Podcast Title: The Moth
Episode: Jonathan Santlofer: I’ve Always Been Lucky
Release Date: September 27, 2010

Overview

In this compelling episode of The Moth, artist and writer Jonathan Santlofer shares his autobiographical story, "I’ve Always Been Lucky." Through his narrative, Jonathan navigates the tumultuous journey of artistic success, unexpected tragedy, and profound personal transformation. His story underscores the delicate balance between fortune and misfortune, illustrating how unforeseen events can dramatically reshape one's life and career.

Early Ambitions and Initial Success

Pursuing the Dream: Jonathan begins by reminiscing about his childhood dream of becoming an artist, a vision he pursued with unwavering dedication. Despite lacking a clear understanding of what it meant to be an artist, he enrolled in art school, securing a degree in painting. Post-graduation, he established his studio in Hoboken, a location that was not yet recognized as a fashionable art enclave.

“I’ve always considered myself lucky. I had dreamed of being an artist from the time I was a little kid.”
— Jonathan Santlofer ([02:57])

Breaking Through: Jonathan's persistence bore fruit when he successfully attracted the attention of a Whitney Museum curator. This encounter was a pivotal moment in his career, leading to his first significant exhibition and subsequent opportunities in the art world.

“I somehow persuaded a Whitney Museum curator to come to my studio, and she did. It was an incredibly lucky stroke.”
— Jonathan Santlofer ([05:10])

The Chicago Fire: A Devastating Loss

Preparing for the Exhibition: As Jonathan's reputation grew, he planned a major exhibition in Chicago, representing five years of his artistic efforts. Excited yet anxious, he flew to Chicago, only to be met with an unexpected snowstorm that delayed his return.

The Fire Incident: Upon returning to New York, Jonathan received devastating news: his Chicago gallery had been engulfed in flames, destroying all his work there. The immediacy of the loss left him in a state of numb shock.

“I was hearing the guy on television talk about the fire. And the phone's ringing, and it's 11:30 at night... And I couldn't believe it. I don't remember anything past the news of the fire on the phone.”
— Jonathan Santlofer ([14:00])

Emotional Aftermath: The tragedy not only obliterated his artwork but also tarnished his reputation when his offhand remarks during the crisis were misinterpreted, leading to a year of hate mail and emotional turmoil.

“I felt like a fake. I felt like I didn't know how to paint.”
— Jonathan Santlofer ([16:00])

Coping Mechanisms and Creative Struggles

Attempting to Recreate Lost Works: In a desperate attempt to reclaim his lost creations, Jonathan tried to replicate his paintings. This endeavor, however, only deepened his sense of inadequacy and fueled his depression.

“I did a really bad thing. I tried to replicate my own paintings don't ever do this.”
— Jonathan Santlofer ([18:30])

Turning to Rome: A New Chapter: Five years after the fire, Jonathan received an invitation to the American Academy in Rome. This opportunity marked the beginning of a transformative period in his life. In Rome, he immersed himself in new artistic practices, including replicating Renaissance masterpieces, which provided him with a therapeutic outlet.

“I started making replications of Renaissance masters. I had no fear of destroying my work. And for some reason it felt great to rip up my drawings by myself.”
— Jonathan Santlofer ([25:00])

Reinvention Through Writing and Art

Embarking on a Novel: While in Rome, Jonathan ventured into writing a novel, channeling his experiences and emotions into a fictional narrative. This creative process offered him a new medium for expression and self-discovery.

Returning to New York: Upon his return, Jonathan's dual efforts in painting and writing began to gain recognition. The simultaneous success of his novel and his artistic exhibitions allowed him to re-establish his career with a renewed identity.

“I got a second art career and I got this writing career, which is just astonishing to me.”
— Jonathan Santlofer ([40:00])

Reflections on Luck and Resilience

Embracing the Dual Nature of Luck: Jonathan concludes his story by reflecting on the intertwined nature of luck and his life's trajectory. Despite the devastating loss, he acknowledges that the subsequent opportunities were serendipitous gifts that led to his personal and professional growth.

“I guess you could say, and I agree totally, that I do feel lucky.”
— Jonathan Santlofer ([40:30])

Life Lessons: His narrative serves as a testament to resilience, illustrating how one can navigate and overcome profound setbacks. Jonathan's ability to transform tragedy into a catalyst for creative reinvention underscores the importance of adaptability and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• “I’ve always considered myself lucky. I had dreamed of being an artist from the time I was a little kid.”
  — Jonathan Santlofer ([02:57])

• “It was an incredibly lucky stroke.”
  — Jonathan Santlofer ([05:10])

• “I don't remember anything past the news of the fire on the phone.”
  — Jonathan Santlofer ([14:00])

• “I felt like a fake. I felt like I didn't know how to paint.”
  — Jonathan Santlofer ([16:00])

• “I had no fear of destroying my work. And for some reason it felt great to rip up my drawings by myself.”
  — Jonathan Santlofer ([25:00])

• “I got a second art career and I got this writing career, which is just astonishing to me.”
  — Jonathan Santlofer ([40:00])

• “I guess you could say, and I agree totally, that I do feel lucky.”
  — Jonathan Santlofer ([40:30])

Conclusion

Jonathan Santlofer's story is a profound exploration of how life's unpredictable events can both derail and redefine one's path. His journey from artistic success to devastating loss and eventual reinvention through writing exemplifies the resilience of the human spirit. "I’ve Always Been Lucky" not only highlights the blessings hidden within tragedies but also celebrates the transformative power of embracing change and forging new creative avenues.

This detailed summary captures the essence of Jonathan Santlofer's story, highlighting key moments, emotional arcs, and significant quotes with proper attribution and timestamps. It provides a comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the episode, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of an artist's life.