"Art Is Never Finished, Only Abandoned": Exploring Creative Ruts and Midlife Transitions
Leonardo da Vinci once said, “Art is never finished, only abandoned.” It’s a statement that resonates far beyond the boundaries of art and into the core of human existence. For many of us, life can feel like a canvas smeared with half-completed brushstrokes and unfinished projects. In midlife, especially, it’s common to confront the stark realization that some of our goals, dreams, or passions may never fully materialize in the ways we imagined. Yet, in that realization lies an opportunity to reframe our understanding of creativity, success, and fulfillment.
Life (and art) is not meant to be a perfect, completed masterpiece. Instead, it’s a dynamic process of creation, revision, and, sometimes, letting go. I’m turning 50 this year. And starting this fall, my wife and I will be empty nesters. I have been thinking about these topics a lot lately. Hitting a creative rut (whether in your career, personal pursuits, or even your sense of purpose) can mirror the unfinished nature of art and definitely makes this LDV quote resonate. But I have come to think that embracing that imperfection can lead to deeper growth and meaning.
Stuck in the Middle of the Canvas
Ruts are a peculiar thing. They sneak up on us, often after periods of productivity or high achievement. At first, they feel like temporary pauses, moments to catch our breath before diving back into the work we love. But over time, they can settle into something more insidious: a persistent stagnation that chips away at our confidence and drive.