Objects of Desire
“Desire is the key to motivation, but it’s determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal – a commitment to excellence – that will enable you to attain the success you seek.” – Mario Andretti
I love this quote and it relates so well to dancers and their dream of achieving the advancement to pointe shoes. The quote comes from someone who accomplished his dreams and lived in the fast lane, something that you don’t typically associate with dancers. However, driving does require a high level of skill and the dedication to the goal of winning is no different than that of what it takes to become a prima ballerina. You would not typically think of race car driving and dancing as being in the same class, but when it comes to the desire to succeed, dedication, pursuit, excellence and even grace, the two can be associated. I think it is safe to say that there is a certain level of grace that goes with steering a car at high speeds – no? Or is it just being smooth?
I have a huge favor to ask all of my followers who happen to be on Facebook. I am trying to increase the number of likes on my Robyn Graham Photography page. I use Facebook for business purposes and am trying to increase traffic to my Facebook page to eventually lead more people to my website. The growth in awareness of my business is important with my studio opening in September. Thank you in advance for your consideration. I am happy to return the favor, just leave your link in the comment section of this post.
Enjoy the weekend!
Robyn Graham Photography 
Another wonderful photo in the series Robyn. Sorry I’m not on Facebook and that my “Likes” don’t count for business, but they count for expressing my appreciation for your artistry. Have a great weekend yourself 🙂
Andrew your likes are heart warming and I truly appreciate every one of them!!!
The title with this picture transported me back to the age of twelve, Robyn. A friend’s mother took several of us to a production of Swan Lake in Kansas City, and after that I really wanted to be a ballerina. But I was already 5’7″ and still growing, gangly, and more into riding my bike and roller skating. Still, toe shoes held a fascination and the idea of perfection that for awhile had me wrapping my toes in masking tape and dancing to the radio in my room.
Wonderful art transports us, and you are an artist.
I love your memories Marylin. So happy. A special thank you for all of your kind words and encouragement! XO
Beautiful Robyn 🙂
Thank you my dear Laura! I hope you are well on your way to a speedy recovery! XO
You’re welcome! I’m on my way!
Hi Robyn. Nice post. Look me up at http://www.facebook.com/roblowephotography and I’ll do the same. Good luck! R
Thanks so much Rob! Consider it done!
No problem at all. Glad to, Robyn. And good luck!
I too love the quote. This is a quote that applies to all creative endeavors, whether it be dancing, racing, photography, writing, painting, gardening. It is what all who master their craft have in common, whether it be Martha Graham, Mario Andretti, Ernest Hemingway, Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali, Vincent Van Gogh, Alfred Hitchcock, William Shakespeare, Ludwig von Beethoven. I love the story that once Larry Bird, the great Boston Celtics player, still did everything he could to practice his craft even when he was injured. Each of these people think, eat and sleep their chosen endeavor 24 hours a day. There is a story of James Thurber. He was eating dinner with his wife and daughter one night. His daughter asked her mother what her father was doing. Her mother came back with, “Oh, he’s writing.” Sometimes the person’s particular creative endeavor is to create a wonderful family. There are no bad choices for which endeavor a person chooses. It is that for which they have the greatest passion.
Unfortunately often a person’s family suffers because of the person’s commitment to excellence. But this doesn’t have to be true. I have been deeply moved by Robin Williams’ children and their commits about their father. i think that the person has to develop ways for their family to be involved in their pursuit. I am thinking of Alma and her involvement in Alfred Hitchcock’s films. Even his daughter was asked to act in them. Thus it became a family affair. So artists use their family as models for their artwork.
I have gone to your Facebook page and Liked it. Also I have shared your latest blog on my Timeline with a note for people to use you if they live in your area.
Such a beautiful, heartfelt sentiment, Don. Thank you for taking time to share your thoughts with me. Thank you also for sharing my post! Enjoy your weekend!
“… dedication to the goal of winning …”, wow, Robyn, not sure that’s me, but I do know what you’re talking about. Sorry I can’t help with Facebook, I’m not on it >>> but good luck with your studio!
Very much like these mono studies of shoes you’re doing – this one has glorious lighting and tones. Hope you’re fine! Adrian
I love this quote, and this photograph is truly so beautiful, Robyn.
Visited FB, and liked your page. 🙂
this former ballet student loves your worn pointe shoes. Beautiful post- the passion of dedication!
Before you even made your comments about Mario Andretti, I was thinking about the connections: determination, work, drive, success.
As always, I love the signs of wear on the slippers. Happy to like your FB page.
I have two: one for fun – Laurie Buchwald; and one for photography – More Focus than Filter.
I’m not opening a studio, but do have a lot of fun!
I’ve liked your page. 🙂
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Malin-H-Photography/1426313290937971?ref=hl
Best wishes to you Robyn for studio success and will tick your like box when next over on FB! Another beautiful shot!
Thanks so much, Patti! I truly appreciate it!
That’s what fascinates me about ballerina. Their dedication to getting to where they want to be is incredible! Most esp. now that there isn’t as much for live acts, performances, and theaters as it used to.