"Study the science of art and the art of science." - Leonardo da Vinci
Imagine the determination, effort and time it took master stone-cutters to create these complex interlocking Islamic symbols at Reales Alcázares de Sevilla. (Click image to view detail).
Did you know that even the artist, inventor and original thinker Leonardo da Vinci was plagued with self-doubt? He overcame such difficult moments through writing affirmations in a notebook. Among them: "Obstacles do not bend me." "Every obstacle is destroyed through rigor." And my personal favourite: "I shall continue."
If you get the chance to visit Château du Clos Lucé - the home in Amboise, France where da Vinci spent the last three years of his life - don't miss it! The chateau contains working models of many of da Vinci's inventions. And there's an underground tunnel leading directly to King Francis's Château d' Amboise, 500 metres away.
Jeanie, I took that photo in Sevilla, Spain. And aren't we all filled with self-doubt, from time to time??!!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 13 February 2013 at 03:01
Is this image from Amboise? It's stunning. I am one who is continually filled with self doubt. This is a good thing to ponder and keep at the forefront.
Posted by: jeanie | 12 February 2013 at 22:26
One of the things I have learned on the web is that everyone has self-doubt.
When you read the blogs of artists you admire greatly, and read about their doubt............ You have to believe that self-doubt is universal.
Soldiering on is what we have to do, I think.........
Posted by: Vicki in Michigan | 10 February 2013 at 12:30
Lisa, good idea for visitors that have limited time in France. We always stay at a charming farmhouse near Amboise and spend a couple of days in the area (did you know Mick Jagger has a house nearby)?
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 09 February 2013 at 19:29
I've been lucky enough to have visited Clos de Lucé twice (so far) in Amboise, and it really IS amazing and well worth the trip. Whenever I have visitors and they have the time to spare, I like to take them there. You can actually do day trips or half-day trips from Paris with mini-van tours; you take the train from Paris to the town of Tours and the mini-van tours leave right from the train station. Amboise & Clos de Lucé are on some of those tours. :)
Posted by: Lisa, a.k.a. The Bold Soul | 09 February 2013 at 18:53
It is hard to imagine carving something so beautiful out of stone. At first glance I didn't realize it was stone.
How I would love to visit daVinci's home. Great quotes.
Posted by: Marilyn | 09 February 2013 at 18:33
I agree, "I shall continue" is wonderful.
Once I was talking to my dad about self doubt, and self meaness really. And he said, "my love, we all have self doubt, and anyone who says they don't is lying..."
It was a good thing to hear at a young age. It sort of opened my eyes, but also, made me feel not so strange and alone in my feelings.
This post reminded me of that.
Thank you beautiful Tara.
xoxo
Posted by: Vanessa {a fanciful twist} | 09 February 2013 at 14:13
I do believe that all artists have this sort of inner struggle and self-doubt during the course of their creative journey. And keeping a head forward to continue, these doubts toughen them up. :)
Posted by: Gracey | 09 February 2013 at 08:58