An inspirational film

The other night I watched a documentary film which touched me deeply.  The description of, 'Cutie and the boxer' read:

'Cutie and the Boxer is a candid New York love story about life and art that explores the chaotic 40-year marriage of renowned “boxing” painter Ushio Shinohara and his wife and artist Noriko.'

I found the film to be intriguing, beautiful and at times a little disturbing.

The most endearing aspect of Ushio's personality was his determination and complete conviction towards following his passion - creating his, very unique form of art.

Ushio had tunnel vision, completely blinkered to the talents of his wife Noriko. It was sad playing witness to his own, often desperate attempts to have his art recognised and valued by the art world.

What I admired was the relentless, incomparable energy he threw into producing and promoting his work. 

Art fed him - he was his art. 

Despite being quite poor and living a hand to mouth existence, there seemed never to be a time where he thought he ought to get a, 'real' job to pay the bills and put food on the table. By the end of the film I had utter respect and admiration for Ushio and his equally artistic wife Noriko, who was completely devoted to art and her 40 year marriage to Ushio.

Following your passion and never deviating from that path, takes tremendous courage. The reward is health and contentment, with the occasional splattering of frustration and perhaps some condemnation from more conventional on-lookers. Being authentic and doing what you genuinely want to do is ultimately the only way to be....how many more signs and nudges do you need before you grab the opportunity to be yourself - whatever unique and wonderful form that takes? 

"It is your passion that empowers you to be able to do that thing you were created to do." - T. D. Jakes