Eugene Smith Passion Is Suffering

Passion is Suffering In January of 1955, W. Eugene Smith decided to try something many of us put off for years and years. Although he was a praised photographer at Life magazine, he quit his job there in order to pursue his dream of liberation through the night life, jazz, and photography. This decision turned into an obsessive project which he actually never finished, however there is greater meaning in his project and dreams. Smith preserved the thoughts and feelings of being a jazz performer and living in New York during that time period. His artistry will now keep alive dreams of other musicians and artists to not give up in a drought or a downfall. He went to such lengths with this project so he could truly be passionate about something. …show more content…
Passion is suffering, and he definitely suffered for his work. Anyone who puts that many hours into producing something, especially something that may mean nothing to someone else,really loves what they are doing. In my mind, if I really love something it shouldn’t matter what becomes of it. Even if I never become famous, at least I am doing something that at the end of the day I enjoyed. It is sad to hear that Smith called his project an ‘embarrassment.’ (Stephenson, 2009) So many people have enjoyed his work and maybe that was the reason he made all of this; He just doesn’t know it! Think of Vincent Van Gogh-- his work was unappreciated while he was alive and it wasn’t until many years later when someone found his art that people finally started to appreciate his efforts. He lived off of coffee and died penniless by his own hand. Perhaps his work wasn’t meant to be noticed until a later date. Part of following your dreams seems to have a connection with letting go and letting your desires guide you to a final …show more content…
Why does anyone enjoy their passions? People are drawn to it; they feel whole when doing what they love. Smith probably felt like he was at home when he was taking photographs or making music. It moved something in his soul or his heart. To love something so much that you leave a comfortable job for something insecure is a massive deal. He gave up his large home for a small, drafty loft. People don’t uproot their whole lives for something that doesn’t make them tick. Recording the sights and sounds of that one building for 8 years became his new home despite his living conditions. It all relates back to him finding