Art is a lie
which makes us see the truth.
—Pablo Picasso}
I View My Work
as an Art FormP
icasso was not only a great artist, he was also a good business-
man. He knew the value of his work and he didn’t make ex-
cuses for it. He told a story once about someone who visited his
studio, stood in front of a painting, and asked him, “What does it
represent?” Picasso’s response was, “Two hundred thousand dol-
lars.” He was telling the truth and in no uncertain terms. Picasso
obviously viewed his art as a business, which it was. I view my
business as an art, which it is. You should view your work that
way, too.
Here’s why. Artists are known for their dedication to their
ideals, to their muse—whatever that might be—and for their per-
severance in getting things just right. Those are admirable traits to
possess. They will go to great lengths to achieve the desired result.
In 2005, a Beethoven manuscript was discovered in a library, and
he made so many changes and scratches on it that there were holes
punctured through the pages in some places. This work was found