"Don't give up that day job..." Recently a 13 page letter and an undiscovered poem titled "The new Remorse" were discovered in a dusty old wardrobe. The letter (written around 1890) was a hand written advisory to an up and coming writer, who sought advice on literary success from Wilde. It seems Wilde was direct and to the point. He basically saw much wisdom is pursuing one's creative life in one's spare time, and advised the writer not to give up a life of work and salary for art or creativity. "The best work in literature is always done by those who do not depend on it for their daily bread and the highest form of literature, Poetry, brings no wealth to the singer." Strangely, most poets would agree that writing poetry is not a path to financial wealth and happiness. It has been repeated many times, and I even heard it said by the poet Seamus Heaney. In the material world we have today, most of what goes on and most of what we do, comes down to material things. It is simply a statement of factuality. We cannot exist without first having the financial means of supporting ourselves. But can art and creativity, independent from debt and bills and a dependence on money - be truly pursued? So was Wilde's words of wisdom true or out of step with modern times? Wilde also added in his letter: "Make some sacrifice for your art and you will be repaid but ask of art to sacrifice herself for you and a bitter disappointment may come to you."As the letter and poem come up for auction, many people in the creative and art world will debate this matter, just as Oscar Wilde did, all those 120 odd years ago.
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Alan Mc KeoghI am an artist, web and blog designer, and I enjoy creating art, whether people, still life, or landscapes. I blog and write to grow the masses. Logos are a growing passion here. Come to me, brethren! New projects coming soon. Archives
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