from Simon Kogan

When people ask for finished,” he wrote, “they’re really asking for the expected.” -Robert Henri

Simon Kogan had a moment that made him reflect deeply on what it means to finish a piece of art.

He had sculpted a small figure of a dog and proudly showed it to his daughter. Her reaction surprised him. She didn’t like it. When he asked why, she simply said, “It’s unfinished.” He asked what exactly felt incomplete, but she couldn’t pinpoint it—just that something wasn’t there.

That small exchange sent him spiraling into thoughts about what makes the artwork finished. He began to read, research, and revisit the thoughts of artists throughout history. And what he found was not only interesting—it was liberating.

Rembrandt, for example, was once questioned about why many of his paintings looked unfinished. His response? “A work of art is complete when, in it, the artist has realized his intention.” In other words, completion isn't dictated by polish or public opinion, but by purpose.

Then there's Paul Cézanne. Famously self-critical, he rarely signed his work. In a letter to his mother, he wrote, “Finishing things was a goal for imbeciles.” Harsh, maybe, but what he meant was that the pursuit of an externally defined “finish” could stifle growth, curiosity, and exploration. He knew that, for him, the process was as important as the product.

***Sculptures of Michelangelo: St. Matthew (1505–1506), Young Slave (c1530), Atlas Slave (c1530), Accademia, Florence.***

Many consider the above sculptures “unfinished,” but are they?

This idea—that finished is a feeling, not a formula—has been echoed across disciplines. Many contemporary artists and creators adopt an iterative mindset. They release versions. They revisit ideas. They stay open to evolution.

So, what does this mean for us, especially if we’re creators ourselves?

Here are a few key takeaways:

1. Completion is Subjective

Whether you're painting or sculpting- only you can define what “enough ” looks like. Let your intention guide the final stroke, not external expectations.

2. Process Over Perfection

Focusing on perfection can paralyze progress. Embrace the process. Sometimes the roughness is the finish. . Sometimes, walking away at 90% is more powerful than pushing for a 100% that leaves no place for mystery.

3. Feedback is a Mirror, Not a Map

Simon’s daughter’s honest opinion was valuable—it held up a mirror. But it didn’t change his intention. Use feedback to reflect, but not to react unless it aligns with your purpose.

4. Give Yourself Permission

Not everything needs to be signed, published, or declared “done.” Some works have just stopped. Some are stepping stones. Others might return to you years later, still waiting for their next breath of life.

5. Let Go Gracefully

Sometimes, knowing when to stop is the final act of creativity. It takes courage to walk away and say, “This is enough.”

That little dog sculpture still sits on Simon’s shelf. He has not touched it since. He is now sure that it’s finished.

If you want to go deeper into the ideas of intention, process, and the philosophy behind sculpting, there’s no better guide than Simon Kogan. Join him below:

mentoring course

video series