Exploring true apprenticeship through the collaboration between Paul Cézanne and Camille Pissarro.

In the 1870s, Paul Cézanne was considered a talented and troubled rising star of French art. The Salon had repeatedly refused his work for exhibition. At this moment, Cézanne (34) chose to depart Paris, moving north to Auvers-sur-Oise in 1872 and apprenticed himself to Camille Pissarro (42). He sought to "unlearn his first style for the next two years."

Neither the master nor the apprentice would be unchanged by the "fiercely difficult" business of watching and noticing." Years later, Cézanne chose to characterise Pissarro as 'humble and colossal.' Pissarro would recall, "he was under my influence at Pontoise as I was his."

Our world is both complex and complicated. Most would agree we need new ways of seeing the problems and opportunities before us while engaging with the inlaid wisdom of nature, human experience and history.

In this week's DD, we will explore true apprenticeship through the collaboration between Paul Cézanne and Camille Pissarro during 1872-74.

Together, let's ask:

• What does it take for an already accomplished and competent person to apprentice themselves to another?
• What is the mindset, revelation, or circumstance that leads one to seek true apprenticeship?
• What are the characteristics of the mentor who presents and also delivers as the "master" with the best interest of their apprentice at heart?
• What are the conditions required for such a collaboration?

Andrew is the CEO of The Antarctic Science Foundation, which connects supporters with researchers to enable catalytic scientific research on the Icy Continent. Across two decades, he has witnessed the power of generosity by facilitating transformational gifts to Youth Off The Streets, The Smith Family, The Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS), the Society of St Vincent De Paul and Children's Medical Research Institute. Andrew trained as an economist before commencing a career in banking with Macquarie, Bank of America and Westpac. He has competed at an elite level in road cycling and is an Observer on the Australian Antarctic Science Council. His favourite role is being a Dad.

Rewatch DD 2023.

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