John Kaul Facebook ad: “I painted this envelope portrait of Lindsay Vonn…”

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927649809610221

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Facebook and Instagram

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I painted this envelope portrait of Lindsay Vonn in September of 2023 after I read her autobiography. I assumed, given her age, and after all the concussions and knee operations that her career as a downhill racer was over. How wrong I was! I am in awe of her invincible spirit. Her almost total lack of fear, whether swimming with sharks or plunging down a mountain at eighty miles an hour fascinated me. I was a ski jumper in my youth but downhill racing was something I wasn't willing to attempt. Her victory over age and near infirmity brought to mind one of my favorite quotes in my collection of 9000 gathered over 60 years. It is one that has often inspired me to advance against the odds when faced with a difficult challenge. The quote is from antiquity and requires a little context. The Carthaginian General Hannibal was leading an army—including cavalry and war elephants—from Spain into Italy to strike Rome on its own territory. When he reached the Alps late in the season, his troops faced sheer cliffs, snow, hostile mountain tribes, and narrow passes that Roman strategists believed were impassable for a large army. According to ancient sources, some of his officers reportedly hesitated or despaired at the terrain. It is in this moment that Hannibal is said to have declared something to the effect of: “Aut viam inveniam aut faciam” “I will either find a way, or make one.” Hannibal did find a way to his objective and so did Lindsay Vonn. In these dark times it is important to not lose hope. Pessimism is, as Anne Applebaum has said, "irresponsible." We need to keep this in mind between now and the 2026 elections.

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John Kaul

Digital creator