautiful and talented, and some has incredible agents. It's an eenie, meenie, miny, mo game of luck, relationships, chance, how long you've been out there, and sometimes talent."
The actor Joe Pesci has stated how he had essentially given up on acting and was working at an Italian restaurant when Robert DeNiro and Martin Scorsese tracked him down for Raging Bull. Pesci acknowledged that he was incredibly lucky, but more importantly, he was ready. Meaning, when luck happened his preparation met the opportunity.
I find it endlessly fascinating how some people in the arts are able to make a career out of their passion. Like REALLY MAKE IT! And others don't. Why this person and not that person? Why is this artwork being celebrated? I guess the uncertainty of the whole thing makes life interesting.
Anyway... I decided to paint the quote, and that's what I did! Thanks again Viola!