Une vie non ratée (a successful life)
Quotes and Black Art | Thursdaysº
Quotes and Black Art
Your Curated Art Museum
“Come for the art, stay for the quotes.”
“And that’s all we are, Jefferson, all of us on this earth, a piece of drifting wood, until we—each one of us, individually—decide to become something else.”
— Ernest J. Gaines
A Snippet:
Did you know that Ernest James Gaines (after enjoying an immensely successful writing career, gaining all the approvals, accomplishments, accolades, etc. that one can dream of during a lifetime), chose to return to his birthplace, Oscar, Louisiana, during his golden years, where he and his wife built a home on the plantation where he grew up?
Learn more . . .
Quotes and Black Art
Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025 (week 34)
One week till Christmas! ☃️
100. “Une vie non ratée” (A successful life, 1995) by Chéri Samba
Congo painter Chéri Samba (b. 1956) on discovering new things:
“The wisdom of knowledge is not coming from science; it comes straight from one’s imagination.”
101. “Journey Home” by Sam Gilliam
Washington, D.C. painter and sculptor Sam Gilliam (1933 - 2022), famous for his Sculptural Paintings or “Drape Paintings” on being, “Twice as Good”:
“I realized what the work was actually doing, answering a question that I asked when I came out of school: Why I wasn’t as successful compared, say, to particular white artists. And I found that [my answer] had to be in terms of work, not in terms of race.”
102. “School” (circa 1990-1999) by Blanch Ackers
Ypsilanti, Michigan, artist Blanch Ackers (1914 - 2003), who started drawing and painting in her seventies, on overcoming procrastination:
“I imagine it and I start drawing.”
Reader Testimonials:
“I look forward to your newsletters! Every issue is a pleasant surprise, introducing me to unique art, literature, and history from a fresh perspective.”
— Nick N.
The Silver Lining:
I do believe that it is the duty of everyone who has achieved success (at any level) to be willing to pass it on. That’s the highest standing to me, “Each one, teach one.”
(Breathe In . . . Breathe Out)
Une vie non ratée (a successful life)
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