Why Do the Artists Do What They Do— Daniel Maidman.
“In the beginning was the Word” is a short description of why I became aware of Daniel Maidman’s work and artistic career. His writing compelled me to follow him in his endeavours for a decade — and what an inspiring journey it was.
Stephen Fry — the master of language — once commented that people seem to be able to find sensuous pleasure in almost anything but words these days. If that is true — and I believe that it is — then Daniel’s writing is the exception that proves the rule.
There is a beauty in the way he uses the language; it’s the way how words flow together with meaning and how precise they convey a certain feeling. Although it was a quality of his prose that attracted my attention, it was the content of his blog that made me stay.
He documented his personal journey as well as his reflections on a variety of visual art topics. I started to read his blog close to the beginning when he was grappling with the challenges of life drawing and painting. However, the difference that separated his disclosures from other blogs was the utmost transparency and almost sore honesty about his growing pains as a developing artist. He attended life drawing workshops 2–3 times a week for ten years, walking his audience through the development of his skill.
The slow and unforgiving process of mastering the craft, the doubt, the frustration of setbacks along with the rewards of perseverance and diligent studies were all there. The whole long journey was described in investigative, often entertaining — and always eloquent manner.
It created a vivid picture of him: a hard working, honest and dignified individual; and just like his art, with no meretricious effects. He connected to a community of like-minded individuals who followed him as he started to gain the momentum of success — first when he was published in International Artist, and then when he had one of his paintings displayed at Saatchi Gallery’s in…