This painting was not just an excuse to paint boxers (though, I have to say, I love the subject matter), it illustrates the qualities of faith and determination. I am, and have always been, a HUGE fan of the Rocky movies...in fact, Rocky I is my all time favorite movie. That movie made such an impact, not only because of its artistic qualities, but because of the idea that it represents. In case you haven't seen the movie (if this is the case you are seriously missing out), Rocky is a not-so-talented club fighter who gets a chance at the big time - a shot at the world heavyweight title. If you watch the entire Rocky saga you learn that he goes on to become the heavyweight champ and a consistently successful boxer. However, his success is not a result of his natural talent as a fighter - it is a result of his faith and determination.
That is what this piece is about. The man on the left is clearly fighting himself out of the corner (an undesirable place to be for any boxer). This painting is that moment in time where the inferior man rallies back from a loosing position and come out on top. Success is rarely ever the result of talent or good fortune. It's about consistency, hard work, courage and determination. This is a concept that I try to convey to my students in making art. Successful art is the result of maybe 5% talent/ability; the other 95% is work ethic and passion!
1 Corinthians 1:27 "...God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty..."
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